Naas  will gather on Easter Sunday paying tribute to the life of well-known Sheena Walsh, who made her mark in Naas and was an integral part of the Kildare Down Syndrome Branch.

Resident of Kingsfurze, Sheena Walsh died suddenly at her home in 2016

She is always remembered by  her loving parents Vincent and Mary, brother Ronan, sister Tara, sister-in-law Caoimhe, brother-in-law Simon, nephew Douglas, niece Oonagh, godfather Dave Andrews, best bud Ciara, uncles, aunts, relatives and a wide circle of amazing friends.

On Easter Sunday, Naas Athletic Club, proudly presents the second running of The Streets of Naas 5k in memory of Sheena Walsh. The new route offers a great opportunity to target a fast time. At 5km it’s also a great distance for those new to fitness, walking or running. 2:15pm start .

The start line is  approximately 200m from Race HQ

The race is  AAI measured. There will be temporary road diversions in place.
Individual and team prizes are available.
There are t shirts for the  first 300 entries.
Entry Fee is  €15 online (postal options available) and  €20 on the day
A team of four is €50 (online option only)
On the day number collection at Race HQ, The Moat Theatre, Naas from 11:30am.

Friends and Family of Sheena Walsh at inaugural 5K last year. Pic by Aishling Byrne.

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Relay for Life Kildare Team Songbirds, captained by Niamh Curley, are hosting a Masquerade Ball in aid of Relay for Life Kildare (Irish Cancer Society) at the beautiful Kildare House Hotel in Kildare Town on Sunday, May 8, from 8pm.

The event will start with a Bellini Reception and plenty of photographs to capture all of the beautiful outfits and most importantly the masks. There is great excitement building up as everybody decides what to wear and which mask to go with!

After enjoying a Bellini Reception in the bar, everyone will head into the main ballroom for dinner and entertainment which will be provided by the fantastic 52nd Street Live Band and a DJ who will have everyone dancing the night away!

Team Captain Niamh Curley says: "We won't stop until Cancer stops! Unfortunately all of us have been affected at some point by Cancer within our own families, friends and communities, so we are standing up and fighting back to celebrate those who have survived, to remember those we have lost and to fight back and give a hope for a cure! Together we can make a really big impact!"

The Masquerade Ball is a night out for everyone from in your 20's to your 90's and it's a dinner dance with style that you won't want to miss out on in aid of a very worthy cause.

Tickets are 25 each (over 18's only) and they are on sale now. For tickets contact Niamh Curley on 087 6128323 or Lisa Nagle on 086 3914152.

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Athy band Picture This are set to headline RTE 2FM's XMas Christmas Ball with the RTE Concert Orchestra in aid of the ISPCC, with the concert taking place in the 3Arena Dublin on December 21, 2019.

Other acts have yet to be announced for the very special concert which will aim to raise much needed funds for the ISPCC, Ireland's national child protection agency.

The ISPCC provides a range of services to children and families whilst also striving to protect the rights of children.

It's been a busy 2019 for Athy's Picture This so far as last month they played an unprecedented 5 days to adoring fans in the 3Arena Dublin and their second album MDRN LV went platinum and it once again soar to the top of the Official Irish Album Chart in correspondence with the gigs.

The rock band comprises of Athy natives Ryan Hennessy, Jimmy Rainsford, Owen Cardiff and Cliff Deane and they are signed to US label Republic Records which has Ariana Grande and Drake on its books.

Only formed just over two years ago, Picture This have seen their debut album gone triple platinum as well as being named the biggest selling Irish artist record of 2017. They were also the most streamed Irish act of 2017 and the biggest selling Irish artist of 2018.

Their second album MDRN LV went straight to number 1 in the Irish charts when it was released in February following the hit debut single “One Drink” and their album has now exceeded 1 million online streams.

Next up for the Co Kildare lads is a tour of the U.S. and Canada commencing later this month on April 22 until May 18.

They are also due to perform at the Botanic Gardens in Belfast on June 21 and 22.

Tickets for the Xmas Ball 2019 go on sale next Thursday April 18 at 9am from www.ticketmaster.ie

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€300,000 has been allocated to a new mental health unit at Naas General Hospital.

Deputy Martin Heydon said: "The current 29 bed unit at Lakeview is not adequate for the needs of our growing population area."

According to Deputy Heydon, the new design team have been appointed and have already met with a view to driving the project forward.

The project envisages a 50 bed standalone project on the site of Naas General with a value of €15 to 20million.

He said:“The HSE had originally proposed an extension to the existing Lakeview unit but this was reviewed when it became clear that the needs of Kildare were greater than that.  I believe a new stand-alone development is the right decision for Kildare and I will be working with my colleagues Minister Jim Daly and Minister Simon Harris to see it progressed as soon as possible."

Deputy Heydon said:“An added bonus with this plan as opposed to the originally proposed extension, is that the existing Lakeview facility which is adjoining Naas General Hospital, will then be available back to the general hospital where it could help to increase capacity. This along with delivery of the new endoscopy unit for Naas General Hospital will be a very significant investment in Kildare’s future healthcare requirements."

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It's set to be a dry yet cloudy night ahead for Co Kildare.

A dry night with lows of 2 to 5 Celsius, and it will become breezy as southeast breezes increase moderate to fresh and gusty overnight.

Saturday will be a cool, breezy day with a mix of cloud and hazy sunshine. Dry apart from a few isolated patches of light rain. Highs of 8 to 10 Celsius but feeling much colder in fresh and gusty southeasterly winds.

Rain will continue on Saturday night over Munster, Connacht and western parts of Leinster, but elsewhere it will still be largely dry. Lowest temperatures of 3 to 7 degrees in fresh southeasterly winds.

Sunday will be a cold day with further rain across Munster and Connacht. Elsewhere it will stay largely dry but rather cloudy. The rain will become lighter and more intermittent as the day goes on.

Highest temperatures of just 6 to 9 degrees with a brisk southeast wind as well.

It looks like most areas will be dry on Sunday night but rain is set to continue on west and southwest coasts.

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 James (Jimmy) Dolan
Carton Court, Maynooth, Kildare / Crumlin, Dublin

The death has occurred of Tommy DAVITT
Leixlip, Kildare / Celbridge, Kildare

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A TD for South Kildare says that the Government must take action and set targets to ensure that waiting lists for speech and language assessments and therapy are reduced in Kildare and across the Country.

Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin made the call following new figures which reveal that 34,439 people are on a waiting list for an initial assessment, initial therapy or further therapy across the country.

Deputy O’Loughlin said “These figures, while showing minor improvements, are shocking and illustrate the seriousness of the crises within our health service.  The fact that there are 610 people waiting for initial assessment in Kildare West Wicklow is worrying and 200 people waiting for further therapy in Kildare West Wicklow is concerning."

She said:“These waiting times fly in the face of best practice.  It is deeply frustrating for people to be told that they will have to wait months, or even years, before they will be assessed for an essential service.  Any delay in assessment will lead to delays in treatment and this could have a detrimental impact on outcomes."

Deputy O'Loughlin said: “The government boasted that it had secured the biggest budget on record for the health service for 2019.  While this may be the case, we need to see this money used effectively and cutting waiting lists should be a priority.  We need to ensure that staffing levels are brought up to what is necessary and that vacant posts are filled in a timely manner.  The policy of leaving posts vacant for months or years has to end."

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The state body responsible for the country's motorway network has said that the end-of-April completion date for the M7 widening project is 'considered optimistic'.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) also said that speed restrictions may remain in place for several more months.

The 60km per hour limit has been in place since late November for the protection of workers and motorists - and thousands of drivers have been prosecuted for speeding.

Around 80,000 vehicles use the busy traffic corridor every day.

Optimistic

In early January, the main contractor, Siac/Colas JV informed Kildare County Council, the Department of Transport and TII, that the three lanes of the M7 motorway would be operational in both directions by April 2019.

However the TII told the Irish Times that “the contractor’s forecast completion date of end April/early May is considered optimistic by the [TII] site team”.

TII also warned “the removal of traffic management and speed restrictions are likely to occur on an incremental basis from the end of April, but could extend into August”.

The major M7 upgrade, which involves widening the motorway from two to three lanes in both directions to ease congestion, began in January 2018.

The road is being widened for a distance of 13.6km, between Junction 8 (Johnstown) to the M7 and the M9 Interchange at Junction 11.

The contract also involves the replacement and relocation of the existing ramps at at Junction 10 (Naas South-Newhall) to the main Naas Newbridge dual carriageway, the R445.

The new Interchange at Osberstown and the new Sallins Bypass are also included in the project and are due to be completed by early 2020.

The Sallins Bypass includes the construction of six new bridges including two crossings over the River Liffey, one crossing over the Grand Canal and one crossing under the Cork-Dublin rail line.

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A Co Kildare 5K Run organised by the Kildare Sports Partnership takes place at the offices of Kildare Co Council in Naas on Sunday.

The event starts at 10am and costs €15 per person.

Every finisher will get a Medal.

To register, visit www.popupraces.ie

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Kilcullen native Dennis 'The Hurricane' Hogan faces undefeated Mexican Jaime Munguia for the WBO World Junior Middleweight Championship in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Munguia (22) has won all 32 of his professional bouts with 26 of those coming from knockout.

The fight takes place at the 18,000 capacity Arena Monterrey in Mexico in the early hours of Sunday morning Irish time.

Sources said ‘The Hurricane’ will receive a career-biggest purse for the world-title shot - just over €300,000.

The fight will not be televised live in Ireland or the UK. Hogan is expected to walk to the ring around 5am Irish time.

Hogan said before the fight of his opponent: "Every single fighter will do little things here and there that you can exploit.

“Even a fighter that doesn’t make many mistakes, there’s still a game plan you can
work out to beat that fighter.

"So without saying too much about whatever holes Munguia may be making, we certainly have developed a game plan to be able to defeat his style."

In the betting stakes a Munguia win is 1/40 while Hogan is 12/1 to emerge
victorious.

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Mary Mulligan of Corbans Lane, Naas was among a group of family carers who were hosted by Independent MEP Marian Harkin at a discussion in the European Parliament on the needs of carers.

She is pictured at the event recently with Marian Harkin MEP and John Dunne, Chief Executive, Family Carers Ireland.

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This year will see a landmark in Irish cricket as Ireland take on England in a full test match for the first time ever - and in the holy of holiest of cricket, Lords.

It may not be a landmark year for Halverstown Cricket Club but, with its proud record as one of Ireland’s oldest cricket clubs, it is the 134th year in a row that it will turn out to play cricket.

To keep this tradition alive Halverstown needs new players to join it every year and play in one of its two teams in the beautiful surroundings of the Harristown Estate in Brannockstown, County Kildare.

Thursdays are the nights for “Nets” at the club, when players get a chance to practice.

On Thursday 18th and Thursday 25th April it is a little different. On these evenings Halverstown is holding “Open Nets Nights”, inviting anyone to come along and have a go.

If you want to learn about cricket or just to have a go and see how you get on or, if you are already a cricketer, a chance to play on one of its teams.

The league team plays in the Leinster Cricket league whilst Halverstown Oaks plays friendly games, varying from the moderately serious to the highly social and very friendly version of cricket called Taverners.

You don't have to be a member to come to Open Nets nights, just come along. We do not have a youth
team currently so do not cater for under 13s unfortunately but other than that anyone can play.

If you just want to have a cup of tea and watch what is going on, you are most welcome too!

Nets run from around 6pm onwards, but just arrive at whatever time suits. Cricket is, unfortunately, weather dependent: if it rains there will be no Nets until the following week.

Halverstown Cricket Club plays on Harristown estate, on the Naas side of Brannockstown about 100 metres before you reach the Liffey coming from the Naas direction.

It is accessed at a gap in the estate wall on the left, which is the entrance to a house. Go past the house and behind it is the cricketing oasis of
Halverstown. Come along and try for yourself. Ring Des Drumm at 086 2241761 if you want to find out
more.

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Blues skies and sunshine, albeit it a little breezy but the omens are good for a clear day in advance of Kilcullen Easter Market.

Today, the Easter Market will run up to 5pm with some fab local producers and crafts people including Nolan’s Butchers, Armelles Bakery, Jane Russell Sausages, Maria Barton Fused Glass, Catherine Mulrennan Flowers, Eoin Houlihan Spring
Plants, Dee Horan’s Home Baking, Gilltown Preserves, Sweet Serenity, The River Café, and
many more! It's already underway.....

Jewellers, bakers, meat products, sauces, fruit and veg, crafts, music, some food stalls - and lots of cafés nearby to enjoy a cuppa . There will be a fun Easter Egg Hunt for the younger children which will encompass the new Fairy Trail, to commence at 12 noon.

Remember traffic diversions may be in place around the Market Square - for some pre-Easter shopping and fun, the Easter Market today at the Market Square, Kilcullen.

Tomorrow is Palm Sunday so there's a Special Liturgical Event during Vigil Mass tonight in the Parish Church, featuring the music of  Handel, Wesley, Elgar, Dubois and Teschner. Commcing at 6.30pm, featuring the Gormanstown Choir with organist Peter Moloney, and directed by Dorly O'Sullivan.

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Kildare Steiner Secondary School held their latest Open Day last weekend and were delighted to host a number of families who are interested in an alternative option for a secondary school. (The school is ideally located to serve the greater South Kildare and West Wicklow area).

Families came to the Open Day from the surrounding area and some from further afield. The Secondary School will commence with a small First Year group in September 2019 and build each year from there.

The school will follow the Steiner ethos and curriculum which puts an emphasis on learning through thinking, feeling and doing.

For further information, please see www.kildaresteinersecondaryschool.com or email kildaresteinersecondaryschool@gmail.com

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Weekend county fixtures:

Saturday at 2pm
in Manguard Plus Hawkfield
Leinster u14 B Final
Kildare v Westmeath

"Meanwhile, a reminder that Week 6 of our U15 Academy for 2004 ladies continues tomorrow, Sunday 14 April in Manguard Plus Hawkfield" said Donal Fitzpatrick, LGFA Kildare PRO.

"Registration is 8:45am and it will start at 9am sharp until 10:45am. Note attendance is important and is being monitored".

He added: "Please bring gum shields and gloves; if you are a coach or parent who wants to help out please contact seancappagh@gmail.com".

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A man has been ordered to appear again before Naas District Court for a Book of Evidence in connection to biting a man at a Kildare niteclub.

Evidence was heard how on November 26, 2017, the accused became 'aggressive' and bit a man at the niteclub, resulting in him having to get a tetanus injection.

Judge Desmond Zaidan ordered that the accused appear again before Naas District Court on July 4, next, for a Book of Evidence.

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A three-day blood donation drive is to commence in Naas tomorrow, and it is being hosted by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service.

The blood drive is set to take place in Scoil Bhride, Old Town, Sallins Road, Naas, with donations being accepted from 12pm-3.30pm on Sunday 14 April. Donations can be made on Monday 15 April also in Scoil Bhride from, 3-5pm and then 7pm-9pm, with donations excepted from 3-5pm and 7-9pm on Tuesday, April 16.

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.

Many Irish hospitals are also seeking those with O- blood type due to recent shortages and those with this blood type would be very welcome to attend.

For more information visit www.giveblood.ie

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Co Kildare landlords who rent their properties on Airbnb could face extra charges from July.

It is understand that there are currently 84 properties in Kildare are listed on the Airbnb site and now they may face extra water, insurance, and commercial rates bills from July 1, 2019.

Property owners will also need to apply for commercial planning permission if they wish to rent out their property to tourists visiting, The Irish Examiner is reporting.

It comes as part of a major clampdown on the regulations for short-term lettings  which are said to be adding to the pressure on the housing sector, although this regulation is unlikely to apply to households who rent out individula rooms on Airbnb.

Fianna Fáil had warned that the new rules are unfair to people who found themselves in negative equity; however, the Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has said the rules must be enforced across the board.

“Fianna Fáil are changing their tune on this. We cannot have a twin-track system. We support home-sharing but not turning long-term rentals into holiday homes," said the minister.

Meanwhile, local authorities will be given powers to refuse planning permission in areas where there is a high demand for housing.

The housing charity Threshold has welcomed the new regulations, insisting they will go “will go some way towards alleviating” the homeless crisis.

Threshold CEO John-Mark McCafferty said there were 5,762 Airbnb listings in Dublin alone last month, 41% of which were available as full-time holiday rentals. He said the data indicates that 3,476 housing units were potentially removed from Dublin’s housing stock on a permanent basis as a result of short-term tourism.

“The number of people who can be accommodated in Airbnb properties far exceeds the current 10,264 homeless figure,” he said.

“While tourists are always welcome and short-term letting platforms, such as Air BnB, have a role to play in the tourist market and wider economy, this volume of short-term lets is taking units that would otherwise be available for long-term rent out of that market. These new restrictions will release badly needed housing onto the market and we believe it can have a positive impact for those families who are currently experiencing homelessness," said Mr McCafferty.

Airbnb said it was a “false promise” to claim that the regulations could offer a solution to the housing crisis.

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 Two adventurous employees from Specsavers Newbridge will embark on a journey up Scaffel Pike on Saturday, 4 May to raise funds for a very worthy cause, the National Hearing Implant and Viani Research Centre at Beaumont Hospital.

At 987 meters high, Scaffel Pike is the highest mountain range in England. A team of 14 will take part in the hike including two Specsavers Newbridge staff from the hearing team, Carol O'Neill & Louise McConnell and Beaumont Hospital representatives.

They will be hiking for two days to complete their journey in aid of Beaumont Hospital. The centre at Beaumont Hospital is the only facility in the Republic of Ireland that offers cochlear implantation to adults and children with profound hearing loss.

Fundraising is already underway at Specsavers Newbridge with bake sales being held every weekend leading up to the hike. A raffle will take place from today, 25 March where customers can purchase tickets in store to be in with a chance to win a Specsavers Easter hamper on Saturday, 20 April.

Specsavers Newbridge will also be making donations from all glasses repairs and hearing aid battery replacements. In addition, the store will donate €1 from each hearing screening in the week leading up to the hike to go towards their €3,000 fundraising goal.

Audiology director Carol O’Neill says: ‘The team at Specsavers Newbridge are delighted to pledge our continued support for the National Hearing Implant and Viani Research Centre at Beaumont Hospital and we are delighted to be taking part in this challenge. With one in six Irish adults affected by hearing loss, it is important for us to continue to raise awareness around proactive hearing health in the local community.’

The hearing centre at Specsavers Newbridge is open six days a week for screenings and repairs. Complimentary hearing screenings are available to those over the age of 18.

For more information or to make an appointment with one of the team, please call 045 437 090, or visit www.specsavers.ie/stores/newbridge-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.

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.