County Kildare News

Mondello Park will formally announce the 2009 Mondello Masters series at the Irish Motorcycle Show in Dublin this weekend. Two of the top competitors from 2008, Alastair Seeley and Jack Kennedy, will be present on the Mondello Park stand on Sunday afternoon to launch year two of the popular Masters series.

Following on from the three race programme which was introduced last season, the Masters will this year take place over two race weekends. The short series will start with the opening Mondello bike event of the season on the weekend of the 21st and 22nd of March while the second race will then take place on October 3rd and 4th, at the final event of the season.

The 2009 Mondello Masters will once again offer riders the biggest prize fund in Irish Short Circuit racing. While mainly targeting Irish riders and teams competing on the BSB package or in the Irish Superbike Championship, the series has also attracted a number of road race specialists in the past, with thee likes of Cameron Donald, Michael Dunlop and Gary Johnson joining the circuit regulars. Along with these big names form the Irish scene the races are also open to any overseas competitor who feels they could take the fight to the locals.

The 2008 series was a whitewash for Carrickfergus racer Alastair Seeley who took the Lions share of the prize money and the bonus for winning all three races. Seeley is set to return to Mondello for the big money events in 2009 and these two races will more than likely be his only ISB appearances of the season. Also committed to a return, and to knocking Seeley off the top step will be Dubliner Jack Kennedy. Kennedy will run a Supersport machine which should be able to match Seeley’s Superbike on the Mondello National circuit where both races will take place. Running the events on the National circuit will also be a bonus for spectators as the shorter layout offers much better viewing options.

The prize fund for this season’s Masters races will once again be supplied by Mondello Park and the race organising clubs. The top prize remains at €3,000 with prize money being paid down to sixth place while new for this season will be bonus awards for pole position and fastest lap. Dunlop Tyres will also continue to supply awards to the top finishers using their rubber in each of the Masters races.

Another new feature of the 2009 Masters series will be that the main event will take place entirely on the Sunday of the two day ISB programme. Previously qualifying took place on Saturday but for 2009 qualifying will be scheduled for Sunday morning with the race remaining as the highlight of the afternoon programme complete with its grid interviews and podium presentations.

To keep fans up to date with news of the Masters series and all other events at Mondello Park the circuit have introduced a free Text and Email alert service. To find out more about the masters and to register for updates go to the Mondello Park web site www.mondellopark.ie.

Fourteen year old Simon Quinn from Naas was the star of the show at the penultimate round of the Jondol Junior Rallycross championship at Mondello Park on Sunday, as he led Daniel O’Brien’s all the way to the final corner of the ‘A’ final. A small mistake at Dunlop Corner on the last lap was enough however to rob Quinn of his first ever win, in only his second race weekend, and allow English visitor O’Brien to tie up the championship with his sixth win in row.

While the highly experienced O’Brien has dominated the Irish championship with his Mini, his less experienced challengers have closed in on him as the season progressed. Newry’s Andrew Patterson, driving a Micra, took victory in heat one while fellow Ulsterman and Micra driver, Mark Francis took heat two. Patterson’s time was quickest overall with O’Brien only seventh having finished third in his heat behind Francis. A non-finish for Quinn with the ‘Jondol’ Mini meant he would now need two very strong finishes in the remaining two runs to get himself into the ‘A’ Final.

The second round of heats saw Patterson again take top spot in heat one ahead of the Mini of Drumree’s Patrick Donoghue while pole man Padraig Leeson from Prosperous was third. In the second heat O’Brien returned to winning ways, despite huge pressure from Quinn, who finished less than a second behind with Naas youngster Sam Kinirons making it a Mini top three. O’Brien and Quinn’s times secured the top two spots in run two, with Patterson third, ahead of Kinirons and Donoghue.

The fast improving Patterson made it a hat trick of victories in the first heat of the third run. He again beat Donoghue and Leeson in to second and third but as in the second run his time was to prove only good enough for third. O’Brien again was the victor in heat two beating Quinn into second place to secure a front row starting slot in the ‘A’ Final for both drivers. Patterson’s fastest overall from the first run was good enough to put him in the centre of the front row for the final with Donoghue and Leeson making up row two.

Due to some of the qualifiers not making it to the grid the ‘B’ final was a quiet affair with just four cars on track. In the absence of pole sitter Eamonn Blake, Dundalk’s Paul McArdle took a lights-to-flag win with his Micra, to join the back of the ‘A’ Final grid. On the front row, Quinn lined up on the outside of the track determined to beat O’Brien to the first corner and this he almost achieved. As the lights changed the Naas driver got alongside his English based rival but at turn one could not get around the outside and had to slot back in to second place. As he did, Patterson tagged him, spinning the Mini around and causing a chain reaction which ended up with a red flag and Kinirons Mini out of the race with a badly damaged front end.

On the re-start Quinn got what he wanted, as he beat O’Brien into the first corner and took the lead. The ensuing battle was described by the commentators as the race of the day as the novice proceeded to hold of his more experienced rival for almost the complete five laps. Just as it looked like Quinn had done enough to upset O’Brien’s 100% record the fourteen year old got sideways under braking for Dunlop, the final corner of the lap. Although Quinn corrected his mistake like a veteran, O’Brien was now alongside, and in the resultant drag race to the line their positions swapped giving O’Brien the win by less than half a car length. Patterson followed the lead battle home at a safe distance for third, with Leeson and Francis close behind.

O’Brien’s victory gave him his first Irish championship crown and ensured that he finished the season with maximum points. With the title secured the English teenager will not contest the final round of the series in two weeks time leaving the way open for a new name to be added to the winners list. Kinirons non-finish lost him a little ground in the battle for second place, which now looks likely to be decided between Leeson and Francis.

The final round of the ‘Jondol’ Junior Rallycross championship takes place as part of the combined British and Irish Rallycross Championship event at Mondello Park on Sunday March 8th.

Incidence of litter proven to affect quality of life

National Spring Clean: Working Together – For our community

John Gormley, TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and An Taisce are today calling for volunteers from Kildare County to sign up for the 2009 National Spring Clean campaign, Ireland’s largest anti-litter initiative.

Speaking today, Minister Gormley said: “April is a very important month in Ireland’s community and environmental calendar as the National Spring Clean campaign is rolled out around the country. It encourages people to work together to create a cleaner environment and plays a vital role in improving quality of life by empowering people to take responsibility for, and have pride in, their local areas. The initiative is totally reliant on people’s willingness to give their time and energy to help to make a difference in their community”.

The National Spring Clean campaign is organised by An Taisce and funded by the Minister’s Department. In 2008, more than 450,000 people volunteered to join with other members of their community to organise clean-ups around the country where an estimated 1,596 tonnes of litter was collected and 35% of that waste was recycled. 

Patricia Oliver, National Spring Clean Chairperson said: “The National Spring Clean campaign is all about communities getting together to do something positive for their local area. Recent research carried out in the UK by ENCAMS** shows that litter in the local environment, or the lack thereof, contributes directly towards how people feel about their quality of life. Heavily littered areas can be synonymous with anti-social behaviour whereas people who judge their neighbourhoods to be largely litter free say it has a directly positive effect on their quality of life.”

The National Spring Clean campaign is sponsored by Coca-Cola Bottlers Ireland and the Wrigley Company. It is also supported by Repak who supply colour coded refuse sacks for recycling the materials collected and Killeen who sponsor the general waste sacks.  The campaign is backed by all Local Authorities who co-ordinate activity in their communities.

The objectives of the National Spring Clean Campaign are to:

• Promote personal responsibility for litter
• Improve quality of life in local communities
• Heighten awareness of litter and waste issues
• Highlight the importance of recycling and reuse
• Enhance our countryside to help stimulate tourism
• Increase participation rates in the campaign year on year

All those registering for the National Spring Clean campaign are issued with a FREE clean up kit which contains information, posters, colour coded refuse sacks for segregation of waste materials, protective gloves and tabards to keep participants clean.  An Taisce will also liaise with local authorities to ensure that all materials collected will be picked up without charge. 

To register for National Spring Clean call 01 4002220 or log on to the website at www.nationalspringclean.org

**Note: The full research report entitled “Measuring Quality of Life: Does Local Environmental Quality Matter?” is available to download or order from www.encams.org (at www.encams.org/uploads/publications/quality_of_life_report.pdf).

Actor Donal O'Kelly and and playwright Jimmy Murphy will attend  Maynooth Film for All's screening of Tom Collins’s Irish language film KINGS in JHL2, NUI Maynooth on Wednesday 4th March at 7.45pm.

WE ARE DELIGHTED that actor Donal O’Kelly who plays lead character Jap Kavanagh and playwright Jimmy Murphy will both be joining us to take part in our usual post screening discussion…….

Jimmy’s play The Kings of the Kilburn High Road was adapted as the film KINGS, and chosen as Ireland's entry for the Best Foreign Film Oscar in 2008.

Some films entertain, some thrill, some set out to shock …. others ….. well others just make you think…. contemplate what might have been.

KINGS is the story of a group of friends who immigrated to England in the late 1970s promising to return to Ireland rich and successful. Now 25 years on, only one of them is going home, Jackie - his body was found on the railway, crushed by a passing train.

It is then his friends are forced to confront the possibility it was no accident, but suicide, that they must face up to the bitter chill of truth.

KINGS is a story of a lost generation, rich in humanity and emotion, and with a heartbreaking resonance (not just for the Irish) in today's changing world.

Club membership for the remaining season of three films costs a recession-beating €15.00. Students pay €2.00 at the door with valid student card and admission for non members is €8 on the night.

Joining and full membership details for Maynooth Film for All: Film Club are available from:  Maynooth Community Library, Tel: 01 6285530 Email:
maynoothlib@kildarecoco.ie.

Kildare County Council Library & Arts Service in partnership with The Centre for Media Studies NUI Maynooth welcomes feedback and suggestions re film club programming and development contact Brenda Brady Tel: 045 448328 Email: bbrady@kildarecoco.ie

Short story, poetry & one act play competition for children and young adults.

Categories for Primary Level

Junior Primary:    Short Story & Poetry
Senior Primary:    Short Story & Poetry
Special Needs:     Short Story &Poetry

Categories for Second Level

Junior Cycle Short Story        Poetry & One Act Play
Senior Cycle Short Story       Poetry & One Act Play
Special Needs Short Story    Poetry & One Act Play

Application forms are available here or contact Athy Heritage Centre-Museum, Town Hall, Emily Square, Athy, Co. Kildare. Tel: 0598633075

e-mail: athyheritage@eircom.net

Entry Fee €1.00

Closing Date Friday 24th April 2009

New Pilates courses in Kildare Town

Beginners and Progressive classes @ Kildare town parish centre (Aras Bhride)

Mondays: 11am Mixed level - Start March 2

Tuesdays: 7pm Beginners, 8.15 Progressive - Start: March 3

Thursdays: 7pm Beginners, 8.15 Mix level - Start March 5

8-week course 108 euro,
20 euro deposit required to secure your space. (deposite non-refundable)

10% discount if doing two or more classes a week!

For details and booking call txt or email Aoife:
Tel: 045-520144 Mobile: 087-6674863
Email: pilates_kildare@mail.com

Kildare Water Safety is delighted to announce two new Water Safety sessions at the New Naas Swimming Pool , New Caragh Road , Naas.

These sessions will combine Water Safety and Surf Lifesaving.  These sessions will replace our previous sessions held on a Monday evening and Saturday morning in the Old Naas swimming Pool. . .

This session will be as follows:

Water Safety session for Seniors (Age 14+), Adults . This session will  combine: - Rescue 1,2,3,4 and Surf Lifesaving;  will start Thursday evening March 5th at 9.00pm to 10.30pm. Cost €6, (10% discount if you pay for 10 weeks upfront) Registration for this session will take place on the first night of the course approx 15 mins before the start.

Water Safety -Basic & Advanced Rescue Techniques, Stroke correction , Simple Water Safety Skills -Treading water , Surface diving, Non-contact and Contact swimming rescues, Basic Life Support.

Surf Lifesaving -Lane Swimming Coaching, Stoke correction, Use of the rescue can and tube, U/water swimming & surface diving, preparation for water safety competitions and surf events such as : Surf race ,Board race ,4x90 relay , Flags, Ironman /Iron woman, Rescue tube, Board rescue, 90mt sprint Ski, Taplin relay

Water Safety session for Juniors (Age 7 to 13) . This session will  combine: - Swims & Safety Awards  and Surf Lifesaving;  will start Saturday evening March 7th at 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Cost €6, (10% discount if you pay for 10 weeks upfront) Registration for this session will take place on the first night of the course approx 15 mins before the start.

Water Safety - Basic & Advanced Rescue Techniques, Stroke correction , Simple Water Safety Skills -Treading water , Surface diving, Non-contact and Contact swimming rescues, Basic Life Support.

Surf Lifesaving - Lane Swimming Coaching, Stoke correction, Use of the rescue can and tube, U/water swimming & surface diving, preparation for water safety competitions and surf events such as : Surf race ,Board race ,Relay , Flags, Ironman /Iron woman, Rescue tube, Board rescue, Beach sprint, Ski, Taplin relay

Juniors need to be able to swim without the aid of armbands.

Anyone can join our sessions no matter what fitness or ability level they are currently at.

Kildare Water Safety  provides the opportunity for individuals to swim recreationally (for fun and fitness), and/or for those who want to swim competitively to achieve their personal best!

Further information: email Info@kildarewatersafety.ie or ring Leo 086 8146261(after 6pm)

www.kildarewatersafety.ie 

The board of Riverbank Arts Centre wishes to recruit a new staff team:

• Arts Centre Venue Manager
• Technical Co-ordinator
• Marketing and Promotions Co-ordinator
• Front of House Co-ordinator

Riverbank Arts Centre aims to broaden access and develop new audiences for the contemporary arts through an inclusive service relevant to the needs of the local community whilst remaining sensitive to contemporary art practice.

Riverbank Arts Centre Ltd. is the management company for Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co Kildare, Ireland. The board of Riverbank Arts Centre Ltd. consists of artists, community representatives and Kildare County Council.

Closing date for applications is 5pm, Friday 13th March 2009

Visit the Riverbank Arts Centre Website for more information.

Speaking at the official opening of the all weather pitch in Woodstock Cllr Richard Daly paid tribute to the FAI and the local authority for jointly delivering this project to the community.

“On behalf of Athy Town Council and the RAPID AIT I am delighted to be present on this significant day for the development of sport in our community. Today is another good luck story in the fortunes of our town.

From the point where we stand today one can see the new swimming pool which represents an €8 million investment in the town and the locality and the Townspark Remedial Scheme where two complete blocks of houses are being restored and renovated.

We now have this €70,000 all weather pitch which will offer wonderful sporting opportunity for the young people in the locality. This has been jointly funded by the Town Council and the FAI and will benefit hundred of young people and adults.

Both the members of the Town Council and the RAPID AIT are determined to see the rebirth of Athy in all aspects both commercially and socially and the provision of this pitch advances our agenda. Through sport communities can be helped to regenerate and develop community spirit which was never more needed than in these uncertain times.

I welcome in particular John Delaney and Packie Bonner of the FAI here today and showing their interest in developing sport in our community and I thnk then on your behalf for taking the time out to visit us”

Fianna Fail TD for North Kildare, Aine Brady has expressed her disappointment at the announcement that Intel is to make 300 redundant from their Leixlip plant but has said that she is confident for the future of the plant.

“These redundancies are disappointing for workers but I am pleased that they will be voluntary and I am confident that Intel will treat the workers who choose to take redundancy well.”

“I know that these redundancies may cause concern among other workers, their families and others in north Kildare but Intel’s future looks positive in Leixlip.”

“Intel has key policies in place displaying a confidence in Leixlip and their workforce including making NUI Maynooth a global education partner and making the Leixlip plant one of two global hubs for research and development.”

“I am confident that Intel will have a long and successful future in Leixlip. The highly skilled local workforce has risen to every challenge and Intel has recognised this by making long-term plans for north Kildare,” concluded Deputy Brady.

Great news for nature! The IPCC are buying a new bog; 3.5 hectares of the Bog of Allen, known as Lodge Bog Southwest.

The bog is being bought primarily for nature conservation and the protection of an endangered habitat. Another reason for conserving bogs is that active bogs take approximately  0.7 tonnes of carbon out of the atmosphere per hectare, per year, and lock it up in the undecomposed plant remains that make up the peat. While locked in the peat, this carbon cannot contribute to climate change.

Putting it into perspective, one hectare containing 2m of peat can store approximately 8,000 tonnes of carbon. Initial research on the IPCC’s new site shows average peat depths of 7m. This means that the area stores roughly 98,000 tonnes of carbon. There’s more! The 3.5-hectare site could, when restored, will store even more carbon, 2.45 tonnes per year to be precise. A return transatlantic flight equates to around 3-4 tonnes of carbon, so could peatland restoration be used as a means of reducing our carbon footprint? “Most definitely!” says Cillian Breathnach, IPCC’s Conservation and Reserves officer.  

However, as we all know, bogs are being drained, cut and burned away at an alarming rate, releasing massive amounts of carbon to the atmosphere and further worsening climate change. David Wilson of UCD has estimated that the amount of carbon being released from Irish bogs due to these types of activities is resulting in the emission of 2.5 million tonnes of carbon to the atmosphere per year. That’s the same amount of carbon as is released by all the cars on Irish roads each year.    

The bog that the IPCC are buying adjoins the Lodge Bog Reserve. Although the area was drained for turf cutting in the past, much of the vegetation remains intact. By restoring this area the hydrological regime of Lodge Bog will be further secured, thereby helping the bog to absorb carbon from the atmosphere.

The site has great potential, as a reserve and as a research site that could form the basis of a change in peatland restoration practices in Ireland. This does have a price though…

The IPCC has launched a fundraising appeal for this project, which needs public support. The Lodge Bog South West Purchase and Restoration Project budget is €49,625 in 2009. This includes buying 3.5 hectares of land, blocking 1,975m of drains and sowing bog mosses on 0.5 hectare of bare peat. In an era of habitat loss and carbon footprints this could be your chance to give something back to nature and also clean our feet of some of that carbon that we all carry along with us. Restoration work has already begun and will continue on into the summer. It will involve everything from profiling and blocking of drains, to removal of invasive species.

“We will be using peatland restoration techniques, developed in Canada, that actually help the vital Sphagnum mosses to return to the bog. This will be the first time that this technique will be trialed in Ireland in the field.” Says Cillian.  If you would like to help with the restoration work or support the project financially, any help you give will be greatly appreciated and its effects felt far into the future.

For more information call the Irish Peatland Conservation Council on 045 – 860133 or e-mail bogs@ipcc.ie.

Mondello Park's Rallycross programme has never been as hectic as the circuit prepares for another round of the Irish championship this weekend. Following the long winter break, the first event of 2009 had to be cancelled due to snow, and competitors now find themselves finishing off their championship over an exciting three week period.

Last weekend's Rallycross went the way of Derrick Jobb who extended his lead in the series over the Coyne brothers Willie and Michael. Jobb's Supercar opposition fell by the wayside in the Division 1 'A' Final to leave his Escort and the Celica of Andrew Morris as the only Division 1 cars to make the Superfinal. On a very dry day the 4WD advantage of the Supercar's was reduced allowing the fastest six from the Modified classes to give them a run for their money in the main race of the day. In the end Jobb won easily from Michael Coyne and Willie Coyne who had a tremendous tussle throughout with Ian O'Connell's giant killing Mini and the Celica Supercar of Morris.

This Sunday Jobb will be back at Mondello hoping to tie up the championship prior to the final round in two weekends time. This would allow him to concentrate on getting in among the British championship runners in what will be the final round of the Irish championship and the opening round of the 2009 British series.

Seven Supercar's will line up at Mondello on Sunday. Most likely to trouble Jobb will be local drivers Eddie Kinirons, hoping to be back in his Focus having reverted to his older Celica last weekend, and Tommy Graham, who is set to debut his new Fiesta ST. Also Fiesta mounted will be Declan Kelly while the Morris team from Wexford will bring a Celica for Andrew Morris, Michael Morris's Subaru and the teams other Subaru for Paul Pascoe.

If the weather continues to be dry the fastest modified cars can again be expected to be in with a shout in the Superfinal with the Vauxhall's of the Coyne brothers, Ian O'Connell's Mini and Lloyd Spendlove with his Lotus the likely contenders. A dark horse in the modified classes could be European Rallycross Championship Division 2 contender Derek Tohill who will race his Euro spec Honda Civic. The usual full grid of 'Ten-Tenths.com' Stockhatch cars and the ever growing 'Jondol' Junior class will be backed up by the Rallycars to complete the line-up for what should be an excellent days racing.

Event details
Sunday February 15th
Motorsport Ireland National Rallycross Championship 08/09 Round 6
Mondello Park, Naas, County Kildare
Racing starts at 10.00
Adult admission €15, accompanied under 16s free.

TIMETABLE

09:15
Practice Commences

09:45
Practice Finishes

10:00
Heats Run 1

11:30
Heats Run 2

13:00
Lunch Break

13:30
Heats Run 3 
15:00
Finals

UK visitor Daniel O'Brien continued his domination of the 'Jondol' Junior Rallycross Championship at Mondello Park on Sunday taking his fifth 'A' Final win in succession. The English teenager's supremacy was for once threatened in the heats however, where he suffered a rare defeat at the hands of fourteen year old débutante Simon Quinn from Naas.

With O'Brien's closest rival John Quinn no longer eligible to compete in the championship due to his age, family honour was taken up by Simon Quinn in the first running of heat one. Making his first race start the younger Quinn brother stunned O'Brien by fending him off to take an incredible debut win. O'Brien had started fourth and it took him a little time to work his way up to second but once there he was unable to get the better of Quinn who defended like a veteran to take a win in his first ever car race.

The championship leader's battle through the field meant he recorded a slower than normal time, allowing heat two winner Padraig Leeson from Prosperous to take the top spot with a much faster run. Leeson had the close attention of County Down's Mark Francis throughout, but was still able to record a time four seconds quicker than O'Brien to take the maximum score from the first run. O'Brien meanwhile found himself in an uncharacteristically lowly fifth spot.

Run two saw normal service restored as O'Brien eased to a heat one win from Quinn with Meath's Patrick Donoghue next up. The pace of heat one was quick enough this time around to give O'Brien the top spot with heat two winner, Nass resident, Sam Kinirons time only good enough for fourth place overall. A fantastic four way scrap in heat two had slowed the pace of the race which Kinirons won from Leeson, Francis and Dundalk driver Paul McArdle.

Going into the final runs O'Brien needed to take top spot once more to ensure pole position for the 'A' final and this he did, leading from start to finish. Donoghue in second could not match the pace of O'Brien but was comfortable ahead of Newry newcomer Andrew Patterson and Quinn. The closeness of the second heat continued in the third runs as yet another fantastic scrap slowed the pace but provided great entertainment. Francis took the win away from Kinirons on the final lap and so close was the battle that Kinirons running slightly wide dropped him from first to fourth in the blink of an eye. Star of this race was Prosperous driver Jake Byrne, with his underpowered Suzuki Swift, who pulled off some of the best overtaking manoeuvres of the day. Once again Heat One was the fastest and its top four drivers filled the top positions for run three with heat two winner Francis down in fifth.

A six car field lined up for the 'B' final which was won by Andrew Patterson. Patterson led comfortably all the way but behind him there was plenty of action. Paul McArdle worked his way from fourth up to second courtesy of some mistakes by his rivals and he finished with a sizeable cushion to third placed Eamonn Blake. Jake Byrne again impressed as he battled his sick sounding car up to fourth after a first lap off dropped him to the back of the field.

O'Brien's heat one defeat never looked like being repeated in the 'A' final as the reigning British champion led from pole. Patrick Donoghue chased him hard in second and initially kept the English driver in his sights but as the race wore on he dropped back to finish five seconds down at the flag. Behind this Mini one-two, Padraig Leeson got the better of a Nissan Micra battle with Mark Francis, to take third. Simon Quinn's lack of experience finally got the better of him in the rough and tumble of the 'A' final as he dropped down to sixth place on the final lap to finish behind 'B' race winner Patterson.

While O'Brien sails on towards his first Irish title, his biggest rival up till this weekend made his debut in senior Rallycross competing in the Rallycar class. John Quinn jnr.. Took in his first event with a Citroen C2 rallycar and finished fourth in class, up against more powerful opposition, and then followed up by dominating the Rallycar 'B' final.

The Junior drivers now have a hectic schedule ahead of them as they will be back in Mondello next Sunday for the penultimate round of the 08/09 series. The championship then climaxes two weeks later on March 8th with the combined British and Irish championship round. Following Sunday's win O'Brien has all but sown up the 'Jondol' Junior title. The only driver who can steal it from him is Francis who would need to win both races with O'Brien failing to pick up a single point. More likely is that Francis will have a battle to fend of Kinirons, Leeson and O'Donoghue in the closely matched battle for runner up spot.

When asked about how the recession might hit Naas Racecourse, Manager Tom Ryan was very positive when explaining that Naas Racecourse offers superb hospitality packages which includes admission, racecard, reserved table in the panoramic restaurant and four-course silver service dining from €55-€60.

The Restaurant has also had a facelift of late which saw the addition of multiple plasma screen televisions, designed for those who prefer the on-screen action to the ample viewing of the action from their seat in the ‘panoramic’ restaurant. Renowned caterers O’Brien Lynch offer Racegoers a wide range of choice and extraordinary value in their Panoramic Package Menu and there is something on the wine list to suit all palettes and varying budgets. Tom Ryan acknowledged “In comparison to most of our competitors in the market, we offer racegoers a wide variety of great value hospitality packages for a fraction of the price.

We never jumped on the ‘Celtic Tiger Bandwagon’ in the first place as traditionally Naas has always been the punter’s track which serves a large community of people from all walks of life and we were always conscious of the punters perception of value for money, quality of facilities and efficient service. The reality is no matter what happens in our economy businesses will still need to entertain clients, big birthdays will continue to be celebrated and people will always require a social outlet at which to enjoy quality time with friends and family.

I believe that although this will continue at some level regardless of our economy, people will now look for good value and exceptional service which is exactly what we offer all our punters here at Naas. I couldn’t be anything but extremely positive about the future.”

The Paddy Power Cheltenham Trial Fixture is the biggest National Hunt meeting of the season at Naas Racecourse with crowds in excess of 4,500 expected to the upcoming event. This calendar feature promises to incorporate an on-track trial for Cheltenham bound contenders with an off-track Festival frenzy for punters. Racegoers can enjoy the very essence of Gloucester, The Cotswolds and the Cheltenham Festival itself in the heart of the Thoroughbred County.

Activity has been brewing over the past few months as a Cheltenham Theme was in the planning stages however, things escalated when last Saturday’s fixture at Naas Racecourse was cancelled as the track was deemed unraceable due to water-logging. Naturally the team at Naas were disappointed to lose the fixture however, they are now looking ahead to their upcoming Paddy Power Cheltenham Trial Day which is set to take place at the Woodlands Park Venue on Sunday, 22nd of February and it is full stream ahead now until D-Day.

Tom Ryan, Manager of Naas Racecourse spoke of what racegoers can expect of the exciting fixture “From the moment  you come through the turnstiles the Cheltenham theme will begin. We have integrated all the main elements of the Cheltenham Festival into the Paddy Power Day in various ways. Live music will be played before racing, menus and on-site venues will be themed with a Gloucester twist and the Paddy Power Promo Team will host giveaways on the day. We have also engaged the services of mobile gourmet food and beverage units to facilitate the crowds and there will be a selection of stalls similar to that of the festival in situ also. For racing enthusiasts and eager to learn novices, we will have celebrity MCs Keven O’Ryan of At The Races and TV3’s Denis Kirwin hosting parade ring interviews, a morning-line preview before the first race and a Cheltenham Preview throughout the day live from the Parade Ring which will be shown on our two big screens and to top it all off we will have an action packed National Hunt Card which boasts a trio of graded races”.

Admission is just €15, there is a pre-booking 20% discount for groups of 10 or more and children under 14 are free and can enjoy the playground facility at the track as well as the racing. The Panoramic Restaurant Gold Package for €60 includes admission, racecard, reserved table and silver service dining, bar and betting facilities for more information on this and all hospitality packages at Naas call 045-897391 or visit www.naasracecourse.com

A Cheltenham Shuttle Package for €25 is brought to you by Naas Racecourse in association with Go Racing with Tom Duffy. This package is available on Paddy Power Cheltenham Trial Day and includes admission, racecard and a return transfer to and from the racecourse. Service will be in operation from Kilcullen, Newbridge, Kilcock, Maynooth, Clane, Sallins, Leixslip, Lucan and Celbridge. Seats must be reserved in advance for further information about this service call 01-6292544.

It is plain to see that the planning of this event has brewing for quite a while and many resources are being put in place to ensure a Cheltenham theme Naas-Style. For a day that has been dubbed the last run out before Cheltenham it seems it is going to be quite a marathon!

The Kildare Community & Education Partnership (KCEP) have just launched a new report "LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD" in the Áras Bríde, Kildare Town.

This research is the first town-wide consultation of this size. Every household in Kildare town received a questionnaire and members of the community also took part in the interview process from interviewee to interviewer.

It was led by KCEP but made possible through the work of the steering group
( KCP, KCC, HSCL, KYS, HSE and KCEP). This project was funded by Kildare County Council, Kildare Community Partnership, Department of Social and Family Affairs and Kildare Youth Services.

The research will enable the people of Kildare town to lobby decision makers for better services.

The KCEP is a local voluntary organisation and is funded by local voluntary contributions. Its membership consists of representatives of local organisations and service provider agencies (Kildare Schools, Kildare Education Centre, Kildare County Council, Kildare Community Partnership, Kildare Parish, KARE, Vincent de Paul and Presentation Sisters,). It works in an ongoing way in partnership with all other service provider especially Kildare Youth Services and Kildare Adult Learning Centre.

For more information visit www.kcep.ie

DOWNLOAD

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!
A Report on Community Needs in Kildare Town

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT HERE (PDF, 4.14mb)

The Irish Peatland Conservation Council will once again be offering a special interest evening education course on bogs to adults in 2009. 

If you are interested in learning more about the amazing wildlife of the bog and the preserving powers of turf, why not enrol? 

The course, entitled Wet, Wild and Wonderful Bogs and Fens, begins on Tuesday 24th February and runs for six weeks.  Each two-hour session includes hands on classes and slide shows on the life in the bog and on the ways the Dutch and Irish people have worked to save the bogs. 

The course will also include a field trip on Saturday 4th April to three peatland sites in the Bog of Allen. 

Booking through the Adult Education Centre, UCD on tel 01-7167123.  Please quote HN207. Fee 210 Euro.

Click here for full details

A field of more than eighty drivers will line up for the re-scheduled first Rallycross action of the new season at Mondello Park this Sunday. The Carlow Car Club’s 2009 opener, which was cancelled last Sunday due to Snow, is round five of the 08/09 championship and has once again attracted strong entries in all classes.

Former Champion Derrick Jobb with his ageing but still impressive Escort Cosworth and local driver Eddie Kinirons with his more modern WRC Focus will be the main contenders in the Supercar class. Also on the grid will be the returning Andrew and Michael Morris driving Toyota Celica and Subaru Impreza Supercars.

The modified division continues to be the preserve of the Coyne brothers. While Michael and Willie are tied at the head of the championship points Brendan is not having such a good season and has only picked up one points scoring finish so far. Aside from their divisional success this season, the two Coyne's are also the strongest challenger to Derek Jobb in the overall championship, with Willie second overall and Michael third.

The Ten-Tenths.com Stockhatch entry despite a small reduction in numbers is still the strongest class numerically and the battle for honours is also the closest. Behind class leader Julian Godfrey there is three way tie for second place between Noel O’Brien, Michael Duke and Robert Critchley with O’Brien holding sway courtesy of him being the only driver other than Godfrey to have won an event this season.

Age restrictions in the 'Jondol' Junior championship mean that the ever improving John Quinn Jnr. can no longer take the battle to Daniel O’Brien making the UK visitor an odds-on favourite to take the title. Quinn has now graduated to the Rallycar class which should leave O’Brien to win as he pleases. Behind him the battle will be as hot as ever with Padraig Leeson, Sam Kinirons and Mark Francis likely to be the closest challengers.

As is usual with Carlow Car Club Rallycross events a strong Rallycar field has also been assembled with twelve cars split over two classes. The event gets underway with the first run of heats at 10:15 and the finals are set to start at 15:30.

Event details
Sunday February 8th
Motorsport Ireland National Rallycross Championship 08/09 Round 5
Mondello Park, Naas, County Kildare
Racing starts at 10.00
Adult admission €15, accompanied under 16s free.

TIMETABLE
 
09:15
 Practice Commences
 
09:45
 Practice Finishes
 
10:00
 Heats Run 1
 
11:30
 Heats Run 2
 
13:00
 Lunch Break
 
13:30
 Heats Run 3 
15:00
 Finals
 

Kildare North Fianna Fail TD, Áine Brady has welcomed the news that five schools in north Kildare are to receive a funding boost for extensions and reurbishments.

“Scoil Náisiúnta Áine Naofa in Ard Cloc and Scoil Ui Fhiaich in Maynooth will each get a new 16 classroom school. Scoil Bhride in Naas will get a major 8 classroom extension plus ancillary accommodation and Scoil Choca Naofa in Kilcock will get an 11 classroom extension, a general purpose room, other ancillary accommodation and refurbishment of existing accommodation.”

“I am delighted that these schools will benefit from this investment as these are schools that I have brought to the attention of the Minister for Education, Batt O Keeffe and his predecessor.”

“The amounts of funding available to the schools will not be published in a bid to keep the tendering project as competitive as possible. In these current economic times it is vital that we achieve the best value for money possible.”

“Over the last number of years the population of north Kildare has grown considerably, especially the numbers of young families. It is vital that we give these children the best start possible and the provision of high quality education is vital.”

“I know that the extensions and refurbishments of these schools will make a huge difference to pupils and teachers and enhance their learning environment.”

“I am confident that the work will progress quickly and we will all see the benefits of this investment shortly. Officials from the Department of Education will be in touch with the schools to advise them on the next steps to take.”

“I understand from the Minister that details regarding the Summer Works Scheme and a new plan to improve energy efficiency in schools will be announced shortly.”

“I know that there are other schools that are hopeful of receiving funding also including St. Mary’s National School in Maynooth and Straffan National School who both require extensions and I will continue to be in contact with the Minister O Keeffe about these schools,” concluded Deputy Brady.

Kildare County Enterprise Board are running courses to facilitate new business ideas:

• Start Your Own Business
  4 Saturdays commencing 28th Feb
  Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge
  
  OR
  
  8 Wed evenings commencing 25th Feb
  Osprey Hotel, Naas
  
  
• Redundant? What Next?
  10 Wednesday mornings commencing 4th March
  Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge
  
  
• Business Skills For Women
  6 Thursday mornings commencing 12th March
  Osprey Hotel, Naas
  

For information visit www.kildareceb.ie

Kildare County Enterprise Board have announced a programme of courses available to small businesses in Spring 2009.

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 our website.

Courses available are as follows:

• Raising Finance for Small Business €40 
• Trading in a Recession €60
• E-Business for Your Business €100
• Marketing on the Internet €60
• Marketing on a Tight Budget €30
• Closing That Sale €30
• The Self Assessment Tax System €30
• Introduction to Pricing & Costing €30
• Cashflow Management €40
• Basic Book-Keeping €60
• Sage Accounts & Payroll €80
• Redundancies – Employer / Employee Rights €25
• Employment Law €30
• Presentation Skills €30
• Time Management €30
• Debt Collection by Phone €30
• Understanding Your Accounts €30
• HACCP €90
• Occupational First Aid €90

Courses are open to all small businesses in County Kildare.

For further information on the courses, please call (045) 861707 or visit www.kildareceb.ie

Fianna Fail TD for Kildare North and member of the Oireachtas Enterprise Committee, Michael Fitzpatrick has welcomed the new supports for unemployed people in the Government’s Framework for Stabilisation, Social Solidarity and Economic Renewal.

“In the Government’s Framework, I was pleased that there was a focus on those who have lost their jobs in recent times.”

“This Government is refocusing on labour intensive projects to help people to get back to work and stimulate the economy.”

“An additional 51,000 training places will be created for newly unemployed people to assist them to retrain and up-skill to increase their opportunities to find work.”

“The number of people who can qualify for the job search programme will be doubled.”

“There is a new programme to assist apprentices to complete their training with the opportunity to complete the on-the-job phase of their apprenticeship in order to gain the required experience to progress to the next off-the-job phase or to complete their apprenticeship.”

“These are difficult economic times and families around Kildare are experiencing challenges. There are no easy solutions and the Government has had to make tough decisions that reflect the gravity of the situation. I am confident that these measures will help to enable those who have lost their jobs to take full advantage of any employment opportunities,” concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.

Bord na nÓg Cill Dara will proudly host the All-Ireland Féile Peil na nÓg this year.  This wonderful festival of Gaelic Football for Boys' and Girls' under-14 teams will take place in GAA venues throughout Kildare over the weekend of the 3rd, 4th, 5th July, 2009.

The festival will commence on Friday 3rd July with games involving 160 teams from all over Ireland, including teams from UK, Europe and USA.  Later that evening all teams, their mentors, families and supporters will meet in St. Conleth's Park, Newbridge for what promises to be a memorable Opening Ceremony.  This will be followed by a spectacular parade through Newbridge. 

Saturday's games throughout Kildare will culminate with semi-finals followed by local entertainment. 

Sunday 5th July is Féile Chill Dara finals day in St. Conleth's Park.

For more information visit www.feilechilldara2009.ie

A field of more than eighty drivers will line up for the first Rallycross action of the new season at Mondello Park this Sunday. The Carlow Car Club’s 2009 opener, which is round five of the 08/09 championship has attracted a better than expected entry with seven Rallycross Supercars expected to line out and strong entries in all classes.

Late entries for Derek Jobb and Kyle Orr have boosted the quality and quantity of the Supercar field to its highest level since the opening round of the championship back in October. Local driver Eddie Kinirons and young gun Kyle Orr with their WRC Focus’s will be the main opposition for former champion Jobb whose ageing Escort is still the class of the field. Also on the grid will be the returning Andrew and Michael Morris driving Celica and Impreza Supercars and Paul Pascoe with the other ex Morris Subaru.

The modified division continues to be the preserve of the Coyne brothers. While Michael and Willie are tied at the head of the championship points Brendan is not having such a good season and has only picked up one points scoring finish so far. Aside from their divisional success this season, the two Coyne's are also the strongest challenger to Derek Jobb in the overall championship, with Willie second overall and Michael third.

The Ten-Tenths.com Stockhatch entry despite a small reduction in numbers is still the strongest class numerically and the battle for honours is also the closest. Behind class leader Julian Godfrey there is three way tie for second place between Noel O’Brien, Michael Duke and Robert Critchley with O’Brien holding sway courtesy of him being the only driver other than Godfrey to have won an event this season.

Age restrictions in the Jondol Junior championship mean that the ever improving John Quinn Jnr. can no longer take the battle to Daniel O’Brien making the UK visitor an odds-on favourite to take the title. Quinn has now graduated to the Rallycar class which should leave O’Brien to win as he pleases. Behind him the battle will be as hot as ever with Padraig Leeson, Sam Kinirons and Mark Francis likely to be the closest challengers.

As is usual with Carlow Car Club Rallycross events a strong Rallycar field ahs also been assembled with twelve cars split over two classes. The event gets underway with the first run of heats at 10:15 and the finals are set to start at 15:30.

Event details

Sunday February 8th
Motorsport Ireland National Rallycross Championship 08/09 Round 5
Mondello Park, Naas, County Kildare
Racing starts at 10.00
Adult admission €15, accompanied under 16s free.

TIMETABLE
 
09:15  Practice Commences
 
09:45  Practice Finishes
 
10:00  Heats Run 1
 
11:30  Heats Run 2
 
13:00  Lunch Break
 
13:30  Heats Run 3 

15:00  Finals
 

The Fianna Fáil candidates for Naas Area, Kildare County Council were announced this week as James Lawless and Cllr. Willie Callaghan.

James is 32 years of age and is well known as an activist on residents and community issues and also commuter campaigns where he is a spokesperson with the Naas and Sallins rail users group. A Trinity graduate, James works in IT and project management and is married with a young family. His priorities include public transport, a cleaner local environment, better planning and better public amenities. Further information is available on James website at www.jameslawless.ie or he is contactable on 086 834 8869.

Cllr. Willie Callaghan was elected to Kildare County Council in 2004 and has been a member of Naas Town Council for the past 15 yrs. He was the first Mayor of Naas and has worked hard for the people of Naas over the years.

Local Fianna Fail TD, Sean Ó Fearghail has confirmed that three community groups in Kildare are to benefit from funding under the Government’s Programme of Grants for Community and Voluntary Organisations.

The funding was sanctioned by his colleague John Curran TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Community Affairs and the National Drugs Strategy at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

“The Curragh Youth Project will receive €15,320 for the development of a dance studio and multimedia area and refurbishment of their centre. The University of Third Age will receive €1,500 for training and various classes including creative writing, crafts and drama classes. Network Kildare will get €10,000 to run a monthly women’s study circle and Athy Travellers Support Group will get €2,500 for training with computers, digital photography and knitting machines.”

“This Programme of Grants is designed to improve the quality of facilities and services offered by community and voluntary organisations by grant aiding essential works, fitting out and ensuring organisations in the sector have the required skills and knowledge to manage in an increasing complex environment.”

“This funding allocation is further evidence of the Government’s commitment to supporting community-based organisations as they strive to provide better facilities and opportunities for the people they serve. I would like to commend all at the benefiting groups for their hard work and dedication,” concluded Deputy Ó Feargháil.

Fianna Fail TD for Kildare North, Áine Brady has welcomed the news that Kildare County Council is to receive €24,578,264 in funding for regional and local roads.

“Just over €9.6 million will be allocated towards maintenance, restoration, improvement and safety.”

“Over €2.6 million will be allocated towards specific improvement grants including €347,000 for the R407 Sallins to Clane road.”

“Additional strategic grants will include over €2 million for the Clane Kilcock improvement scheme which will work on the stretch of road from 800m south of the M4 to 3200m south of the M4.”

“The Naas Ring Road encompassing the Newbridge Road to Kilcullen Road to Craddockstown Road will get almost €3.7 million and the Enfield – Edenderry improvement scheme will get €5 million.”

“This represents significant investment into the regional and local roads in Kildare. This funding is especially important for those living in rural areas as improvements to these local roads serve to increase safety of travellers,” concluded Deputy Brady.

 Ladbrokes Bookmakers and Punchestown Racecourse have announced details of a major sponsorship deal and commercial arrangement. Ladbrokes will guarantee sponsorship of the Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle over a three year period.

As part of the agreement, Ladbrokes will operate the on-course betting shop at Punchestown and provide significant marketing support to the home of Irish National Hunt Racing.

Following on from their successful sponsorship of the Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle last year, Ladbrokes have signed a three year agreement which ensures that the race will be worth a minimum of €200,000 for each of the next three renewals.

Ladbrokes have installed English trainer Nicky Henderson's horse "Punchestowns" as favourite for the race.

The five day Punchestown Festival this year runs from Tuesday 28th April to Saturday 2nd May.

Come and get involved with your local community.

A parade is being planned for Kilcock this year and we look forward to the support of all local businesses, schools, clubs and voluntary groups.

The entry fees are above and are needed to cover the costs of Insurance, prize money, sound systems and music. 

We were kindly supported by Kildare County Council and appreciate any help offered. Always a great atmosphere and a great opportunity to promote yourself and your business.

Please feel free to contact any member of committee or maybe join in, meetings every Monday night at 8pm in Kilcock GAA. 

Information: Caroline Hamilton (Sec) 087 2312455

A Computer Literacy course 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.

A limited number of spaces now available.

Classes now running in Kilcock and Naas

Contact Tom on 01 6270631

Or Email info@maynoothcomputertraining.com 

Kildare based rock band Reemo are just about to release their first single from their upcoming album 'Colours'. Sometimes is due to hit the shelves and radios nationwide from 20th feb 2009, with the launch show kicking off in The Sugar Club in Leeson street, Dublin 2 at 8pm on Saturday 21st Febuary 2009...

In the few years since forming, Reemo have made significant inroads into the music industry. The past two years has seen the band rise through the echelons of the Irish rock scene with the release of their top 40 charting singles "Who you are/Line" and "Rushin Man" which were both play listed and received extensive airplay on national and local radio throughout the country. Now it's time for the release of their Debut Album 'Colours'. 

'Colours' is a mature, energetic collection, that bristles with fun, whilst encapsulating the trials and tribulations of life. It captures the mind and gives us a new view on the rock genre with melodic songs driven by dance beats and memorable hooks that stick in your head.'Colours' is released in may 2009 and shall be preceded by the single 'Sometimes' on the 21st of Febuary 2009 released on Reekus Records.

Some recent achievements for Reemo include:

• Featured on Irelands TG4's 'Deis Roic' television show
• Short listed for the City Showcase Music festival in London
• Short listed for the NXNW (North by North West) Music festival in Canada
• Short listed for the prestigious NEMO Music festival in Boston
• Winners of title of 'Best International band' at the New York International Music Festival
• Finalist for the Irish National Student Music Awards 2006 + 2007
• Singles 'Who you are / Line' and 'Rushin' man' charting for 10 weeks in the IRMA Charts
• Headlining to sold out clubs and venues around the country such as Whelan's / Cuba / Cypress avenue and many more.
• Winners of Hotpress competitions.
• Supporting Aslan and Noel Gallagher's side project Tailgunner as part of their respective Irish tours.