County Kildare News

In 2000, Kildare author Anita Hendy began writing a series of children’s Books, called
‘The Magic of an Irish…Cottage, Bog, Castle, Canal, and Church'.
 Anita’s thinking in writing these books was to bring a piece of Irish Heritage to Europe and the World. Anita has discovered that many people are now coming from near and far to Kildare to follow a trail of her magic books in Allen parish.

The trail begins in the picturesque village of Robertstown, which features in 'The Magic of an irish Canal'. From Robertstown, the trail, via canal walk, goes to Lowtown, to a lock and boat harbour. From there, a quiet canal walk leads to Ballyteague. At the football club, there is a picnic area on the opposite side to the canal bridge. Having being refreshed, then, crossover a lock, left, up a short road to a bridge, and see the House where Anita wrote her books.

From there, the trail goes back over the bridge, and turning left, goes on toward Ballyteague Castle of  ‘The Magic of an Irish Castle.’ This Castle is where author Anita spent her childhood, and, the four pictures she painted on its walls, are reproduced in her book. At this point, the tour travels onwards crossing back over the castle bridge turning right, into a main road, past a pretty thatched cottage on a bend of  ‘The Magic of an Irish Cottage.

Then,  visitors an travel on a scenic route for about two miles, through Ballyteague Bog.  and experience 'The Magic of an Irish Bog.’ for themselves.
At the end of this road is a T junction, turning left, and left again at the next T junction. Travelling on with Allen Hill on the left, to a staggered crossroads turn left towards Allen Church which features in ‘The Magic of an Irish Church.’
Turning right, coming out of the Church, the trail goes to Kilmeague village. Turning left at the end of the houses, up the hill and turn right  to return to Robertstown.
This interesting trail is approx 13 miles of a circle, and can be walked, cycled, travelled by boat, car, or bus. It can be enjoyed by Schools, Families, Couples and Groups.

Image by artist Sean Conlon

The Kildare County Show was held on Sunday 21st June in Athy. A great day was enjoyed by all. Many families brought their dogs and entered them into the dog show. As reported on the Kildare Show website; "You would be hard put to see more beautifully behaved and groomed dogs, complete with wagging tails, anywhere" ( http://www.kildarecountyshow.ie/)

Pictured below are some of the happy dogs that entered and one of the prize winners with its owner.

Arty Cats Summer Courses take place this year at Herbert Lodge, The Curragh, Co. Kildare.

• 3rd– 7th Aug
  
  10:00 am – 2:00 pm

This week long course is suitable for children aged six to twelve years. It aims to give children the opportunity to use their imagination and creative abilities. They will be introduced to new areas of art and design. They will be encouraged to discover hidden talents and to display those they already possess.

In preparing for a small end of week exhibition they will learn how to present and display their work.

For more information visit the Arty Cats Website

The organisers of the Oxegen Festival (10th - 12th July) are requesting fans to leave their cars at home and use public transport.

Buses are given priority on all routes into and out of Punchestown, including Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann and Shuttle Buses to Park & Ride and Naas, so public transport is the way to beat the queues and your quickest way to travel to Punchestown.

Both Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann provide bus services to and from the festival. Dublin Bus operates a shuttle service from Dublin to Punchestown while Bus Eireann operates on all other routes from various locations in Ireland.

This year, there is a park and ride site situated at Goffs, off junction 8 of the N7, with a free shuttle service to the festival site.

Directions to Punchestown for those travelling by car:

For Day Tickets, or if you do not have a car park pass simply drive to the Oxegen Park and Ride site at Goffs (off the N7 at junction 8), park for the weekend free of charge and take the free shuttle bus to Oxegen.

There are two traffic routes to OXEGEN the Red Route and Blue Route:
- Red Camping Ticket holders must take the Red Route to Red Car Park and Red Campsite.
- Blue Camping Ticket holders must take the Blue Route to Blue Car Park and Blue Campsite.

Red route to Red Car Park and Red Campsite
Red Route from North: via M50 to N81 to Blessington to R411 to Punchestown.
Red Route from South: via M7 exit at Curragh (junction 12) to R413 to Athgarvan to Punchestown.

Blue Route to Blue Car Park and Blue Campsite
Blue Route from North: via M50 to N7 exit at Naas North (junction 9) to R445 and R410 to Punchestown.
Blue Route from South:via M7 exit at Naas North (junction 9) to R445 and R410 to Punchestown.

Please follow the specific traffic directions on your parking pass to get to either the red or blue car parks. Please note that you must have an OXEGEN camping ticket and parking pass to enter either the red or blue car parks.Routes will be signposted either “OXEGEN Red Route” or “OXEGEN Blue Route”.

Full Information on the Oxegen Website

FREE! Kildare Local Authorities celebrating Cultural Diversity Multicultural Family Fun Day
Saturday, 27th June 2009

Multicultural Family Fun Day - Aras Chill Dara, Naas, Co. Kildare. 12pm - 4pm

Programme of Events:

Launch
12.30pm Official launch by Mayor of Kildare and raising of the Local Authorities Multicultural flag.

Workshop
2-3pm Workshop exploring experiences of Multiculturalism in Co. Kildare facilitated by James Connaughton, IPA. Tel: 045-980531 for details.

Exhibition
Concern and Suas present The “1000 Families: The Family Album of Planet Earth” photographic exhibition will take place in the grounds of Aras Chill Dara from 27th June - 31st July 2009.

Services in Your County
Meet your local Fireman, Librarian, Garda and staff from other countywide services, or hop onto the Road Safety Bus, Fire Engine and Mobile Library.

Dress
Embrace the atmosphere – come along in your traditional dress, have your face painted or hair braided.

Food
Mmmm!! Sample ethnic foods from around the world.

Music & Dance
Enjoy traditional music and dance from Spain, Hungary, Nepal, Latvia and Ireland.

Film
A series of short films on the theme of ‘difference’ will be screened, including ‘Changes’, Dir: Lorcan Finnegan (2005) Ire, ‘The Boy With the Ever Open Jaw’, Dir: Maeve Clancy & Jamie Hannigan (2005) Ire, ‘Rockin and a Rollin’, Dir: Daniel Greaves & Richard Jack (2001) UK, ‘Yu Ming is Ainm Dom’, Dir: Daniel O’Hara (2003) Ire, ‘JCB Song for Nizlopi’ Dir: Monkeehub Productions (2005) UK, ‘Fallen Art’, Dir: Tomek Baginski (2004) Poland.

Childrens Workshops

Storytelling
Travel across the continents through story with Julie Duane.

Arts & Crafts Workshops
Using the Multi cultural flag as inspiration, make your own colourful flag; Design, make and model a Celtic brooch, Experiment with willow, or try some paper flower making and lots more.

Drumming
Join Niall Delahan in a traditional African percussion workshop – no experience required !!

Sports
Enjoy physical games and activities for children.

Finale
Led by Niall Delahan, a percussion parade, with flags will make its way through the Aras building.

KFM Radio
The KFM roadcaster will broadcast live from the Aras from 11am-2pm.

All events are free of charge

To co-incide with the Multi Cultural Fun Day, Kildare County Council Library Service continues the celebration of Cultural Diversity throughout the month of July. Contact libraries for event details.

Leixlip Library Tel: 01-6060050; Email: leixliplib@kildarecoco.ie
Naas Library Tel: 045-879111; Email: naaslib@kildarecoco.ie
Newbridge Library Tel: 045-448353; Email: newbridgelib@kildarecoco.ie
Athy Library Tel: 059-8631144; Email: athylib@kildarecoco.ie
Information
Tel: 045-980531 Email: aconneely@kildarecoco.ie

Kildare Local Authorities celebrating Cultural Diversity

Multicultural Month 2009: 7th - 31st July

Athy Library
7th July
Drumming workshop with David Day. Time: 3pm.
Evening concert with Katerina Garcia Trio. Time: 7pm onwards.
Ethnic food from around the world served during the intermission.

8th July
Felting frenzy with Joanie Murphy. Time: 3-5pm (8 yrs and upward). Places limited. Contact your local library for further details.

10th July
Story telling with Julie Duane. Time: 2.30-3.15pm (3-5 yrs), Time: 3.30-4.15pm (6-8 yrs). Numbers limited. Booking essential.

Naas Library
14th July
Drumming workshop with David Day. Time: 3pm.
Evening concert with Junshi Murakami and Philip Horan. Time: 7 pm onwards. Food will be served during the intermission.

15th July
Felting frenzy with Joanie Murphy. Time: 3-5 pm (8 yrs and upward). Places limited. Contact your local library for further details.

16th July
Story telling with Julie Duane. Time: 2.30-3.15pm (2-4 yrs), Time: 3.30-4.15pm (5-8 yrs). Numbers limited. Booking essential.

Newbridge Library
21st July
Drumming workshop with David Day. Time: 2.30pm. Contact your local library for further information.
Evening concert with Paul Kelly, Alan Doherty and Tony Byrne. Time: 7pm onwards. Food will be served at the interval.

22nd July
Felting frenzy with Joanie Murphy. Time: 3-5 pm (8 yrs and upwards). Places limited. Contact your local library for further details.

24th July
Story telling with Julie Duane. Time: 10.30-11.15pm (2-4 yrs), Time: 11.30-12.15pm (5-8 yrs). Numbers limited. Booking essential.

Leixlip Library
28th July
Drumming workshop with David Day. Time: 2.30pm.
Evening concert with Junshi Murakami and Philip Horan. Time: 7pm onwards. Food will be served during the intermission.

29th July
Felting frenzy with Joanie Murphy. Time: 3-5 pm (8 yrs and upwards). Places limited. Contact your local library for further details.

31st July
Story telling with Julie Duane. Time: 10.30-11.15pm (2-4 yrs), Time: 11.45-12.30pm (5-7 yrs). Numbers limited. Booking essential.

Contact Details Community & Enterprise Department of Kildare County Council: 045  980538
Email dce@kildarecoco.ie

Kildare North TD Michael Fitzpatrick has welcomed the news a Naas school is to benefit from additional funding from the Department of Education.

“Rathmore National School in Naas will receive additional funding to assist with their building of four new classrooms that are already funded under the Permanent Accommodation Scheme.”

“It is important in these times that public money is spent in the most considered way possible. I am pleased that this funding has been allocated to Rathmore National School and I am confident that it will have positive results for the school,” concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.

Kildare Dance Summer School Youth Dance Day
Wednesday 22 July 2009, NUI Maynooth, Co. Kildare

As part of the Kildare Dance Summer School, Kildare County Council Arts Service will host a day dedicated to Youth Dance on Wednesday 22 July 2009.  This event for young people and leaders will provide opportunity to develop dance skills and technique, share and exchange ideas, and dance just for the fun of it! 

The day includes:
• Morning Dance Shakeup
• Sessions for leaders and facilitators by Anna Carlisle, MBE, president Laban Guild
• Workshops for young people facilitated by Philippa Donnellan, Creative Steps
• A Choreographic Platform for youth dance groups to informally present their work

All workshops for young people are free of charge, the workshop fee for youth facilitators/leaders is €70 including tuition and tea/coffee. 

If you or your group are interested in participating in workshops and/or showcasing your work please contact: Nicola Dunne, Tel: 045 448312 or Email: nmdunne@kildarecoco.ie

Sunday June 28th has been added to Mondello Park's series of Sunday Motorcycle Track Days and once again this latest full-day event will be open to all bikes. The two previous weekend dates filled up within days of their announcment and this additional date is expected to be just as popular making early booking essential.

As with all previous Sunday events the day will run on the National Circuit and prices will be reduced to;

Half Day Morning €80
Half Day Afternoon €95
Full Day €150.
Normal track day rules will apply along with the usual group sizes.

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

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

The Irish Derby Festival taking place this year from the 26-28th of June at the Curragh Racecourse promises to be one of the most spectacular sporting and social events of the year.  This world famous festival was launched at an exclusive event at the K Club in Straffan, Co. Kildare last night. A host of celebrities, trainers, jockeys and representatives of the world of racing attended the event where they enjoyed a selection of delicious canapés and sipped the new Bollinger Irish Derby Cocktail.

TV3’s Colette Fitzpatrick is pictured with the K Club golf head professional, Lynn McCool and Dubai born jockey, Ahmed Ajtebi.  The trio were at the K Club to launch the Irish Derby Festival featuring the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby.

Dubai born jockey, Ahmed Ajtebi was the guest of honour at the launch.  His rise to fame has been remarkable and he is now a major sporting hero in his native country launching himself on the international racing scene by winning two of the world’s most valuable races on the Dubai World Cup race day last March. He hopes to have his first rides in Ireland during the Irish Derby Festival. The launch also included fantastic fashion from Kildare Village, top tips on being fashion savvy in these economic times from IMAGE editor, Melanie Morris, racing information from Curragh Racecourse Manager, Paul Hensey and a chat with Paolo Tullio about the forthcoming, “Taste of Ireland” Foodfest which will be an additional attraction during the weekend.

Dubai Duty Free will celebrate their second year as title sponsor of the Irish Derby.   The company, which is headed by Galway native, Colm McLoughlin is one of the largest duty free operators in the world and a winner of several international business, travel and retail awards.

Kildare Village Derby Friday kicks off the weekend of racing with a fun packed evening starting at 6pm with seven exciting races featuring the Ballygallon Stud Stakes  together with a packed programme of entertainment, including live music from the legendary Furey Brothers & Davy Arthur after racing at 9pm.

Saturday is one of the most fashionable racing days of the year with high drama on the track and high fashion in the enclosures with Europe’s leading fillies lining up in the Audi-sponsored Pretty Polly Stakes. Group 1 winners Again, Sariska, Look Here, Lush Lashes are amongst the first entries for the race. A great prize is up for grabs for the Kildare Village Most Stylish Hat Competition and ladies will be keen to get their hands on the top prize of a €2,000 shopping spree at Kildare Village. 

There will be a host of celebrity fashion judges on the prowl too, so keep your eyes peeled for some well known faces around the track including the glamorous Newtalk presenter, Claire Byrne Orla Murtagh (wife of Johnny Murtagh), Melanie Morris, editor of IMAGE magazine and Maria McGovern of Kildare Village.

All eyes will be on Sea The Stars on Sunday as he attempts to become the first horse to complete the English 2000 Guineas, Epsom Derby and Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby treble since the great Nijinsky in 1970.  The John Oxx trained performer is a true Kildare Lilywhite having been born, raised and trained on the Curragh and is ridden by Kildare resident Michael Kinane. 

The best of fashion, entertainment, hospitality and most importantly fun combines to make Derby Day one of the greatest race days of the year.  A fantastic €5,000 shopping spree, courtesy of Kildare Village awaits the lady who is judged to be the most stylish on derby day. This year the panel of fashion judges on derby Sunday includes representatives of the fashion sponsor, Kildare Village, the editor of IMAGE magazine, Melanie Morris and Amber le Bon, the celebrity model and daughter of Simon and Yasmin le Bon.

With no reserved enclosure this year a €40 admission ticket provides access throughout the racecourse with the Bollinger Champagne Bar and Taste of Ireland enclosure guaranteed to be some of the most sought after places to hang out during the day, while the Star On Sunday entertainment marquee features a lively mixture of live music and comedy from 12 noon.

For the first time, the stars of racing will be joined by the stars of the culinary world when 15 of Ireland’s top restaurants and chefs will offer a selection of signature dishes for people to sample for just €8 each in a purpose build enclosure next to the parade ring.  Leading chefs will be on hand including Neven Maguire, Kevin Dundon, Oliver Dunne, Ross Lewis and Richard Corrigan who will be cooking up a storm in the Miele demo kitchen with well known foodie, Paolo Tullio acting as MC.  

Kildare based soprano Lorraine Nolan will be joined by the No.1 Army Band and the acclaimed Baldonnel Singers when they perform a new arrangement of the traditional ballad which has become the Irish Derby anthem. A very special gown with “an equine twist” has been designed especially for Lorraine to wear by New York based designer, Annique Lambe who is originally from the Curragh.

A variety of great value dining and hospitality packages are available over all three days. These range from packages in the stunning IMAGE Derby Pavillion on Derby Day to a €20 Punters Package and the Kildare Village Derby Friday Big Bash Ticket with entertainment throughout the evening with Stephen Keogh of Kildare FM and former Big Brother housemate Ray Shah on Friday evening.

An exciting number of ancillary events taking place at the K Club include The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Ball on Saturday 27th June which will benefit the Kildare Community and Education Partnership. The evening which will be hosted by TV3’s Collette Fitzpatrick will feature a pre drinks reception, followed by a lavish dinner and dancing till late to the Camembert Quartet of Tubidy Tonight fame. Tickets for the Derby Ball are priced at €100 per person.

The second Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Golf Classic take place on Friday 26th June on the world famous Palmer.  This four ball competition costing €200 per person will include brunch on arrival, golf on the world famous Palmer course which played host to the Ryder Cup in 2006, a BBQ that evening and a selection of gift and prizes, courtesy of main sponsors, Dubai Duty Free.
 

Official media partner Newstalk will broadcast live from the races over the weekend, while other partners include Woodies DIY, Netjets, The Irish Times, Image Magazine, At The Races, Barronstown Stud, Silken Thomas, N Conlan & Sons, William Fry and Jondol.
 

There is a 20% discount off the cost of all admission tickets at www.curragh.ie

Desigual is a young and innovative company, we are opening a new
Outlet shop at the Kildare Village, for the new opening we are looking for:

SHOP ASSISTANTS
 
Reporting to Shop Manager and Assistant Manager of the Store, will be responsible for: 

1. Managing the day to day activities of the store to ensure its efficient, profitable and customer- orientated operation
2. Display of products in accordance with corporate guidelines
3. Managing of the product to facilitate its rotation and ensure the order in the Shop (folding, hanging etc.)
   
   The profile:
   
4. High level of responsibility and resourcefulness
5. Good communication skills and manners
6. Dynamic, energetic and outgoing individual
7. Sensitivity and fashion orientated
8. Good appearance

Contact: Andreia

Email: hhrr@desigual.com

Pilates movements gently stretch the muscles, resulting in:

* Improved Posture
* Strengthened Body Core
* Toned Abs, Arms & Legs
* Body awareness
* Relaxation & De-stressing

Classes held in
Allenwood, Blessington, Maynooth, Hollywood & Martinstown Holistic Centre.

New Courses starting every 6/8 weeks. Classes to suit all levels.

Contact Gillian for more information
087-9491125 or pilatesclass@yahoo.com

As Mondello Park continues to strive to give its Motorcycling customers value for money, the circuit has introduced a Special Offers page to its web site and a number of cut price Motorcycle Track Days to its calendar. The special offers page includes reduced prices on motorcycle race event tickets and California Superbike School courses, as well as information on its new weekend track day dates.

Since the track day dates were set at the beginning of the season a number of date changes at the circuit have freed up weekend days, allowing Motorcycle track days to be run on Sunday’s for the first time. These new Sunday dates have all run on the National Track, and for this reason have been offered at a reduced price. So far the two days run have been over subscribed and the next new date on the calendar will be June 28th, which is also expected to fill up fast. Apart from running on the National circuit the Sunday dates will follow the usual Mondello Park format.

Mondello’s second ISB round of the season was the first where reduced price tickets were available and these proved popular with spectators as the biggest ISB crowd for a number of years came through the gates. To gain admission to Mondello Park at a reduced price, intending race goers only need to follow the link on the Special Offers page to print out their voucher. Presenting this at the circuit’s entrance gate will then entitle them to €10 admission, a saving of €5 over the normal price.

The last of the current offers available is for riders who pre book a California Superbike School course. The world famous rider training courses make their only annual trip to Ireland on August 25th 26th and 27th and courses on these dates are currently being offered at reduced prices. This offer will only be available for a limited time so riders looking to take part are advised to book early to avail of a substantial discount.

The Mondello Park special offers page will be updated regularly as new discounts become available so it is advisable to check the site whenever you are planning a trip to the circuit. Mondello’s special offers can be accessed from their web site homepage or at www.mondellopark.ie/specials.

Pianist Barry Douglas and his orchestra Camerata Ireland announced today (Tuesday 19th May) details of the programme for The Castletown Concerts 2009 at a reception at Castletown attended by Dr Martin Mansergh, Minister of State with Special Responsibility for the OPW, as Guest of Honour.  The Concerts, taking place from 18-20 September 2009, will feature 4 concerts, 1 free outdoor recital and 4 outreach events.

As well as concerts by Barry Douglas and Camerata Ireland that include music by Field, Chopin, Mendelssohn, Kinsella, Tchaikovsky, Bartók and others, the programme features guest artists Ensemble Avalon, comprised of Ioana Petcu-Colan, Gerald Peregrine and Michael McHale, all part of the Camerata Ireland family, as well as Co Dublin pianist Sophie Cashell, 2008 BBC Classical Star and David Quigley from Newry, the 2002 Camerata Ireland Young Musician of the Year and founder/Director of the Birmingham International Piano Academy.  The programme also includes workshops and masterclasses with students of the Faculty of Music at NUI Maynooth and the Kildare County Orchestra, which are open to the public.  A lecture will also be given by composer Dr Rhona Clarke and artist Marie Hanlon on the relationship between music and classical architecture, of which Castletown is one of Ireland’ best examples in the Palladian style.

‘We are delighted to return to Castletown for the second year of our residency there with an expanded programme’, commented Artistic Director Barry Douglas.  ‘We are particularly pleased to extend our ethos of encouraging and supporting young musicians by working with music students from NUI Maynooth and the Kildare County Orchestra.’ 

For further information and bookings for The Castletown Concerts, call 1800 927361, email castletown@camerata-ireland.com, or see www.castletownconcerts.com

Tickets from €20 (concessions available)

Download Programme

Camerata Ireland, Castletown House, Celbridge, Co Kildare

Mondello Park’s Car Race season gets back into gear this weekend with a twelve race programme on the national circuit under the control of the Irish Motor Racing Club.

Sunday’s event will feature the seasonal debut of the Dunlop Supercar Championship, along with a varied programme of saloon single seater and sportscar action. Mondello Park will also this weekend introduce their new discounted admission tickets which offer five euro’s off admission to all car race events, and can be printed out directly from the Mondello Park Web Site special offers page. See www.mondellopark.ie/specials for details.

The Supercars make their first appearance of the season following delays with the sourcing of a new engine supplier and a strong field is expected to turn out. Due to the amalgamation of some of this seasons car race events, this weekends programme will be busier than expected, leading to some classes being combined including the Supercars which will have the Saloon Libre grid for company.

Headlining the single seater action will be the Formula Vee class who will have their usual qualifying race and final. The Vee’s continue to produce the biggest grids of any Irish championship and some of the closest racing especially with a full grid on the tight ‘National’ layout. Also in single seater action will be Formula Ford and Formula Sheane with the fords racing twice and the Sheanes just once.

Sportscars are represented by Global lights and The Porsche Open Championship while the Legends and Fiats make up the saloon classes. The two motorcycle engined classes, Global Lights and Legends, will run together for their two races. The Porsche Open series will run on its own for the latest two rounds of its championship while both the Punto’s and Uno’s will combine to form the second largest grid of the day for a single Fiat Race.