Today

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This male dog was found wandering in Kildare Village yesterday.

The black-coloured pet is currently at a local vet's.

The animal isn't micro-chipped but is wearing a green collar.

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.

The death has occurred of Sean Byrne
Ardee Row, Aughrim, Wicklow / Athy, Kildare

Sean, 5 Ardee Row, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow and late of Athy, Co. Kildare. Suddenly at his home. Loving husband of Emily and loving father to Nicola, Shauna and Niall, and brother of the late Kay. Sadly missed by his loving wife and family, brother Terry, sisters Maureen, Judy, Betty and Helen, daughter- in- law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.   May he rest in peace.   Funeral arrangements later.         The death has occurred of Daniel DALY Osberstown Cottages, Naas, Kildare After a short illness. Sadly missed by his loving parents Peggy and Brian, sister Helena and her partner Brian, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.   Reposing at his home on Wednesday from 4pm with Rosary at 7pm. Funeral Service on Thursday morning at 11am in the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and The Guardian Angels, Sallins followed by Burial in St. Corban's Cemetery, Naas. "May He Rest In Peace"         The death has occurred of Sue Doody (née Moore) Bluetown, Allenwood, Kildare Peacefully at Naas Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Sadly missed by her loving son Michael, sisters Josie, Bella and Sheila, brothers in law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. May Sue Rest In Peace. Reposing at Glennons Funeral Home, Allenwood, from 10.30am on Wednesday with rosary at 8pm. Removal on Thursday morning at 10.30am to arrive at The Church Of The Immaculate Conception, Allenwood, for funeral Mass at 11am. Burial afterwards in Allen Cemetery.         The death has occurred of Sonia Murphy (née Baggot) Drimroe, Ballylinan, Laois / Athy, Kildare Peacefully, surrounded by her loving family in the kind and dedicated care of the staff of Blackrock Clinic. Beloved wife of Terry and loving mother to Terence and Sandra. She will be very sadly missed by her husband, children, grandchildren Saorla and Fíann, daughter-in-law Mary, son-in-law Mike, brothers Des and Mike, sister Philomena, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours. Rest in Peace Reposing at Rigney's Funeral Home, Athy from 6.30pm tomorrow, Tuesday with prayers at 8pm. Removal at 10.15am on Wednesday morning to arrive at St. Joseph's Church, Ballyadams for Funeral Mass at 11am. Burial afterwards in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Ballyadams. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to The Irish Heart & Lung Transplant Association. "May she Rest in Peace" The death has occurred of Anastasia (Babs) O'CONNOR (née Langton) Craddockstown House Nursing Home, Naas, Kildare / Kilkenny City, Kilkenny O'Connor (nee Langton) (Craddockstown House Nursing Home, Naas, Co. Kildare and formerly of Mount Brilliant Road, Greenshill, Kilkenny), 15th April 2019, peacefully, at Craddockstown House. Anastasia (Babs), beloved wife of the late Derek and cherished mother of Theresa, Miriam and Paddy, sadly missed by her loving family, sisters Chris (Grace) and Margaret (Hill), sons-in-law Michael and Maurice, grandchildren Derek, Madeline and Rebecca, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. Rest In Peace Reposing at her daughter Theresa's home at Rathasker House, Naas, Co. Kildare (W91 V44V) on Tuesday (16th April) from 5 to 8 o'clock. Funeral Mass on Wednesday morning at 10.30 o'clock in St. John's Church, Kilkenny followed by interment afterwards in St. Kieran's Cemetery, Kilkenny

The death has occurred of Phyllis Richardson (née Rigby)
Late of Offaly Road, Cabra, Dublin / Kildare

The death has occurred of Annie BARRY (née Crowe)
Henry Road, Newbridge, Kildare

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There is a slight reduction in the number of patients on trolleys at Naas Hospital today with 25 patients without beds at the Kildare facility.

According to the figures released by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, there are 25 patients without beds at Naas Hospital, 16 in the emergency department and 9 on wards elsewhere. This is down from 30 patients on trolleys at the Kildare facility yesterday.

Meanwhile, there are 525 admitted patients waiting for beds this morning nationwide, according to today’s INMO Trolley Watch. 380 are waiting in the emergency department, while 145 are in wards elsewhere in the hospital.

The worst-hit hospitals today are:

• University Hospital Limerick – 56
• South Tipperary General Hospital – 44
• Beaumont Hospital - 44

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Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth (SPCM), has been chosen by RTÉ religious broadcasting as the venue for the televised broadcast of this year’s Good Friday and Easter Vigil ceremonies on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 April.

It is the first time that the Easter services have been broadcast from the College Chapel, Maynooth, the extraordinarily beautiful neo-Gothic chapel at the heart of the national seminary.  This year’s broadcast will be viewed throughout Ireland and also by worldwide audiences via the internet.

Three new pieces of music by Irish composers have been especially commissioned as part of these broadcast services.  A choir of thirty voices will be directed by Dr John O’Keeffe, director of sacred music at SPCM.  Dr O’Keeffe led all of the choirs during last year’s Papal Mass in Phoenix Park for the 9^th World Meeting of Families in Ireland.

Dr John O'Keeffe said, “All across the country, and, indeed, the world during the Triduum days, there are musicians endeavouring to do justice to the great events that we gather to celebrate. Here in Maynooth, we try to build on the foundations of two major traditions, the rich heritage of chant and choral music that has grown up with the Church’s Liturgies down the centuries, and the cultural devotional musical and language aspects of our native tradition. Onto these each year, we try to graft on new musical elements, to help us grasp in a  deeper way, the contemporary significance of the Christian story. For this year’s Easter Triduum Celebrations, members of seminary choir are joined by staff, student  staff and alumni singers from both university; and it is an honour and a privilege to us to be involved in this year’s broadcast of the Easter celebrations in our College Chapel.”

Commenting ahead of the Easter services, Father Tomás Surlis, rector of the national seminary at Saint Patrick’s College, said, “The atmosphere of the chapel is always spiritual and evocative.  While the Good Friday Passion is sombre, solemn and meditative, the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night will be joyous.  The pitch-dark chapel will be illuminated by hundreds of individual candles held aloft by congregation members, all of them lit from the Paschal Candle which will itself be lit from the Paschal Fire situated outside the College Chapel.  It will no doubt be a very special celebration this year.”

Saint Patrick’s College Chapel is regarded as one of the finest churches ever built in Ireland.  Completed in 1891, it was designed specifically for sung service and has 454 ornately carved wooden choir stalls, more than any other church in the world.

The congregation will comprise local parishioners, family and friends of seminarians, lay students from Saint Patrick’s Pontifical University,  Maynooth University as well as faculty and staff member from both university.

The College community is extending an invitation to those who would like to be part of the congregation in the chapel to make contact with Caroline at ‘SPCM Special Events’ by emailing specialevents@spcm.ie or by calling (01) 708 3964.

Come and Experience the Easter Trictitum at St Patrick's College Chapel, Maynooth this Easter.

HOLY THURSDAY
18 April
7:30pm — Mass of the Lord's Supper

GOOD FRIDAY
19 April
3:00pm — Celebration of the Lord's Passion

HOLY SATURDAY
20 April 2019
11:00pm — The Easter Vigil

For those unable to be physically present, the ceremonies can be watched as follows:

-    Solemn Liturgy for Good Friday 19 April - RTÉ One Television and RTÉ Radio 1 Extra from 3.00pm to 4.15pm; and,

-   Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday 20 April - RTÉ One Television and RTÉ Radio 1 Extra from 11.00pm to 12.40am.

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The playground at Monread in Naas will be closed tomorrow Wednesday 17 April 2019 from 9 am to 1 pm, Kildare County Council has confirmed.

It is understood that the closure is to facilitate the refurbishment of park benches.

Queries can be directed to parks@kildarecoco.ie

Kildare County Council apologizes for any inconvenience caused.

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Water supply has been disrupted to homes and businesses in parts of Kildare Town are this afternoon due to repairs being carried out on a burst water main.

According to Irish Water, repairs to a burst water main may cause supply disruptions to Cheryville and surrounding areas in Kildare Town.

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Irish  Rail has confirmed that tonight will see the commencement of the first of a series of necessary rail track works taking place across Co Kildare this Easter week.

It is understood that track works will commence between Confey and Louisa Bridge stations in Leixlip tonight Tuesday April 16, with works scheduled to take place from midnight until 6am daily until Saturday, April 20.

On Wednesday night there will be track works taking place at Fairgreen Road, Dunmurry Road, and Dunmurry Drive in Kildare Town from midnight until 6am daily.

In addition, Irish Rail says that 'major works' are set to take place over two days at Newbridge train station this Thursday and Friday. The works will take place close to residential areas including College Farm, Ailesbury Park, Barrettstown Lawn, Roseberry Court, Raymonda Court, and Barrettstown Meadows.

According to the Irish Rail website, night-time works may include:

• Points and crossing maintenance
• Plain Line Track maintenance
• Vegetation Control
• Bridge maintenance and Renewals
• Ballasting works

Night-time track works generally take place between midnight and 6am, except on Sundays when work can continue until 8am. On some occasions, emergency works have to be carried out at short notice and it is not possible to advise home owners in advance.

Homeowners in Co Kildare can check out the schedule for this week's track works at www.irishrail.ie

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Applications are invited from angling clubs, local development associations, tidy towns and others in Kildare who may be looking to carry out projects. The 2019 funding call consists of three schemes:

• The NSAD Capital Grants Scheme 2019 (€136,000)

This scheme is aimed specifically at capital improvement works with grants available to groups and individuals looking to improve angling access and infrastructure in their locality. The 2019 scheme is open to the value of €136,000.

• The Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund

This scheme focuses on the protection of both salmon and sea trout. It will fund rehabilitation, protection and conservation projects, all of which must focus on salmon or sea trout. This fund replaces the Salmon Conservation Fund and extends it to include both salmon and sea trout with project values starting from €2,000 for awareness projects. The upper limit of €15,000 has been removed.

• The Midlands Fisheries Fund (€50,000)

This scheme will focus on conservation and rehabilitation projects in the midland fisheries permit area. The fund has been created through contributions from the permit income received via the Midlands Fisheries Group permit area.

Sean Canney TD, Minister with responsibility for the inland fisheries sector, said: “Since the inception of the National Strategy for Angling Development, we have invested €3.4 million in fisheries development, protection and conservation projects across the country.  Progress is being made in the delivery of projects which support vital fisheries conservation and rehabilitation and which enhance Ireland’s angling offering.  The fisheries resource should be enjoyed by all and this funding call today once more will help bring angling to the broader community in a conservation focused manner.”

Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “We are now inviting expressions of interest for this funding call in Kildare and look forward to working with community groups from application to delivery stage on their projects. We are already partnering with over a hundred clubs and associations in the delivery of fisheries projects. The commitment of these groups in making a valuable difference to their locality is inspiring.”

For more information about the 2019 Funding Call, to download an information booklet and to submit an expression of interest, please visit www.fisheriesireland.ie/funding.

All applicants must apply through an ‘Expression of Interest’ form, which opens today, to progress to full application.  Full applications may be submitted from  20 May with the closing date for applications June 20, 2019.

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Photos by Aishling Conway 

Radio and TV Broadcaster, Lottie Ryan has been announced  as the fashion judge for Naas Racecourse’s Royal Ascot Trials Day which will be held on Sunday, 19th of May at the Kildare track.

The announcement was made at Kildare Village at a glamorous afternoon tea attended by some of Ireland’s leading fashionistas and sports personalities.

Lottie is one of the voices on the team at Breakfast Republic, the early morning breakfast show on 2FM and also presents the Entertainment News on RTÉ 2FM.

A prize worth over €8,500 and fit for a queen will be on offer for the Best Dressed Lady on
Royal Ascot Trials Day, with the winner granted an overnight stay with dinner in the Manor
House at Palmerstown House Estate with 19 of her friends. If that wasn’t enough, the prize
also includes a €1,000 shopping spree in Kildare Village, home to some of the world’s most
luxurious and exciting fashion brands.

Lottie, who is known for her diverse sense of style which can range from polished red carpet
elegance to boho chic will add a new dimension to the Lady’s Day Competition. ‘Breaking
the Mould’ is the theme for this year’s fashion competition at Naas Racecourse and the
concept behind it is that racing fashion does not have to be traditional and predictable. The
theme also takes in the stories of several women in sport and aims to show how young
women are continually pushing the boundaries of what can often be male dominated sports.
As part of the Breaking the Mould theme, Lottie interviewed a panel of four women in sport
who have broken the mould in their respective fields including Kildare GAA football star,
Roisin Byrne, who plays for Sarsfield’s and County Kildare, professional boxer Katelynn
Phelan, racing industry personality, Orla Murtagh and trainer Jessica Harrington.
Roisin started to play football at the age of 4 and began representing her county at the age of
10. She was called up to the senior panel at the age of 16 and was one of the stars of the Co.
Kildare team that won the All-Ireland Intermediate title in 2016. Her dedication to her sport
and her inherent leadership ability saw her obtain the position as captain in 2018. Roisin’s
perseverance to excel in her sport has allowed her to shine a spotlight on ladies football.

Katelynn Phelan is an Irish, professional boxer and former amateur 10-time national
champion, world and European bronze medallist. At just 18 years of age Katelynn has won
multiple boxcup golds and silvers and has represented team Ireland since she was 14.
Katelynn is currently training out of St. Brigid’s boxing club located in the heart of Kildare
town.

Katelynn also became Ireland’s youngest-ever female professional boxer after signing on the
dotted line with Assassin Boxing. The younger sister of pro boxer, Allan Phelan, she is the
first female under 30 to turn pro since trailblazers Deirdre Gogarty and Deirdre Nelson in the
1990s.

Her debut professional fight was broadcast by TG4. Within seconds of getting out of the ring
after defeating Monika Antonik in her first paid bout the Kildare welterweight found herself
in role model territory. Upon Katelynn’s return to her boxing club, she was blissfully
unaware of the mould she had broken and how she had inspired so many young girls. It was
only when the younger girls ran up to her to say they wanted to do what she did when they
were older did she realise that sport and women in sport can be so powerful and inspirational.
Katelynn’s decision to turn professional will see her follow in the footsteps of her own hero,
Irish legend, Katie Taylor.

Also, on the panel was Orla Murtagh, wife of champion jockey turned trainer Johnny
Murtagh. Orla now runs the training operation alongside her husband while separately she
herself is the owner of several successful horses. She is a savvy woman in sport who is also
well known for her great sense of style.  Orla and Johnny have five children: Caroline,
Charles, Lauren, Grace and Tom. Her daughter Caroline was the first female Apprentice
Derby winner in Ireland. Lauren helped Kildare Minors win an All-Ireland B Final in 2018,
with her heroic defending leading her to win a player of the match award. Charles and Tom
are dedicated rugby players and Grace plays for Kildare on the u/ 14 County team.
Trainer Jessica Harrington provided an interesting insight into her working day and spoke
about her life in racing and her life as a woman in racing. Many champions have come
through the ranks of her training facility at Commonstown Stables and Jessica alongside
Emma, Kate and her team continue to source, develop and nurture Grade 1 and Group 1
winning horses for owners great and small. This is a yard where some of the most
remarkable feats in racing history have been made.  With over 80 horses in training, Jessica
and her team are all kept on their toes throughout all 12-months of the year. A formidable
woman, Jessica Harrington is one of the most inspirational people in horse racing and has
provided great encouragement for so many young women in the industry.

The guests at the launch included Maureen Bergin, Tess Purcell, Michelle Murphy and
Valerie Forde, of Kildare Village, Linda Blanchfield of Palmerstown Estate, Jackie Donohoe
and Niamh Byrne of Naas Racecourse and Anna Fortune who was representing the media
partner, The Kildare Post. Also, in attendance was Chairman of Goff’s Eimear Mulhern,
fashionistas Faith Amond, Bernie and Dawn Leadon Bolger, milliner Aoife Harrison and
Aileen O’Brien of O’Brien PR who was the MC on the day.

Jackie Donohoe of Naas Racecourse said, “We are very much looking forward to hosting
Ladies Day in association with Kildare Village and Palmerstown House Estate on Royal
Ascot Trials Day on the 19 th of May. This race day provides the perfect opportunity for
preparation ahead of the Royal Ascot meeting in June, where some of Ireland’s best young
horses are set to compete against each other. It’s a spectacular day of sport and fashion and
we are looking forward to a wonderful contest both on and off the track.”
Meanwhile Lottie Ryan said, “I’ll be eyeing up some of the best summer looks and hopefully
we will see some individual, edgy outfits. The prize on offer for the Best Dressed Lady is
absolutely fantastic, as Palmerstown House Estate is a stunning location and Kildare Village
is a great place to spend a few hours shopping.”

Admission to the Royal Ascot Trials Day on the 19 th of May is €15 per person. Registration
for Ladies Day is free of charge with registrations taking place in the Ladies Pavilion located
beside the Parade Ring from 1pm-3pm. Those who enter the fashion competition will be
treated to a complimentary glass of Pims. Hospitality packages can be purchased online at
www.naasracecourse.com

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For all food lovers around the Celbridge area, today is a day not to be missed with nearly 30 stalls set up in the school yard of St Brigid's School to mark the 4th Annual Celbridge Food Festival!

The Food Festival is taking place this evening Tuesday April 16 at St Brigid's School Yard, Main Street, Celbridge, from 5.30pm to 8pm.

There will be 30 food stalls set up with local produce from restaurants, cafes, butchers, takeaways and lots more, with a free competition where participants are asked to bake an item containing Guinness!

The Celbridge Food Festival has attracted in excess of 2,000 visitors to the area in the last four years.

Entrance to the festival is FREE and visitors can buy tasting tickets for €1 at the school entrance.

This is an alcohol free event.

All are welcome to attend to sample great food from local businesses from Celbridge and the surrounding area.

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 mother of a son with a rare medical disorder is now in the ring for the European Elections.

Aisling McNiffe,  based at Ardclough, Straffan, whose teenage soon Jack, is  in a wheelchair due to arthritis, caused by Chronic Infantile Neurological Cutaneous Articular(CINCA), is joining forces with two other women, in a bid to highlight concerns about the location of the proposed  National Childrens Hospital.

Aisling also has a 15 -year-old daughter, Molly, who has a mild heart condition and a hernia.

The group, Family Together,  founded by concerned parents of children with complex health needs, has been recently established and consists of Aisling McNiffe for the Dublin constituency, Colleen Worthington for the South and Olive O'Connor for the Midlands and their main aim is to get the Government to change its plans for the National Childrens Hospital.

Ms McNiffe's son Jack also  has Down Syndrome  and  requires 24 hr nursing care.

She said: "He was on oxygen for over three  years and is totally peg-tube fed around the clock.  He wears nappies, is non-verbal and cannot walk. He uses a wheelchair. He is immune suppressed and currently on 18 meds daily. He spent over three years in Crumlin cardiac wards and in and out of ICU before he was three and a half. He has spent much more time since as an impatient too."

Ms McNiffe is very concerned that the proposed new National Maternity Hospital has not got planning permission and that the inner city site for the National Childrens Hospital is not fit for purpose.

She said: "It is critical that the maternity hospital is adjacent to the National Childrens Hospital. "

She fears that the lives of critically ill newborn babies will be at risk, due to the location.

Also Ms McNiffe has been campaigning for a new school at St Raphael's in Celbridge for several years.

She said: “We are always fighting for things, there is no definite location and no time frame. We are constantly adding on pre-fabs.”

Ms McNiffe worries about where her son will attend when he turns 18.

She said: “There is not enough  special needs schools in Co Kildare. It is scary thinking about where he will go when he turns 18, so many parents have issues with transport. I am not sure where he will go and this is something I will have to start looking into.”

The party statement says: "Families Together is deeply concerned by the reckless and arrogant squandering of taxpayers’ money by government in the construction of the new inappropriate National Children’s Hospital and the resultant damaging delays in the development of many necessary health-related and other projects throughout the country. We call on the electorate to join our candidates in sending a stern message to the main political parties that the people will no longer tolerate such behaviour."

59 candidates were  approved by close of nominations at 12pm noon on Monday, April 15.

The would-be MEPs will battle for 13 seats across three constituencies - 19 candidates in Dublin, 17 in Midlands North West and 23 in South.

Some of the more high-profile candidates include TDs Mick Wallace and Clare Daly, former Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald, Irish presidential election 2018 candidates Peter Casey and Liadh Ní Riada, President Michael D Higgins' daughter Alice Mary Higgins and Journalist Gemma O'Doherty.

Aisling with Molly (15) and Jack (13)

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GALLERY: Family Fun at the Easter Egg Hunt at Luggwoods Enchanted Forest, Saggart, at the weekend.

PHOTOS BEN KELLY

Isabelle, Harry, Riley, Tamara and Sinead with Madhatter

Alfie and Freya Kealy

Sharon, Ben, Finn and Roger Browne from Celbridge

Madhatter, Easter Bunny and Leanne

Erey, Rachael, Sienna and Mahya

Briar and Laura Doyle

Kyle and Noa Doyle

Brendan, Olivia and Pippa Cosgrave

Leanne, Madhatter, Tomas, Eanna, Blanaid and Neasa

Rory and James Maguire

Milla and Neill Doyle

Entertainment for the guests at Luggwoods

Keith, James and Jennifer Burke

Jenny, Dylan and Ken

Robbie and Bobby Quinn with Wendy Cullen

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There will be mainly clear spells in Co Kildare tonight.

Mist and fog patches will return later tonight.

Lowest temperatures are likely to be two to five degrees.

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Today’s report of a funding crisis in Fair Deal has been inevitable since its budget for the year made provision to marginally increase the numbers funded by the scheme.

The HSE Service Plan for 2019 projected a 91 person increase over the course of 12 months in the number of people to be funded by the scheme. The crisis is an ongoing consequence too of a failure to plan for our growing older population, according to Tadhg Daly, CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland.

He said: “The Government needs to move quickly to a  decision to increase funds for Fair Deal,   Otherwise it will create massive waiting times for Fair Deal which will knock on to hospitals that will not be able to cope with overcrowding.”

Mr Daly said: “If this isn’t addressed immediately by the Government, it will mean great hardship for older people and their families as they wait longer than four weeks to access a bed under the Nursing Home Support Scheme.  It will exacerbate delayed discharges, which are a lead contributor in the record overcrowding numbers in our hospitals. This is a classic case of history repeating itself. Four years ago, when the Taoiseach was Minister for Health, older people had to wait months to access a bed under the nursing home support scheme because of targeting of the Fair Deal budget. However, instead of saving money, the increase in Fair Deal waiting times ended up costing the health service millions of euro extra every week because of additional delayed discharge costs.  Waiting lists went through the roof with hardship for patients and their families.”

He said: “Given that the Taoiseach saw this first-hand four years ago when he was Minister for Health, he shouldn’t let another Minister for Health create the same problems and should intervene.  It is as incomprehensible as always that one side of the Department of Health says it wants to do something about delayed discharges, while another side of the same Department is looking at delays in discharges due to Fair Deal funding.  This makes no sense.  Equally it makes no sense for the Department not to have an agreed long-term strategy with the sector for residential care in private and voluntary nursing homes.”

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The death has occurred of Sean Byrne
Ardee Row, Aughrim, Wicklow / Athy, Kildare

Sean, 5 Ardee Row, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow and late of Athy, Co. Kildare. Suddenly at his home. Loving husband of Emily and loving father to Nicola, Shauna and Niall, and brother of the late Kay. Sadly missed by his loving wife and family, brother Terry, sisters Maureen, Judy, Betty and Helen, daughter-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Reposing in Byrne's Funeral Home, Main Street, Aughrim tomorrow Wednesday from 2-7pm. Removal on Thursday morning at 10.30am to Sacred Heart Church, Aughrim. Funeral Mass at 11am followed by burial afterwards in Macreddin Cemetery.

May he rest in peace.

The death has occurred of Seamus Geraghty
Leixlip, Kildare / Duleek, Meath

Seamus Geraghty of Leixlip and late of Dunshaughlin and Duleek who passed away peacefully on 15th April 2019 at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown. Predeceased by his parents Emily and James son Michael and son in law Daragh Murray. He will be sadly missed by his best friend and wife Bernie, daughter Helena, sons James and John, grandchildren Ryan, Taidhgh, Jason, Caoimhe and Doireann, daughters-in-law Liz and Bronagh, extended family and friends.

Seamus will repose at his home on Wednesday from 4pm until 8pm. House private at all other times. Funeral arriving to the Church of Our Lady's Nativity, Leixlip, on Thursday for 12 noon Funeral Service followed by interment in Confey Cemetery.

May he rest in peace

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Concerns are being voiced by the Chairman of the National Association of General  Practitioners about the decreasing levels of medical cards being issued.

The National Association of General Practitioners is   reacting  to information released under Freedom of Information revealing the number of medical cards issued dropped from 1,683,792 in 2017 to 1,561,519 by March 2019.

This coincides with an increase in Doctor Visit Cards from 470,505 in 2017 to 507,415 in 2019 as of March this year.

Dr Andrew Jordan, Chairman of the National Association of General Practitioners said:  “Under Freedom of Information it has been revealed that the number of medical cards are gradually reducing, and the number of Doctor Visit Cards is, in turn, increasing.”

He said: “It is hard not to come to the conclusion that the Government or  Health Service Executive  are reducing the number of medical cards in favour of Doctors Visit Cards”

Dr Jordan said: “This is gravely concerning, as it dramatically  reduces patient’s access to care and services”.

He said: “A full medical card allows patients access to a GP,  Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Counselling, Public Health Nurse services and also access to  medication virtually free of charge . A Doctor Visit Card allows free access to a General Practitioner  but no access to the other services.”

He said: “Sláintecare envisages universal free access to Health Care.  What we are seeing here is the direct opposite. This policy undermines the Government’s commitment to Sláintecare”.

Dr Jordan said:“Patients who have a Doctor Visit Card should ask their local TD, MEP or County Councillor why it is that they cannot have full free access to our Health Services”

He said: “The Doctor Visit Card is a second class  medical card and diminishes patients access to medical care.  It is morally wrong. I am calling on the Minister to give patient’s the access to services that they deserve and issue full medical cards only.  This is nothing more than a cynical cost cutting exercise."

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A Co Kildare TD is voicing concerns about  the continued delays in relation to the upgrading of the M7 road network.

She says that the works are' deeply frustrating' to the people of Kildare. Deputy Fiona  O’Loughlin was commenting as it was confirmed that the estimated completion date has been extended out to the end of July.

Deputy O’Loughlin said:  “Roadworks on the M7 were originally expected to be completed by early 2019. In January this was extended to April and now here we are in April and we’re being told it will be the end of July before they are finished. Given the changing of the dates so far one would forgive motorists for losing patience."

She said:“The need for the upgrading works is not in question here. Everyone knows the road network will be in a better condition and that congestion will be eased but for now this is little consolation for the approximate 80,000 daily commuters who are facing into another three months of driving chaos."

Deputy O'Loughlin said: “I drive the route myself, it is adding an extra 45 minutes each way to the journey from Newbridge to Dublin. Commuting in the morning and evening is a nightmare for motorists and there is no point telling them to ditch their cars and take the trains as they are absolutely packed to capacity too."

She said: “I don’t doubt the efforts of the construction workers on site and I know it will most certainly be worth it in the end. I do hope this is the last of the extensions and that the road will be fully completed by the end of July at the latest."

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Working exclusively with luxury hotels resorts, exclusive retailers and destination tourism venues since 1998, Clark are delighted to be officially launching their new Lifestyle Division.

Clark provide exclusive recruitment Project Management Solutions on a retained partnership basis, Executive Search and Brand advertising services to the Luxury Hospitality, Exclusive Retail and Destination Tourism sectors in Ireland.

As a leading and multi award winning Recruitment consultancy, Clark's top priority is to make sure that you get the best talent in today’s market place.

Clark said:

"We are committed to making every experience unique. As each business is individual we tailor each project to ensure you receive a bespoke service.

"Clark will project manage all of your recruitment activity coordinating all direct and indirect applications and providing a streamlined and efficient service.

"Our clients vary from international hotel chains and resorts to high fashion & homeware retailers and tourist destinations throughout Ireland.

"We understand the dynamic environment that comes with talent acquisition, talent engagement and the demands in today’s service industries. We continuously strive to provide the highest quality of service to both our clients and candidates, making sure that we’ve got the right people for the right roles.

Speaking today, Stephen Farrell-O’Callaghan Partner Director of Clark said “It really is an exciting time to launch our new Lifestyle division, as this year we celebrate 21 years in business. Hospitality, retail and tourism are growth areas and Clark want to play a leading role in providing the most talented people in today’s market.

"The Punchestown Festival is a major tourist attraction for Kildare and we would like to wish the team at Punchestown every success for this years event.”

About Clark

Established in 1998, Clark is a multi-award winning Recruitment & HR Solutions Company based in Naas, Co Kildare.

With an innovative spirit, solutions focused approach and the human touch, we partner with our clients to project manage Recruitment & Selection, Managed Services and Executive Coaching & Development.

Our success is a combination of our ambitious, strategic vision and our dedicated team who work passionately to provide an award winning service daily. Our business is underpinned by three core values: professionalism, integrity and a focus on people.

To learn more about Clark Lifestyle please contact Stephen Farrell-O’Callaghan in the Clark Lifestyle Division on 045 881888 or email stephen@clark.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.