County Kildare News

Kildare Volunteer Bureau  - Information and Support service have announced their Autumn Programme:

“Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers”

Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth
Information and open forum:
Wednesday, 10th September, 7.30p.m. – 9.00 p.m.

Support for individual organisations:
Thursday, 11th September,  11.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.

Leixlip Youth Premises, Leixlip
Information and open forum:
Wednesday, 17th September,  7.30 p.m. – 9.00 p.m.

Support for individual organisations:
Thursday, 18th September,  11.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.

Setanta House Hotel, Celbridge
Information and open forum
Wednesday, 24th September,  7.30 p.m. – 9.00 p.m.
Support for individual organisations
Thursday, 25th September,  11.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.

If you are interested in volunteering why not come along and talk to us?

For further information, please contact 045-449156

Deputy Emmet Stagg has warmly welcomed the decision by Kildare Co. Council to grant planning permission, on Wednesday August 20th, for the New National School for Kill.

The School, stated Deputy Stagg, will have 32 classrooms and ancillary accommodation, Basketball Courts, Hard Playing Area, Playing Pitch, 2 Libraries and a General Purposes Room.

"The grant of Planning Permission is great news for the people of Kill and what is required now is for the Minister for Education to allocate Capital Funding to enable the project to commence construction in 2008. Solemn commitments were given by the former Minister for Education in the Dail in 2006 in relation to the construction of the new school and it's about time that capital funding was now put in place."

The Court Yard Hotel, Leixlip is aiming to raise €10,000 for the Marie Keating Foundation through a fundraiser evening in the hotel on Thursday, August 28^th.  The Moriarty Group, owners of the Court Yard Hotel, will cover the costs of the event, ensuring all proceeds go directly to the foundation.

On the evening, the event will include drinks on arrival in the River Bank Lounge followed by a sumptuous five-course meal with wine, prepared by the Court Yard’s new Euro Toque Head Chef Shay Kendrick. Guests will then make their way to the famous Piano Bar for live entertainment, after-dinner drinks and the chance to win one of a number of spot prizes up for grabs including golfing breaks, plasma TVs and vouchers.

“We are delighted with ticket sales so far for the evening, people obviously recognise the outstanding work of the Marie Keating Foundation and want to show their support”, commented organiser Lynda Roche, The Court Yard Hotel. “The evening will be a very enjoyable one, with great food from our new chef and some terrific entertainment. We hope to sell the remaining tickets for the event this week in order to meet our target of €10,000 and we encourage everyone to call the hotel, book their tickets and support this cause”

A ticket for the dinner package is €80 and there are also tickets available for the Piano Bar at €40, which includes a drinks reception in the River Bank Lounge followed by wine and canapés accompanied by Live Entertainment

The Marie Keating Foundation was founded in 1998. The organisation depends solely on sponsorship and focuses on cancers that can be prevented through lifestyle changes and early detection. Their ultimate goal is a future free from the fear of cancer. Sponsorship cards are also available in the hotel.

 
For further information or to purchase a ticket please contact Lynda Roche at the Court Yard Hotel on (01) 629 5100 or email Lynda@courtyard.ie

 

If you are from South County Kildare and qualify in any of the categories below, you may qualify for help with costs of books, accommodation, transport, projects or childcare.

• Mature students
• Disadvantaged students in 3rd level
• Students who are independent parents
• Students with disabilities

Closing date for applications is Thursday 23rd October 2008. All applications subject to assessment by an appraisal committee.

 

Download the Application Form

Further details available from:

The Kildare Community Partnership, Jigginstown Commercial Centre, Naas, Co. Kildare Telephone: (045) 895450 Fax: (045) 895449 E-Mail: lorraine@thekcp.ie

 

The Millennium Partnership Fund 2007-2008 is funded by the Department of Education and Science under the National Development Plan 2007-2013, with assistance from the European Social Fund.

 

 

As part of Heritage Week, the Irish Peatland Conservation Council are putting out a call for volunteers who wish to take part in the restoration work to be carried out at Lodge Bog Nature Reserve in Lullymore, Co. Kildare. The event will run from Sunday 24th to Sunday 31st August and volunteers can come for whatever length of time they are available for on any day of the week.

The work will include the blocking of drains that are bleeding the bog dry, the removal of invasive species that are replacing the rare natives of our bogs and also some general habitat improvement and site maintenance. The field work will be led by Cillian Breathnach, the IPCC¹s Conservation and Reserves Officer, who will be happy to explain why the work needs to be carried out and also answer any questions volunteers may have.

At a time when bogs are under so much pressure from exploitation, this work is important for conserving what remains of this natural national treasure. Lullymore Bog once covered 6,575 hectares and was the largest in the complex of bogs that made up the Bog of Allen. Today only 322 hectares remain in a relatively intact state supporting typical peatland plants and animals. Of this remaining fraction, Lodge Bog (28 hectares) is the only portion protected as a Biodiversity Reserve.

The effects of this protection are evident when one walks in the reserve. Plants such as the insect eating Sundews, the Bog Asphodel and a variety of Orchids set off a riot of colour. Hares dart around a network of well worn tracks through the vegetation. This summer, a breeding pair of Curlew were
spotted, as well as a pair of Kestrels soaring over the bog as they taught their young how to hunt. The loss of this oasis of biodiversity would be a travesty and could never be replaced.

If you are interested protecting this wonderful example of our natural heritage call Cillian Breathnach at the IPCC on 045 ­ 860 133 or e-mail bogs@ipcc.ie. Please note this event is not suitable for those under 16 years.

Nearly thirty events have been planned throughout the county to celebrate Heritage Week 2008 in Kildare. These events include a range of talks, field trips and exhibitions aimed at encouraging people to take an interest in their local heritage.

Heritage week is part of a European Wide initiative with the express aims of fostering awareness of Ireland’s built, natural and cultural heritage, thereby encouraging its conservation and preservation and increasing interest in our shared heritage.

“There is a great enthusiasm among local groups for heritage week this year, which reflects a growing interest in local history. Many local history groups have organised talks about aspects of their local heritage ” said Bridget Loughlin, County Kildare Heritage Officer.  There is a wide variety of events this year and people are urged to come along and take part.

These events include a series of talks on KFM entitled “Your Place – Your heritage” by County Kildare Federation of Local History Groups, Athy Heritage Centre will host a talk  “The Forgotten Heroes of South Kildare” by Frank Taaffe, and NRA archaeologist Noel Dunne will give a presentation "Uncovering Hidden People- The Archaeology of Recent Road Schemes in Kildare” hosted by Cilll Dara Historical Society. John MacKenna will discuss “Mary Leadbeater and The Quaker Influence on Ballitore”.

Many local history groups will be hosting events such as a tour of the Church of St. Michael & All Angels, Millicent, Clane organised by County Kildare Archaeological Society and heritage walks around Celbridge and Kildare. The Landmark Trust will host a self-guided tour of Castletown Roundhouse.

Heritage sites within the county, such as the Athy and Kildare Heritage Centre, The National Stud and Maynooth Castle have free admission or special concessions during the week. Kildare County Council has compiled a listing of these and the many other events happening around the County, which is available on www.kildare.ie/events  or in all local libraries.

As part of Heritage Week we are running a FREE Guided Walking Tour of Kildare Town on Sunday 31st August at 1pm. Departure point is Kildare Town Heritage Centre.

Why not take a tour of one of the oldest towns in Ireland - visit St. Brigid's Cathedral and Round Tower, the site of a Norman Castle, three medieval Abbeys and much much more. Tie up the whole package with a visit to the National Stud, Japanese Gardens and St. Fiachra's Garden; go shopping in Kildare Outlet Shopping Village, play a couple of holes of golf at Dunmurry and Cill Dara golf courses or go horse racing at the Curragh. A feast for all the family!

The Kildare Historic Town Guided Walking Tours have been developed and are available for the summer season on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from May  to September or with notice are available on demand particularly for schools and other group bookings – they are possible through the close partnership of Kildare Town Heritage Centre, Kildare Retail Outlet Village, Kildare Cathedral, Kildare County Council, Cill Dara Historical Society and Grey Abbey Conservation Project. Accessible to all except for climbing the Round Tower .

Kildare, Historic Town Guided Walking Tours take place every  Saturday at 11am, Sundays at 1pm and Mondays at 11am until the end of August.

TRANSITOPIA : A Public Art project exploring the transitory identity of a modern commuter town
20th – 24th August 2008, Naas, Co. Kildare

Parking Meter Arts and Kildare County Council Arts Service presents TRANSITOPIA, a contemporary public art project created specifically for Naas, Co Kildare. Six artists have been selected to create new work in response to strategically important sites and locations in the socio-cultural trajectory of this modern commuter town.

The size, nature and identity of Naas has shifted in line with changes in town-planning, and in new and old architectural structures. According to curators Mark Durkan and Mary Jo Gilligan, ‘TRANSITOPIA is a contemporary art project examining the negotiation between people and place and how the development of one directly influences the transformation of the other.  The project engages with social infrastructure, architectural planning and the historical trajectory of industrial, commercial and public space.’

They explained that TRANSITOPIA has three points of focus :
The first involves four artists commissioned to ENGAGE with SPECIFIC SITES in producing new work - Michelle Browne working at Sallins/Naas Train Station, Dominic Thorpe working at Sallins/Naas Train Station and Áras Chill Dara, Jo Anne Butler in Áras Chill Dara and Elaine Reynolds in Donnelly Mirrors factory.

The second focus involves two artists working in a RESEARCH capacity, developing the project from a longer-term perspective. These artists are Dara McGrath and Carl Giffney.

The third and final element of the project culminates in a PUBLICATION that DOCUMENTS and EXPOUNDS upon the work of Transitopia. This publication will be launched in October.
 
The programme also includes the screening of a classic silent film in Town Hall, Naas, with live music accompaniment. 

The goal of this project is to explore new and innovative approaches for the production and dissemination of contemporary art in alternative contexts. Using non-art spaces, such as civic buildings and industrial facilities as potential spaces for the exploration and presentation of the art activities PARKING METER ARTS LTD aim to reinvigorate an understanding of Naas' everyday cultural dynamics.

CONTACT: 
Mark Durkan/ Mary Go Gilligan;  parkingmeterarts@gmail.com
Kildare County Council Arts Service; Tel: 045-448318, arts@kildarecoco.ie
WEB:  http://transitopia.wordpress.com
INFORMATION POINT:
Town Hall, Naas, Wed 20th – Sun Sun 24th Aug 2008

PREVIEW NIGHT/LAUNCH:
Áras Chill Dara
6.30pm, Wed 20th Aug 2008

SILENT-FILM SCREENING
A classic Silent Film screened, with a musical accompaniment.  Booking Essential
Naas Town Hall
8.30pm, Sat 23rd Aug, Naas Town Hall, 8.00pm. 

Michelle Browne -  Border-Border
The artist offers to transport commuters from Sallins/Naas Train Station to their destination in Naas via a lift on the back of a bicycle.  In exploring the IN-BETWEEN SPACES that exist in our lives, the performance references an informal transportation system in Africa and borders of neighbouring countries.  A unique sound piece created from commuters in New York, London, Galway and Belfast will accompany each participant’s journey.
Sallins/ Naas Train Station.
16.45–19.30, Wed 20th, Thurs 21st, Fri 22nd Aug  

Dominic Thorpe – Terrain
The artist worked closely with an individual commuter to create this artwork. Thorpe sought a local participant when forming his project.  He presents the results of his exchanges with local man Chris O’Neill and his own mimicry of O’Neill’s HABITUAL JOURNEY to work. The work is presented as a video installation.
Kildare County Council Offices/Áras Chill Dara. 
Office opening hours, Thurs 21st – Sat 23rd Aug 

Elaine Reynolds
Reynolds investigates the SECRET LIFE of street lamps and how they relate to the commuting population of Naas.  The work is sited beside a relic of Naas’s industrial past and a main commuter gateway.  The artist creates a heightened experience of an everyday transient moment through a poetic mirrored video projection.
Donnelly Mirrors forecourt
Access from 20.00 – 00.00, Wed 20th – Sun 24th Aug

Joanne Butler – The Folly
The artist’s construction is a witty intervention in the Civic Garden in Naas.  Her scale model housing estate sets up a DELIBERATE TENSION with the oblique lines of the celebrated Áras buildings that is at once both playful and inquisitive.
Civic Garden, Kildare Co.Co. Offices/ Áras Chill Dara 
Wed 20th – Sun 24th Aug

Carl Giffney
Giffney is undertaking a mobile research project on the commuter lines N6, M4, N7 for the Academy of FUTURE HISTORY in conjunction with Parking Meter Arts.  The artist is focusing on the N7 Naas-Dublin road for Transitopia.  Giffney will present current findings at the launch event and in the forthcoming Transitopia publication.
Áras Cill Dara.
6.30pm, Wed 20th Aug

Dara McGrath
McGrath is producing site-specific photographic research in conjunction with Parking Meter Arts, focusing on the documentation of a DISUSED INDUSTRIAL SPACE.  His work will be featured in the forthcoming Transitopia publication.

Taste Kildare Food & Craft Festival held at the K Club on Sunday 17th August was a real treat for all those who dared to venture out and face the weather. The rain held off and there was a real summer garden party feel to the event, as visitors wandered the walled Victorian Gardens at the K Club and sampled the delights on offer from many Kildare based restaurateurs and retailers.

Visitors were lead through the grounds of the K Club, past the archery and other outdoor activities which were organised for the young and young at heart. Inside the walled garden each participant had a stand, well  stocked to impress visiting foodies. Among those offering mouth watering nibbles were Lemongrass restaurant (of Maynooth, Naas and Citywest), Fallons bar and cafe (Kilcullen), Pauls Restaurant (Kilcullen) and the K Clubs very own dining experiences. Also very popular on the day were Jane Russells saussages, the newly launched Castlefarm Shop Cheese and Buns Cup-Cakes.

While enjoying the treats on offer, visitors could sit and relax to the sounds of  live rat pack inspired music, while the kids were entertained by clowns, face painters and bouncy castles and all of this was free of charge. The whole event was very well organised and every 'bite' a success.

Tús maith  ...a good start is half the work!  

A new Irish speaking playschool called Tús maith (a good start) is to open on the new premises of Gaelscoil Nás na Ríogh on the Kilcullen Road in Naas in September. 

Offering a 5 day a week playschool service from 9:30am to 12:30am, the aim of the group is to provide a stimulating playgroup through Irish using play to encourage preschool learning in children from about 3 years of age to school starting age.   

For further details contact Bridget 087 2535720 or Anne 087 6462523.

Local League of Ireland side Kildare County are preparing to take on Premier Division side Derry City in the Cup.

"It's our biggest home game ever, I'd say", said Decland Forde, Chairperson of the Kildare County FC Official Supporters Club about this Saturday's game versus Derry City FC. "All the fan's are looking forward to this. We beat Bohemians in the Cup a few years ago, so hopefully we can manage a similar upset this Saturday on home turf. Either way, it will be a great occasion".

Just five years old, Kildare County FC has not hosted a big Cup tie in Newbridge so far. However, that is not to say that the club has not made strides in the competition. The most memorable Cup moment for County fans would be the victory over Bohemians in Dalymount Park in a tense affair three seasons ago. Local sports fans will be hoping that their local side can repeat that Cup glory this season, but things have changed alot since then, explains Mark Phillips, Supporters Club PRO.

"Back then, we had a much bigger wage bill than today. We had lots of lads from Dublin playing for pretty decent money. Of course, that didn't work out; that's plain to see today. Today, the squad is starting to ave a local focus. The club is investing in local talent and this is very encouraging from a fan's point of view". Indeed, County have a wealth of Kildare's top soccer talent at their disposal. David O'Connell has signed from Naas club Sunday's Well. O'Connell, a centre-back, played for the Kildare County FC Under 21 team two years ago and has returned to national level soccer like a duck to water. Other local players in the County squad include Trevor Bowers, prolific with Coill Dubh as a striker, and Eoin Kavanagh who has been in the County team for a few years now. County's top-scorer, Ciaran Kilduff, hails from Kilcock whilst Colin Osbourne, a recent returnee, comes from North Kildare and is looking like a good asset in defence. Colin Murray of Leixlip has also become a regular in defence.

Phillips hopes that these new local players will lead to Kildare soccer fans taking notice and getting behind the team. "Kildare people wanted a League of Ireland club for years, and now they have one. It's time for some real support to follow. This team really does represent Kildare, and the Derry match offers us a chance to showcase our best young local talent. Kildare sport's fans have no excuse not to offer their support, and needless to say their support will be greatly appreciated. It could be a real cracker of a game this Saturday, so why not give it a shot."

Kildare County FC play Derry City this Saturday @ 2pm, in Station Road, Newbridge. 

Early arrival advised due to large number of travelling fans expected from Derry.

Starting 17th September 2008 To 12th November 2008 From 2 to 4 pm.

The project will take place in Athy CDP, Woodstock Street, Athy, Co. Kildare.

The project will run in a workshop style and cover a variety of themes.

As places are limited, please register with Athy Community Development Project on 059-8632277 or call into the centre.

62 Reserve Artillery Regiment is now recruiting new members.

What did you do last weekend?...If it involved getting together with 400 or so Army Reserve personnel for an all arms battle exercise, being part of a covert artillery observation team inserted by helicopter, using thermal imaging and night vision equipment to gather information on the enemy, being part of a 105mm gun crew, then you already know of the unique challenges and attractions of an Army Reserve Artillery unit.

If not, then maybe you should check it out. As a part time force receiving professional paid military training, your time in the reserve will bring experiences and challenges that will draw upon your physical and mental abilities. 

Phone: 087 6224528

Email: 29a@62regiment.ie

Website: www.62regiment.ie

The announcement that plans for the development of Athy Town Centre are once again delayed has been strongly criticised by the Fine Gael members of Athy Town Council, Cllrs Seán Cunnane, Richard Daly and Mary O’Sullivan.

"Negotiations and planning of this project have been ongoing for the past year and the developer has made himself available for consultation with officials, public representatives and residents.

Athy Town Council is unanimous in its support for centre town development and has urged the county planners to prioritise the projects which would reenergise the town. |It is frustrating to see planning applications being delayed ad infinitum while simultaneously we have bodies trying to attract development to the town. The planners should be making urgent and top level negotiations with developers to overcome any of the difficulties which exist.

It is incredible that a town which desperately needs the retail capacity which this development would allow does not seem to be getting the attention that it deserves from the planning authority."

 The Scouting Jamboree is on this week in Punchestown and local Fianna Fail T.D. Michael Fitzpatrick welcomed 12,000 scouts to Kildare.

“This is a massive event and I am especially glad that Punchestown is hosting the Jamboree as Scouting Ireland celebrates its 100th year.”

“The opening ceremony was held on Saturday 2nd of August and was officiated by European Commissioner Charlie McCreevey.”

“I was delighted to attend and see the scouts at work. The Kildare 23rd Sallins group were able to show me their campsite and set up.”

“I know that all of the scouts from around the world are really excited to be in Kildare and meet with each other, share experiences, knowledge, adventure and fun.”

“Over the week of the Jamboree the scouts will be involved in numerous activities including kiting, climbing, hill walking and survival island.”

“The Scouts provide an unparalleled opportunity for young people to come together, learn essential skills and have adventures in a safe, structured way. Scout leaders are all volunteers and I would like to commend their dedication and hard work, not only in helping to make this Jamboree a success but also in the work they carry out throughout the year.”

“I would like to wish all of the Scouts the best of luck for the Jamboree and hope they enjoy their visit,” concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.

As Kildare Olympians John Joe Joyce and Eoin Rheinisch prepare to take part in the Beijing Olympics, Kildare looks on with high hopes for the two men.  John Joe Joyce  will be competing in the Boxing - Light Welterweight while Eoin Rheinisch competes in the Canoeing – Men’s Kayak K1 event.

John Joe comes from a famous Kildare boxing family and is a member of the St. Michael's Club in Athy, the nursery of many renowned Irish boxing internationals.

Eoin  is a  World Cup gold medalist and a 5-time World Cup finalist, Ireland’s top paddler made his Olympic debut in Athens. Now 28, he is based in Leixlip’s Salmon Leap Canoe Club.

Eoin Rheinisch (left) and John Joe Joyce (Right)

Local Fianna Fail T.D. Seán Ó Feargháil has welcomed the Government announcement of almost €800,000 funding for south Kildare sports clubs and organisations.

“Today the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism Martin Cullen has announced that 9 clubs are to benefit from the Government Sports Grants scheme.”

“The clubs that will benefit are; 
 

“Investment in sporting clubs and organisations is essential for our rural communities. Local clubs often form the backbone of rural life, providing a vital focus for the community, bringing people together while encouraging a lifetime commitment to sport and fitness for children.”

“This year the funding has been focussed where it is needed most, to those communities, clubs and organisations who need it most.”

“I know that there are some clubs and organisations that will be disappointed this time around but I would like to urge them to apply to the Department of Arts Sports and Tourism for their score sheet. Each application is scored and the results will allow local clubs to see where their application can be strengthened for next year. I would urge any disappointed clubs to contact me so we can begin this progress and hopefully have a better result for next year,” concluded Deputy Ó Feargháil.

Having consistently raised the bar in terms of Irish modified car shows over the past few years Mondello Park is again looking to up the ante with the second running of its celebration of Japanese motorsport and motoring, ‘Mondello Jap-Fest’. The one day show which takes place on Sunday 7th September with support from Irelands leading modified car publication ‘Modified Motors’, will centre on a day of track action combined with static displays and trade exhibitions.

Headlining the track activity will be the final round of the Modified Motors backed Mondello Park Time Attack championship which will be decided at Jap-Fest following a season long battle for supremacy between Irelands top car tuners. For its last round of the season the drivers will have two qualifying sessions to decide the running order for the Final which will be the last on-track event of the day. In the final, the cars will run one at a time, starting with the slowest qualifier and finishing with the fastest, and drivers will have just a single lap in which to set a time, which will be the only one to count towards the results.

Backing up the time attack competition will be a Drift battle between an invited list of Irelands top drift exponents. The drifters will dispense with qualification and head straight for the twin battles with a top sixteen run off, where for the first time the crowd will decide who progresses to the top eight and onwards to the finals.

The Mondello Park drag strip will be back in action for the day with thirty two of Irelands fastest accelerating cars set to light up the circuits’ main straight. The drag racers will have two qualification runs to sort out the line up for the heats and finals which will decide the fastest quarter mile car in the country.

Prior to the competitive track activity commencing the morning will be filled with track day style ‘Track Time’ sessions. These sessions were a very popular addition to last years event and are designed to give exhibitors the chance to put their cars to the test on track before parking them up to display them for the day.

Among the new attractions will be a chance for show visitors to try their hand at the highly skilled sport of Autotesting. The Autotest demonstration has always been a popular part of Mondello events but this year, for the first time, the public will be offered the chance to get involved and show of their ability in one of Mondello’s own Autotest cars. Details of how to get involved will be released through the Mondello Park web site over the coming weeks. A number of other exciting attractions are also being lined up and details of these will be announced in due course.

With some of the country’s most impressive Japanese cars already lining up to fill the Mondello Park paddock and more attractions being worked on by the show organisers, Mondello Jap-Fest 2008 will be a must see for all fans of modified cars and Japanese motorsports.