County Kildare News

Those with an interest in film, art and indeed world politics should take a look at some special events at Riverbank Arts Centre this week. Film lovers will delight at the events on offer in the coming days, with an award winning documentary, ‘Burma VJ’,  an exhibition launch with internationally renowned video artist, Michael Fortune, a short film from Kildare film-maker Alan Lawlor and a screening of the thrilling Irish surfing documentary, ‘Waveriders’,

On Friday 6th November, Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare in association with Burma Action Ireland is proud to announce a special screening of ‘Burma VJ’, the award winning documentary style film by Danish director Anders Østergaard. This is a unique opportunity to see ‘Burma VJ’ with special guest speakers from Democratic Voice of Burma and Burma Action Ireland.  This incredible documentary follows the events of September 2007, as the Buddhist monks of Burma stage peaceful protests against the ruling military and living conditions imposed by them. The film is seen through the lens of 'Joshua' and other video journalists, who risk their freedom and their lives to ensure that footage of the brutal repression of the protests by the Burmese military makes it out of Burma for all the world to see. The screening will be followed by a discussion forum with special guest Khin Maung Win of the Democratic Voice of Burma. The audience will have opportunity to ask questions raised by the film and will gain a better understanding of both the events of September 2007 and media censorship in Burma. 

Tickets only €6. To book contact Riverbank Arts Centre Box Office on 045 448327 or book online at www.riverbank.ie

Monday the 9th of November offers movie buffs the chance to experience film in a number of different ways. At 6.30pm, acclaimed artist Michael Fortune presents a showcase of his video works in ‘An Anthology of Others’. Based in County Wexford, Fortune’s work is presented widely nationally and internationally in a variety of contexts, ranging from video installations in galleries through to single screen presentations in film and video art festivals. Since the beginning of 2007 his work has been presented in over ninety shows in a total of twenty- five countries spanning from Armenia to Venezuela and from Kilnaboy to Claremorris. A Q+A session will follow each screening. The event begins at 6.30pm sharp, admission is free. Following the talk, ‘An Anthology of Other’s will be presented as a continuous screening in Riverbank Arts Centre from the 10th to the 27th of November.

Opening hours: Mon - Fri 10am – 5.30pm. Sat 10am – 1pm.  For further information visit www.michaelfortune.ie. or www.riverbank.ie

Following the Michael Fortune Showcase on Monday evening, the Riverbank Cinema kicks in at 8pm with the highly acclaimed Irish surfing documentary, ‘Waveriders’, and a short film from Kildare film maker Alan Lawlor. A native of  Derrinturn, Carbury, Co. Kildare,  Alan Lawlor’s beautiful short film ‘An Ordinary Man’ will be shown before ‘Waveriders’, and tells an ordinary and everyday story of two brothers working on the bog all the while longing to escape to a new life. It looks at the yearning of a younger generation to seek happiness away from the boring day to day existence of rural life, at opposition with the pride and honesty of a simple hard days work. When an argument between the brothers leads to a death the tale takes a dark and unexpected twist. Alan Lawlor's direction shows an assured grasp for the beauty of his locations, the bog land and surrounding fields are shot with a beauty. The film is as much in love with the landscape as the characters who inhabit it and features a celtic infused, beautiful score by Fran Geoghegan. Having studied film and worked as a camera assistant on various dramas and documentaries, Alan has made two shorts in the last year and plans to start production on a third early next year.

Finally, the thrilling Irish surfing documentary, ‘Waveriders’, is the featured movie of the night. ‘Waveriders’ is the previously untold story of the unlikely Irish roots of the worldwide surfing phenomenon and today’s pioneers of Irish big wave surfing. The story unfolds through the inspirational and ultimately tragic history of Irish/Hawaiian legendary waterman, George Freeth, the son of an Irishman, who was responsible for the rebirth of this sport of Hawaiian kings in the early twentieth century. With its distinguished cast of world-renowned Irish, British and Irish/American surfers ‘Waveriders’ journeys full-circle from Hawaii to California and back to Irish shores following Freeth’s wave of influence. The journey reaches a spectacular climax when the surfers conquer the biggest swell ever to have been ridden in Ireland by catching monster waves of over fifty feet. Tickets for  ‘No Ordinary Man’/’Waveriders’ are €6, to book call 045 448327 or book online at www.riverbank.ie

FADA to host 2nd annual event in Newbridge Oct. 30, 31

Beat the world crisis blues and raise your spirits at FADA's second annual Feile na Sammhna (Halloween Festival) on the 30th and 31st of October around Georges St., Newbridge. The festival will feature children's activities, live music, markets, craft demonstrations, speakers and films.

The event is organised by FADA (www.fada.ie), a county-wide volunteer organisation that looks for local solutions to global problems. FADA opened the Bia Linn community garden in July, hosted a benefit concert by Luka Bloom Oct. 1, and holds courses on gardening, peak oil, climate change and home heating.

The Feile, which was created to bring people from around the community together and focus on positive solutions to the current crisis, will take place on Georges St at VTOS Adult Education, the Newbridge School of Music and An Chistin. It will begin Friday, Oct. 30th on Georges St., when the Culture Factory will host a battle of the bands for local musical talent.

On Saturday, Oct. 31 the main events begin on the street. Many events will be set up for children, including an area for conker contests and bubble-blowing. Nico and Martin's Instant Orchestra will perform for younger children, and storyteller Nuala Hayes will perform "The Wilder Wisdom of Auld Ones" with harpist and composer Anne Marie O' Farrell.

Those interested in gardening will have an advice and workshop area, with several courses for adults. Seed Savers Ireland will host a course in collecting and saving one's garden seeds for the next year; local gardener Angela Nolan will host an organic gardening introduction workshop, and Michael Miklis of the Biodynamic Association of Ireland will give a talk on consumer shareholder agriculture.

The Feile will also focus on ways local neighbours can deal with the economic crisis. A barter tent will allow people to trade their unwanted goods, while booths will showcase local entrepreneurs. Steve Alin, coordinator of Kenmare's local "Youro" currency, will speak about the advantages of local money.

In addition to the talks, there will be a room for films and discussion about making one's community and country more self-reliant. Kildare Youth Theatre will perform skits about life after peak oil, and the elders are invited to share their stories of how life used to be in simpler times. Finally, there will be competitions for pumpkin carving and extraordinary vegetables, and fancy-dress costumes.

For more information e-mail info@fada.ie or call Brian Kaller at 087-299-4552.

The Irish Rallycross Championship continues its 2009/10 campaign this weekend at Mondello Park with round three of the series run by the Carlow Car Club. Sunday’s races are set to continue the recent revival in Irish Rallycross with championship leaders Tommy Graham and Michael Coyne at the head of an entry list which includes eight Supercars and fifteen of the two wheel drive modified division machines.

Reigning champion Michael Coyne will be looking to continue to take the battle to the four wheel drive Supercars in the Superfinal, particularly if the track stays dry, but is up against stronger opposition than last season among the two wheel drive brigade. Round two saw him give best to the brand new Lotus of Ian O’Connell, with the former Mini driver emerging as the new star of the modified division now that he is equipped with more modern machinery. Coyne still leads the series thanks to a strong showing at Pembrey but will need another strong result if he is to retain his championship lead.

In the Supercar class local favourite’s Tommy Graham and Eddie Kinirons with their Ford’s will start as favourites ahead of a field of Japanese machinery. Championship stalwarts the Morris brothers will have two Impreza’s on the grid along with Paul Pascoe who joins them in the Wexford based BMRT set up. The remainder of the grid will be made up of Kildare men, with Mitsubishi Evo pilots Tom Kirwan and David Dempsey joined by another Supercar newcomer Barry Johnson with his Impreza.

The Stockhatch championship has been wide open over the first two races of the season with former champions Derek Tohill and Michael Duke finding the going tough. Tohill won at round one in Pembrey back in September but had to pull off the grid at the start of the round two ‘A Final’. Duke failed to score at round one and could only manage fifth at round two as Gordon Lynch took the victory to add to his third place finish at Pembrey. As usual the Stockhatch drivers will provide the biggest class of the day with over thirty cars expected. The remaining classes, Junior Rallycross and Rallycars, continue to perform well with more than a dozen entries apiece bringing the total number of entries above eighty drivers yet again.

Sunday’s event gets underway with the first round of heats at 10:15. The event takes a break for half an hour following the second runoff heats and then finishes off the day with the third runs commencing at 13:45 and the finals at 15:30.

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

15:30  Finals
 
17:00  Prizegiving
 

When you run a successful family business, one that has been serving its customers well for over 100 years, it can be hard to see how you rate against everyone else. Which means that if you are making the nation's best sausage you may not even know it.

That's exactly what happened to John Young, third generation craft butcher and current proprietor of JJ Young & Sons Butchers with outlets in Celbridge and Clane, Co Kildare.

When his customers kept telling him how good his sausages, made to an old family recipe were he was glad of the praise. When they said they are good enough to win prizes he decided to put them to the test.

And boy is he glad he did!

JJ Young & Sons entered four of their most popular sausages* in the recent Craft Butcher Awards. All four were awarded Gold medals. John also brought home the most coveted Supreme Champion Award, officially making his Beef & Guinness sausage the best in the nation. In addition he picked up Silver and Bronze awards for his Dry Cured Traditional Irish Rashers, his Old Style Dry Cured Loin Bacon and his Home Dry Cured Corned Beef.

John took over the family firm from his late father, Joe, nearly 20 years ago. Since then he has expanded the business, renovating the original shop on Main Street in Celbridge village and opening a Factory Shop at Clane Business Park, Co Kildare. People now come from all over Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, Laois, Westmeath, Meath, Carlow and even further afield to stock up on restaurant quality meat, game and poultry at wholesale prices.

"They can't believe the value and quality," John Young says. "Because we sell to many top hotels and restaurants, we buy in volume and can pass on that price advantage to people who visit us at the Factory Shop".

"With Christmas just around the corner households can make their budgets go further by availing of the great value we offer on turkey, goose, steak, venison, poultry, spiced beef and of course, our prize-winning sausages", he says, adding that crown of turkey is this year's trend for Christmas dinner "because there's no waste and it's easier to carve".

Visit JJ Young & Son's factory shop at Unit 9, Clane Industrial Estate, Clane, Co Kildare. Open Thursday - Saturday, 8.30am - 5.00pm. Tel: 045-982111.

* The four types of sausages entered were Venison, Pork & Spanish Onion, Traditional Breakfast and Beef & Guinness.

Evenings @Brannockstown Baptist Church worship - next service on 8 Nov, 7:00pm.

 Evenings @Brannockstown are held at Brannockstown Baptist Church, and all are very welcome to attend this casual evening worship service, which includes praise music, a short devotional, scripture reading and meditation.  Our next evening service will be on 8 November, 7:00pm and will last about an hour. 

For more information, visit www.BrannockstownBaptist.ie or tel. 045 420 811.

Information Evening
Wednesday November 11th   at 7.30pm
Liffey Valley House Hotel

David Jones   -   Author of the highly successful “Oh no: I’ve lost my job.  What am I going to do?  David went on to found the  Job Seekers Union which is intended as a support for those looking for work.

Christine Courtney -  Businesswoman with in excess of 20 years experience.  Christine is College Principal, international tutor to UK, USA and Malta and  owner of Obus School of Healing Therapies.  She is  formally a director of one of Ireland’s largest stationary companies. 

Donal Dalton  -  CEO of Kildare County Enterprise Board, It’s aim is
to provide grant aid and other non-financial supports to small scale
projects within County Kildare which fit into its Enterprise Action Plan. 
Each speaker will be followed by a short question and answer session.   The event is free and all are welcome to attend.   Light refreshments will be served at 9.15

For over 40 years gorta has worked for a world free from the injustices of chronic hunger, poverty and disease, with special regard for the plight of children and the empowerment of women. We very much rely on volunteers who generously donate their time and support to ensure that we can continue this vital work.

Volunteering with gorta for one of our Church Gate collections in your area will require 1-2 hours of your time and is a great way to get to know your neighbours, get active in your community and contribute to gorta’s cause at the same time.

We are urgently looking for people from Athy and surrounding areas to help with collections at St. Michael’s Church on the 7th & 8th of November
 
Volunteers are needed to collect for 1-2 hours for masses on:

Saturday: 7pm

Sunday: 8.30am, 10.30am  and 12 noon.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like any further information please contact Ann Byron Murphy at 087-7933513, (01) 661-5522, or ann@gorta.org

Local Fianna Fail TD Michael Fitzpatrick has welcomed the news that funding has been awarded to tackle flooding of the Toni River in Celbridge.

“The Minister of State at the Department of Office of Public Works, Martin Mansergh has informed me that funding of €150,000 is being made available to Kildare County Council for work to alleviate flooding of the Toni River in Celbrige.”

“This river has burst its banks in the past causing severe difficulties for local residents.”

“The funding was awarded following an application from Kildare County Council. The OPW prioritised projects that required immediate measures or studies in their areas and I am pleased that the Toni River has been targeted for funding.”

“I know that the Minister was keen to prioritise areas where there was substantial risk to homes and other properties.”

“I am confident that work will begin shortly and will make a substantial difference to the area,” concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.

OXEGEN has made the shortlist for Best Overseas Festival at The Festival Awards. The original list of 187 nominated festivals has been reduced to a Top 30, so now they need your vote to try and make OXEGEN the NUMBER 1 FESTIVAL WORLDWIDE!

Even if you voted in the first round you can now vote again, so head over to www.festivalawards.com and do your part to ensure OXEGEN come out on top!

Join our exciting 12-week Weight Loss Challenge, with cash Prizes for the "Biggest Losers"!

Join our exciting Weight Loss Challenge in Naas Community Centre. There will be a presentation on a new topic on wellness and nutrition each week, with weekly weight in and measurements.

Whether you need to lose weight, tone up, improve fitness or energy levels, there is something for everyone at this challenge. Successfully run in Blessington earlier this year, we are delighted to bring this challenge to Naas.

There are cash prizes for the "Biggest Losers" and weekly rewards for the most improved participants.

So join this 12-week challenge today and improve your health & fitness.

Presentations are at 6.30pm, beginning 28th Oct 2009, at a cost of only 40 Euros for the full 12 weeks.

Contact Cary Lawlor at 083 4025157 or wellnessireland@gmail.com

A day of close racing with the biggest entry list in the championships’ history, kicked off the Mondello Park rounds of the 2009/10 Jondol Junior Rallycross Championship for fourteen to sixteen year olds, at the County Kildare circuit last weekend. The seven round championship got under way at Pembrey in Wales during September, but Sunday’s first Mondello Park event signalled the real beginning of the championship trail for many drivers.

The opening race at Pembrey saw Simon Quinn from Naas come out on top amongst the Irish championship runners, but with Quinn away at the final round of the British championship on Sunday the way was open for another driver to take the spoils. First to make the running was Dubliner Niall Murray as he sped to victory in his first ever car race, on his way to fastest time in the first run with his Toyota Starlet. Next up were the experienced Northern Irish duo, Andrew Patterson and Mark Francis with their Micra’s, ahead of the first of the previously all conquering Mini’s, the fourth placed car of another rookie Paul Barrett from Maynooth.

Run two saw Paul McArdle from Dundalk push his Nissan into the battle at the head of the field, just behind Patterson and ahead of Murray, with Francis demoted to fourth. The Mini drivers meanwhile continued to struggle against the more modern machines, with Naas resident Sam Kinirons doing best in sixth place. The third run of heats again came down to a battle between Murray and Patterson with victory going to the Dubliner along with pole position for his first ever final.

With thirteen cars completing the heats the Jondol Junior ‘B Final’ consisted of six drivers, all looking to take the win and the last slot on the eight car ‘A Final’ grid. Cavan’s Michael Cahill made the best of the start from the middle of the front row, to lead from the pole man, Carlow’s Seamus Curran. Curran chased as hard as he could for the remainder of the race but could do nothing about his fellow Micra driver and had to concede the place in the ‘A Final’ to Cahill.

The ‘A’ grid lined up with Murray, Patterson and Francis on the front row and it was the more experienced pairing of Patterson and Francis who led away. By the exit of Dunlop at the end of the first lap however, Murray had disposed of Francis to move into second and was already chasing down Patterson. Going through Turn One to start the second lap, the Starlet driver pulled of a move which would have been impressive for a veteran, never mind a raw rookie, as he threw Patterson a dummy to the left before slipping by on the right, half way through the corner. The young Tallaght man then had the attention of Patterson for the reminder of the race but never looked under any real threat as he reeled of the laps to take a maiden win. Sam Kinirons came home third, to restore some honour for Mini drivers, as he worked his way impressively up from the back row of the grid.

While the Irish championship was being contested at Mondello, one of the favourites for the title was busy at Mallory Park in England trying to secure the British championship at its final two rounds. Simon Quinn did all that he could to make the title his during the two day event, by winning all six of his heats and two ‘A Finals’, but his adventure ended in disappointment as he came up one point short of the title. Missing Sunday’s Irish event should not harm Quinn’s domestic championship ambitions however, as each driver is only allowed to count six scores from the seven events. For the next event at Mondello, on November 1st, Quinn will rejoin the Irish series and his presence alongside new stars such as Niall Murray and old rivals Patterson and Francis should liven the Junior championship up even further.

Local Fianna Fail TD Michael Fitzpatrick has been informed by Minister Éamon Ó Cuív TD that Cill Dara ar Aghaide Teoranta has significant funds to allocate under the LEADER programme this year.  

“In a time when money is scarce, the Rural Development programme, which is co-funded by the Government and the EU, is of vital importance to the renewal and regeneration of rural Ireland.”

“Under the Programme, funding of €425.4 million will be provided. This is almost treble the amount available in the last Programme (2000-2006), and the largest ever package for rural development. Allied to the private investment that it will attract, this funding should ensure a spend in rural Ireland of over €1bn.”

“Minister Ó Cuív’s announcement in August that capital-type projects under three measures – village renewal and development, basic services for the economy and rural population, and conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage – may now be co-funded by Local Authorities is very positive, and I believe that it will give a major boost to the Programme. In such cases up to 95% of funding for projects can be provided.”

“I also welcome the announcement that the provision of 3-phase electricity is an eligible action under the programme.”

“I have been informed that each Integrated Local Development Company has been given significant money for immediate approval as grants.  In the case of Cill Dara ar Aghaidh Teoranta, the details are that they have over €1.7 million to allocate with immediate effect.  I would now urge the company to ensure that this money is allocated to good projects as speedily as possible.  The Department has also assured me that when this money is allocated, consideration will be given to the provision of a further allocation of money to each company.”

“I am delighted that it is now all systems go with the LEADER programme and I will encourage community groups and private individuals to work with their Integrated Local Development Company to ensure that good projects are developed and that this money is used to the best advantage for rural Ireland,” concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.

The Bog of Allen Nature Centre are holding a Creepy Crawlie Fun Camp for 7-13 year olds on Friday 30th October from 10am-1pm.

Activities on the day will include: pond dipping, mask making, creepy crawlie hunt and insect eating plants.  All activities are fully supervised.  There is a charge of 15 Euro per student and places are limited. 

Booking essential by calling 045-860133.

Local Fianna Fáil TD Seán Ó Feargháil has welcomed the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism Martin Cullen TD to Athy for the official opening of the new swimming pool at Greenhills.

“The new K Leisure Swimming Pool at Greenhills has been open for a few months now and has proved to be a very popular venue.”

“The K-Leisure facility includes a 25-metre swimming pool with movable floor, a family changing area, spectator area, sauna and steam rooms, aerobics studio, gym and coffee dock.”

“This is a great facility for Athy and the Department of Arts Sports and Tourism supported the new pool with vital grant aid of €3.8 million under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme.”

“The swimming pool is a great local resource and will encourage local families to keep fit. Swimming lessons for local children are also important to promote water safety for summer holidays at the beach or abroad,” concluded Deputy Ó Feargháil.

The new swimming pool in Naas has been officially opened by the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, Martin Cullen TD.

Welcoming the official opening of the pool local Fianna Fail TD Michael Fitzpatrick said,

“I am delighted that the Naas pool has been opened officially by the Minister as it was only made possible with grants under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme.”

“The pool got a grant of €3.8 million of a grant from the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism, which was the maximum amount possible.”

“The pool, which will be run by Kildare County Council is a great resource for the area.”

“The K-Leisure Naas facility includes a 25-metre, 6-lane swimming pool, learner pool, family changing area, spectator area, sauna and steam rooms, aerobics studio, gym and coffee dock.”

“I am delighted to hear that the pool has proved to be very popular since it first opened a few months ago and I am confident that it will continue to be so,” concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.

The Minister of State at the Department of Health, with special responsibility for Older People and Health Promotion, Áine Brady TD, has also welcomed the official opening of the Naas swimming pool.

“In my role as Minister of State for Health Promotion I am keenly aware of the importance of healthy lifestyles and the role of exercise in maintaining good health.”

“Swimming is a great form of exercise for people of all ages and it is really important that young children gain confidence in the water and learn all about water safety.”

“The Naas pool has proved to be very popular since it opened a few months ago and I am confident that the numbers using the pool will continue to grow.”

“I was delighted to welcome my colleague Martin Cullen TD to officially open the pool. I know that he was keen to see the facilities."

Following a long lay-off the Car Track Day season gets back in action on Monday October 26th for what is currently the last scheduled track day before this season's customer loyalty day. The event will be run on the more popular International track layout used for the majority of Car and Bike Track Days and will continue to be run to the new format introduced earlier this season.

For those enthusiasts who have not been on track at Mondello this season the new format features an open pit lane for the majority of the day along with a smaller number of cars thereby providing greater value for money. Bookings for this date will also count for the fast approaching loyalty day which is scheduled to take place on Friday November 6th.

Both new and experienced drivers are welcome, but first timers must register themselves and their 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 will no-doubt be a very busy day.

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

For further information on Mondello Park track day prices, rules and regulations, see HERE.

Kildare South Fianna Fail TD Seán Ó Feargháil has welcomed the news that over 4,000 local farmers will soon receive advance payments of 70% of their Single Farm Payment.

“This advance payment is very timely as many Kildare farmers are experiencing financial constraints at the moment.”

“This advance payment follows on from the payment under the Disadvantaged Farm Payment that many Kildare farmers benefited from.”

“I know that my colleague the Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith TD highlighted the difficulties being experienced by Irish farmers and fought hard to be able to make advance payments to alleviate these stresses.”

“I am delighted at Minister Smith’s success and that the advance payment will be at an unprecedented 70%.”

“The remaining 30% of the Single Farm Payment will be issued from the 1st of December.”

“Any Kildare farmers who have had any queries from the Department of Agriculture regarding their payments should ensure that they reply as quickly as possible so there is no delay in issuing the payments.”

“I know that these advance payments will be welcomed by Kildare farmers and I am pleased that the Government is providing every practical support to local farm families,” concluded Deputy Ó Feargháil.

Fianna Fail TD for Kildare North Michael Fitzpatrick has announced that the annual Wolfe Tone Commemoration will take place in Bodenstown this Sunday the 18th October 2009 at 12.00 noon.

“I along with my colleague Minister of State Áine Brady will welcome An Taoiseach Brian Cowen TD back to Bodenstown this Sunday for the Wolfe Tone Commemoration.”

“This Commemoration has become an important date in the calendar for Fianna Fail.”

“An Taoiseach always used the opportunity to make a key note address in Kildare and we are looking forward to hearing his speech,” concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.

The Motorsport Ireland Irish Rallycross Championship has its first home race of the season this weekend at Mondello Park with round 2 of the 2009/10 series. Having kicked off its seven event schedule at Pembrey in September, the championship returns home for the remainder of its dates, starting with this Sunday’s Kildare Motor Club meeting.

The championship will get off to a flying start with an impressive eighty five car entry, one of the biggest for a domestic championship round for many years. The entry list is headed by an eleven driver Supercar grid which features some new names alongside the better known drivers. Christopher Evans heads the entry list as he returns from his European exploits for his first Mondello appearance for a number of seasons with his Opel Astra. Former Irish champion Evans will not have it all his own way however as he will be up against a strong line up of previous Mondello winners.

The strongest opposition to Evans will all be Ford mounted. Welsh visitor Mike Manning lines up with his Puma, with the Fiesta of Tommy Graham and the Focus of Eddie Kinirons as the other top Ford opposition. Also Ford mounted will be Declan Kelly in another Fiesta Supercar while the remainder of the field will be made up of Japanese machinery with four Subaru Impreza’s, including two for series stalwarts the Morris brothers, and the double-driven Mitsubishi Evo of local drivers Tom Kirwan and David Dempsey completing the field.

Fourteen drivers will battle for modified honours with reigning Irish Rallycross champion Michael Coyne the man to beat. Coyne took the overall title last season but will have his work cut out this time around to retain his crown, due to the increased Supercar opposition. Regardless of the overall standings, Michael will still be the target in the two wheel drive ranks where he has dominated proceedings for a number of years. Michael’s main opposition could come from within his own family with brothers Willie and Brendan likely to be his fiercest rivals. All three will need to watch their mirrors closely however, as the always super quick Ian O’Connell could be right on their tail, on his first outing in a new Lotus Exige this weekend.

The Stockhatch championship, which this season has backing from Rathgar Motor Factors and Platinum Batteries, remains strong with thirty entries and as always this budget class will provide some of the closest racing of the day. The Jondol Junior Rallycross championship for fourteen to sixteen year olds is also going from strength to strength with a sixteen car entry, three up on the previous best. An impressive fifteen Rally Cars complete the entry with the versatile Lloyd Hutchinson and his Mini the one to watch as he challenges the Mitsubishi Evo’s and lightweight Corsa’s and Peugeots.

Admission for Sunday’s event is just €15.00 with a further €5.00 discount available through the Mondello Park web site Special Offers page, while children Under 16 are admitted free.

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

15:30  Finals
 
17:00  Prizegiving

The Revenue Commissioners have today (13/10/09) warned of another fraudulent email purporting to come from Revenue seeking personal information from taxpayers in connection with a tax refund. This phishing email is headed "You are eligible to receive a tax refund of €320.50" and links to a convincing reproduction of the www.revenue.ie website.

Recipients are asked to submit personal details including date of birth and debit/credit card details. This email, which is the latest in a succession of scams targeting Irish taxpayers, did not issue from Revenue.

The Revenue Commissioners never send emails which require customers to send personal information via email or pop-up windows.

Anyone who receives an email purporting to be from Revenue and suspects it to be fraudulent or a scam should simply delete it. Anyone who is actually awaiting a tax refund should contact their local Revenue Office to check its status.

Anyone who provided personal information in response to these fraudulent emails should contact their bank or credit card company immediately.

The first Pilates Reformer Classes in Kildare have just started in Naas.

Naas Pilates Studio have recently added 5 Pilates Reformer machines to their studio.

Naas Pilates studio is located on the top floor of Naas Physiotherapy Clinic, in Millennium Park.

There are over 30 classes a week to choose from, with 5 expert instructors. Classes are small and results
are excellent.

Read more about it at www.physiotherapyworks.ie/Reformer.aspx

Our new 7 week course starts on nov 2nd. Timetable and pricing can be viewed on our website www.physiotherapyworks.ie/downloads/Current_Pilates_Timetable.pdf

If it’s mid-term entertainment you after then Riverbank Arts Centre has workshops to suit all those on their mid-term break. On Tuesay October 27th, those with a desire to improve their music skills can take part in flute and whistle workshops. In this one-day set of flute and whistle workshops, students will learn to play new tunes by ear including jigs, reels, hornpipes, polkas, slides.  Work on different types of ornamentation; cuts, rolls, taps, slides, and crans.

Learn breathing techniques, articulation, embouchure and Work on style, variations and phrasing of tunes and more. Pupils with some proficiency on the flute or whistle will benefit greatly from this one-day workshop.  Teaching and written notation will be available at the end of the day (It is recommended to bring a recording device to record these tunes for future learning)  The Flute Workshop takes place at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge Tuesday 27th October from 10am- 12.30pm, Price €5. The Whistle Workshop takes place from 1pm-3.30pm, Price €5. See www.riverbank.ie or call 045 448327 to book a place.

And, following their hugely popular summer workshop at Riverbank Arts Centre, Artzone are back in Newbridge. Join Artzone for an exciting day of Spooky Halloween themed Arts and Crafts activities, as well as plenty of seasonal fun and games to get you in the Halloween spirit on October 31st from 10am-2pm. BOOK IF YOU DARE at www.riverbank.ie or call 045 448327.

Presented by Kildare County Council in association with Riverbank Arts Centre...

Mentoring for Young Writers and Directors.
At The Riverbank Arts Centre, Main Street, Newbridge, Co Kildare

Kildare County Council in association with Riverbank Arts Centre, and  Fishamble Theatre Company are looking for emerging writers and directors (up to age 25) from Kildare, to take part in a new mentoring programme.

The programme will take place over a period of ten months. With  two strands: Strand 1- Writers, Strand 2 Directors, participants will have the oportunity to work with both Gavin Kostick and Jim Culleton, literary officer and artistic director with Fishamble Theatre Company

This programme will commence in October 2009 and applications will be accepted up to 5pm Fri 16th Oct.

The multi-award winning play Doubt is coming to Newbridge in true style. In what is not only a major scoop for local acting group Dara Drama, this will also be the first amateur production of Doubt worldwide and will run at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge from Tuesday 20th October to Saturday 24th.

Following a two year battle to win the rights for this play, the group is thrilled to have secured the honour of presenting this superb drama in Newbridge. Written by John Patrick Shanley, Doubt was brought to the big screen in 2008 and starred Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman. The play itself was the recipient of a prestigious Tony Award for ‘Best Play of the Year’ in 2005 and numerous other accolades.

In this critically acclaimed play, an imperious nun- Sister Aloysius- suspects a local priest of inappropriate behaviour. She sets out to ‘get him’ and find out the truth,  armed with nothing more than a resolute belief in her own suspicion. Local cast include Dearbhail Dowling, Keith Domican, Sophie Cadogan and Mary Duffin and all are sure to produce powerful performances.

Doubt will keep you on the edge of your seat all night and with the added bonus of being a world amateur premiere it is certainly a show worth seeing. Dara Drama Group in association with Riverbank Arts Centre presents Doubt at Riverbank Arts Centre from 20th to 24th of October, 8pm. Tickets €12/€10. To book visit www.riverbank.ie or call box office on 045 448327.

Rogue text and premium phone lines which operate scams targeting older people, young people and other vulnerable people in Kildare are facing a crackdown, according to local Fianna Fáil TD, Michael Fitzpatrick.

“New laws which are now making their way through the Dáil will require anyone who operates a premium rate text or phone service to have a licence, while those who break the rules will face fines of €250,000.”
 
“In recent years there has been a large increase in the number of premium rate phone services. Many provide a valuable service but some rogue operators target people with scams that can leave users with phone bills running into hundreds of euro.”
 
“What is particularly disturbing is the numbers of older people and children who have run up bills without realising the true cost of the services they use only it is too late.”
 
“Under the new laws which will be debated in the Dail it will be an offence to overcharge for a service, there will be a new code of practice and new tougher fines.”
 
“The code should ensure that all costs are up-front and clearly visible to the public before they pick up the phone. It is important that under the new code of practice that call and text services which involve a repeat subscription rather than a once off cost state this up-front in any advertising.”
 
“The new laws will not only protect consumers of all ages but also the industry, which has been damaged by the level of complaints made by those only out to make quick money rather than provide a service”, concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.

Clark Recruitment were nominated for Best Online Web Service recently at the National Recruitment Federation Recruitment Industry Awards 2009 in The Four Seasons Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

MC for the night was RTE’s Pamela Flood pictured here with Stephen Farrell of Clark.

Clark are a Recruitment and HR Consultancy and have been a pioneering influence in the Recruitment Sector in the Mid-Leinster region for over a decade.

For more information on Clark why not pay a visit to the website www.clark.ie or contact 045 881888.

The final car race event of the season takes place this Sunday at Mondello Park under the control of the Carlow Car Club. A ten race schedule is planned with non-championship races for nine different classes.

The combined Saloon Libre, Dunlop Supercar and Historic grid will compete with the Formula Vee’s to provide the biggest grid of the weekend with the ever popular Strykers not far behind. The Supercars are expected to turn out in strong numbers, despite this being a non-championship event, as drivers in this class have had so few opportunities to race this season. When combined with a handful of Saloon Libre cars and the usual strong Historic entry a capacity grid for the two scheduled races could be achieved.

Normally the only class to provide a full twenty eight car grid on a regular basis is the budget single seater series Formula Vee but with the championship decided in the region of twenty cars are expected for their single race. The next strongest class will be the Strykers who always turn out in numbers whether championship points are up for grabs or not, and some driver changes are expected to add some new interest to their double header.

Also scheduled to race twice are Formula Libre and the Pre ’55 Historic cars who will make only their second Mondello appearance of the year. The final one-off race will be for a combined grid of Fiat’s which is open to cars from all three categories, Abarth’s, Punto’s and Uno’s.

The first race is set for 11:40 with the programme scheduled to be completed by 16:45. Adult admission is set at €15.00 with under sixteen’s admitted free of charge. Discount Vouchers are available through the Mondello Park web site special offering admission for just €10.00. For further information see www.mondellopark.ie .

Castledermot Vintage Day raises €24,000 for Irish Haemophilia Society

Suzanne Corcoran, Secretary of Castledermot Vintage Club, reports that €24,000 was raised for the Irish Haemophilia Society as a result of Castledermot Threshing & Vintage Working Day, held on Sunday, 27th September 2009 at Castledermot, Co. Kildare. 

“We are absolutely overwhelmed with the amount raised, as we were conscious that it would be difficult to fundraise during a recession”, says Suzanne. “It just shows that people out there are still willing as ever to think of others, and we would like to thank everyone for their generosity.  In particular, the club would like to thank all its sponsors, exhibitors, steam engine owners, and volunteers for their ongoing support”.

Attendance this year exceeded 5,000 people, who enjoyed the sights of yesteryear, with traditional threshing, over 20 steam engines, vintage farm machinery, tractors, trucks, cars and motorcycles.  There was a large working area, with a Doe Tractor ploughing, as well as the unusual site of ploughing with steam engines.  In addition, there was tractor pulling races with two sleighs, with some steam engines taking part in the pulling also. 

There truly was something for all tastes and interests with traditional crafts such as hand weaving, the making of copper tools, crafts demonstration by the ICA, a blacksmith making horse shoes, the dismantling and reassembly of a Ferguson tractor in under 19 minutes, and lots more, such as dancing, music, plant and flower stall, cake sales, book and bric and brac sales.  Children were entertained with a funfair, pony rides, pet farm, competitions to win a goldfish, face painting, sponge-throwing, a clown and more.

The Club chose the Irish Haemophilia Society as the beneficiary this year, in memory of David Sixsmith, Palatine, Carlow, who passed away in March this year.  The event was a poignant tribute to David, and was attended by many of his friends and colleagues.  In particular, over 20 steam engines attended on the day, operated by those who knew David well as a fellow steam enthusiast.  The Club would like to especially thank Norman Sixsmith and Marlene Sixsmith for their support and encouragement.

This year saw the biggest event yet for Castledermot, and the Club hopes to continue its success in the future.  “We were thrilled with the turnout this year.  It’s fantastic to be a part of it”, states Suzanne, “we just love the whole vintage scene, the steam engines, the community spirit, everything about it.  And we get to raise money for charity at the same time”.  A substantial €74,000 has been raised for charity since the club formed in July 2007, a tremendous achievement for a young club.

Fairies, Ghosts and Ghouls - Magical Irish folklore alive and well in Newbridge

Tales of banshees, monsters, ghosts, piseogs, fairy folk and much, much more is what you can expect to hear from Legendary Storyteller Eddie Lenihan as he treats listeners, young and old, to a magical storytelling afternoon at Riverbank Arts Centre Newbridge this Saturday.

Children of the 80s will have great memories of Eddie Lenihan’s TV appearances. His tales of mystery, magic and Irish folklore have been presented and reinvented throughout the years and have never lost their charm or fascinating quality.  Eddie’s unmistakable, energetic style of storytelling has the power to captivate and enchant any audience and will leave everyone in awe of our Irish heritage. He is fun, he is wild and his stories are a treasure trove to fuel the imaginations of children.

Eddie Lenihan has been telling stories and keeping Irish Folklore alive for many years and, with many wonderful books to his name, let no one be fooled by the words 'for children' on each. Adults will find this story session equally thought-provoking, amusing, grotesque and more.  A great opportunity for adults and children alike to learn something about our Irish folklore in a captivating way. Tickets for Fairies, Ghosts and Ghouls- Fantastic Irish Folklore with Eddie Lenihan takes place at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge on Saturday Octobeber 10th at 3pm.

Tickets only €3 are available at www.riverbank.ie or call 045 448327.

 
Throughout the summer the Irish Peatland Conservaton Council have been running a series of Wildlife talks and walks and they will draw to a close with a free composting and wildlife gardening talk at the Bog of Allen Nature centre on Monday 12th October from 6-8pm.
 
This is perfect time of year to get composting.  Leaves are starting to block drains and cause a slip hazard, over the next couple of weeks we will be clearing away dead plants in our gardens and doing the last lawn cut of the year and your composting cone is the ideal place to convert this waste into nutrient rich compost for your garden.  Up to a third of household waste can be composted alone and does’nt it make sense to reuse this waste rather then sending it to a landfill site?  The talk will cover three types of composting leaf mould, composting garden waste using a cone and wormeries for all food waste.  For those of you who have not started composting yet this talk will give you the information to get composting and for those of you who have started composting the talk will give you ideas of how to speed up the convertion of your waste to compost or solve any problems you may be experiencing.
 
To bring the evening to a close a short presentation on wildlife gardening will also be offered.  Over the coming weeks, wildlife all over Kildare will be looking for hibernation grounds and garden birds will be looking for your help throughout the winter so creating habitats is our gardens is one way that we can offer Kildare’s wildlife a home. This event is open to everyone so come along and learn how you can encourage wildlife into your garden and divert garden and food waste away from landfill sites.  For further information or to book a place contact Nuala Madigan at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre on 045-860133.