County Kildare News

ATHY COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE COMPANY LTD

Applications are invited for the following position

PROJECT ASSISTANT

The position is wholetime with a 3 year contract period subject to receipt of Department funding.

Salary
Year 1 - €35,831, Year 2 - €37,411, Year 3 - €39,548.

The latest date for receipt of complete C.V’S is 13th August 2009 at 5.00 p.m.

N.B.    Only candidates who fit all of the criteria in the Job Specification as per C.V. will be called for interview.

Please consult the Interreg Job Specification on this website. www.athycec.com

Athy Community Enterprise Company Ltd is an equal opportunities employer.

Please send completed Hard Copy C.V’S and covering letter to,
Office 9,
Athy Community Enterprise Centre,
Woodstock Ind Estate,
Kilkenny Rd,
Athy,
Co Kildare.

A total of 19 race days will take place at the Curragh in 2010 with the season kicking off on Sunday 21st March and ending on Monday 11th October. 

A new Friday evening meeting will take place on 4th June, while the Darley Irish Oaks weekend will take place a week later on 17th (evening) and 18th July to avoid a direct clash with the Leinster Football Final and Oxegen music festival. 

The Phoenix Stakes will return to it's traditional early August slot.

The already high standards of Ireland’s biggest annual modified motoring festival, ‘Mondello Jap-Fest’, are set to be raised to a new level with the upgrading of the Drag Sprint competition at this years show which is set for Sunday September 6th.

For the first time at the circuit the always popular Drag Racing section of the event will take on more of the features of a true drag strip with the installation of professional drag racing standard start lights and results recording systems. The starting system to be used comes direct from the Irish Drag Racing Championship and will be operated by ‘Sideways Racing’ the organisers of that series. The new set-up means that for the first time drivers will go through a proper ‘Staging’ procedure prior to the ‘Christmas Tree’ lights system taking over.

In addition to the starting systems, Sideways Racing will provide their full results service which will record drivers reaction times (the time taken to move following the lights going green), elapsed times (time taken to complete the course), terminal velocity (maximum speed) and 60 foot times (initial acceleration). All of this information will spice up the action for spectators and competitors as commentators will have access to each driver’s results as they happen.

Along with improving the management of the Drag Sprint, Sideways Racing will also provide input into the way it is configured. The class structure used in the Irish Drag Championship will be used as the basis for a new class format at Mondello Jap-Fest which will see drivers race in four classes. Two runs of heats will give competitors the chance to battle it out for class awards with the top drivers then going on to compete for overall honours in the knockout stage.

Entries for the Drag Sprint and all other sections of the Mondello Jap-Fest are now being taken. Full details of the Drag Race class structure and all other aspects of the show can be found on the Mondello Park web site, www.mondellopark.ie or by calling the Mondello Park office on +353-45-860200.

Valentine Black (AKA local musician Peco Mc Loughlin) wrote ‘The Curragh Calling’ as a present for his brother Andriu Mac Lochlann, the Kildare footballer. He penned the song on a plane home from Spain after missing the All-Ireland Quarter Finals in 2008. Though heartbroken he was hopeful for the future and very proud of his little brother. After the Leinster final recently he dug the song out and decided to record it, playing all the instruments himself!

Though he references Andriu and his local club Ellistown in the song, the theme is more general than football. It’s about returning home to Kildare after travelling to different parts of the world, a theme he thinks a lot of people can connect with and hopes it might someday rival the old classic ‘The Curragh of Kildare’.

The title itself is a tip of the hat to ‘London Calling’ the famous song by The Clash.

Valentine Black plays with The Waterboys Sunday next, Aug 2nd at the Lughnasa festival, Rathangan.

To purchase ‘The Curragh Calling’

Straight to Mobile Text 3541m to 57501

To download
Text 3541 to 57501 and you’ll receive a password (cost 1euro)
Go to www.downloadmusic.ie
Type in password and download the song!

What people have said about Valentine Black…

Jackie Hayden; Hot Press journalist, music industry expert and the man who discovered U2 once described Valentine Black in his ‘Peco’ incarnation as, ‘incomparable…a wizard and a true star’.

‘One doesn't like to compartmentalise does one? But this young man and his band's last performance made me think of late sixties west coast U.S. sounds injected with original new millenium grooves. Great Live Act!’

ontheverge.ie

“…Bob Dylan with a new set of lungs…”

wheresthecraic.com

 ‘His work is admirably home produced with the man himself playing all the instruments yet still managing to sound like a proper band…he can dip in and out of various musical genres…rockabilly/early Beatles mode…moody atmospheric rock...tasty acoustic singer/songwriter terrain with a little of the vocal style of Harry Chapin… ’

Hot Press
 

‘Valentine Black (Peco Mc Loughlin) has stepped outside the boundaries of song-writing with his new project after branching off from Bright Light Fiasco, OK maybe there are too many folk singers, buskers and rock star wannabes out there but Valentine Black's demo EP has a real 70's feel with Joni Mitchell styled lyrics…I feel there is room for this style of music on today's scene...interesting stuff.            4 out of 6 Stars

Musicreviewunsigned.com

‘Reminiscent of the Frames …Peco has a great voice – it’s that glamorous, heartrending folk sound born of years busking nowhere pubs. Think David Gray. Think the kind of voice Paddy Casey would trade his record deal for…this sounds fresh and vital…” College Examiner

Musicunsigned, the influential UK website compared the songs to, “David Gray or Counting Crows with its rootsy pop undertones… intelligent pop music lyrically drawing on the timeless songs of Van Morrison and Dylan…”

BIOGRAPHY

Valentine Black is the alter ego of Kildare musician Peco Mc Loughlin, who was once described by Hot Press’ Jackie Hayden as a ‘wizard and a true star’. Having fronted a number of bands, most recently indie-rockers Bright Light Fiasco who enjoyed success with the two top 40 singles, Peco decided to go solo in late 2008. He’s been writing and recording since and is currently putting the finishing touches to his debut album which is due for release in Autumn 09.

Songs on the album are about everything from life in modern Ireland to the old chestnuts of love, loss, life and even murder!  The music is influenced by artists like Ryan Adams, Nick Cave, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Johnny Cash, Springsteen and bands like James, Wilco, The Band, and The Clash to name a few. Like many artists, the list is pretty long and varied!

Valentine Black has already created quite a bit of interest making the heats of national competition, The JD Set, earlier in the year and with gigs all over the country. And although no singles have been released yet, his demos have received airplay on a number of Dublin and regional radio stations.

He’ll be playing with The Waterboys and Mundy at The Lughnasa festival in Rathangan on August the 2nd, though they aren’t the first major artist he’s shared a stage with. Over the years he has supported acts including Bell X-1, Damien Dempsey, The Blizzards, The Coronas, Dirty Epics, Aslan and Something Happens to name a few. With the release of his debut album in Autumn he hopes to take the next step up on the bill!

Former Kildare resident Pat Kinevane earned a standing ovation and rapturous applause following his solo performance of ‘Forgotten’ at Riverbank Arts Centre last Friday night.

Presented by the award winning theatre company Fishamble, ‘Forgotten’ is a one-man show in which writer and performer Pat Kinevane tells the stories of four elderly people living in care facilities in Ireland in a unique and powerful way. Aged between 80 and 100 the connecting life stories of Flor, Dora, Gustus and Eucharia were slowly revealed through a mixture of Irish storytelling and Japanese Kabuki dance. The crowd did not miss a beat as a simple change of tone, a flick of a rag or a small piece of clothing transported them to another character and another story. Sweeping up and down the stage, using the entire theatre space and often speaking directly to an audience member, Pat Kinvane gave an outstanding and powerful performance.

A former member of the Moat Players, Pat began his acting career while working in Naas Post Office and has worked in television, radio, theatre and film for the past seventeen years; the performance of ‘Forgotten’ in Co. Kildare could be described as a home coming of sorts for the actor. After the show Riverbank Arts Centre foyer was buzzing with excitement and animated reactions to the thought-provoking show. With this performance, Pat Kinevane is one man who will certainly not be forgotten.

Over the next three weeks Mondello Park will run two very different track days with an Open Car Track Day scheduled for Monday August 3rd and a Drifting Practice Day set to run alongside the next round of the Irish Time-Attack championship on August 16th. See below for details of both events.

August Bank Holiday Monday - Open Car Track Day

The Car Track Day season gets back in action this weekend with the traditional August Bank Holiday Monday event. The Monday August 3rd event brings track day enthusiasts back onto the popular International track layout used for the majority of Car and Bike Track Days.

Monday's 'Open' Day will see a continuation of the open pit lane format which was introduced earlier in 2009 to offer track day drivers better value for money in the form of increased track time. Bookings for this date will also count for the fast approaching loyalty day scheduled for the end of the season. New and experienced drivers are welcome but first timers must register themsleves and thier cars with Mondello Park prior to booking their first track day. With the number of available spaces being reduced to accommodate the open pit lane format, pre-booking is essential to secure a space on what is always one of the more popular dates of the year.

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

August 16th Drifting Track Day Almost Full

The next Drifting Track Day takes place alongside round 5 of the Irish Time-Attack championship on August 16th. The popularity of this type of day is underlined by the fact that only a small number of spaces remain available with more than two and a half weeks still to go to the event.

Drifting practice sessions cater for drivers who find drifting opportunities restricted on traditional track days and are looking for a better opportunity to practice their skills. The days are open to amateur and pro drifters and a full competition car is not required. Any car which complies with Mondello Park Track Day Regulations is elegible along with cars which are fully set up for competition drifting. The sessions take place on a shortened version of the Mondello Park National circuit which offers spectacular drifting opportunites.

To book one of the few remaining spaces on the August 16th Date contact Sharon on 045-860200 or email sharonp@mondellopark.ie.

For more information visit www.mondellopark.ie

Jobless workers in Kildare could be among those who benefit from a free part-time undergraduate college course targeted at the unemployed this September according to Minister for State for Older People and local Fianna Fail TD Áine Brady.

“The new college places will be on undergraduate certificate and degree-level programmes and will span the sciences, business, engineering and technology sectors.”

“The new college places are designed to retrain and upskill workers.”

“The places will be co-funded by the Department of Education and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.”

“Thirteen institutes of technology, four universities and the National College of Ireland are part of this initiative specifically aimed at upskilling and reskilling workers for jobs in the sectors of the economy considered key to tackling the recession and driving economic growth.”

“Those who are interested in the courses need to contact their local college directly and should know that they will be asked to confirm that they have claimed jobseeker’s payment for the previous six months or provide a copy of the RP50 for confirming their entitlement to statutory redundancy.”

“I am hopeful that the fact that applicants will be entitled to retain their social welfare payments while on the course will assist potential students. If a student gets a job before their course finishes will not have to pay tuition costs for that academic year.”

“The courses that have been selected for the unemployed workers will meet identified skills needs so as to increase the likelihood for future employment. Courses will be in good manufacturing practice and technology, supply chain management, electronic and renewable energy engineering, environmental and sustainable energy systems, biopharmaceutical and healthcare science, information technology management, business information systems and financial services.”

“Anyone interested can contact their local FÁS office or local Social Welfare Office for further details,” concluded Minister Brady.

Curtain, Lights, Action - Creating Showbiz Magic

The hush of the crowd, the tension build, lights go up and the sound explodes around the room- it’s the magic of the theatre experience. The audience may not be always aware of it but the stage setting, sound, and lighting for any performance can make or break a show. The power to transform a good show into a great show lies in the hands of the backstage crew and the work that they do.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to create the magic and atmosphere at a big performance then the Sound and Vision Workshop, August 4-7th at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, may be just the thing for you. This four day course will allow you to explore the lighting and sound systems used in professional productions. Throughout this crash course learn how a stage is set up, how to mix live sound and how to design a light show that will create different moods and atmospheres in a show. Participants of this workshop will get a good introduction to working behind the scenes at an event.

Sound and Vision: Crash Course in Backstage Theatre runs from August 4th to 7th at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge. Places are limited. Price €45. Book online at www.riverbank.ie or call 045 448327   

For further information contact:

Linda Geraghty
Marketing & PR Co-ordinator
Riverbank Arts Centre
Main St.
Newbridge
Co. Kildare

Tel: 045 448309

Mob: 087 6951265

Email: linda@riverbank.ie

www.riverbank.ie

Tickets for the third running of Mondello Jap-Fest have gone on sale with just over six weeks left before the biggest event on the Irish modified car scene. The annual celebration of Japanese car culture and motorsport takes place this year on Sunday September 6th and fans can now pick up their tickets in advance at reduced prices.

Mondello Jap-Fest is the only Irish car show to bring together all aspects of Japanese motoring and includes a full day of track action, with the Japanese originated Drifting and Time-Attack motorsports as its top attractions. Also on the bill will be Drag Racing, Autotesting, Drift practice and Track Day sessions, while show visitors will also have a large number of side attractions to catch their interest in the Mondello Park infield paddock.

Show visitors can book their tickets through the Mondello Park web site to avail of a 25% discount on Adult admission tickets and a 50% reduction on Child tickets, bringing the prices down to a very affordable €15 and €5 respectively. The favourite vantage point at Jap-Fest is always the main-straight grandstand which overlooks the Drifting arena, Time-Attack start finish area and Drag Sprint finish line, and stand seats are also available to purchase in advance.

Interest in the 2009 Mondello Jap-Fest is already running high even though the full show line-up has not yet been announced. With owners clubs and web site groups, modified car owners, classic Japanese car enthusiasts and trade exhibitors already lining up to be part of the event, ticket sales, particularly those for the limited number of Grandstand seats, are expected to be brisk.

Further information on the show line-up will be announced over the coming weeks as County Kildare circuit prepares for its biggest event of the season.

The Curragh Racecourse will honour the memory of Vincent O’Brien with the inaugural running of the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes on Saturday 12th September. The Group 1 contest, which is sponsored by Ladbrokes.com, is rated as one of the top races in the world for two year olds and will take place on a star studded programme which also features The Irish Field St Leger and Irish National Stud Blandford Stakes.

Mrs. Jacqueline O’Brien commented: “Vincent enjoyed some of his greatest successes at the Curragh. The National Stakes was always a race held in high esteem by him as a target for his top 2 year olds. The family are delighted that the racecourse will honour his memory in this way and I know Vincent would have been very proud to have his name associated with this race.”  

O’Brien won a remarkable 27 Irish Classic races at the Co. Kildare venue including saddling the winner of the National Stakes fifteen times most notably with Sir Ivor (1967), Roberto (1971), Storm Bird (1980) and El Gran Senor (1983).

A Celebration of Dr O’Brien’s life is currently being put together by the racecourse in conjunction with Horse Racing Ireland and The Irish Field, which will take place throughout the race day including an exhibition of memorabilia open to the public and presentations to some of his closest associates.
 
“Vincent O’Brien was undoubtedly the most influential person in horse racing history and we are delighted to be able to put together a fitting tribute to remember his remarkable career,” said racecourse General Manager Paul Hensey.

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 on 045 861707 or visit our web site: www.kildareceb.ie

Download the Training Programme here

Kildare North Fianna Fail TD Michael Fitzpatrick has expressed his disappointment in the news that locally based Intel are to seek 294 redundancies at their Leixlip plant.

“These job losses are very disappointing but I am confident that Intel has a strong future in north Kildare.”

“It is a difficult and distressing time for those who will lose their jobs. I understand that Intel will consult with staff over the coming weeks and that redundancies will not come into effect until October.”

“Intel has invested strongly in their Leixlip plant investing over €7billion since setting up in 1989 and has recently appointed NUI Maynooth as its Global Education Partner. Intel has also identified Leixlip as one of two new European Research and Development Hubs indicating long-term investment in the future.”

“I have been in contact with the Minister for Enterprise about these job losses and I am confident that the Minister will do all she can to support Intel and their future in Leixlip,” concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.

The Group 1 Camas Park and Ashtown House Studs Phoenix Stakes tops the bill at the Curragh this Sunday 26th July and what a fascinating race it promises to be, with twelve entries following the final forfeit stage today including Royal Ascot winner Radiohead, Alfred Nobel and Walk On Bye who are all scheduled to square up to each other.

The Tommy Stack trained Walk On Bye, who along with In Some Respect, has been supplemented to the 6 furlong contest at a cost of 22,500 euro and puts her unbeaten record on the line following two emphatic victories at this venue. Radiohead has been earmarked for this race by his trainer Brian Meehan ever since his victory in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot and he is sure to play a big part in proceedings.

Alfred Nobel, winner of the Group 2 Netjets Railway Stakes at this venue last month, is one of five entries from the Aidan O’Brien stable, the others being Air Chief Marshall, Beethoven, Lily Langtry and Reggie Dancer.  

The Listed Grangecon Stud Stakes has attracted an entry of twelve headed by recent course winner Rahya Cass, Arctic, Invincible Vibes, Dream Deer and the British trained Dancing Red Devil.

Recent Fairyhouse winner Aine heads the list of fourteen entries for the Listed Sweet Mimosa Stakes. Other notable runners are Chatline, Duaisbhanna, Choose Me, Empress of France and Sweet Diva. The later, trained in Britain by David Elsworth, is already a three time winner and is sure to put it up to the home trained team.

The first of seven races on a very competitive programme commences at 2.10pm. The ground is currently soft, while the forecast is for sunshine and showers over the coming few days.

Date: 10th August 2009
Venue: GAA Hall, Prosperous Road
Times: 3:00pm - 4:45pm; 7:00pm - 9:30pm
Platelet donor recruitment nurse will be present at this clinic.

Date: 11th August 2009
Venue: Glenroyal Hotel
Times: 2:30pm - 5:00pm; 7:00pm - 9:30pm

Live Original Music night with 4 new acts each week, at the Railway Inn, Sallins.

The Railway Sessions is Kildare's only weekly original music showcase. Each week 4 original acts from around the country perform in a warm,relaxed atmosphere. 

Enjoy an evening of live music and entertainment in a welcoming, candle-lit setting with the very best of up and coming bands and singer/songwriters.

The Railway Sessions has already seen outstanding performances from a wide variety of acts from Offaly man Wayne Brennan; Dublin-based band Caruso, to Wexford singer/songwriter and Balcony TV's Best New Irish Act nominee, Sara Lou.

More information: Contact Adam Daly, adamdaly365@hotmail.com 

or see www.facebook.com/therailwaysessions 

 As we hit the peak of the Summer we may look outside and wonder where the sun has gone, but there is light at the end of the tunnel as we look forward to that well deserved break in the Sun that we have longed for since last year.

But we do have to ask ourselves, who will look after my work while I am away?  Will I return to a desk full of invoices, receipts, a mountain of paperwork and an inbox of emails that is full to capacity? Or will I come back to an efficiently run office and be able to ease back into my workload without spending days trying to catch up?

It is at times like this that hiring a Temp is of huge benefit. You can relax on holidays knowing that your desk and workload is being looked after, your clients will be responded to and you wont lose out on that hard earned business you have built up over the years.

Hiring a Temp is the perfect ‘pay as you go solution’ to immediate Summer Cover without the heavy price tag. Its good to know that your business will not suffer while you are away. With the climate in its current state more and more highly skilled and experienced people are turning to Temp work.

Individuals with experience in Administration and Secretarial duties, Reception, Accounts and Credit Control, Telesales and Market Research; you will blessed with hiring a Temp that can bring an array of skills, experience and new ideas to your business.

Why should I hire a Temp?

Well the benefits are endless:

• 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 not only holiday cover, but also for 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. So next time you're planning that well deserved Summer trip, make sure you're covered - hire a Temp.

For more information contact Stephen Farrell at Clark Office on 045 881888 or email stephen@clark.ie

The launch of three significant three-year arts policy and strategy documents for Kildare County Council took place in Aras Chill Dara, Naas, on Thursday 9th July.  The documents are companion documents to Making Inroads:  An Arts Development Plan 2006-2011.  The newly appointed Mayor of Co Kildare, Cllr Colm Purcell, formally launched the documents, with Lucina Russell, Arts Officer for Kildare County Council acting as MC for the event. 

The Arts in Health Strategy was written by Nicola Dunne, Arts in Health Specialist. The key areas for arts development outlined in the Strategy are

• Supporting Naas General Hospital in the continuing development and implementation of a sustainable arts programme for patients, staff and visitors
• Working with mental health services and agencies to facilitate the engagement of service users in arts initiatives
• Exploring arts provision for older people, focusing particularly on the national Bealtaine festival and the development of a sustainable model for the provision of arts programme in residential units and care centres
• Supporting arts programmes and training within services for adults with intellectual disabilities, in partnership with service development.

A county wide Arts in Health Steering Committee has been established with representatives from a range of services within the HSE (intellectual disability, physical disability, older people, Naas Hospital) and artists working in the field of Arts in Health

The Public Art Policy, prepared by Rina Whyte, Public Art Co-ordinator, outlines four development areas:

• Integration of Public Art into planning, design and construction of county facilities, buildings and public spaces.
• Maximise opportunities in the county to undertake Per Cent for Art schemes and other Public Art opportunities, and to utilise such schemes to their full potential
• Further develop an innovative and collaborative approach to commissioning Public Art in the county through partnership projects
• Be a central point of information, consultancy, support and advice regarding Public Art in Kildare.

The Youth Arts Strategy was drafted by Eoghan Doyle, Assistant County Arts Officer. It focuses on:

• Encouraging organisations with responsibility for young people to engage in quality youth arts practice
• Exploring innovative and sustainable models for youth arts programming
• Support Youth Arts training and professional development for youth leaders and young people
• Explore the potential use of new technologies in Youth Arts provision.

Lucina Russell congratulated the team on their work and acknowledged the role of Brenda Brady, Arts Assistant, in developing the Film programme, which is a growing art form, with a large number of emerging film makers in the county.

The Strategy documents emphasise the importance of partnership and the contribution of the relevant agencies in the Youth and Health sectors, while the Public Art policy encourages private developments' participation in the roll out of a County Public Art

Copies of the Strategies and Policy are available from the Arts Service, Riverbank Arts Centre, in local libraries and to download.

www.kildare.ie/artsservices . Tel: 045-448328, Email: arts@kildarecoco.ie

NEWBRIDGE – County Kildare residents are invited to the official opening of Newbridge’s new community garden, Bia Linn (“Our Food”), from 12 pm to 2 pm Saturday, July 18. The event is hosted by the local community group FADA, which organised and built the garden – which lies behind the Town Hall on the Main Street of Newbridge -- this spring.

The event will feature several speakers and activities. Lucy Bell will demonstrate how to make a wormery to transform kitchen waste into high-quality soil. Members of FADA will also speak at the event: Ellen Quaid about composting waste, Kate Park about how to use various kinds of edible flowers in cooking, and Brian Kaller on the long-tem gardening technique of permaculture. FADA member Maureen O’Connor will speak about the Fair Trade movement, which organises international trade of products grown and made for humane wages in the Third World.

Children will also have the opportunity to take part in a treasure hunt, and FADA members will give away runner bean seedlings and information.

FADA is a local network of people trying to build self-reliance and community spirit in the local area. FADA members have hosted many festivals and talks in the County Kildare area, offered classes in gardening, permaculture and cooking, and organised programmes for area students. The organisation lobbied local governments to gain a food garden in the area, and received the keys to the space in May. Since then, volunteers have built garden beds, tool sheds, a carved sign and a compost bin.

Area residents who would like to contribute to the garden are welcome to donate tools, watering cans, yard brushes, signs, maintenance equipment, paint and brushes, bin tags and seeds.

FADA would like to see more gardens and fields turned into allotments in the coming months. If you have land you want to see used, can recommend public lots for use or want to volunteer at the garden, contact FADA vice-chair Brian Kaller at 087-299-4552 or by e-mail at briankaller@yahoo.com, or call FADA member Ciara Bennett at 087-823-9558

Beginning Sept 2009 and running until March 2010, The Connacht College of Design is offering a "Diploma in Professional Interior Design" evening course in Leixlip. 

The course runs one night per week from 7:30 PM to 10:00PM at the Clarion Hotel in Leixlip.

The object of this course is to train students to become professional interior designers for residential projects.

For more detailed information, please view the website at: www.connachtcollegeofdesign.com, or call Paul Heaney, Director at 091-870070 during office hours.

Dance your blues away! Join us this summer for a dynamic and energetic week of dance!

Kildare County Council Arts Service is delighted to announce details of the fourth Kildare Dance Summer School, NUI Maynooth, Monday 20 – Friday 24 July 2009

The Kildare Dance Summer School offers a ‘pick and mix programme’ allowing you to immerse yourself in an exciting range of approaches to dance.

•  Develop your dance skills through technique and choreographic workshops
• Continue your professional development and apply your skills to working in different contexts including youth, education and special needs
• Dance for the fun of it! Just enjoy sessions in creative dance and the unique experience of a Movement Choir

Course options include technique and choreography classes, community based workshops, including Dance with Disability and Dance into Drama, as well as sessions in creative dance and the unforgettable Movement Choir. 

New for the 2009 programme is a day dedicated to Youth Dance, and ‘Laban in Practice in Dance in Education’, a tailor made Dance in Education course for primary teachers. Highly experienced tutors, approved by the Laban Guild, facilitate the Summer School.

The Summer School programme is based on Laban fundamentals i.e. The Body, Space, Effort, Relationship.  However, previous experience of Laban’s work, or other dance techniques, is not essential. 

The Dance Summer School costs € 350 or €70 daily rate, which includes tuition fees and tea/coffee.  Workshops take place Mon-Thurs 9.30– 4.30pm, Fri 9.30am -1.30pm

Budget on-campus accommodation is available on the campus of NUI Maynooth, if required.

For further information and booking contact Nicola Dunne, Kildare County Council Arts Service, Tel : 045-448312,  Email : nmdunne@kildarecoco.ie or visit www.kildare.ie/artsservice

The Bog of Allen Nature Centre will celebrate International Bog Day on the 26th of July 2009 from 2pm –5pm. Activities have been organised for all the family with a talk entitled ‘Beautiful Bogs’ and a walk to Lodge Bog included throughout the day.  For younger visitors pond dipping, frog searches and nature crafts will be offered. 

This event is free and all are welcome. Tea and Coffee will be available. Bring a picnic. For further details contact the centre on 045-860133 or e-mail bogs@ipcc.ie.

Editors Notes:

The Bog of Allen Nature Centre is run by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, a charity set up in 1982 to conserve a representative portion of Irish Peatland for future generations to enjoy.

For further Information Contact:
Irish Peatland Conservation Council
Bog of Allen Nature Centre
Lullymore
Rathangan
Co. Kildare
Tel: 045-860133
Fax: 045-860481
E-mail: bogs@ipcc.ie
Web: www.ipcc.ie
 

Option 1:

Call Clark CV Services or e-mail your current CV to info@clark.ie to contact one of our CV experts. Our consultants will collect all the relevant details and information that is needed to create a professional and well worded CV.

Your dedicated CV consultant will rewrite and enhance your CV (which is then proof read by our team of consultants). You are then sent a draft e-copy for your approval and comment. Your consultant will be both understanding and confidential with your personal information and no outside party will have access.

Once you are happy with your CV, we will print and post a copy to your home address.

You are also e-mailed a PDF and a Microsoft Word version for electronic submissions to potential employers.

Cost: €50.00

Option 2:

Along with option 1 we can provide you with a one to one consultation to gain an insight into your professional work history. This helps us identify your previous responsibilities and achievements.

Cost: €50.00 + One to One Consultation is charged at a rate of €50.00 per half hour

Additional CV Services:

We can also supply you with the following extras:

• Cover letter sample and template €20.00
• USB Flash key with CV saved €10.00
• CD copy with your CV saved €10.00

If you require more information please do not hesitate to contact Clark on 045-881888 or email info@clark.ie

The Bog of Allen Nature Centre is now taking bookings for its summer camp running from Monday 10th – Friday 14th August.  The camp is open to students from the ages of 7-13 years and is fully supervised by experienced tutors.  The camp will run from 10am –1pm each day and activities throughout the week will include, pond dipping, an introduction to insect eating plants, woodland creepy crawlie hunt, nature crafts and last day Bog Party.  Places are limited. 

If you are interested in booking a place for your child please contact the Bog of Allen Nature Centre on 045-860133.  

Editors Notes:
 
The Irish Peatland Conservation Council is a charity set up to conserve a representative portion of Irish peatlands for future generations to enjoy.

The Bog of Allen Nature Centre is being developed into a centre of excellence in peatland education, conservation and research for Irish Peatlands.

Three north Kildare schools are to get high-speed wireless broadband connectivity as part of the Government's pilot plan to give students instant internet access anywhere in the school, according to local Fianna Fail TD Michael Fitzpatrick.

“The schools that will benefit from this pilot scheme that will run until the end of 2011 are Convent of Mercy on the Sallins Road, the Salesian College in Celbridge and Maynooth Post Primary School.”

“The Government is keen to support schools in the development of their IT facilities and to develop schools into centres of e-learning.”

“The provision of high-speed wireless broadband will result in students being able to upload and download material faster, access high-volume digital educational content and connect instantly to websites from any part of the school.”

“I am sure that students and teachers at the Convent of Mercy, the Salesian College and Maynooth Post Primary will welcome becoming part of the pilot programme,” concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.

The main events will be in the Carlton Abbey Hotel and the acts include The Bluegrass Patriots, from Colorado, 4 Wheel Drive from Holland, Germany & Belgium, and Woodbine from Athy,

Other acts in the lineup are:

• Gary Ferguson


• The Niall Toner Band


• The Tennessee Hennessee


• Acoustic Grass


• The Sullivan Brothers


• Bending The Strings

The Leinster Football Final between Kildare and Dublin takes place in Croke Park on Sunday 12 July at 2.00pm. Live coverage of the match is on TV3.

The Kildare's Leinster SFC semi-final win over Laois was impressive and manager Kieran McGeeney will be hoping to win a Leinster for Kildare this Sunday against Dublin, having made significant progress in this years championship.

On the way to this years final, Kildare beat Offaly by 1-16 to 1-10, Wexford by 2-12 to 0-11 and Laois by 2-18 to 0-09. Thats 5 goals and 46 points in 3 games which is quite impressive, averaging over 20 points per game.

Dublin were very impressive winners over Westmeath in the Leinster Semi Final, scoring 4-26 in the process. They defeated Meath by 2 points in the previous round scoring 14 points.

Kildare were last in a Leinster Final in 2003 where they lost to Laois by a goal. They also contested the 2002 and 2000 finals, both against Dublin. They lost in 2002, but won in 2000, the last time Kildare won a Leinster Final, 9 years ago.

Kildare also won the Leinster Final in 1998 againast Meath and went on to appear in the All Ireland Final against Galway that year, which they lost by 4 points.

The Dubs are odds on favourites to take their 5th Leinster in a row on Sunday having won it on the previous 4 occasions. They won last years final against Wexford by 3-23 to 0-09 so it will not be easy to break their winning streak in Leinster.

Kildare will have no fear though, and led by All Ireland Winner Kieran McGeeney, it is likely to be a tough, close contest between the 2 top teams in Leinster this year.

Dublin who have already played both Meath and Westmeath at Croke Park this summer, will be more than familiar with championship matches at GAA Headquarters, while Kildare's three championship outings to date have been played at provincial venues.
Whether this proves to be advantage remains to be seen, but it is very unlikely to be as easy a contest for Dublin as the recent Leinster Semi Final was.