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Tom Dowling's KNN Weekend Racing Commentary With the modern day racing calendar the way it is, we don't get too many free Sundays, but with Royal Ascot over and the Curragh weekend coming up, the racing community will be glad of this Sunday off to recharge batteries and get ready for the Budweiser Irish Derby weekend. More

Incinerator planning decision date is extended COUNTY HALL, 19 June 1999: by Trish Whelan & Brian Byrne. The deadline for a decision by Kildare County Council on an application to build a massive toxic waste at Boycetown in Kilcock, due yesterday, has now been extended for another four weeks. This is to allow the authority review unsolicited additional information submitted by the applicants, Thermal Waste Management (Ireland) Ltd. The proposed incinerator would be the equivalent of an eleven storey building, with the smokestack another four stories higher. A crowd in excess of 300 people from areas of north County Kildare as well as County Meath, yesterday demonstrated their opposition to the proposal at council headquarters in Naas. Organiser Niall MacGearailt said, given more time, the numbers could have been ten times larger." He said the recent experience in Belgium brought home the effect of dioxin contamination on industries such as agriculture and tourism, which depend upon public confidence. "About 90% of dioxin exposure is through meat and dairy products. This means farmers from the area of the incinerator could find it difficult to sell their milk, crops and livestock," he said. According to the North Kildare/South Meath Anti-incinerator Alliance, huge quantities of toxic materials going to the site will travel along the M4 from Dublin and Galway, the R497 from Naas via Sallins, Clane and Prosperous; the R158 from Trim via summerhill and the R157 via Dunboyne and Clonee. "Every third or fourth vehicle entering Kilcock will be a lorry laden with toxic waste and emissions from the smokestack will include a cocktail of toxic chemicals, including dioxins and mercury." Jarlath Dolan from Kilcock criticized candidates who had fought the recent election on the incinerator issue, but who had failed to turn up for the demonstration. However, Cllr Senan Griffin was at County Hall during the demonstration. TIM CONWAY & CO - ACCOUNTANTS Basin Street, Naas We offer all accounting services including financial advice, taxation, company information etc. Contact 045 876492 or email at timmyconway@tinet.ie

THINKING OF RETURNING TO IRELAND? ARTHUR E MACMAHON, solicitors in Naas, can represent you in all your legal, conveyancing, and commercial needs with professionalism and confidentiality. Email us or phone +353 (0)45 897936; fax +353 (0)45 897615 CHAPMANS OF KILDARE Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here.

 

Paddock Bar sold for almost £2.8m NAAS, 19 June 1999: by Trish Whelan. Yet another public house in Naas has been sold for substantially in excess of the expected figure. The Paddock Bar fetched £2.76m at auction last week in Lawlor's Hotel. The purchaser was Eddie O'Donoghue who has been involved in a string of pubs in the Dublin/Kildare area, including The Lodge in the Monread area of Naas and Bardon's of Kilcullen. The Paddock Bar has been owned by the English family since 1972. After the June 16 auction, Sean English said he was delighted with the sale figure which was far in excess of the guideline price of £1.8m. A number of interested bidders had already ensured a higher price when the eventual winner only came into the race at the last minute. The handover of the premises is due to take place around the end of July. The Camphill Community at Dunshane, Brannockstown, will hold its Summer Festival Open Day on Sunday, June 20, from 2-5pm. This annual event features a variety of stalls as well as fun and games for the children. Other attractions will include workshops, children's games and music. Admission is free.

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Kildare women entrepreneurs hear about challenges and leadership NEWBRIDGE, 18 June 1999: by Brian Byrne. A noted US expert in entrepreneurship was the keynote speaker last night at a conference organised by the Women's Enterprise Project of the Kildare County Enterprise Board. Janet Steele Holloway (left), executive director of entrepreneurship at the University of Kentucky spoke on 'Women and Leadership Issues' at the event in Keadeen Hotel, which also included an exhibition by many local women entrepreneurs aided by the KCEB. They included (above) Orla Cahill of Maynooth with some of the hats she designs. The conference was opened by minister for finance Charlie McCreevy TD, and participants also heard Debbie McKnight, director of the Small Business Development Centre at the University of Kentucky speak on 'Challenges to Women Starting and Growing their own Business'. Local women entrepreneurs also shared their own experiences, and the students from St Mary's College in Naas who were finalists in the Young Entrepreneurs Scheme presented their project, a recipe book 'Tastes of Naas'. Other exhibitors included (right) Mary O'Brien of Naas, the Whirlpool Award-winning bridal designer. Pictured below are Aine Greene of Irish Lace Heirlooms, Celbridge; Dolores McCarthy, manager, Women's Enterprise Project; Caroline Farrell, Naas Business Services; and Lorna Watkins, Irish Soap Craft, Straffan. TIM CONWAY & CO - ACCOUNTANTS Basin Street, Naas We offer all accounting services including financial advice, taxation, company information etc. Contact 045 876492 or email at timmyconway@tinet.ie

THINKING OF RETURNING TO IRELAND? ARTHUR E MACMAHON, solicitors in Naas, can represent you in all your legal, conveyancing, and commercial needs with professionalism and confidentiality. Email us or phone +353 (0)45 897936; fax +353 (0)45 897615 CHAPMANS OF KILDARE Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here.   Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie

 

Councillors told of access 'challenge' COUNTY HALL, 18 June 1999: by Trish Whelan. The Kildare County Network of the Irish Council of People with Disabilities have appealed to Kildare County Council to help them 'live in a county we can be proud of with the infrastructure to allow our members a place where we can live, work and play without having to plan everything in minuscule detail as we must every day." Network representatives (pictured above with Kildare county architect Brian Swan) recently told Kildare's county councillors 'this is a challenge that faces every one of you as elected representatives'. "It has to become a political issue to progress and perhaps KCC could become the first local authority in Ireland to adopt the United Nations Standard Rules on the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities, which have been signed by Ireland. Together we can make Kildare a model for all other local authorities to copy." Network chairperson Frank Mulcahy said what is now required is a clear decision to provide fundamental rights to all citizens and he asked the authority to consider having a Network representative on EACH of its Strategic Policy Committees. Other speakers at the presentation in County Hall included Network secretary Claire Kinneavy and treasurer Laura Thompson. They were accompanied by Bill Mannering, development officer working with the Council. Senator John Dardis asked that the issue be left on the Council's agenda for further debate.

CHAPMANS OF KILDARE Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here.   Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie

						PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING Noreen McCabe, MNAPCP Anxiety, depression, loss, phobias, childhood trauma, eating disorders, relationships, personal growth, coaching for work-related stress. Strictly confidential. Moorefield Clinic, Newbridge. Phone (045) 432111 or call Noreen at (045) 431936; mobile 086 2496823; email dmccabe@tinet.ie
				NAAS BAPTIST BIBLE CENTRE Everyone is invited to study God's Word, the Bible, with us, Sunday evenings 6.30, 45 Jigginstown Park. We are presently studying the life of Christ. Contact Rev Roger Parrow 045 894771. (Advt.)
		by Liam Cahill The seminal account of the Limerick Soviet Available here

KNN is a completely INDEPENDENT professional news service for County Kildare, with no affiliations to any network, authority, group, party or other organisation. The service is operated by Telling Tales Ltd, Naas, Co Kildare, under the editorial direction of Brian Byrne and Trish Whelan. It is our policy to report accurately and fairly on any subject, and we offer right of reply to anyone who has differing opinions to those expressed in any story. Any such opinions published on KNN are not necessarily the views of KNN's proprietors or any network on which we are hosted or to which we may be linked. Email us at KNN , or phone 045 481090; fax 481091.

June is bustin' out all over in Dunlavin DUNLAVIN, 17 June 1999: by Brian Byrne. A production of Oklahama! at Deering's Barn in Milltown, Dunlavin, this weekend marks the 10th anniversary of both the local Milltown Singers and the Dunlavin Youth Orchestra. The show will be staged on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights as part of the annual Dunlavin Arts Festival. The popular show is being produced by Frank Moynihan, with Mary Deering as musical director. Leader of the Dunlavin Youth Orchestra is Dorly O'Sullivan, with Siobhan Kehoe playing piano accompanist. The lead parts of Laurie and Curley are played by Siobhan O'Keefe of Stratford and Gerard Vaughan of Tipperary. "There's a long tradition of music here on the farm," says Barry Deering. "When Percy French came here 100 years ago they laid on special trains from Naas, and Peggy Dell played here at the height of her fame as a pianist in 1945." The Milltown Singers and friends staged HMS Pinafore on the nearby river four years ago. TIM CONWAY & CO - ACCOUNTANTS Basin Street, Naas We offer all accounting services including financial advice, taxation, company information etc. Contact 045 876492 or email at timmyconway@tinet.ie

THINKING OF RETURNING TO IRELAND? ARTHUR E MACMAHON, solicitors in Naas, can represent you in all your legal, conveyancing, and commercial needs with professionalism and confidentiality. Email us or phone +353 (0)45 897936; fax +353 (0)45 897615 CHAPMANS OF KILDARE Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here.   Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie

 

Kildare festival steps out this weekend KILDARE, 17 June 1999: by Brian Byrne. The 21st annual Derby Festival in Kildare steps out this Sunday with the revival of the Festival Parade in the afternoon. The festival will run through to the following weekend and will provide a range of entertainment and events geared to meet the needs of just about anybody in the county. Pictured above at the recent launch of the event are Mick Leavy, Florrie Harrington, Sally Purcell, festival chairman Sean O Fearghaill and PRO Doreen Delaney. Included throughout the week will be acts reflecting music as diverse as Glenn Miller, Robbie Williams, Abba and George Michael. A particularly popular show should be the 'Music by Candlelight' in St Brigid's Cathedral on Monday night in aid of the Carmelite Restoration Fund. The popular Hayden Lectures in the assembly hall of St Joseph's Academy this year include Paddy Power on 'The Kildare Horse', Derek O'Sullivan of RACE on 'The Racing Industry and its Future in the Millennium', TV producer Mary Fanning (right) on 'The Shergar Story' and Shane Dolan of the Kildare Horse and Development Company on 'The Horse Industry and its Future'.

The most delicious of gifts from our finest Irish chocolates range are selling around the world from here. THINKING OF RETURNING TO IRELAND? ARTHUR E MACMAHON, solicitors in Naas, can represent you in all your legal, conveyancing, and commercial needs with professionalism and confidentiality. Email us or phone +353 (0)45 897936; fax +353 (0)45 897615

 

Friends mourn death of Billy Brown NAAS, 17 June 1999: by Trish Whelan. The world of art and show business has lost some of its glitter with the peaceful passing of former rock'n'roll legend and accomplished artist Billy Brown at his home in Johnstown, Naas, on Sunday June 6. Originally from Larne in County Antrim Billy came to live in Johnstown in 1971 and spent much of his time in country pursuits. Prior to his showband days as lead singer with highly popular Freshmen showband of the 60s and 70s, he had designed stained glass windows and this love of art remained with him to the end. A gifted vocalist, Billy with other lead vocalist Derek Dean, shot The Freshmen into the charts with several hits including The Beach Boys-style pop number "Papa-OO-Mow Mow" which was given a unanimous top rating by the panel on BBC television Juke Box Jury programme. The band, which lasted for 15 years, had made two trips to the US in 1966/67 appearing at venues in New York and Boston. Billy had appeared on an Irish Showband Show at the Waterfront in Belfast at Christmas and in the Olympia Theatre in Dublin on Saturday May 29, a week before his death. He also was a regular piano player at the K Club in Straffan. In recent years his nature paintings have been snapped up by those with an eye for exceptional talent and his work was regarded as pure genius. A 'Bill Brown' original was a guaranteed sale at Martina Phipp's Tuckmill Gallery in Naas and at her annual exhibition in Lawlor's Hotel. Martina said his death 'is a complete loss of a great friend and supporter of the arts'. "He was a man of so many talents who always received top marks in every exam. There's a spot on the wall where his last painting hung and I haven't the heart to put anything on it," she said.

CHAPMANS OF KILDARE Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here. The Naas twinning trip to Dillingen - full stories are here

 

Intel to upgrade production, transfer staff LEIXLIP, 16 June 1999: by Brian Byrne. Intel Ireland is to increase staff numbers in a restructuring move which will increase its production of high-end microchips. The move will mean 750 staff currently involved in assembly work being retrained, and the recruitment of further staff to a level of around 1,000. Employees transferring to the new facility will have their pay grades maintained. Intel's Leixlip plant, with 4,000 workers, is already one of the largest employers in the state. The assembly operations will be phased out by the first quarter of next year. A £380 million investment in the plant will also mean extra employment for construction and other contractors as the facilities are upgraded for production of new microchips which eventually will be more than twice as powerful as the top 400Mhz Pentium III currently being assembled at Leixlip. The IDA has welcomed the move, saying it represents the right way for high-tech companies to manage the rapid changes which are a feature of the sector. TIM CONWAY & CO - ACCOUNTANTS Basin Street, Naas We offer all accounting services including financial advice, taxation, company information etc. Contact 045 876492 or email at timmyconway@tinet.ie

THINKING OF RETURNING TO IRELAND? ARTHUR E MACMAHON, solicitors in Naas, can represent you in all your legal, conveyancing, and commercial needs with professionalism and confidentiality. Email us or phone +353 (0)45 897936; fax +353 (0)45 897615

 

Naas woman recalls garda history milestone NAAS, 16 June 1999: by Trish Whelan. A Naas woman recently celebrated with fellow recruits the 40th anniversary of the induction of the first batch of female trainee gardai. Last month the 12 original girls in blue got back together again in the Tuskar House Hotel in Rosslare to recall those early pioneering days and to catch up on the latest happenings. Angela Leavy (nee Burke, from Johnstown, Naas) recalls the start of her training in 1959. "After 22 weeks at the Garda Depot in the Phoenix Park we passed out on 9 July to start our duties at Pearse Street garda station. A few months later, some were moved on to Store Street." It was while stationed at Pearse Street that Angela met her future husband, Garda Des Leavy, from Strokestown, County Roscommon. In those days marriage meant leaving the force. After a spell living in Dublin, the couple moved to live in Naas in 1978. Des retired from Naas Garda Station three years ago. "It was good to find that we were all in good health and it was a very enjoyable weekend," Angela said after the reunion. "And we got a congratulatory letter from Commissioner Pat Beirne."

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Planning was the issue, says KPA 16 June 1999: Dear Editor, Kildare Planning Alliance congratulates the new members of the County Council and Urban District Councils on their election. It especially congratulates its former Secretary, Tony McEvoy, on being elected first in the Clane Electoral Area and also Naas Planning Alliance candidate Mary Glennon on her election to represent the Naas Electoral Area. Together with her colleague Anthony Egan, Mary was also elected to Naas U.D.C. These results represent highly significant choices made by the electorate of Kildare, an increasingly sophisticated electorate who are sending a message to the established parties which they cannot ignore any longer. In the Clane, Celbridge and Naas constituencies where an independent community or local planning alliance candidate ran, approximately 30 - 45% of first preference votes were cast in favour of non-party candidates. This is clearly a vote of no confidence in the established party system and cannot be interpreted otherwise by any objective observer. Planning, and the antics of the outgoing Council in relation to it, was THE issue on the doorstep for those who chose to recognise it. For too long the people of Kildare have been ignored by the established parties in formulating their grandiose rezoning plans to suit interests not grounded in community concerns. For too long planning in Kildare has not been about people but about land. Witness the one thousand individual submissions on the recent County Development Plan which were scathingly dismissed by now departed councillors. The people have at last had their say. The communities have begun to demand transparency and accountability from their elected representatives. This election may yet be seen as a watershed in Kildare politics. It will be followed by at least one general election before the next council elections in 2004. During that time, Kildare Planning Alliance will continue to build on the successes it has achieved over the past three years and thanks its many adherents for their continuing support. The lesson of last week is that either the main parties start to work with the people they represent in a transparent manner, and listen to their new representatives, or June 1999 will be viewed as the first of many "Independents' Days". John Sweeney, Kildare Planning Alliance.

Catherine Murphy victim of Labour 'slur and innuendo'? LEIXLIP, 15 June 1999: by Brian Byrne. Leixlip-based Labour councillor Catherine Murphy says whether she stays in the party or not is 'entirely up to the party'. And she says that allegations that she was responsible for Colm Purcell losing his seat in the local elections are 'utter nonsense'. This follows reports that Kildare North Labour TD Emmet Stagg has written to the party leader Ruadhri Quinn asking that Ms Murphy's name not be on the party's list for the next general election. She told KNN that the allegations about Colm Purcell are just being used 'to get at her' and that elements in the party are working specifically to make her position as a member of the party untenable. It may well be that they'll succeed and she could have to leave. "But that's nothing unusual," she said. "Kildare is littered with the corpses of former Labour party people who became victims of slur and innuendo. My interests have always been for improvements in the quality of life of Kildare people and for Kildare itself, and this is what I have always concentrated on in Kildare County Council." When negotiations for a merger between Democratic Left and the Labour Party were under way it was widely believed that Catherine Murphy would be against it. But at the last minute she came out in favour, leaving Emmet Stagg suddenly facing a very strong competitor in his own backyard who already had her party's nomination for the next election. There is strong speculation that the current events are based on this factor.

THINKING OF RETURNING TO IRELAND? ARTHUR E MACMAHON, solicitors in Naas, can represent you in all your legal, conveyancing, and commercial needs with professionalism and confidentiality. Email us or phone +353 (0)45 897936; fax +353 (0)45 897615 The Naas twinning trip to Dillingen - full stories are here

 

Conway pulls in last seat in cliffhanger Naas Area count KILDARE GENERAL, 15 June 1999: by Brian Byrne & Trish Whelan. Timmy Conway (PD) (pictured above with his election team) took the last seat in the Naas Electoral Area for Kildare County Council last evening after he achieved 53 more votes than J J Power (Green). Earlier, a full recount at the request of Willie Callaghan (FF) in the early hours of yesterday morning showed 'no significant differences' when the check was completed in mid-afternoon. This left Anthony Lawlor (NP) and Mary Glennon (NP) elected, and on the distribution of Willie Callaghan's votes his party companion Sean Power (FF) was elected with a substantial surplus of 336 votes. On the 10th count distribution of his brother's surplus, J J Power (Green) came bottom of the poll as more transfers went to Timmy Conway, leaving Billy Hillis (FG) (right) and Conway taking the last seats without reaching the quota. A 25-vote surplus of Mary Glennon's was finally distributed, though they could not have made any difference to the result. The full lineup of the next Kildare Council is as follows: Athy - Jack Wall (LAB), Rainsford Hendy (FG), Martin Miley (FF); Celbridge - Kathleen Walsh (NP), Emmet Stagg (LAB), Geraldine Conway (FF); Clane - Tony McEvoy (NP), Jim Reilly (FG), Michael Fitzpatrick (FF), P J Sheridan (FF); Kildare - Sean O Fearghail (FF), Fiona O'Loughlin (FF), Fionnuala Dukes (FG), John O'Neill (FF); Senator John Dardis (PD); Jim Keane (LAB); Leixlip - Paul Kelly (FF); Catherine Murphy (LAB); John McGinley (LAB), Senan Griffin (FG); Naas - Anthony Lawlor (NP), Mary Glennon (NP), Sean Power (FF), Billy Hillis (FG), and Timmy Conway (PD). Pictured below getting the 'Carbury Whoosh' (phrase © Jane Mullins Kildare Nationalist) after his election on Sunday is outgoing Cathaoirleach Jim Reilly. The first meeting of the new council takes place on June 25. NOTE: The full county council count details are here.

THINKING OF RETURNING TO IRELAND? ARTHUR E MACMAHON, solicitors in Naas, can represent you in all your legal, conveyancing, and commercial needs with professionalism and confidentiality. Email us or phone +353 (0)45 897936; fax +353 (0)45 897615 The Naas twinning trip to Dillingen - full stories are here   Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie CHAPMANS OF KILDARE Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here. The Naas twinning trip to Dillingen - full stories are here The most delicious of gifts from our finest Irish chocolates range are selling around the world from here.

KNN's full list of Electoral Areas and Candidates is here. Our Count page is here.

'Excessive' dump charges slammed NEWBRIDGE, 15 June 1999: by Trish Whelan. Residents associations trying to keep their estates clean and tidy are being victimised by having to pay excessive dumping charges at Kildare County Council's facility at Silliot Hill, Newbridge councillor Spike Nolan claimed at the last meeting of the council before the election. He said the authority must 'clean up its act' in this regard. He said the waste first has to be weighed before it is dumped and one group was recently charged £10.80 instead of the usual £3 charge. "That is cutting off the hand that feeds you," he said. "These people are doing voluntary work and can say they are not going to cut the grass any more and let KCC do it themselves. This would cost the Council ten times more." He wanted to know who had authorised the change in procedure. Cllr Nolan also lambasted the authority on behalf of small shopkeepers who also have to pay by weight, saying 'it's like a hidden tax which people know nothing about'. He was speaking during discussions on the Council's Draft Waste Management Plan.

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Last minute recount delays final Kildare result KILDARE GENERAL, 14 June 1999: by Brian Byrne & Trish Whelan. A request from Fianna Fail candidate Willie Callaghan for a full recount has delayed the completion of the election of Kildare County Council. Mr Callaghan asked for the recount of the Naas Electoral Area poll when he was threatened with elimination with just 40 votes between himself and Timmy Conway (PD). The count will resume at 11 o'clock this morning. Prior to the call for a recount, the early morning counting saw Anthony Lawlor (NP) (above) elected on the seventh count with 1,576 votes (quota 1,492), along with Naas Planning Alliance runner Mary Glennon (NP) (below) who polled a total of 1,517 votes. Likely to be elected were Sean Power (FF) and Billy Hillis (FG), while those in contention for the final seat were J J Power (Green) and Timmy Conway, should Willie Callaghan be eliminated. Meanwhile, in a result that will see significant changes to the composition and political colour of the new council, a particular element is the election of a total of six women, including Fionnuala Dukes (FG) (below), tripling female representation. The strong performance by a number of NP candidates, particularly those running on planning-related platforms, also signalled a strong groundswell of concern over the growth in mid- and north Kildare. The final result will see gains for Fianna Fail and losses for Fine Gael, while 'new' Labour got 'new' faces. The three-seater Athy Area didn't end with any real surprises, with Kildare South TD Jack Wall (LAB) getting through on the fourth count with a total of 1,798 votes. He was followed in on the sixth count by Martin Miley (FF) and Rainsford Hendy (FG), following the elimination of Mark Dalton (FF) who had polled very strongly. The 230 Labour vote for Castledermot activist Mags O'Brien was disappointing to the party. In the Clane Area, the loss of Sean Reilly to Fine Gael was clearly seen in the result that returned his Carbury-based colleague Jim Reilly on the eighth count but failed to do the needful for running mate Brendan Weld. In the event, retired Clane schoolteacher and planning activist Tony McEvoy (NP) (above) topped the poll and got himself elected on the sixth count. The ninth count brought in newcomer Michael Fitzpatrick (FF), who had styled himself as 'assistant to the minister for finance' on his candidature papers, and also veteran Fianna Fail councillor P J Sheridan. The Kildare Area saw massive wins by Sean O Fearghaill (FF) and running mate Fiona O'Loughlin (on the second count), but after that it was a long haul before the rest of the winners came in from the field. While the eventual outcome was Fionnuala Dukes (FG), John Dardis (PD), Jim Keane (LAB) and John O'Neill (FF), it was a nailbighting but unsuccessful fight for long-serving Spike Nolan (FG) who has given 32 years of public service in County Kildare (he has been returned to the Newbridge Town Commission). Francis Browne (NP) also failed to hold the seat he had been coopted to following the death of Joe Bermingham. In the Leixlip Area, newcomer Paul Kelly (FF) was elected on the first count on Saturday night. In last night's concluding counts the winners in short order were Catherine Murphy (LAB), John McGinely (LAB) and Senan Griffin (FG), pictured above with his daughters. Colm Purcell (LAB) lost the seat he had held in the council. The new Celbridge Area three-seater was soundly baptized by Kate Walsh (NP) on Saturday night when she scored 2,167 votes on a quota requirement of 1,256. She was accompanied into the area by Emmet Stagg (LAB) who made it just over the quota. Last night, after six counts, Geraldine Conway (FF) (below) took the third place, boosted by a strong transfer from fellow party candidate Gay Boylan. A feature of this election were the poor showings by Fine Gael's Mark Clinton and Brian Mullarkey. NOTE: The full county council count details are here.

THINKING OF RETURNING TO IRELAND? ARTHUR E MACMAHON, solicitors in Naas, can represent you in all your legal, conveyancing, and commercial needs with professionalism and confidentiality. Email us or phone +353 (0)45 897936; fax +353 (0)45 897615 The Naas twinning trip to Dillingen - full stories are here   Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie CHAPMANS OF KILDARE Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here. The Naas twinning trip to Dillingen - full stories are here The most delicious of gifts from our finest Irish chocolates range are selling around the world from here.   Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie

Winners and losers in the count - some who know and others who must wait KILDARE GENERAL, 13 June 1999: by Brian Byrne & Trish Whelan. A significantly changed Kildare County Council and strong changes in Naas UDC are the main elements arising out the first day of counting in the local elections yesterday, with Fianna Fail looking to gain strongly in the county forum and the introduction of a stronger independent cohort there. Big individual winners are Sean O Fearghaill (FF), Fiona O'Loughlin, Catherine Walsh (NP) and Anthony Lawlor (Independent). In Naas UDC, Naas Planning Alliance candidate Mary Glennon swept the boards and outgoing cathaoirleach Paddy Behan (FF) went out all the way in a nailbiting showdown with Evelyn Bracken (NP). The washout in today's next count stages will be interesting, with much attention being paid particularly to the fortunes of Martin Miley (FF), Spike Nolan (FG), Timmy Conway (PD) and Mary Glennon's chances of getting a KCC seat. Fine Gael's representation is also hinging very much on how Senan Griffin fares. The Fine Gael candidate for Athy Electoral Area, Rainsford Hendy polled the highest individual Fine Gael first preference vote in the county in the local elections. His 1,271 votes were exceeded in his area only by Labour's Jack Wall TD who polled 1,382 first preferences. The third runner in the area so far is Martin Miley (FF) who on consensus last night was tipped to gain the third seat in the area. It's thought that none of the three will make the quota of 1,651 before being elected. In the Clane area, Fianna Fail's Michael Fitzpatrick (left with minister for finance Charlie McCreevy TD) at 1,352 topped the poll by just one vote from Independent candidate Tony McEvoy. Next in line was Fianna Fail's P J Sheridan with 1,023, closely followed by Fine Gael's Jim Reilly with 944. The quota for the area is 1,567. The new Celbridge Area three-seater was overpoweringly won by Non-Party candidate Kathleen Walsh (below right being congratulated by Fiona O'Loughlin and her father, retiring councillor Jimmy O'Loughlin) who polled 2,167 votes where a quota of just 1,256 was required. Labour TD Emmet Stagg was also elected on the first count with 1,261 votes. The first order of business this morning will be to distribute Kathleen Walsh's surplus, and this could bring in the Fianna Fail candidate Geraldine Conway or help towards a win by her running mate Gay Boylan. Leixlip solicitor Paul Kelly (FF) (below)was elected comfortably on the first count in the Leixlip Area with 1,437 first preferences where the quota was 1,336. His surplus to be divided tomorrow could bring in the number two runner here, Catherine Murphy of Labour, who polled 1,284 votes. John McGinley (LAB) at 1,104 while Senan Griffin (FG) waits with 1,023 first preferences to see if he can hold the fourth seat. Hanging on to challenge him is Colm Purcell (LAB) with 922. In the Kildare Area, Fianna Fail's Sean O Fearghaill (left being congratulated by Senator John Dardis) romped home a comfortable 262 votes over quota at 1,737, closely followed by party colleague Fiona O' Loughlin at 1,492 (who should be elected on the second count). Fionnuala Dukes for FG polled a strong 1,067 and looks sure of a place in the council chamber, while John Dardis (PD) will come back to County Hall with a first count of 970 giving him a sound base. John O'Neill (FF) at 938 also seems safe, and the final seat will probably be a race between Jim Keane (LAB) and Spike Nolan (FG). Independent Anthony Lawlor (below with friends) topped the poll in the Naas Area with 1,210 first preferences. His election won't take place until this afternoon as the quota is 1,492. Running next down to him are Sean Power (FF) with 1,062, Billy Hillis (FG) with 906, Mary Glennon (NP) with 906, Timmy Conway (PD) at 715, and Willie Callaghan (FF) at 711. The Naas UDC count was thrown into severe difficulty for mainstream candidates by the landslide victory of Naas Planning Alliance candidate Mary Glennon who was elected on the first count with 653 first preferences, easily over the 462-vote quota. It took until the 10th count to bring in her running mate Anthony Egan, which was also when Labour's Pat McCarthy was elected with 371 votes against Egan's 325. On the 11th count, Fine Gael's Pat O'Reilly took the seat vacated by retiring member Mary French Coughlan. After that it was a marathon session for the remaining seats, which were won respectively by Seamie Moore (NP), Timmy Conway (PD), Willie Callaghan (FF), Charlie Byrne (FF) and Evelyn Bracken after a 15th count showdown with outgoing cathaoirleach of the council Paddy Behan (FF). Losers smiling in adversity (below) also included Louise Burchall and J J Power of the Green Party. In Athy UDC, those elected were Jack Wall (LAB), Mark Dalton (FF), John Lawler (FF), Frank English (FF), Clifford Reid (NP), Sean Cunnane (FG), Paddy Wright (SF), Michael Foley (FF), and Noel Scully (LAB). Newbridge Town Commission now has Murty Aspell (NP), Pat Black (FF), Colm Feeney (FF), Seamie Finn (NP), Brian Maginn (FG), Spike Nolan (FG), Ray O'Brien (FF), Fiona O'Loughlin (FF) and John O'Neill (FF). In Leixlip Town Commission, Teresa Byrne (FG), Bernard Caldwell (FF), Paul Kelly (FF), Breege Lynch (FG), Catherine Murphy (LAB), Kevin O'Connor (FF), Colm Purcell (LAB), Sean Purcell (LAB) and Michael Rodgers (FF) won seats. In the Referendum in Kildare, 33,939 people voted in favour of the amendmen which gives a constitutional status to local authorities, while 9,408 voted against.

THINKING OF RETURNING TO IRELAND? ARTHUR E MACMAHON, solicitors in Naas, can represent you in all your legal, conveyancing, and commercial needs with professionalism and confidentiality. Email us or phone +353 (0)45 897936; fax +353 (0)45 897615 The Naas twinning trip to Dillingen - full stories are here   Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie CHAPMANS OF KILDARE Main Rover, Land Rover and Volvo dealers, Kildare town. Phone 045 521203; Fax 045 521785. See our selection here. The Naas twinning trip to Dillingen - full stories are here The most delicious of gifts from our finest Irish chocolates range are selling around the world from here.   Specialist travel operators to Cheltenham, Aintree, and other major international racing venues. Phone 01 2958901; Fax 01 2958902; Email leoptour@indigo.ie

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