This modern 4-bedroom detached home in Kildangan would ideally suit a young family as it benefits from a lovely family room and landscaped gardens for an asking price of €270, 000.

Kelly Hudson Properties is delighted to present as it enters the market "18 The Courtyard", Kildangan, Co Kildare, a delightful detached property which has been meticulously maintained by its current owners.

The property has been tastefully decorated throughout offering spacious living accommodation that extends to c.1750sqft. Inside the property comprises of 4 good sized bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (1 en suite and guest w.c.), a modern kitchen/dining area, sitting room, family room, utility room.

The dining area is perfect for relaxing

Outside the property provides ample parking as it has a front cobble lock drive and mature, landscaped rear garden that is South facing which includes a decked area, a side gate for easy access, and 2 barna sheds.

The landscaped back garden is South facing and receives plenty of sunlight

"18 The Courtyard" is located in a highly desirable cul-de-sac and the quaint village of Kildangan is home to the world famous Kildangan Stud, as well as boasting a variety of amenities including school, shops, bar, garage, church, community hall and much more all within walking distance.

There is a vibrant GAA and Scouts club and a regular bus runs from the village to the larger towns of Kildare and Newbridge. Access to the motorway is an approximate 10 minute drive, ideal for any commuter.

Early viewing is highly recommended and for more information contact John Kelly MIPAV of Kelly Hudson Properties Newbridge on 086 8061800 and check out 30 images at www.daft.ie

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The Irish Congress of Trade Unions notes the publication today of the new Parental Leave Scheme providing for paid parental leave for each parent of a child under one, whether employed or self-employed.

The leave will initially be set at two weeks, increasing on a phased basis over the next three years to seven weeks. This is in addition to existing maternity, paternity and adoptive leave entitlements.

A statement from the ICTU said: "While it will provide working parents with further opportunity to spend more time with their baby in its crucial first year of development, it ."

The statement said: "It will also help to pave the way for an increase in women's participation in the labour market and more involvement of fathers as carers. Countries that provide a significant portion of leave for fathers and pay the leave at a relatively high replacement rate tend to experience higher take-up rates for fathers and a positive trend in mothers' employment rate."

The scheme was previously announced as part of the Budget 2019 package of measures, it is also anticipating the recently agreed EU Work-Life Balance Directive which includes a commitment to: "the right of each parent to at least four months of parental leave to be taken full-time, part-time or needs-based for each child up to the age of eight years old. It extends from one to two non-transferable months of parental leave. Moreover, the two non-transferable months must be paid at an adequate level, with the payment to be determined by national governments".

"These are positive developments for working parents," said David Joyce, Equality Officer. "It represents real progress even if it could have gone further.

Congress will be studying the scheme published today by Minister Regina Doherty to examine whether it is consistent with the proposed Directive. The social partners will have an important role to play in transposition and implementation and Congress looks forward to participating in those discussions.

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Naas Gardaí reported a relatively quiet weekend in relation to public order.

However, a 23-year-old man was arrested during the early hours of Easter Monday.

A 2.09am, a man was arrested for being drunk in Naas town.

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As part of an intelligence led operation on Thursday, April 18,  conducted by Gardaí from the Divisional Drugs Unit in Portlaoise Garda Station, the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and Revenue’s Customs Service, two properties were targeted and searched in the Portlaoise area.

During this operation Revenue officers seized approximately 1kg of herbal cannabis with an estimated street value of €20,000. Resulting from this, Gardai arrested a 22 year-old Lithuanian man, a 23 year-old Irish man and a 20 year old Polish man.

All three prisoners were taken to Portlaoise Garda Station where they were detained under the provisions of Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drugs Trafficking) Act 1996.

Investigations are ongoing

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A Co  Kilkenny man will make his second appearance on the National Lottery Winning Streak TV game show on RTÉ One this Saturday , 13 years after he won €25,000 on the popular show.

Dan Shanahan from Graignamanagh, Co. Kilkenny was having a chat with his fellow residents in Gahan Nursing home in Graignamanagh last Saturday while Winning Streak was on in the background. Someone had turned the sound down so he completely missed his name coming out.

It was only the next day when his nephew Michael called him to let him know the good news did he find out. Finding out that you are going to be on Winning Streak is a monumental feeling for everyone that gets to go on the show but this feeling isn’t new to Dan as this is his second time on the show.

He first appeared on the show on 18th August 2006 – almost 13 years ago. That time he took to the Winning Streak stage, alongside then presenter Derek Mooney, he won a cool €25,000 so Dan is certainly hoping to go one better this time and spin the iconic Winning Streak Grand Prize Wheel.

Dan went on the show six years after his loving wife Helen passed away. The couple had been happily married since 1955 and had 45 wonderful years together so Helen will be close to mind when Dan makes his second appearance on the TV game show this weekend.

Dan lives in a shared retirement living complex in Graignamanagh in Kilkenny where he has been for the past number of years. He is close to his four siblings who leave nearby, some of whom are coming along to cheer him on from the RTE audience as well as his nephew Michael and other members of family and friends.

With his winnings last time round, Dan treated himself to a new car. This time around he hasn’t made any plans but is looking forward to the show.

The Winning Streak National Lottery game show, co-presented by Marty Whelan and Sinead Kennedy, will be broadcast this Saturday evening at the earlier-than-usual time of 19:35 on RTÉ One. The games such as Play or Pay, Roll for Riches, WinFall and Electric Dream – where one player will win an electric car worth €25,000.

As ever one of the lucky five players will get the chance to spin the wheel and win up to €500,000.  Throughout this series a €100,000 segment will be added to the iconic Grand Prize Wheel every show if less than that was won in the previous show, improving players chances to win a massive prize.

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Kildare 1-16

Wicklow 0-12

Leinster Minor Football Championship Round 1

Kildare were made work for it for long periods but eventually they did enough to get over Wicklow in the opening round of the Leinster Minor Football Championship.

In a tightly fought game it wasn’t until Adam Conneely kicked in a 57^th minute goal that Kildare put the seal on the seven point success.

Conneely kicked 1-2 in the second half and along with Eoin Bagnall and Eoin Meehan he was part of a clinical full forward line.

Clinical being the apt word as that is what Kildare were while their opponents kicked a number of wides and missed a couple of goal chances.

Wicklow would have fancied themselves coming into the game with nine of the panel that lost out to Kildare in the Semi-finals of the Provincial campaign last term but it was the more inexperienced Lillywhites side that saw the result out in front of a sizeable attendance.

Wicklow started the game in confident mood as Eoin Doyle converted a free after Joe Prendergast had been fouled.

Kildare responded with a lovely score from Aaron Browne but Kevin O’Brien’s Wicklow outfit looked the livelier in the early minutes with another Doyle free followed up by a score from play by Bradley Hickey when he stormed through a few tackles and although he wanted a goal his shot went too high.

The impressive Eoin Bagnall got his opening point in the 7^th minute from a free for Kildare before he had a goal attempt saved after he ran from deep though his shot proved pretty tame in the end.

Adam Meehan then levelled up the game when the Moorefield man curled a lovely shot between the posts after he received a pass from Johnny Owens.

The teams then exchanged scores after Bagnall and Ging both shared points that left the teams level at 0-4 apiece.

Wicklow were beginning to turn the screw though and they looked to have big claims for a penalty when Ging looked to have been fouled in the square but referee Chris Dwyer waved play on.

Ging also shot wide during this period and after that miss the home side began to dominate around midfield and they then took the lead for the first time in the 19^th minute with an Aaron Browne score.

Bagnall duly knocked over three points in a row minutes later and in the blink of an eye Colin Ward’s men opened up a four point lead.

Wicklow had gone fifteen minutes without a score until Eoin Doyle knocked over a stoppage time free to narrow the deficit at the break.

Kildare had a three point lead entering the second period but it was wiped out within seven minutes of the restart after a fine effort from Eoin Doyle where he produced a fabulous solo dummy to work himself into space was added to by efforts from Ging and Shane Daly.

Kildare looked to be slightly on the ropes at this stage but sub Aedan Boyle edged them back in front with a score from his first touch after good build up play from Meehan and Browne.

Ging responded with a free and both sides then had efforts on goal but Cillian McDonald kicked wide for Wicklow while Adam Conneely had a shot saved by Andy Nolan.

Wicklow threw huge numbers into attack at different periods of the game and they were punished in the 42^nd minute when an incisive Kildare breakaway resulted in Meehan kicking a point.

Ging and Tommy Gill then exchanged scores before Wicklow had a glorious chance to go ahead when McDonald got free again but Kildare goalkeeper Cian Burke stood tall to make a cracking save from the wing back.

That seemed to turn the tide in Kildare’s favour as Adam Conneely kicked a quickfire brace of scores after a couple of mistakes in the Wicklow defence.

Ging replied with a lovely score near the sideline but it was all Kildare in the final ten minutes as they scored 1-3 without reply.

Bagnall, Browne and Jimmy O’Neill got the points while more crazy defending from Wicklow resulting in Conneely and Meehan finding room deep in the Wicklow half and after Meehan found Conneely in space he made no mistake in slotting a shot under the stricken Nolan.

Ging kicked a late consolation score for Wicklow but that’s all it was as Kildare got their campaign off to the perfect start.

Kildare: Cian Burke (Clane); Ryan Comeou (Balyna), Oisin O’Rourke (Athy), Tommy Gill (Carbury) 0-1, Mark Maguire (Naas), Conan Boran (Eadestown), Jack Quinn (Leixlip), Kevin Eustace (St.Laurences), Shane Flynn (Balyna), Adam Conneely (Two Mile House) 1-2, Johnny Owens (Celbridge), Ciaran O’Brien (Kilcullen), Eoin Meehan (Moorefield) 0-2, Eoin Bagnall (Aylmer Gaels) 0-6 (0-5fs), Aaron Browne (Celbridge) 0-3.

Subs used: Aedan Boyle (Balyna) 0-1 for Owens 36 mins, Oisin Milmoe (Carbury) for O’Brien 54 mins, Jimmy O’Neill (Sarsfields) 0-1 for Browne 57 mins, Luke Gorman (St.Laurences) for Meehan 61 mins.

Wicklow: Andy Nolan; Daniel Healy, Sam Kearney, Jordan Brady, Daniel Cooney, Tom Moran, Cillian McDonald, Arun Daly Danne, Luka Harney, Joe Prendergast, Shane Daly 0-1, Bradley Hickey 0-1, Jack Kirwan, Matthew Ging 0-6 (0-3fs), Eoin Doyle 0-4 (0-3fs).

Subs used: Eoin O’Neill for Kirwan 47 mins, Thade Shanaghan for Kearney 58 mins, Tom Keogh for Daly 58 mins, Joe Mills for Prendergast 60 mins.

Ref: Chris Dwyer (Offaly)

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The Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA) 2019 Assessment forms and an introductory letter were posted by Kildare County Council on 18 April 2019 to Housing Applicants who applied for social housing support from 01 June 2013 to 07 March 2018.  Only people who made applications between these dates are required to reply to this assessment.

The closing date for receipt of these letters is Friday 10 May 2019.

For clarity it should also be noted that if you are a HAP, RAS or Transfer tenant there is no requirement to complete the Housing Needs Assessment on this occasion.

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Gardaí in Blanchardstown who arrested the man (mid 30s) in relation to the shots fired at a vehicle on Whitechapel Road, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 yesterday morning, have charged the man.

He was detained at Blanchardstown Garda Station under Section 30, Offences Against the State Act, 1939 and he will appear before Blanchardstown District Court tomorrow morning.

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Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD and Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD today  welcomed the publication of a draft report by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) on the introduction of a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programme aimed at preventing HIV.

The report confirms PrEP is safe and highly effective at preventing HIV in people at substantial risk, and also finds that the introduction of a PrEP programme would be cost-saving. HIQA will now commence a public consultation for five weeks before presenting its final report for the Minister.

Welcoming the announcement, the Taoiseach said: “We want to reduce the number of new HIV diagnoses in Ireland. Increasing the availability of PrEP will help us to do so. 

He said:“This report not only confirms that PrEP can help to prevent HIV amongst those who are high risk, it also shows how a PrEP programme could save money. 

Taoiseach Varadkar said:“The introduction of a PrEP programme, coupled with increased testing and greater awareness will help us to reduce the number of people contracting HIV.”

Speaking today, Minister Harris said: "The publication of this draft report is a significant step in the introduction of a PrEP programme in Ireland in 2019. 

“Reducing the number of new HIV diagnoses in Ireland is a priority focus for me as Minister for Health. The introduction of a PrEP programme will make a significant contribution to that aim." 

A PrEP programme involves the pre-emptive use of antiretroviral medication to prevent HIV infection, within a holistic service which includes regular monitoring and testing, as well as advice and counselling on safer sex practices. Similar programmes have recently been introduced in a number of other countries. 

He said:“As the report notes, many of the people who would stand to benefit from a PrEP programme are from vulnerable or stigmatised groups in our society, so it is important that we continue to work to reach out and encourage more people to get tested and avail of the treatments and supports available. 

He said: "Considerable work is already underway in the HSE to prepare for the introduction of a PrEP programme that meets appropriate standards. I encourage interested parties and members of the public to give their feedback on the draft report during the consultation process which runs to 28th of May, and I thank HIQA and the various experts and stakeholders for their work so far. I look forward to receiving HIQA’s formal advice when the report is finalised after the consultation process.” 

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Tayto Park, Ireland’s only theme park and zoo, announced that Irish TV and radio presenter and mum of three, Lucy Kennedy will be the official MC for the inaugural ‘Funfest’ Family Festival at Tayto Park which takes place this June (29^th & 30^th).

With a line-up of international and Irish music acts, along with a host of family fun activities, Lucy will be on hand to ensure the fun continues right throughout the park highlighting the various magicians, dance acts, circus performers and much more taking place in the big top tents across the fun filled weekend.

Speaking at the announcement, Lucy said ‘I’m delighted to be part of the first FunFest, myself and all the family are big fans of Tayto Park and I’m looking forward to catching all the performance acts and family activities taking place in the various big top tents throughout the weekend but don’t expect me to ride Cú Chulainn!’.

In a recent announcement Tayto Park also revealed that Irish rock/pop band, Key West will perform on the main stage of FunFest on Saturday, 29^th June, alongside The Blizzards, RAK-SU, Heather Small, Boyzlife and much more!

Families can dance the afternoon away, take a ride on The Cú Chulainn and grab a bite to eat at one of the delicious street food vendors before spending the evening watching amazing music acts.

The weekend festival will host 16 Irish and International music acts on the main stage across the weekend and the big top tents will host magicians, dance acts, circus performers and much more.  Tickets are priced at €55 per day and this includes entry to the park, wristbands for all attractions (as many times as you want) plus entry to Funfest. On 29^th & 30^th June, Tayto Park will only be open to Funfest ticket holders.

For more information and to purchase tickets log on to www.Taytopark.ie

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Firefighters from Tallaght Fire Station attended a domestic fire over the weekend that originated in a dishwasher.

Firefighters warned that householders should never leave a dishwasher, washing machine or dryer on and unattended if you are leaving the house.

If you use them overnight make sure you have working smoke alarms.

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Councillor Pádraig McEvoy has a motion before the next local Municipal District meeting calling for directional signs for Naas in Clane so that motorists don't drive into a local estate by mistake.

The politician claimed that vehicles mistakenly end up in the An Crocán residential area off the Clane Inner Relief Road (R407).

Council officials will consider the issue and issue a response to Cllr McEvoy.

The next meeting of Maynooth Municipal District will be held in Naas at 10am on Friday,
May 3.

At the same meeting, Councillor Brendan Weld will call on the Council to erect a “Children at Play” sign at College Grove, Clane.

Councillor Réada Cronin will also ask the Council to clarify why luminous green posts, signalling a local road, removed from the L10101 on the Kilcock/Clane road and if there plans to replace them?

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ABOVE: Sonia Deasy of Pestle &  Mortar

Two Co Kildare businesses have been chosen as 2019 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year finalists.

In the Emerging Category,  Tom Cronin of the Rye River Brewing Company in Celbridge and Sonia Deasy of Pestle & Mortar based in Ladytown Business Park are featured.

This year's 24 finalists employ more than 13,000 people and have combined revenues of almost €1.2 billion.

The finalists will compete across three categories - Emerging, Industry and International, with one winner being named The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2019 at the awards gala held in Dublin in November.

Anne Heraty chair of the judging panel and CEO of CPL Resources said it was a "very tough job" to decide the finalists from more than 120 nominations.

“As with every year, the standard of nominees has been incredibly strong. The judging panel always has a very tough job trying to reach a shortlist of 24 finalists, but it is fantastic to see a wide range of different industries represented," she said.

"It's wonderful to see so many thriving companies driven by entrepreneurs who are boldly pushing themselves and the teams to the forefront of their industries. This year's finalists are at the start of what will be a very exciting journey, not just this year but as they become part of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year community."

Kevin McLoughlin, partner lead for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme added:

“The judges have arrived at an exceptional list of finalists. This year, our shortlist has everything from fast food to energy, with many of the entrepreneurs representing businesses that are household names.

"Cutting-edge technology businesses are prominent again this year, alongside a strong mix of more traditional businesses. The standard of the finalists this year is reflective of a very healthy entrepreneurial community on the island of Ireland."

Now in its 22nd year, the Entrepreneur of the Year programme supports, promotes, and connects a community of entrepreneurs throughout the island of Ireland and around the world.

Since its inception, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year community has grown to a network of more than 500 alumni on the island of Ireland who harness each other's wealth of experience, with 77 per cent now doing business with one another.

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Cycle Against Suicide arrives and stays overnight  in Kildare on Sunday, May 5

Organisers deliver a mental health talk Monday morning in Round Towers GAA Club to the wider Kildare community and then the peleton moves to complete the 700 km journey.

Local families host a cyclist overnight, giving them a meal and a bed.

Organisers are seeking homestay families in Kildare Town and the surrounding areas who would give a bed to a cyclist on Sunday night 5th May.

The bicycles are stored overnight so the host would not have to worry about that.

Organisers said: "We are delighted with the response so far but still need about 30 beds."

Cycle Against Suicide is an awareness charity (CHY 20867) that makes a valuable contribution to the public education of mental health by changing the narrative surrounding suicide.

When an individual is vulnerable enough to consider taking their own life, silence is read as indifference.

With over 800 people dying by suicide in Ireland each year and research indicating that thousands more contemplate it, we all have a role to play to collectively address the challenges that suicide presents.

Cycle Against Suicide sets out to change culture and create a society that openly talks about suicide, thus enabling people to speak up and reach out for help.

The leading awareness campaign into communities is the charity's Main Cycle, which this year will take place from April 27th to May 6th.

This is a community-wide awareness-raising campaign to mobilise all sectors of society to work together to change negative attitudes.

In doing so, it's hoped to enable those who struggle with mental ill health to seek help.

This campaign/cycle promotes a key message to local people: ‘It’s OK not to feel OK; and it is absolutely OK to ask for help’.

This simple yet powerful message could save the lives of those in our communities who are feeling alone.

All monies raised from the main cycle are invested into a schools programme.

Ireland ranks 4th highest on teen suicide in the EU, with one in three young people experiencing a mental health difficulty in any given year.

Schools build resilience and foster a sense of belonging amongst young people.

Any help you could offer in helping us getting the message out to families  in Kildare would be gratefully received by emailing homestays@cycleagainstsuicide.com

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Is anybody missing a tortoise?

A KFM Radio listener spotted this reptile in Mount Carmel estate, Newbridge, yesterday afternoon.

Tortoises are commonly kept as pets but this particular pet must have escaped from its owners.

They may be the longest living land animal in the world and can live to be over 150 years old but they're also one of the slowest.

They travel at only a couple of hundred metres in an hour so it's likely this tortoise's home isn't far away!

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The death has occurred of Edward (Joe) Cummins
Ballyfair, Cutbush, The Curragh, Kildare

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A North Kildare resident during the early hours of this morning was awakened in her home by noise only to discover that the keys to her brand new jeep had disappeared.

At about 2,.20am this morning, a jeep parked outside a house at Oldtown Mill, Celbridge, was stolen.

The jeep. a black Volvo registration, 191 KE 623, was later found, abandoned, between Celbridge and Liffey Valley.

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Kilcock Gardaí are appealing for information on a stolen car.

On Monday morning, April 22, a resident in Kilcock woke to find that a silver Kia Rio was nolonger parked in the driveway.

Appeals are being made for information on the car, registered 10 WD1922.

A Garda spokesperson said: "Someone might see this car parked up in a driveway."

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A Naas homeowner encountered a teenager trespassing in his back garden over the Easter Bank Holiday.

The person, on returning home, was met by the youth wearing a baseball hat, on his property in Eadestown.

A window had been smashed at the side of the house.

The teenager, fled when he saw the homeowner.

It is reported that he was wearing a navy knee length jacket and grey trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Naas Garda Station on 045 884300.

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Mounting concerns are rising about drugs peddling outside schools with urgent appeals for a dedicated drugs unit in Athy.

Labour Cllr Aoife Breslin and Supt Martin Walker have been  actively rallying for a dedicated drugs unit in Athy, since last year.

However, it is understood that lack of Garda resources means that Athy is not currently being  provided with its own drugs squad, despite rising public concerns.

Calls for a dedicated drugs squad in Athy to deal with a growing heroin problem have not been met due to lack of resources.

Despite a steady allocation of new recruits from Templemore over the last number of years, the number of Gardaí for Co Kildare still remains well below  the national average.

Supt Walker, earlier this year,  said: "I don't have the luxury of getting a dedicated drugs unit in Athy, there is a high rate of Garda injuries and attrition in Athy. If I had additional resources I would set up a drugs squad in Athy."

The drugs squad in Newbridge is currently being shared with Athy.

Cllr Breslin said: "We need a dedicated drugs squad in Athy so that we can get rid of the problem. I know of young people in debt due to drugs, there are dealers selling outside of schools in Athy."

She is quick to point out that Athy has a huge amount of positive aspects and that like any other town in Ireland, there is a drugs issues, and it needs to be addressed by a dedicated unit and more Garda resources.

Last night, a night of dedication to the works of  Sr Consilio, who set a up drug addiction service, in Athy, took place at the Kildare County Council offices in Naas.

Sr. Consilio showed great vision in 1966 by providing residential, medically supervised detoxification and addiction treatment services. The Athy centre  has a 117 bed alcohol addiction treatment facility and a 22 bed unit for those in recovery from drug addiction.

Meanwhile the Willow Project, for over 18s, has been established with the assistance of Supt Walker in Athy and this assists people who are still using drugs, giving them supports to stop.

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