County Kildare News

The first ever Mondello Masters series is building towards an exciting climax as Ireland's top motorcycle racers get ready to compete for the biggest cash prize of the year.

The three race Mondello Park series has grabbed the attention of all of Ireland's top motorcycle racers overe the course of the season and this weekends finale has attracted the biggest entry of star names yet. The reason for the extra interest is a doubling of the prize fund for the Masters race which will take place on Sunday alongside the penultimate round of the 2008 Irish Superbike Championship.

Heading the list and starting as favourite courtesy of his domination of the series so far will be Alastair Seeley who is out to grab the bonus money for winning all three Masters races. Chasing Seeley will be a who's who of Irish short circuit racing which includes most of this island's domestic and overseas competitors as well as a number of cross channel visitors.

Seeley's nearest competitor last time out on the Mondello Park National Circuit was fellow Ulster rider Marshall Neill who pushed him to lap record pace lap after lap. Neil will want to avenge his defeat on the International circuit this weekend and keep Seeley from making it three Masters race wins in a row.

Fresh from a fine showing in last weekends British Supersport round at Silverstone Jack Kennedy will also be looking to get into the prize money. Kennedy will be on board a Rob Mac Racing Yamaha Supersport machine so may struggle against the more powerful Superbike machinery unless of course the weather comes into play. Fellow British Supersport rider Marty Nutt, Yamaha R1 cup competitor Adrian Coates and Brian McCormick, who will ride a JTEC Sports/Bolster Group Honda Fireblade, should also feature in the shake up.

The Masters race is scheduled for 16:00 on Sunday with qualifying taking place on Saturday afternoon. Alongside the top twelve invited riders the fastest domestic Superbike and Supersport competitors from Saturdays ISB programme will also be invited to take part in Sundays race which will have a full grid of twenty eight bikes.

The full schedule for the weekend's races sees qualifying and the first of three races for each class take place on Saturday. All classes will then race twice on Sunday with the Masters race scheduled to take place between the two Irish Superbike rounds and as close to four o'clock as possible.

Despite the increased quality of the entry Mondello Park will keep admission prices at the same level as all domestic events. Adults admission will be a very attractive €15.00 while under 16's will be admitted free. Admission prices also include free admission to the covered grandstand and paddock and a complimentary event programme.

Riders wishing to take up the challenge should contact masters@mondellopark.ie as soon as possible to make sure of a space on the thirty two bike grid. For further information on the Mondello Masters series see www.mondellopark.ie.

Local Fianna Fail T.D. Áine Brady has welcomed the news that north Kildare is to benefit from a series of major school building projects all of which will proceed to tender with a view to going on site in the first half of 2009.

“In Kill, Scoil Bhride will get a new 32 classroom school and accommodation and site works.”

“In Naas, Caragh National School will get a 15-classroom extension, a general purpose hall and other accommodation.”

“Meánscoil Iognaid Rís will get a extension of 3105m squared and works for a school for 1,000 students.”

“These new works are vital for the growing population of north Kildare.”

“Kildare has a population of young families and it is essential that there are not only enough school places for children, but also that those school places are high quality and standard.”

“Good quality school buildings help to enhance the learning environment for pupils and teachers alike.”

“I have lobbied the Minister for Education, Batt O’Keeffe and his predecessor Mary Hanafin for more school places and improved facilities for north Kildare.”

“Minister O’Keeffe has informed me the schools will be contacted regarding the next steps that will need to be taken for these building projects.”

“I will be in continuing touch with Minister O’Keeffe to ensure that these projects proceed without delay,” concluded Deputy Brady.

NUI Maynooth has been named the “University of the Year 2008” in the Sunday Times University Guide.  

The award caps a highly successful year for NUI Maynooth which has seen it record the highest increase in CAO first preferences, attracting the strongest flow of research funding and forging links with leading industries. It has also jumped three places to fourth place on the Sunday Times’ league table. 

"NUI Maynooth is now one of the four top universities in Ireland and is making an impressive global impact through its teaching partnership with the computer chip manufacturer Intel," says Ian Coxon, Editor of The Sunday Times University Guide.  "NUI Maynooth's excellent results on research funding and graduate employment plus its impeccable record on encouraging access to groups normally excluded from third-level education are three of the key factors that have led us to vote it The Sunday Times University of the Year for 2008."

The award is based on an analysis of all 22 third level universities and institutes in the Republic and across 26 criteria including, grades, retention, research, student services, access for disadvantaged students and contribution to development at local and national levels. The data was collected from each Institution, the CAO, HEA, Dept of Education and Science, and interviews with students’ unions. 

Within this analysis NUI Maynooth was shown to have won the highest level of research per academic in the country. The University also achieved first place for graduate employment and has, according to the Sunday Times, the best access programme for disadvantaged students in the country.

Welcoming the award, Prof John Hughes, President of NUI Maynooth, said “This is a great accolade for the university. The award recognises the priority we place on ensuring the best student experience – from the strength of the academic team that interface with the students, the innovative degree programme they can choose from, the vibrant social scene and of course the employability of the students that graduate from NUI Maynooth.”

Over the last 12 months the University has also won significant research awards, launched five new degrees including Law & Arts, Business & Law, and Science Education and has formally launched two new research institutes An Foras Feasa and The Irish Social Sciences Platform (ISSP).  The University was appointed global education partner by Intel, and has established a joint research and education centre with Peking University.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication that all students and staff play in the achievements of the University,” added Prof John Hughes. 

National University of Ireland, Maynooth caters for about 7,000 students including 1,000 at postgraduate level across 300 programmes. 

Leixlip Town Council now have recycling facilities for the following:

• Batteries
• Used mobile phones
• Used Ink Cartridges

Facilities can be found at the offices of Leixlip Town Council, open from 9.00AM to 1.00PM, Monday to Friday except Bank Holidays.

Please Ring Town Clerk at 01 6245777 for any further queries.

It has been confirmed that Newbridge Track is about to undergo a substantial facelift in the coming weeks.

The improvements will be grant-aided by the Irish Greyhound Board and will hopefully give a new impetus to the well appointed County Kildare venue.

David Cox, owner of the stadium, when making the announcement said “We realised that we needed to re-launch our facility and that necessitated some considerable investment. We are putting in new kitchens and we have already put in the orders for them. We are also refurbing the fast food area in the outside bar. We want to ensure that the trainers can get a decent meal here. In addition we are installing more plasma screens and improving the sound system which will allow us to switch between commentary on the inter-track and the on-track”.

Considerable work has been carried out to the track itself with the inner rail moved in order to combat the trouble that was occurring on the opening bend. Last week was the first time it was in operation and it proved very sucessful.

Cox is anxious that Newbridge can retain some of the momentum the track has lost in recent times and with the re-launch hopes to correct this by Christmas.

Athy Community Development Project,  in conjunction with Athy Age Action, is hosting an Information Morning on State Pension Rights & Entitlements.

This is taking place In Athy Community Development Project, Woodstock Street, Athy, on Friday, 3rd October 2008 at 11am

Further information available from: 059-8632277

All are welcome, to help celebrate Positve Ageing Week.

After achieving record crowds of 208,000 for the National Ploughing Championships this week in Kilkenny, The National Ploughing Association announced that the 2009 event will take place near Athy.

Athy was the venue for the first championships, held in 1931, with 40 entries. Today over 300 competitors, including international visitors, take the ploughing challenge.

The long-running and highly successful Black and White Ball will take place at the Setanta House Hotel, Celbridge on Friday, 21st November 2008.  This function, which is the highlight of our year, has been run annually for the Care for Aged of our community and this year, the funds will also go towards a youth project in association with the Community Council. 

This Black and White Ball, which was always organised by the late Senator Kate Walsh, will be the 26th Ball.  “We got great feedback from the Ball last year which was a tremendous success.  We were anxious to keep this very successful community event going” explained Marie Byrne.  “Anthony and I are delighted to be associated with running this event again and we look forward to organising what we believe will be a really good night.”  

Tickets for the Black and White Ball, which are already in strong demand, are available from Anthony Gavin (087) 2351445 or Marie Byrne (087) 7966080.

Fianna Fail T.D. for Kildare South, Sean Ó Feargháil, has welcomed the news that €135,000 will go to Athy under the new RAPID Physical Enhancement Scheme.

“This new scheme replaces the Local Authority Housing Estate Enhancement and Traffic Measures Schemes, which are being discontinued.”
“The RAPID Physical Enhancement Scheme will support locally identified small-scale capital works in local authority housing estates, civic and open spaces, and locations within RAPID areas that have become neglected or in need of improvement work.”

“It is envisioned that each local scheme will make the optimal use of open space to improve the local environment for residents, making it more attractive, safer and more accessible.”

“The new and improved scheme extends eligibility and will ensure that the funding is awarded based on population and need rather than every RAPID area getting the same amount as was previously the case.”

“The scheme will cover the next five years and will allow communities to produce 5-year plans to improve their areas.”

“It is important to work to improve the environment around local authority housing areas. It helps to give residents a pride in their area and provides safe places for children to play,” concluded Deputy Ó Feargháil.

Are you looking for a different after school experience for children? Aileen Lambert is a singer of traditional songs from County Wexford. She is passionate about passing on her love of songs and singing to children and adults alike. The Arts & Library Service of Kildare County Council is delighted that Aileen has again agreed to deliver a series of
workshops for primary school children in Rathangan & Ballitore libraries.

Children will explore different styles and genres of singing and song - serious songs, nonsence songs, fast and slow songs. Have the opportunity to listen to live and recorded songs. Discuss and share their own experience and knowledge of songs.

The workshops delivered over a six week period during October and November will culminate in a performance. Workshops are FREE, but places are limited so booking is essential. Please contact Kay in Rathangan Library Tel:045 528078 Email: rathanganlib@kildarecoco.ie or Mary in Ballitore Tel: 059 8623344 , to book a place or ask further questions.

Call today to avail of this amazing opportunity!

Registration for round two of the scheme is now open.

If I Had an Artist for a Day is an arts in education initiative. The programme aims to provide quality arts experiences & for artist, teacher and children to have some fun!!!

The workshops are interactive in nature, with dance, an introduction to musical instruments, fun with words and language and experimentation with art materials.The programme has something to offer every school regardless of physical space or previous experience!

Registration must be made directly to the Arts Service using the official form - Download the application form and brochure here.

Closing date for round two registration is Monday 29th September 2008

**The scheme is offered on a first come first serve basis. Therefore registration for inclusion does not guarantee a booking.** Workshops will run from October to end of December 2008.

Download the application form and brochure here.

Please contact Brenda, Kildare County Council Art Service, Tel: 045 448328 Email: bbrady@kildarecoco.ie for further details.

Kildare South Fianna Fáil T.D., Seán Ó Feargháil, has welcomed the approval of €828,549 in funding for County Kildare under the 2008 Disadvantaged Area Scheme (DAS).

Deputy Ó Feargháil stated that according to the Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith, T.D, the first payments were being made this week and that the majority of eligible farmers could expect payment within a couple of days.

“This is a very significant injection of funding into the rural economy of County Kildare and will I know be warmly welcomed by hundreds of farming families who have experienced significant difficulties due to the recent wet weather.”

“Minister Smith is continuing to build on Fianna Fáil’s strong tradition of investing in rural communities and defending the interests of our farmers.”

Deputy Ó Feargháil also encouraged any farmers who might experience delays in receiving their payments to contact a special lo-call number which has been established by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food - 1890 200 114.

Qualtec Trainers & Consultants are running a Sales Negotiation Course in the Midlands. The course is 70% grant-aided by FAS and costs only 180 euro! To register on the course, please contact Niamh on 01 6289374.

Course aim:

The overall aim of this couse is to empower sales managers & sales personnel to conduct professional, face-to-face sales negotiations.

Who should attend?

This course is intended for those who need the related knowledge and skills required to work effectively in sales.

Course objectives:

On completion of this course, participants will be able to:

* Determine the customers needs

* Use appropriate listening and questioning skills

* Use a clear and structured approach to negotiation

* Be able to deal with objections

Course content

* Preparing for negotiation

* Conducting the negotiation

* Negotiation approach

* Developing consensus

* Dealing with objections

 Training Duration

3 days, 9.30- 4.30 each day.

Locations, dates

 13^th, 16^th, 17^th, October, Maynooth

10^th, 14^th, 17^th, November, Maynooth

Cost

180 euro after FAS grant-aid

500 euro without grant aid

Qualifying companies must employ < 250 employees.

Kill Local History Group Schedule Autumn & Winter 2008 includes: 

Monday 29th September:  “Troubled Times around Kill”
- James Durney

Monday 22nd October: Ghosts, Ghoulies and Hauntings
     - John Noonan

Monday 26th November: “Ireland's first motorway and the Kill
connection”
    - Liam Kenny

Monday 26th Jan 2009:  Annual General Meeting
 
 
All meetings take place in the Parish Meeting Room at 8.30 p.m.

Derek Landy will visit Leixlip Community Library on October 2nd 2008 as part of the October Children's BookFest '08. He will read from his latest novel Skulduggery Pleasant: Playing with Fire, followed by a question and answer session.

These readings can be booked only by schools

Before writing his children's story about a sharply-dressed skeleton detective, DEREK LANDY wrote the screenplays for a zombie movie and a murderous thriller in which everybody dies.

As a black belt in Kenpo Karate he has taught countless children how to defend themselves, in the hopes of building his own private munchkin army. He firmly believes that they await his call to strike against his enemies (he doesn't actually have any enemies, but he's assuming they'll show up, sooner or later).

Derek lives on the outskirts of Dublin, and the reason he writes his own biography blurb is so that he can finally refer to himself in the third person without looking pompous or insane.

Small grant assistance is currently available through Kildare Community Partnership (KCP) to Youth groups/organisations which seek to promote social inclusion and seek to improve the quality of life for young people, at risk.

Funding is available up to a maximum level of €1500.

Activities should target young people aged 12 – 18 years old.

Projects which are innovative in working with young people will be prioritized for funding. Examples of possible costs the funding will cover include; capacity building, facilitation costs, transport costs, training etc…

All applications will be assessed by an appraisal panel.

Application forms and further details available from:

Aine Byrne, Family Support Programme, Kildare Community Partnership, Jigginstown Commercial Centre, Naas, Co. Kildare. Telephone: (045) 895450, Fax: (045) 895449, E-Mail: aine@thekcp.ie

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 30th September 2008.

An innovative one day clinic has been organised for Saturday the 11th October at  Fincseal Stud, Kilcock, Co. Meath on Horse Handling. The day is targeted at those interested in learning more about horse psychology, body language and ground handling skills and how they relate to riding.

Emma Jane Clarke, EFI Coach and Positive Horsemanship trainer, delivers this clinic to help those who wish to enhance their horsemanship skills or have horses with behavioural issues or are a nervous or inexperienced owner.

According to Emma Jane ‘this approach to horsemanship comes from the way horses were worked with traditionally in Ireland and will help to get the most out of handling or riding your horse in the ring in a humane and safe way. Presenting a well handled and behaved youngster in a showing class or example will definitely work in the competitors favour’

The intention is to provide an enjoyable and informative day for those new to or would like to improve their horse’s performance in this sector.

For further detail please call Emma Jane on 086 1678576 or email horsematters@gmaill.com

In a gesture of remembrance of Mr. McCulloch  a car similar to that taken to Antarctica by Ernest Shackleton is to be housed at Athy Heritage Centre in Co Kildare, close to the explorer's birthplace.

In 1907, explorer Ernest Shackleton took an Arrol-Johnson motor car to Antarctica in a publicity stunt that helped fund his trip. Ostensibly, the car was to be used to transport Shackleton and his men towards the South Pole but this, as Shackleton knew, was neither practical nor possible. Never a man to miss an opportunity for publicity, however, he agreed to take the car and, in return, supplied publicity shots taken in the snowy wastes.

Now, a century later, Athy Heritage Centre - which houses a permanent and extensive Gordon-Bennett 1903 Race section - is to receive the a gift of an extremely rare 1902 Arrol-Johnspn car which will be permanently housed in the Museum, just miles from Shackleton's birthplace and in the town referred to as the ‘Home of the Gordon Bennett’.

The car is being donated by Honor Duncan McCulloch, in memory of her father, Ringwood Mc Culloch, late of Sawyer's Wood Athy. The car is a six-seater and, during World War 11, it saw service as a bus. More recently, it took part in the London to Brighton annual rally.

The official presentation of the Arrol-Johnson 1902 Car to the Athy Heritage Centre & Museum will take place on Thursday September 18th at the Athy Heritage Centre at 3 p.m. Cheese and Wine reception kindly supplied by the Clanard Court Hotel

The final race of Ireland's richest motorcycle racing series, the Mondello Masters, is set to close off Mondello Park's two wheeled racing calendar in style on October 5th. The three race series based at the county Kildare track has attracted the strongest grids of any Irish short circuit event this season, with the final 'double prize money' round certain to top the previous two events.

Prize money available to Supersport and Superbike competitors over the two day meeting will be over €20,000 with a rider who does the double and wins the Mondello Masters race and the Irish Superbike round taking home €9,000. In addition riders using Dunlop tyres will also be elegible for separate Dunlop awards.

With entries to the Masters race being free of charge the three event series has proven to be very attractive to riders looking for additional track time and a possible boost to their budgets. Mondello Masters is open to any Superbike or Supersport competitor and has so far attracted TT Winner Cameron Donald, along with road racers Gary Johnston and Keith Amor, to challenge Ireland's top overseas competitors for a slice of the prize money. Regular BSB support race competitors, Alastair Seeley, Adrian Coates, Marty Nutt, Jack Kennedy and Marshal Neil have also returned home to take on the Irish Superbike Championship regulars, such as Brian McCormick, Declan Swanton and Kirk Jamison, as the battle for the Masters money has unfolded.

Alastair Seeley has so far seen off all-comers on his way to two wins, one on the International track, which will be used for the final event of the year, and one on the shorter National layout. Seeley needed to break the lap record for the National circuit three times at the last event to stay ahead of Marshal Neil and take his second win of the year. Victory number two earned him the bonus money for winning more than one event and he is now on target to take all three rounds and increase that bonus.

The battle to stop Seeley will be a hard fought one, as once again Ireland's top racers go in search of the Masters money. With more UK and International competitors expected for this final event the Northern Irish rider may be in for his toughest race of the year.

Riders wishing to take up the challenge should contact masters@mondellopark.ie as soon as possible to make sure of a space on the thirty two bike grid. For further information on the Mondello Masters series see www.mondellopark.ie.

Local Fianna Fail T.D. Áine Brady has welcomed the news that Diageo Ireland is to acquire a 73 acre site for a new state of the art brewery in Leixlip that will bring up to 170 jobs to the town.

“It is anticipated that the new brewery, that will be the biggest Diageo brewery in the world will be up and running by 2013 and will result in the growth of Guinness Ireland’s domestic and global business.”

“Guinness is a very strong global brand and I am delighted that they have chosen Kildare for their new brewery. Leixlip was the location that Arthur Guinness started his own brewery in 1782 so it is a homecoming of sorts.”

“I know that the IDA and Enterprise Ireland were very supportive of Diageo in making this move to Kildare.”

“In these challenging economic times we need to keep focused on highlighting what Kildare can offer investors and employers to maintain existing jobs and attract further employment.”

“Kildare has a talented and highly educated workforce, good tax incentives for businesses and an improving road and rail Infrastructure all of which can help us to weather the current economic slow down.”

“I will continue to work with my colleague the Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise to highlight what Kildare can offer,” concluded Deputy Brady.

The commitment of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, T.D. to continue consultations on our future within the EU is to be welcomed and will give people in Kildare an opportunity to have an input, according to local T.D. Michael Fitzpatrick.

“It is clear from the post-Lisbon research carried out by Minister Martin and his Department that there is a clear lack of knowledge about the EU in Kildare and throughout the country, and it is vital that this information gap is bridged.”

“The Referendum campaign was marked by general public confusion. With 42% of No voters saying they voted that way because of lack of knowledge or information.”

“Despite the fact that people are confused it is clear that Irish people remain positive about Europe, with 70% saying membership of the EU is a good thing. This result does not surprise me as it is in line to the reaction I get towards Europe in my constituency.”

“What is of concern is the large numbers of young people that voted down Lisbon. It is clear that in recent times people have become use to being members of the EU and may even be taking the benefits it has brought Kildare and this country for granted.”

“I warmly welcome the consultation’s Minister Martin has entered into with his colleague the Minister for Education with a view to ensuring that knowledge about Europe is taught effectively in our classrooms.”

“The Government and the main opposition parties are now progressing with work on how we move forward following June’s referendum. I welcome this initiative which gives all groups an opportunity to air their views. I believe it is only right that we continue to consult and debate a way forward and would encourage interest groups in Kildare to participate in this process. Details of how to participate will be made public shortly,” concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.

The Irish Field St Leger tops the bill on the first afternoon of the Curragh’s Autumn Festival of Racing this weekend, and the Group 1 Classic has attracted 19 entries including last year’s winner Yeats. 

His trainer Aidan O’Brien has also entered six others including Septimus, Honolulu and Mikhail Fokine, as he bids to become the first trainer since 1935 to land all five Irish Classic races in the same year.

Other notable entries include Ask, Mores Wells, Papal Bull, Sixties Icon, Profound Beauty and recent US Grade One winner Winchester.

Castledermot Threshing & Vintage Working Day, held on Sunday, 7th September, was another fantastic success for Castledermot Vintage Club and the community of Castledermot, Co. Kildare.

The event which took place on the Corcoran farm, at Davidstown/Ballyvannon, Castledermot, Co. Kildare was an astounding success, raising €24,000 for charity.  The focus of the event was Suicide Prevention, and the club’s main beneficiary this year is AWARE, who provide counselling and support services for those suffering from depression and mental health problems.  Proceeds also go to Talk-It-Over Carlow, who provide suicide bereavement counselling services, and to Castledermot Community Services. 

This was the second year of the event, and the amount raised surpassed the club’s expectations, exceeding their first threshing and vintage day in 2007 when the club raised €22,000 for cancer care equipment in Naas General Hospital and the Drogheda Memorial Hospital at the Curragh, Co Kildare. 

The event kicked off on Saturday evening with a large parade of steam engines and vintage tractors through the town, returning to the Castle Inn, Castledermot for a great night with music and barbeque.  On Sunday under glorious sunshine, the field filled up rapidly with vintage machines and huge crowds for a fantastic day for all.  There were some beautiful steam engines on display, as well as steam organ, binders, stationery engines, threshing mill, and an array of vintage tractors, trucks, and cars.  People from Kildare and Carlow and surrounding counties, and some from as far as Armagh and the U.K. enjoyed the traditional threshing in operation, the vintage parade, funfair, bouncing castles, face-painting, weaving and spinning, Irish dancing, music, butter-making, tractor-backing, sheaf-pitching, and lots of stalls for all.   Live music in the Castle Inn afterwards rounded off a great weekend for all involved.

Winner of the sheaf-pitching competition was Gerry Osbourne of Maplestown, Rathvilly, with Brendan Corcoran of Gorteengrone coming in at second place, and Gerry Hyland of Athy, and Declan Corcoran of Gorteengrone taking joint third place.  First prize winner of the raffle on Saturday night was Andy Close of Athy, and first prize of Sunday’s raffle was Liam Ryan of Carlow.

On behalf of Castledermot Vintage Club, Secretary, Suzanne Corcoran would like to thank everyone for their support – all those attending and the many volunteers who gave those their time and dedication in preparation for and in the running of the event.  Castledermot Vintage Club would also particularly all their generous sponsors for their continued support.

Castledermot Vintage Club are particularly proud to be supporting AWARE who provide a crucial role in suicide prevention nationwide.  Suicide is without a doubt one of the saddest events in human experience, and the provision of counselling and a support service for those suffering from depression and mental health problems is fundamental to suicide prevention.

The club hope to see everyone back again next year for their third Annual Threshing & Vintage Working Day.

The biggest prize in Irish Motor Racing is up for grabs this weekend as Ireland's top Formula Ford drivers go head to head for the Leinster Motor Club's 'Leinster Trophy' as part of a two day event on the Mondello Park international circuit. Sunday's Feature event will see a mix of up and coming young chargers and experienced racers do battle to add their names to the likes of Ayrton Senna and Mika Hakkinen who have previously won this valuable award.

The FF1600 racers two championship rounds will be the centre piece of a weekend's action which totals twenty races over two days. Heading the entry list, and starting as the favourites will be near neighbours from Swords Co. Dublin, Patrick McKenna and Peter Barrable. Both twenty year old's have won Motorsport Ireland Young driver of the month awards this season and will be hoping to add the Leinster Trophy victory to their impressive CV's this weekend. Barrable will start with a slight psychological advantage courtesy of his double win last time the International Mondello layout was used back in May.

The Formula Ford's will complete a championship race on Saturday which counts towards three separate series. Points will be available in the Southern Irish Championship, Northern Irish Championship and All-Ireland Championship. On Sunday the championship points will again be up for grabs along with the trophy that they all want to lift, the 'Leinster Trophy'.

Aside from Formula Ford there will be plenty of other action on track this weekend as all of the Irish race championships come to a close. With most classes racing in two rounds over the two days the majority of titles are still up for grabs. Perennial crowd pleaser's, the Dunlop Supercars, will race once each day with reigning champion Rod McGovern looking likely to repeat his previous championship successes. His closest challenger is another former winner Jonathan Fildes who will be hoping for some bad luck for McGovern in race one so that he can take the title fight through to the final race on Sunday. The Supercars will have their biggest field of the year with sixteen drivers entered.

The other classes to race on both days are Formula Vee, Global Lights, and Historic's. Saturday's programme is rounded out by the final race of the Porsche Open championship and a long distance sports car race. Sunday's schedule sees all three Fiat classes, the Abarth Cup, Punto's and Uno's race once, with the Punto's and Uno's racing simultaneously. Formula Libre, Formula Sheane, Stryker Sports Cars and the Open Saloon Challenge will round out Sunday's action.

TIMETABLE

The Heritage Office of the Kildare County Council has prepared the first Draft Biodiversity Plan for County Kildare and are now inviting you to comment on it.

Dick Warner will give a presentation on “Kildare’s Wild Places” and Dr Janice Fuller will present the Draft Biodiversity Plan and invite comments from the general public, at a public consultation meeting in the Kildare County Council Offices, Aras, Chill Dara, Naas at 8pm on Thursday 18th September. If you would like to find out more about biodiversity in Kildare and what you can do to help conserve it then come along to this meeting.

The draft Biodiversity Plan lists actions and projects to be undertaken over the next 5 years to conserve and enhance the biodiversity of County Kildare. Submissions from expert groups and organisations, and from members of the public have been included in the plan. The plan was prepared under the guidance of the Kildare Forum, and with financial support from the Heritage Council.

GPA Solutions are delivering a certified programme in Sage Computerised Accounts.

FETAC accredited and delivered one day per week over four weeks, this course gives the participant the relevant knowledge and understanding to fully operate Sage and produce financial reports.

This course is eligible for FAS funding of 70 - 75% of total cost under the Competency Development Programme.

(Open to those who are in employment in the private sector or self employed).

Commencement dates and locations are as follows:

Naas: Wednesday 01.10.08 (one day per week for four weeks)

Details of course outline can be accessed at this link: http://www.gpasolutions.com/course_e.html

If you would like to register or require further information please contact:

Rebecca Smith
GPA Solutions
Accounts & Payroll Training Specialists
Tel: 095 22739: Fax: 095 22377; Text: 0871254208
www.gpasolutuions.com

Kildare singer/songwriter Luka Bloom is to release his latest album "Eleven Songs" on October 10th 2008.

This is his twelfth album, and will be released on his own label, Big Sky Records.

The album was recorded at Grouse Lodge, in County Westmeath, and musicians include Dave Hingerty (ex-The Frames), Trevor Hutchinson, Liam O’Maonlai (ex-Hothouse Flowers), Paul Smith, Cora Venus Lunny, Ken Edge, and the Gardiner St. Gospel Choir. Backing vocals are Sinead Martin and Robbie Moore.

For more information visit www.lukabloom.com

Local Fianna Fail T.D. Áine Brady has congratulated the Tidy Towns teams around Kildare as several prizes were secured in the annual Awards.

“The prizes won in Kildare are evidence of the commitment and dedication of Tidy Towns committees around the county.”

“Derrinturn won an Endeavour Award and Kill, Naas and Straffan won Bronze Medals.”

“The Tidy Towns competition demands significant time and effort from volunteers who work year around to make our towns and villages attractive places to live. Their work benefits the whole community. I would like to extend my congratulations to all of the volunteers and encourage anyone who is interested to get involved. The positive effects are plain to see and I am delighted that the hard work has received such a high level of national recognition,” concluded Deputy Brady.

A number of Kildare companies have recently received letters from a company calling themselves Internet Register Ireland.

The letter has a form attached which you are asked to use to place a chargeable order with them for a listing in their database.

If you complete and send off this form you will be liable to pay €958 for the privilege of being listed on their website, and will be committing yourself to a 3 year contract.

This company is based in Germany, and has no connection with the Irish Domain Registry.

We would recommend the bin as the best place for these letters, unless you consider €958 to be good value for listing an Irish company on a German website.

Bright Sparks Childcare Centre in Allenwood is now enrolling (Sept '08)

MONTESSORI           

Morning Session: 9.30 – 12.30                     
Afternoon Session: 1.30 – 4.30

PLAYSCHOOL          

Morning Session9.30 – 12.30

Afterschool Care Available

FULL DAYCARE AVAILABLE
7AM –7PM
3MTHS – 5 YRS

 PHONE 045 890 297 FOR DETAILS

Targeted supports are to be made available for those in receipt of Social Welfare to assist in seeking work, according to local Fianna Fail T.D. Aine Brady.

“The work environment is changing and many people are facing new challenges. The Government is to appoint additional facilitators to help those seek work to identify any training needs they might have that could positively impact on their job search.”

“Increasing training and qualifications helps to increase the employment options for those seeking work.”

“It is our goal to ensure that no member of the workforce become unemployed long-term due to a lack of qualifications or skills.”

“Facilitators are in place in Social Welfare Offices to work with FAS and other agencies to help people access training, education and development. The Facilitator will work closely with the unemployed person to ensure that every opportunity is being made available for them to maximise their employment options.”

“There are literally thousands of courses and training options available for consideration.”

“Losing a job can be a traumatic time, not only for the person who finds themselves unemployed, but also for their families. It is our goal to provide every practical support we can to ensure that the loss of a job proves to be a temporary setback. These 50 additional facilitators will increase the amount of support being provided to unemployed people,” concluded Deputy Brady.

Support is available through the North East Kildare Education Bursary.

A County Kildare man has been given a lead role in a new Irish Government initiative to ensure that victims of war and famine in Africa will have easy access to vital food and shelter, according to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, TD.

Minister Martin says that Des Page, a former Army Officer from Naas and a Director of Services with Kildare County Council, is working on the ground in Ghana where Ireland is building a depot where emergency aid will be stockpiled.

“Des is a member of the Irish Rapid Response Corps which provides vital support to people in the immediate aftermath of disasters. He is overseeing the construction of a €600,000 Irish Aid humanitarian depot in Accra, Ghana where supplies will be stockpiled to respond to humanitarian needs in West Africa.”

“During his time in the Army Des served in the Middle East and South Africa. We are fortunate to be able to draw on people of his experience to support Irish aid efforts abroad.”

“The depot which Des is managing is one of a network of humanitarian hubs being established across the globe to ensure food and shelter can be despatched immediately when disaster strikes, others are located in Dubai, Panama and Italy.

“The recent earthquake in China, the cyclone in Burma and the war in Georgia have shown us that in times of emergency speed is essential if we are to save lives on the ground. The work that Des is now undertaking will dramatically increase our ability to respond to such events on the continent of Africa.”

“This year Ireland will contribute over €120 million in response to international emergencies, in addition over 50 experts like Des are available through our Rapid Response Corps to provide vital assistance on the ground. The work which these people provide is invaluable”, concluded Minister Martin.

Where do bats live? Are they blind? What food do they eat? What are the myths about bats? How can bats help humans? What is echolocation? Do bats really suck blood?

Find the answer to all these questions and more bat related information at Newbridge Library on Wed 17th September at 7.30pm.

Newbridge Tidy Towns will host a talk by Dr Tina Aughney from Bat Conservation Ireland. Then come for a walk along the Liffey to see if you can spot some bats.

Touch Type Read and Spell computer course suitable for children with Dyslexia and other learning difficulties. Established in 1992.

The TTRS computer aided course aims to develop the literacy skills of those with reading, writing and spelling difficulties and increase their level of confidence, self-esteem and motivation. The course uses word lists based on the text book Alpha to Omega.

Classes are scheduled from September to June 2009 and cost €25 per session, at Scoil Dara, Kilcock.

For details contact Tom at 01 627 0631 or email info@maynoothcomputertraining.com

Website: www.maynoothcomputertraining.com

Pre-audition rehearsals for the Athy Musical & Dramatic Society's showing of "Oklahoma" will be starting from this Monday, the 8th of September in Ard scoil na Trionoide from 8-10pm.

The audition date is to be decided but will follow shortly after rehearsals begin.

The show itself will be taking place in Feb 09. All welcome - past members and new. 

New babies are to benefit from a new childhood immunisation schedule as recommended by Royal College of Physicians and in line with best international practice according to local Fianna Fail T.D. and Chair of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Seán Ó Feargháil.

“The new vaccines, which are free of charge from GPs to all children under the age of two years, can be administered when the babies are two months old.  The additional vaccines will protect babies against two serious diseases - Pneumococcal disease which can cause meningitis, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and pneumonia and Hepatitis B infection that affects the liver and can cause lifelong liver disease.”

“In addition to the new childhood schedule there is a pneumococcal vaccine catch up campaign for all children under two years of age. This is because pneumococcal disease is most common in this age group.”

“Parents and carers should be aware that there is plenty of information about these new vaccines available to them. The National Immunisation Office has produced information leaflets that can be found at local health offices or ordered from www.healthinfo.ie. Information is also available from the website, www.immunisation.ie.”

“These new vaccines are in line with international best practice and I would urge parents to avail of them for their babies. They will provide the best possible protection against disease. Parents and carers should consult the available information and talk to their GPs if they have any concerns or questions,” concluded Deputy Ó Feargháil.

Kildare County Enterprise Board have announced details of their Autumn 2008 Training Programme. 

The range of courses on offer will enable you to further enhance your management skills and at the same time give you the opportunity to network with other small businesses in Co Kildare. 

All courses are delivered by professional trainers to a very high standard and are heavily subsidised by Kildare County Enterprise Board.  If you would like more information on any of the courses, or any of the other services of Kildare County Enterprise Board, please call the office or visit their website at www.kildareceb.ie

The training starts in September and places are limited so early booking is advisable!

Download the Autumn 2008 Training Schedule here:

As a Word Document

As a PDF File

To enter the competition all you have to do is find the answers to three questions using Encyclopedia Britannica Online.

Kildare Library and Arts Service has launched the Encyclopedia Britannica Competition to encourage people to use the Encyclopedia online. The competition will run from 1st to 27th September 2008.

Encyclopedia Britannica Online is available through Kildare Library & Arts Service's Website and allows users to access over 118.000 articles, which are updated daily.

Encyclopedia Britannica is the oldest continuously published reference work in the english language and the printed version has always been a firm favourite. Now, as with many other reference publications, it is available in a much-expanded online version.

Library users can either enter the competition by picking up Entry Forms from Naas, Newbridge, Athy, Leixlip, Celbridge or Maynooth Libraries. There are two versions available, one for age 18 years and over and one for children over 18 years. To enter the competition all you have to do is find the answers to three questions using Encyclopedia Britannica Online.

If your answers are correct, your name will be entered into the prize draw.First prize for age 18 and over is the Encyclopedia Britannica 2008 Ultimate Reference DVD,and the second prize is the Britannica Concise Encyclopedia-single volume. First prize in the children's competition is the Children's Encyclopedia Britannica 2008 on DVD and second prize is the Britannica Learning library-single volume.

Closing date is Saturday 27th September 2008.Winners will be notified by telephone.

The Mondello Jap-Fest line-up, on September 7th, continues to grow with the announcement that the Monster Energy Drink, Motorcycle Stunt team is the latest attraction to be added to the event.

The Ball of Steel Stunt Team will bring their show to an Irish audience for the first time as part of a European tour, performing their amazing Motorcycle Stunts. As the names suggests, the show takes place inside a 14ft spherical cage with up to three riders performing at any one time inside the relatively small area. The team will perform a number of times during the day, accompanied by a high energy MC who is nearly as entertaining as the show, and the twenty minute performance is one not to be missed.

While the Ball of Steel will be one of the highlights of the paddock displays, out on track the event is also building up very quickly. Fans of Time Attack will be treated to the biggest ever entry for an Irish event with twenty four cars already on the still growing entry list. Due to the large entry, competitors will face a new challenge in qualifying as they try to find some clear track in order to set as quick a lap as possible and move themselves closer to the end of the running order for the final. With only a single lap available to each driver in the shoot out style final, running last will be a big advantage, making qualifying more important than ever.

The Mondello Jap-Fest Drag Sprint field has been limited to thirty two cars this year and those places are filling up fast with some of the quickest accelerating road cars Ireland has to offer as well as a couple of overseas visitors. The drag strip is always a popular part of Mondello shows and with limited places still available time is running out for drivers wishing to prove their ability and that of their car on the Mondello strip in front of the biggest audience of the season.

Along with the competitive sections of the show, which can only accept limited numbers, the circuit is looking for assistance with one aread where the opposite is the case. The plan to gather together the biggest ever collection of performance Subaru's in Ireland has so far received support from many Subaru owners, but we still need more. Anyone interested in taking part in this display should contact the Mondello office to be part of what will be a great occasion for all owners of this Japanese motoring icon.