County Kildare News

The Curragh Racecourse is organising a unique behind the scenes walking tour of some of their magnificent Thoroughbred training grounds as part of the Go Racing in Kildare Festival week on Monday morning 11th October, while seven competitive races will take place that afternoon sponsored by TRI Equestrian with the first off at 1.45pm.

Training Grounds Manager Pat Kelly will give a guided tour of the various gallops and training facilities which are used by over 1,200 horses trained by some of the world’s top trainers including Dermot Weld, Kevin Prendergast, Dessie Hughes and John Oxx. Racetrack Foreman Pat Webb will also give his expert knowledge about the preparation of the course for racing.

Horses trained on the Curragh have won some of the world’s most famous races, including the  English, Irish, French and Italian Derby races, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Belmont Stakes and Breeders Cup in the US, Melbourne Cup, Champion Hurdle, Cheltenham Gold Cup and Aintree Grand National, while this year the Curragh has been responsible as the home to Ascot Gold Cup hero Rite of Passage, Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas winner Bethrah, while leading two years Pathfork and Casamento have used the Curragh training facilities as part of their preparation for top races this year.

All are welcome, but places for the tour have to be reserved in advance by contacting Yvonne Coyle at the racecourse tel 045 441205 email racing@curragh.ie. There is no charge for the tour, while admission to the races is also free

The 2010/2011 Trainee Jockey course in the Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE) will now go ahead, commencing on Wednesday 6th October 2010. 

The postponement of the course had been announced earlier this month due to a review by FÁS of its structure and delivery. At a meeting yesterday (Tuesday 28th September 2010) between FÁS, Horse Racing Ireland, Kildare VEC and RACE the parties agreed a basis for the continuation of the course for 2010/2011. A longer-term review which will set out the basis for the future of the course will be carried out by all stakeholders in the coming months.

Commenting on the decision, RACE Director Keith Rowe said: ‘this is very good news for the students selected for the course who were understandably anxious about their plans for the year. We are now in a position to deliver the full course and look forward to welcoming our students next week.’

Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Brian Kavanagh said: ‘I welcome the fact that a resolution has been arrived at, which will maintain the continuity of this course and its outstanding national and international reputation’.

FÁS Director General Paul O’ Toole said ‘I am pleased that the 32 students can now take up their places on this valuable course and I wish them well in this regard. An agreement has been reached whereby a number of measures will be implemented by RACE and FÁS is satisfied that these measures enable the continuation of this training course in 2010/2011’.

Sunday 17th of October Derrinstown Stud Birdcatcher Day

Naas Racecourse is preparing for its feature event of the Autumn, the traditional Birdcatcher racemeeting on Sunday the 17th of October. The first race is off at 2.05pm. The Derrinstown Birdcatcher Nursery of €70,000 is one of the feature races on a very attractive 8 race programme. This is traditionally one of the biggest race meeting on the Naas calendar.

This race is one of the oldest in the Irish Racing calendar and was first run after the Second World War. The first two events are for two year old maiden races and in 2004 subsequent English 2000 Guineas winner, Footstepinthesand, made a winning debut in the colts and geldings maiden for trainer Aidan O’ Brien.  Last year’s winner was Beat Surrender, trained by Ger Lyons and ridden by Johnny Murtagh.

All eyes will be on the fashion as there will a €1,000 Cash Prize to the most stylishly dressed lady on the day. The momentum and anticipation are already beginning to build with all sights firmly set on the prize, not forgetting our finalists, each of whom will go home with a fantastic goodie bag.

Karen Koster, Celebrity Judge on Derrinstown Stud Birdcatcher Day give us her style tips for the day “It’s very different going racing in the Winter, it’s a tricky balance trying to get day wear to look glamorous and yet be suitably dressed for the weather.  I recommend going for the subtle approach with understate elegance and coming well prepared for the weather, interpret the trends in an original way and don’t feel you have to tick every box”.

Ladies Day at Naas Racecourse will be a fitting end to the Go Racing in Kildare Festival which runs for the 10th – 17th of October. The Festival incorporates five race meetings over an eight day period. Naas Racecourse, Punchestown and the Curragh have come together to offer with this exciting initiative, which was inaugurated for the first time in 2009. It will include five days of racing in the Thoroughbred County together with a variety of other events aimed at showcasing horse racing in County Kildare.

Other sponsors on the day include Forenaghts Stud and the European Breeders Fund.

There will be Live Music before Racing.

Children will be entertained on the day by the ‘Go Racing Kids Club’ who will have the ‘Front Runner’ racing club there on the day to educate Children about racing, Marie-Lou Donnelly will run workshops throughout the race day showing Jockeys silks and the gear that they wear, she’ll explain how a Trainer gets a horse ready for a race day, she’ll run a quiz and show children the parade ring and what to look for in a horse.

Also available on the day is a special offer in the Panoramic Restaurant is also available at on €40 per person, which includes Admission, Racecard, Main Course Dinner and Tea/Coffee with spectacular views overlooking the course.

Admission only €15 with a free €5 Bookie Betting Voucher and a Free €5 Refreshment Voucher, Under 18’s & Students under 26 (with valid ID card) admitted FREE.

Follow the build up to the event on the Naas Racecourse Facebook page, Contact Edel on (045) 897391 or visit www.naasracecourse.com

Naas Library, Sat 9th Oct, 9.30 am - 1.00 pm.

Co. Kildare Federation of Local History Groups will hold a History Seminar for all Leaving Cert and 5th Year students to help them prepare for their special history topic in the Leaving Cert.

It will be an interactive session with questions and answers.

Dr. Mary Ann Lyons, head of the History Dept. at NUI, Maynooth will attend.

Further Information:

Phone: Anne McNeill at 01-6271136.

All welcome

Learn to Massage your baby in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.  Meet other parents from the area with new babies and have a chat over coffee and biscuits after the massage.

During the course of 4 classes, you will learn a full sequence of massage strokes for your pre-crawling baby.  A routine which may be helpful for those with colic will also be covered during the class.  Baby Massage is a great way to help relieve trapped wind, ease constipation, improve sleep patterns and increase bonding between parent and child.

Also a great opportunity to meet and chat with other parents from your area and relax over a cup of tea/coffee after each session.

For more information please contact Catherine McCarney, Certified Infant Massage Instructor who would be happy to answer any questions.

Start Date: 6th Oct 2010

Venue: Springfiels Hotel, Leixlip

086 0536853 or dublinbabymassage@gmail.com

Behind Every Hospital Screen lies a Story…

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and, at Riverbank Arts Centre on Saturday October 9th, Kildare-based theatre group Ealu Productions will explore the personal yet universal stories of a group of women as they sit in a hospital waiting room in a new production, Chambers of the Heart.

Ealu Productions present a collection of interweaving monologues representing a diverse group of women. Here they explore the fragility of the heart both physically and emotionally at pivotal moments in these women’s lives.

As six women wait in a female health screening clinic the characters invite the audience to listen to their most private fears and truths. Chambers of the Heart shows that appearances can be deceptive; the public mask worn by a young mother, a chatty receptionist, a newly wed may hide many insecurities and heartache.

There is a deliberate focus on breast cancer as these women wait recognizing the fact that breast cancer does not respect age or status. The annual average number of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases from 1994 to 2007 inclusive was 1,971....1,957 females and 14 males. (National Cancer Registry). Chambers of the Heart seeks to explore some of the lives behind the statistics.

Based in South Kildare, Ealu Productions came together in June 2010, this is their first production. Future plans are to expand the group to include male and female members aged 19 and over. Proceeds from the sale of programmes on the night will go to Cancer Research.

Humourous, honest and compelling, Chambers of the heart is a collaborative production by Deirdre Callaghan, Deirdre Burke, Lisa Woods, Elaine Tomlinson, Niamh Corcoran and Claire O Neill, directed by Leish Burke.

See Ealu Production’s Chamber of the Heart at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge on Saturday 9th October, 8pm. Tickets €12/€10 are available at 045 448327 or online at www.riverbank.ie

The biggest Motorcycle Race of the Mondello Park season takes place this Sunday with a full grid of Irelands top circuit racers lining up to battle for the 'Mondello Masters' title. The two day event will culminate on Sunday with the final rounds of the Mondello Superbike Championship followed by the big prize money Mondello Masters race.

The Masters line-up includes all of the top riders from the Irish championship, joined by some of the country's top road racers and a handful of Irish riders returning from competing abroad. British championship competitor Marty Nutt, road racing Stars Michael Dunlop and Michael Sweeney and rising star Glen Irwin, fresh from his first European Championship outing, will go head to head with top Mondello Superbike Championship contenders Marshal Neil and Brian McCormack, to be the first rider other than Alastair Seeley to get their hands on the winners trophy and the €5,000 first prize. So far thirty riders have committed to the Masters in what will be the biggest grid in the history of the race.

The remainder of the days programme will centre around the deciding races in the Mondello Superbike Championship, which will also count as the penultimate round of the Irish Superbike Championship (ISB). Marshal Neill and Brian McCormack will battle it out over three races to decide who will be the first ever Mondello Superbike Champion, while in the ISB Marshal Neill will be looking to wrap up the title before the final round at Bishopscourt. In the supporting classes Glen Irwin has sealed the Supersport crown while all of the other titles are still up for grabs.

Sunday's race timetable will get under way at 11:00 but the main action of the day will centre around the final championship races for the Superbike and Supersport classes and the 'Mondello Masters' race. The feature races are set to start at 14:00 and will include the final appearance of the year of the Mondello Grid Girls, gird interviews and podium presentations. The Mondello Masters is set for 15:40 and will be a fifteen lap encounter to finish off a fantastic season of Superbike action at the County Kildare Track.

Admission for each day of the event will be €15.00 for adults with under sixteen's admitted free but this can be reduced to €10.00 by visiting the Special Offers page of the Mondello park web site. The circuit is also offering reduced price ticket deals for two people on a bike or four in a car and details of these offers can be found at www.mondellopark.ie/specials. Admission charges include a complimentary event programme and free grandstand seats.

Kildare Town artist Garvan de Bruir continues to enjoy success with his creations. Garvan and his studio designed and made the Feature Show Jump for the Aga Khan Cup at this year’s Dublin Horse Show. The commission came about through an open competition held by the RDS. The project gained much media interest with a feature about the studio by Deirdre McQuillan in The Irish Times and a visit by RTE’s Nationwide with Róisín Ní Eadhra to film the project under construction. Garvan was featured on RTE's Nationwide on August 6th discussing the jump and how he came up with the idea for its design.

Garvan creates furniture, functional sculpture, architecture and smaller scale pieces. Perhaps the most exciting area of Garvan's creations at the moment is his leatherwork and luggage collection. Grown initially out of a desire to reuse our leather off-cuts from the upholstery shop, this has evolved into a new venture. The studio uses the finest qualities of leather to make protective covers for many items of technology, from phones right up to laptops and luggage items, all of which are available through the online shop on www.debruir.com .

Garvan's studio is a five minute walk from The Kildare Village Outlet Mall.The studio and showroom is open during business hours. Visitors are also welcome in the evenings at at weekends by appointment. For more information visit www.debruir.com

A major step forward has been taken for the planned Competence Centre at NUI Maynooth that will help to create local jobs according to local Fianna Fáil Minister of State, Áine Brady.

"I am delighted that Martin Delaney who has 25 years experience in the information technology industry has just been appointed as a technology leader at NUI Maynooth to provide guidance and support in the area of IT."

"In recent months the Government announced the establishment of Competence Centres to link business and academia to produce new products. The focus will be on marketable products that will in turn grow industry and help to create and safeguard jobs."

"The Government's Competence Centre programme is a joint initiative between the job creation agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland."

"The Government is supporting the Competence Centre Programme with extra funding of over €37 million over the next 6 years."

"It is vital that every practical support is given to the creation of high quality, sustainable jobs and it is evident that bringing academia and industry together will be of great assistance."

"The appointment of the Martin Delaney along with five others based at different academic institutions will enhance the work of the Competence Centres and I am confident that we will see very positive results," concluded Minister of State Brady.

Kildare County Enterprise Board are running a new 50+ Start Your Own Business Programme in partnership with Meath County Enterprise Board and Wicklow County Enterprise Board.


The Programme Aim is to provide participants with an introduction to the essential elements required to start up and run their own business.


The Programme will run for 9 Saturday mornings from  9:30a.m. to 1:00p.m. commencing on 25th September 2010 with an End of Course Workshop & Networking Event

The cost is €100





Download the Brochure for More Information and How to Apply.

Contact the Kildare County Enterprise Board  for further details on this course

Kildare County Enterprise Board, The Woods, Clane, Co. Kildare  
Tel: (045) 861707   Fax: (045) 861712  
Email: info@kildareceb.ie  

On Sunday October 3rd, 2010, the first Badminton Coaching & Training Academy is being officially launched in Ireland in Kilcullen Community Centre in Kilcullen, Co.Kildare. The Academy is to be named UNO BADMINTON ACADEMY under the directorship of Claire Flood. Claire is an ex Irish International player, the first Irish woman to qualify for World Singles Championships 2005 in U.S.A. & Top 80 players in World Singles. Sha has been a qualified coach since 2002.

The main centre will be in Kilcullen Community Centre, which has 4 courts. The regional centres will be in Dublin, Wexford & Sligo.

The aims of UBA:

1. To deliver programmes which will enhance player development & skills throughout the UBA structure.
2. To brand & market badminton & maximise opportunities for players exposure to nutrition & sports psychology programmes etc.
3. To provide a quality training environment to maximise players potential at all levels.
4. UBA will host the following events throughout the year-
• Team Events
• Blitzes
• Tournaments - Home & Abroad
• Training Camps
• Exhibitions

We currently have the following sponsors on Board:

1) Victor Sports: They are a global leader in Badminton, Squash and Tennis. More than 100 players all over Europe are sponsored by Victor.

2) DataSolutions: They have been supplying, supporting and serving the IT Channel in Ireland with solutions from world leading vendors since 1991.

On the day of the launch we will have an exhibition match with Senior Irish International players & a Juvenile team event. Attending the launch will be local politicians, personalities from the world of sport and all our sponsors plus celebrity guests.

You are invited to a Green Living open day at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co. Kildare on Sunday 26th September from 2pm-5pm. 

Nuala Madigan, the Irish Peatland Conservation Council’s Environmental Education Officer will present a talk on Living Sustainably, which will include composting, wildlife gardening and water and energy conservation in the home. 

This is the perfect time of year to get composting.  Leaves are starting to block drains and cause a slip hazard; over the next couple of weeks we will be clearing away dead plants in our gardens and doing the last lawn cut of the year and your composting bin is the ideal place to convert this waste into nutrient rich compost for your garden.   Up to a third of household waste can be composted alone and does’nt it make sense to reuse this waste rather then sending it to a landfill site?

The presentation will conclude with a guided walk through the gardens of the Bog of Allen Nature Centre.  The peatland museum and wildlife gardens at the centre will be open for visitors to enjoy and the nature shop is stocked full of nature gifts for friends and family. 

This event is free and all are welcome to attend.
 

Are you an Opera Virgin?

Go on, try something new at Riverbank (or your money back!)

Irish Premiere of Grigory Frid’s The Diary of Anne Frank

Opera Theatre Company

Never been to an opera? Not sure if opera is your cup of tea? Well, Riverbank Arts Centre and Opera Theatre Company are offering you a chance to experience the magic of opera with a safety net!

The inspirational story of Anne Frank will be brought to life on the stage at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge on Saturday 25th of September. If you’re curious to see what opera theatre is all about but have never made it to a show, now is the time to try it. If you’re not satisfied Opera Theatre Company will give you your money back!

Watch the story of Anne Frank unfold in a moving and dramatic theatre production of The Diary of Anne Frank.  With a beautiful set evoking Anne Frank’s attic and the diary itself, atmospheric lighting and a stellar cast this will be an unforgettable night. Picture the pages of a diary on stage, silhouettes of a forbidden outside world and a young, courageous young girl at the heart of it all.

This event will be enjoyed by anyone who knows the story of Anne Frank, by those who enjoy a quality theatrical performance and by people with an interest in music, as it promises to be a truly entertaining and unique show.

Anne Frank’s diary gave the world a personal insight into a major event, painting a picture of an important era in European history from the viewpoint of someone really living through it. This show celebrates the life of the young girl and commemorates the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam.

The Diary of Anne Frank, opened at The Abbey Theatre on the Peacock stage on Friday 10 September to a sold out crowd before touring to twelve venues around the country including Riverbank Arts Centre on Saturday Sept 25th. The Irish premiere of Grigory Frid’s opera features talented Armenian-American Soprano Ani Maldjian in the title role, making her Irish debut.

This rare spirit in the face of adversity is humbling but, above all, inspiring. When Russian composer Grigory Frid read her Diary in 1960, he was overwhelmed. Frid felt personally drawn to Anne Frank’s diary. Celebrating his 95th birthday this September, having survived Stalinism and lived through the rise and fall of Communism, Frid found the diary to be a deeply philosophical and ethical work, raising issues that still resonate today.  Sung in English, the opera uses Anne’s own words to illustrate different episodes from life in hiding, finding eloquent expression in the compelling score.

Now in its twenty-fourth year of touring opera throughout Ireland, Opera Theatre Company offers original artistic experiences of the highest quality to a wide cross-section of the population. Miskimmon believes that the company has ‘a simple remit - to bring opera to the whole island of Ireland, no matter what age or social group. Unfortunately, opera has been kidnapped by elitism over time, but we are evangelical about our mission because for us, opera is not exclusive: it is enjoyable, exciting, emotional.’

With Andrew Synnott conducting, co-direction by Ingrid Craigie and Annilese Miskimmon, and design by Nicky Shaw, this compelling production should not be missed.

A wonderful story of the inspiriting young girl Anne Frank told in a highly entertaining. So go on, take a chance on something new and experience this wonderful story in all its glory of operatic theatre.

Terms & Conditions apply, to find out more about the Opera Virgin money back offer and its terms and conditions contact Riverbank box office on 045 448327 or visit www.opera.ie

Opera Theatre Company presents The Diary of Anne Frank, Saturday 25th September, 8pm, Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare. Tickets €25/€20, Special Student Rate €15. Group discount also available, contact box office for details. To book call 045 448327 or www.riverbank.ie

Maynooth Musical Society will be holding auditions for their upcoming musical production of 'Godspell'.

Auditions will be held on the 23rd, 24th and 25th of September in the Presentation Girls School, Main Street, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

They will run from 18:30pm - 20:30pm on the 23rd and 24th, and from 15:30pm - 17:30pm on the 25th.

You will be required to complete a dance audition as well as a Singing and Acting audition.

Please contact Helen O' Dowd on 087 983 9553 for more details, or alternatively email maynoothmusicalsociety@gmail.com or check out our website, www.maynoothmusicalsociety.ie

Over 25 years playing together, Altan have well and truly established themselves as one of the most important and best loved traditional Irish groups in Ireland and on the World stage.

Now, to celebrate their impressive 25 year career, Altan are set to grace the stage of Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge for an intimate show on Friday 24th September.

Described as “The hottest group in the Celtic realm!” (Boston globe), Altan have played their music in top venues across the world; The Sydney Opera House, The Hollywood Bowl, The Royal Albert Hall, and many more. They have played music and recorded with The Chieftains, Dolly Parton Bonnie Raitt, Alison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs to name but a few.

Altan’s new album is a mixture of songs recorded over the last 25 years accompanied by the RTE Concert Orchestra; with Mairead ni Mhaonaigh’s haunting voice and the band’s superb musicianship, this show will testify to the bands unfailing quality over the years.

Having recently played for the thousands of GAA fans at the All Ireland final, this Riverbank Arts Centre show will be the last in Altan’s Irish schedule this year- you won’t want to miss it

To Book tickets contact Riverbank Arts Centre Box Office on 045 448327 or buy online at www.riverbank.ie

Patsy Cline - The Concert features the star of the original West End Production Sandy Kelly and her musicians in a non stop evening of hits at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge on Saturday September 18th.

This evening with the superb Sandy Kelly will include all of Patsy Cline's biggest hits including Crazy, I Fall To Pieces, Blue Moon of Kentucky, Your Cheatin' Heart, After Midnight, Sweet Dreams, San Antone Rose and many many more. Sandy Kelly is undoubtedly one of the finest entertainers Ireland has ever produced.  Her career stretches right back to her childhood and her family’s “Fit-Up” Roadshow.  Sandy Kelly first appeared on stage at the early age of 3. 

Sandy Kelly represented Ireland in the Eurovision in 1982, she was a European ‘Gold Star Award’ winner in 1985, in 1986 and 1989 she represented Ireland at ‘Fan Fare’ in Nashville.  She had her own RTE TV series from 1990 – 1992 – the show never left the top ten Tam Ratings and was later aired on both Border and Sky TV in the UK.   She has appeared on British and American TV on numerous occasions. 

Sandy Kelly has recorded with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, George Hamilton IV, Glen Campbell, Patsy Cline, Jett Williams (Hank William’s daughter), Randy Van Warmer, The Jordanaires, Chet Atkins and more recently Hal Ketchum to name but a few worldwide stars.  She has had two gold records with Johnny Cash: “Woodcarver’ and ‘Ring of Fire’ and a Gold Album and Single for her ‘Patsy Cline’ tribute recordings.  Sandy has toured with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Slim Whitman.  The list goes on and on and it shows the true talent that Sandy possesses that so many of the world’s top artists are now associated with her. 

One of her biggest successes in her glittering career was the Lead role in “A Musical Tribute To Patsy Cline” which toured Britain for a record 37 weeks before opening in London’s West End.  Sandy made over 500 appearances in this show before moving onto writing and directing her own Patsy Tribute Show ‘Patsy Cline: The Concert’ which has been a phenomenal success. 

Sandy released a Greatest Hits CD, “The Best of Sandy Kelly”, in 2009. It contains some of Sandy’s finest work from her enduring and magical musical journey.  The 22 track album has many of Sandy’s hit songs through the years and features some wonderful duets with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline and Glen Campbell. 

See Sandy Kelly bring the legendary Patsy Cline back to life on stage at Riverbank Arts Centre on Saturday 18th, in what promises to be an outstanding evening of entertainment.

“It was my pleasure to sing with my favourite female artist, Sandy Kelly.  In America she has been Ireland’s greatest ambassador.  She won the hearts of everyone who saw her.  I am honoured to be included as one of the guest artists on her album”.  Johnny Cash

“Sandy Kelly is, in my opinion, one of the top 15 female artists in the world”
Willie Nelson

Tickets are €22.50 and are selling fast so early booking would be advised. To book call Riverbank Box office on 045 448327 or book online at  www.riverbank.ie. Sandy Kelly in Patsy Cline- The Concert, Saturday September 18th, 8pm.

Shop Athy, the voluntary marketing and developement group have launched their flower baskets project which will see baskets installed throughout the main streets in Athy in time for the National and European Ploughing Championships which are being held in the town at the end of September.

In its first year Shop Athy was responsible for a major painting initiave and flower basket project in the town in 2009, when large numbers of businesses joined the organisation which was created to encourage trade and enterprise in the towm.

This year funding has been secured from the Kildare Leader Partnership with a further contribution from the Athy Town Promoters Group which has allowed Shop Athy to offer the baskets to every premises in William Street, Duke Street and Leinster Street at no cost to the businesses.

Shop Athy will also maintain and water the baskets which it is invisaged will last through the winter. Those premises with existing flowers can have their baskets re-planted when the current plants come to the end of their life.

Members of Shop Athy are also involved in a number of other projects to boost business and attract trade and tourism to the town including the Chocolate Festival in December.

Shop Athy would like to remind all businesses in the town that the subscriptions which covers the running costs of the organisation and have been set at €250 or five payments of €50, are now due. Please contact Tracey Tierney at Athy Payroll Bureau on 059 864 0830 for membership forms and to arrange your payment.

The process of installing the brackets and baskets has now commenced and businesses wishing to avail of this free service should contact Jo Coyle on 086 818 2802 as soon as possible.

Website: www.shopathy.com

6 week course @ €50

New course starting!

Sept 28th in the CYMS Hall 6-7pm    

Sept 29th in Scoil Bhride Naofa 6-7pm & 7-8pm

€50 for the 6 weeks.

Please call Sara 086 3203006

All levels welcome. 

ShopAthy to showcase Athy at this year’s Ploughing Championships

Get your wellies out, it’s nearly ploughing time again!  This year Athy will be represented at the event with its own unusual and unique showcase stand.  The National Ploughing Association through Anna May McHugh has made a huge site available to ShopAthy to help promote the town and environs. 

The stand will incorporate a very high quality garden designed by an award winning Landscape Architect and Athy man Anthony Ryan of Hayes Ryan Landscape Architecture.  Anthony together with his partner Geraldine last year presented a garden at Bloom, which won the coveted “People’s Choice Award” by over 4,000 votes. 

“The ‘Explore Athy’ garden will be a visually striking one” say Anthony, “The intention is to create focal point of interest at the Ploughing Championships. It will both provide a visually pleasing ‘sanctuary’ in such a hive of activity. The garden includes a strong design framework in which natural materials, coupled with striking modern ones will arouse curiosity and draw attention in the festival atmosphere of the Ploughing Championships”.

The garden will also feature a very unusual Nordic-styled marquee housing that will contain an exhibition of the best Athy has to offer visitors.  Vivian Cummins, local Registered Architect explains “These Nordic tipis also known as Katas housing the Athy exhibition were selected as a brand new alternative to the standard white marquees usually seen at such events. They are constructed using wooden poles and innovative, light coloured canvas. The stunningly beautiful Tipis are atmospheric and above all different. They will help to create a unique event which will help to showcase Athy and its attractions leave a lasting impression on the visitors to the display”.

The majority of visitors to the ploughing event do not come into the host town during the event so as a response to this, ShopAthy thought “Why not bring the mountain to Muhammed!”  The purpose of the project is to showcase Athy to the 200,000 visitors expected to attend the event this year.  The exhibition presents the many Arts, Culture, Heritage, Tourism, Recreation and Amenity facilities that Athy offers as well as the commercial and retail opportunities.  Shine’s Discovery Day will also run in Athy on the Sunday following the Ploughing Championships and will give visitors a fantastic and exciting opportunity to experience the town at its very best.

The project which will be called “Explore Athy” will feature the many festivals run each year, including the International Bluegrass Festival, the increasingly successful Shackleton Autumn School and ShopAthy’s own “ChocolAthy” Christmas chocolate festival.

The project is being part funded by the County Kildare Leader Partnership.  The event will take place at the National and European Ploughing Championships at Cardenton, Athy from the 21st to 23rd September 2010. 

For any more information please contact
Jo Coyle,
PRO, ShopAthy

E:  info@shopathy.com

Gaelchultúr has launched its autumn schedule of Irish language evening classes in Naas. The classes will commence 20 - 23 September 2010 and will be held in Naas Community Centre, Mc Auley Place, Sallins Road, Naas. Learners will attend a two-hour session (7 – 9 p.m.) one night a week for 12 weeks. Classes are available at up to eight different levels, from complete beginners to advanced.

Gaelchultúr recently announced the launch of its new multimedia course, Gaeilge gan Stró! – Lower Intermediate Level, aimed at adult learners of Irish. It’s suitable for those who have already learned Irish and who still understand some of the language. It aims to give learners the confidence and language skills necessary to communicate in Irish in everyday situations and to help them understand speakers of the three main dialects. The emphasis is on developing speaking and listening skills but learners are also given opportunities to read and write the language.

Commenting on the classes in Naas and on the new multimedia course, Éamonn Ó Dónaill, Gaelchultúr’s Director of Education and one of the founders of the company, said: “Our Irish language evening classes give adults the chance to learn Irish in an enjoyable way and become confident enough to speak the language. We hope that our new multimedia course will also help learners reach a level where they feel comfortable conversing in the language. Gaelchultúr has taught thousands of adults through our evening classes and our training in the public sector, and the same learner-centred approach to teaching is used in Gaeilge gan Stró! – Lower Intermediate Level.” Copies of the course can be bought on www.siopa.ie.  

Those interested in attending Gaelchultúr’s Irish language evening classes this autumn can book a place online at www.gaelchultur.com or lo-call 1890 252 900. As places are limited, early booking is advised.

Gaelchultúr receives financial support from Foras na Gaeilge (www.gaeilge.ie).

Can you spare just 3 1/2 hours a week?  Vincents Charity Shop in Kilcullen is in urgent need of volunteers for afternoons and Saturdays. 

Running the till, pressing clothes and sorting donations—there’s always something to keep you busy and help a worthy cause at the same time. 

No experience necessary; training is provided. 

If you can help out, just call by the shop Monday through Saturday 10am to 5pm to pick up an application form, or ring 045 480785.

THE Autumn Festival of Racing concludes at the Curragh this Sunday when the Group Two www.thetote.com Blandford Stakes is the feature event on an excellent seven race programme. The seven furlong contest has attracted 20 entries, including the Henry Cecil-trained Aviate which has been supplemented to the race.

Aviate is one of eight overseas challengers along with Alsace Lorraine, Bikini Babe, Contredanse, Eleanora Duse, Gallic Star, High Heeled and Epsom Oaks runner-up Meeznah. The home challenge, meanwhile, is headed by Lush Lashes, Obama Rule, Duchess Of Foxland, Precious Gem and She’s Our Mark.

Steinbeck stands out in the Group Three O’Brien’s Wines supporting Jack and Jill Solonaway Stakes for which there are 17 horses left in. Emulous, Pollen and multiple course winner Jumbajukiba are other notable horses in the line-up, while Penitent and Zafisio are both likely to travel over from Britain.

Kargali has been given a supplementary entry into the Group Three Michael Kinane Renaissance Stakes. Also among the 16 left in the five furlong dash are Air Chief Marshall, Bewitched, Snaefell, Walk On By and Velvet Flicker, while the British-trained challenge is made up of Tax Free, Himalya, Serious Attitude and Sir Gerry.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien has a strong hand in the Listed Flame Of Tara EBF Stakes with six of the 14 entries. O’Brien can choose between Diamond Brooch, Gemstone, Juliet Capulet, Luxurious, Mist and Spin. Banimpire and Cambina are two other notable entries for the one mile juvenile contest.

The first of seven races on Sunday commences at 2.15 pm, while the ground is now good to yielding on the round course and yielding on the straight course.

The race day will have a major family day theme with a variety of free activities for children.

The Curragh in association with the Independent Brewers and Distillers of Ireland has brought together some of Ireland’s finest micro brewers to showcase their products in order to create a special event as part of the Festival. This will take place over both days in the new Garden Enclosure close to the parade ring. 

The Curragh Racecourse in association with Horse Racing Ireland will celebrate the magnificent achievements jockey Michael Kinane by staging an exhibition of his racing successes. This exhibition will honour his many successes over three decades with a once in a lifetime opportunity to see a magnificent collection of memorabilia which will highlight his legendary career.

Admission €15 Under 25s and Seniors €8 Under 16s Free

County Kildare And Naas Town Council - Joint Policing Open Forum

Date: Monday, 4th October 2010 Time: 7pm

Venue: Pipers Hill Community School, Pipers Hill, Kilcullen Road, Naas

County Kildare Joint Policing Committee and Naas Joint Policing Committee (JPC) are holding their first Joint Policing Open Forum on Monday 4th October starting at 6.00pm (registration). The event will be held in Pipers Hill Community College, Naas (on the Kilcullen Road).

The purpose of the open forum is to invite all communities within the county to help the Joint Policing Committees to develop initiatives which can improve policing and prevent crime in Co Kildare.

Click here for details and Registration Form

Motown - Celebrating 50 years in Newbridge

In Association With Newbridge Musical Society

Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge 9th – 10th September

Lovers of the legendary Motown period of music are in for a treat this weekend as Newbridge Musical Society bring their Motown magic to the stage at Riverbank Arts Centre.

Promising some of the best voices in Kildare and beyond this extravaganza brings you on a musical journey back from the 60's and 70's to the wonderful harmonies of Motown’s best artists including songs from: DIANA ROSS & THE SUPREMES / MICHEAL JACKSON /THE JACKSON 5/ TEMPTATIONS / FOUR TOPS / MARVIN GAYE / MARY WELLS / ARETHA FRANKLIN / RARE EARTH / MARTHA & THE VANDELLAS AND MUCH MORE!

Directed and produced  by Joy Donohue with Musical Director David McGuaran, Singing stars on the night include Sharon McNamara, Conor Kilduff, Cora Coffey, Mark Trundle, Pat McLoughlin, Louise Moore, John Conroy and many many more from all walks of musical theatre fame.

For the young, the old and the in-between, this is guaranteed to be a fantastic night of entertainment. Celebrate this era of music & Newbridge Musical Societies’ 50th year in existence this Friday & Saturday night. If you fancy a night of “romantic doo-woop, movin, grooving” music this is a must see show!

Tickets are €15 and available from Riverbank Arts Centre on 045- 448327 or www.riverbank.ie

Rite Of Passage heads a list of 17 horses for the Irish Field St Leger at the Curragh next Saturday

Janood and Pathfork are set for boylesports.com Vincent O’Brien National Stakes

THE two day Autumn Festival of Racing at the Curragh gets underway this Saturday with The Irish Field St Leger and the boylesports.com Vincent O’Brien National Stakes as the twin highlights on an excellent seven race programme, which also features the inaugural running of the Curragh Amateur Derby .

A total of 17 horses remain in The Group One Irish Field St Leger, including the much improved Charlie Swan-trained Rajik, which, following his recent Listed success at Galway, has been supplemented at a cost of 24,000 euro. Rite Of Passage, winner of the Ascot Gold Cup, and classy Profound Beauty have both been left in by their trainer Dermot Weld, while Aidan O’Brien can choose between Flying Cross, Joshua Tree and Lady Lupus for the final Irish Classic of the season. Recent Newbury scorer Sans Frontieres heads a strong British-trained challenge which also includes Kite Wood, Dangerous Midge, Eastern Aria, Halicarnassus, Opinion Poll and Tactic.

Pathfork has been supplemented to the Group One boylesports.com Vincent O’Brien National Stakes in which the unbeaten son of Distorted Humor will face a maximum of 12 rivals. Jessica Harrington’s exciting colt has won both his races at the venue, including when landing the Group Two Galileo  Futurity Stakes in emphatic style. The Godolphin owned unbeaten colt  Janood, which was also supplemented to the race, is the sole British-trained raider for the seven furlong contest. Aidan O’Brien has an envious record in this event and the Master of Ballydoyle has left seven in the race. Zoffany, winner of the Group One Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at this venue last time, has won five of his six races to date and he would appear to be the Ballydoyle number one.

Aidan O’Brien is also well represented in the Listed Irish Field Blenheim Stakes with eight of the 18 entries. Glor Na Mara, who also holds an entry in the National Stakes, would go off a short priced favourite should connections choose to run him in this race instead.

The Curragh Amateur Derby EBF Handicap has attracted an entry of 40 horses, including the Mark Johnson-trained Bay Willow which landed a big handicap at this venue earlier in the year. Other notable entries here are Admiral Barry, Dark Prospect, Fisher Bridge, Lastofthemohicans and Quench The Flame.

Saturday is also Bollinger Best Hat Day with fantastic prizes from Bollinger and the K Club for the lucky lady who is judged to be wearing the best hat.

The Curragh in association with the Independent Brewers and Distillers of Ireland has brought together some of Ireland’s finest micro brewers to showcase their products in order to create a special event as part of the Festival. This will take place over both days in the new Garden Enclosure close to the parade ring. 

The Curragh Racecourse in association with Horse Racing Ireland will celebrate the magnificent achievements jockey Michael Kinane by staging an exhibition of his racing successes. This exhibition will honour his many successes over three decades with a once in a lifetime opportunity to see a magnificent collection of memorabilia which will highlight his legendary career.

The first of seven races at the Curragh on Saturday commences at 2.10 pm

'It looks like it's been buried a long time. Perhaps it has been buried for ten years. Perhaps it is the key to the garden!'

It’s back to school time already, and while some children may be delighted about this, others may be in need of a little treat to reward them for their bravery.

This weekend Riverbank Arts Centre has just the treat for all the family. On Saturday, September 11th, there will be a magical theatre production of The Secret Garden, adapted from the classic children's book by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Moonfish Theatre is delighted to be bringing its complete team of artists from Ireland, Scotland and Wales together for the first time since its acclaimed production of Bonny & Read. 

The show weaves a thrilling, magical tale of hope and wonder that draws its audience into the mysterious world of hidden places, where anything is possible…

When Mary Lennox parents die, she is sent from India to live with her reclusive uncle in his great, empty mansion on the Moors. Lonely and withdrawn, Mary finds solace in the strange tales told by the locals, of a Secret Garden that was locked away ten years ago and left to run wild. Then one day, she finds a key buried deep in the earth - a key that will change her life forever.

An exciting and magical experience, The Secret Garden was performed to sell-out audiences as part of the Galway Theatre Festival in October 2009, and won hugely positive audiences reactions when it ran at the Nun's Island Theatre, Galway in early January this year.  The Secret Garden was also one of the events featured at this year’s Electric Picnic for the young at heart.

So, for those who loved this classic story as a child and for children who a just discovering the tale, this is a lovely weekend treat.

The Secret Garden

Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge

Date: Saturday September 11th

Time: 2pm

Price: €8 (Family Rate 4 for €30)

Book online www.riverbank.ie or call 045 448327

The Autumn Festival of Racing taking place at the Curragh on 11th and 12th September combines exceptional racing with great fashion, food and fun over two days.

The Irish Field St Leger takes centre stage on Saturday with some of Europe’s top middle distance performers battling for success in the final Classic race of the year. Potential runners include Ascot Gold Cup hero Rite of Passage, Profound Beauty, Melbourne Cup runner up Pop Rock, recent Group 3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes winner San Frontieres and the Godolphin owned Kitwood. The Group 1 contest is established as one of the premier trial races in the world for the Emirates Melbourne Cup and there will be an opportunity for one lucky person to win a holiday of a lifetime to attend Australia’s greatest race. The Group 1 National Stakes and the inaugural running of the Curragh Amateur Riders Derby will also be part of a star studded line up.

Saturday of the Festival is now established as one of the most fashionable days in the Autumn racing calendar. Think “Absolutely Fabulous” as the association with one of the world’s premier champagne brands has risen the profile of the day, whereby it is now an important date in the social diary. Bollinger in conjunction with K Club will present some exciting prizes to the ladies judged to be wearing the Most Stylish Hats on the day.

Sunday is the ultimate family race day with top class racing featuring the Group 2 Blandford Stakes combined with lots of free activities for young children courtesy of K Bowl, including giant WII games, face paintings, reptile zoo, live music from Johnny Peters and free candy floss. There will be a strong sporting theme to include exhibition games  with children from sports clubs, while there will be a re-enactment by Royston Boxing Club of the historic boxing match between Dan Donnelly and George Cooper which took place on the Curragh in 1815, plus it is hoped to have Dan Donnelly’s legendary arm on display.

The Curragh in association with the Independent Brewers and Distillers of Ireland has brought together some of Ireland’s finest micro brewers to showcase their products in order to create a special event as part of the Festival. This will take place over both days in the new Garden Enclosure close to the parade ring.  The Thorough-Brew Village will give anyone attending the races the opportunity to purchase and sample a variety of great beers.  Some of those taking place include the Porterhouse from Dublin, White Gypsy from County Tipperary, Franciscan Well from Cork, the Galway Hooker, Hilden Brewery from Belfast, Dungarvan Brewing company from County Waterford, Trouble Brewing from County Kildare, Craigavon based Clanconnell Brewing, Whitewater Brewing Company from Co. Down, Carlow Brewing company, Beoir Corca Dhuibhne Brewing Company from the Gaeltacht in Co. Kerry, together with Double L Cider, Bunratty Mead and whiskey from the well famous Cooley Distillery.

The Curragh Racecourse in association with Horse Racing Ireland will celebrate the magnificent achievements of HRI’s 2010 Flat Ambassador Michael Kinane by staging an exhibition of his racing successes taking place in the Bollinger Champagne Bar. Kinane is the only jockey who can claim wins in all the major European Group Ones as well as in the Belmont Stakes, the Breeders’ Cup, the Japan Cup, the Hong Kong Cup and the Melbourne Cup. This exhibition will honour Kinane’s many successes over three decades with a once in a lifetime opportunity to see a magnificent collection of memorabilia which will highlight his legendary career.

K Bowl will present a trophy to the leading trainer stable of the Festival and a bowling party for 18 of their staff.