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October 2010 Archives

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October 28, 2010

Mondello Drifting Practice Winter Schedule Starts November 6th

drift-practice Saturday November 6th will be our first Drifting Practice date of a winter schedule which will see prices reduced due to the shorter daylight hours. For the next few events Drifting Practice will run between 10:00 and 16:00 with a slightly reduced amount of track time but with a significant reduction in cost. The price for a full day will now be €125.00 per driver and this lower price is expected to create quite a lot of interest in off-season drifting.


Drifting practice has become popular with both the competition and amateur drifter alike as it offers the chance to get more drifting experience under your belt than you would achieve in a full season of competition. The sessions run on a shortened, more flowing version of the Mondello Park National Circuit, which creates non-stop drifting action that is highly popular with spectators and participants.


A full competition car is not required, Roll Cages are not compulsory and passengers are allowed, making Drifting Practice ideal for Competition Drifters and Track Day drivers who find drifting opportunities restricted on regular Mondello Park Track Days. Normal Mondello Park Track Day rules and regulations apply (for further information see HERE).


Bookings are now being taken. To secure your place contact Jackie or Sharon on 045-860200 or info@mondellopark.ie.


October 26, 2010

Czech Ambassador launches Desmond Egan Poetry Collection

Book Launch - Venue: Newbridge Credit Union, Main Street, Newbridge

ATHLONE ATHLONE by Desmond Egan
Photographs by Noel Finnerty
Launch by HE Tomas Kafka Ambassador of Czech Republic

Angelus of the small place we discover
has left us in exile everywhere else 
someone waves from the front door and turns back in

Athlone AthloneThe Czech flag will be flying in Newbridge on Tuesday November 2nd when the Ambassador visits the town to launch a new Poetry Collection by Desmond Egan.

Part One of this Collection was published in 1980 and quickly sold out. The new edition reprints those poems and also those from the recent Limited Edition of 40 copies. 

Included are Listening to John McCormack (who of course lived in and had many connections with Kildare) hitherto available only in the poster form issued in 1984 for the centenary of the tenor’s birth: In Athlone Athlone Desmond Egan both celebrates the town of his birth and a wide cross-section of its everyday people – and later reflects on the changes that have altered the character of the town where he  was bred, born and reared: hence the double name in the title.

Egan was recently described by Professor Brian Arkins of NUI Galway as ‘a major poet: both midland poet but also universal one’ – a description echoed by many commentators and critics, including  Czech Ambassador Tomas Kafka, who is also a writer.

Two major Collections by Egan have been published in Prague, in Czech and English.
The handsome A4 size of Athlone Athlone  is well suited to feature the fascinating photographs of Noel Finnerty; these alone would make the book a must for all book lovers. There are a couple of especially evocative shots of the midland town in rain, from the lens of this noted photographer-cum-designer.

72 pages  A4 size Paperback    price: €20
Newbridge Credit Union  Tuesday 2nd November   7.30p.m.
Launch by H.E. Tomas Kafke Ambassador of Czech Republic.

Refreshments.  All are welcome.


October 22, 2010

Piano Quartet Cappa Ensemble bring magic to Riverbank, Nov 5

Cappa EnsembleMUSIC NETWORK PRESENTS

PIANO QUARTET CAPPA ENSEMBLE,

AT RIVERBANK ARTS CENTRE, NEWBRIDGE ON FRIDAY 5TH NOVEMBER, 8pm

Tickets €15/€13

Bookings: www.riverbank.ie / Box Office 045 448327

“This young award-winning Belfast pianist has an intuitive feel for music, and can cross musical boundaries effortlessly." Sunday Business Post on Michael McHale

“Intensely poetic” New Zealand Herald on Bartosz Woroch

“O’Kane’s tender cello solo was welcome balm” www.classicalsource.com on Brian O’Kane

 Music Network is delighted to present the exceptional Cappa Ensemble, a quartet of outstanding young artists from Ireland, Poland and the UK, including two former winners of the Camerata Ireland Young Musician of the Year award, Michael McHale and Brian O’Kane. Performing works by Mozart, Walton, Schumann and contemporary Irish composer Elaine Agnew, Cappa Ensemble perform at the River Bank Arts Centre, Newbridge on Friday 5th November at 8 PM. Tickets priced €15 / €13. To book contact 045 448327 or book online at www.riverbank.ie  

Named after the celebrated 17th-century Italian violin-maker Gioffredo Cappa, this exciting young chamber ensemble has quickly established itself as a quartet of outstanding artistry, equally at home playing classical and contemporary works. Previously a very successful string quartet, in July 2008 the group shifted its focus to performing works for both string trio and piano quartet. It has toured extensively in Australasia and Japan as well as enjoying a busy concert schedule performing to audiences throughout the UK. Cappa Ensemble was awarded a place on Music Network’s Young Musicwide scheme in 2009.

Its four members are all top-notch performers in their own right – and both Brian O’Kane and Michael McHale are former winners of the Camerata Ireland Young Musician of the Year. McHale has established himself as one of the leading Irish pianists of his generation, while cellist O’Kane has collaborated with artists such as the Vanbrugh Quartet, the Philharmonia Orchestra and Vladimir Ashkenazy. Polish violinist Bartosz Woroch has toured with the Bern Symphony Orchestra and the Polish Radio Chamber Orchestra and performed at the Barbican and the Wigmore Hall, and violist Adam Newman has played with the London Steve Reich Ensemble, the English Chamber Orchestra and the London Conchord Ensemble.

This concert is promoted by Music Network and the Riverbank Arts Centre. Music Network tours provide a wonderful opportunity to see some of the world’s foremost music ensembles at affordable prices in venues around Ireland and are presented in association with RTÉ lyric fm.  Music Network is funded by the Arts Council.

Cappa Ensemble Programme:

Mozart piano quartet in g minor k.478

1. Allegro
2. Andante
3. Rondon

 Walton piano quartet in d minor (1921)

 1. Allegramente
2. Allegro Scherzando
3. Andante tranquillo
4. Allegro molto

Interval

Elaine Agnew string trio - 3 Angry Men (1991).  

Schumann piano quartet in E flat Major op.47

1. Sostenuto assai - Allegro ma non troppo
2. Scherzo. Molto vivace - Trio I - Trio II
3. Andante cantabile
4. Finale. Vivace

 


October 21, 2010

Leinster Needs Your Vote in the Field of Dreams Competition

Danesfort GAA In the days where we are fighting obesity and  apathy in our youth here is a fantastic opportunity to receive 100,000 Euros to improve a local sporting club to further develop this facility in our local area.

It needs all the support it can get. With only 10 days to go we (Leinster Finalists Danesfort GAA)  are fast running out of time and are currently in SECOND PLACE.

Visit www.kelloggs.ie/whatson/field-of-dreams/

 and Vote for Danesfort - Leinster. You can vote every day.

You can also vote by text : Text the word KELLOGGS followed by Leinster to 53799

One text vote is permitted per day. Each Text costs 20c

Remember to vote every single day YOU CAN TEXT VOTE AND EMAIL VOTE, THAT'S 2 VOTES A DAY!


October 18, 2010

New Campaign to Stop Drug Dealing

Dial-To-Stop-Drug-Dealing Kildare North Fianna Fáil TD and Minister of State, Áine Brady has welcomed the news that the confidential hotline ‘Dial to Stop Drug Dealing' has proved to be such a success.

"New figures show that 7,000 people have used the ‘Dial to Stop Drug Dealing' confidential hotline over the past two years."

"The service has provided 2,000 leads for Gardaí to follow up to tackle dealers. The line has been in operation since 2008 and is a very successful tool for local Gardaí in responding to those who want to peddle drugs in our communities."

"A new campaign has been launched to promote the line in Kildare and throughout the country - which will use local newspapers and radio."

"It is important that we again reassure people that they can provide information on an absolutely confidential basis. They do not have to leave a name and no telephone records will be kept, the call will not even appear on your bill."

"While the helpline has an important role to play it is also important to note that it is part of a multi agency approach to the drug problem. The Government believes in supporting addicts and their families while at the same time coming down hard on those dealing in drugs."

"The confidential number to provide information is 1890 220 220. More information is also available at www.dialtostop.ie."

"Kildare people have civic pride in their local areas and do not want drug dealers on their streets, local parks and in other areas, this line gives them an opportunity to report such activity in a way that will allow them to protect their areas without fear of intimidation", concluded Minister Brady.


October 15, 2010

Fun Filled Halloween Scares at Riverbank Arts Centre

Red Thread Theatre Company presents A SCARE AT HALLOWEEN

Halloween at RiverbankDate: Sunday 31st October 

Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

Time: 3pm and 5pm (Duration: 55 mins)

Price: €8 (Family Rate 4 for €30)

Suitable for 4-12yrs

What does it take to build a great Halloween event for all the family?

Well, Riverbank Arts Centre and Red Thread Theatre Company may have the answer...

First collect 21 scares, add 12 good frights, one shiver down the spine, a bag of spiders, 3 bumps in the night, half a creaking door and a pinch of ghostly sounds, Mix well in a large cauldron. Leave for a very long time in a very dark place and the LET OUT SUDDENLY! For an extra scare, add some witches, goblins and wizards!

Red Thread Theatre Company presents this interactive show for 4 to 12 year olds at Riverbank Arts Centre on Sunday 31st October. There are two shows on the day, one at 3pm and again at 5pm. Tickets are €8 with a family rate of 4 tickets for €30. It’s a great way to get into the Halloween spirit. Audience members are invited to get dressed up, come in costume and join in A Scare at Halloween!

Join in the Halloween atmosphere and COME IN FANCY DRESS


Rallycross Season Kicks off With Impressive Supercar Entry

The new Mondello Park winter Rallycross Season kicks off this Sunday (October 17th) with round two of the 2010/11 Motorsport Ireland Rallycross Championship. More than eighty cars will line up for the Count Kildare Motor Club event headed by an impressive Supercar field made up of of ten cars. The event will also be a celebration of Irelands first ever European Rallycross Champion, as Dubliner Derek Tohill returns form his European travels to demonstrate his ERC Division 2 winning Fiesta for the first time in Ireland.

In the Supercar field, reigning champion Tommy Graham with his Fiesta is joined by former Irish champions Chris Evans (Opel Astra) and George Tracey (Citroen Xsara), with both make a welcome return to Mondello after more than a years absence. Also on the entry list is UK Visitor 'Mad' Mark Watson with his Xsara, the three car Bunclody Motorsport team with their Subaru Impreza's and three Mitsubishi Evo's for David James, David Dempsey and John Kelly.

Fifteen cars will contest the modified division led by the Coyne brothers while there are also strong entries in Stockhatch and the Rallycar class. With a number of drivers no longer eligible due to the age restrictions, entries in the Junior category are down slightly but a quality field of ten cars is set to battle for the newly announced championship awards of a Ginetta Junior test drive for the top three at the end of the season.

The event is the first of six winter events which will make up the majority of the Irish championship between now and March 2011. Admission to this weekends event is €15.00 for adults with under 16's admitted free of charge. Discounted admission of €10.00 is available through the Special Offers page of the Mondello Park web site where details of other discounts can also be found.

 


Pilates Classes in Kildare Town

Nov/Dec Pilates Course 6 weeks €50.

Starting Tues 9th Nov 6-7pm - CYMS Hall, Kildare Town

Wednesday 10th Nov 6-7pm & 7-8pm - Scoil Bhride Naofa, Kildare Town

Book your place in advance by calling/texting Sara 0863203006. BBU Certified Instructor.



October 14, 2010

Autumn Garden Talk - Leixlip - 19th October

The first in a series of gardening talks hosted by Shane Fitzgerald of Carraig Flowers & Gifts, Leixlip will be held in the school hall of Scoil Uí Dhálaigh, Celbridge Road, Leixlip on Tuesday 19th October at 7.30pm.

The “Autumn Garden Talk” will include discussions on the plants suitable for planting in autumn, seasonal gardening activities, planting of bare root trees as well as potting, flower and dressed pumpkin demonstrations.

Admission is €5.00, with all proceeds going to Coiste an Clós, Scoil Uí Dhálaigh for school playground improvement works.

Parents, gardening enthusiasts, friends and family are all very welcome. Tá fáilte roimh cách 

 


October 13, 2010

Inaugural Meeting - Friends of the Shackleton Collection

Inaugural Meeting of The Friends of the Shackleton Collection & Athy Heritage Centre Museum.

Monday 18th October 7.30pm at the Heritage Centre Museum

The object of the Friends is to assist in the development of Athy Heritage Centre as:

  • A centre for developing interest in the history of Athy and district.
  • Through the Shackleton Autumn School developing interest in polar exploration and especially the life and achievements of Ernest Shackleton.
  • A centre for the collection, maintenance and display of material relating to the history of Athy and district.


Membership is open to any person or body wishing to support the objectives of the Friends.

 


October 11, 2010

1000 CASH Prize at Ladies Day, Naas Races Oct 17

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 Nusery of €70,000 is one of the feature races on a very attractive 8 race programme. This is traditionally one of the biggest race meetings 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 be a €1000 Cash Prize to the most stylishly dressed lady on the day. The momentum and anticipation has been building throughout the year with all sights firmly set on the prize, not forgetting our finalists. All 10 fashion finalists picked from the glamorous crowd by Karen will receive a Beauty Hamper worth €150 including a bottle of Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Rosé and all ladies who dress up get to enjoy a Sparkling Jacobs Creek reception.

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 – Go for the subtle approach with understate elegance, Come 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 with Free Children’s Kidz Club.

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 http://www.naasracecourse.com/.

 


October 08, 2010

Mondello Season Finale to Feature GT Endurance Race

This Sunday Mondello Park's Car Race season will be completed by the traditional non-championship end of year fun event. This season however the event will take on a new significance as it will feature the first races for a new GT Endurance race class which could well be introduced full time in 2011.

Sunday's event will be run by the County Kildare Motor Club in association with the Motorsport Ireland Race Committee The GT class has been introduced to provide a home for Supercars, Porsche Open competitors and sportscars such as Lotus's, which previously ran in Saloon Libre races. The race format will see a short sprint race run on Sunday morning with a 45 minute endurance race in the afternoon.

The GT race will be open to single and two driver teams and all competing cars will be required to undertake a mandatory pit stop. The pit stops will be of a minimum length in order to ensure that the single driver cars do not gain an advantage while the other teams swap drivers.

The only championship races on the programme will be for the Ginetta Junior Ireland series which is only open to fourteen to seventeen year olds. The Ginettas will race twice to round out their first ever championship which only got under way during the Summer months. Also on the schedule will be a double header for Formula Libre cars and single races for Formula Vee, Historics, Pre 1955 cars and a mixed grid of ITCC cars and Fiats.


October 07, 2010

Kildare Film Talent on the Big Screen at Riverbank

Paperman Cinema fans have a lot to choose from at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge these days. In conjunction with its Monday night CINEMA Club and Film Appreciation Society, Riverbank Arts Centre is also running a season of short films made by talented filmmakers from around Kildare. 

The popular Shorts Season is back this Autumn with a nice range of short films from around the county and to begin the Shorts Season on Monday October 18th Riverbank will screen Paperman by Kildare’s Prickly Pear Productions.

Directed by Celbridge native Richard Kelly, Paperman is an animated short which follows a lone man's quest to find his true love in a busy paper metropolis. Will he find the Papergirl he hopes for? This is the story of Paperman.

From Celbridge, Richard Kelly graduated from Ballyfermot Senior College in 1997 with a Diploma in classical animation. He later went on to achieve a BA in Hons Animation at Wolverhampton University in England. Since leaving college in 1997 he worked for various animation studios in Australia, England and Ireland. He has 11 years 2d and 3d experience, ranging from animated feature films to television series for The Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and Walt Disney.

Richard has written and directed two short animated films to date, entitled  WALTER and PAPERMAN.  WALTER was showcased around the globe in many film festivals, from San Francisco to Brisbane.  It’s highest accolade to date is winning best independent film at The Canadian International film festival in 2008. PAPERMAN is Prickly Pear’s most recent piece of work. Directed, designed and written by Richard, along with co writer Sean William Ryan. The film was funded by The Irish Film Board, RTE & The Arts Council.  It was first screened at The Galway Film Festival, July of this year, and is currently about to embark on the film festival circut for the coming year.

Other shorts scheduled for screening at Riverbank Arts Centre include TURNING POINT, written and directed by Alan Lawlor on the 15th November, ALIBI, directed by Darren Bolger and Caroline Campbell on the 22nd, WINDOWS, written and directed by Ken Walshe on the 29th November, and, THE STONE PICKER: Directed by Francis Gorman/Written by James Dardis on the 6th December.

The Monday night Feature film which will be screened following Paperman on the 18th is Welcome. The multi award-winning new film from writer/director Philippe Lioret, WELCOME is a compassionate and inspiring drama about the hope of new beginnings and the power of true love. The film also focuses on illegal immigrants trying to reach England from Calais, and the risk taken by the French people who help them. A huge critical and box office success in its native France, this profoundly moving masterwork was awarded the Ecumenical Jury Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival, named Best Film at the 2010 Lumiere Awards, and received an astonishing ten Cesar nominations including Best Film and Director.

Don’t miss out on seeing some of Kildare’s best film talent with Riverbank Shorts Season, starting on Monday 18th October. All shorts will be screened before the Monday feature film

For further information visit www.riverbank.ie or to enquire about Riverbank CINEMA Club membership please contact box office on 045 448327 or email boxoffice@riverbank.ie

The following films are coming soon to Riverbank CINEMA…

Cinema Club Autumn 2010

October- Monday Night Screenings

04/10/10 – Departures
11/10/10 – Precious
18/10/10 – Welcome

November- Monday Night Screenings

01/11/10 – Dogtooth
15/11/10 – Nowhere Boy
22/11/10 – A Single Man
29/11/10 – Samson and Delilah

December- Monday Night Screenings

06/12/10 – The Last Station
13/12/10 – I Am Love
20/12/10 – Lourdes

 
Riverbank Shorts Season

All shorts will be screened before the Monday feature film

  • 18/10/10 – PAPERMAN: Directed by Richard Kelly/Written by Richard Kelly & Sean Ryan/Produced by Jessica Kelly
  • 15/11/10 TURNING POINT: Written and Directed by Alan Lawlor
  • 22/11/10 ALIBI: Directed by Darren Bolger and Caroline Campbell
  • 29/11/10 WINDOWS: Written and directed by Ken Walshe
  • 06/12/10 THE STONE PICKER: Directed by Francis Gorman/Written by James Dardis

Birdwatch Kildare Programme for October, November

Following on from BirdWatch Kildare’s hugely successful opening meeting in August, we’d like to welcome you along to our upcoming events.

7th October - We have secured BirdWatch Ireland’s Niall Hatch to give an illustrated presentation on garden birds at 20:00. This promises to be enthralling and hugely informative. The Training room, Level 0, Kildare County Council offices in Aras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, located on the old Newbridge Road.

9th October - We have organised a field trip to Ballinafagh Lake, a good local bird watching site in the Prosperous area. Further details on directions and arrangements for the fieldtrip will be available at the meeting on the 7th October. It’s advisable to wear suitable outdoor footwear and to bring a rain jacket. We’d appreciate also if you could leave dogs at home. Meet in Prosperous at 08:45 for carpooling or at the lake car park at 09:00.

11th November - Jamie Durrant, BirdWatch Ireland’s Membership Development Officer, has agreed to give a talk entitled “Beginning Bird watching” at 20:00, again at the County Council Offices in Naas. Jamie is a lifelong birder and brings infectious enthusiasm for birds and bird conservation.

13th November - Bird Atlas event. The Atlas project is run by BirdWatch Ireland, and attending this event is a great way to contribute to a worthwhile conservation project. Taking part couldn’t be simpler and it promises to be a great morning’s birding! We will start in the car park of the Osprey Hotel in Naas at 10:00 am and then meet in the hotel afterwards to chat about our progress over a cup of tea. Again, please wear suitable outdoor footwear and bring a rain jacket. For information on the Bird Atlas check out www.bto.org/birdatlas

In the meantime, please keep up to date with events and news by logging on to the BirdWatch Ireland Kildare Branch’s Facebook page.  We welcome your photos, comments and questions on this page too. Also, keep an eye out for our website www.birdwatchkildare.com  which will be up and running soon. For any other queries please don’t hesitate to contact me at niallgtierney@gmail.com

I look forward to meeting you on the 7th of October, and would ask that you forward the details of the forthcoming events to anyone else you know who would be interested.

Best wishes,

Niall Tierney


October 06, 2010

Halloween Creepy Crawlie Fun Camp - 28th October

Are you looking for some fun activities for your children during the Halloween midterm break?   
 
The Bog of Allen Nature Centre will be holding a Halloween Creepy Crawlie Fun Camp for students aged 7-13 years.  The camp will be held on Thursday 28th October between 10am and 1pm.
 
Activities on the day will include pond dipping, creepy crawlie hunt in our insect hotel, bat crafts and a visit to our flytraps exhibition.  
 
All activities will be fully supervised by experienced instructors.  The cost of the camp is 15 Euro and booking is essential, as there is limited places.    
 
If you would like to make a booking contact the Bog of Allen Nature Centre on 045-860133.

Thu 28 Oct  2010 @ 10am - 1pm


Admission: €15 (booking essential)

Venue: Bog of Allen Nature Centre , Lullymore , Rathangan, Co. Kildare

Phone: 045-860133

Email: bogs@ipcc.ie  Website: www.ipcc.ie


 



October 05, 2010

Funding for Housing Units for Clane, Leixlip and Celbridge

Local TD and Minister of State, Aine Brady TD, has been informed by her colleague the Minister for Housing and Local Services, Mr Michael Finneran TD., that he has approved the purchase of 14 units for long-term accommodation for persons with special housing needs in the North Kildare area.

'The allocation, which is under the Capital Assistance Scheme, aims to provide 14 units of long-term accommodation for persons with special housing needs, particularly persons exiting homelessness as well as older people and people with a disability.'

'Approved today will ensure that, KARE in Clane will receive 4 units, St Johns of God Trust In Celbridge will receive 5 units and Circle Housing Association in Leixlip will receive 5 units.'

'This announcement is made on foot of the response to a national "Call for Proposals" issued by the Minister's Department to approved voluntary and co-operative housing bodies, to submit proposals for the immediate delivery of good quality, secure long-term accommodation for people with special housing needs.'

'I want to compliment all the voluntary agencies involved for their work in submitting their proposals and for their on-going great work and dedication to improving the quality of accommodation and the quality of life of so many families and individuals". concluded Minister Brady.


High speed Broadband boost for 3 Kildare schools

Three Kildare schools are to receive high speed broadband under a Government scheme according to local Fianna Fáil TD and Minister of State, Áine Brady.

"Coláiste Naomh Mhuire on the Sallins Road in Naas, the Salesian College in Celbridge and Maynooth Post Primary on the Moyglare Road will each receive high speed broadband under the €13 million Broadband to Schools Scheme. The schools will get 100 megabit high speed fibre and wireless broadband."

"The Broadband speeds that will now be available to these schools are the equivalent to the speeds on offer to multinational corporations here."

"I am delighted to see this investment in Kildare schools. The Broadband to Schools scheme will be available to other local secondary schools within the next two years."

"As our economy becomes more high-tech it is vital that students are confident in their use of technology and having these extra facilities at school will assist," concluded Minister Brady.

 


October 01, 2010

Double the fun at Riverbank - 2 for €20 offer

Have twice the fun, save money and maybe try something new with a special 2 for €20 offer at Riverbank Arts Centre.

Next week Riverbank is crammed with entertainment - a comic farce, excellent music and a heart-warming theatre- who could ask for more.

On Tuesday 12th October beat the recession blues with some comic therapy in Low Pay? Don’t Pay! This is an uproarious brand new 2010 version, by Dario Fo himself of his frenetic 1974 farce, "Can't Pay? Won't Pay."  Housewives, Antonia and Margherita, fed up with high prices in the supermarket, take matters into their own hands and start shoplifting. Keen to keep their light-fingered antics from their husbands, Giovanni and Luigi - not to mention the police - the women are forced to resort to more and more inventive hiding places and more and more elaborate cover stories. You won’t want to miss this uplifting and legendary comedy.

On Wednesday night try something new and brace yourself for a few bombshells as Greg Felton’s trio go head to head with the incomparable vocalist Isa Wiss. Tipped as a major star of the future, Wiss is one of those musicians who defies description; her remarkable technique and three-octave range make her a truly free improviser who can switch from stuttering gasps and cries to honeyed tones in a single phrase. Greg Felton is the perfect foil for Wiss’ vocal acrobatics, hailed in the Irish Times as “the most gifted young pianist on the scene”, this will be a nice gig for musicians and music lovers alike.

Finally, this week of non-stop entertainment will wrap up with a heart-warming production of Tuesdays with Morrie. Based on the best-selling book by Mitch Albom. this beautiful play tells the story of a professor and a student who meet after sixteen years. When the student, Mitch, discovers that his much loved tutor, Morrie, is suffering from a terminal illness,  they begin to spend Tuesdays together and Mitch learns the lessons of life and death from Morrie. Directed by John McDwyer and featuring Michael Roper and Pat Feeley, Tuesdays with Morrie is a warm, funny, compassionate and life enhancing evening of theatre. An unmissable production from Beezneez Theatre Company.

Three great shows in a row. Take your pick and be entertained on the double at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge. For further details on these shows visit www.riverbank.ie or to avail of this special 2 for €20 offer call 045 448327