County Kildare News

Are you puzzled about your high energy bills? Do you often feel unexplainable draughts in your home? If you answered yes to either of the above you probably need to assess where your home is losing heat. A large part of the expensive energy generated and used in your home can be wasted due to insufficient insulation and poor sealing around construction components.

There is a brand new service being offered by Snughome.ie to all Kildare residents They can give your home a comprehensive home energy audit, heat loss analysis and a quality assurance check of installed insulation. Snughome use state of the art sophisticated infrared technology which will high light any heat or energy losses from your home and pin point areas where your home needs insulation or repair. These cameras can detect a change in temperature of as little as 0.02 of a degree Celsius. Infrared/Thermal Imaging cameras are used by NASA, CIA, FBI and Scotland yard.

Example of an Infrared/Thermal image highlighting where heat is escaping through an attic hatch, not visible to the human eye.

These state of the art cameras along with a desk top and custom designed software enable Snughome to produce professional non-biased report on the condition of your home. Although clichés the camera really doesn’t lie, and while a picture tells a thousand words an infrared/thermal image tells many many more.

The Infrared/Thermal imaging camera will pin point where your home is losing/leaking valuable heat energy. Snughome will help you slash the cost of your home heating fuel bills, helping you save money, energy and thus the environment

Buying a Home?
Don’t buy a home in Co Kildare without first having an Infrared/Thermal Imaging inspection carried out. Ensure your prospective home is free of dangerous or potentially expensive defects, it could save you thousands. Infrared/Thermal imaging inspections by Trained Snughome inspectors are a powerful and non invasive means of monitoring and diagnosing the condition of your prospective home. We can help prevent costly mistakes in buying property with hidden problems. Infrared Thermography quickly identifies problem areas in a property that can’t be seen by the naked eye and eliminates older more costly inspection techniques that require lots of labour and destructive probing.
 
Building Inspection (BER) VS Thermal Imaging
Recently I was asked “whats the difference between a building inspection (BER) and a thermal imaging inspection?”
Both a building inspector and a certified Thermographer play very important roles in the process of buying a home. The difference is that a certified thermal imaging camera operator can find a leak and see signs of what’s happening behind walls floors and ceilings.
The above picture is an example of what we mean: Thermal imaging cameras detect temperature differences on any given surface, we then know where the problem starts and finishes. Do you really think a building inspector is going to be able to visually see where the insulation starts and finishes behind plaster? With a thermal imaging camera, we can detect such problems very quickly.

For more information, contact Snughome on 08 77781444
www.snughome.ie 

Thursday 2nd December 2010 at 8.00pm in Aras Chill Dara, Naas

THIS MEETING HAS BEEN POSTPONED due to adverse weather conditions

On October 4th 2010 Co. Kildare Joint Policing Committee held their first Open Forum meeting, at which communities were given an opportunity to identify initiatives which could contribute to improved community policing and prevention of future crime in County Kildare.

One of the initiatives identified was to support the revival of Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert Schemes in Kildare. As part of this initiative the Crime, Drugs and Public Order sub-committee would like to invite you to a meeting on Thursday 2nd December at 8.00pm in Aras Chill Dara, Naas.

AGENDA

8.00pm Welcome: Cllr Mark Wall - Chair of Crime, Drugs and Public Order

8.05pm Presentation from An Garda Siochana

8.15pm Community Alert- Noel McCarthy, Regional Development Officer

8.30pm Rathangan Community Alert - Texting model

8.40pm Dial to Stop Drugs campaign - Stephen Joyce

8.50pm Questions and Answers

9.00pm Close - Refreshments

We look forward to seeing you on the night

www.kildarejointpolicing.ie

POSTPONED due to weather conditions.

Annual Public Meeting of the Athy Joint Policing Committee.

The annual public meeting of the Athy JPC will take place on

Monday, 29th November, 2010 at 7.15pm in the Carlton Abbey Hotel, Athy.  

The Athy Joint Policing Committee was established in 2006 (under the Garda Siochana Act 2005 as part of a pilot scheme). The success of the scheme in the initial areas has led to the establishment of further committees on a countrywide basis. The Athy JPC currently has members representing Athy Town Council, Gardai, Oireachtas members and the local Community.  

All members of the public are invited to attend this annual meeting, which will focus on supports available to persons (and their families) affected by drugs, including alcohol abuse. The meeting will also highlight the work of the local JPC to date and future plans.    

Information:

Town Clerk, Athy Town Council

059 8631444

info@athytowncouncil.ie

www.kildarejointpolicing.ie

Kildare Sports Partnership would like to invite applications from sports clubs under its Club Development Grant Scheme 2010. Funding for this grants scheme is provided through the Irish Sports Council.

The purpose of this grant is to provide assistance to clubs, sports clubs and organisations involved in physical activity in County Kildare in support of Participation Initiatives, Club Development and Training and the purchase of non-capital equipment.

This grant scheme aims to support clubs, coaches and volunteers to develop greater participation of people of all ages and abilities in sport and physical activity, in particular amongst target groups.

Application forms and grant criteria can be downloaded from www.kildaresportspartnership.ie. Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 p.m. Friday, 3 December 2010. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Completed application forms should be returned to-

Sports Partnership Grant Scheme 2010, Kildare Sports Partnership, Kildare County Council, Level 5 Community and Culture, Áras Chill Dara, Naas, Co Kildare

or

Email : ksp@kildarecoco.ie Telephone : (045) 980546 / 980547

PLEASE NOTE: To be eligible to apply for grant funding clubs/organisations should first register on the Kildare Sports Partnership website at www.kildaresportspartnership.ie

PLEASE NOTE: Tonight's (Fri 3rd) performance has been CANCELLED

The Performance Corporation presents: Slattery’s Sago Saga

Adapted by Arthur Riordan from the unfinished novel by Flann O’Brien

Director – Jo Mangan
RIVERBANK ARTS CENTRE, NEWBRIDGE
3 & 4 December 2010, 8pm
TICKETS €18/ €16
Box Office: 045 448 327

With their national tour drawing to a close and their much anticipated performance of Slattery’s Sago Saga set to take place on 3rd & 4th of December, The Performance Corporation has received widespread critical acclaim for their production of Flann O’Brien’s unfinished comic masterpiece.

Based in Castletown House in Celbridge, Cio. Kildare, The Performance Corporation’s mission is to create daring theatrical adventures that energize, challenge, inspire and entertain audiences.

Their work strives to stretch the boundaries of where, how and what theatre can be. The team relishes taking audiences on site-specific journeys to out-of-the-way places, and transforming the commonplace into a realm of dramatic possibilities.

This hugely entertaining show is produced by The Performance Corporation, who created the Irish Times Award winning plays Candide and The Nose, as well as the Kilkenny Arts Festival and Edinburgh Fringe hit Dr Ledbetter’s Experiment. Mangan says: ‘We are really looking forward to bringing our work directly into venues in Ireland in-between international tours of the company to Finland and the US.’

The Performance Corporation is proud to bring the sell-out hit comedy Slattery’s Sago Saga on a national tour, with two performances only in their home county of Kildare at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge.

Based on Flann O’Brien’s unfinished satire, Slattery’s Sago Saga is brought roaring to life by Arthur Riordan - writer of international hit Improbable Frequency.

Director Jo Mangan says: ‘After presenting our work at festivals both nationally and internationally it’s fantastic to be back on the road in Ireland again. Slattery’s Sago Saga was such an incredible hit with audiences when it premiered in the summer that we felt we really had to tour it.’

In Slattery’s Sago Saga, Tim Hartigan’s quiet life at Poguemahone Hall is shattered by the arrival of a Scotch woman with a ridiculously evil plan to outlaw the Irish potato and utter confusion awaits in the shape of a politically-correct Leprechaun, a beautiful typist and a tycoon T.D. bent on bankrupting the country. One part carnival, one part surreal satire on modern Ireland, Slattery’s Sago Saga is a night of pure entertainment for all ages.

With this show, Jo Mangan directs an award-winning cast of familiar faces including Clare Barrett (Best Actress, Dublin Fringe 2010), Darragh Kelly (The Clinic, Batman Begins), Lisa Lambe (Last Days of the Celtic Tiger, Bachelor’s Walk), Aonghus Og McAnally (Best Actor, Dublin Fringe 2010) and Barry Ward (Roddy Doyle’s Family, Plough and the Stars at the Abbey).

Recently reviewed on RTE’s The View, crictics could not praise the show enough with journalist Harry Brown proclaiming that Slattery’s Sago Saga is  ‘Absolutely hilarious…everyone should go and see this play, it is absolutely fantastic…stunning…out of this world’.

High praise indeed and those looking for a high-energy, fun-filled night of entertainment would be well advised not to miss this outstanding show. For bookings and further information on Slattery’s Sago Sago Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th  December, call Riverbank Arts Centre Box Office on 045 448327 or visit www.riverbank.ie.

We are an independent television company producing a pilot television show for RTE on genealogy. Our show will do for genealogy what The Antiques Roadshow has done for antiques.
 
We are looking for people in the Kildare area to contact us with their family history stories.
 
Do you believe you are related to a famous person or historical figure?
 
Do you have a relative that was linked to a landmark event in history?
 
Do you have a family mystery you would like solved?
 
Please tell us your story by contacting our team - info@bigmountainproductions.com
 
Our experts will be on hand to help you!

Mini Music Workshop

For babies and young children

Sunday December 12th
Times:
2.30-3pm Mini Minors 3-12 months
3-3.30pm Mini Majors 1-2 yrs
3.30-4pm Mini Mezzos 2-3 yrs
4-4.30pm Mini Muchos 3-4 yrs & Mini Maxis 4-5 yrs
 
On Sunday December 12th, budding baby musicians, from as young as 3 months up to 5 years, will have a chance to play and explore with music in a fun-filled Mini Music workshop.

MiniMusic is an action-packed music workshop experience for babies and young children aged 3 months to 5 years old.  Carefully designed to suit each of the age groups, these classes are fun and accessible with foot-tapping, memorable tunes!
 
Each of the MiniMusic sessions is led by a highly trained facilitator, using tuned and un-tuned percussion instruments and of course the one instrument we all have – the voice.
 
All children should be accompanied by an adult.
The classes are age specific and the details are outlined below.
 
Mini Minors 3-12 months
Mini Majors 1-2 yrs
Mini Mezzos 2-3 yrs
Mini Muchos 3-4 yrs & Mini Maxis 4-5 yrs

For more information contact Riverbank Arts Centre box office on 045 448327 or visit www.riverbank.ie

FBD Business Awards, in association with South Dublin Chamber, took place in the DCU Academy in City West Business Campus on Thursday November 18th.

The categories included: Best Customer Service, Best use of IT,Best Community Involvement Action and Best Recession Beating Idea.

Naas company Clark were honoured to be awarded with the Best Customer Service Award.

We would like to thank all who voted for Clark and will continue to provide our excellent service in 2011!

Kildare County Enterprise Board, in association with Naas Town Council, will provide free business advice clinics at the Town Hall, Naas on the following dates:

Tuesday 23rd November, 2:00pm to 6:00pm  - Financial Advisor

Thursday 25th November, 9:30am to 5:00pm - Start-up Business  Advisor

Thursday 25th November, 2:00pm to 6:00pm  - Social Media Networking Advisor

Friday 26th November, 9:30am to 1:00pm  - Marketing Advisor

Please ring (045) 861707 to book an appointment.

The official launch of "Acorn to Oak" took place in Scoil Bhríde Naofa (the Girls’ Primary School), Kildare Town on Sunday 21st November (Presentation Day).

This publication is a collection of photographs and articles to celebrate 180 years of the Presentation Convent and Schools in Kildare Town (1830-2010).

Compiled and edited by Joseph Connelly and published by Kildare Town’s local history group, Cill Dara Historical Society, it was officially launched by Sr. Elizabeth Maxwell, Provincial of the Presentation Sisters (Northern Province).

The hardback publication will cost €26.99.

For further information contact Joe at 086-1686236.

The children of Newbridge performance school, StageWorks are as busy as Santa's little helpers rehearsing for their upcoming show "Together in Paris", due to take place at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th November.

In this enchanting story, the children of Stageworks, tell the story of Anya and Dmitir on their journey to Paris. We see Princess Anastasia go from rags to riches and finally reunited with her family 'Together in Paris'

Through song, dance and drama the children tell the beautiful story of Russian Princess Anastasia, a heart warming yet funny story that will entertain all the family. This production is the result of just one term at StageWorks, the children started rehearsals in September and will be performing in Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge on the 27th & 28th November.

This show is produced & directed by Paula Conlan & Brenda Malone but the children are encouraged to get involved in all aspects of the production including Costume Design. The cast for "Together in Paris" range in ages from 4 to 16.

StageWorks new term will commence Jan 2011, new members welcome contact Brenda Malone or Paula Conlan www.stageworksnewbridge.ie. For tickets to see Together in Paris call 045 448327 or online at www.riverbank.ie

StageWorks presents:

Together in Paris

Sat 27th & Sun 28th Nov, 2pm and 5pm

Tickets: €10 (adults)/€5 (child)

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

Over the past few years, Newbridge native Jarlath Regan has been carving a very successful comedy career for himself. With accolades and praise from the Edinburgh festival, media outlets and from comedy fans alike, Jarlath Regan’s star has risen fast. Having previously played to home audiences at Riverbank Arts Centre, now, Jarlath is back with a brand new show for comedy fans to enjoy.

“Not So Common Sense” is a light-hearted look at the world and how something can be one thing in public, but another in private. It’s been a bad year for men like Tiger Woods & Ashley Cole, Jarlath suggests that men should work together to be better boyfriends, singletons and husbands. Expect Jokes, stories and illustrations about modern life that are sure to leave you beaming. Some of the stuff Jar has learned is useful, some is not, but don’t worry – it’s all funny.

Since 2006 Jarlath Regan- has been making a name for himself across the Irish and English comedy circuits and has made appearances on The Panel, Last Comic Standing, The World Stands Up and The Apprentice. Happily Jarlath returns to Riverbank with his brand new show for one night only- don’t miss it.

Jarlath Regan, Saturday 20th November, 8pm. Tickets €15/€12. Contact Riverbank Arts Centre box office on 045 448327 or book online at www.riverbank.ie

 “Comic Genius!” The Irish Times

  “Side-splitting stuff…causes near hysteria in the room” Metro **** 2008

 He leaves you in good spirits, with a fresh view of the world, wanting to be a happier person. Regan is a pro, a great comedian”
 Edinburgh Hairline *

This week saw the closure of two popular South Kildare venues- Kilkea Castle, near Castledermot, and the Hazel Hotel, Monasterevin.

The 24-bedroomed Hazel Hotel, which employed 44 people, went into voluntary liquidation on November 2nd. Staff had arrived for work as usual but were asked to leave the premises.

The Hotel was a popular venue for Country and Irish music.

A Receiver was appointed to Kilkea Castle Golf Club, who closed the bar, restaurant, clubhouse and function area. Golf facilities remain in operation while the search for a buyer continues. 25 jobs were lost as a result of the closure.

If you value your vote... This is one date to note!

The Draft Register of Electors is now on display at Kildare County Council’s offices and at your local Garda Station, Library, Post Office and online at www.checktheregister.ie until November 25.

If you are aged 18 or over you should check that your name and address are present and correct on the Draft Register and, if there is a mistake, please complete the form which is available at the above locations and at Kildare County Council offices and return to the Franchise Section at Kildare County Council before November 25. 

For any further queries contact 045 980201 or email regelectors@kildarecoco.ie

Call in now or check on www.checktheregister.ie … It’s the only way to have your say!

Kildare primary schools are set to receive grants totally over €1m for high-tech ICT equipment according to Local TD and Minister of State, Áine Brady.

"Kildare primary schools will receive a grant of €1,700 and €35.70 per capita to enable them to purchase ICT equipment and assist in making technology an integral part of the learning process."

"Last month, I was informed that all the post primary schools in the constituency will receive funding to upgrade their ICT facilities. This was in addition to commitment to provide three schools in the area with 100 megabit high speed fibre and wireless broadband. 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 the high speed broadband under the already announced €13 million Broadband to Schools Scheme."

'I will continue to work with all the Boards of Management, Principals and Parents Associations to continue to improve the school facilities.The Government recognises the need for investment in the ICT area and it is committed to providing funding to support the integration of information communications technology in teaching and learning in our schools.' concluded Minister Brady.

Local TD and Minister of State, Aine Brady TD, has been informed by Dublin Bus that it is to roll out its Network Direct  project for North Kildare commuters in the coming weeks to improve the services its offer to commuters in the area.

'Last week, I met with the National Transport Authority, who have overall responsibility for Transport issues in the Greater Dublin area, to outline key concerns of our commuters.'

'Dublin Bus's initiative will deliver more direct, high frequency and punctual bus services to commuters from Leixlip, Maynooth and Celbridge. The aim of the Network Direct project is to deliver a simpler network that is easier to understand provide more frequent and direct services, reducing travel time and improving reliability. Details of the changes can be obtained by visiting  www.dublinbus.ie/Network-Direct.'

'Part of the service improvements include a service to Moyglare Road and Meadowbrook in Maynooth and Gleneaston in Leixlip.'

'The National Transport Authority, set up in December 2009, is now adopting a co-ordinated approach to Transport Policy in the Greater Dublin Area. On Monday of this week, they met with Community Groups in Kilcock to discuss the concerns of reduced level of service following the withdrawal of Dublin Bus services. Later this month, they will carry a Real Time Passenger Information Pilot in Dublin and next year, this will be rolled out to the Greater Dublin area giving upto date information on Bus Times.'

'Since getting elected, I have continued to highlight the importance of improving our Public Transport Infrastructure in North Kildare. We have seen improvements to both the Bus and Rail services. Recently, the Transport Authority has allocated a €1m investment to improve the public transport infrastructure in the Maynooth. I will continue to work with all concerned to make further improvements to the public transport infrastructure in the county.' concluded Minister Brady.

A new date has been added to the Mondello Park Winter Drifting schedule and this early December date will run with a slightly changed format designed to better accommodate experienced and less experienced drifters.

Sunday December 5th will see Mondello Park drift practice split into two divisions for the first time, with licensed drifters and non-licensed drifters running in separate sessions. This new format will mean that faster drivers will not be held up by less experienced ones as much as previously. Less experienced drifters will also benefit as they will now be able to spend less time looking in their mirrors and more time drifting. These new arranegements are aimed at making drift practice safer and more accessible for all. On December 5th one session for professional drivers and at least one for amateurs will be run and these groups will alternate on track in 20 minute sessions.

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 for non-licenced sessions and Roll Cages are not compulsory. For the licenced session a full drift spec car is required including roll cage competition seats and harnesses. Passengers are allowed in either group. Normal Mondello Park Track Day rules and regulations apply (for further information see HERE).

Due to the shorter daylight hours the December 5th Practice Day will run between 10:00 and 16:00 and will have a reduced price of €125.00. Bookings are now being taken for what could be the final drift date of 2010. To book your space contact info@mondellopark.ie or 045-860200.

THE ADVENTURES OF THE WET SENOR

Theatre featuring LIVE music with Kila, By Donal O’Kelly

Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Friday 19th November, 8pm, Tickets €18/ €16

Featuring live music by Kíla, The Adventures of the Wet Senor is the story of a Spanish Armada Captain, Francisco de Cuellar, who was shipwrecked on the west coast of Ireland in 1588. He spent the following three months attempting to get off Ireland, having strange and wonderful adventures and encountering strange and wonderful characters along the way. The stage adaptation, written and directed by Donal O'Kelly (Benbo Productions), is based on De Cuellar's letter to the Spanish court following his eventual arrival to the Spanish Flanders.

Spanish captain Francisco De Cuellar, washed ashore on Streedagh Beach in Sligo in 1588, faced a desperate struggle for survival. His odyssey from Ben Bulben to the Giant’s Causeway is Ireland’s great untold epic adventure story. His Irish baptism of fire propels Francisco from soldier of fortune to “gypsy among savages”, and gives this born survivor a glimpse of something more precious than Conquistadors’ gold. Combining the live musical passion of Kíla, the powerful storytelling skills of Donal O’Kelly (Catalpa, The Cambria) and high octane performances from Carrie Crowley, Jaimie Carswell and Sorcha Fox, this show breaks exciting new ground in music-theatre.

A unique score has been composed for the show by Kíla and is performed live on stage by the four Kíla members. This is a truly unique Irish production starring Jaimie Carswell, Sorcha Fox, Carrie Crowley, and members of Kíla.

Also, a special pre-show screening of What Am I Doing Here, a documentary about Donal O’Kelly will be screened at 6pm on the night of the show. Donal O’Kelly’s solo plays Bat the Father, Rabbit the Son and Catalpa are considered some of the most original works to come out of Ireland in the last 25 years. His political activism and the intensity of his performance are legendary and this documentary explores the mind behind his work. Access to this screening is free but places are strictly limited. Contact Riverbank Arts Centre for details.

The Adventures of the Wet Senor- Electrifying music, stunning visuals, superb physical performances and a rollicking story – the perfect night out.

For booking and further details contact Riverbank Arts Centre on 045 448327 or visit www.riverbank.ie.

The second event in Mondello Park's winter Rallycross calendar takes place on Sunday November 7th under the guidance of the Carlow Car Club. Sunday's event will be round three of the seven round series which already looks like being the most hotly contested for a number of seasons.

The 2009/10 Champion Tommy Graham leads the way in the current championship standings having taken the win at round 2 just three weeks ago. Graham overcame a much stronger field than he had to face last season to prove his first title was no fluke and will start as favourite again this weekend. Another strong Supercar entry is set to challenge the Kildare man but they will have their work cut out to break his string of winning performances.

As usual the four wheel drive Supercars will be supported by races for two wheel drive Modified Cars, the near standard Stock Hatch cars, Junior Rallycross and the Rallycar class, with continuing strong entries in each division.

Sunday's event gets under way with practice from 9:15. The heats will run from 10:15 with the finals set to get underway at 15:30. Admission is €15 for Adults with under 16's admitted free. Discounted admission is available through the special offers section of the Mondello Park web site and all admission prices include a complimentary event programme.

Learn to massage your baby in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Venue: Springfield Hotel, Leixlip

20th November to 11th December, 10.30am - 12.00

Fee: €100

Meet other parents from the area with new babies and have a chat over coffee and biscuits after the massage.

Learn to massage your baby.  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 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.

 086 0536853 or dublinbabymassage@gmail.com