County Kildare News

The Kildare Entrepreneurial Awards have been set up in recognition of the entrepreneurial spirit that exists in Co. Kildare.

There are nine awards in total:-

• Kildare Services Award
• Kildare Green Business Award
• Kildare Manufacturing Award
• Kildare Young Business Person Award
• Kildare Charity Award
• Kildare Pub Award
• Kildare Eatery Award
• Kildare Retail Award
• Kildare E-Commerce Award.

Only category winners will be eligible for the overall award of Kildare Entrepreneur Award 2010.

The winner of each category will receive a commissioned piece by local sculptor Derek Malone of Ballinagappa, Clane, Co. Kildare.

The Kildare Entrepreneurial Awards is a non profitable voluntary organization, set up to promote the achievements of Kildare companies. The awards were formed by a group of business people from Co. Kildare whom realised the need to promote the business and services which Kildare has to offer. Since then, these individuals have setup the Kildare Entrepreneurial Committee and have been working very hard to ensure that the Kildare Entrepreneurial Award Gala Event will be a great success. It is also intended that these awards will be an annual event.

The application form and further information is now available on the website.

Closing date for entries is Monday 21st February 2011.

The Awards night will take place on Friday 8th of April 2011 in the Kilashee House Hotel, Naas Co. Kildare. This promises to be a fantastic night and a great forum to promote Kildare Businesses.

This competition is open to all businesses in County Kildare.

Applications may be submitted via the website or downloaded and forwarded by post.

Kildare Entrepreneurial Awards Committee
Johnstown Business Centre
Johnstown
County Kildare

Website:    www.kildareawards.ie
Email:        info@kildareawards.ie
Telephone: 045 844222

Ireland’s most progressive Motorcycle Racing Championship returns for 2011 with a new name and an incredible €50,000 prize fund. For its second season the twelve-round Mondello Superbike Championship will combine with the end of season Mondello Masters race to form the 'Motorcycle Masters Series' with an increased level of promotion and the addition of terrestrial TV coverage.

Having set up its own championship in conjunction with Motorcycling Ireland’s Short Circuit Racing committee in 2010, Mondello Park will continue its efforts to promote local Motorcycle Racing this season, with the introduction of the 'Motorcycle Masters Series'. The prize funds and promotional budgets for its own championship and the Mondello Masters event will now be combined for the new series, to create the highest profile Motorcycling Championship on the Island of Ireland. Along with the €50,000 prize package the circuit will also invest heavily in TV coverage and advertising including dedicated programmes on UTV and Satellite channels.

The Motorcycle Masters Series prize package will consist of an end of season fund of €30,800 including a top prize of €3,000 for the Superbike and Supersport championship winners. At the first three events there will be an additional €3,850 of prize money on offer for the grand final and this will increase to €7,700 for the season ending event in October making it one of the biggest cash prizes on offer in European motorcycle racing.

Speaking on the announcement of plans for the 2011 Motorcycle Masters Series, Mondello Park MD John Morris said: “The Motorcycle Masters Series is an evolution of the highly successful initiative we introduced last year. Competitors, spectators and press all praised the format and the racing was second to none. We will continue to evolve the package and in 2012 would hope to take in across the whole island and in 2013 expand it for a round or possibly two in Britain. Ireland should have a premiere short circuit championship at a level not too far below the BSB (British Superbike Championship) and that’s our ultimate aim”.

The format for the events will see three races for each championship class over two days. The first race for each class will be completed on Saturday with the remaining two races on Sunday. The third race for the Superbike and Supersport classes along with the Grand Final at each event will be the main focus of the day. These races will be scheduled to be run between 14:00 and 16:00. The cup class will continue in both the Superbike and Supersport classes, giving less experienced riders something to battle for, and for the first time this class will have its own cash awards in the Grand Final.

Further announcements will be made over the coming weeks including details of series sponsors, riders and teams committing to the series, a standard event timetable and expanded details of the TV coverage.

For further information on the Motorcycle Masters Series and other Mondello Park events visit www.mondellopark.ie. To keep up to date with the latest happenings at the circuit, fans should subscribe to the circuits free email and text alert service by clicking on the link on the circuits web site home page

Advance preparations for this year's St. Patrick's Day parade in Athy have commenced.

The Athy Town Promoters group are inviting all community, sporting and cultural organisations, with businesses, to participate to help build on the success of last year's parade.

For further details and to discuss your ideas, please contact Athy Heritage Centre Museum

Tel.: 059 8633075 or email: athyheritage@eircom.net).

Hit comedy show The Blanch, after a successful Autumn tour, hits the Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge on 11 February 2011. A bunch of lunatics take over the theatre and present to you their delightfully crazy show about a ‘real-life’ Shopping Centre.

Outsize Orlagh is trying a designer fit and Enda is looking for the latest phone, but their kids are driving them mad. Jacintha and Dijon are shopping for free, the schoolboys are looking for girls, and Security has his eye on all of them, but the economy is crumbling, credit cards are crunching, and everyone’s going out of control…

 The show features Bryan Burroughs who won Best Supporting Actor at The Irish Times Theatre Awards 2009, and Jaimie Carswell, who was nominated as Best Actor for The Blanch at Dublin Fringe Festival 2009.

 With energetic performances, familiar characters, live music, and cutting satire, The Blanch is an outrageously hilarious escalator ride into the dark heart of shopping, Irish-style. An antidote to January blues for anyone who’s ever been shopping!

 Director Ciarán Taylor says: ‘Everyone can relate to this show, because its about the madness of what’s been going on in the country. We’ve had to constantly update it to keep up with events since its first run in 2008’.

 This tour is one of the first to be funded by The Arts Council’s new touring scheme.

 Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, Fri 11 February, 8pm

Tickets: (045) 448 327 www.riverbank.ie  €15 /€13

Music Network Presents the Zoe Rahman Trio with Special Guest Idris Rahman

Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge on Thursday 10th February

 "Anyone who's seen her live will be aware of an exceptional talent." Mojo

 "Staggering….uplifting and majestic….great to see music of integrity still being made."  Snowboy, Blues and Soul Magazine

In the words of jazz reviewer Chris Parker, brace yourself for “all the punch, pith and sheer verve of the Rahman live act" as Music Network presents the Zoe Rahman Trio with special guest Idris Rahman at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge on Thursday 10th February at 8 PM. Tickets priced €15 / €13 available at Tel. 045 448327 or www.riverbank.ie.

 After winning the ‘Perrier Young Jazz Musician of the Year’ Award in 1999, Zoe Rahman has quickly established herself as one of the brightest stars on the contemporary jazz scene with her achingly beautiful fusion of jazz, classical and Bengali music. This concert is promoted by Music Network and Riverbank Arts Centre.

 A vibrant and highly individual pianist/composer, Zoe Rahman’s style is deeply rooted in jazz yet it reflects her classical background, British/Bengali heritage and her very broad musical taste. Known for her powerful technique, wide-ranging imagination and exuberant performance, she has become a highly sought-after musician. Born in Chichester, UK, to a Bengali father and English mother, Zoe studied classical piano at the Royal Academy of Music, took a music degree at Oxford University and then won a scholarship to study jazz performance at Berklee College of Music, Boston, where she studied with the inspirational pianist JoAnne Brackeen. After winning the ‘Perrier Young Jazz Musician of the Year’ Award in 1999, she set up her own record label in 2000 and released her debut album, The Cynic, which led to her 'Rising Star' nomination at the 2001 BBC Jazz Awards.

 Her second album, Melting Pot, was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2006 and her 2008 album, Where Rivers Meet, is a stunning collaboration with her brother Idris, exploring music from their Bengali heritage to produce “a wholly original brand of Anglo-Asian music” (Sunday Times). Zoe has toured extensively throughout the UK and internationally.

 Idris Rahman is a London-based clarinettist, saxophonist and producer. His main work is with Soothsayers, a reggae/afrobeat collective that he co-leads with trumpeter Robin Hopcraft. Soothsayers have released four albums and have performed extensively throughout Europe in the past 10 years. Idris is currently also a regular member of the Arun Ghosh sextet and Johnny Phillips' group Oriole. He has performed/recorded as a saxophonist with Osibisa, Ayub Ogada, Dodgy, Reem Kelani, Julia Biel, and many more jazz and world music/reggae artists.

 Since moving to London from Cambridge in 1995 to study at the Royal Academy of Music, Oli Hayhurst has worked in a wide range of musical fields, playing double bass, bass guitar and guitarron. In 2000-2002 he played with Gilad Atzmon and was a founder member of The Orient House Ensemble, playing on their first two albums for Enja and touring extensively in the UK and Europe. With Polly Paulusma in 2004 he toured Europe opening for Bob Dylan. More recently he played in Parallelogram, a unique collaboration of Jazz and Folk musicians featuring Lau, Acoustic Ladyland's Pete Wareham and Flook's Brian Finnegan. 2007 also saw a trip to Syria with Reem Kelani playing in Damascus and Aleppo with local musicians. As a member of Ray Gelato’s Giants since 2008 he has played all over Europe, North Africa and Brazil and held residencies at Ronnie Scott’s in London and the Blue Note Milan.

 Currently residing in the UK, New Yorker Gene Calderazzo has established himself as one of the busiest drummers on the international jazz scene. He has performed with Steve Lacy, Steve Grossman, Eddie Henderson, The NDR, Mike Gibbs, Bheki Mseleku, UMO, Sting, Radiohead, James Moody, Phil Woods, Benny Golson, Ulf Wakenius, Gary Husband, Wayne Krantz, Bobby Watson, Eddie Gomez, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Evan Parker, Randy Brecker and brother Joey Calderazzo among others.  When not playing as part of the Zoe Rahman Trio, Gene plays with Partisans, Bheki Mseleku, Hans Koller, Crass Collective and Phil Robsons’ Six Strings and the Beast. Gene is a visiting tutor at The Birmingham Conservatoire, The Royal Academy of Music, Trinity and The Guildhall.

 Music Network tours provide a wonderful opportunity to see some of the world’s foremost musicians at affordable prices in venues around Ireland, and are presented in association with RTÉ lyric fm.  Music Network is funded by the Arts Council. Further information from (01) 671 9429 or www.musicnetwork.ie.

This service offers a free door to door service for oncology patients who are looking for transport to their appointments and home again. We are currently doing a national rollout of the project and looking for volunteers to take part in the scheme. We are already based in St. Vincent's, we are rolling out in Sligo next week and St. James' is next. For the next recruitment drive we are specifically concentrating on St. James'

To this end we are holding an Information Day:
 
Date: Tuesday, Feb 22nd, 2011
Time: 11:30 and 13:15
Venue: Anne Young Room, Centre for Learning & Development, Trinity Health Science Building, St. James' Hospital, Dublin 8
 
We are inviting applicants from all over but we would be very happy to hear from people in the following areas;

• Naas
• Newbridge
• Kildare town
• Maynooth
• Kilcock
• Enfield
• Leixlip

 
Any queries, please contact info@volunteerkildare.ie

This year the Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) are conducting a major survey of frogs in Ireland to gather baseline information about these much loved wetland creatures. The survey of the Common Frog (Rana temporaria) is being undertaken to gain further insight into their distribution and abundance in every county in Ireland. We are asking members of the public to help us with our survey by sending us in sightings of frogs. Watch the Hop To It Frog Survey movie on YouTube or facebook (See editors note 2).
 
Frogs are not just found in the wild as they are regular visitors to gardens and even breed in garden ponds. As the natural and wild habitat of the frog is lost to development and drainage, gardens will become increasingly important. “The peak times for spawning are February and March and it is essential to monitor frogs as they are barometers of environmental health” says Michael Kenny, Conservation Officer of the IPCC. “It is also important that we gather baseline information on the distribution of the Common Frog in Ireland so that changes in population can be monitored” he added.
 
The Hop To It frog survey has been conducted annually for 14 years and the IPCC have received over 4000 records. The Common Frog is widespread in Ireland but is under threat in other parts of Europe due to factors such as loss of habitat, chemical pollution and infectious disease. This year we are hoping for more records from Ulster, Limerick, Sligo and Laois. Therefore, we would encourage people and school children to keep an eye out for frogs in these areas and report the sigthings to us.
 
We invite everyone with frog sightings to participate in our Hop To It Irish Frog survey. If you observe any stage in the frog life cycle such as frog spawn, tadpoles and adult frogs, please fill out a survey card and return it to the IPCC. Survey forms are available at http://www.ipcc.ie/surveycards.html or they can be obtained directly from Michael Kenny, Conservation Officer, IPCC, Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co. Kildare, Tel 045-860133. We also have an extensive information resource on our website of crafts and activities relating to frogs at http://www.ipcc.ie/hoptoitintro.html 
 
Editors note
Hop To It Frog Survey movie on YouTube details http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEKj-ZxsREE
Hop To It Frog Survey movie on facebook details
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Irish-Peatland-Conservation-Council/179709574456?ref=nf

We are delighted to announce that Claudia Grassick has been awarded with Temp of the Year for 2010.

Based on the fabulous feedback we have received from various clients that Claudia was assigned to in 2010 we are delighted to recognise her hard work and dedication. Claudia was always flexible and made herself available at short notice and represented Clark to very high standards.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank Claudia for all excellent standards in 2010 and wish her well in her future career." said Stephen Farrell, Senior Consultant with Clark.

The Irish Peatland  Conservation Council, based at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre in Lullymore, Co. Kildare, would like to help you celebrate St. Bridget’s  day on the first day of February by helping you to make your own St. Bridget’s cross. 

The first of February also marks the first day of spring.  On this day St. Bridget is said to bring light awakening the land and bringing the possibility of new growth. 

There are four main styles of St. Bridget cross, each popular in different parts of Ireland..  The cross is made from rushes that should be pulled rather than cut from a bog, damp field or river bank.  The botanical names of the plants used are Juncus effusus (Luachair, Common Rush) and Schoeoplectus lacustris (Bois-shithbhín, Club Rush). 

St. Bridget’s crosses offer homes protection from fire, lightening, infectious diseases and the evil eye.

You will need scissors, bundle of rushes and string or wool, you can visit www.ipcc.ie and enter ‘Bogs in the Classroom’ from the homepage and choose the art module (http://www.ipcc.ie/bicartpr3.html) for detailed instructions.  

Alternatively visit IPCC on Facebook or send a stamped address envelope to the Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co. Kildare and we would be happy to send you a hard copy of the instructions. 
 
The Irish Peatland Conservation Council are based at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre in Lullymore, Co. Kildare.  They are a charity set up in 1982 who aim to conserve a representative portion of Irish peatlands for future generations to enjoy

All talks are in the Castledermot Community Centre at 8pm.
Please arrive early to take your seat.
Entry €2   (Members free)

25th  January The Black Death and Castledermot. John MacKenna.

22nd  February The Boer War and Co. Kildare. Liam Kenny and Brian McCabe.

29th  March  A preview of TG4 documentary Coiscéamanna on Daniel O’Connell’s 1843 Monster Repeal Meeting at Mullaghmast (filmed locally). Bláithíin Ní Catháin, Writer/director.

31st  May  A river runs through it: a newly discovered archaeological landscape on the banks of the River Lerr, Co. Kildare. Patricia Long, Headland Archaeology Ltd.

27th  September Medieval Manors of Kildare and Carlow. Margaret Murphy, Carlow College.

25th  October Polar Exploration and its Kildare Connections. Kevin Kenny.

29th  November ‘Memories and Memorabilia’  and Christmas Social Night.

All are welcome!  

Any queries to:   castledermothist@gmail.com

With the end of the Celtic tiger many people are asking meaning of life questions.  Does God exist and if He does what is it to do with me? Does He really care?  There is deep pain in many lives.  To have a personal relationship with God through knowing Jesus provides meaning, hope, and the power to deal with the pain issues in all our lives. 

To those who know him, Jesus said “You will be filled with power from on high when the Holy Spirit will come upon you and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8).  We need to go on being filled with the Spirit in order to mediate His grace to those in need that we meet.

This is where Alpha is so important for Ireland at this time.  An estimated 6,000 people completed the 300 courses this past year in Ireland – North and South.  It is wonderful to see many lives being changed and communities impacted.  While Alpha was designed for the lapsed/ unchurched, many church members are often revitalised, through attending Alpha eg.  79% of those at the 6 Parish Council Alphas last Autumn said they would now read the Bible more.

10 week Course takes place in the J1 Cafe, Emily square, Athy, beginning Thursday 27th Jan (8.00 - 9.30pm)

FURTHER INFORMATION:
Alpha Course Co-ordinator, 086 8872001, alphairel@eircom.net 

www.alphacourse.ie

This course is sponsored by the Christian Churches in Athy.

Election is set for Feb 25th 2011, and the following is a list of declared candidates for County Kildare's two constituencies.

Kildare South: 7 candidates declared for 3 seats

Sean Power Fianna Fail

Sean O'Fearghaill Fianna Fail

Jack Wall, Labour

Martin Heydon, Fine Gael

Paddy Kennedy Independent

Clifford Reid Independent

 Jason Turner, Sinn Fein

Kildare North: 11 candidates for 4 seats

Aine Brady Fianna Fail

Michael Fitzpatrick Fianna Fail

Emmett Stagg Labour

John McGinley Labour

Anthony Lawlor Fine Gael

Bernard Durkan Fine Gael

Catherine Murphy Independent

Eric Doyle-Higgins Independent

Shane Fitzgerald Green Party

Martin Kelly Sinn Fein

Bart Murphy - Independent

Learn Yang Style Tai Chi and experience a new way to Health.

Clane Tai Chi Club (branch of the John Ding International Academy of Tai Chi Chuan) is running a new Beginner Course in Tai Chi starting with a FREE class on Thursday 10th February at 8pm in the Abbey Hall Clane.

Registration for the Course on the night or pre-register by email to info@wulonghealing.com.

Come along and experience a different way to a Healthy Stress Free and Relaxed Lifestyle.

Information: Brian McDonald 086 3527527

Course costs €150 and runs until mid-June.

I Keano director Terry Byrne brings his acclaimed production of Elysium Nevada to the Riverbank Arts Centre on Friday 28 January. The play, written by Carlow playwright Barry McKinley, got rave reviews from the critics when first presented in Bewleys Cafe Theatre, and was nominated as best new play in the 2010 Irish Times Theatre Awards.

An Arts Council supported tour followed which has taken the show all over Ireland, and a highly successful run in Glasgow played to packed houses and renewed critical acclaim. Now, ELYSIUM NEVADA  & LOST CITY will play at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge on Saturday 28th January. Elysium Nevada is set in a retirement home on the edge of the Nevada Desert, with two grumpy old men, played in Odd Couple mode by Steve Curran and Ian Blackmore, chewing the fat over the old days and pondering how the grim reaper sneaks up in soft shoes armed with “a baseball bat”, while at the same time berating the young and their lack of manners and obsession with sex.

The play turns on its head as the elderly hot “babe” of the first act with the oxygen mask (Ann Russell) joins the conversation.  New truths are revealed  in a fascinating and poignant conclusion.

Writing in the Glasgow Herald, Alan Chadwick said -‘Packed with punchy one-liners, the setting and quirky style of the piece brings to mind Sam Shepard, but what emerges is nearer Beckett. This could be Endgame with Hamm and Clov in wheelchairs and Hawaiian shirts ...Terry Byrne’s production acquires an ever increasing poignancy ..brimming with apocalyptic undertones’.

Also included in the programme is a short play, Lost City, by the same author Barry McKinley. A reclusive middle-aged man in his work-shed has fantasies of wild adventure including the search for the lost city of the Incas in the South American jungle, while he plans a special revenge on his violent father who has dominated and damaged his life.

It all promises an excellent night’s theatre. 

From the director of I Keano, see ELYSIUM NEVADA  & LOST CITY, Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Saturday 28th January, 8pm. Tickets €16/€14. For bookings and enquiries contact Riverbank box office on 045 448327 or visit www.riverbank.ie

Following on from the circuit’s successful ‘Jap-Fest’, ‘Classic Car Live’ and ‘Motorcycle Expo’ events, Mondello Park is adding a European Car Festival, 'Euro-Fest', to its stable of shows for 2011. The new show takes place in March and will be a celebration of European Cars, both standard and modified, and for the first time at the Kildare venue will include a Supercar section.

The addition of the show comes on foot of requests from car clubs and owners for a European version of the highly successful 'Jap-Fest' show, which runs at Mondello in September each year. The inaugural 'Euro-Fest' show is set to take place on Sunday March 27th and an exciting day is planned which will include a mix of on and off track action. Mondello's tried and trusted format of mixing feature car displays, car clubs and trade areas with track action and precision driving, will be given a new twist, with the shows' European focus allowing the introduction of a Supercar section for the first time.

Visitors to the show will be treated to a bumper day of track activity which will include, Demonstration Races, Time-Attack, Ireland’s first European only drifting demonstration, Car Track Day Sessions and Supercar laps, which will allow many people to see some of these rare and exotic cars in motion for the first time.

Entries to the show are open to clubs and individuals wishing to display their cars and enter into the Euro-styling competition, from which the car of the show will be chosen. Trade stand spaces are also available and these spaces are open to anyone interested in targeting an audience of European Car fanatics. Owners of Exotic Cars are also invited to join the exhibition and assist the circuit in putting together Ireland’s biggest ever gathering of Supercars.

Further information on the Mondello Park 'Euro-Fest' show will be released over the coming weeks along with details of additional attractions. Clubs, individuals and traders can contact Mondello Park on 045-860200 or info@mondellopark.ie to book their space. To keep up with news of March 27th's 'Euro-Fest' show see www.mondellopark.ie.

A Mature Student Information Session will take place on: 

DATE: Tuesday 25th January
TIME: 6.30pm-7.30pm
VENUE: John Hume Lecture Theatre 7, NUI Maynooth
 
These sessions take the format of a short talk followed by questions-and-answers. Students can also talk to me individually following the session. There is no need to book a place at these sessions, just come along.

For information contact emer.sheerin@nuim.ie

http://access.nuim.ie/mature-welcome

Organised by Newbridge Chamber of Commerce

Date: 26 January, 2011 @ Newbridge Credit Union

Time : 6.00pm - 8.30pm

For Information Contact: Breda McHale

Email: breda@newbridgechamber.ie

Phone: 045 438296

www.newbridgechamber.ie

Download Agenda and Registration Form

County Kildare Orchestra is delighted to announce that our New Year Gala Concert will take place in St. Patrick’s Church, Celbridge, on Saturday 29 January 2011 at 8.15pm, with the kind permission of Fr. Paul Taylor, PP.

The programme will feature Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony and Barber’s spellbinding Adagio for Strings. We are delighted to be performing with St. Patrick’s Church Choir and we look forward to joining young local clarinettist, Christopher Moriarty-Pearson in the 2nd movement from Mozart’s beautiful Concerto for Clarinet. Acclaimed local soprano Erin Dollard will delight the audience with her performance of operatic highlights.

This Gala event marks the rescheduling of our Christmas concert, which unfortunately had to be cancelled due to dangerous weather conditions. Tickets remain priced at just €10, reflecting CKO’s continuing mission to perform the greatest music to the widest audience. Further information is available from 086 8955 787 or on our website.

County Kildare Orchestra celebrates its 12th year and has performed in many venues throughout the county. Musical Director, Ite O’Donovan, says “we have a loyal audience and we look forward to welcoming you to our New Year Celebration. We are your Orchestra and we value your continuing support.”

Our newly-launched website is at www.countykildareorchestra.com

Further information: Linda Byrne 086 8955 787
 Úna Ní Bhróithe 087 641 9889

County Kildare Orchestra is proudly sponsored by Kildare County Council.

A representative from Citizens Information will be available in Leixlip Library every Thursday from 9.30am - 1pm.

This service starts on Thursday February 3rd, 2011

Citizens Information provide up to date information on a wide range of services and entitlements. This service is free and confidential.

Are you interested in creating great music and joining an orchestra?

County Kildare orchestra is currently recruiting new players. -      

• Minimum Grade 5 standard-      
• Varied Programmes-      
• Concerts a number of times throughout the year-      
• Meet other players from Co. Kildare and surrounding areas-      
• Monthly rehearsals, refreshments provided
  

ALL ARE WELCOME.

New website: www.countykildareorchestra.com - also watch out for us on Facebook.

CONCERT Saturday 29 January 2011  in St. Patrick's Church, Celbridge @ 8.15pm Come and meet us there!

Local TD and Minister of State, Aine Brady, has welcomed Intel's announcement that it is to begin a $500m upgrade of its facilities at its Leixlip campus, with the creation of 850 construction jobs and an additional 200 jobs at the campus as a result of the upgrade.

'This is a significant announcement by Intel, not only for Kildare, but also for the country. It reflects the resilience of the Irish Economy, its improving competitiveness in terms of Labour Costs and Construction Costs, demonstrates the importance of our corporation tax policy and is a strong vote of confidence in the quality of our workforce.' stated Minister Brady ahead of her planned meeting with Intel Management on Monday next.

'Since I got elected in 2007, I have kept in regular contact with Intel, given its significance as an employer in North Kildare. I have witnessed Intel build strong links with Kildare, both in terms of appointing NUI Maynooth as its Global Education Partner and in its Intel Volunteer Programme which provided much needed resources for local sports and community organisations.'

'In recent years, Intel chose its Leixlip plant as one of the two European Research and Development hubs which is also positive news for Leixlip and demonstrates that Kildare is still attractive for inward investment.'

'Intel is now strongly grounded in Leixlip. It has invested over €7bn since it set up in 1989. In recent times, they continue to invest in upgrading their facilities and opened FAB 24-2 which is one of the most technically advanced, high-volume semiconductors manufacturing sites in the world. Intel's Plant at Leixlip is now their largest facility outside the US.' concluded Minister Brady.

Aspiring actors in the North Kildare area who dream of acting on the big screen have a chance to gain invaluable practical experience on the annual Acting for Film and Television workshops being held at the Glenroyal Hotel on Tue, Wed and Thurs the 15th, 16th & 17th Feb 2010.

It's possible that you've seen great performances on film or television, and thought to yourself: "I could do that!" Perhaps you have some experience onstage, and want to make the transition to other media. Or maybe you've worked in other areas of film or television production, and want to try your hand in front of the camera. Well, this is an inspiring chance to find out if you have what it takes. The intensive workshops will teach participants the fundamental skills needed to create memorable performances for the camera. You’ll learn the processes an actor undergoes throughout the production cycle; getting the job, preparing for the job and doing the job. And you'll come away with a sound, first-hand understanding of the art, the craft and the business of acting for the camera.

You can be a total beginner or an experienced member of a local drama group, all you need is to be at least 17 years of age (indeed over 40’s especially welcome) and would love the chance to land a role in a film, TV drama or commercials. The course is being hosted by The Irish Film Actors Workshop and will run over the three evenings from 7 to 11pm. It takes place in relaxed and friendly atmosphere with a maximum of ten participants and will be led by Shane Munro, acting on-camera lecturer, film producer and actors agent. No previous acting experience is necessary, only the enthusiasm and willingness to listen, jump in and take part on-camera,

The workshops also provides a fantastic opportunity for participants to learn the essentials of screen acting such as; how best to audition for commercials,cold-read for feature films, hit your marks, work in close-up, medium shot and long shot, use-of props, shoot dramatic scenes, get an agent, use engaging 10 x 8 headshots, network with castings directors, compile a show reel, get called to auditions and land the part when you get there. The course is an excellent confidence builder which improves the communication and socials skills necessary for successful job interviews, work presentation etc.

People who have done this course previously have as a direct result got lead roles in numerous commercials, films and TV dramas including recently screened “Belonging to Laura”, “A Shine of Rainbows” (Best film at Chicago Film Festiva starring Aidan Quinn), and “Wild Decembers“, "Touched by an Angel" (CBS), BAFTA winning teen-drama series "Custers Last Stand Up"(BBC), "Hollyoaks", "Magdalene Sisters", Disneys' "Reign of Fire" with Matthew Mc Conaughey, Neil Jordans' "Breakfast On Pluto", "Batman Begins","Taggart", "Garage" with Pat Shortt, LA feature film "Strength and Honour" with Vinnie Jones, "Kings", "Pure Mule", "The Clinic" and "Raw" to name a few.

If you want one of the ten places on this exciting course or further info. call 074 9126994 or e-mail filmactorsworkshop@eircom.net

The world's fastest fiddle player, Frankie Gavin, is set to wow music lovers in Kildare as Frankie Gavin and De Dannan prepare to play Riverbank Arts Centre , Newbridge Co. Kildare on Friday 21st January.

Frankie Gavin is one of the genuine legends of Irish music. Having worked with such luminaries as Earl Scruggs, Stephane Grapelli, Sir Yehudi Menuhin, and the ‘Rolling Stones’, ‘the prince of Irish fiddlers’ is one of the outstanding performers of the past thirty years. Frankie is also the original founding member of internationally acclaimed traditional super group ‘De Dannan’.

Responsible for bringing singers Dolores Keane, Mary Black, Maura O Connell and Tommy Fleming, amongst many others, to international prominence, the group disbanded in 2003.

In 2009, Frankie Gavin unleashed ‘De Dannan’ of the 21st century”, led by Frankie Gavin on fiddle, flutes & whistles with Damien Mullane on accordion, Eric Cunningham on percussion, flutes & whistles, Mike Galvin on bouzouki & guitars and Michelle Lally on vocals.

‘Frankie Gavin & De Dannan’ has since played support to the ‘Rolling Stones’ at Slane Castle, performed with the ‘U.A.E. Philharmonic Orchestra’ in Dubai, performed with the ‘Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra’ during a tour of the USA and performed at The White House and at the US Capitol Building on three separate occasions for US President’s Clinton, Bush & Obama. The band toured China in July 2010 with the Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra and played such venues as Shanghai Grand Theatre and Beijing Opera House. The tour was also aired on China Central TV to over 500 million viewers. They returned to China for the Shanghai Arts Festival and a performance at World Expo 2010 in September and performed for Prince Albert at a private event in Monaco in October. A new album featuring the most recent ‘De Dannan’ line up, entitled ‘Jigs, Reels & Rock ‘n’ Roll’, which includes a guest appearance by Ronnie Wood of the ‘Rolling Stones’ was released on September 23rd 2010.  Frankie Gavin entered the ‘Guinness World Records’ on the same day as the ‘Fastest Fiddle Player in the World’. 

Part of Frankie Gavin's enduring appeal lies in his astounding technical ability and unceasing quest for innovation – musical pieces more commonly associated with the like of the ‘Beatles’ and George Frideric Handel are now common place in Frankie’s repertoire as an Irish musician.  Most pertinent of all is the knack he has for imparting to his audience his own enthusiasm, the sheer joy, the magic of great music-making.

In establishing the new ‘De Dannan’ in 2009, Frankie has assembled a group of fiercely talented performers who during the first performance as a band in the USA received a number of standing ovations at Sander’s Theater at Harvard University, Boston-and the first was before the intermission! Rob Fabroni, Producer of the ‘Last Waltz’, who saw the band perform in the USA during their first tour in March 2009 summed up the thoughts of many in the hall: “this is the best incarnation of ‘De Dannan’ I have ever witnessed and I believe I have seen them all…sensational”.  

'Electrifying' is an adjective that's too often used to describe certain performances but this is one instance where it's absolutely unavoidable.

If you've never been lucky enough to see ‘Frankie Gavin & De Dannan’ perform live, prepare to be... shocked.

To book tickets to see Frankie Gavin and De Dannan on Friday 21st January, 8pm call Riverbank Arts Centre on 045 448327 or book online at www.riverbank.ie

“Frankie Gavin and De Dannan are the jewel in the crown, and as the musicians hit top gear some of the fast reels in particular are mesmerizing” – Carl Dixon, The Irish Examiner, August 2009

"Rightly heralded as the greatest Irish fiddler player, Frankie Gavin has nothing left to prove...Gavin is a true fiddle-playing genius, one who continues to inspire and dumbfound in equal measure" - The Scotsman

Frankie Gavin & DeDannan

Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge

Friday 21st January, 8pm

Price: €20/€18

Book 045 448327 // www.riverbank.ie

New Maths Framework solves 10 year old issue

Scientists at NUI Maynooth have devised a solution to what is a major challenge for cities worldwide – the provision of widespread, free, effective broadband for all their citizens.  For more than 10 years, this has been a goal of cities in their drive to support the ‘smart economy’ but it had remained elusive due to technological limitations.

“It’s a very complex problem and a decade of research internationally had failed to provide any real progress.  The key was to stop looking for complex solutions, think differently about the issue and come up with simple answers to the issues”, said Professor Doug Leith, Director of the Hamilton Institute at NUI Maynooth.  

Professor Leith said broadband would be the enabler of modern communications and business and that while free broadband has always been a logical and desired goal for society,  it had proven unexpectedly difficult to provide.  He pointed out that London has a new commitment to having free municipal broadband available time for the 2012 Olympics, while Dublin has had it as an objective in recent years.

The two main barriers to creating successful municipal wireless networks are Interference and Fairness.  In order to effectively cover a city, it is necessary to provide many WiFi transmitters in close proximity to each other.  However, as all are constantly broadcasting and receiving, these transmissions interfere and collide with each other, resulting in poor quality connections for most users.  

It has also been very difficult to allocate bandwidth evenly between users, meaning a small number of lucky users monopolise most of the resource available, depending on their location, type of computer and other factors.

Professor Leith and colleagues Ken Duffy and David Malone, developed a new mathematical framework to analyse the functioning and behaviour of radio signals in these situations, and from this new perspective have developed software programs which circumvent the Interference and Fairness issues meaning the WiFi transmitters operate effectively.  The software has been proven in trials and the NUI Maynooth team is currently preparing for large scale demonstrations in early 2011, in association with industry partners.  They plan to bring the software to market during the year.

“We took this on as a challenge and have worked intensively on it over the past two years.  Our hope is that it will be an enabler for civic society and for commerce.  At the end of the day, broadband is for everyone and we all should be able to share in it as cheaply and freely as possible”, said Professor Leith.

The Hamilton Institute, based at NUI Maynooth is a world leading multi-disciplinary research centre, focused on the bridge between mathematics and other disciplines, including information technology and biology.

A new course of Pilates will start on Thursday 20th January in K-Leisure Athy.

The course will run for 6 weeks from 8.30pm – 9.30pm each Thursday

Bookings are now been taken and places are limited.

Book now to avoid disappointment.

www.kildareleisure.ie

Ten week programme term for 100 Euros @ the Clanard Court Hotel.

The Zumba routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. Add some Latin flavour and international zest into the mix and you've got a Zumba class!

In the past years, the Zumba program has become  nothing short of a revolution, spreading like wildfire, and positioning itself as the single most influential movement in the industry of
fitness.

Zumba is danced in line formation so partners are not required. 

Phone 01 6205030

www.steppingout.com

Athy Toastmaster club attracts a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds.  It provides a great opportunity for meeting new people, building confidence and learning new skills.  The club meets on the 1^st and 3^rd Tuesday of every month in the Carlton Abbey Hotel, Athy at 7.50pm.  Athy Toastmasters is affiliated to Toastmasters International, which is a non-profit, educational organisation providing communication and leadership skills to a wide network of over 200,000 people.

Reasons for Joining

Recently we asked some of our new members what were their reasons for joining Athy Toastmasters. Here are some of the motives highlighted:

• I wanted to become better at speaking in public and stop being so nervous.
• In my job I need to be able to give presentations, so Toastmasters is of great benefit.
• It is a very enjoyable night out.
• It allows me to meet lots of new people who are interested in learning and improving their communication skills.
• The leadership program helped me develop my leadership skills.
• The relaxed, supportive and encouraging atmosphere is what appealed to me about toastmasters when I first attended a meeting.

Who joins Athy Toastmasters?

The club is open to anyone over the age of 18. The people who join Athy Toastmasters come from every walk-of-life regardless of occupation, education, age or background. Athy Toastmasters prides itself on being very open and welcoming to all members and guests.  It may be this aspect of the club that attracts people to join and travel even from places such as Tullow, Portlaoise and Naas.

How much does it cost?

There is a €5.00 charge at each meeting to cover the cost of rent, tea, coffee & biscuits etc and other day-to-day club running costs. If you become a member there is an annual fee of €60 which covers your membership.

Come along and see:

If you are interested in attending a meeting, please contact us or just turn up on the night, a list of our scheduled meetings can be found here. You will be more than welcome.

Meetings scheduled for 2011:

January: 18th

February: 1st & 15th

March: 1st & 15th

April: 5th & 19th

May: 3rd & 17th

Contact Cliff Reid: 087 206 1999

athytoastmasters.wordpress.com

Swimming Courses this year at K Leisure, Athy.

6 week course: Term will begin on the week starting 17th January.

7 week course: Term will begin on the week starting 7th March.

7 week course: Term will begin on the week starting 9th May.

Limited places. Apply today...

http://kildareleisure.ie/index.php/athy-leisure-centre

Car Track Days are one of Ireland’s best kept motoring secrets. A relatively small number of Ireland’s high performance and modified car drivers seem to be aware of the opportunities that exist at Mondello Park to enjoy driving their cars beyond the limits imposed on the public roads. Even for those that are aware of Car Track Days the idea of driving quickly on a circuit can look a little intimidating, but a new service being provided by Mondello Park aims to make circuit driving more accessible by educating drivers about track day's and helping them overcome their fears of the track.

Starting on January 29th Mondello Park's Car Track Day Training days will provide drivers with a low cost opportunity to sample a car track day, without having to take to the circuit with more experienced drivers. Newcomers will be given classroom instruction regarding pre track day preparation, track behaviour, what to expect, how to get the best from a track day and the differences between road and circuit driving. Classrooms sessions will be followed by practical on-track instruction driving their own cars and the day will be completed by a twenty minute open track day session where they can put their new skills and knowledge to the test in a controlled and supervised environment.

The Track Day Training days are priced extremely cheaply as their primary purpose is to encourage more drivers to take part in track days at Mondello Park. The course takes three hours to complete and morning and afternoon session will be available with both priced at €50.00 per driver. Prospective participants need to be at least eighteen years of age with a full driving license and must have their own car. For normal track days each driver is required to provide their own crash helmet but due to the introductory nature of the training days, Mondello Park will provide these free of charge for the day. Unlike a full Car Track Day passengers are not allowed and race cars of any type will not be permitted.

Drivers interested in learning more about car track days can find full details of what is involved on the Mondello Park web site or by calling the Mondello Park office prior to booking in for their introductory session. To book a place on the January 29th training day drivers should call 045-860200 or email info@mondellopark.ie.

The Mondello Park Winter Drifting schedule continues on Sunday Jan 23rd and will run to the new schedule which was intended to be introduced at the cancelled December date.

Our next event will be the first to be split into two divisions, 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, while less experienced drifters will benefit from spending less time looking in their mirrors and more time drifting. These new arrangements are aimed at making drift practice safer and more accessible for all. On January 23rd 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 continues to offer drivers more drifting mileage in a single day than they can 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 drift spec. car is required for the licensed sessions including roll cage, competition seats and harnesses, while for the non-licensed sessions a competition car is not required and Roll Cages are not compulsory. 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 January 23rd Practice Day will run between 10:00 and 16:00 and will have a reduced price of €125.00. Bookings are now being taken, to book your space contact info@mondellopark.ie or 045-860200.

For the remainder of 2011 Drifting and Track Day dates will be set as the season progresses, to fit in with changes in circuit availability and demand. With dates no longer being set for the whole year at the beginning of the season, the main avenue through which new dates will be communicated will be this newsletter. If you know anyone who is interested in drift practice but is not registered for our alerts please pass this email on or suggest to them that they should register for either text or email alerts.

The Still Breath of Adventure - A solo exhibition of work by Martina McDonald

On Saturday 15th January, artist Martina McDonald will open an exciting new exhibition, The Still Breath of Adventure, at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge. A founding member of Ormond Studios in Dublin, Martina is a visual artist from Kildare whose performative practice involves working across diverse media including video, photography, sculpture and sound.

The Still Breath of Adventure which will be showing at Riverbank Arts Centre from January 15th until February 15th. This is a body of work that examines human tendencies and behavioural patterns:  more specifically, the behaviours one develops when captivated by emotions such as desire, fear and the loss of control.  These emotions constitute a space in between the inner desires and the outer behaviour of an individual; a space in between thought and action, a liminal space. Liminal space is a place of risk and ambiguity which acts as a threshold between two points or bounds. Realised through a variety of media, the artworks create an opportunity for the viewer to immerse themselves in this vulnerable yet, wondrous state.

This exhibition was enabled by the 2010 Emerging Artist Solo Exhibition Bursary Award from Kildare County Council which Martina received in 2010.  Her practice includes video, photography, sculpture and sound.  She graduated from NCAD with BA Hons Fine Art Sculpture in 2009 having previously studied in Limerick School of Art and Design and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, MA, USA.  She is a founding member of Ormond Studios, an artist-led studio and gallery space.  Martina has exhibited in Pallas Contemporary Projects (Dublin 7), The Little Ghost Gallery (Kilkenny), Basement Project Space (Cork), Ormond Studios (Dublin 1), FOUR (Dublin 1), Mobius Boston (Boston, MA, USA) and Temple Bar Gallery and Studios (Dublin 2).

An opening reception will take place at Riverbank Arts Centre at 3pm on Saturday 15th January. All welcome, RSVP to Box Office 045 448327. The Still Breath of Adventure will be open for viewing Monday to Friday 10am to 5.30pm and on Saturdays 10am to 1pm.

Also, on February 12th, the artist, Martina McDonald, will lead an open discussion at 11.30am, to book this event call Box Office on 045 448327.

For further information see www.martinamcdonald.com or www.riverbank.ie

Mum and Baby yoga classes are the perfect way to bond with your new baby while regaining your pre pregnancy shape in a relaxed and fun environment. Suitable for babies from 6 weeks to  crawling.

New courses coming up:

18th Jan - 22nd Feb, 11am-12pm Every Tuesday

@ Harmony Holistic Health, 3 The Square, Maynooth

19th Jan - 23rd Feb, 10.30am - 11.30am Every Wednesday

@ Wellness Centre, 1 Shawlock View, Kilcock

Courses cost €70 for 6 weeks.

Contact: Emma Guinan, 087 6727873 or emma@vitalityyoga.ie

Visit www.vitalityyoga.ie for more information.

Programme of Talks & Walks - 2011

All talks begin at 8 pm in the Kildare Education Centre, Kildare Town (old Parochial House).

Wed 5th Jan. "The County Infirmary" with Mario Corrigan. Bring along YOUR photos and mementos of the Infirmary.

Wed 9th Feb. "When the Shopping was Good" with Dr. Barbara Walsh (author). Woolworths and the Irish Main Street.

Wed 2nd Mar. "McAlpine's Men - Irish Stories from the Sites" with Ultan Cowley, author of "The Men Who Built Britain".

Wed 6th April. "Transportation of Women from Kildare to Van Diemen's Land 1849" with Cathi Fleming. An illustrated talk.

Wed 4th May. "Movies/Memories/Memorabilia Night" with Society Members.

Sat 11th June. "Annual Outing". Powerscourt House and Gardens, Wicklow Gaol and Kilruddery House. Limited numbers - pre-booking essential.

Wed 6th July. "Senator Michael Smith" with Michael D. O'Higgins T.D.

August. Summer Break.

Wed 7th Sept. "The Barrow Drainage Commission (1885)". With Paud O'Connor. Property taxes and drainage issues on the Tully/Nurney River.

Wed 5th Oct. "The Congo" with Maj-Gen Bill Dwyer (Retd). An illustrated reflection.

Wed 2nd Nov. "Ghost Stories and Folk Tales" with John Noonan.

Wed 7th Dec. "1911 & 1961" with Mario & Joe. What They Said in the Papers.

For further information contact Joe at 086-1686236.

NUI Maynooth is to receive funding of €1.8 million from the Department of Education for small scale building works and high-tech equipment upgrades according to local Fianna Fáil TD and Minister of State, Áine Brady.

"This funding will allow NUI Maynooth to undertake a range of improvement, refurbishment and health and safety works. It will also help to pay for new equipment and the provision of energy conservation measures."

"This is the latest funding for NUI Maynooth where the sod was recently turned on a new library where contracts were signed for the €20 million project."

 "The funding of €1.8 million will be devolved to the University so they can decide for themselves where best to spend the money. In this way they can manage their own projects and target the funding where it is needed most."

"NUI Maynooth has increased their student numbers significantly over the past number of years so I am delighted to see this additional investment."

"NUI Maynooth has formed a long and credible relationship with the high tech industry in Kildare and works closely with Intel and others to develop courses and research, which is why it is so important that we continue to invest in the building and its equipment," concluded Minister Brady.

Local TD and Minister of State, Áine Brady, has stated that 180 Work Placement Opportunities are to be provided for people who are over one year unemployed in the Kildare Community Sector.

‘The initiative known as Tús, will provide 5,000 short term working opportunities nationally for people unemployed for over a year. The placements will be with the community sector organisations to support the delivery of their services in Kildare, and it will be provided through Cill Dara Ar Aghaidh Teoranta.'

"This new measure will add to the suite of measures already announced by the Government and allows all sectors of society to play a role by supporting people who are unemployed while helping with the recovery of the national economy.'

"In addition to any financial benefit to the worker, work brings other benefits to the individual, including to their psychological and general well-being from being involved in wider societal, community and employment activity."

Tús, which will operate in rural and urban areas will be delivered using the infrastructure developed for the Rural Social Scheme which has operated in rural areas since 2004.'

This scheme aims to achieve a number of objectives.  Firstly, people who are unemployed will have an opportunity to work in the community for a twelve month period and secondly, community organisations will benefit by harnessing the skills of people who are willing to work." concluded  Áine Brady.

Athy musician Jack L is one man who certainly needs no introduction, having returned triumphant from this year’s Edinburgh Festival (the biggest in the world) where he walked away with The Best Music Award, Riverbank is delighted to welcome this unstoppable talent back for what will be two fantastic nights with The Best of Jack L.

What a year for Jack L- a top three album, The Essential Collection, a bestselling novel built around his song lyrics by writer Anna McPartland, called So What If I’m Not Broken, a critically acclaimed performance with the Brooklyn Philharmonic in Manhattan, in front of 15,000 people this summer, a nomination for “Male Vocalist Of The Year” at the Meteor Awards, a sell out run at Dublin’s Vicar St. Venue and now the Edinburgh Festival Best Music Award. The Story So Far –The Essential Collection has gone double platinum and this show is based on the greatest hits collection.

This Kildare musician does not put a foot wrong and now fans will have the chance to see him in his home county over two nights at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge.

An acoustic show with piano accompaniment, it promises to be a very special night to uplift the spirits for the coming year. For tickets call Riverbank Arts Centre on 045 448327 or visit www.riverbank.ie.  

Friday 14th and Saturday 15th January, 8pm

Tickets: €22

Bookings 045 448327 / www.riverbank.ie

 “The genius of Jack L- gems of songs - I’m addicted- I went to see every performance” The Guardian - five star review*****

 “Astounding vocal talent ...completely mesmerized” - Washington Post