County Kildare News

The Curragh Racecourse today announced a five-year partnership with the Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEF), which includes sponsorship of the Irish Guineas Festival.

 Re-named the Abu Dhabi Irish Guineas Festival, the weekend will feature the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas on Saturday, May 22 and the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas on Sunday, May 23.

The sponsorship arrangement also includes the first race in the 2010 calendar of the prestigious President of the UAE Cup Series for purebred Arabian horses, as well as, naming rights to four other thoroughbred races throughout the weekend.

The President of the UAE Cup Series was established in 1994 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to promote and celebrate the Arabian horse globally. It is the original international purebred Arabian horse race series, and today is still considered the premier racing series for the breed.

“We are excited to launch the 2010 President’s Cup series at a racecourse as historic as the Curragh and in such a significant way,” said Taleb Dhaher Al Muhairi, Secretary General of the Emirates Equestrian Federation. “The sponsorship of two of the top Classic races in Europe, together with the opportunity to showcase some of the best purebred Arabian racehorses creates multiple benefits, such as promoting tourism and enhancing bilateral relationships between countries.”

“The support of our Guineas Festival by the Emirates Equestrian Federation is hugely positive for both the Curragh racecourse and Irish horse racing and their association with two of our most prestigious races will ensure we continue to attract the very best horses and riders for what promises to be an outstanding event,” said Curragh General Manager Paul Hensey, “We will work closely with our new Guineas partner to ensure they maximize their association with this great weekend of entertainment.”

Riverbank Arts Centre warmly invites you to…

 Broken Yardstick, A site-specific painting installation by Emma Roche

Riverbank Arts Centre is delighted to present Broken Yardstick, a painting installation by Emma Roche.  This will be Emma’s first solo exhibition having recently completed in 2009 the MA in Visual Arts Practices (MAVIS) in IADT.  She holds a BA in Fine Art Painting (Hons) from the National College of Art and Design.

Emma’s background is in painting and her current practice marries this with many processes borrowed from craft, sculpture, text, drawing and performance. Notions of deconstruction of materials and their consequent reconstruction have become a foundation for the work. Alchemical explorations are regularly apparent where boundaries are underlined or tested. The work poses questions, not only on a formal or figurative level, but also attempts to encourage a dialogue. Refusenik qualities often appear in the titles and processes that Emma uses and an innate questioning of how labels are used within both the ‘art world’ and outside of it are also present.

This is a very interesting opportunity to see what questions will be posed by Emma’s latest body of work and we believe her playful conceptual approaches and methods will ignite some thoughtful responses.

Emma Roche currently lives and works in Co. Wexford.  Her work was shown as part of the Wildly Different Things: New York + Dublin show, at The Observatory, 7-11 Sir John Rogersons Quay, Dublin this February.  She has exhibited extensively in group shows since 2003 both nationally and internationally and participated in several artist led initiatives.

The exhibition opens on Thursday April 8th, with an opening reception at 6.30pm, all welcome.

Broken Yardstick runs until 29th April in the McKenna Gallery, admission is free and the gallery is open 10am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday and 10am to 1pm on Saturday. 

Please see www.emmaroche.com for further information on the artist. 

If you're interested in film from around the world and would like to experience something a little different to the usual cinema, then Riverbank CINEMA may be just the thing for you. Every Monday night Riverbank Arts Centre transforms its theatre into a cinema, with a full screen and a high definition projection system.

Having just launched it's new Spring programme, the Spring film season begins on Monday April 12th, 8pm with An Education, an unforgettable coming of age story about a 16 year old girl growing up in the 60s. Other films in the season include Jane Campion’s Bright Star, Michael Haneke’s Oscar nominated The White Ribbon, the Coen brothers’ a Serious Man and much more.

Full membership is only €32.00 per person and includes all Monday night screenings in the Spring season, unbeatable value for money.

Arrive for early for a drink or coffee from 7pm on Monday nights, meet like-minded film lovers, receive regular e-bulletins keeping you up to date on the latest film news and special screenings at Riverbank. And when you’re a member, become part of the selection process and help choose the movies that you want to see. For enquiries or to book a season ticket contact box office on 045 448327

Also, this season Riverbank is offering a number of Saturday screenings for children. On Saturday April 17th, see the Oscar winning Disney/Pixar film Up, on May 1st catch up with Miss Piggy, Kermit and Fozzy Bear with The Muppet Movie and Saturday June 19th brings a wonderful opportunity to see the everlasting classic The Wizard of Oz on the big screen.

Lots of great movies for a very reasonable price. For Riverbank CINEMA listings visit www.riverbank.ie

Martial Arts/Jujutsu/Ninjutsu in Celbridge. 

The Bujinkan Dwyer Dojo runs classes 3 times per week at our dedicated training centre. Beginners always welcome!

Venue: Unit33 The Mill, Celbridge Community Centre.

Contact: MarcusDwyer 087 6882201 or info@dwyerdojo.com

More Information: www.dwyerdojo.com

The new Mondello Park car race season gets under way this weekend with all eyes on the eagerly anticipated debut of the Irish Touring Car Championship (ITCC). Easter Sunday's nine race programme, organised by the Irish Motor Racing Club, will offer a mix of single seater, saloon and sportscar action, with the ITCC expected to be the big attraction as it brings back variety to a Saloon Racing scene dominated by one-make championships.

The new ITCC series will take over from the Mondello Park organised 'Saloon Libre' class and is open to any modified car as long as it is based on a four seater production vehicle. The championship will feature a host of drivers making the switch from other saloon racing series, some from the Mondello Park Time-Attack championship and an influx of Track Day drivers taking their first steps into competitive motorsport.

Despite only being announced earlier this year at least twenty cars are expected to make the grid for the championship's first ever race and all of the cars in the series will be familiar to the man on the street, which is part of its attraction. Hot-hatch favourites such as the Honda Civic, Honda Integra and Volkswagen Golf Gti will be joined by BMW, Mazda, Mini, Peugeot, Opel and Rover, with many other makes expected to join in as the season progresses. The championship kicks off with a single race scheduled for 14:00 and is expected to draw a large new audience of modified car and track day enthusiasts.

Also guaranteed to provide excitement at the season opener will be the ever popular Formula Vee class, which lines-up for its usual qualifying race and final, with the qualifier opening proceedings at noon. A more than thirty car entry will battle it out through qualifying, and the 'B' race, to decide the grid for the 'A' race, which will be one of the highlights of the day. Less numerically strong but just as entertaining will be the high speed Formula Libre single seaters, which this season will move up a notch in terms of competitiveness, due to the arrival of some very quick and relatively modern Formula 3 machinery.

Supporting the Saloon and single seater feature events will be two classes opening their season with double headers, the super-fast Global Lights and the ultra competitive combination of Fiat Punto's and Uno's. The programme will be completed by a single race for historic racing cars. Adult admission to Sunday's event is just €15.00 with under 16's admitted free of charge, further information is available from the Mondello Park web site where fans can also subscribe to the circuits free email and text alert service.

Evenings @Brannockstown are held at Brannockstown Baptist Church on the 2nd Sunday evening of each month, and all are very welcome to attend this informal evening worship service, which includes praise music, a short devotional, scripture reading and meditation. 

Our next evening service will be on 11 April, 7:00pm and will last about an hour. 

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

Irish Motorcycle enthusiasts will have a new form of Motorcycle show to look forward to in 2010 with the launch of the 'Mondello Motorcycle Expo'. The May 30th event will cater for all forms of motorcycling, both on and off road, with a huge emphasis on live action.

'Mondello Motorcycle Expo' will be a single day event featuring track and motocross racing, stunts, trials demonstrations, minimoto's, motorcycle club parade laps and a large exhibition area. The exhibition will encompass indoor facilities including the Mondello Park hospitality suites, pit garages and motorsport museum, and outdoor display areas in the circuits paddock, perimeter and off-road areas.

Already confirmed for the expo are BMW Motorrad and Yamaha with other manufacturers to be announced. Joining them in the exhibition area will be motorcycle clubs, including road and short circuit race organisers, touring clubs and vintage and classic owners clubs. Alongside the motorcycle exhibits there will also be a substantial trade area and additional show attractions which will be announced over the coming weeks.

On track action will centre around a pair of invitation races which will include an added twist and these will be backed up by stunt riding from Gary Rothwell and some more sedate classic bike and bike owners club parade laps. Out in the Mondello Park Off-Road Centre, motocross demonstrations will take place along with quad and off-road motorcycle tests. Rounding out the action will be a trials riding demonstration and some minimoto action.

Show visitors will have a lot to keep them busy and the added attraction of the opportunity to put their own road bike, classic or custom machine on display and enter the 'Bike of the Show' competition. The event will take place from 11:00 till 17:00 with non-stop track activity. Tickets will be available on the day at a cost of €15.00 for adults with children under 16 free. In addition, MCUI competition licence holders will be entitled to a €5.00 discount on production of their current 2010 licence.

Further information on the 'Mondello Motorcycle Expo' will be released in the run-up to the event and the latest news can be accessed through the Mondello Park web site, by subscribing to the free motorcycle expo text and email alert service, or by becoming a 'Mondello Motorcycle Expo' Facebook fan

The Curragh has a new landmark that has attracted public interest over the last week. Sculptures of Fionn Mac Cumhail and his Hounds, at Ballymany Roundabout (exit 12 of the M7 motorway), have drawn favourable comment according to Kildare County Council.

The figures, in Corten steel, are the work of Lynn Kirkham of the Greenmantle studio and were commissioned by the council’s arts service. The statue of a spear-wielding Fionn is five metres high while the hounds stand at three metres. Together they provide a powerful presence guarding the entrance to the Curragh and a link to Fionn’s reputed residence at the Hill of Allen.

Lynn Kirkham’s work includes the woven ‘growing willow’ structures that can be seen at one of the roundabouts close to Kildare Village. She is well known for her traditional willow pieces and she also constructs artworks in a variety of media such as bronze, steel, concrete and reclaimed metal.

Fionn MacCumhaill and the Fianna are historical figures whose deeds and life stories have been embellished through time, myth and legend. There are many tales of their acts of bravery and magic. Accounts claim that they were the bravest, swiftest and strongest hunters and warriors who made the wild places of Ireland their demesne. Fionn, their last leader, was larger than life and always accompanied by his two hounds Bran and Sceolan who were said to be his nephews transformed into hunting dogs by evil sorcery.

The sculpture for the Curragh was commissioned as a significant landmark to celebrate Kildare’s colourful history and to acknowledge the military presence in the county since earliest times. It will take pride of place in the planned public art and heritage trail for Newbridge. The trail will include works by local and international artists who have sited works in the town.

Are you looking for some fun activities for your children during the Easter holidays? 

The Bog of Allen Nature Centre will be holding a half day Easter Froggy Fun Camp for students aged 7-13 years on the 1st April between 10am and 1pm.

Activities on the day will include pond dipping, froggy crafts and frog search.  All activities will be fully supervised by experienced instructors.  The cost of the camp is 15 Euro and booking is essential, as there are limited places.  

If you would like to make a booking contact Nuala Madigan at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre on 045-860133.

The Bog of Allen Nature Centre is run by the Irish Peatland Conservation Council a charity that was set up in 1982 to conserve a representative sample of Irish peatlands for future
generations to enjoy.
 
Nuala Madigan is the Environmental Education Officer of the Irish Peatland Conservation Council.

In Spring we usually clean our clothes, the house, our  car, the fore and back garden. But what about our body?

Detoxification is a great way to  flush out the old and harmful elements and clean our body's engine so it can  fight germs, bacteria and diseases. Detoxification is a process that rids the body of harmful pollutants or neutralizes them improving our immune system.

Why Detox?

Because, the more advanced our world gets, the more we experiment with harmful metals and chemicals. It is these substances, along with junk food and poor lifestyles, that fill our body with rubbish, leaving us feeling sluggish, ill and plugged up!

A Detox diet can help remove these harmful substances. A detox inside out can make a great differenece in how we will feel during the summer and during the next year.

Who Needs to Detox?

Everybody ! Anyone would receive health benefits from a detox diet. Peoplewho are in greater need of one are those who are overweight, eat unhealthily, are exposed frequently to heavy pollution.

Foods to Eat While Detoxifying Your Precious Engine:

• Fruits!
  Whether they are fresh, frozen, dried or in natural syrup they will pump goodness into your body.
• Green Vegetables.
  Especially Broccoli, sprouts and spinach. Fresh or frozen put them in everything; salads, pasta dishes or just as a snack
• Garlic.
  The most ancient body purifying. Add it to all your dinner dishes, just to everything.
• Lemons.
  These help transform toxins into water based soluble, making them easier for the body to get rid of.
• Beans.
These are a great source of protein and energy.
• Nuts and Seeds.
  Try to stick to unsalted.
• Water.
  Keeps the body hydrated and helps flush everything out.

Detox Benefits

By doing a two day detox fast of just water, fruits and vegetables once a month you will feel the health benefits. You will have more energy, have the ability to stay focused, build a resilient immune system, develop healthy eating habits and go regularly.

If you are considering a detox diet and have medical problems first consult with your health care provider. As you embark on a Detox diet remember that you might experience some discomfort such as diarrhea, headaches, cramps or gas, as you are expelling the junk from your body. These side effects are short  lived and are replaced by long lasting health benefits.

Once finished detox your body inside, take a day out and reward yourself with a detox and rejuvenating day.

At Clane Health and Leisure Club in Clane, not so long ago was opened Slim Slim Studio.

Peter and Katy are massage therapists with over 17 years experience. Katy is also beautician and life coach as well and has a spiritual healer qualification. They brought over to Ireland two years ago all their knowledge and experience to help people, relax  rejuvenate and lose weight.

The infrared pod is one of their special tools used for pain relief, detox cure, muscle relief and a very efficient and relaxing way for weight loss treatment. During one session of 30 minutes your body  can detox, relax and burn up to 500 Cal.

They have just launched this week the SPRING DETOX AND REJUVENATING DAY, during which you have a health check, session of infrared pod, body scrub, massage, facial which all refresh and rejuvenate your body.

Complimentary tea and shake is also served during the 2 and half hours pampering treatment.

And the price of this package is rejuvenating too. All the above treatments and complimentary treats, only €75!

Now that's a real refreshing offer, grab it!

Don't miss the DETOX AND REJUVENATING DAY at Slim Slim Studio.

Visit www.slimslimstudio.info

Brannockstown Baptist Church will be holding a Good Friday Communion Service at 7:00pm, and Easter Sunday Service will be held at  11:00am.

All are very welcome to attend.

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

Young, female, traditional music duo 'Blyde Lasses' are bringing the sounds of Shetland to Riverbank Arts Centre on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th  of March.

On Friday, the talented Scottish musicians blyde Lasses will play a free lunchtime concert at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge. Kicking off at 1pm, music lovers will have a chance to sample the delights of the music created by this female duo.

Following the free show on Friday, budding musicians and those with an interest in music traditions and ceili dancing will then have an opportunity to take part in a mixed instrument workshop with the Blyde Lasses on Saturday 27th at 2pm.
 
The duo's name means 'glad girls' in Shetland dialect, and Claire White and Frances Wilkins have been looking forward to their trip west for almost a year.  Concertina player Frances Wilkins explains 'We're excited about sharing our songs and tunes with new audiences and introducing them to the history and landscape of Scotland's northern isles'.  Singer and fiddler Claire White eagerly awaits the reaction of 'overseas' audiences to her accented lyrics!
 
Blyde Lasses formed in 2007 when Frances and Claire both found themselves living and working in Aberdeen.  After several pub sessions they struck up a playing partnership which has seen them visiting the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention in Canada in 2008 and performing aboard the 'Glenlee' Tall Ship at Partick Folk Festival in 2009.
 
As an ethnomusicologist Frances is expert at ferreting out old music and dusting it down for the duo.  Claire works as a BBC Producer by day recording and broadcasting all manner of audio material.  The pair perform traditional, contemporary and self-penned Shetland music and are famed for their colourful co-coordinating outfits!     

See the Blyde Lasses for free at Riverbank on Friday 26th, 1pm. Take part in the Blyde Lasses Mixed instrument workshop on Saturday 27th March at 2pm, workshop price €10. Contact Riverbank box office on 045 448327 for bookings or see www.riverbank.ie

Spring is in the air and the vibe at Riverbank Arts Centre couldn’t be fresher. With an array of great Kildare-based, Irish and international acts coming to Newbridge this season, Riverbank Arts Centre is delighted to announce the new Spring programme from April to June 2010.

There are some real treats in store at Riverbank this season, particularly when it comes to theatre. New local drama group Crossfire Theatre present their production of David Lindsay Abaire’s Wonder of the Wonder on the 8th & 9th of April, while the award-winning b*spoke theatre’s The Sanctuary Lamp, written and directed by Tom Murphy, will run for three nights on the 26th, 27th and 28 th.

The Sanctuary Lamp tells of three people locked in a Catholic Church for the night; an ex-circus strongman who prays to the Sanctuary Lamp for strength, a run-away waif haunted by her past and an Irish blackguard. The much-acclaimed Tom Murphy directs this revival of his own play for b*spoke theatre company. On opening in London last weekend, The Sanctuary Lamp received rave reviews with the Guardian describing it as an ‘extraordinary, brooding play…likely to haunt one for months to come’.

Other top theatre productions include Eamon Morrissey’s The Brother, based on the writing of Myles na Gopaleen, Upstate Live’s The Ones Who Kill Shooting Stars and from Lane Productions (the company who brought us Stones in his Pockets) comes Setanta Murphy and The Original Theatre Company's The Importance of Being Oscar. Newbridge Drama Group also return to Riverbank in May to stage their production of The Matchmaker. 

Also in April, Newbridge dance group Dancetones brings a fun-filled musical Janice in Wonderland on April 1st and the 50 strong members of the Monasterevin Gospel Choir will host an entertaining evening of song at Riverbank on Saturday 10th.

On the music front there is again a very strong line-up of big names with Martin Hayes & Denis Cahill, Duke Special, The Celtic Tenors, Liam O’Maonlai, Cathy Davey, Julie Feeney and Francesco Turrisi’s Tarab Ensemble and more. For those interested in combining theatre and literature (and a free afternoon tea!), there is a wonderful free event taking place on the 14th of May. The Picture of Dorian Gray sees Oscar Wilde's novella being read in one afternoon while the audience enjoys exotic teas, plates laden with pastries, cakes and cucumber sandwiches. 

Again this season, Riverbank has programmed a great line-up of family orientated events starting with the return of Cartoon Saloon, makers of the Oscar nominated The Secret of Kells, for their animation workshop. Monkey Music Workshops keeps the very young babies entertained in May, while local groups StageWorks and Brian Brady Youth Theatre bring their fun-filled shows, Peter Pan and Music from the 80s. There’s a nice array of children’s film too with classics like The Wizard of Oz and the Muppet Movie popping up on the big screen.

In terms of Visual Arts, Riverbank will host three key exhibitions. Opening on April 8th with Broken Yardstick by Emma Roche, followed by Military Zones by John Conway and Paul Woods in May and Kildare artist John O’Connell brings his solo exhibtion The Visitor to the gallery at Riverbank in June.

The new Riverbank Spring programme also presents another great cinema schedule with their Monday Night Movies including the Oscar nominated White Ribbon, and Bright Star, the inspiring film about poet John Keats. Each monday night screening is open to everyone but if you're a regular film goer, there is good value to be had by joing the Riverbank CINEMA Club.

With an array of quality local arts, great comedy, cinema, children’s events and more, this is just a flavour of all that's happening at Riverbank Arts Centre and there’s certainly enough to keep everyone busy this Spring.

For more information check out www.riverbank.ie or call box office on 045 448327 to get a copy of the new Spring programme.

A quality program of seven races kicks off the 2010 season at the Curragh this Sunday.

The weekend fixture, which is the first of 19 racemeetings to be schedule at Headquarters this year, features the Group 3 Lodge Park Stud Park Express Stakes and the Tote Sports Lounge Irish Lincolnshire.

The Group 3 contest has attracted an entry of 18 fillies and mares, which includes three overseas trained challengers in Ahla Wasahl, Chantilly Tiffany and Danehill’s Pearl. Jim Bolger, who won this race twelve months ago with Oh Goodness Me, has entered three for the one mile contest, including the top rated Atasari, while Dermot Weld has three to choose from Precious Gem, Rare Ransom and Ana Verna. Aidan O’Brien, meanwhile, can select between Devoted to You, Lady Lupus and Black Eyed Susan.

The Tote Sports Lounge Irish Lincolnshire is always a well contested race and this year’s renewal will be no different. Designated Decoy, who was a close up third behind Pollen in this race last year, is one of 25 entries for the race. His trainer Dermot Weld has also entered Award Ceremony who has the benefit of a run already this season. Other notable entries include Barak, Grand Admiral, Greatwallofchina, Motafaany and Hujaylea

The www.curragh.ie Madrid Handicap is another competitive affair which has attracted an entry of 18 three year olds. The Aidan O’Brien trained Purple Heart is top of the ratings and the Ballydoyle based trainer is also represented by Benvenuto, while local trainer John Oxx can rely on Akinndi.

Other notable entries for the seven furlongs contest are Del Mar, Hen Night, Knight’s Templar and White Front.

The race day starts with a very competitive juvenile event sponsored by Tally Ho Stud with four representatives from the powerful Aidan O’Brien team

An additional bonus for racegoers will be the opportunity to see some of Aidan O’Brien’s Classic race hopefuls in action after racing including last year’s champion European two year old St Nicholas Abbey. It is hoped that some of our Cheltenham heroes will be on view during the afternoon in the parade ring.

The ground at the Curragh is currently Yielding.

North Kildare based multinational Intel is to strengthen their links with NUI Maynooth under Government's Competence Centre scheme according to local Fianna Fail TD and Minister of State, Áine Brady.

"The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan TD has announced a new innovative scheme to bring together business, enterprise and universities into designated Competence Centres."

"The Centres will allow clusters of companies in north Kildare and the wider area to come together to share research and other information that will allow them to grow their businesses, create new products and services."

The Maynooth Centre will be the IT Innovation Centre with the assistance and cooperation of Intel and will be delivered jointly by Enterprise Ireland and the IDA."

"The Maynooth Centre will research and develop tools and approaches that can help companies and public sector organisations to improve their IT investment. The Centre will also focus on green computing by researching ways to reduced the energy used by servers and other IT technology."

"The Centre in Maynooth is one of five Centres that have already been established. The other Centres will cover Bioenergy & Biorefining, Applied Nanotechnology, Composite Materials and Microelectronics."

"Four additional Centres are planned and will concentrate on Manufacturing Productivity, Energy Efficiency, Financial Services and E-learning. These Centres are at different stages of completion."

"The Centres will be industry led and will aim to meet the needs of local business and enterprises. It is hoped that all of these activities will result in the creation of more jobs. Intel must be commended for their participation in this project and for their commitment to north Kildare," concluded Minister Brady.

New Course in Measuring, Monitoring and Management of Irish Habitats and Wildlife

Throughout Ireland habitats and wildlife are under threat from pollution, human interference and invasive species.  The Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) have developed a new course entitled ‘Measuring, Monitoring and Management of Irish Habitats and Wildlife’.

Whether you are a new graduate seeking employment, are just about to retire or are employed, now is the time to increase your skills to conserve, restore and protect habitats and wildlife throughout Ireland. 

IPCC are offering this new course to mark the International Year of Biodiversity.  The course is an introductory course that includes twenty-five skills used to measure, monitor and manage Irish habitats and wildlife.  

Skills that are included in the course are map reading, water level measuring, developing a management plan, drain blocking, indicator species identification, recording abiotic factors affecting habitats and survey techniques. 

The course will be held on the 12th and 13th April 2010 at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Co. Kildare from 9am-5pm.  The cost of the course is 95 Euro per participant and places are limited. 

If you would like to receive a brochure on the course or further information please contact the centre on tel: 045-860133 or e-mail bogs@ipcc.ie.

The Curragh today announced that legendary rock band Status Quo will perform “live” at the racecourse following racing on Friday 4th June 2010.

The iconic band led by Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt, who were both recently awarded OBEs, will perform some of their best known hits including Rockin’ all over the World,  Whatever You Want,  Down Down and Just Supposin during a 90 minute show which will commence on a giant stage located in the racecourse enclosure after the last race at 8.30pm.

Status Quo music has been enjoyed by millions of people over 4 decades. They have recorded 60 chart hits in the UK of which 22 reached the top 10.

Speaking of the upcoming performance by Status Quo, Paul Hensey The Curragh’s Racecourse Manager said “To have a band such as Status Quo playing at the Curragh is fantastic and it is the first time that a band of this calibre has graced any stage at an Irish Racecourse.  The band appeals to all ages and the concert is the perfect complement to end an exciting evening at the races”.

Status Quo has been booked by the Liz Hobbs Group who recently signed an agreement with the County Kildare venue to provide high level post race entertainment at a number of race meetings over the next five years.  “An important part of our promotional strategy over the next few years to attract more people to come to the races will be to introduce some top bands to perform after racing and I am also pleased to announce that the Saw Doctors will play after racing on Derby Friday 25th June,” added Hensey,

Admission for the Status Quo race evening is €30 to include admission to the races and concert and with limited availability of tickets, it is strongly advised to booked in advance on line at www.curragh.ie or phone our ticketing line on 0818-300-281.  A variety of dining packages are also available to be reserved in both the recently refurbished Horse Shoe Restaurant and in Premier Level Hospitality Suites.

For further information, call the racecourse on 045 441205 or see www.curragh.ie

The first of 19 race days at the Curragh this year on Sunday 21st March will kick start a very busy season planned for the County Kildare venue.  Highlights of the year ahead include the Irish Guineas Festival (22nd and 23rd May) with a new sponsor about to be announced, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival (25th to 27th June), Darley Irish Oaks Weekend (17th and 18th July) and Autumn Festival of Racing featuring The Irish Field St Leger on 11th and 12th September.

The popular series of Ladies days featuring spectacular prizes will be supported by Louise Kennedy Tipperary Crystal on 23rd May, Kildare Village on 26th and 27th June and Miele on 18th July.

An important date for the diary is Newbridge Community Festival Day, which will be another exciting addition to the racecourse schedule, when it takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 3rd May. A variety of exciting entertainment will take place for all the family to enjoy, in addition to eight top class races.  Proceeds from the day will be donated to some very worthwhile charitable causes through Newbridge Catholic and Church of Ireland Parishes. The day will incorporate a new initiative between the racecourse and Leinster GAA with some of the stars from the Football and Hurling world expected to participate and a variety of themed GAA entertainment for all the family.

Other exciting themed days will include a Lifetime in Racing Achievement Day, National Pony Club Race Day and Young Race goers initiative on 23rd May and student initiative on 11th October

The Curragh has been working with a number of partners to upgrade facilities throughout the racecourse complex for this year. These include the refurbishment of all public bars and restaurants with the support of Curragh Carpets and Woodies DIY, together with the development of a new Garden Enclosure adjacent to the Bollinger Champagne Bar using product from Kilsaran Lifestyle and outdoor furniture from the Naas based Jondol Furniture Collection who also refurbished the impressive interior of the champagne bar last year. Larry Behan & Sons have assisted the racecourse with upgrades to the car parking and enclosure areas through the supply of new tar macadam.

The Tote have introduced a brand new Tote Sports Lounge in what was previously the Horseshoe Bar and this facility will ensure that nobody misses out seeing any of the sporting action. To celebrate the launch of this new facility on 21st March the tote have agreed to sponsor the Irish Lincolnshire.

JC Catering have recently been appointed as the new racecourse caterer and will work on improving the quality and choices on offer for the public to enjoy on race days.

A variety of new valued added admission packages have been introduced this year including a Punters Package for €20 to include admission, racecard, 5 Food & Beverage voucher and €2 Tote Bet and Jolli Bolli Package for €25 which includes admission, racecard and glass of Bollinger Champagne. These must be purchased in advance.

Admission for all race days will be €15, Group One days including Audi Pretty Polly Stakes day on 26th June and Moyglare Stud Stakes day will be reduced to €15, while 1000 and 2000 Guineas Day, Darley Irish Oaks Day and The Irish Field St Leger Day will remain at €20. Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day will remain at €40. Generous concessions will be available for seniors and Under 25s on all days.

The Curragh will work closely with RACE to introduce some exciting initiatives targeting both secondary and primary school students.  12 apprentice jockeys currently enrolled at RACE will take part in an exhibition race on Monday 22nd March to give students a behind the scenes experience of horse racing. Johnny Murtagh will ride with the students over 7 furlongs. The apprentices will donate proceeds raised through sponsorship to charities such as Horse Welfare Trust, Kildare Hospice and Vincent De Paul

For further information on the Curragh, call 045 441205 or see www.curragh.ie

Rehearsals are in full swing and the children of Newbridge stage school, StageWorks, are very excited about their upcoming showcase ‘Dancing through the Decades’ at Riverbank Arts Centre.

On Saturday March 20th, at 2pm and 8pm, prepare to be transported in music, song and dance from the roaring 20’s to the glitzy noughties as StageWorks presents ‘Dancing through the Decades’

‘Dancing through the Decades’  is choreographed, produced and directed by Brenda Malone of StageWorks.

With 120 local children involved in the show, the members of the stage shool have been rehearsing for the last four months. Director Brenda Malone feels that the real beauty of this show is that it has exposed the children to various styles of music and dance like tap, charleston, contemporary and hip hop from 1920s to 2010. Now at dress rehearsals, the costumes from the last ten decades add the finishing touches to this energetic production.

Enjoy the show, sing and clap along as children ranging in ages from  4 to 16 dance and sing their way through the decades. An energetic, glittering, fun-filled show that will lift your spirits and leave you wanting more.

StageWorks ‘Dancing through the Decades’, Saturday March 20th, two shows 2pm and 8pm. Tickets  €10 Adults, €5 children (Concession rate available for students and over 65s). Call box office on 045 448327 or book online at www.riverbank.ie

Further details of the 2010 Mondello Park California Superbike School Courses have now been released.

Course Dates
August 24th: Levels 1, 2, 3 & 4
August 25th: Levels 1, 2, 3 & 4
August 26th: Levels 1, 2, 3 & 4

Prices
Single Course Level: €450.00

Discounts
Single Course Level booked before June 30th 2010: Save €25.00
2 Course Levels booked for the same rider on consecutive days: Save €75.00
3 Course Levels booked for the same rider on consecutive days: Save €125.00

To book contact Mondello Park on 045-860200 or email joneill@mondellopark.ie.

see www.mondellopark.ie/california_superbike_school for further information

Newry’s Andrew Patterson, driving a Nissan Micra, dominated the deciding round of the Jondol Junior Rallycross Championship at Mondello Park today (Sunday March 7th), but it was Simon Quinn from Naas who secured the 2009/10 title despite limping home in sixth place in the ‘A’ Final. Quinn had started the day needing only to make the ‘A’ Final grid to be the champ and in the end took the crown comfortably following a bad day for main rival Niall Murray.

Most observers expected the story of the day to be the fight between Quinn and Murray, and to add to the tension these two were drawn together in the heats. It was Murray’s Starlet that took first blood with the Dubliner managing a narrow win over Quinn’s Mini in heat one. Heat two saw Ulsterman Mark Francis take the win with his Micra, again after a close battle, this time with Maynooth’s Paul Barrett in another Mini. Patterson lined up in heat three and set down a marker with a crushing win over the third Mini in the field, Sam Kinirons from Naas, to take fastest time of the run ahead of Francis, Murray and Quinn.

The second run of heats was where the tension of the championship finale really began to tell on the relatively inexperienced field of fourteen to seventeen year old's, as two of the three heats had to be stopped following incidents. In the first heat it was Murray who was the culprit, spinning out at the Hairpin to bring out the red flags. In the re-run he redeemed himself by coming home second behind the ever improving Micra of Michael Cahill and just ahead of Quinn. In heat two Kildare’s Jake Byrne, driving the sole Suzuki Swift in the field, took the win following another re-start, but once again it was Patterson who topped the times with his heat three effort, where he once again had a comfortable victory. Cahill’s heat one time was enough for second with Murray and Quinn once again third and fourth.

At the beginning of run three Murray new he had a battle on his hands if he was to win the championship as he needed victory in the ‘A’ Final, with Quinn failing to qualify, in order to be champ. Patterson and Cahill were setting the pace and Quinn was doing just enough to keep himself safe and ensure ‘A’ Race qualification, so Murray needed to pull out all the stops in his last heat. Initially the Starlet pilot did a fantastic job to get himself into the lead with Quinn down in fourth, but at the end of lap three his day took a turn for the worse, as he thought the race was over and pulled off the track only to realise that the chequered flag had not been shown and there was till a lap to run. The Dubliner got back on track as quickly as possible but not quick enough to avoid a disastrously slow time. With Murray disappearing, Paul McArdle from Dundalk was the heat winner from Cahill and Quinn.

In heat two Jake Byrne drove brilliantly to take his second win of the day but having spent the whole race defending his position his time was only good enough for seventh place. In heat three Patterson made it a hat-trick with another dominant win to leave the order at the end of the run, Patterson from McArdle and Kinirons. Quinn contented himself with another safe run to sixth best time while the unfortunate Murray languished down in fifteenth. When the scores from the three heats were combined it was Patterson on pole for the ‘A’ Final with Cahill second, while Murray clinched the remaining front row position. Happiest of all was Quinn who lined up fourth with his goal of starting the ‘A’ final achieved and his first Junior Rallycross title in the bag.

Patterson’s domination of the results continued in the final as he sailed to victory, but behind him the season long battle between Quinn and Murray came to a head as they went side by side in to the first turn on the opening lap. Quinn held the inside line and with Murray trying to get across on to the best of the loose surface at the first corner, he leaned hard on the Mini of Quinn pushing him into the barrier from where he bounced back into Murray, damaging both cars in the process. The Starlet was out on the spot, with damaged front suspension, while Quinn’s similarly damaged car toured around at the tail of the field to complete his season with a lowly sixth place. Patterson’s win enabled him to move past Paul Barrett to take third place in the final standings.

At the end of a tough event, Quinn was suitably delighted to have a championship win under his belt in his first full season in the Irish championship. Having lost out last year in the British series by a single point, Simon will turn his attention over the summer months to making amends and adding the UK crown to his Irish one. Sunday’s event was however an unfortunate end to the season for two drivers who have been the undoubted starts of the 2009/10 championship, especially as there was nothing at stake, with Quinn already crowned and Murray certain of second in the championship irrespective of the race result. Murray will return to the Irish series in October where he will start as one of the favourites, but he may or may not have Quinn to battle against due to his Mini no longer being eligible to compete in Ireland. Having consistently provided the best racing of the Rallycross season the Junior class can only benefit from the return of both drivers next season for a resumption of their rivalry.

www.jondoljuniorrallycross.com

On Monday March 15th, Riverbank Arts Centre will screen a short film about the locally renowned cobbler Bill Glennon. Made by filmmaker Daniel Balteanu as part of a final year college project, this will be the first time that the film will be screened in Kildare. The Cobbler is a brief but endearing and insightful piece about the life, work and traditional way of life of a longstanding member of the Naas community. Bill Glennon holds a place in many peoples’ hearts, and his dedication to the disappearing art of cobbling has rendered him as an integral part of the community landscape in Naas.
 
The Cobbler will be screened before the Monday night feature film Hunger. Written by Enda Walsh and directed by Steve McQueen, Hunger is the poignant story of Bobby Sands and the final days of his hunger strike at the Maze Prison in 1981.
 
Tickets are just €6 and include entry to both films at Riverbank Arts Centre, on Monday 15th March, 8pm. Contact Riverbank Box Office on 045 448327 for bookings.
 
The Cobbler Synopsis
 
The Cobbler is a short documentary about local cobbler, Bill Glennon, who is based in Naas, Co. Kildare.  It is a journey from past to present that focuses on his trade – a trade that’s not ‘necessary’ anymore, or is it? It also focuses on his story – the personal touch that he provides, his conversation with people, the repairing of shoes (instead of throwing them away and simply buying new ones). 

Bill Glennon has a warm personality and he is very chatty. He speaks about his job, and how skilful a cobbler needs to be.  He believes that there is a lot of passion in the work – and lots of patience involved. He told us how the shop, and trade, was passed from his grandfather to his father, and then on to him. He indicated that he was a bit sad because there will be no one to hand things on to, to take things over, after him. Bill felt very relaxed in front of the camera and he said that there would be no problem filming him as he worked.

To conclude, the documentary tries to capture, as briefly as possible, the story of his life, his work, the old ways versus the modern, the tradition of the true cobbler. 
 
www.danielbalteanuphotography.com
 

Since his 2007 Mercury Prize nominated debut “The End of History”, Irish singer-songwriter Fionn Regan has toured extensively throughout America, before returning home to complete his new abum The Shadow of an Empire. Now, Riverbank Arts Centre are delighted to welcome the heartbreaking troubadour Fionn Regan to play an intimate show in at the arts centre in Newbridge on Sunday March 14th.

Well-known on all sides of the water, Fionn Regan’s single "Be Good or Be Gone" has been used in the television dramas Grey's Anatomy, Nearly Famous, and Skins. With musical influences ranging from Leadbelly, Howling Wolf and Bob Dylan to The Beatles, Neil Young, and The Pixies, the talents of this singer-songwriter know no bounds.

The new album was self-produced (as was the case with the 2007 Mercury Prize nominated The End of History) and recorded in a small, disused factory space in Fionn’s hometown in Co. Wicklow,

“There were no airs or graces about it, we cut live in the room, live vocals… the piano had come off a cruise ship and we wheeled it down the road…the guy who sold it to us threw a couple of cheap Silvertone guitars and a circus drum into the bargain. As far a production goes…I’m very much into keeping mistakes, a crack in the voice, the natural ebb and flow of live drums, so that there’s a sort of evidence of the process… I think it’s that atmosphere which makes me want to revisit my favourite albums again and again”

If The End of History was the sound of the countryside and woodland lanes, this record is the sound of towns and dimly lit streets; heartfelt and with a ragged edge. He has ploughed himself a new furrow.

The Shadow of an Empire manifests itself in a collection of songs that are peopled with characters and conversational dialogue, while the often witty vignettes are used to facilitate more complex soul-searching.

On the subject of influence, Fionn describes it as “hard to quantify, I wrote these songs from the page up, on an Olympia portable, the idea being that the words would stand up on their own. I think the percussive nature of typing informed the phrasing. I was reading a lot of Welsh, French and American poets, I started to explore Brecht, Mahagonny in particular, I have always loved Kerouac…, then I admire visual artists like Joseph Beuys, Basquiat and Francis Bacon equally. All these people switch the light bulb on and make me connect back to my work”

An opportunity not to be missed, see Fionn Regan at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare on Sunday 14th March. Tickets €15, contact box office 045 448327 or book online www.riverbank.ie

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and in advance of the highly anticipated Lúnasa show on March 16th, Riverbank Arts Centre is delighted to offer one lucky music lover the chance to win a fantastic Lúnasa goodie pack.

Learn to play some some lively tunes with a Lúnasa music book, wear the t-shirt, listen to the CD and best of all, win a pair of tickets to see ‘the best Irish instrumental band on the planet’ on Tuesday March 16th at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge.

To win, simply call Riverbank box office 045 448327 or email boxoffice@riverbank.ie, quote ‘Lúnasa St. Patrick’s Competition’ and you could be selected for this great prize.

The winner will be notified by 5pm, Friday 12th March.

Lúnasa are internationally acknowledged as being the finest traditional Irish instrumental band of recent times and Riverbank Arts Centre are delighted to welcome this highly acclaimed group to Newbridge for one very special night.

If you would like to purchase tickets to see Lúnasa on Tuesday March 16th at 8pm, call 045 448327 or book online at www.riverbank.ie. Tickets €22/20. Group discounts available, contact Alex at Box Office 045 448327 for details.

Lúnasa treat music lovers to Irish Show in advance of St Patrick’s Day Celebrations

"The best Irish instrumental band on the planet" Irish Echo-USA

Traditional music lovers are in for a treat this March as the highly regarded trad group Lúnasa come home for one Irish show in Co. Kildare. On Tuesday March 16th, to kick off the St Patrick’s Day Celebrations, Lúnasa will play at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge for one night only.

Lúnasa are internationally acknowledged as being the finest traditional Irish instrumental band of recent times.  In October 1997, Ireland’s all-star quintet Lúnasa released their début CD Lúnasa, it became an immediate best-seller in Ireland, topping Hot Press’ folk charts and nominated one of the year’s top ten by the Irish Echo in the USA.

Since that auspicious beginning, Lúnasa has become one of the most sought-after bands on the international Celtic music scene, winning many awards including a nomination for Folk Album Of The Year in the BBC Radio 2 Awards and Best Traditional Album of 2005 in Irish Music Magazine.

Lúnasa’s sixth album Sé was released in 2006.  One of the highlights of that the year was Lúnasa’s headlining appearance at Dublin’s National Concert Hall on 8th June. The concert was recorded by RTE Radio One for national and European broadcast.

2007 celebrated 10 years of Lúnasa. The BBC showed their support by filming their headlining show at Glasgow’s international jamboree, Celtic Connections – making Lúnasa the only band to have been filmed twice by the BBC at the event.  The band also published their own book of tunes, Nótaí, compiled by band member Cillian Vallely.

 Lúnasa’s most recent CD is “The Story So Far …”. This new CD encapsulates the band's musical journey. It includes remixed and remastered tracks from all 6 Lúnasa albums and expansive liner notes on the band’s history with photographs across the past 11 years.

For enquiries and tickets for Lúnasa’s Irish show at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, contact Riverbank box office on 045 448327 or book online at www.riverbank.ie

Recent Update:

• The band recorded 5 tracks for Natalie Merchant’s forthcoming album
• Headline appearance at Celtic Connections, Glasgow including TV and Radio live sessions.
• Invitation to perform at The White House
• Touring in Ireland, UK, USA, Canada, France, Spain, Portugal, Holland, Belgium

The Native Woodland Trust   are running a large tree planting event on the 26^th & 27^th March 2010 in The Kildare Steiner School, from 9am – 4pm both days. 

We aim to plant 1,500 new native trees and also lay a woodland forest path for the school so that they will have their own mini native woodland. 

We are looking for volunteers to help out on either day; no experience necessary, just come along and have fun. 

This will be a very valuable addition to the school and they are also running a festival for the 2 days which will include folklore, cooking on a traditional cob oven, traditional dance, music and basket weaving. 

If any volunteers are interested in helping out they can contact Linda Lawlor on 0868169924 or email me at linda.lawlor@nativewoodlandtrust.ie 

Website: www.nativewoodlandtrust.ie 

Evenings @Brannockstown are held at Brannockstown Baptist Church on the
2nd Sunday evening of each month, and all are very welcome to attend this casual evening worship service.

It includes praise music, a short devotional, scripture reading and meditation. 

Our next evening service will be on 14 March, 7:00pm and will last about an hour. 

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

Positive parenting courses - "Discipline and setting up structure in the home".

Gaye Mullen, an A.M.I. teacher, is running various courses for parents and children.

For futher information tel 045 874175 or email gma.mullen@hotmail.com