County Kildare News

On Friday May 7th, the award winning playwright Conall Quinn will be at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge to speak with audience members following the performance of his new play ‘The Ones Who Kill Shooting Stars’.

Conall Quinn’s new play is a surreal tale of love and death set on a County Louth beach during World War II.  This is an original and highly entertaining work by a writer who has recently been awarded the Stewart Parker Trust Major Bursary and is currently generating a lot of interest in Ireland. The director of this new piece, Paul Hayes, will also be present on the night to answer questions and discuss the elements of the play.

‘The Ones Who Kill Shooting Stars’ also deals with issues surrounding Irish neutrality during World War II drawing on anecdotal tales of the time to punctuate and illustrate the story…Henry is on the look out for German submarines but all he really wants to do is fire his flare gun, Alice has decided to run away from home again, and Edward’s wife is blowing kisses at him. There’s also the body of the American pilot to bury…“Look out! Oh holy God, look out!  That’s what all the shooting stars will say. They’ll say, There’s that coastwatcher Henry Neary, he’s the one who kills shooting stars with his unrequited love."

Conall Quinn is highly regarded in the Irish theatre world. Indeed, Fintan O’Toole of the Irish Times commenting on “The Death of Harry Leon”, Conall’s last play, said it is, surely, the kind of work that a national theatre is for.”

UPSTATE LIVE is the touring wing of Upstate Theatre Project (a radical, community-based performing arts organisation located in Drogheda).  Upstate has developed a reputation for producing theatre, which is passionate, evocative, sophisticated yet arrestingly pure. Exciting drama, which is at times both fierce and uplifting.

“The Ones Who Kill Shooting Stars” is the second play to be developed under Upstate’s Writers’ Commissioning Scheme, (re-established 2007) whereby the company has sought to encourage new writers and directors from outside the company.  The first such commission was “Submarine Man” by Aidan Harney which has enjoyed two successful national tours.  The scheme continues to be managed for Upstate Theatre Project by Paul Hayes.

This is a highly interesting piece of theatre and with the writer and director on hand for a post show discussion, this is sure to be a worthwhile night out. For a limited time only, Riverbank Arts Centre is running a special Spring offer of 3 tickets for the price of 2 on a great range of shows including ‘The Ones Who Kills Shooting Stars’.

Upstate Live presents

The Ones Who Kill Shooting Stars

A new play by Conall Quinn

Date:  Friday 7th May

Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge

Time: 8pm.  €16/€14

Bookings: 045 448327 or online at www.riverbank.ie

Director: Paul Hayes

Set Design: Kieran McNulty

Lighting Design: Sarah Jane Shiels

Costume Design: Sinead Roberts


On Bank Holiday Monday 3rd May,  FAME AND GLORY is the big attraction at the Curragh  when the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby hero lines up in the High Chaparral EBF Mooresbridge Stakes. The son of Montjeu, who will face a maximum of seven rivals in the Group Three contest, disappointed when favourite and only third behind She’s Our Mark on his seasonal debut at this venue earlier in the month, but he is sure to be a lot straighter now.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien has also entered Dixie Music for the 10-furlong contest, while there are two overseas challengers in Palavicini and Zafisio. Gan Amhras, winner of his final two starts last season, is set to represent trainer Dermot Weld, while Kevin Prendergast’s Recharge and the Paul Deegan-trained Popmurphy complete a high quality field.

The Group Three Dylan Thomas EBF Tetrarch Stakes is another quality contest and has attracted 13 entries, including two from overseas in the Richard Hannon-trained Angel’s Pursuit and Paul Cole’s No Hubris. Aidan O’Brien can choose between Dynasty and Purple Heart, while Jim Bolger, who won this contest 12 months ago with Vocalised, will be represented by Free Judgement. Aznavour, Blue Dahlia, Picture Perfect, Zayaan and the hat-trick seeking Bashir Biyoum Zain are other notable entries.

Pollen and Latin Love, first and third respectively in a Group Three contest on the opening day of the Flat season here last month, are set to clash again in the Oratorio EBF Athasi Stakes. They are two of 22 entries for the Group Three event which has also attracted Duchess Of Foxland, Emulous, Famous, Full Of Hope, Gille Na Greine, Jamaayel and the highly progressive Velvet Flicker.

Racing commences at 2.15 pm with the Aussie Rules EBF Maiden, which has attracted an entry of 19. There are two very competitive handicaps on the eight-race programme, while National Hunt followers won’t want to miss the Rockview Qualified Riders INH Flat Race, which has attracted a British-trained entry in the shape of Nicky Henderson’s Prince Of Pirates.

The ground at the Curragh is currently good to firm on the Round Course and good on the Straight Course.

Legendary rockers Status Quo will kick off the exciting Curragh Live series of concerts when they perform after racing at the County Kildare venue on Friday 4th June.

The Curragh have also joined forces with Krystle Nightclub in Dublin by providing a package costing only €35 which includes return coach transport from outside the Nightclub in Harcourt Street, admission to the races and admission to Krystle that night.

For those people wanting accommodation, both the 4 star Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge and the Osprey Hotel in Naas are offering great value packages to include accommodation with breakfast and admission to the races/concert.

Keadeen Hotel - single €119 double or €112 per person sharing

Osprey Hotel - €185 for double room based on two people sharing

The first of 7 races starts at 5.30pm with Status Quo on stage following the last race at 8.45pm
 

For further information, please contact:
Eimear O’Reilly Marketing and Sales Executive 045 443208 email eoreilly@curragh.ie

Coordinator appointed for Kildare Town Integrated Services Programme

The Kildare Town Integrated Services Programme (ISP), a project of the Kildare County Development Board Plan 2009-2012 has announced the recruitment of Clodagh Gorman as Integrated Services Programme Coordinator. 

Clodagh, who is employed by County Kildare LEADER Partnership, has the responsibility of organising and supporting a new Area Implementation Team for Kildare Town.  County Librarian Breda Gleeson warmly welcomes Clodagh on behalf of the County Development Board and wishes her well in her new role.

The Kildare Town Area Implementation Team will be an inter agency partnership approach to improving the quality of life in the town in terms of social, economic, cultural and recreational infrastructure and services. Membership of the Area Implementation Team will include senior staff, with decision-making authority from:

•  HSE
• FAS
• Garda Siochana
• VEC
• DSFA
• Department of Education
• Kildare County Council. 
  

There will also be two representatives of the Local Community along with representatives of County Kildare LEADER Partnership Company, South Western Area Local Drugs Task Force, Kildare Town Chamber of Commerce, a local County Councillor nominated by Kildare CDB and a representative of Kildare Community and Education Partnership.

A number of public meetings have been held recently, hosted by County Kildare LEADER Partnership, with the aim of developing a community forum, which will elect two representatives onto the Area Implementation Team. The Community Forum will also bring forward recommendations from research into local community needs that has been carried out extensively in the town over the last eighteen months.

Clodagh, who is a native of Dublin but now lives with her family in Kildare, has close to 20 years experience working with statutory and community agencies nationally.  She has recently completed a contract with Tallaght Drugs Taskforce and previously worked with South Dublin Volunteer Centre. Clodagh holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Trinity College Dublin, where she was the recipient of the Brendan McDonald Scholarship in recognition of her previous work with businesses and communities.

RE/MAX NEWBRIDGE would like you to take part in the Marie Keating 10km WALK/JOG/RUN FOR LIFE on Aug 22nd in Newbridge.

 By taking part you will be assisting The Marie Keating Foundation in their fight against Breast & other Cancers. We are delighted to have nominated the Marie Keating Foundation as our chosen charity for 2010. The Marie Keating Foundation has three mobile units which travel countrywide with a registered nurse providing Cancer Information and Awareness to the general public free of charge.

To register: please  email Noelle@kellyhudson.ie with your name, telephone number and address or call Noelle on 045430336

www.mariekeating.ie

Weds 12th May @ Courtyard Hotel, Leixlip. 10:00am-5:00pm Cost €30.

ABC Bookkeeping Solutions are presenting a 1 day seminar on Cashflow Management and Credit Control on behalf of Kildare County Enterprise Board (KCEB)

Learn to improve your cashflow, develop cash collection skills and identify areas within your business that need to be improved

Aimed at business owners and credit controllers

Visit www.business-solutions.ie for more details or www.kildareceb.ie / tel 045 861 707 to book your place

The History Boys Return to Riverbank with a new award!

Silken Thomas Players were crowned Kings of Ulster Saturday night by winning the A.U.D.F Ulster Finals in Belfast with their production of “The History Boys” by Alan Bennett.

Beating off stiff competition from Bart Players, Dundalk Theatre Workshop and Lifford Players, Adjudicator Sam McCready described the performance as a wonderfully superb piece of ensemble acting and that it was a master class in direction from Sean Judge for producing such a fantastic production. Sam also had high praise for The History Boys themselves, saying they all were excellent as a group and individually. He commented on the magnificent lighting, plot and exquisite set design and said the cast as a whole were very, very strong, picking out Connie Broderick, Patricia Henry and Colin Malone in particular.

The group scooped Best director (Sean Judge), Best Actor (Connie Broderick) and Best Supporting Actress (Patricia Henry) and also received nominations in lighting and set. This is the groups second time to win the Ulster Finals, the last time was in 2007 with their production of Larry Kramer’s “The Normal Heart”, which also went on to win the RTE All Ireland the same year.

Having performed The History Boys at Riverbank Arts Centre only a few months ago, Silken Thomas return to Newbridge again with their final performance on Sunday May 2nd  before the RTE All Ireland.

Silken Thomas Players The History Boys, Sunday May 2nd Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge. For tickets call 045 448327 or book online www.riverbank.ie 

For a limited time only so get booking today!!

Spring is in the air and to help put a spring in your step, Riverbank Arts Centre is delighted to offer you a very special offer this season.

Pick from a selection of fantastic theatre, music and comedy shows, buy two tickets and you’ll get a third ticket FREE!

Avail of this offer on a wide selection of great shows  for a limited time only

Don’t delay- this special offer ends Friday May 7th

Call box office on 045 448327 for more details on this delightful Spring offer!

**(Offer available on selected shows)**

Events this week:

Comedy Theatre: GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT

Wonderland Productions presents Life Shop Till You Drop!

The Sassy Girl’s Self Help Solution. Pre- Show treats include a FREE glass of wine, FREE mini-manicures, mini make-overs, and much more!!! 

Thursday 22nd April

Pre-Show drinks and Girly fun from 7pm. Performance 8.30pm. Tickets €15 

Perfect for a fun-filled girls night out!! With pre-show drinks and lots of exciting extras on the night, gather your gang of friends and make a night of it!

Following sell-out National tours, Life Shop till you Drop! is a sparkling spoof on our love of going life-shopping. Ailish McGovern is an unfulfilled Recruitment Consultant with a desire to create the perfect life. Join Ailish as she attempts to change her world with a stack of self-help manuals-Hilarious! 

BOOK NOW: To Book Tickets see www.riverbank.ie or call Box Office on 045 448327

Comedy: Karl Spain 

**3 for 2 Special Spring Offer- Buy 2 get third ticket FREE**

Saturday 24th April, 8pm. Tickets €16

Probably best known in Ireland for his TV series ‘Karl Spain Wants A Woman’ and his recent RTE TV series ‘Karl Spain Wants To Rock’, Karl Spain is one of the funniest comedians your likely to encounter

As well as his own series he has also performed stand up on television all over the world, in the U.S, the Middle East, Australia and even as far away as England!

See this comic star in the flesh at Riverbank Arts Centre on Saturday April 24th
 
What the Press have said about Karl Spain: 

“the future of Irish comedy is in safe hands”
Hot Press

“achingly funny”
The Sunday Times

“the audience were in the palm of his hand”
The Metro

BOOK NOW: To Book Tickets see www.riverbank.ie or call Box Office on 045 448327

 Events next week:

THEATRE: b*spoke theatre company presents The Sanctuary Lamp by Tom Murphy

 **3 for 2 Special Spring Offer- Buy 2 get third ticket FREE**

Mon 26th, Tues 27th and Wed 28th April. Tickets €20/€18

Praise for the Sanctuary Lamp by Tom Murphy:

**** Guardian            **** Sunday Times

***** Irish Examiner           **** The Examiner

"Murphy's extraordinary play...in his own superb production" Irish Times

 "A shining piece of Theatre" Sunday Tribune

 "Stunning revival" Sunday Independent

 "Mesmeric" Irish Independent

 BOOK NOW: To Book Tickets see www.riverbank.ie or call Box Office on 045 448327

MUSIC: Improvised Music Company & Mermaid Arts Centre Present Quatrain

A project in four parts from Francesco Turrisi’s Tarab Ensemble 

**3 for 2 Special Spring Offer- Buy 2 get third ticket FREE**

Thursday 29th April, 8pm. Tickets €17/€15

“Some of the most enchanting music I have heard this year.”-  The Irish Times

 “One can only hope that a group as good as this gets the wider exposure it surely deserves. ”- All About Jazz

 Francesco Turrisi presents this latest evolution of his Tarab ensemble, which has become eloquent in its linking of modal jazz to traditional music from across Europe. 

This concert series sees Tarab welcome Palestinian oud player Haytham Safia in this unique collaboration. Also featuring trad musicians Emer Maycock and Robbie Harris, this will be a superb night of music, not to be missed.

BOOK NOW: To Book Tickets see www.riverbank.ie or call Box Office on 045 448327

 VISUAL ARTS: Broken Yardstick

A site-specific painting installation by Emma Roche. 

Exhibition continues until April 29th 

RIVERBANK ARTS CENTRE

McKenna Gallery
Free Admission

Artworks for Sale

 Riverbank Arts Centre Gift Vouchers Now Available

NEW RIVERBANK SPRING PROGRAMME OUT NOW!

Click here to download the new Riverbank Spring Programme Or Visit  www.riverbank.ie to view events and book online

 Make sure we have your current details and we’ll keep you up to date on the latest news, special offers and more with our regular e-newsletter.

Having achieved its biggest 'Clubman' event crowd for many years at its opening Bike race of the season, Mondello Park is looking forward to similar success with its new Mondello Superbike Championship initiative which kicks off on May 22nd & 23rd. The new series is a joint effort by Motorcycling Ireland's Short Circuit Committee and the County Kildare venue to breath new life into motorcycle racing at the circuit and will feature a new race day format among a number of changes.

The new championship will be open to all grades of rider who will compete together for overall honours as well as a 'Cup' class for which only Clubman and Novice riders will be eligible. The championship will run over seven rounds using both the National and International Mondello layouts and will carry a healthy end of season prize fund. Alongside the championship races for each class the fastest riders at each event will also be invited to race for prize money in the grand final, which will be the centrepiece of each event.

In order to make Motorcycle races at Mondello more attractive to spectators the feature events will be concentrated into the prime early afternoon slot between 14:00 and 16:00. The top classes will be Superbike, Supersport, Sidecar and Two-Stroke's, and along with the grand final these races will form the centrepiece of each event. To improve the spectating experience the featured classes will have longer races, grid interviews, podium presentations and expanded commentary, along the lines of the popular 'Mondello Masters' events.

Mondello Park is keen to get the new series off to a strong start and has introduced a number of special offers to entice bike race fans to check out their new style events. Standard admission is €15:00 but a special offer concession ticket worth €5:00 is available on the Mondello Park Website. In addition, Motorcyclists with a Pillion Passenger will be admitted for a total of €20:00 and there is also a special price for a car and up to four occupants for the price of €20:00.

At each event a particular manufacturer will be targeted with anyone arriving on a bike from that manufacturer being entered into a draw to win one of three prizes. The prize winners will be drawn on the podium after the awards presentation for the Grand Final. For the first event Honda will be the manufacturer and first prize will be a track day voucher, second a half day track day voucher and third prize will be tickets to the 'Mondello Masters' in October.

May 23rd at Mondello Park will be the first of four feature Motorcycle event for 2010 and it is hoped that the new format will prove popular with competitors and spectators alike. Anyone wishing to keep up to date with news of the Mondello Superbike Championship can do so through the Mondello Park web site or by subscribing to the circuits free email and text alert service
 

Upstate Theatre Project present LAUGHING IN THE FACE - comedy and satire when we need it most!

A drama workshop focused on fun and humour @ Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

To book a place on this workshop please contact Riverbank Arts Centre on 045 448327. See www.riverbank.ie for more information

 This workshop is particularly suitable for youth leaders, adults and older teenagers.

 Date: Saturday 24th April

Time: 10.30am to 1pm

Price: Free

 As part of the build-up to their visit to Newbridge with “THE ONES WHO KILL SHOOTING STARS” (Riverbank Arts Centre, Friday May 7th, 8pm) the internationally renowned Upstate Theatre workshop team will offer this unique class in absurd and comedy theatre.  

 Conall Quinn’s play deals in an “adsurdist” way with one curious aspect of Irish history and politics, namely our neutrality during World War II, exploring the madness of war and poking irreverent fun at the complexity of Irish neutrality then and now. 

 “Laughing in the Face” is a workshop aimed at adults and older teenagers, which explores the art of comedy and satire in performance.  From the ancient Greeks to Spike Milligan to Monty Python, artists and comics have always sought to engage with the crazy world around them by laughing at it.  This is an opportunity to learn the basics of comedy improvisation and create sketches that send up your favourite daft politicians, outrageous news scandals, absurd school rules or whatever is on your mind. 

 Pure enjoyment with Upstate – renowned from New York to Oldtown for their fun community theatre workshops!

New term starts 19th April 2010 in Kill GAA Club

Beginners 7pm

Intermediate 8pm

Call Heidi @ 087-7976709 or email pilatespeople@yahoo.ie

www.pilatespeople.net for full schedule

A rare mix of World Music, Traditional Irish Musicians and a Palestinian Oud Player give music lovers a treat at Riverbank Arts Centre.

Improvised Music Company & Mermaid Arts Centre Present Quatrain

A project in four parts from Francesco Turrisi’s Tarab Ensemble

Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Thursday April 29th, 8pm

“Some of the most enchanting music I have heard this year.”-  The Irish Times

“One can only hope that a group as good as this gets the wider exposure it surely deserves. ”- All About Jazz

• Francesco Turrisi - accordion, harmonium, percussion
• Nick Roth - saxophones, flutes
• Emer Mayock-flutes, whistles, pipes, fiddle
• Robbie Harris - bodhran, percussion
• Kate Ellis – cello

Francesco Turrisi presents this latest evolution of his Tarab ensemble, which has become eloquent in its linking of modal jazz to traditional music from across Europe.  This concert sees Tarab welcome Palestinian oud player Haytham Safia in this unique collaboration performing at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge on Thursday April 29th.

Turrisi performs on accordion and frame drums, and convincingly bridges traditional music from around the Mediterranean in a band that also includes saxophonist Nick Roth and cellist Kate Ellis. Their jazz and classical backgrounds are finely countered by traditional flautist Emer Mayock who, along with percussionist Robbie Harris, brings an innate understanding of melody and form in Irish music.

For Bookings contact Riverbank Arts Centre box office 045 448327 or book online www.riverbank.ie

 With special guest: From Palestine, Haytham Safia – oud

Francesco Turrisi presents this latest evolution of his Tarab ensemble, which has become eloquent in its linking of modal jazz to traditional music from across Europe.   Over the course of 2010, the group takes on a major project and will come together as ensemble in residence in Bray’s Mermaid Arts Centre.  They’ll devise new music over four cycles, each with a very special guest artist, starting in the spring with Iranian tombak master Pedram Khavar- Zamini and Palestinian oud player Haytham Safia, with a July visit from Bulgarian virtuoso of the kaval Theodossii Spassov, and an appearance by the masterful Greek singer Savina Yannatou to round off proceedings next November.

For his part Turrisi, a Milan native, has made a real   impression since moving to Ireland, bringing a fresh perspective informed by his background in Italian baroque music and jazz piano.  In Tarab he performs on accordion and frame drums, and convincingly bridges traditional music from around the Mediterranean in a band that   also includes saxophonist Nick Roth and cellist Kate Ellis. Their jazz and classical backgrounds are finely countered by traditional flautist Emer Mayock who, along with percussionist Robbie Harris, brings an innate understanding of melody and form in Irish music.  Turrisi directs proceedings with taste and subtlety throughout, deftly balancing these powerful elements to harmonious effect.

More about Tarab from Francesco Turrisi

The Arabic word "Tarab" describes a state of ecstasy and surrender one enters while listening to music with body and soul. When I created the ensemble Tarab in 2007 I imagined a connection between my southern Italian and Mediterranean origins and my musical journey and experience as a jazz musician. Following a successful Deis funded project in 2008 called Diwan Eireann, Tarab has evolved into a project that aims to create an imaginary link between aesthetic elements of Mediterranean music and the Irish instrumental and vocal tradition. Starting from common elements such as similar instrumentation, ornamentation and performance, Tarab develops new musical language based on improvisation, instrumental virtuosity and exciting rhythms.

About Haytham Safia

Jerusalem-born Haytham Safia developed a passion for the Oud at an early stage. In 2001 he made his debut as a performer in The Netherlands, working with the musical ensemble accompanying the Galili Dance Group who have since toured throughout Europe. In 2002 he graduated with distinction at the Academy of Music and Dance in Jerusalem.

He has since worked with Joshua Samson and Tony Overwater performing at the Cultura Nova Festival in Heerlen; the Lute Festival in Utrecht, before playing as a soloist with the Holland Symphonia in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Haytham Safia is the quintessential classical Arabic musician, but breaking the mould with influences as diverse as Persian, Balkan and jazz music.

For Bookings contact Riverbank Arts Centre box office 045 448327 or book online www.riverbank.ie

b*spoke theatre company presents "The Sanctuary Lamp", Written and directed by Tom Murphy.

The Sanctuary Lamp is to be performed in London, Cork and Dublin, Newbridge and Galway in 2010.

 "Murphy's extraordinary play...in his own superb production" (Irish Times)

 "A shining piece of Theatre" (Sunday Tribune)

 The Sanctuary Lamp, written and directed by Tom Murphy, opened in Dublin in 2008 and following this hugely successful run b*spoke theatre company are delighted to announce that The Sanctuary Lamp (this time starring Kate Brennan, Declan Conlon, Bosco Hogan, Robert O'Mahoney) will tour to 5 venues in 2010.  The production opened at the Arcola Theatre in London from 10th March until 3rd April, and for theatre lovers throughout Kildare, b*spoke theatre company will bring this acclaimed production to Riverbank Arts Centre Newbridge from 26th – 28th April.

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...

Tom Murphy directs this revival of his own play for b*spoke theatre company. Described by the Guardian as one of Irish Theatre's "proudest possessions", Murphy has been a major influence on a generation of Irish Theatre makers and his distinctive voice remains a major force in the contemporary repertory.

In 1975 this play caused major controversy in Dublin as it was deemed to be strongly anti-catholic. In this, Tom Murphy’s own revival of his play, the tone and topic of the piece couldn’t be more relevant and topical given what has happened in the Catholic Church in recent times. In this acclaimed revival of The Sanctuary Lamp, while anti-clerical, the play retains a spiritual edge. It examines the plight of lost souls struggling to adapt and accept an increasingly problematic Catholic Church.

The Sanctuary Lamp recently opened in London and has received a broad range of great reviews and high praise for its performances. See The Sanctuary Lamp at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Monday 26th, Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th of April.

For Bookings contact Riverbank Box Office on 045 448327 or book online at www.riverbank.ie

"Stunning revival" (Sunday Independent}

"Mesmeric" (Irish Independent)

 Cast:  Kate Brennan, Declan Conlon, Bosco Hogan, Robert O'Mahoney

Design by Monica Frawley  Lighting by Ben Ormerod

Allenwood Enterprise Park are moving towards providing Food Units for commercial use.  These Units will be refurbished and presented in turn key condition.

Background:

Allenwood Enterprise Park is a well established community based organization promoting start up and growth businesses.  We have excellent facilities in a rural but very accessible area.

Description:

Development is about to take place on refurbishing units for the food industry.  These units will come to the market ready for occupation and would be suitable for many companies and individuals.

We invite interest from all parties wishing to develop or expand their business and from new start ups.

Please contact Columb Brazil/ Business Development Manager @ 045/870804
or email bizdev@acdal.ie

Website: www.acdal.ie

One of Irelands most exclusive and luxurious Lingerie Boutiques has opened its door’s to the fashion hungry women in the country. Located at The Atrium, on John’s Lane in Naas, Co. Kildare, Pearl has a bright, welcoming and comfortable environment with private fitting suites to allow you the privacy you need to try lingerie, lounge wear and swimwear on in comfort.

The store has a modern but classic twist to it and is decorated in creams, whites and pinks with very feminine touches. Joint owners Elaine Madigan of Couture from & scent in Naas and her sister Deirdre CoghlanMurray have combined their idea’s and concepts to develop Pearl in to a high end lingerie boutique and a great shopping and lifestyle experience. Catering for women of all shapes and sizes, Pearl has qualified fitters on hand to assist you with your all important purchase - it’s like having a personal shopper and who doesn’t love that! 

Elegant, contemporary and classic would be a few words to describe the range of stock in Pearl. Pearl has a stunning collection of labels including Marie Jo, Prima Donna, Valery, Freya and Fantasie. Swimwear from ‘Moontide’ is just in and at very affordable prices. They also have a collection of lounge wear from Hanro and shape wear from Spanx. Accessories also available include, elegant stockings and sleep wear making Pearl a one stop shopping extravaganza. Shopping hours are from 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and late night shopping every Thursday until 8pm. Private Shopping consultations are available upon request.

Pearl Lingerie, The Atrium, John’s Lane, Naas, Co.Kildare 045 906478
www.pearllingerie.ie or email info@pearllingerie.ie

Due to the increasing popularity of Motorcycle Track days at the circuit Mondello Park has added another new date to the calendar. The new date is Monday April 19th which will be a full day on the Internatonal circuit and will be an Open day which means all Road, Race and Track bikes can take part.

Pre-Booking is essential and bookings are now being taken with spaces available in all three groups for both the morning and afternoon sessions. For 2010 prices have been reduced with a Morning session now €85.00 (was €95.00), the afternoon available for €100.00 (was €110.00) and the full day down to €160.00 (was €175.00). To secure your space contact +353-(0)45-860200 or Email info@mondellopark.ie.

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

New Format to run alongside Time-Attack at Reduced Price

2010 will see a new format for Time-Attack events with Drifting Practice being replaced by an Open Car Track Day as the event support. Car Track Days are where most of Irelands Time-Attack competitors started their track careers so it is felt that a car track day will fit better with a Time-Attack event than Drifting practice did, and will make the passage into competiton a smoother one for prospective competitors.

This Sunday, April 18th, will see the running of the opening round of the 2010 Irish Time-Attack series which will be the first to run alongside an Open Car Track Day. Due to the Time-Attack schedule, the track Day format will be slightly different than for a stand alone Track Day. At Time-Attack rounds there will be a full day option only (no half-day) and a maximum of forty five cars can be accommodated, split into two groups. Sessions will be fifty minutes long with the first twenty minutes of each session split into two separate ten minute sessions, after which there will be an open pit lane.

As this weekends Track Day will take place on the National Track and will have reduced track time compared to a normal day, places are on offer at special low price of €130.00. To book your space contact info@mondellopark.ie or 045-860200.

As always, new drivers are welcome but must register with Mondello Park prior to taking part in their first track Day. Registration is simple and can be arranged by contacting the Mondello Park office (see above).

Spectators are welcome and Admission is available for this event at the reduced rate of €20.00 per car including up to five passengers, this is the best value admission ever offered at the circuit. Single Adult Admission to the event is €10.00 with under 16's admitted free.

For further information on Car Track Days CLICK HERE.

Leixlip Town Council will host a civic awards night on Thursday 20th May 2010 in Leixlip House Hotel.

The award scheme is to promote and foster a community spirit in Leixlip. The purpose of the scheme is to acknowledge the contribution of those whose achievements bring honour to the town.

The council are inviting nominations for this award scheme. The nomination may be for someone who is a good neighbour, someone who works hard in a voluntary capacity, or someone who excelled at sport.

There are six categories: cultural, sporting, young person, social, business and non-resident.

Completed nomination forms to be returned to Leixlip Town Council, Newtown House, Captain’s Hill, Leixlip on or before Friday 16th April 2010.

Clean-up at the Wonderful Barn, Green Waste Recycling, Saturday 17th April

Leixlip Town Council invite everyone to a clean up of the Wonderful Barn and the recycling of green waste for domestic purposes on Saturday 17th April starting at 10am.

All equipment for the clean-up will be supplied by the Town Council. The bark mulch is free to take away from 12 – 1pm

A tour of the Wonderful Barn, including a guest speaker, will begin at 1pm.

A Joint Policing Committee is being established to provide a forum where Local Authority and the Senior Garda Officers responsible for the policing of that area, with the participation of Oireachtas members and community interests, can consult, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting policing of that area. 

A meeting of the Droichead Nua Town Council Joint Policing Committee is being held on Monday 10 May 2010 in The Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge at 8.00pm. 

Members of the public and media are invited to attend. If members of the public wish to have a question addressed at this meeting, or at any further meetings, the questions must be submitted no later than 10 days in advance of the scheduled meeting.

For further information please contact:  The Town Clerk, Droichead Nua Town Council. 045 980560 or visit www.kildarejointpolicing.ie

Following on from the success of last year's Food Festival, the Curragh announced today that there will be a Good Food Ireland Village at The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival on June 25th - 27th 2010.

Good Food Ireland Restaurants, Hotels, Food Shops, Cookery Schools, Cheese Makers, Artisan Bakers, Master Smokers, Chocolatiers and many more of Ireland's favourite artisan food producers will be on hand selling signature dishes, barbequed meats, pig on a spit and quality local food. In the Good Food Ireland Kitchen Theatre, racegoing guests will join Good Food Ireland Food Heroes to cook off the best of Irish food.

Situated in the heart of the action beside the Parade Ring, the Good Food Ireland Village will be open from 4pm on Friday and from noon on Saturday and Sunday, so racegoers can come early, enjoy lunch and graze throughout the day.

Margaret Jeffares, Managing Director, Good Food Ireland said: - “The Good Food Ireland Village is such a wonderful addition for those attending the racing festival. It really is the best of Irish Racing with the best of Irish Food. Good Food Ireland is about discovering the best and that requires having standards. We choose the best places to stay, eat, cook and shop that passionately pledge their commitment to local food to bring you the freshest, highest quality food experience".

Evan Arkwright, Commercial Manager of the Curragh Racecourse, said: - "Along with Horse Racing Ireland, the Curragh received tremendous feedback about the gourmet food village last year and we're delighted to be working with Good Food Ireland for the 2010 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival. There will be a wide variety of food on offer from well known chefs and artisan producers, so the 40,000 racegoers expected over the three days can watch the best Flat horses in the world whilst feasting on some exceptionally good food and soaking up the atmosphere and glamour of a wonderful weekend's racing in our new garden area".

There is no additional admission charge to the Good Food Ireland Village which will be located in the new garden area beside the Bollinger Champagne Bar and adjacent to the parade ring.

Additional Entertainment:-
There will be fashion over Dubai Derby Free Irish Derby weekend which is sponsored by Kildare Village. On Saturday 26th June there is a prize for the Kildare Village Best Hat, 1st prize is a €1,000 shopping spree and €500 for two runners-up. And on Sunday 27th June there is a Kildare Village Most Stylish Lady who will win a €3000 shopping spree and there is €1,000 for two runners-up,

There’ll be music from The Saw Doctors on Friday evening after racing and then Crystal Swing will play as part of the closing ceremony at the end of Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day.

For further information and to book admission tickets for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival featuring the Good Food Ireland Village, see www.curragh.ie

Learn to massage your baby and meet other parents in your area in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Learn to Massage your pre-crawling baby in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.  During the 4 weekly classes, you will learn a full sequence of baby massage strokes.  You will also learn a routine that may prove helpful in relief from Colic.

Baby Massage is great for bonding, growth, development and relief from wind and constipation to name just a few.

A great way to meet other parents from your area with young babies.

Kilcullen girl Elaine Mackenzie Smith and her fiance have made the top 50 couple in the "Ultimate Job in Ireland" Competition.

The competition is being hosted by Runaway Bride & Groom (as featured on the Dragons Den) and Kildare couple Elaine & Kevin have made the top 50 out of thousands of couples that entered.

They now need votes to keep them in the top 10. Their entry video and link to vote for them is at www.runawaybrideandgroom.com/ultimatejob/user/profile/1197

Voting closes in about 5 days so hurry and give them your vote!

Comedy Theatre and Free Beauty Treats- Girls Night Out at Riverbank Arts Centre Thursday April 22nd

Wonderland Productions Presents: Life Shop Till You Drop!

Free Glass of wine and girly treats from 7pm. Show starts at 8.30pm. Tickets €15

Hilarious comedy theatre- GREAT GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT!! 

"A wickedly funny spoof of self-help consumer culture" Irish Times

Following sell-out National tours, Life Shop Till you Drop! is set to embark on its fifth nationwide tour.  Ailish McGovern is an unfulfilled Recruitment Consultant. For Ailish life would be perfect if she had a marriage proposal, a glamorous job and most importantly won Irish Tatler Woman of the Year. And so she selects 2010 as the year in which she will transform her life, by applying all of the instructions and mantras of self-help gurus.

Join Ailish, as she goes speed dating, feng shui's her 100% mortgaged  apartment and targets the perfect boyfriend, using the New York manual 'Your soul mate is out there and missing you.' Next on her hit list is taking over her boss's job using 'The work secrets only successful people know!'

A cautionary tale, or more likely, a sparkling spoof on our love of going life shopping.

**Free glass of wine with every ticket. Come to Riverbank Arts Centre from 7pm and sample an array of girly goodies presented by local businesses. From free nail painting and nail art to beauty tips and tricks and mini makeovers, come along for a night of fun and frivolity. A great night out for you and your friends. 

" Clodagh Reid plays Ailish with comic versatility generating continuous laughter… a wickedly funny spoof of self-help consumer culture, where the dream man and dream life are just one manual and mantra away. " The Irish Times

"Writer and Director Alice Coghlan's clever script and pitch perfect self help jargon are a delight.... this comic satire has plenty of laughs." The Sunday Tribune

"This one-woman farce is a fast paced parody of the self help industry, showing its star's comic range in male and female characters "  The Sunday Times

Naas Youth Project dressed up as St. Patrick, Cuchulainn, Children of Lir and an Irish Leprechaun in this years Naas Easter Parade having adopted the theme Irish Legends.

Over the past number of weeks, twenty-five Young People aged between 11 - 19, worked tirelessly at preparing their costumes and props for the day. With the theme "Irish Legends" the Young People decided to depict St. Patrick, Cuchulainn, Children of Lir and an Irish Leprechaun.  Some of the Young People decided to show off their dancing skills to the music of Michael Jackson.  They were very happy to finish 2nd in their category and were enthusiastic about the parade saying it was "great craic". They were delighted to be given the opportunity put their artistic skills on show by designing and constructing their own costumes.


Naas Youth Project's, is part of the Kildare Youth Service,
Kildare Youth Services believes that all the Children, Young People and their Families in Co. Kildare must be valued and respected and given equal opportunities to participate.


Naas Youth Project, who will celebrate their 20th year of providing services to the Young People of Naas and the surrounding areas, would like to congratulate Willie Callaghan and his team on yet another successful Easter Parade.  They are looking forward to next year already

For more information visit Kildare Youth Services at www.kys.ie

Nature Box is a gift for Irish Children. Especially because this is the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity. This special year is focusing on the need to take Action for wildlife as well as increasing our knowledge about it.

"When I was a child I remember starting a nature box when my family went on a holiday to Connemara.  I collected colourful shells and mermaid's purses as keepsakes for my nature box and I made crafts from the coral shapes that I found on the beaches there. The family also spent hours exploring the life to be found in rock pools on the sea shore and that is probably how my interest in Irish wildlife really began. And through my work with the Irish Peatland Conservation Council I can say that my awareness has grown to action", says Catherine O'Connell, author of Nature Box and the Chief Executive of the Irish Peatland Conservation Council.

Nature Box looks at several Irish Habitats including bogs, woods, meadows, rivers and sea shores and the wonderful wildlife that is found in them. Learn how crabs grow, about plants that eat insects and how a caddis fly larva stops itself from being washed away in white water rivers.

The book makes suggestions on how  to help protect our wildlife and habitats such as supporting conservation work, taking part in surveys of garden birds, butterflies or frogs and  creating a wildlife haven in your garden.

Nature Box was written by Dr Catherine O'Connell of the Irish Peatland Conservation Council and contains over 200 of her photographs which illustrate the beauty of Irish nature.

" After reading this book, I hope that Irish children will take action for wildlife and habitats. This is such a great time to start in the International Year of Biodiversity 2010". 

Nature Box is published with funding support from the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and the Notice Nature Campaign. Why not visit www.noticenature.ie to find out about special wildlife events in your area today.

Music sensation Crystal Swing will perform live at the Curragh Races as part of the closing ceremony on Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Day taking place on Sunday 27th June.

Based in Middleton, Co Cork, the family trio which comprises Mary, Dervla and Derek Burke,  shot to fame overnight following their appearance on Rural TV's Hot Country show, which gained more than half a million hits on YouTube.

Since then they have been inundated with interview requests and have already appeared on RTE's The Late Late Show and The Afternoon Show. They are also set to appear on the US show presented by chat-show queen Ellen DeGeneres, who brought the group to international prominence when she flagged them on her Twitter page.

Since appearing on 'The Late Late Show' recently, the outfit have seen their single 'He Drinks Tequila' become a top 20 hit in Ireland.

Music will be a major part of the Curragh’s strategy to attract more people to the races  this summer with the legendary Status Quo performing after racing on Friday (evening) 4th June, while the Saw Doctor will play a live concert on the popular Derby Friday race evening on 25th June.

Further information and booking on line is available on www.curragh.ie or calling the racecourse ticket line.