County Kildare News

Local Studies, Genealogy and Archives, Kildare County Library and Arts Service, with Lyonshill Books, presents THE FIFTH ANNUAL CO. KILDARE RARE BOOKS FAIR & GORDON BENNETT CAR RALLY

KILDARE TOWN 12 noon – 5 p.m. SUNDAY 6 JUNE 2010

ALL WELCOME - NO COVER CHARGE
HERITAGE CENTRE MARKET SQ.

HUNDREDS OF BOOKS, RARE, ANTIQUARIAN AND LOTS OF BARGAINS And FREE VALUATIONS
History, local, national, literature, poetry, sport, fiction and ephemera.

Why not take the opportunity to visit Kildare Town – ST. BRIGID’S CATHEDRAL AND ROUND TOWER, THE JAPANESE GARDENS (100 Years old in 2010), KILDARE HERITAGE CENTRE and the fantastic KILDARE VILLAGE.

FREE GUIDED WALKING TOUR at 1 pm – places can be pre-booked through the Heritage Centre – 045 530672

2010 RARE BOOKS FAIR, CLASSIC CARS, and FREE GUIDED WALKING TOUR KILDARE TOWN

Sunday 6 June

FIFTH COUNTY KILDARE BOOK FAIR!

The fifth County Kildare Book Fair will take place on Sunday afternoon, the 6 June in Kildare Town. This will be an opportunity for those interested in history and heritage as well as the general population who are interested in books and reading in general to visit a Rare Books Fair outside of Dublin. It is being organised by the Kildare Collections and Research Services, Kildare County Library and Arts Service in conjunction with Kildare Town Heritage Centre, Kildare County Council, the Kildare Classic Car Association and Lyonshill Books. According to Local Studies Librarian, Mario Corrigan, "there is an enormous interest
in Dublin and other areas in this sort of event and after the success of the first four County Kildare Book Fairs 2006 - 2009 we in County Kildare are looking forward to the event. It is an ideal opportunity also for anyone who has not yet visited the Kildare Retail Outlet
Village to come to the town and see what is on offer."

The main event is free and open to all and will allow people to browse the books on offer in Kildare Town Heritage Centre. "The idea is to encourage people to come to the town, visit Kildare Cathedral, climb the Round Tower, tour the National Stud and Japanese Gardens and shop at Kildare Village and thoroughly enjoy a day out in Kildare," said Mario Corrigan who has published a Slí na Sláinte and Heritage Trail of Kildare Town. “We are anxious that people enjoy the experience that Kildare, the Heritage Town has to offer. We also offer a free Walking Tour of Kildare Town starting at 1 p.m. on the Market Square.”

Eddie Murphy of Lyonshill Books is delighted to be able to add County Kildare to a growing list of Book Fairs that he and his colleagues have orchestrated. "It is an immensely pleasurable experience, whereby people can browse the stalls and hopefully take in some of the rich heritage of such an historic setting - maybe pause in the local shops or the local
cafes and pubs for a coffee and even visit Kildare Village for a unique shopping experience. We do hope this year proves to be as successful as last year when we had a great turn out," said Mr. Murphy.

So why not take an afternoon break on Sunday 6 June and come to Kildare Town to the County's Rare Books Fair - maybe in search of a unique gift or just to amble through the historic streets and enjoy the experience. Why not enjoy the unique shopping experience that is ‘Kildare Village,’ and indeed, Kildare Town Heritage Centre has a host of collectibles and gift ideas to wet your appetite.

The Kildare Classic and Vintage Car Association will be on-hand as Sunday 6 June is the date for their annual Gordon Bennett Commemorative Rally and the cars will be parked on the Market Square during the afternoon – most of the cars arriving around 3 pm. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Japanese Gardens. All in all it is an ideal day out.

Signed copies of Cill Dara Historical Society’s ‘Druim Criaig – The Ridge of Clay,’ which was only published at Christmas, will be available on the day at a reduced price of €10 in Kildare Heritage Centre.

HUNDREDS OF BOOKS, RARE, ANTIQUARIAN AND LOTS OF BARGAINS - FREE VALUATIONS !!!

County Kildare LEADER Partnership has announced details of an extensive consultation process that is to be held across County Kildare in the coming weeks. As a new company supporting individuals and groups throughout County Kildare we want to identify the main issues in various locations by talking to people in their local community.

County Kildare LEADER Partnership is a local development company that has merged the activities formerly undertaken by KELT, Kildare Community Partnership and OAK Partnership. The new Local and Community Development Programme managed by the company will also integrate this year with the Community Development Projects in Athy, Newbridge and North West Kildare.

County Kildare LEADER Partnership is now commencing the preparation of a Social Inclusion Action Plan for the period 2010 – 2013. A wide ranging consultative process will be carried during May and June 2010 to listen to the needs of individuals and groups experiencing social exclusion. Individuals and groups are invited to come along to a coffee morning or a public meeting to express their opinions and ideas. The upcoming dates and venues for the county wide public meetings are as follows:

County Kildare LEADER Partnership extends an invitation to all groups and members of the local community to attend. Written submissions are also welcome by contacting County Kildare LEADER Partnership, Jigginstown Commercial Centre, Jigginstown, Naas. Tel: 045 895450 Email: catherine@countykildarelp.ie  Find Us on Facebook!

Following a break in May due to a very busy calendar Drifting practice returns with two dates in June starting with Sunday June 6th on the Mondello Intermediate circuit. Having not had a drifting day since the middle of April this day is expected to fill up fast. Three weeks later Drifting practice will return to where it began by running alongside the Irish Time-Attack championship on Sunday June 27th.

Drifting practice is a way for fans of drifting to try it out for themselves in a safe and controlled environment. A full drift spec car is not required and any car which complies with normal Mondello Park Car Track Day safety rules can take part. Drifting practice is also very suited to Drifting competitors looking to get in some practice away from competitive events, as a drift practice day at Mondello will offer them more sideways motoring than a full season of competition.

Drifting practice is run on a shorter more flowing version of the Mondello Park Circuit, which creates the potential for some drivers to complete a lap of the circuit in a continuous drift. A full competition car is not required, Roll Cages are not compulsory and passengers are allowed. To get a flavour of drifting practice at Mondello Park visit our YouTube channel and check out the drift practice video in our favourites.

The price of a full day's drifting is €150.00 and a half day is €95 for the morning or afternoon. Bookings for both days are now being taken, to book your place phone 045-860200 or contact info@mondellopark.ie 

Spectators are allowed and Adult Admission to the event is €10.00 with under 16's admitted free.

This June bank holiday weekend, an array of local children will take to the stage at Riverbank Arts Centre to bring us the magical tale of Peter Pan. Meet the lost boys, the Indians, the mermaids and the pirates as StageWorks present this classic story, beautifully told by the students of the Newbridge stageschool.  

This is the third production that StageWorks will present in the Riverbank since December 09. This year students have taken part in “The little Match Girl” & “Dancing through the Decades” and are now in rehearsal for “Peter Pan” which will be showcased at the Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge over the June bank holiday weekend, Sat 5th & Sun 6th June 2.30 & 8pm. 

StageWorks is run by Brenda Malone & Paula Conlan, established since ’96, this Newbridge based stage school is going from strength to strength with over 140 pupils attending their weekly classes. Brenda & Paula are delighted to be able to give children every opportunity to shine and believe that they have quite a few budding stars in their busy stage school.      

So come along and join Wendy, Michael and John as they go on their adventure to Neverland with Peter Pan and Tinkerbell, see the adventure unfold in what promises to be a very memorable journey!  

Tickets are €10 or €5 for children/over 65s and are available from Riverbank Arts Centre box office 045 448327 or online at www.riverbank.ie

Music Show and Anna Salai set for battle in ultra competitive Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas
 
Music Show trained by Mick Channon and the Godolphin owned Anna Salai are among 19 fillies declared to run in the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas taking place at the Curragh this Sunday. Ladbrokes have installed both fillies as joint favourites at 7/2. The home trained team is lead by the Tommy Stack trained Lolly for Dolly who is currently at 5/1, with English 1000 Guineas third Gile Na Greine at 6/1. The Aidan O’Brien trained Lily Langtry and last year’s Moyglare Stud Stakes heroine Termagant are currently priced at 9/1.
 
Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby winner Fame and Glory and the Godolphin owned Cutlass Bay head the six strong field for the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup.
 
The Aidan O’Brien trained Jan Vermeer will be on trial for the Epsom Derby when he lines up in the Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes, while six runners will line up for the inaugural His Highness The President of the UAE Cup for pure bred Arabian horses including runners from Britain, France, Sweden and Germany.
 
Saturday’s programme features the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas with 13 going to post including current favourite Steinbeck, together with a strong British trained challenge headed by Canford Cliffs and Xtension.   Alfred Nobel and Kitty Kiernan lead the home trained team for the Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes, while Kieran Fallon will be on board Annabelle’s Charm in the TRI Equestrian Stakes (Group 3) and will face a strong home trained team including Pollen, Enchanted Evening and Indiana Gal.   High Award, Jolly Snake, Purple Glow and Samuel Morse are among the 8 runners for the TP Waters Marble Hill Stakes.
 
 

Featuring Animated Africa Screening and Liam O’Maonlai with Niwel Tsumbu

To celebrate Africa Day 2010, Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge are delighted to present two very special events marking this occasion. On Thursday 27th May at 11 & 12am, local primary school children will be treated to Animated Africa, a free screening of African-made cartoons to highlight the African culture. Following this on Thursday evening, the talented Liam O’Maonlai will take to the stage at 8pm, with a very special guest, Niwel Tsumbu, a well-known Congolese musician.

Liam Ó Maonlaí is one of Ireland’s best-loved musicians and singers, both in rock and traditional music. Bono once described Liam as ‘The Best white boy soul singer in the world’ and he has been also been described as one of Irelands best Sean Nos (traditional Irish) singers. Spanning over twenty years, Liam’s career has seen him have number one hits in over twenty countries, to playing with Aboriginal musicians in Australia outback and recording with some of the worlds best musicians including Carlos Nunes, Donal Luney, U2, Rolf Harris, Van Morrison to name but a few. A master pianist, Liam also performs on guitar, harp, tin whistle and bodhrán.

On this exceptional night of music, Congolese native Niwel Tsumbu will also make a special guest appearance, with Peter Erdei on bass and Eamon Cagney on percussion. Since his arrival in Ireland from the Congo in ‘04, Niwel has developed an enviable reputation as an elegant and fluent guitarist, vocalist and composer. His ability to vividly blend African rhythms, rumba, new jazz, classical flamenco and more has gained him ardent admirers all over Ireland. Playing electric & acoustic guitars & singing mostly in his native 'Lingala', Niwel performs a range of music that stretches from contemporary versions of Congolese traditional music from the 1930s & 40s to modern Jazz.

 “Nothing short of exceptional” Hot Press

“Antidotes to the recession don’t come much more potent than this” Irish Times

Canford Cliffs and Xtension among 20 entries for the Abu Dhabi Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh.

THE Abu Dhabi Irish 2,000 Guineas is the highlight of a fascinating opening day’s racing at the Curragh next weekend and Saturday’s Group 1 contest has a top class line-up with Canford Cliffs and Xtension, third and fourth respectively behind Makfi in the Newmarket equivalent at the beginning of the month, set to do battle again.

The pair, who were only separated by a length on that occasion and had Fencing Master (seventh) and Viscount Nelson (11th) in arrears, top the list of 20 entries for the first Classic of the season. Apart from Viscount Nelson  and Fencing Master, leading trainer Aidan O’Brien has also entered Air Chief Marshall, Dynasty, Encompassing, Fighting Brave, Jan Vermeer, Purple Heart and Steinbeck who has been installed as 2 / 1 favourite by Ladbrokes who also go 3 /1 Canford Cliffs, 4 / 1 Xtension, 6 /1 Keredari, 7 / 1 Noll Wallop and 8 / 1 bar

Trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam is two handed with Morana and Zaahy, while Jim Bolger can choose between Carraiglawn, Free Judgement and Shintoh. Tommy Stack, who has a blistering start to the Flat season has entered Nol Wollop. The latter was most impressive when beating Viscount Nelson and Famous Warrior in the Leopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial Stakes back in March and is held in high regard by his connections. Another highly regarded colt is Keredari who is the sole entrant from the John Oxx stable.

Air Chief Marshall also appears among the 17 entries for the Group 3 Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes in which race his trainer Aidan O’Brien has also represented by Alfred Nobel. The race has attracted a strong overseas challenge with Jimmy Styles, Hitchens, Markab, Regal Parade and Wi Dud all intended runners. Duff, Rain Delayed, Snaefell and supplementary entry Kitty Kiernan are other very interesting entries for the six furlong contest.

Annabelle’s Charm, Shamwan Lodge and Super Sleuth are the three overseas challengers among the 10 entries for the Group 3 TRI Equestrian Stakes. The home team is headed by course winner Pollen, Enchanted Evening, Choose Me and Latin Love. The Listed T P Waters EBF Marble Hill Stakes looks a very strong race on paper with seven of the eight declared juveniles having already won this season. Aidan O’Brien holds a strong hand here with Samuel Morse and So Stylish, who both made winning debuts for the Ballydoyle yard.

The ground at the Curragh is currently good to firm on the round course and good on the straight course.

Horse Racing Ireland  have organised an Abu Dhabi Irish Guineas Festival preview media visit to the Curragh based stable of Paul Deegan tomorrow morning at 10.30am. He will be hoping for his first Classic winner when he is  represented in the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas by Lady Springbank.  Please contact Tamso Doyle, PR Manager Horse Racing Ireland, on 087 2936357 for further details..

6 weeks Meditation course with Helen in the Blúm Life Wellness Centre, beginning May 25th 2010.

Fee: €90 per person.

With less than three weeks to go to the first ever Mondello Motorcycle Expo the already impressive show line-up has been further boosted by confirmation that Ducati will join Yamaha, Triumph and BMW Motorrad, in exhibiting their latest road bike offerings. Star of the Ducati stand will be the eagerly awaited Multistrada 1200 which is billed by Ducati as their first 'Four in One' motorcycle.

Mondello's Motorcycle Expo is the Kildare circuits first Motorcycle Show and Ireland's first Live Action Bike Expo. The show will combine a full day of track and off-road action covering all aspects of Motorcycling and Motorcycle Sport in Ireland. Alongside a pair of invitation Superbike races, the sport will be represented by Motorcycling Ireland and all of the country's top road and circuit race organisers, including representatives of the Ulster Grand Prix. Motocross, Drag Racing, Minimoto Racing and Trials Riding will also use the event to showcase their branches of the sport through live demonstrations and paddock displays.

The number of exhibitors has been growing steadily since the show was announced, both for the road and off-road sections of the show. Bike Buyers Guide is the latest to confirm their participation with the popular publication set to display one of the world’s toughest motorcycles. Philip Noone's Dakar Rally machine will make its first public appearance, along with its rider, with the bike still in the condition in which it completed the gruelling 2010 event complete with a coating of Argentinean sand.

Additional attractions have also been confirmed including two opportunities for spectators to test their own motorcycling abilities in the name of charity. A wheelie simulator will give riders the chance to attempt a wheelie, in complete safety and with a little help from an instructor if necessary, and all for a small charitable contribution. Perhaps more difficult to master will be one of the most impressive skills of the motorcycle trials rider, the ability to balance a stationery trials bike without the support of a stand. Show visitors will also be able to try their hand at this feat for a small fee.

Alongside the track action and other demonstrations Mondello Motorcycle Expo will have a paddock full of exhibitors. The side attractions will include trade stands selling everything for the motorcycle enthusiast, alongside custom, classic and show bikes and a number of feature stands.

Admission to the single day event will be just €15.00 for adults with motorcycle competition licence holders admitted for just €10.00 and under sixteen's free of charge. Further information can be found on www.mondellopark.ie.

‘Well worth doing’, ‘this was a great mix of theory, practical and putting learning into action’ and ‘excellent course’ were just some of the comments from the course participants from the first Measuring , Monitoring and Management course held in April. 

Due to demand the IPCC are offering their new course ‘Measuring, Monitoring and Management of Irish Habitats and Wildlife’ again on the 14th and 15th July.

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 14 th and 15th July 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 have any queries or would like to book a place contact the centre on 045-860133 or e-mail  bogs@ipcc.ie.

 
This course is funded from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government under the Notice Nature campaign for International Year of Biodiversity

4 week programme meeting twice weekly from 11am-1pm.

Programme start dates:

·       Week of the 8th June

·       Week of the 5th July

The fee is €290 for 8 x 2 hourly sessions

This group is aimed at children who have difficulty with play and social communication skills.  In this small group setting (4-6 children), a variety of play and social skills are taught through fun, structured activities.                  

Programme Skills Targeted:

*         Turn taking in conversation and play

*         Gross and fine motor skills

*         Knowing and following rules

*         Initiating and maintaining conversations

*         Building peer relationships

This group provides the unique opportunity for your child to further develop coordination and motor skills in fun activities with the support of an occupational therapist. At the same time social communication needs are addressed with the support of a speech and language therapist using the language and communication elements of the same activities.

For further information and to reserve your place contact the Insight Centre at 045 874622/ 01 2452140

www.insightcentre.ie

info@insightcentre.ie

Congratulations to The Silken Thomas Players, who were crowned the best in Ireland at the prestigious Athlone Drama Festival 2010.

The Kildare Town group won the All-Ireland Drama Perpetual trophy with their production of "The History Boys" by Alan Bennett. The play also won 4 other awards.

The group previously won the All-Ireland Trophy in 2007.

Watch out for a repeat performance of the production in the near future.

Athy College has implemented NetSupport School classroom management software which has transformed the teaching and learning experience in the computer lab.

As the levels of technology within education continue to expand the need for effective teaching and management tools increase. PC savvy students present several challenges to teachers who want to maximise the benefits of computer led instruction, ensuring students are spending time on assigned tasks rather than allowing them to use the equipment as an extension of their social life!

Mr John O’Dwyer, Assistant Principal commented: ‘NetSupport School is used to monitor student activity, to interact where necessary on an individual and class-wide basis.’

NetSupport School helps teachers improve the overall efficiency of computer teaching by centrally instructing students on their PC. Teachers maintain student focus by monitoring application and web usage, tracking activity & improving the overall learning experience. The software is easy to use & keeps the students on task during lessons. Teachers can lock computers to get whole class attention.

Teachers can see and listen to what students are doing using intuitive thumbnail views of each student computer. Screenshots of a student’s desktop can be captured to record their progress or highlight something that they should not be doing!

With internet metering and control, potential problems & distractions can be avoided by allowing students access to applicable websites or just certain pages at a selected site. Time is also saved by launching applications or websites simultaneously on all student desktops.

‘It’s just an easy piece of software to deploy and so powerful in its implementation’

NetSupport School includes all the features you would expect from a leading Classroom Management solution - internet and application monitoring, printer management, real-time presentation tools and a totally unique Language Lab mode delivering an innovative link between Audio and Visual monitoring.

‘Total control over student activity, from blanking screens to what content they view on the internet’

With NetSupport School, teachers have improved the efficiency of classroom instruction at Athy College by centrally instructing students on their computer, keeping students on task by monitoring application and web usage, improving support through online help and chat requests, and saving time by quickly polling the class and showing instant results. Teachers can also record all screen, keyboard and mouse activity on a student workstation to review later or to replay to the class.

‘Internet filtering - Even though our broadband is filtered, there are many occasions where we have to block individual sites.’

With educational budgets under increasing pressure, NetSupport School enables schools, colleges and training institutions to maximise the return from the IT infrastructure already in place. Installed on over 3 million computers NetSupport School is consistently top of its class.

About Servaplex Ltd

Servaplex specialises in supplying system administration and network & classroom management software solutions. Servaplex provide reliable, proven and best of breed software products through partnerships with a number of world-renowned software developers. They include solutions from Double-Take Software, Equisys, NetSupport Software, New Boundary Technologies, UltraBac and FrontRange. Servaplex is an Irish company based in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. www.servaplex.com
For more information regarding NetSupport School go to: http://www.netsupportschool.com/

About Athy College

Athy College offers second level courses to Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate level. They also provide Post Leaving Certificate courses and adult day courses. The new campus has modern, fully equipped classrooms including language and science laboratories, specially equipped rooms for computers, woodwork, engineering, metalwork, home economics, technical graphics, career guidance counselling and a parents room. There are several playing pitches, basketball and tennis courts, an enormous gym and a fitness centre.

The school also has a fully equipped special unit for children with autism.

http://www.athycollege.ie

Suzanne Rankin has been appointed as Home Care Manager of Home Instead Senior Care, Kildare’s trusted source of home care for seniors. Suzanne has a wealth of experience in home care and will be responsible for training and supervising Home Instead Senior Care caregivers. She will also work closely with local families who are caring for ageing loved ones by providing expert advice and support.

Speaking about her appointment, Suzanne Rankin said: “I am absolutely delighted to be working with Home Instead Senior Care. They are really committed to helping seniors maintain their independence and remain at home for as long as possible and providing quality home care. I am really looking forward to working with local seniors and families and helping them cope with the ageing process”.

Welcoming Suzanne Rankin to the Home Instead Senior Care team in Kilcullen, Amanda Bohan, Managing Director of the organisation said: “Suzanne is a great addition to Home Instead Senior Care and I am thrilled to have her on board. Not only has she worked in the home care industry before, she knows the area well meaning our clients will benefit from a combination of quality home care and real local knowledge”.

Home Instead Senior Care recently opened its seventeenth franchise office in Kildare. The new office is independently owned and operated by Kildare couple Amanda and Enda Bohan and provides home care services to Counties Kildare and Laois.

For further information on Home Instead Senior Care please call the franchise office in Kilcullen on (045) 484 623.

A delegation from Athy is to visit Grandvilliers for a programme of activities between 2nd - 4th July 2010.

If you are interested in joining the group, please contact 086 6688745 or Athy Town Council.

Athy is twinned with Grandvilliers (located in the Picardy region of France, north of Paris). The charters were formally signed in November 2004 in France and March 2005 in Athy. 

 The Twinning Sub Committee of the Council work closely with our partners in France and organise an annual twinning event. In addition, a number of cross cultural exchange projects are organised to allow citizens of both towns engage in educational, business and social activities in the respective towns.

County Kildare Leader Partnership is a local development company that has responsibility for rural development and social inclusion programmes in County Kildare. We are developing a 2010 – 2013 social inclusion action plan for County Kildare and we are coming to your area to hear your opinions and ideas

So come along and don’t miss this chance to tell us what you think your community needs. ALL ARE WELCOME.

Venue: Athy College, Monasterevin Road, Athy
Date: Thursday 13th May
Time: 7:30 pm

Newbridge Drama Group presents The Matchmaker

Date:  Nightly from Wednesday 19th to Saturday 22nd May
Time: 8pm nightly
Price:   €12/€10
 
The popular local drama troupe Newbridge Drama Group, return to Riverbank Arts Centre for four nights only with their wonderful version of The Matchmaker from Wednesday May 19th to Saturday May 22nd

The Matchmaker was written by three times Pulitzer Prize winner Thornton Wilder. With a cast of sixteen this four act play is set in New York at the end of the Nineteenth century. A farce in the old-fashioned sense, it uses such time-honored conventions as characters hidden under tables and in closets, men disguised as women, a complex conspiracy to bring young and not so young lovers together, and a happy ending in which three couples are united with plans to marry. The hit musical “ Hello Dolly” was modeled on this original  stage play
 
Cast members include;  Mick Malone, Ester Crilly, Caroline Malone, Jo McMahon, Brid Hoey, Brid Leddy, Mary Hogan, Breda Greaney, Dave O’Sullivan, Kieran Galvin, Fergus Walsh, Gary Cummins, Sean McElroy, Bro Michael Broderick, Cormac Malone, Joe O’Neill.
Director:  Justin Brady
 
To book tickets contact Riverbank Arts Centre box office on 045 448327 or book online at www.riverbank.ie

Looking for something a little different to do with your children?

Monkey Music is a fun-filled session of music and games specifically tailored for children aged 1 to 4 years taking place at Riverbank Arts Centre on Saturday May 15th. The Monkey Music workshops are broken into three sessions to suit each different age groups. With tickets priced at €10 per child with accompanying parent, it promises to be a fun experience for both parent and child.
 
Monkey Music is a fantastic music workshop experience for babies and young children aged 1 to 4 years old.

Monkey Music is based on a progressive curriculum –it is fun, formative and a great way of making friends. All the music is specially devised and composed in a way that will have you singing the songs on the way home! Early exposure to singing, listening to, and playing music can sharpen up a whole range of educational skills. Monkey Music sessions are 30 minutes long and are expertly led by highly trained workshop leaders, all of whom are trained at Monkey Music headquarters. Each workshop is tailor-made to suit specific age groupings:
 
HEIGH HO- For 1-2 year olds:
Young toddlers love being up on their feet, let them dance and thrive on the 'steady beat', as they become very enthusiastic young members of the Monkey Music band.
         
JIGGETY JIG-
For 2-3 year olds: By this stage, children can really express the joy that music brings them. Monkey Music teachers use hoops, parachute games, circle dances and more to help children develop their sense of rhythm.
 
DING DONG- For 3-4 year olds: Up until now the children have been listening and responding to music they hear. Now that their ears have been tuned Monkey Music teaches them what music means when they see it written down.
 
MONKEY MUSIC WORKSHOPS
Music Workshops for Young Children & Parents
 
Date: Saturday 15th May
Time:
Heigh Ho at 1.15pm- 1.45pm (For 1-2yrs)
Jiggety Jig at 1.50pm- 2.20pm (For 2-3yrs)
Ding Dong at 2.30pm -3.00pm (For 3-4yrs)
€10 per child with accompanying parent
Places are limited. Call 045 448327 or book online www.riverbank.ie

2010 is a year to celebrate and the Irish Peatland Conservation Council will be at the core of the celebrations as it is the International Year of Biodiversity. It is a celebration of the enormous variety of all living things on earth and of the value of biodiversity in our lives.

The week beginning the 17th May will be one of intense activity at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre in which we are hoping the public will participate and enjoy.

Fancy a dirty midweek break! Join the IPCC in the Bog of Allen on Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th of May as we prepare to bring part of this rare habitat back to life. The project will involve volunteers in the growing of bog moss on bare patches of the bog where turf was left to dry in years gone by.  The hard dried peat needs to removed from the bog surface and bog mosses need to be collected from a donor site for planting. The work will be undertaken from 10:30am until 4pm daily.

For those who enjoy a day out in the wild, why not join us on Sunday 23rd MAY 2010 for a talk on Identifying and Monitoring Irish Butterflies at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre in Lullymore, Co. Kildare. This will be followed by a walk to Lullymore West Bog, where visitors will have the chance to see the rare marsh fritillary butterfly on the wing. 

These events are being run especially for International Year of Biodiversity 2010 which is sponsored by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Notice Nature Campaign (see www.noticenature.ie). The event is also supported by the Kildare County Council Festival Grants 2010.

Those interested in taking part in our dirty midweek break are invited to contact the IPCC to reserve their place on bogs@ipcc.ie or phone  Tel 045 860133.

The California Superbike School makes its annual Irish appearance at Mondello Park for three dates in 2010, August 24th, 25th & 26th This world famous Motorcycle rider training system teaches cornering techniques that will benefit both track and road riders and is currently available to book at reduced prices until the end of June.

The Mondello Park CSS dates will see all four course levels available over all three days. Riders must complete one level before they can move on to the next and consecutive courses can be booked on successive days. Mondello Park is currently offering reduced prices on all course levels booked before the end of June with additional discounts for booking multiple courses for the same rider.

To find out more see HERE, or to book contact Sharon on 045-860200 or sharonp@mondellopark

For riders of track modified machines and race bikes there will be a second opportunity in May to sample the Mondello Park International Track. Wednesday May 26th is the date for this months only 'Open' track day which as the title suggests will be open to road and track bikes.

As with the Road Bike days only riders who have pre-booked and paid in full will be considered to be booked in. Riders can arrive for the track day without a booking but spaces may not be available.

There is still availability in all three groups, to book contact +353-45-860200 or info@mondellopark.ie.

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

Over €160,000 is being allocated to 26 voluntary and community groups in Kildare which provide a wide range of marriage, child and bereavement counselling services and supports according to Local TD and Minister of State, Aine Brady.
 
'A  wide variety of organisations in Kildare, from counselling bodies to schools operating Rainbows groups for children, to locally-based bereavement support groups, is receiving funding to support their communities and families in these difficult times.' stated Minister Brady.

'Groups, such as Rainbows in Maynooth and Celbridge, Kildare Youth Services and Kildare Suicide Services in Naas are typical of the groups that will benefit from the funding.'

"The services which are supported by these grants promote stable family relationships and the well-being of individuals, children and society in general. I want to encourage people to avail of these professional supports which are available in their own communities to help them through these difficult times and also I want to compliment those involved in providing these services locally.", said Minister Brady.

Three Kildare heritage sites are to receive a welcome funding boost under the Civic Structures Conservation Grants Scheme according to local Fianna Fail TD and Minister of State, Áine Brady.

""The grants are designed to ensure the preservation of heritage structures and The Wonderful Barn Complex in Leixlip will receive €30,000; Sean Chill Donaghcumper on the Dublin Road in Celbridge will get €7,815 and the Parish Church of St Michael and All Angels in Sallins will receive €15,310."

"I have lobbied the Minister for the Environment regarding the The Wonderful Barn Complex, Sean Chill and St. Michael and All Angels as I feel very strongly in the importance of protecting and preserving these sites."
 
"This funding and the preservation of these sites not only benefits the local communities but also helps to attract visitors to the area which has a positive knock-on effect for local businesses."

"I would like to commend those groups and volunteers who work so hard locally to preserve these and other sites. Their commitment and dedication benefits us all," concluded Minister Brady.

Official Launch of One Book, One Kildare takes place on Thursday 13th May at 7pm in the new Kildare Town Library.

Kildare Town is holding a new community reading initiative called One Book, One Kildare and its aim is to get as many people as possible in the town reading the same book at the same time.  "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" by John Boyne has been selected as the book for the project which is being organised by the local Home School Community Liaison Coordinators Brid Kenny and Aidan McKeown.

600 free copies of the book are being made available to the community with children in the local primary and secondary schools from 5th class to 2nd year having already received a copy of the book to bring home, read and pass on to their families. 

The general public, community groups, clubs and associations are now being invited to take part in the initiative.  You simply have to read the book and if possible attend one of the discussion groups we have arranged or perhaps hold your own.  A cup of tea and a chat about the book is all that’s required.

If you or your group would like to take part please complete a participation form and return it to us by Friday 7th May or phone or email your details to us.

One Book, One Kildare will be officially launched on Thursday 13th May at 7pm in the Kildare Town Library and a variety of events based around the book will take place during the week-long project including historical walks around the town, talks and readings, a dance workshop, a poetry competition, an art competition and coffee morning discussion groups.

We hope as many people as possible from the community will take part in One Book, One Kildare and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Information:

Brid Kenny / Aidan McKeown

086 2499429 / 086 0886899

OneBookOneKildare@gmail.com

 Wishing to make contact with BRUNTON family from Caragh, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland.

I’m researching Thomas BRUNTON who immigrated to Australia on Government ship NORTH BRITON 1839 aged 46 yrs with children John 23, Catherine 18, Mary 16, James 13 & Bridget 5.

First wife Anne MURRAY deceased. Second wife Catherine O’BRIEN lived with him in Braidwood NSW.


Please contact if you have any information:

Julia Sheppard
58 Carrington Street
Woonona NSW 2517
AUSTRALIA

Phone: +61 02 4284 1025

juliandco1@bigpond.com