County Kildare News

Fit kids summer camp at Naas Leisure Centre.

Activities include martial arts, hip hop classes, life saving techniques, swimming, kiddie’s circuits, cardio kick box and many more.

Age groups 5-8 years and 9-12 years from

10.30am-2.30pm starting July 2009.

Fit teens club is also starting July 2009 for

13-15 years from 2.30pm-4.30pm with activities such as spin, total body circuit, martial arts and many more.

For more information on both summer camps contact 045881655 or email cilla@kildareleisure.ie

Athy Leisure Centre is also running a summer camp for July 2009.
Age groups 5-8 years and 9-12 years.

Activities include snorkeling, martial arts, cardio kick box and many more.

For more information contact John or Ber on

059 8641522 or email athy@kildareleisure.ie

Mini's were the theme at the Irish Museum of Modern Art for the Launch of 'Classic Car Live', which takes place on Sunday June 14th at Mondello Park, Co Kildare. The show will feature a celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the ‘Mini’ and for the launch a display of Mini cars was joined by Models in Mini dresses in keeping with the fashion of the 1960’s, the heyday of this iconic British car.

‘Classic Car Live’ took the Irish Classic Car scene by storm in 2008 as the first ever Irish event to combine both static and active displays of Classic Cars as part of a day of track activity which also included Classic Car race demonstrations. The show is already building into the most anticipated show of the busy Irish Classic Car calendar and with the backing of Ireland’s only dedicated Classic Car publication ‘Irish Vintage Scene’, and the IVVCC, the umbrella group for classic car motoring in Ireland, it looks set to grow and grow.

This year’s show will feature two anniversaries, with the Mini’s 50th birthday celebrations being one of the centre pieces of the show. This section of the show is been organised with the help of the Irish Mini Owners Club and will be the main celebration of Minis in Ireland this year. More than 100 Mini’s are expected to attend and the display will be completed by parade laps which will see the largest ever collection of Mini’s on track at the one time. The other birthday celebration will be for the Ford Capri, which reaches forty this year, and once again a large static display of cars will be topped off by parade laps.

Once again in 2009 the on-track activities which make ‘Classic Car Live’ unique will be a major attraction for show visitors. Along with the parade laps, which will allow spectators see some of their favourite classic and exotic cars in motion, there will be higher speed sessions for drivers with classic performance cars and demonstration races for historic racing cars in two categories, pre 1979 and pre 1955. For fans of historic racing cars the Mondello Park Motorsport Museum will also be open to all visitors free of charge.

As with last year a huge number of classic car clubs, individual owners and trade exhibitors are expected to take advantage of Mondello Park’s unique features and help bring the number of cars on display to over 1000. With exhibitors used to shows taking place at temporary venues, the large tarmac display areas, covered trade stand facilities, spectator grandstand, and resident classic race car collection, make the County Kildare track the top location for an event such as ‘Classic Car Live’.

Bookings for Display areas, trade stands and track sessions are now open and with such a popular and busy show spaces should fill even quicker than 2008’s sell out event. For show information and booking details, please contact Mondello Park on +353-45-860200, email classiclive@mondellopark.ie or see www.mondellopark.ie. Alternatively, to be kept up to date with news about the 2009 Classic Car Live show you can register for free email and text alerts at www.mondellopark.ie/alerts

Brannockstown Baptist Church presents its Annual Summer Bible Camp:

Monday 6th July - Friday 10th July, 10am - 3pm

Ages: 6-12 years

Cost: €30 per child for the week; Children to bring their packed lunch.

Booking forms and information on our website at www.BrannockstownBaptist.ie and click on "Kids Camp".

You may also ring Deirdre at 087 2809917 or Mark at 086 2531602.

2009 RARE BOOKS FAIR, CLASSIC CARS, and FREE GUIDED WALKING TOUR
KILDARE TOWN

Sunday 31st May

The fourth County Kildare Book Fair will take place on Sunday afternoon, the 31st May in Kildare Town. This will be an opportunity for those interested in history and heritage as well as the general population who are interested in books and reading in general to visit a Rare Books Fair outside of Dublin. It is being organised by the Kildare Collections and Research Services, Kildare County Library and Arts Service in conjunction with Kildare Town Heritage Centre, Kildare Parish Centre, Kildare County Council, the Kildare Classic Car Association and Lyonshill Books. According to Local Studies Librarian, Mario Corrigan, "there is an enormous interest in Dublin and other areas in this sort of event and after the success of the first three County Kildare Book Fairs 2006 - 2008 we in County Kildare are looking forward to the event. It is an ideal opportunity also for anyone who has not yet visited the Kildare Retail Outlet Village to come to the town and see what is on offer."

The main event is free and open to all and will allow people to browse the books on offer in The Kildare Parish Centre. "The idea is to encourage people to walk through Kildare Town, visit Kildare Cathedral and thoroughly enjoy the day," said Mario Corrigan who has published a Sli na Slainte and Heritage Trail of Kildare Town and is anxious that people enjoy the experience that Kildare, the Heritage Town has to offer. This year there will also be the added attraction of a free Walking Tour of Kildare Town at 1 p.m.

Eddie Murphy of Lyonshill Books is delighted to be able to add County Kildare to a growing list of Book Fairs that he and his colleagues have orchestrated. "It is an immensely pleasurable experience, whereby people can browse the stalls and hopefully with this new initiative in Kildare Town take in some of the rich heritage of such an historic setting - maybe pause in the local shops or the local cafes and pubs for a coffee and even visit the Outlet Village for a unique shopping experience. We do hope this year proves to be as successful as last year when we had a great turn out," said Mr. Murphy.

So why not take an afternoon break on Sunday 31st May and come to Kildare Town to the County's Rare Books Fair - maybe in search of a unique gift or just to amble through the historic streets and enjoy the experience. Why not enjoy the unique shopping experience that is ‘Kildare Retail Outlet Village,’ and Kildare Town Heritage Centre has a host of collectibles and gift ideas to wet your appetite.

The Kildare Classic and Vintage Car Association will be on-hand as Sunday 31st May is the date for their annual Gordon Bennett Commemorative Rally and the cars will be parked on the Market Square during the afternoon – most of the cars arriving around 3 pm. All in all it is an ideal day out.

THOUSANDS OF BOOKS, RARE, ANTIQUARIAN AND LOTS OF BARGAINS - FREE VALUATIONS !!!

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Aine Brady TD, has been informed by her Government colleague , the Minister for Housing, Michael Finneran TD, that his Department has approved funding of €7.4million for a housing project (Nas Na Riogh) at Old Convent, Sallins Road, Naas, Co. Kildare.

'The funding is in respect of the provision of 53 units of accommodation under the Department's Capital Assistance Scheme for voluntary housing projects and will make a significant contribution in meeting the needs of older people in Naas and the surrounding area.'

'The accommodation units are being provided by Nás Na Ríogh Voluntary Housing Association, in cooperation with Kildare County Council.' stated Minister Brady.

'I want to compliment all those involved, in particular Margharita Solon and the Voluntary Housing Association Committee, who worked together with Kildare Co Co, Local Public Representatives, Department Officials, the Sisters of Mercy and the local community , in bringing this project to this stage.'

'This is a substantial investment by Government and an investment that will bring about significant community gain.' concluded Minister Brady.

2nd June - Kilcullen Community Centre

4.30 - 8.30pm

Recruitment for the bone marrow registry at this clinic.

9th June Kilcock GAA Sports Centre

4:30pm - 8:30pm

25th June St. Raphaels, Clane Road, Celbridge

3:00pm - 5:00pm

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Donor Infoline: 1850 731 137

Aspiring and established writers to have their say.

Would you like to give a spoken voice to the ideas you commit to paper, share your poetry, tell your stories? If so why not come along to the open mic in Johnson’s (The Liffey Arms) pub in Newbridge on Wednesday 10 June at 8 pm.

This event is hosted by Clane writers and organised by Marie Gallagher who lives in Newbridge. The event will be run on a first come first served basis so get there early and get your name down to read. Everyone is welcome, most especially anyone young or old who would like to read from their own work.

    ‘It’s a great opportunity for writers who work for the most part alone to share their work with others,’ said Marie Gallagher.

     ‘We’d love to hear from new people who are writing and would like to share their work as well as more established writers,’ said Rita Crampton of Clane writers who is doing MC on the night. 

     ‘One of our members read from her work at an open mic we attended in Longford and was approached afterwards by a Dublin agency to submit the piece to an anthology ‘Census’ which was published last November by the Seven Towers Agency.’

So come along enjoy the readings and you never know what might happen!

For any further information contact Marie Gallagher at 087-9378802

Launch and Photo Call: Thurs May 28th: Museum of Modern Art, Kilmainham

CLASSIC CAR LIVE - SUNDAY JUNE 14th 2009

Featuring 50 Years of the MINI

Mondello Park will launch its unique Classic Car Show, 'Classic Car Live', at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Kilmainham with a photo call on Thursday 28th of May at 11:30.

This year the event will feature a celebration of 50 years of the MINI alongside its usual mixture of Classic Car Displays, Live Track Action and parade laps. The Unique show is the only Irish Classic Car event which brings the beauty of Classic and Vintage cars to life with its mixture of static and active displays.

The Photo opportunity will bring together models dressed in the the style of the sixties with the iconic car of the same decade under the 'Mini' theme, and will take place in the fantastic setting of the former Royal Hospital. A number of other vehicles representing the variety of the 'Classic Car Live' show will also be on display at Thursday's launch.

For information contact Fergus Brennan on,
Phone: 045-8782120
Mobile: 087-2931596
Email: fbrennan@mondellopark.ie

In these tough times it is imperative that employees have the sufficient tools and skills required to get the job done well. It is vital to invest time and energy in your employees as this helps them to feel valued, secure and challenged.
 
Motivated, enthusiastic employees are more effective, productive, take less time off and are more likely to stay with your company. This results in better productivity with higher customer satisfaction levels and ultimately a better impact on your bottom line.

The best way to motivate employees in tough times is to communicate with them. Keep staff informed, listen to them, share the company goals and let people know what they can do to help achieve such goals. Give as much assurance as possible and be honest.

Encourage a team environment by involving your staff as much as possible, seek their input and listen openly to ideas. Hold team building exercises and deliver team feedback sessions. Build a culture in which your people co-operate to beat the competition rather than fight amongst themselves. A team effort will bring your staff together and create a positive atmosphere in the work place.

Remember the importance of recognising a job well done – look for opportunities to give positive feedback regularly. Encourage, Encourage, Encourage.

For further information please contact the Clark Team on 045 881888 or email info@clarkrecruitment.ie

Again installed as 5/2 favourite by the sponsors.

The David Wachman trained performer is one of 16 fillies declared for the Group 1 race.  English 1000 Guineas runner up Cuis Ghaire is 4/1, while Super Sleuth, third in same race, is 9/2.  The Mick Channon trained Lahaleeb is 8/1, Dance Pass 12/1,  while Chintz and Luminous Eyes are 14/1 while it is 20/1 bar. Five will go to post for the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup also on Sunday including multiple Group 1 winner Lush Lashes, together with Famous Name, Casual Conquest and the Aidan OBrien trained Thewayyouare.

Delegator continues to be favourite for the Boylesports.com Irish 2000 Guineas on Saturday, Leon Blanche, Head of Public Relations, commented,

At the moment, Mastercraftsman is the 2^nd favourite at 9/4 but that price is coming under pressure all the time. Many punters are putting their faith in Aiden OBrien winning his 9th Irish Classic in a row. I envisage Mastercraftsman being at least 2/1 joint favourite by tomorrow morning if not slight favourite ahead of Delegator.

DELEGATOR tops the list of nine declared runners for Saturday’s Group 1 Boylesports.com Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh. The Brian Meehan colt bids to go one better following his one and a half lengths second to See The Stars in the English equivalent and is again opposed by the fifth home there Mastercraftsman.

The latter is one of four Aidan O’Brien-trained runners along with Drumbeat, Hail Caesar and Viceroy Of India and is likely to be the mount of stable number one rider Johnny Murtagh. Mastercraftsman was not beaten far by Delegator at Newmarket after meeting trouble in running and connections will be optimistic that their charge can get a lot closer to the likely favourite on this occasion.

Rayeni, unbeaten in two runs as a juvenile, makes his seasonal debut on Saturday. Trainer John Oxx is bullish about his chances and feels that the likely testing conditions will suit the colt. Recharge, winner of a Guineas trial at Leopardstown in March on his seasonal debut, represents Kevin Prendergast, who holds the son of Cape Cross in high regard. On Leopardstown running, Recharge holds Hail Caesar which finished over five lengths behind him in fourth place.

Soul City is the other British-trained challenger in the line up. Richard Hannon’s colt has always been held in high regard by connections and the stable could not be in better form. Fergus McIver completes the line up. Jim Bolger’s charge has been a model of consistency this season, and with race fitness guaranteed, could prove a bit of each-way value. The ground at the Curragh is currently heavy.

The new Mondello Park Car Track Day format will have its second airing on the June 1st Open Day.

The new format sees an open pit lane used for all bar the first run of the morning and afternoon sessions. The initial run for all drivers is split into two groups after which drivers are free to come and go as they please. This format provides more track time for all drivers, particularly those sharing the one car, and therefore represents better value for money.

Due to the open pit lane, the number of spaces available has been reduced, making advance booking essential in order to avoid disappointment. New track day participants are always welcome and all new intending drivers must register themselves and their cars with Mondello Park prior to booking.

Prices for the new format remain the same at: Morning €150.00 - Afternoon €200.00 - Full Day €300.00.

To book or register contact Jenny on 045-860200 or jsenior@mondellopark.ie

Brannockstown Baptist Church Sunday Worship at 11am Starting 7 June

Brannockstown Baptist Church is moving their Sunday service start time to 11:00am beginning on 7th June.

The move from the 11:30am start time is to accommodate a time of fellowship afterwards. All are very welcome to attend and stay for some tea.

During the week, on the first and third Thursday night of the month we hold a Guided Prayer Meeting. On the second and fourth Thursday night we hold a Bible Study.

Both sets of events start at 8:00pm and are held in the small building behind the church.

For more information, please visit our website at http://www.brannockstownbaptist.ie or ring 045 420 811.

Kildare firm, Pedreschi Electrical & Alarms, has been named a Regional Winner at the inaugural Registered Electrical Contractors of Ireland (RECI) Awards ceremony, Friday, 20th March at which RTE celebrity Duncan Stewart presented the award.

The RECI Awards are supported by Hibernian Aviva and Arachas Corporate Brokers and represents Ireland's largest initiative to promote electrical safety. It recognizes 'bright sparks' in the electrical contracting industry like Kildare's Pedreschi Electrical & Alarms and encourages higher standards throughout the sector.

Having been selected from all the entrants in the Dublin region, Pedreschi Electrical & Alarms was awarded for its industry expertise and commitment to electrical safety. Commenting on the big win, Dubliner Daniel Pedreschi, said: "It is a great honour to be named Regional Winner and to be recognized by my industry peers. I am so grateful for this accolade and hope that other electrical contractors in Kildare and Dublin are motivated by the RECI awards to improve their standards of electrical safety".

Commenting on the RECI awards and Pedreschi's win, Michael Garvey of Hibernian Aviva said, "There were so many excellent entries from Dublin and Kildare for the RECI awards and it was great to see electrical contracting firms in the area working hard to improve electrical safety standards in the industry. At Hibernian Aviva we recognize the efforts made by all the entrants in the RECI awards and congratulate Pedreschi Electrical & Alarms on their win. The awards have truly showcased his expertise and commitment to electrical safety".

Also commenting on the RECI Awards, Guy Percival, Director, Arachas Corporate Brokers said, "Arachas is delighted to be involved in the RECI awards and we congratulate Pedreschi Electrical & Alarms on its success. The firm exemplifies dedication to excellence and high standards and is a great reward to all his hard work".

David McGloughlin, RECI General Manager further commented on the awards and said: "The RECI awards have proven to be a great success. Electrical contractors from all over the country entered the awards scheme revealing a healthy electrical contracting industry in Ireland. It is our hope at RECI that this award scheme raises awareness among consumers across the country of the importance of using only fully-registered, competent and certified electrical contractors to carry out all electrical installations".

Daniel Pedreschi from Pedreschi Electrical & Alarms Limited, Domestic winner, Dublin region in the RECI Awards 2009 is presented with his award by from l to r, John McCann, Arachas, David McGloughlin, RECI general manager and Michael Brennan, Hibernian Aviva assessor. Pic: Damien Eagers

The Mondello Park organised Irish Time-Attack championship reaches its half way point this Sunday with the running of Round 3. The third event of the 2009 championship for modified road cars will provide the competitive track action, on a day when the remainder of the programme will be given over to Drifting Practice and a large crowd is expected once again.

Sunday's event sees the Time-Attack entry list grow for the second round in a row, with more than twenty cars already in with five days left to the event. The Pro Championship has seen two different winners so far this season and reigning champion Brian Sexton, with a third and a second place finish, is currently the highest point’s scorer, ahead of 2008 runner-up Martin Tracey and joint third place holders Philip Burdock and Brendan Stone.

Each driver is allowed to drop their worst score of the season and taking dropped scores into account leaves round two winner Robbie Thornton, who failed to score at round one, on the top of the list as the only driver to take a win and the bonus point for fastest time of the day. Round One winner Burdock currently sits in second with Sexton and Tracey joint third.

Competition in the Club Championship is hotting up with four drivers regularly battling it out at the head of the field and producing lap times way ahead of last years Club results. Neil Dunne and Keith Quille have traded fastest times throughout both previous events, but on both occasions Dunne has come out on top in the final. Dunne leads the championship jointly with Quille thanks to Quille picking up the fastest lap bonus at each event. Lying third and fourth are impressive newcomer Jason Carolan and one of the quickest drivers in the class Dean Reilly who could only manage third place on his single outing so far. The new 1600cc class added quite a few entries at the last event and once again this is where the real growth is with at least another three newcomers expected to join the championship on Sunday.

Sunday’s timetable sees the Time-Attack racers on track for morning practice followed by two qualifying sessions. These timed sessions will take on an extra importance for Round 3, the final of which will be run as a single lap shoot out, as they will decide the running order for the finals. Two finals will be run with the Club drivers going first starting with the slowest qualifier and running through to the fastest. The Pro cars will then go through the same procedure with the fastest driver from qualifying last to go. Each driver will have just one warm-up lap before they get their single shot at setting a time and with the pressure on the result should be even harder to predict than ever.

The rest of Sunday’s busy timetable will be filled with the latest Mondello Park phenomenon, Drifting Practice. In only its third event this new addition to the circuits’ offering has gone from two sessions of less than twenty cars each, to three full twenty car groups and a reserve list. Drifting practice allows drivers a chance to get more drifting experience under their belts than they would achieve in a full season of competition and has become popular with both the competition and amateur drifter alike. The sessions run laps of a shortened version of the Mondello Park National Circuit which offers a flowing layout ideally suited to drifting and provides spectacular non-stop drifting action which is very popular with spectators.

Sunday’s event gets underway at 9:30 with the first round of drifting sessions which will be followed by Time-Attack practice. Drifting and Time-Attack will then alternate on track throughout the day and will finish with the Time-Attack final and Prizegiving before the drifters round out the track action with their final run of the day.

Sunday May 31st is the latest weekend date to be added to the Mondello Park Motorcycle Track Day calendar, and this full day event will be open to all bikes. The first weekend date, on May 3rd, filled up quickly and this additional date is expected to be just as popular, so early booking is advised.

As with the previous Sunday event the day will run on the National Circuit and prices will be reduced to; Half Day Morning €80, Half Day Afternoon €95 and Full Day €150. Normal track day rules will apply along with the usual group sizes.

Bookings are now being taken, contact Jenny on +353-45-860200 or email jsenior@mondellopark.ie.

For further information on Mondello Park track days and all of the rules and regulations see HERE.

Kildare Local Authorities is launching a radio campaign on KFM to raise awareness about biodiversity in Kildare during May to coincide with International Biodiversity Day on 22nd May.

“Biodiversity means nature and wildlife and the relationships between species. It is the life support system for society”, says Bridget Loughlin, Heritage Officer of Kildare County Council. “It gives us food, clothing, medicine, housing, tourism and supports our economy. But we are losing it because of pollution, over-development, the destruction of habitats and now, climate change.”

Biodiversity is the variety of all living things and the connection between them. Other words to describe it are nature and natural heritage. In Kildare, our biodiversity includes people, our rivers, peatlands, hedgerows, soils, bats, butterflies, salmon and much more. Even horseracing in Kildare has an intimate connection with biodiversity since the grassland at the Curragh is also home to several rare fungi and to wintering birds like the golden plover.

The awareness campaign will focus on four themes; what is biodiversity and why it’s important;  protected species and habitats in the county; alien invaders or invasive species which are threatening native species; and the potential impact of climate change on biodiversity.

Biodiversity Day is May 22nd, go on, get out and enjoy it. Sponsored by Kildare Local Authorities, the Kildare Heritage Forum and the Heritage Council.

Contact the Kildare County Council Heritage Officer, Bridget Loughlin on 045 980791 or at Bloughlin@kildarecoco.ie for more information.

The Bog of Allen Nature Centre will be holding a number of events throughout Biodiveristy Week, 17th-24th May 2009. 

The events start on Monday 18th when the Bog of Allen Nature Centre will be offering free entry into the peatland museum and wildlife gardens. If you want to learn a little about the wet, wild & wonderful bogs of Ireland come along between 10am-4pm. 

On Tuesday 19th at 7pm the centre will be the venue for the first in a series of lectures running throughout the summer months on Kildares Natural Heritage.  The talk will be followed by a guided walk of Lodge bog. 

Sunday 24th May the centre will hold its Biodiversity Show.  This event is free to everyone and all are welcome to attend. 

• Jesmond Harding, a butterfly expert will give a talk on Irish butterflies and lead a walk to Lullymore West where participants can find the rare Marsh Fritillary butterfly breeding. 


• A guided tour of the wildlife gardens at the centre will give gardeners tips on how to garden with wildife in mind. 


• Especially for young visitors an interactive challenge will be available all day where children can identify freshwater invertebrates & learn the lifecycle of the common frog to name two of the activities. 


• Also on display will be the artwork of local school children who have drawn and painted Kildare’s Widlife. 

Martial arts classes for self defence

Bujinkan Naas are running a beginners class, teaching the basics of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, a time proven martial art for practical self defence.

Classes take place at Naas Sports Centre.

If you would like to join, please use the contact details below.

Participants must be 16 years old or over.

Further information:

Chief Instructor: 086 8201800

Email: adamwest@eircom.net

www.freewebs.com/bujinkannijidojo/

Kildare Collections and Research Services incorporates the threerelated departments of Local Studies, Genealogy and Archives withinKildare Library and Arts Services.

Part of its remit has become the publication of primary and secondary material on the Internet (details and resources at www.kildare.ie/library), to encourage people to engage in local history and genealogy as well as increasing accessibility to the fabulous Irish, Local and Archival collections in Kildare County Library.

It is hoped that material such as this will prove to be an invaluable resource for local historians, researchers, third level students, school children and anyone interested in the rich and varied history of the County of Kildare.

To add to the material already on the County Library website relating to the1798 Rebellion, The Great Famine etc. we are now pleased to uploadresearch material relating to World War I and Co. Kildare, mostlygleaned from the local newspapers, The Leinster Leader and The Kildare Observer and sources in the National Library of Ireland.

Co. Kildare and The First World War

The following meetings of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland are taking place this week:

Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Kildare Branch Annual AGM

Tuesday 12th May @ 8pm, Lumville House, The Curragh, Kildare

 

Alzheimer Society of Ireland Support Group Meeting

Thursday 14th May @ 8pm, in The Day Care Centre, Monasterevin, Kildare

All Welcome

Further information is available from Mary Bolger, Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Athy on Tel No: (059) 863 2906 and Email: asiathy@alzheimer.ie.

Local Fianna Fail TD, Michael Fitzpatrick has welcomed the official opening of the Hazelhatch train station by the Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey.

“I was delighted to welcome Minister Dempsey to Kildare to open the station.”

“This up-grading of the Hazelhatch station is great news for the commuters of the north Kildare area. It is now possible to travel to Heuston Station in 15 minutes.”

“As part of the up-grading of the facilities at the Hazelhatch station, additional car parking spaces will hopefully encourage more commuters to take the train,” concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.

This Saturday and Sunday (May 9th&10th) Mondello Park will host a National Championship Car Race Event run by the Motor Enthusiasts Club on the International circuit.

The two day 22 race programme will feature the UK Legends championship making its annual appearance this time bolstered by additional entries from the new Irish series. The legends will have a championship round each day making six races for the exciting motorcycle engined cars over the weekend.

Almost all of the Irish championships will feature over the weekend with each class completing their races on a single day, giving two entirely different race programmes on the two days. Adult Admission each day is €15.00 with accompanied under 16s admitted free. Family tickets are also available for €25.00 and all admission prices include a complimentary race programme.

Another step in the right direction...

Payroll is one of the most sensitive, personal, confidential and critical functions for any business. Getting it wrong can be hugely damaging for any organisation. It is an area which needs consistent levels of accuracy and quality and yet it can be a complex time consuming task for any organisation no matter the size. Businesses have become ever more conscious of the need to focus time, energy and resources on their core activities, so they are increasingly looking for ways to reduce costs whilst maintaining a level of service and quality. 

Payroll services can be specifically designed to provide an all-encompassing payroll facility to small, medium or large organisations who want to ensure this vital function is managed professionally while they concentrate on their core activities. Outsourcing your Payroll can significantly reduce your direct costs in terms of tools and staff.The direct cost is clearly quantifiable and the results clearly measurable.

Perhaps not so visible are the removal of risks in non-core functions by transferring the responsibilities of adherence to Employment & tax legislation and the ongoing changes we are currently experiencing. Knowing best practice is being carried out by your payroll partner in a controlled and agreed manner whilst having access to a wide range of experts in an ever-increasingly changing business environment allows you and your staff to focus on your core competencies and concentrate on issues that directly relate to the company’s business goals. This can only improve your ability to react quickly to today’s climate of change and ultimately increase your productivity.

So what does Payroll Outsourcing typically include? Most Payroll Service providers offer a flexible package which can be tailored to suit your needs and can include all of or any of the following-

• Processing of Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly Payrolls
•  Electronic Fund Transfers
•  Issue Payslips to employees
•  Generate range of standard reports e.g. gross to net, control summary, cost analysis.
•  Produce P45’s P60’s etc.
•  Monthly and year end returns to Revenue
•  Deduction Summaries for PAYE, PRSI, PRSA, Pensions, VHI, BUPA Contributions etc. 
•  Document retention for a minimum period of seven years
•  Payment of third party disbursements if required
•  Total confidentiality

So as your business moves through these challenging times why not consider the next step forward to be Outsourcing your Payroll?

For further information contact Clark on 045 881888 or info@clarkrecruitment.ie

Kildare Volunteer Centre are now in a position to offer Training in Volunteer Management to assist organizations with managing effective and efficient volunteer programmes.

The course is user friendly, designed as a tool to assist groups in all aspects of volunteer management.

The course is broken down into four modules of 3.5 hours over four mornings.

• Planning for Volunteer Involvement – designing volunteer roles
• Recruitment and Selection of volunteers –including induction for volunteers
• Supervision of Volunteers – Recognition, motivation and support
• Designing a policy for Volunteer involvement

As numbers are limited to 14 participants, places are reserved on a first come first served basis.

Participation for this course is restricted to people wishing to complete all four modules, while individual modules will be available to experienced practitioners on future courses.

Dates: 2^nd , 9^th,16^th and 23^rd June

Time: 9.15 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.

Venue: Kildare Volunteer Centre

More information: info@volunteerkildare.ie

www.volunteerkildare.ie

PAY 120 EURO NOW AND THE REST BY 19TH JUNE

Today OXEGEN announces a fresh opportunity for music fans to spread the cost of their festival ticket purchase over a number of weeks.

This fan-support scheme is open to all who’ve yet to purchase tickets for this year’s festival and allows a deposit payment of 120 Euro to secure a weekend ticket, with the remaining balance due-date now set at the 19th June 2009.

Recognising that everyone’s a little more careful with their money at the moment, organisers introduced an initial deposit scheme in March to give fans a flexible way of paying for their tickets. That scheme ended on 30th April but received such overwhelming positive public feedback that organisers have agreed to introduce this new Deposit Scheme to give even more of its fans the chance to spread their payments as well.

The Deposit Scheme will be widely available via local ticket outlets, 24hr telephone lines as well as online. Fans will be issued a receipt on payment of the deposit, tickets will then be issued on the payment of the balance outstanding. Details are available at oxegen.ie.

Tickets for this year’s festival are priced at a 2008 price freeze of 224.50 Euro (incl. booking fee) for 3 day including camping ticket.For an extra 20 Euro fans can purchase a 4 day including camping ticket which will include Thursday campsite stay also.

Tickets can be bought via our official ticket partner www.ticketmaster.ie

All ticket purchases for OXEGEN are limited to 4 per person – don’t forget that to encourage car pooling, one free car pass will be issued with every 4 tickets purchased.

Check out oxegen.ie for all the latest line up announcements and festival updates as well as all the information you’ll need, to make sure your OXEGEN 2009 is the best yet!

The following conditions still apply:
Strictly 17’s and over only - ID required and will be checked vigorously before entry. Under 17’s will only be admitted if accompanied by guardian/relative 25 years or over who will sign for and accept responsibility for said person. Policy will be strictly enforced - persons who purchase and ignore conditions will be refused entry with NO refund.

Going racing at the Curragh has never been better value following the announcement that the Co. Kildare venue has reduced their prices to provide great savings for racegoers this summer. This includes 20% off all admissions if booked in advance on www.curragh.ie

Special admission packages include a new Punters Package at €20 to include admission, racecard €2 Tote Bet and €5 Food & Beverage voucher and a Family Package from €25 to include two adult admissions and a racecard, while children under 15 go free on every day except Derby Day when this is a small charge of €5.

Great value Dining and Hospitality packages starting from only €35 are also available on all race days.

Admission to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on Sunday 28th June will be €40 and with only one enclosure this year race goers will have access to all areas of the complex including the Bollinger Champagne Bar, Star On Sunday Entertainment Marquee and the new “Taste of Ireland” enclosure, while there are substantial reductions available for access to the Premier Level of the Grandstand and to reserve a Minstrel and Premier Level Seat

The popular Kildare Village Big Bash Ticket will return to the Derby Friday evening meeting on Friday 26thJune at a reduced cost of €45. The ticket includes access to the Big Bash Marquee with admission, racecard, pint of Lager or Soft Drink, item from the Barbecue, €2 Tote Bet and free admission to Tiger Lilys Niteclub in Kildare Town.

The Curragh is also offering special deals on Membership which provides a variety of benefits including admission to all race days.

"We want our message to be clear that going racing at the Curragh is great value and we hope that these special offers will encourage people to come to enjoy a great day out” said Evan Arkwright Commercial Manager of the Racecourse.

The Boylesports.com Irish Guineas Festival takes place on 23rd and 24th May with an impressive line up of entertainment both on and off the track, while all the rugby and GAA action will be shown live over both days.
 

The Minister of State at the Department of Health and local Fianna Fail TD, Áine Brady has welcomed the Minister for Education, Batt O’Keeffe TD to NUI Maynooth for the sod-turning on the new Humanities and Social Sciences Building.

“I am delighted to welcome Minister O’Keeffe back to NUI Maynooth for this important milestone in the development of the new Humanities and Social Sciences Building.”

“The new humanities and social sciences building will house three separate research institutes - the National Centre for Geocomputation; the National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis; and An Foras Feasa which will undertake ground breaking research to bring Ireland’s cultural traditions to life.”

“This expansion is part of NUI Maynooth’s ten year plan and I must congratulate all of those at NUI Maynooth involved in pushing the project forward.”

“In these difficult economic times, this Government has focussed on research and development as a growth area that will result in new ideas and enterprises that will provide sustainable jobs that will bolster the economy.”

“NUI Maynooth has proved to be an important part of social, educational and economic life of north Kildare and continued investment and expansion of the campus is great news for the area,” concluded Minister Brady.

It is no secret that companies large and small are taking drastic cost cutting measures in order to survive these turbulent times. It’s extremely difficult to predict the workflow for your company for the next 12 months and plenty of companies are working month to month. Budgeting is the priority for many organisations and this has resulted in redundancies and reduction of staffing levels to a minimum.

So what happens when your workload increases suddenly and your staff are already multi-tasking and working to their maximum? How can you sustain productivity and manage your workforce through the peaks and valleys in your business? How can you ensure the quality of service and your customer service levels don’t suffer and ultimately that you don’t lose hard won business?

It’s now that hiring Temps will help.  Temporary staffing offers flexibility. It is the perfect ‘pay as you go solution’ to immediate labour needs without the heavy price tag or commitment to a long term contract or permanent employee. Companies lacking the right skill sets for a certain project can avail of highly skilled and equipped professionals to help and the quality of available temporary staff today is extremely high. Temps are also hired if the workforce is insufficient to handle a sudden growth in business or if seasonal fluctuations dramatically increase the daily workload. Having temporary cover for your staff when they are on leave or attending off site events allows the individual staff member to engage in their off site project with the knowledge that their “day job” is being handled in their absence and they are not facing a major backlog of work on their return..

There are significant advantages to hiring staff on a temporary basis including :
You only pay for labour when you need it. Its immediate. It helps you sustain your productivity. You can experience a potential long term employee before you make a long term commitment. It’s hassle free. It’s all inclusive. It gets you through uncertain times when you need experience, enthusiasm and skills but can’t make a long term investment. Its helps you bridge the gap for holiday cover, maternity leave, sick leave, peaks in business, deadlines, unexpected absence, new business or a new project. Temporary staff can also inject a new lease of life and energy to an organisation and its team.

For more information contact
Stephen Farrell at Clark Office on 045 881888 or office@clarkrecruitment.ie