County Kildare News

On Friday 5th March @ 8.30pm Ryston Sports & Social Club is hosting a gigantic table quiz in aid of Newbridge Meals on Wheels and Care of The Elderly.

This is the 50th Anniversary of Ryston Pitch & Putt Club and we are organising this quiz as a tribute to the memory of our esteemed deceased member Mick Wilmot, who fundraised ceaslessly for the above charities.

The cost is only €40 per team of 4 players.

• 1st Prize €400
• 2nd Prize €200
• Many valuable spot prizes on the night.
• QUIZMASTER: KFM's Shane Beattie

To pre-book your table contact:

Pat Tinsley....087-3207221

Pat Black......087-2598506

It is advisable to come early as a large crowd is expected.

The boys are back at Riverbank

Back by demand, the multi award winning comedy by Marie Jones STONES IN HIS POCKETS RETURNS to Riverbank Arts Centre for two nights only.

Having played all over the world including a five year run in the West End, and following two sold show at Riverbank Arts Centre last October, Stones in His Pockets is back due to unprecedented popular demand.

Don’t miss your chance to see Simon & Conor Delaney perform Stones in his Pockets at  Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge for two performances on Friday 5th & Saturday 6th of March.

This award-winning hilarious and moving tale of a quiet Irish community turned upside down by the arrival of a Hollywood movie shoot.   Universally loved by all who see it, Stones in his Pockets is brought to life by two highly talented actors who play 15 characters between them – from the two cheeky lads intent on stardom to a Hollywood Goddess!  

Starring Simon Delaney (well know for his many appearances on TV including the very popular series Bachelor’s Walk) and Conor Delaney (Quinnis in the hit show I,Keano), directed by David Bownes, designed by Jack Kirwan and produced by Lane Productions (who produced I,Keano,  Alone it Stands, and  The Shawshank Redemption now on at the Wyndham’s in the West End)

Simon Delany’s hilarious new movie Zonad, directed by John Carney is also due for release this month.

"Marie Jones will have you crying with laughter... a  sensational comedy... a must see !" – RTE Entertainment

Punchestown racecourse today announced details of an exciting new promotion that could see the track reimburse Irish National Hunt Festival tickets purchased between now and St. Patricks day should the Nicky Henderson trained horse ‘Punchestowns’ win the RSA chase at Cheltenham.

The initiative could see thousands of racegoers attend the Punchestown Festival for free this April should its equine mascot land the Royal and Sun Alliance Chase on Wednesday 17th March at the Cheltenham Festival.

Punchestowns is the current favourite for the Grade1, 3 mile chase and is trading at 3/1 with Ladbrokes.  Trainer Nicky Henderson, who has enjoyed plenty of success over the years at the Irish National Hunt Festival, commented on the initiative “I think it is a great idea and a great incentive. I promise to do my best to win with Punchestowns at Cheltenham and then lots of Irish racegoers can have a great time at the Punchestown Festival for free. We will be going and the plan is to bring Punchestowns with us!” When asked how the horse’s preparations were going Henderson said “He has only had two runs over fences and although they were very good we would have preferred another before going to Cheltenham. He did make one mistake which was well publicised but we are all entitled to one mistake”.

On launching the initiative Punchestown’s General Manager Dick O’Sullivan said “We have been handed a brilliant opportunity here with a top class horse carrying the Punchestown name. We see this as a novel way to give something back to the loyal clients of Punchestown and where better than in Cheltenham with Punchestowns!

The Punchestown Irish National Hunt Festival runs from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th April. Group Packages are available from just €29pp, General Admission €30, Reserved Enclosure Admission €40, Student and Senior Citizen Admission just €18.

*This offer is open to General Admission and General with reserved Enclosure Admission tickets purchased between 9am Wednesday 24th February and 2pm Wednesday 17th March. Terms & Conditions apply.

For further information and Promotion Terms & Conditions please visit www.punchestown.com

Entries are invited from all primary and secondary schools in County Kildare to enter the  annual Cecil Day Lewis Literary Awards competition.

The competition  consists of students entering under the various sections:-  Short Story, Poetry and One Act Play. 

The competition, organised by Athy Heritage Centre-Museum and sponsored by Kildare County Council and Athy Town Council, celebrates the connection between the celebrated poet and the South Kildare area. 

C.D Lewis was Professor of Poetry at Oxford from 1951-1956.  A talented and humorous man, he wrote in An Italian Visit, parodies on poets ranging from Hardy to Dylan Thomas. His autobiography was published in 1960, and in 1966 he was awarded Poet Laureate. 

Trophies, Book tokens and Certificates are given to 1st ,2nd & 3rd in each category. We also give out  Highly Commended certificates.

Closing date for entry is Friday 19th March 2010. 

The Rose of Tralee will officiate at this years awards ceremony which will take place Wednesday evening  28th April 2010.

Entry forms can be downloaded from the website www.athyheritagecentre-museum.ie or contact Margaret Walsh, Athy Heritage Centre-Museum, Emily Square, Athy, Co. Kildare. Phone 059 8633075

Profile of Cecil Day-Lewis

Cecil Day-Lewis, born in 1904 was the son of a Church of Ireland Minister, then living in Ballinturbbert House, Athy, Co. Kildare.  He was educated in Sherborne School and then Wadham College, Oxford.

He was a schoolmaster until 1935 and during that time his restless intellect led him into writing detective fiction.   He wrote under the pen name Nicholas Blake, introducing the detective Nigel Strangeways in A Question of Proof, which was followed by twenty popular and successful stories.

Given the political and social turmoil between the wars years, like many intellectuals of his day, he leaned more and more towards Marxism, joining the Communist party in 1936.  He edited the Socialist Symposium The Mind in Chains, which took place in 1937.

His frequent broadcasts were a joy to him and he enjoyed giving recitals and lectures in schools and colleges.  He sat on committees, judged awards and his enthusiasm embraced children’s stories for radio and he wrote a number of children’s’ books including the popular Poetry for You.

His pride in accomplishment and his craft in the writing of poetry and prose make him an excellent example for aspiring writers and we are proud that these awards were  established  for poetry, short story and the one-act play.  It is good to know that his talents survive in his sons Sean and Daniel and his daughter Tamasin, who spend considerable time in Ireland.

FREE BRING CENTRE FOR HOUSEHOLDS:

Recycling Cardboard, Newspapers, Magazines, Office paper, Glass Bottles & Jars (washed), Alluminium Cans, Tin Cans (washed), Scrap metal, Car parts, Plastic Film, Plastic Bottles, Tetra-pak, Other Plastics, Polystyrene, Timber, Old Furniture, Electrical Appliances.

Please note Bedding & Suites are charged at €10.00 per seat.

Atk Recycling are situated in Newtown, Moone, County Kildare

Contact Paddy at Ark Recycling: 081 8365828 or arl@iol.ie

www.arkrecycling.com

Dubliner Niall Murray kept his slim hope of lifting the Jondol Junior Rallycross crown alive, with his second win of the season against all the odds at Mondello Park last Sunday (February 21st). Competing in the penultimate round of the 2009/2010 winter series Murray dominated the ‘A’ Final to take the championship fight down to the wire despite his Starlet being heavily damaged earlier in the day.

Maynooth’s Paul Barrett was the first driver to top the time sheets having come from behind with his Mini to win heat one by four seconds, from James Fleming who shares his Starlet with fellow Dubliner Murray. Another Mini pilot, Simon Quinn from Naas, was next to move to the top despite a major braking problem, as he beat Barrett’s time by a second on his way to winning heat two ahead of Northern Irish Micra drivers, Andrew Patterson and Mark Francis, but it was Murray who would top the times at the end of the first run as he cruised to a nine second victory over another Micra driven by Dundalk’s Paul McArdle in the third heat. At the end of the run the order was Murray from Quinn, Patterson, Barrett and Francis.

Barrett took another win in his second heat, this time from Jake Byrne’s Suzuki with the man from Coill Dubh, just a handful of miles from Mondello, putting together one of his strongest ever performances to take fifth fastest time. Barrett’s time stood as fastest right through the second and third heats to leave him top, ahead of heat two winner Francis and heat three victor Murray, who finished just ahead of Patterson and the previously mention Byrne.

The third win saw a third name at the top of the times as Patterson came out best ahead of Quinn, with another impressive drive by Byrne earning him third place. Fourth went to McArdle with Francs fifth, but missing from the results were Murray and Barrett. Murray’s absence was down to team mate Fleming putting their Toyota on its roof and causing extensive damage, making Murray a non-starter in his heat. During that incident Barrett took avoiding action and when the red flag flew made his way into the pit road rather than returning to the grid and was therefore not allowed to take the re-start.

Fleming’s accident looked like putting both himself and Murray out for the day but the Murray Motorsport team kept working on the car, despite it needing extensive repairs including a new windscreen, steering rack and suspension parts, all of which had to be borrowed. The team did a fantastic job and although Fleming missed his spot in the ‘B’ Final, the car was finished and passed safe by the scrutineers just in time for Murray to take up his pole position for the ‘A’ Race.

Murray’s hastily repaired car lined up on the front row of the grid with championship leader Quinn alongside and Patterson on the outside spot. Away from the start Murray got swallowed up by the pack as Quinn jumped into the lead, but as the cars took the first turn mayhem ensued behind Quinn with seemingly every other one of the eight car grid involved. When the dust settled Patterson and Francis were left stranded at turn one with damaged and stalled cars bringing out the red flag and allowing Murray a reprieve.

At the second time of asking Quinn got the drop once again but by the end of lap 1 Murray was able to fight his way past and duly romped away to take his second win of the season. Behind the winner a titanic battle went on for the entire race with Quinn, Barrett, Patterson and Cahill swapping places. Still suffering with locking front brakes, Quinn dropped as low as fourth, but got back past Barrett and then twice passed Cahill for second only for the Micra driver to fight back and regain the place. Towards the end of the race the field spread out slightly to finish in the order Murray, Cahill, Quinn, Patterson and Barrett.

Murray’s win takes him into second in the standings but he is still ten points off Quinn who remains as favourite for the title. The season concludes in two weeks time, once again at Mondello Park, with the outcome of the championship entirely in Quinn’s hands. Even if Murray wins the final event of the season Quinn will only have to start the ‘A’ final to be crowned champion in his first full season’s racing.

Irish Bogs-A vanishing National Industry captured in UNDER A GREY SKY by Simon Burch at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge

UNDER A GREY SKY - an exhibition by Simon Burch

Under a Grey Sky, an exhibition of photographs by Simon Burch opens at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge on Thursday, 25th February at 6.30pm. Simon Burch’s work for this exhibition is located around the midlands of Ireland, centering on Co. Offaly and parts of Co. Galway and focuses on a vanishing Irish landscape, a national industry of fuel production and the communities that have grown up around it. 

This area photographed is the centre of peat production in Ireland, with the harvested peat being used as fuel for power stations, to provide electricity for the Irish National Grid.  It is also sold for domestic use in the form of peat briquettes.

The harvesting is a clinical process.  The peat can be up to 30 feet deep with gorse bushes and small trees at the surface.  They drain the bog over a period of two or three years.  Once it is dried out sufficiently a forty foot wide machine, dragged by tractors, skims off a two or three inch layer of peat.  This is left to dry and then another machine pushes it to one side where it is collected by a small train.  This process is repeated until all the peat is extracted and they get down to the bottom where there is sometimes gravel, which can also be extracted, or a clay type material.  During the winter they stop harvesting because it gets too wet and in the vicinity of the River Shannon there is flooding.

The culmination of these commercial efforts is now represented in the black landscapes of developed bogs, but this natural resource is finite and production is estimated to cease within 15-20 years.  Once this happens these exposed landscapes will disappear.  The land will be put to agricultural and recreational use, and the visual evidence of a significant national industry will be hidden. 

It is against this background that Simon Burch sought permission from Bord na Mona to photograph on their lands.  The focus of the work is the bogland areas of Co. Offaly, the black landscapes of turf, and the community and individuals who live and work there.

The work is a striking and powerful depiction of a landscape familiar and well-known by those living near bogland areas. The opening reception takes place at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co.Kildare on Thursday 25th February at 6.30pm and continues until March 30th. Simon Burch will also host an artist talk/workshop on Saturday March 13th from 10.30am to 12.30pm. For further information on the opening reception or to book a place on the workshop please contact Riverbank Arts Centre on 045 448327 or email info@riverbank.ie
 

*A book to accompany this body of work is available for sale from Riverbank Arts Centre.

For further information on Simon Burch visit www.sburch.net or www.riverbank.ie

Celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year, the award winning Silken Thomas Players are a group at the cutting edge of Amateur Theatre. Best known for controversial plays such as Bent, Trainspotting, The Normal Heart (2007 All Ireland winner) and Equus with which they finished 2nd in last years All Ireland in Athlone. This new play from Alan Bennett, The History Boys is their 31st production and plays at Riverbank Arts Centre on Sunday 28th February and Monday 1st March.

The History Boys tells the story of an unruly bunch of bright, funny sixth-form boys in pursuit of sex, sport and a place at university. A maverick English teacher at odds with the young and shrewd supply teacher. A Headmaster obsessed with results; a History teacher who thinks he’s a fool.

In Alan Bennett’s new play, staff-room rivalry and the anarchy of adolescence provoke insistent questions about history and how you teach it; about education and its purpose.
This is a brilliantly funny production, with several show stopping vignettes and lines that will be quoted for years to come. Don’t miss it!

Sunday 28th and March 1st, 8pm. Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare. Tickets €12/€10. To Book call Riverbank Arts Centre on 045 448327 or book online www.riverbank.ie
 
Silken Thomas Players present
The History Boys
Sunday 28th Feb & Monday 1st March, 8pm
Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge
Tickets €12/€10

The Irish Rallycross championship moves into its final two events this weekend (Sunday Feb 21st) with the Carlow Car Club presiding over Sunday’s championship round six. While the Overall championship looks likely to go the way of Supercar driver Tommy Graham, most other classes are still wide open with a number of drivers still in contention for each.

Graham currently leads the Overall championship with his Supercar Fiesta as well as holding a commanding lead in the Supercar class. In the overall standings it’s the fastest of the two wheel drive modified division cars which is his closest rival with reigning champion Michael Coyne just hanging on to Graham’s coat tails in his Vauxhall nova. Coyne trails by twelve points with just twenty available for a win and will be hoping for problems for his supercar rival in order to take the battle to the final race in two weeks time. Best of the rest are Supercar competitors Andrew Morris and David Dempsey who also trail Graham in the Supercar Class where Graham just needs to finish one heat to secure the title.

In the Southside Motor Factors Modified Division three drivers are separated by six points at the head of the field with Renault 5 pilot Barry McArdle leading the way following three straight wins. Michael Coyne has dominated this class over the past few years and while things have gone well for him in the Superfinal's which count for the overall championship he has had a tougher time in the Modified class finals. So far Coyne has only managed one win, at Pembrey in September, and currently lies third behind McArdle and Opel Tigra driver Dessie Tierney.

The closest championship battle is in the Jondol Junior Rallycross class where Mini drivers Paul Barrett and Simon Quinn are separated by a single point with Barrett on top. The strongest other contender is Andrew Patterson who lies seven points back from Barrett with his more modern Nissan Micra and sits ahead of the other two drivers who remain in with a mathematical chance of winning, Mark Francis with another Micra and Niall Murray in the sole Toyota Starlet in Junior Rallycross.

The Rathgar Motor Factors backed Stockhatch Cup is led by former champion Derek Tohill with reigning champ Michael Duke and double ‘09/’10 race winner Gordon Lynch as his closest challengers. In this the largest and most competitive of classes it is a lot easier to drop points than in some of the smaller divisions so Tohill’s lead will need some protection this Sunday if he is to remain in control for the final event of the year. Duke is the only one of the three not to win this season and he will be going all out to put that right and increase his challenge for a second title in a row.

Sunday’s event boasts a strong entry of more than seventy cars with six of the all action Supercars scheduled to take part, including the return of UK visitor, ‘Mad Mark’ Watson with his super quick Citroen Xsara WRC and local favourite David James with his Mitsubishi Evo. The event gets underway with practice at 09:15, the first of the heats at 10:15 and the all important finals scheduled for 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

The Mill Theatre in association with City Theate Dublin presents "Love Letters" by A.R. Gurney, Starring Bryan Murray & Una Crawford O’Brien (Bob & Renee, Fair City).
 
Riverbank Arts Centre,
Saturday 27th February, 8pm
Tickets €15/ €12
 
Starring Bryan Murray & Una Crawford O’Brien, Fair City’s Bob & Renee, A.R. Gurney's Love Letters chronicles the relationship between Andy and Melissa solely through their correspondence.

The play tells the story of Andrew Makepeace Ladd and Melissa Gardner, whose poignantly funny friendship and ill-fated romance takes them from second grade through adolescence, maturity, and into middle age.

Their words are both hysterical and moving and as the play unfolds the audience comes to know both of them intimately – from their strict WASP upbringing, through later life political aspirations, love affairs, military service and artistic ambitions.

A smash hit both off and on Broadway, Love Letters captures Andy and Melissa with a precision of detail and depth of feeling only Gurney can command.
 
Love Letters is funny, compelling, sad, poignant, and will prove to be an exhilarating and touching night of theatre that will stay in the memory long after the performance ends.
 
 
“*****….stylish romance” Daily Mail

“****…..Murray and Crawford O’Brien are a first-class combination.” Ireland on Sunday
"Exhilarating, funny and moving" The Wall Street Journal

"Gurney's virtues...civility, elegance, wit and charm...have seldom been better displayed than they are in Love Letters." New York Daily News

As part of the fourth AONTAS Adult Learners' Festival (22nd - 26th February 2010), the Mature Student Office, NUI Maynooth will hold an Information Morning on Wednesday, 24th February 2010. This will be held from 10am to 2pm in the foyer of the Student Union Building, North Campus, NUI Maynooth.

The event will include the following:

◦Information/brochures on courses available to mature students in NUI Maynooth
◦Meet with current mature students to learn about their study experience in NUI Maynooth
◦Meet with representatives from the University's Mature Student Office and Adult Education Department

All Adult Learners Welcome.

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 Kildare Town  and surrounding areas to help with collections at

St. Brigid’s Parish church Kildare Town – Mass times – Sun: 9, 11am, 7pm

Carmelite, White Abbey Kildare Town – Mass times – Sat 7pm, Sun: 10am, 12 noon.

Volunteers are needed to collect for 1-2 hours for masses on 27th - 28th Feb 2010

 
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

Punchestown racecourse today announced plans to invest €300,000 in customer facilities in advance of the 2010 Irish National Hunt Festival.

The facility upgrades are part of Punchestown’s commitment to delivering excellent value for money and enhancing the raceday experience for all patrons. The investment plan will see improvements in the public areas including the catering and bar facilities, the Owners and Trainers bar and the reserved enclosure at the Festival.

One of the most significant areas of investment will be in the main public catering venue, the Dobbins Food Hall, which will undergo a complete revamp with both  “front and back of house” improvements. An estimated €150,000 will be spent upgrading and purchasing new catering equipment, fitting a streamlined service area and the complete renovation of the 200 seater dining section. In addition the display and “prep” areas will be improved to further facilitate Dobbins ability to deliver simple, fresh food that will be prepared, cooked and served daily.

Dynamic changes are in store for the Punchestown Festival Reserved Enclosure which will be trackside for the first time in 2010. This is an obvious improvement given that the viewing facilities are quiet literally on the final straight whilst being in close proximity to numerous bars including the all new Champagne Bar which will serve a selection of reasonably priced champagnes, wines and Festival cocktails.  

Elsewhere on the track the various public bar facilities will also benefit from upgrades with decor, furnishing, efficient service and clearer signage being a priority.

Following on from the success of last years later start times the first race during the Festival will go to post at  3.30pm and final race at 7pm (Tuesday to Thursday) and 7.30pm on Friday with 8 races on the card. Saturday’s Family Day will commence at 2.30pm with the now famous Diageo Punchestown Private Sweepstakes race bringing down the Festival curtain in fitting fashion.

Commenting on the development plans Punchestown General Manager Dick O’Sullivan said “Value for money is the name of the game and in order to meet, and hopefully exceed the public’s expectations we are focusing on the key areas of food, drink and surroundings. We are confident that the thousands who come through the Punchestown gates will be impressed with the improvements and will have a great Festival experience at the right price”.

The Punchestown Festival takes place from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th April. Tickets: Reserved Enclosure €40, General Admission €30, Student and Senior Citizen €18, Group Packages from €29pp.

Punchestown’s next meeting takes place on Wednesday 17th February. Admission €10 and €6 for Students/Senior Citizens. First race 1.55pm.

Athy Heritage Centre-Museum, in association With Kildare County Council Arts Service and Athy Town Council, presents the Cecil Day Lewis Literary Competition for Short Story, Poetry and One Act Play.

The competition is for Children and Young Adults.

Categories for Primary Level:
Junior Primary - Short Story & Poetry
Senior Primary - Short Story & Poetry
Special Needs  - Short Story & Poetry 

Categories for Second Level:
Junior Cycle - Short Story, Poetry  &  One Act Play
Senior Cycle - Short Story, Poetry  &  One Act Play
Special Needs - Short Story, Poetry  &  One Act Play

Application forms are available on www.athyheritagecentre-museum.ie

or contact:

Athy Heritage Centre-Museum, Town Hall, Emily Square, Athy, Co. Kildare. 
Tel: 0598633075.    

e-mail: athyheritage@eircom.net

Entry Fee €1.00

Closing Date  Friday 19th March 2010

This year's Hopkins International Festival takes place from JULY 24 -30, 2010.

This year marks the 23rd Annual Festival of the Arts; it also marks the first to be held in Newbridge College.

To mark this event, and in conjunction with Kildare County Council, a function will be held in Arus Chill Dara, Naas, on Monday 22nd February at 6.30 pm. Friends and admirers of The Hopkins International Festival are welcome to come along and join the celebration  - and have some refreshments!

Presentations will be made of two important awards. The James McKenna Award (in honour of formerly Kildare based leading sculptor, James McKenna) will be presented to Chicago lawyer, John Patrick Sullivan who has been a wonderful friend and supporter of the Society since its inception in 1987.

The Hopkins Society Award this year goes to Richard Martin. Richard is managing Director of Flógas (Ireland) and has helped greatly to keep the Festival going at a time when sponsorship for a voluntary, non-profit Arts Organisation is crucially important. Each awardee will receive a beautiful silver trophy presented by Newbridge Silver, sponsors of the Annual Awards and themselves  great supporters of the Festival.

The audience on the night will be international and led by the Ambassador of Canada, His Excellency Patrick Binns, Robert Faucher, Deputy Head of Mission, UD Embassy is also expected as is Yiorgos Chouliaras from the Greek Embassy.

The Mayors of County Kildare and Newbridge will also attend, as will Geraldine Byrne, President of the Society. Music will be provided by talented guitarist, Conor Mahony.

The international character of the Festival will be very marked this year with participants already from 20 countries, from South Korea to Japan and Finland. The Youth  Programme has also continued to grow apace – the only one of its kind in Ireland.

A Festival highlight will be the Gala Concert by leading soprano and Kildare native, Celine Byrne. Celine, presently on tour with Franco Carreras, was recent winner of the prestigious Maria Callas Award and can lay claim to being arguably, Ireland’s finest soprano.

Dunmurry Springs Golf Club, just outside Kildare Town, is set to  stir things up with the opening of its new Clubhouse this month.

Through an innovative fundingarrangement between the club members and the bank, the funding was secured last October and work started almost immediately.

This young enterprising club are now looking forward to what they hope will be their best year yet.

The funding arrangement initiated by the club’s owner Simon Holohan, allowed the members to pay a number of years subscriptions in advance and thereby obtain a substantial discount on their regular annual subscription.  With 50% funding secured from the members, the bank then agreed to provide the balance of the funding required to complete the project. 

“By thinking outside the box we are now in a great position that we can grow our business this year and also offer the golfing community a new venue to golf and socialise” Holohan
says.

The new facilities will include a bar/restaurant, reception, changing rooms, offices and ancillary facilities.  The work was completed over the past three months by the renowned fit-out company Glennwood in Tullamore and has come in on-time and on-budget. 

Opened in May 2006, this Mel Flanagan designed course is already recognised as a fantastic year round golf course.  In 2005 Dunmurry Springs was awarded the accolade of one of the top ten new courses in Europe by the US magazine ‘The Golfer’.  Since then the course has received numerous further awards including a HSDC Silver medal.  Now with the addition of a modern new clubhouse those looking for plenty of bang for their buck will be hard pressed to find better than Dunmurry Springs.  Golf enthusiasts are always looking for the best quality and value for money.

Details of new Mondello Park Motorcycle Racing Championship Announced

Following on from the recently released changes to Motorcycle Racing events at Mondello Park, Motorcycling Ireland’s Short Circuit Committee along with the venue are pleased to announce final details of how the new championship will be structured.

Following direct consultation with riders, sponsors, race organisers and other interested parties the championship organisers will now concentrate their efforts to promote the new Short Circuit Motorcycle Racing format into just four events, rather than spreading it over six weekends. Three of the four Mondello Park Championship race meetings will take place over two days with one being a single day event. The remaining two Motorcycle dates on the Mondello Park calendar will revert to being one-day Clubman Championship race meetings.

As previously announced, Championships with enough entries to require a pair of grids will be run as two classes. ‘National’ grade riders will race for the overall 'Pro Championship', while ‘Clubman’ grade riders will compete for ‘Cup’ class points as well as overall points, which is similar to the system used in BSB for many years. Qualifying will be split, with the grids for the ‘A’ and ‘B’ races then being based on qualifying times, irrespective of class. A rider registered for the ‘Cup’ class will score points in that class irrespective of which race they are placed in after qualifying. This new format will ensure that the fastest and slowest riders are kept apart as much as possible and will give less experienced riders the chance to fight for ‘Cup’ honours while also measuring their performance against the best o! f the ‘Pro Championship’ riders. Newcomers, those holding their first race licence, will not be allowed to race in the ‘A’ race and will be placed in the ‘B’ race irrespective of where they qualify.

Along with the provision of two stand alone Clubman dates, two of the feature events on the calendar will also be opened up to the Irish Superbike competitors to count as championship rounds. The dates for these races will be August 7th & 8th and October 2nd & 3rd, which will also include the Mondello Masters. At these meetings Irish Superbike championship points will be on offer within the Mondello Park championship races but not the Grand Final, which will be open to the thirty fastest racers on the day from any class. As with all Mondello Park Championship events the Grand Final will be the race that all riders will want to qualify for, as this will be where the Prize Money is presented. Along with the on-the-day prize fund a healthy end of season fund will also be available to the top ‘Pro’ and ‘Cup’ class riders.

With the number of high profile races reduced to four, Mondello Park will now begin working on a promotional package to try to entice greater numbers of spectators to the circuit’s Motorcycle races. Concentrating on improving the race day experience with greater emphasis on the feature classes, including grid interviews and podium presentations will be just part of the changes. Additions to the commentary team and the introduction of side attractions at each event, will also add to the attractiveness of a day out at Mondello and it is hoped that these new initiatives will be supported by all involved with Irish Short Circuit Motorcycle racing.

2010 Mondello Park Motorcycle Race Dates
April 11th Irish Clubman Championship
May 22nd/23rd Mondello Park Championship
July 4th Mondello Park Championship
August 7th/8th Mondello Park Championship including ISB
September 19th Irish Clubman Championship
October 2nd/3rd ‘Mondello Masters’ Mondello Championship Final including ISB

A high-speed WiMAX broadband and phone network has been launched in Leixlip, Imagine Communications Group has announced. The roll-out incorporates the Intel Ireland Campus.

The new wireless technology provides fast internet and phone access at home and on the move for 50% less than prices currently being charged, the company said.

Intel Ireland and Motorola are Imagine's partners in the €100-million roll-out of the WiMAX technology in Ireland.

Imagine said the service will save Leixlip homeowners and local Intel staff at least €300 a year on their phone and broadband bills.  The network will deliver the fastest and most reliable broadband internet ever seen in Leixlip.

The company has said that it will expand WiMAX coverage in the Kildare region this year.

Are you looking for something fun and educational for your children during the midterm break? 

The Bog of Allen Nature centre will be holding a nature craft fun camp on Thursday the 18th February from 10am-1pm.  The camp will be fully supervised by experienced tutors and activities will include making harvest knots and St. Bridget;s crosses from rushes, making birch decorations, using recycled cards to make gift boxes and cards, a pond dipping session and a tour of the insect eating plant display will also be included in the camp. 

Places are limited so booking early is advised by calling Nuala on 045-860133.

Students will need to bring a snack pack,  rain coat, warm clothing and outdoor shoes.  Cost 15 Euro per student.

Cheerleading is the newest sport to hit Ireland and Maynooth youths and students now have the chance to be all star cheerleaders as the sport hits NUI Maynooth!
 
 What is cheerleading ? Cheerleading is a sport that uses organized routines made from elements of some tumbling, dance, jumps and stunting to direct the event's spectators to cheer on sports teams at games and matches and compete at cheerleading competitions..
 
The athlete involved is called a cheerleader. With an estimated 1.5 million participants in allstar cheerleading (not including the millions more in high school, college or little league participants) in the United States alone, cheerleading is, according to Newsweek's Arian Campo-Flores, "the most quintessential of American sports."

The growing presentation of the sport to a global audience has been led by the 1997 start of broadcasts of cheerleading competition by ESPN International and the worldwide release of the 2000 film Bring it On.

Due in part to this recent exposure, there are now an estimated 100,000 participants scattered around the rest of the world in countries. The history of cheerleading goes as far back as the late 1880's when the first organised, recorded yell was performed on an American Campus: "Ray, Ray' Ray! TIGER, TIGER, SIS, SIS, SIS! BOOM, BOOM, BOOM! Aaaaah! PRINCETON, PRINCETON, PRINCETON!" Done in locomotive style, was the first seen and heard during a college football game.

Cheerleading, as we know it today, was initiated in 1898 by Johnny Campbell, an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota, who stood before the crowd at a football game and directed them in a famous and still used yell. "Rah, Rah, Rah! Sku-u-mar, Hoo-Rah! Hoo-Rah! Varsity! Varsity! Varsity, Minn-e-So-Tah!" Since this time it has gained enormous popularity with thousands of squads in the USA and in the past 10 years it has also grown hugely in Europe, although it is pretty new to Ireland.

Cheerleading in Ireland : Cheer Fusion Cheerleading Academy was set up in 2007 in Killester, Dublin 3 by coach Leanne Whelan. To date the club has over 60 members at pee wee, junior and senior levels with squads in Maynooth, Donnycarney, Tallaght and the Liberties.
 
Leanne is the niece of Mary and Breda Cunningham who ran the Cunningham School of Majorettes in Dublin for over 20 years. She has also attended Billy Barry Stage School , the National Performing Arts School, the Helen Jordan Stage School and has been coaching since the age of 17. Some of the squad members are getting ready to represent Ireland at competition later this year  for which they are currently fundraising.
 
Cheerleading is a great sport to get involved in. It promotes healthy living, builds confidence , character and self esteem and allows youths and teens to push the boundaries to new experiences. It also allows them to make new friends and be passionate about such a sport. If you would like to be an all star cheerleader, Coach Leanne would love to meet you. Please contact her on 0857531259 or see their website http://cheerfusion.co.nr  for more information and photos.

ACADEMY TUITIONS are commencing Maths grinds revision courses in Kildare Town Tuesday nights Feb to June.  All exam questions from previous 12 years are covered in the 15 weeks to June. Junior Cert & Leaving Cert.

Naas branch Maths, Accounting & Business Studies. Junior & Leaving Cert Revision Courses commencing Sat 13 Feb 2010. One hour weekly classes to exams in June.

3rd Level Accounting revision courses for All Major Accounting Qualifications

Top Tutors with Outstanding Pass Rates with  2 Students achieving TOP TEN IN IRELAND last year.

Why not try first class. No Obligation to enrol. Pay weekly.

Ph. 086-2678460 FREE Notes on web www.academytuitions.net

The Jondol Junior Rallycross Championship for 14 -17 year olds, once again provided some of the most hotly contested races at the latest round of the Irish Rallycross Championship at Mondello Park on Sunday (Feb 7th). With a bigger, more evenly matched field than ever before, the heats and finals were filled with incidents and accidents, but once again it was Kildare driver Simon Quinn with his Mini who emerged from the battles to take the win.

Due to the increasing numbers in the Junior class the drivers had to be split into three heats per timed run with the draw keeping the championship top three, Simon Quinn from Naas, Niall Murray from Dublin and Maynooth’s Paul Barrett apart. By the end of the first run of heats Murray and Quinn were right in the thick of things with Murray’s Starlet fastest following a five second heat one win over Newry’s Mark Francis with his Nissan Micra. Mini pilot Quinn won heat three to go second fastest by just 0.6 of a second but in heat two Barrett's mini failed to make sufficient progress from his back row starting position and he could manage only seventh fastest overall.

The second run saw Murray again win his heat by five seconds, this time over the Micra of Wicklow’s Sean Doyle, to once more top the time sheets. In heat two Barret was back on form beating Newry's Andrew Patterson to the win and taking second best time. The third heat was the most exciting of all with Quinn producing the drive of the day to win, despite being spun back to last place on lap one. A brilliant recovery drive saw him retake the lead on the final lap but his spin meant that the time was only good enough for ninth place, which would leave him needing a very strong third run to get onto the front row of the ‘A’ Final grid.

The third heats produced the first win of the day for Mark Francis as he fended off the previously dominant Murray in the first heat. Their battle however slowed both drivers and Francis’s time was only good enough for third place with Murray down in fifth. Heat two was once again a Barrett v’s Patterson affair as the Maynooth driver led from pole while the Ulsterman had to battle through to second. Their times were quick, but not quite quick enough to eclipse the effort of Quinn who in winning heat three took the fastest time of the day to top the run three times.

Just six cars made it to the ‘B’ Final grid to do battle for the final place in the ‘A’ race. Naas resident Sam Kinirons led this race from start to finish but did not have it entirely his own way. Paul McArdle moved his Micra quickly up to second from the outside of the front row and the Dundalk driver looked likely to push Kinirons Mini all the way, until he came under attack from the Starlet of Dubliner James Fleming. Fleming closed on McArdle and as the Micra defended its position Kinirons was able build up a comfortable looking gap by the finish.

Murray’s two fastest times, compared to one for Quinn, was enough to give him pole position for the ‘A’ Final with Quinn and Barrett completing the front row. Patterson lined up fourth from Mark Francis with Aaron Clarke, Michael Cahill and Kinirons completing the qualifiers. Quinn made one of his trademark lightning starts to lead into the first turn and was glad to have escaped the pack as Barrett, Patterson and the slow starting Murray got embroiled in some door bashing. The contact continued through the first and second turns as the competitive nature of Junior Rallycross became very apparent and the result was a spin for Murray on the exit of turn two.

The battling down the order allowed Quinn to make a break and also spread out the remainder of the top four as the field crossed the line at the end of lap one in the order, Quinn, Barrett, Patterson and Francis. Murray had been pushed back to last but was soon on the move overtaking Kinirons, Cahill and Clarke in successive laps to move back to fifth, setting fastest race lap on the way. At the front Quinn reeled off a succession of faultless laps to win by two seconds from Barrett, Patterson and Francis who closed up as the race progressed to the point where they were covered by only half a second at the flag.

The Junior Rallycross championship is really hotting up now with just two rounds left to run. Quinn looks to be favourite for the title with the chasing pack all losing ground following his third win of the season. The battle behind Quinn is now led by Barrett following his second place finish but he is only two points clear of Murray with Francis and Paterson also still in contention for the runner-up spot. All three will be hoping for a slip up from Quinn in two weeks time when the championship returns to Mondello for its penultimate round, as a similarly strong performance from the championship leader could see him secure the title with a round to spare.

It’s all about the Oscars in County Kildare this month. Not only did Naas woman, Jean Herlihy and her colleagues at Brown Bag films receive a nomination for the wonderful short film Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty, but the makers of Oscar nominated film The Secret of Kells are set to share their award winning talents with young people of Kildare at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge this month.
 
Fresh from the celebrations of their Oscar nomination, the multi-award winning Cartoon Saloon, producers of The Secret of Kells, will visit Riverbank Arts Centre on Saturday 20th February to host a very special illustration and design workshop.

Twenty lucky participants will be given an introduction to designing characters as well as a brief introduction to storyboards, composition and animation techniques. They will have the opportunity to learn all about animation from those at the top of their field.
 
While the workshop is completely sold out, fans will have the opportunity to see the The Secret of Kells on the big screen. At 2pm on Saturday 20th February, Riverbank Arts Centre will host a special screening of The Secret of Kells in the centre’s high quality cinema. Based on the origins of Ireland’s most famous illustrated manuscript, The Book of Kells, the film centres on the adventures, actions and dangers that await 12-year-old Brendan who must fight Vikings and a serpent god to find a crystal and complete the legendary Book of Kells.
 
As well as its Oscar nomination for best animated film, the wonderful movie created by Cartoon Saloon has won acclaim across the world including the 2009 Audience Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, the first animated film ever to do so, and the Screen Directors Guild of Ireland, Directors Series Award 2008 in association with the Directors Guild of America.

Tickets to see The Secret of Kells at Riverbank Arts Centre are only €3. To book your seat for this Oscar nominated film call Riverbank Box Office on 045 448327 or see www.riverbank.ie.
 

Celbridge Historical Society Talks and Events for Year 2010

Monday 8th February, 7.00 p.m.  Annual General Meeting  Followed by a lecture titled 'Life in Castletown House 1930s to 1950s' by Jim Murphy at 8.00 p.m.

Monday 1st March; Lecture 'A beginner's guide to doing local history and genealogy - on-line and physical sources.By Ida Milne, Jim Tancred and Ann Burke.

Monday 12th April: Lecture 'Cinema in the first half of the 20th Century
By Ann Downey

Monday 10th May: The Mill in Celbridge by Catherine Boylan

Monday 6th September: Royal visit to Celbridge in the 19th Century (George 1V, Sissi & others) By Eoghan Corry

Monday 4th October: Lecture Volunteer Anthony O Reilly, Celbridge forgotten idealist
By Jim Doyle

Monday 1st November: Lecture William Connolly's papers
By Dr. Patrick Walsh

All take place in Celbridge Public Library

The Irish Peatland Conservation Council’s Save the Bogs Campaign - which has championed the cause of bogland conservation in Ireland for the last 25 years will once again be offering an evening education course on bogs to adults in 2010. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the amazing wildlife of the bog and the preserving powers of turf, why not enroll on the Irish Peatland Conservation Council’s evening course this spring based in the UCD Adult Education Centre, Dublin.

The course entitled ‘Wet Wonderful and Wild Bogs and Fens’ begins on Tuesday 23rd February and runs for 6 weeks.

Each two hour session includes hands on classes and slide shows on the life in the bog and on the ways the Dutch and Irish people have worked to save the bogs.

The course will also include a field trip on Saturday 27th March to three peatland sites in the Bog of Allen. Learn how to make a St Bridget’s cross from rushes, how to identify insects in bog pools and how to walk across the living turf. You’ll be surprised at the treasures you’ll find.

Bookings through the Adult Education Centre, UCD on tel 01-7167123.

Kildare County Council Arts Service is pleased to announce details of our 2010 Arts Act Grant Scheme and Bursary Awards.

This year there are 10 grants / bursary awards to choose from:

• Arts Act Grants Scheme
• Youth Arts Residency Bursary Award (New)
• Artist in Schools Residency Bursary Award (New)
• Emerging Visual Artist Solo Exhibition Bursary Award (New)
• Recording Bursary @ Leixlip Library (New)
• Laban Guild Dance Leaders Course Bursary
• Film Bursary Award
• Cecil Day Lewis Literary Bursary Award
• Tyrone Guthrie Residency Bursary Award
• Drama League of Ireland Summer School Bursary Award

Download Arts Grants Guidelines

Application Forms available here

These awards are in response to commitments made in "Making Inroads: An Arts Development Plan for Kildare County Council 2006 – 2011" and the recently published "Youth Arts Strategy: 2009 – 2011". This illustrates Kildare County Council Arts Service’s commitment to supporting artists in Kildare and to assist in developing Art Forms throughout the County.

Submissions must be made in HARD COPY (X3). Emailed / Faxed applications will not be accepted

The closing date for all grants / bursaries is:

FRIDAY 19TH MARCH AT 5PM SHARP. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Applications forms and guidelines can be downloaded here

Monday 22nd February:    The Kill ‘File’ (Paddy Behan)

Monday 22nd March:  Early Kildare Motoring  (Bob Webster)

Monday 26th April:     The Curragh Plain (Hugh Crawford) 

Monday 24th May:   ‘From the Civil War to the Emergency’ Newsreels 1922-1941
(Adrian Mullowney) 

Monday 28th June:     The Old House  (Kevin Lawlor) 
 
 All meetings take place in the Parish Meeting Room at 8.30 p.m. (unless otherwise indicated)

Kildare County Enterprise Board have announced the following training programme for Spring 2010:

SELF-ASSESSMENT TAX SYSTEM
Topics covered include:
 Registration
 Calculation of Tax
 Revenue Returns
 PAYE Calculations
 Preliminary Tax
 Deductible Expenses
 ROS
 VAT

Date:    Monday 22nd March 2010
Time:    9:30a.m to 4:30p.m
Venue:   Osprey Hotel, Naas
Cost:    €30
No. of Places:   15

WRITE YOUR OWN BUSINESS PLAN
Topics covered include:
 Concept of Business Plan
 What should be included
 Market research
 Writing correctly
 Operations section
 Marketing section
 The cashflow forecast
 How to present your plan

There will be an opportunity for candidates to have a one-to-one session with the course facilitator during the programme.

Dates:    5 Wednesday evenings, commencing 21st April 2010
Time:    7:00p.m to 9:30p.m
Venue:   Westgrove Hotel, Clane
Cost:    €80
No. of Places:   12

START YOUR OWN BUSINESS COURSE
Topics covered include:
 Market research
 Business structure
 Business planning
 Sources of assistance
 Taxation issues
 Sales & Marketing
 Managing the business
 Finance

Course 1
Dates:    8 Wednesday evenings, commencing 24th February 2010
(No class will take place on Wednesday 17th March, it will be held on Tuesday 16th of that week)
Time:    7:00p.m. to 9:30p.m.
Venue:   Courtyard Hotel, Leixlip
Cost: €80 (candidates who are in receipt of Social Welfare may qualify to have the course fee waived)
No. of Places:   15

Course 2
Dates:    4 Saturdays, commencing 27th February 2010
Time:    9:30a.m. to 5:00p.m.
Tea / Coffee & Sandwiches will be provided to participants
Venue:   Osprey Hotel, Naas
Cost: €80 (candidates who are in receipt of Social Welfare may qualify to have the course fee waived)
No. of Places:   15

Dates:    6 Tuesday mornings, commencing 9th March 2010
Time:    10:00a.m. to 1:00p.m.
Venue:   Westgrove Hotel, Clane
Cost:    €60
No. of Places:   12

 Download Course Details and Registration Form

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

 Places are limited on all workshops / courses.
 Early booking is advisable as places are allocated on a first come first served basis.
 Course fees MUST be paid with registration.  Places will NOT be reserved without payment.  Cheques should be made payable to Kildare County Enterprise Board.
 No registrations will be taken over the phone.
 Fees are NON-REFUNDABLE except where a course is cancelled by Kildare County Enterprise Board due to insufficient bookings

Following a season which saw reductions in entries across all of its events in 2009 Mondello Park has announced an exciting programme for 2010 which sees the return of a number of overseas championships and the introduction of a number of all new events.

Car racing events are set for a shake up in 2010 with new event formats and the return of some International classes. On the domestic Championship front a smaller number of more spectator friendly car racing dates, with more races per event, will be run. Classes with smaller grids will run together to free up time and this will also allow entry fees to be reduced for the coming season. To facilitate the event programme, Saturday afternoon qualifying from 4:00pm – 6:00pm will be introduced at some events and this will allow Sunday to be taken up almost entirely by racing.

One of the International championships making a return to Mondello Park this season will be the Pick-Up Racing series from the UK and they will be the feature class of a two day event in July, where it is hoped a UK Pick-Up V’s Irish Supercar challenge race will be part of the programme. In addition to this, initial agreement has been reached to run a Pick Up for double Irish Champion Rod McGovern, which will add further excitement to the event. A feature race for the Leinster Trophy event in September is also being worked on with a well known International championship which is looking to make a return to Ireland.

Short circuit Motorcycling in the Republic of Ireland will also see some changes in 2010 with the Mondello Clubman and National championship events, which previously ran separately, being combined within a new race day format which will include a Mondello Park championship for the first time. The big prize money, Mondello Masters, will continue to be a part of the circuit’s calendar in 2010 with a single event scheduled for October. With just one, end of season, Masters event to concentrate on the circuit’s management intend increasing the prize money and promotional budgets with the aim of attracting an even more impressive line-up than achieved for previous Masters races. Further information on the Masters event will be announced as the season progresses.

Endurance will be a key word for the circuit during the coming season as three long distance events could potentially feature in the calendar. The very popular Fun-Cup endurance series returns to Mondello Park following a year off and this Europe wide series for VW Beetle look-alikes will hit Mondello in August for a single six hour event. In advance of that, discussions are at an advance stage between Mondello Park, the IMRC and UK/Irish Historic Competitors with a view to hosting the venues first ever historic long-distance races with the running of a Historic Endurance Car event in April. The first distance event of the season will however be the longest, and possibly the slowest, as an eight hour charity motorcycle race will open the two wheeled season at the circuit on February14th. The reason the event will be the slowest is due to it being run for standard Honda 50’s. Fifty teams of four riders will battle around the Mondello National circuit with ! lap times in the region of two minutes, double that of a Superbike, expected to be the norm. The Valentine’s Day Mondello enduro will be run as a benefit for the Dublin Rape Crisis centre and with a number of very big names from Irish Motorcycle racing being lined up to take part it should be a lot of fun.

The final new initiative will be the first ever running of Tarmac Multi-Stage Rallysprints at the Kildare venue. Two events are currently scheduled, one in February and one in July and the first of these single venue Rallies will be organised and promoted by The Rallysport Association. February’s event will not only be the first ever Mondello event of its kind, but will also be the first ever Inter-Provincial Rallysprint competition. Competitors will compete for individual glory with the top ten drivers from each province scoring for their team. Awards will be presented for the overall result as well as in a number of classes with the top province also receiving a perpetual trophy.

Speaking on the announcement of the 2010 calendar, Mondello Park managing director john Morris said, “Having emerged from a difficult year for Motorsport, we’ve been able to re-organise and consolidate our racing activities to give competitors better value for money and spectators a better show on the day. Currently 2010 is shaping up to be a better year and hopefully the sport will be stronger at the end of it.”

2010 will be one of the most varied and exciting years in the more than forty year history of the circuit as the venue continues to grow and diversify. Full details of all of Mondello’s upcoming events, along with additions to the programme, will be available through www.mondellopark.ie, where spectators can also sign up for free text and email alerts to keep them up to date with all the news from Irelands only International Motorsport venue.