County Kildare News

 The next meeting of the Athy Joint Policing Committee will take place on Tuesday, 6th September at 9am in the Town Council Chamber, Rathstewart, Athy. All meetings are open to members of the public. You can have your say by submitting a question or a topic for discussion in writing to the Town Clerk, Athy Town Council on or before 4pm on Friday, 19th August. If you have any other enquiries please contact us using the details above. A Further meeting will take place on Tuesday, 8th November at 9am in Town Council Chamber.

 
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 Community.
 
In addition, the JPC will host an annual meeting to take place in October (date to be confirmed). Suggestions for this year's theme are currently being invited and will be considered by Steering Committee. The input of local organisations and individuals is particularly welcome at all times.
 
www.kildarejointpolicing.ie

This Sunday, July 31st, Mondello Park will introduce a new initiative, with the assistance of the Carlow Car Club, who will run the first ever Motorsport Ireland sanctioned, all tarmac Rallysprint, to be held at the County Kildare venue.

Having regularly organised mixed surface Winter Rallysprints at Mondello Park, the Carlow Car Club will now bring their experience to bear on the first ever Mondello Park Rallysprint to only use the venue's tarmac race circuit.

Sunday's event will be open to rally and rallycross cars along with saloons from any race, hillclimb or sprint series. Competitors will have a number of runs on the 'Stage' with the first being a familiarisation and the rest timed. The stage will consist of two laps of the full International circuit and the event will be scored in the same way as a rally, with each competitor’s total time for all runs deciding the results.

There will be eleven separate classes competing at the event. Six of the classes will cater for rallycars, from the most powerful four wheel drive WRC's to more humble production cars. There will be four divisons for Rallycross Cars, including stockhatch, and a class for all race cars. Drivers will be allowed to carry passengers but these must possess a competition licence. For those who don’t have a licence a one-day navigator’s licence will be available.

The first ever Mondello Park Tarmac Rallysprint is already attracting a strong and diverse entry and this new event looks like making a very successful debut. If this style of Rallysprint event proves sufficiently popular with competitors, further Tarmac Rallysprints will be introduced in 2012.

More Than 72% of Businesses Expect VAT Reduction to Have Positive Impact

North Kildare Chamber (26/07/11) reported that the majority of business have a positive outlook on recent Government initiatives such as the reduction in VAT for the tourism sector and JobBridge, the National Internship Scheme.

Allan Shine, CEO of North Kildare Chamber said “ Our members and members of Chambers nationwide acknowledge that the recent VAT reduction on services will create and secure employment and restore stability to the struggling tourism sector. Businesses have also endorsed the National Internship Scheme with our members agreeing that it will help to create future employment opportunities.” A recent Chamber Nationwide survey showed that 72% of Chamber members expect the VAT reduction to have a positive impact on business and 54% believe that the restoration of the minimum wage is of concern to business any constrain job opportunities.

“The restoration of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) to €8.65 is a cause for concern for some businesses with several members feeling that it will constrain employment opportunities. Such concerns could be avoided if the necessary tough measures that must be taken in order to enhance Ireland’s attractiveness and in turn improve competitiveness are followed through rather than being reversed. Business and consumer confidence is very easily unsettled when people do not have certainty.” Said Shine.

“Job creation and retention are crucial to the restoration of Ireland’s economy. We will continue to work with the Government and our local TD’S to help achieve this.”, Shine concluded.

Due to the phenomenal success of this year's Summer club we are pleased to announce an additional week - 15th to 19th August, places are already filling quickly and they're strictly limited so hurry to book a place.

Fun, fresh air and adventure filled Summer Club at Castlefarm …

Castlefarm is now taking bookings for its children’s summer club. Set on 170 acres of real farm the Castlefarm summer club offers children and parents’ a great value package of fun, fresh air and learning. Children will enjoy treasure trails, scarecrow building, mural painting, kite making, baking and much more. They can also help out with egg collecting, pig feeding and gardening. According to Michelle Hourihan, Tours and Education Manager, “Children love the adventure of spending time on a real farm. They get a great buzz from helping out with everyday farm chores such as egg collecting and pig feeding. They also have healthy fun working together in teams to build scarecrows and kites. We are lucky to have a huge barn and indoor areas to play in as well as the 170 acres of farm so whatever the weather we’ll be out and about having fun!”

Call Jenny on 087 6785269 or Michelle on 086 3736402 or email tours@castlefarmshop.ie

The summer club is suitable for 5 - 12 year olds and places are strictly limited so as to ensure everyone gets the most from the club. Children can be booked in for individual days at €30 or for the full week at €100, with additional savings for multiple siblings.

If You have...

• Good Business Sense...
• Commitment to Change…
• Strong Sense of Social Good...

Your community needs you

And you need WINSENT

Please Contact: Project Development Officer for Kildare - Aisling Duffy
Athy Community Enterprise Centre
aisling@winsent.eu / 087 6522422

The WINSENT project is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Ireland Wales Programme (INTERREG 4A)

Young Blogger to Teach Kildare Bloggers how to Write

Exceptional young blogger Tommy Collison joins the KLCK Bloggers network as a special guest and speaker at their August meet-up on Monday 8th August 2011 at ‘The Lord Edward Hotel’ (behind The Silken Thomas) in Kildare Town at 7.30pm

The meeting will focus on youth blogging and what other bloggers can learn about Blogging, Social Media and the Internet from the younger generation.  It is open to all bloggers or would be bloggers whatever age group and is free to attend.

Tommy is a prolific blogger, writer and public speaker who has just completed his Junior Cert.  In 2010 he was awarded third place in his category at the Young Scientist of The Year award for his project  “Examining the Attitude of Secondary School Students Towards Blogging”

He also won awards for two consecutive years at the Irish Blog Awards for his blog Trust Tommy (www.trusttommy.com), in 2009 he won ‘Best Newcomer’ followed by ‘Best Youth Blog’ in 2010.

A 2010 study from Ohio State University (http://bit.ly/qOYX6Q) found that Blogging was a positive experience for most young people.  They are more likely to blog about positive behaviours than negative and find it a therapeutic experience.

Co-Founder of KLCK Bloggers Network and owner of Spiderworking.com Amanda Webb is a big advocate of youth blogging:

“It’s fascinating to see how young people use the Internet and I believe that there is a lot we can learn from bloggers like Tommy.  Sharing online is something that this generation finds natural and with children able to master devices like the iPad and iPhone from a very early age I think we are going to see a new era of the Internet emerging from the way younger people use it.”

KLCK (Kildare, Laois, Carlow, Kildare) Bloggers Network is a monthly meet-up of Bloggers and would be bloggers who want to share knowledge about blogging and social media.  It was founded in 2010 by Lorna Sixsmith of Garrendenny Lane Interiors and Amanda Webb of Spiderworking.com.  The team was joined by Beatrice Whelan (Website Extraordinaire) in 2011.  In June they became part of the first Bloggers International forum.

For more information: www.facebook.com/klckbloggersnetwork
Email: wave@spiderworking.com
Phone: Amanda at Spiderworking: 01 442 9410

Over the last weekend in July (30th and 31st), Milk and Cookie Stories (www.milkandcookiestories.com) will be holding its very own FESTIVAL! Taking place in the breathtaking surroundings of Martinstown House (http://www.martinstownhouse.com/), the Secret Garden is an outdoor festival, with camping facilities provided.

There will be storytelling and marshmallows around bonfires, music played beneath the apple trees and workshops of all kinds (novel-writing, balloon-making, swordfighting, Street Fighter, burlesque, yoga)! We will host our very own Royal Punble (a battle of puns that will push even the keenest minds to their limit). There will be games (croquet, horseshoes, swingball) and a dance-off (maybe Céilidh, maybe breakdancing). And for those adventurous souls who remember to bring their wits and a change of clothes – plans are underway to create the most epic waterfight the world (Kildare) has ever seen. It'll be like Halo with waterguns.

Our current line-up…

Jazzberries - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jazzberries/114670408587849

The funky soul-stepping jazz minxes who have blown minds at two consecutive After Dark parties so far with their renditions of some classic Jamiroquai and N*E*R*D tunes. Danny Forde of the Jazzberries will also be treating us to a solo set.

Swords – www.facebook.com/swordsband

"Ticking Rhythm, Brilliant Hooks" - Jackie Hayden, Hotpress Magazine 'Pick of the Fortnight' May 18 2011. Swords are an eclectic trio of alt/pop songsmiths replete with driving basslines & powerful synth.

Three-O-Troupe - www.facebook.com/three.o.troupe

A Dublin-based burlesque act the likes of which you’ve never seen. Unless you were at After Dark. Or After Dark 2. Or one of their shows. Anyway, they’re darlings.

The Young Folk - www.facebook.com/TheYoungFolkMusic

Born of Folk and Fire, this five piece have taken the festival circuit by storm over the past year. With a well received debut album already under their belt and their sophomore offering slated for release later this year, the young folks much lauded live sets are fast becoming the stuff of legend. Turn On. Tune In. Folk Off.

Robotnik - www.facebook.com/robotnikmusic

Robotnik is an adventurous Lo-fi concoction of pop, electronic beats and melodic musings on relationships, fantasies and twentysomethingdom.

Elder Roche - www.facebook.com/elderroche

Embracing the grittier side of life and paving the way with slapping grooves and roots overtones, Elder’s theatrical storytelling has likened him to Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave and David Bowie. So he’s alright like.

The Good Time Maritimes - www.facebook.com/pages/The-Good-Time-Maritimes/132410026783478

Commonly described as "Difficult to describe but, I'm digging it!" The Good Time Maritimes have evolved from a folky singer/songwriter experiment to a full on progressive fusion of jazz, folk, rock and funk.

The Ghostbusters

The Ghostbusters are Dublin's grooviest most spandex clad 80s tribute band. Playing 80s hits such as 99 Red Balloons, Material Girl, Love Shack, Eye of the Tiger and much more - you will feel like the 90s never happened. So for all your classic 80s entertainment needs - who you gonna call...?

& on our spoken word stage…

James Moran

A long-time Milk and Cookie Stories favourite, James Moran is currently taking the Dublin comedy scene by storm with his surreal storytelling style.

Come as Soon as You Hear - http://comeassoonasyouhear.blogspot.com

The brilliant talents of Come as Soon as You Hear will be performing ‘Playback’, an interactive storytelling experience, where performers work together to recreate the essence of stories they’ve been told on stage. It sounds abstract. It is abstract. It’s also cathartic, touching, nostalgic, entertaining, potentially rich and always rewarding – for the storyteller, the performers and the spectators.

Laura Jane Cassidy - http://www.laurajanecassidy.com

Laura Jane Cassidy is the author of the recently published teen fiction novel ‘Angel Kiss’. She was described by the Irish Times as “a welcome new voice in the Irish literary world” and will be giving us the benefits of her writing experience in a teen fiction writing workshop.

Tom Rowley – www.storymap.ie

Another Milk and Cookie Stories favourite, Tom Rowley has recently started the amazing Storymap project. He tried to make an announcement about it at a recent Milk and Cookies event, but the audience refused to let him leave until he’d told them a story. Because he’s just that good.

Sarah Maria Griffin –  http://wordfury.blogspot.com

Sarah Maria Griffin has performed her poetry on RTE Radio One, competed at poetry slams all around the country, blogged furiously, recently published her first collection, “Follies”, and now she’s going to delight us too.

Marcus O’Laoire - http://www.milkandcookiestories.com/2010/04/marcus-olaoire-mc1/

A talented spoken word artist who has been gigging around Dublin for the last three years and is bringing his first show to this years Edinburgh Fringe Festival Marcus O’Laoire is also very good at cooking and knows a lot about wine.

Gareth Stack - http://virginstandup.ladyboyjesus.com

 Gareth Stack is an Irish writer and comedian, who has been performing standup, alternative comedy and storytelling since 2009. Intelligent, innovative and sometimes controversial, he has spearheaded the Exchange Words spoken word showcase, runs alternative comedy night Marshmallow Ladyboy Jesus and is currently recording a comedic radio series set to air shortly.

Raven Aflakete - http://www.myspace.com/nomanifesto

 A charismatic wordsmith hailing from San Fransisco, Raven co-hosts the Tongue Box monthly spoken word night in the Cobblestone, and has thrilled audiences at just about every major spoken word event in Ireland.

 And our special guest…

 Mr Balloonatic

Has astounded and delighted audiences at The World Street Performing Championships, Milk and Cookies: After Dark and many other festivals and events, and will be showcasing his weird and wonderful talents for the lucky audience of the Secret Garden.

…with more to be announced in the coming weeks!

Festival membership (which gets you entry and the aforementioned COOKIES) will be on sale:
- every Saturday, 2pm-6pm
- online at www.eventelephant.com/secretgardenfestival

Intel Corporation today reported its fifth consecutive quarter of record revenue, with double-digit revenue growth across all business segments.

 
On a Non-GAAP basis, revenue was $13.1 billion, operating income was $4.2 billion, net income was $3.2 billion, and EPS was 59 cents.  On a GAAP basis, the company reported second-quarter revenue of $13.0 billion, operating income of $3.9 billion, net income of $3.0 billion, and EPS of 54 cents.

 
The company generated approximately $4.0 billion in cash from operations, paid cash dividends of $961 million, and used $2.0 billion to repurchase 93 million shares of common stock.

 
“We achieved a significant new milestone in the second quarter, surpassing $13.0 billion in revenue for the first time,” said Paul Otellini, Intel president and CEO. “Strong corporate demand for our most advanced technology, the surge of mobile devices and Internet traffic fueling data center growth, and the rapid rise of computing in emerging markets drove record results. Intel’s 23 percent revenue growth in the first half and our increasing confidence in the second half of 2011 position us to grow annual revenue in the mid-20 percent range.”

Riverbank Arts Centre is alive with activities for all ages this Summer and had been host to a selection of great workshops and events for both children and teenagers. Workshop participants have been busy creating, constructing and designing some magnificent pieces of art this summer using many different types of media.

In the drawing and model-making workshop "Treehouse" with artist Laura Fitzgerald, participants created a unique 3D paper model of their rooms. Each participant (aged between 8 and 12 years) also contributed towards "Paper and Tape Town", a paper model town planned and laid out by the group, which included a circus, a farm, shops, main street, railway station and hot air balloon shop! This "town" was exhibited in Riverbank’s gallery for a week following the workshop.

Artist Beth O Halloran's exhibition "Let's Go Home, Little Bear" opened with a sumptuous tea party together with an informal child-friendly presentation with the artist. Beth introduced the children and adults to her work and then provided them with chalk to "Make Your Mark" upon the blackboard animal silhouettes of endangered or recently extinct Irish species drawn throughout the exhibit. This exhibition remains open until August 6th and children are invited to pop in and contribute their own artistic marks on the walls.

From July 11th to 14th, a week of Createschool provided teenagers with an opportunity to learn how to make music, dvds, animation and gain some valuable multimedia skills. This sold out workshop resulted in the planning, recording and editing of films, music videos, animation and more, some of which are available to watch on the Riverbank Facebook page.

This is just a sample of what has been taking place at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare this Summer. With lots more in store, keep an eye on www.riverbank.ie, Facebook and Twitter for more news, events, images and videos.

Holistic & Psychic Health Fair 

Will be held in the Springfield Hotel - Leixlip - Co. Kildare 

Bank Holiday Monday 1st August 2011. 11am to 6pm.

This fair is a must-see for anyone who likes to experience something a little different  in life. At the Fair you will see displays of the most comprehensive profile of alternative health and living options offered in Ireland today. You will find at the fair only the best       in progressive therapies, as well as spiritual and self-development options.

We aim to promote healthy living in the full sense and this Holistic and Psychic Health Fair provides a fantastic opportunity to experience a vast range of holistic therapies and natural products.

At the fair you can try out the world-praised Tahitian Noni Juice.  This totally natural juice is made from the noni fruit and has many health benefits. The Juice is for sale on the day and you can also have a chat with out nutritionist who will answer all your questions. 087-6938443

If you are looking for spiritual guidance or are curious about what your future has in store for you, then come visit our psychics, angels and tarot readers. We carefully hand pick them for their skill, honesty and integrity to ensure they give you an inspirational reading and help guide you through your present and future life choices. 

MARY TEA-LEAF READER WILL BE THERE TO READ YOUR TEA LEAVES

You can experience all kinds of psychic alternatives at the fair from tarot to angel cards, palmistry, numerology and astrology. Just turn up on the day, no appointment necessary and the readers will be happy to talk to you. Have you ever wanted to have your aura read?  The aura is a mirror to the soul and with the latest photographic technology you can now see it for yourself. Each colour in the aura contains a different message to help you on your path through life. Come to the fair where an aura photographer will take a photo of your aura and read it to you – giving you a deeper insight into your spiritual wellbeing.  You can sample mini treatments of ancient therapy Indian Head massage, reflexology, Bio- Energy therapy, massage, and much more.

However if you just fancy doing some shopping, we have angel gifts and lots of other products such as hand-made jewellery, candles, natural skincare, books, crystals, paintings and more on sale.

So don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity to benefit from the huge range of ancient and modern therapies and products at the fair on Monday 1st August 2011. We are open to the public. Admission is €5.00 and children are free. Doors Open 11am to 6pm. All are welcome.

If you would like more information on Holistic Fairs or to book a table or stand, contact 
Geraldine on 087-6730717, or email holisticfairsireland@gmail.com

www.holisticfairsireland.com

www.psychicfairsireland.com

Are you a singer?

Then Express Yourself and Voice It Now!

Private Professional one to one Singing Lessons 

Sing with Confidence, Power & Feeling.

Teaching hours: 9am – 7pm
(mon, tues, wed, thurs & fri) 

Each lesson lasts for 45 minutes and costs €50

After the first lesson, the students block book a series of lessons.
In order to secure a time slot, the minimum booking is 3 lessons in advance. You can also book a series of 5 or 10 lessons.

Gift vouchers also available, makes a fun & different gift.

Based in Naas & Dublin. Contact (087) 813 7929

All ages and Voices welcome.

Types of songs and styles, range to suit the singer:
(Musical Theatre, pop, audition material, jazz, blues, irish ballads, Disney, opera, celtic, or party pieces for that social occasion to wow your friends or just purely for the fun of it, sing for yourself!)

Professional teacher , with years of performance experience as a professional singer & actress. Has recorded many CDs and performed in all the major theatres in Dublin. Has also sung Internationally.

Email enquiries to: niamhobrienrhiannon@gmail.com

If the season so far is anything to go by, this weekend's car race event at Mondello Park should be a thriller. Sunday's event is the busiest single day Race Meeting of the year and will be run by the Carlow Car Club. It will include all of the fans favourites in an eleven race programme and all at new lower admission prices.

The powerful and spectacular single seaters of the Irish Formula Libre series will head the bill along with the similarly exciting Irish Touring Car Championship. These two classes have proven to be the biggest attractions for race fans over the last couple of seasons with their mix of exciting looking cars and close racing and both classes will race twice on Sunday.

The biggest grid of the event will be provided by the ever popular Formula Vee single seaters, which may lack the noise and looks of some other classes, but still provide the closest and most keenly co! ntested races of any Irish championship. Formula Vee will be one of only two classes having a single race at this event, the other being Formula Sheane where once again the meteoric progress of Mondello Park 'Become a Racing Driver' competition winner Sean Hynes will be a focal point.

Formula Sheane will qualify and share their race with the Global Lights, with both classes starting 30 second apart on the day. The Globals will race alone for their second outing and other Sports Car Classes on the bill include Strykers and Ginetta Junior Ireland championship, which both race twice.

Qualifying runs from 09:15 with the first of the morning's five races scheduled for 11:00. The main afternnon programme sees the remaining eleven races run between at 14:00 and 17:00.

Admission is now just €10 for adults for all Mondello Park Car and Motorcycle race events, with under sixteen's admitted free of charge. All admission includes a complimentary event programm! e. For further information and an event timetable see www.mondellopark.ie.

County Kildare Orchestra, conducted by Ite O’Donovan, is delighted to announce that we will once again be performing at the Venice of Ireland Festival, in Monasterevin, this July.

The concert will take place on Saturday 23 July 2011 at 8pm. We are particularly pleased to play in the beautiful Baronial Hall in Moore Abbey. The programme will feature a selection of orchestral highlights which we are sure will entertain and delight.

Tickets will be available from the Venice of Ireland Festival offices and further information may be found at www.veniceofireland.ie.

County Kildare Orchestra celebrates its 12th year and has performed in many venues throughout the county. Musical Director, Ite O’Donovan, says “we are delighted to be welcomed back to the Monasterevin Venice of Ireland Festival. The Orchestra very much enjoyed performing here last year in the splendid Baronial Hall. It is a privilege to perform for you and we value your continuing support.”

The Orchestra’s website is at www.countykildareorchestra.com and you can find us on Facebook (search for County Kildare Orchestra)

Further information: Orchestra Contacts: Berna Hayden 085 161 2474; Linda Byrne 086 895 5787. Festival contact Margaret Ryan 087 162 3700. Tickets will be available through the Festival offices.

County Kildare Orchestra is supported by Kildare County Council Arts Service and the Arts Council. Thanks to patrons and look forward to seeing you all there.

Epsom Oaks winner Dancing Rain will renew rivalry with runner up Wonder of Wonders trained by Aidan O’Brien in the Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh this Sunday.   The William Haggas trained performer will face a total of 8 fillies in the Group 1 Classic, which also includes the English 1000 Guineas heroine Blue Bunting, Royal Ascot winner Banimpire and Laughing Lashes who finished third in the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas earlier this year.

Paddy Power (official betting partner of the Curragh): 4-5 Wonder Of Wonders, 4 Dancing Rain, 9-2 Blue Bunting, 9 Banimpire, 12 Laughing Lashes, 33 Rumh, 100 Amazing Beauty, Gemstone, Hurricane Havoc.

The British trained pair of the Luca Cumani trained Seta and Fontley trained by Eve Johnson Houghton are among the 13 runners going to post for the Kilboy Estate Stakes.  The home trained team for the Group 3 contest includes Ballybracka Lady, Claoimh Solais, Kirinda and Wild Wind

The Mark Johnson trained Fulbright is the sole British trained challenger in the Jebel Ali Racecourse and Stables Angelsey Stakes. He faces 7 rivals in the Group 3 contest including the Aidan O’Brien trained After and Zip Top trained by Jim Bolger

15 runners featuring some of Europe’s top lady riders will line up in the prestigious Thalgo Ladies Derby, while there are 7 runners in the Darley 2yo Maiden including the highly regarded Qatar’s Pearl

Sunday also features the chance to meet the stars of Celebrity Salon including Calum Best and Alan Hughes who will judge the Thalgo sponsored Most Stylish Lady, Couple and Hat competitions, while there will be a variety of FREE entertainment for children.  A special wine promotion will take place with the opportunity to sample a delicious variety of wines and enjoy food and wine packages for just €5

Saturday is Lifetime In Racing Achievement Race Day with races named to honour people who have made a significant contribution to various sectors of the horse racing industry. These include Irish Trainers Association: Liam Browne; Irish Jockeys Association: Tommy Carmody; Association of Irish Racehorse Owners: Tom Gillson; Irish Thoroughbred Breeders: Sonia Rogers; Irish Stable Staff Association: Joe Lynch  The Cheka, Duff, Six of Hearts, Future Generation are among the 8 runners in the featured Minstrel Stakes

Admission: Sat €15 under 25s & seniors €8;

Sun €20, under 25s & seniors €10. Children are free on both days

International Bog Day occurs on Sunday 31st of July and to celebrate the Irish Peatland Conservation Council are holding an open day. All are welcome to this event that takes place from 2-5pm at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre, Lullymore, Rathangan, Co. Kildare. On the day there will be a talk on the Bog Woodlands followed by a guided excursion to the Lodge Bog woodlands.
 
Bog woodlands are listed as a priority habitat for protection under the EU Habitats Directive. In Ireland bog woodlands are associated with intact raised bogs. The habitat is rare with documented sites in Ireland covering less than 35ha.

“From this survey we hope to gain more knowledge of bog woodland habitats which are an EU conservation priority and a little known face of Irish bogs” says Michael Kenny, Conservation Officer with the IPCC. “In this International Year of the Forest, IPCC are delighted to be undertaking a survey of this rare woodland type”.
 
Visitors are also invited to join IPCC on a guided walk of Lodge Bog an example of an intact raised bog close to the Bog of Allen Nature Centre where you can see some of the ongoing conservation work being undertaken by IPCC staff and volunteers.  For young visitors, a pond dipping session and froggy search will provide entertainment and the peatland museum and wildlife gardens will be open all day for visitors to browse at their leisure.
 
All are welcome to this free open day and for those visitors intending on going on the bog walk bring strong footwear.
 
This Bog Woodland Habitat Survey and Volunteer Training Programme is supported by Kildare County Council under the Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2011.

North Kildare Chamber and Oxegen promoters would like to thank the tens of thousands of music fans, authorities and all artists who played at the weekend's festival in Punchestown for their co-operation and great spirit without which OXEGEN 2011 could not have been possible. 

Working closely with An Garda Siochana ensured that apart from a very small number of isolated incidents that would happen in any town or city across the country, 99.99% of fans were extremely well-behaved. Gardai have confirmed fewer incidents with total arrests down 28% on last year (10am Thursday 7th July until 6am on Monday 11th July 2011).

Fans and artists enjoyed a weekend of great weather and the greatest rock and roll weekend of the year!  The Festival firmly puts Kildare on the map, the Chamber look forward to next year which will be the 9 th year of this great festival to be held in Kildare.

The weekend saw some stellar performances both on and off the stages. North Kildare Chamber and Oxegen promoters would like to pay tribute to all the many crews and authorities working together at this year’s OXEGEN festival, in particular, An Garda Siochana; Kildare County Council; Civil Defense; Dublin Bus; HSE; ambulance and fire services; site crews and Punchestown Racecourse.

The Chamber and the Promoters also wish to thank local residents in the surrounding area for their continued support and co-operation.

“North Kildare Chamber are delighted with the economic boost provided by Oxegen to Naas and North Kildare. We commend MCD Concerts, Naas Town Council and the Gardai for the excellent organisation of the festival and are already looking forward to another successful festival in 2012.”  Allan Shine, CEO of North Kildare Chamber.

Kildare based web design agency Website Extraordinaire are celebrating the launch of their website www.websiteextraordinaire.ie and the opening of their Web Design Studio in Athy, Co. Kildare.

Website Extraordinaire is a web design and online marketing agency that was established in 2010 by former Google employee and website developer, Beatrice Whelan.

The aim of Website Extraordinaire is to provide extraordinary web design and online promotion services to businesses of all sizes. Their services also include search engine optimisation, Google AdWords management and Social Media Marketing.

The new website www.websiteextraordinaire.ie went live at the beginning of July and is generating great interest in the company. The online portfolio shows a range of recent work and how the company is living up their name of Website Extraordinaire.

Recent web design clients of include Doolin2Aran Ferries who enjoyed a 50% increase in online sales after Website Extraordinaire revamped their website. Other happy customers include Teamwoodcraft, DeBruir.com and Castlefarm Shop. Website Extraordinaire has also started to build a UK client base. Recently as part of their online marketing service they provided QR code design for multinational pharmaceutical company, Astra Zeneca.

Beatrice Whelan had previously been promoting the web design agency from her own website BeatriceWhelan.ie but decided that the growth of the agency required a rebranding, a new website address and an opening of studio space in Athy Enterprise Centre – hence Website Extraordinaire was born.

The office space in Athy Enterprise Centre provides an ideal solution. Located less than an hour from Dublin and within easy access of Kildare, Carlow, Laois and Kilkenny, it enables Website Extraordinaire to provide a meeting space that is easily accessible to a large section of their clients.

Commenting on the launch of the new brand and website Beatrice explained;

‘Website Extraordinaire is not just a name, it is a challenge we set ourselves every day in the work we do for our clients. We wanted to really raise the bar for ourselves and provide extraordinary web design and results for our customers. We have set ourselves apart from our competitors and we want to do the same for our clients. We also wanted to provide an extraordinary experience and customer service for our clients. We constantly endeavour to live up to our name of Website Extraordinaire. The Digital Hub may be in Dublin but Website Extraordinaire is in Athy.’

Website Extraordinaire are celebrating their official launch on Thursday 4th August at 6.45pm in Athy Community Enterprise Centre.

For more information contact;

Beatrice Whelan
Website Extraordinaire
www.websiteextraordinaire.ie
email: info@websiteextraordinaire.ie

The Bog of Allen Nature Centre are now accepting bookings for their two summer camps to be held over the coming weeks. 

The first camp will be a half day camp on the 20th July from 10am-1pm for children aged 6-13 years.  The camp will include nature crafts and outdoor nature activities including pond dipping and creepy crawlie safari and the cost for the camp is €15/student. 

The centre's annual Wet and Wild week long nature camp will be held from the 8th-12th August daily from 10am-1pm.  The cost is €50/student with a 10% discount for siblings. 

Booking for each of the camps is essential by contacting the IPCC on 045-860133 or bogs@ipcc.ie.

RACEGOERS to the Curragh on Sunday, 17th July have a real treat in store when three Classic winners will battle it out for further Classic race glory in the featured Darley Irish Oaks.

Misty For Me (Etihad Airways Irish 1,000 Guineas), Blue Bunting (Newmarket 1,000 Guineas) and Dancing Rain (Epsom Oaks) are the three Classic winners in question and all three have been confirmed as definite starters following today’s final forfeit entry stage. Add current favourite Wonder Of Wonders, Laughing Lashes and Banimpire to the mix and it is easy to see why this is the best Darley Irish Oaks to take place for many years.

Paddy Power (official betting partner of the Curragh): Evens Wonder Of Wonders, 9-2 Blue Bunting, Misty For Me, Dancing Rain, 7 Banimpire, 12 Laughing Lashes, 16 Chrysanthemum, 33 Rumh, Zain Al Boldan, 40 Gemstone, Hurricane Havoc, 50 Make My Heart Sing, Why, 66 Amazing Beauty

A quality support program commencing at 2.10pm, also features the Group 3 Kilboy Estate Stakes with 20 quality entries including Emulous, Ballybacka Lady, Claiomh Solais, Sapphire and a strong British trained team with Seta, Fontley, Clinical, Babycakes and Gallic Star all likely contenders.

The Jebel Ali Racecourse and Stables Anglesey Stakes also features a strong British trained entry including the Mark Johnson trained two time winner Fulbright and Roman Soldier, runner up in both the July Stakes and Coventry Stakes, while the home trained team is lead by After, Orchestra Leader and Zip Top.

The Thalgo Ladies Derby, one of the top races for lady riders in Europe, has attracted 27 entries, while the valuable Brady’s Mercedes Benz Rockingham Handicap has 17 entries.

Sunday also features the chance to meet the stars of Celebrity Salon including Calum Best who will judge the Thalgo Most Stylish competitions, while there will be a variety of free entertainment for children.  The first one hundred stylish ladies through the turn styles on Sunday will also receive a €20 voucher for Coogan Bergin Clinic; Dublin’s premier centre of excellence in all things ‘Beauty’.

A special wine promotion will take place with the opportunity to sample a delicious variety of wines and enjoy food and wine packages from just €5.

Saturday is Lifetime In Racing Achievement Race Day with races named to honour people who have made a significant contribution to various sectors of the horse racing industry. These include Irish Trainers Association: Liam Browne; Irish Jockeys Association: Tommy Carmody; Association of Irish Racehorse Owners: Tom Gillson; Irish Thoroughbred Breeders: Sonia Rogers; Irish Stable Staff Association: Joe Lynch 

Saturday will also feature the return to the track of one of last year’s leading European 2 year olds Pathfork in the Minstrel Stakes. RTE will be filming for their Stars Go Racing programme with celebrity trainers Jean Byrne and Linda Martin taking part.

Admission: Sat €15 under 25s & seniors €8;

Sun €20, under 25s & seniors €10. Children are free on both days.

Darley Irish Oaks weekend at the Curragh starts this Saturday at 2.10pm with a competitive seven race programme featuring the Minstrel Stakes. The Group 3 contest has attracted an exciting line-up which includes the return to the track of one of last year’s leading European 2 year olds Pathfork trained by Jessica Harrington, together with recent Fairyhouse winner Rose Bonheur, the Aidan O’Brien trained Oracle and the hat-trick seeking and much improved Emulous

Pathfork was unbeaten in three races as a juvenile and ended the term with victory in the Group One National Stakes. The son of Distorted Humor reappeared in the Newmarket 2,000 Guineas in April, but he proved to be a major disappointment to his followers when trailing home seventh behind Frankel. He has not been seen on a racecourse since that day and his return to action is eagerly awaited.

Emulous was quite impressive when landing a Group Three event over a mile here in May and the Dermot Weld-trained colt followed up at the same level when scoring at Fairyhouse last month. She is clearly on the upgrade and is well capable of landing her three-timer.

Aidan O’Brien has left both Oracle and So Stylish in the race for which there are 17 horses remaining. While Oracle has had a few runs already this year, the lightly raced So Stylish is set to make her seasonal debut on Saturday and looks the pick of the Ballydoyle pair. Six Of Hearts provided his trainer Cecil Ross with an emotional success when coming late and fast to win a premier handicap here on Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby day and a quick follow up is far from ruled out.

The Cheka is the sole British-trained raider. Eve Johnson Houghton’s five-year-old has been in sparkling form this season and is likely to be among the market leaders. Zabarajad and Alanza are two interesting runners from the John Oxx stable, while Snaefell and Across The Rhine are two other horses worth a mention.

Saturday is Lifetime In Racing Achievement Race Day with races named to honour people who have made a significant contribution to various sectors of the horse racing industry. These include Irish Trainers Association: Liam Browne; Irish Jockeys Association: Tommy Carmody; Association of Irish Racehorse Owners: Tom Gillson; Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association: Sonia Rogers; and Irish Stable Staff Association: Joe Lynch

The Darley Irish Oaks will take centre stage on Sunday and entries for the eight race programme will be published tomorrow (July 12)  at 12noon. Sunday also features the chance to meet the stars of Celebrity Salon including Calum Best who will judge the Thalgo “Most Stylish” competitions, while there will be a variety of free entertainment for children.

Admission: Sat €15 under 25s & seniors €8; Sun €20, under 25s & seniors €10. Children are free on both days.

Ireland's premier Drifting championship, Prodrift, will make its first of two 2011 stops at Mondello Park, on July 16th and 17th, for Round 4 of the 2011 Irish Drifting Series. The event will feature practice and qualifying on the Saturday and the championship event on Sunday. Also on the bill will be round 4 of the 2011 Irish Time-Attack championship and a host of additional attractions.

This event will be the first Prodrift round at Mondello Park to feature a clockwise course with a 100mph course entry. The course will run from Dunlop corner down the main straight and then through Turn 1 and Adelaide Corner (Turn 2). Drivers will be pushed to their limits as they battle it out for valuable championship points. This course will be much longer than the one usually used, and will see the cars pass the main straight grandstand at speed rather than finishing there.

Alongside the main event Round 4 of the Irish Time Attack championship will also take place. The Mondello Park organised championship for modified road cars will be on track for three sessions. The first two will be qualifying while the final one will decide the results with a drivers single fastest lap in this session being the only one to count. Off-track and in between the drifting and time-attack sessions there will be plenty for drifting fans to see with Trade-stands, Car Clubs and show cars, Prodrift Academy passenger rides, freestyle and team drift all featuring at this great day-out.

ADMISSION PRICES
Saturday July 16th Adult Admission €10
Sunday July 17th Adult Admission €20
Under 12's Are admitted FOC on both days

WEEKEND TICKETS JUST €20 WHEN BOOKED IN ADVANCE.

TIMETABLE
Saturday 16th
09.00 Prodrift Amateur Open Practice
10.30 Prodrift Semi-Pro Open Practice
12.00 Prodrift Semi Pro Top 32 Qualifying
14.15 Prodrift Pro Practice
15.00 Prodrift Semi Pro Top 32
17.15 Prodrift Pro Practice

Sunday 17th
09.00 Prodrift Open Practice
10.00 Time-Attack Qualifying 1
11.30 Prodrift Qualifying
12.30 Time-Attack Qualifying 2
13.00 Prodrift SuperLap
13.45 Time-Attack Final
14.15 Drifting Displays & Academy Passenger Rides
15:00 Prodrift Top 16

For more information on Drifting and the Mondello Park event see the Prodrift web site, www.prodriftseries.com.

For information on the Mondello Park Irish Time-Attack championship see www.mondellopark.ie
 

Ready Steady Story-go!

A storymaking & storytelling workshop by Nina Tanis

Saturday 16th July, Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge

This Saturday at Riverbank Arts Centre, head along to Newbridge and use your imagination to explore and learn about storytelling and story-making with Nina Tanis. Maybe you have always wanted to be an actor, tell a good story or simply enjoy listening to tall tales. The session will be filled with stories, playing games, participating in creative exercises and learning about the act of storytelling. 

This workshop is divided into two sessions, 11am to 1pm is suitable for 5-8 year olds in the afternoon, 2pm to 4pm is suitable for 9-12 year olds.

Nina Tanis is an American artist and storyteller living and working in Dublin. She has an active visual arts practice and is caught telling stories in both Ireland and abroad. She is a member of Story-O tellers.

For an enjoyable, creative fun-filled Saturday check out Ready Steady Story Go! with Nina Tanis at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge. For bookings and enquiries call 045 448327 or visit www.riverbank.ie 

Ready Steady Story-go!
A storymaking & storytelling workshop by Nina Tanis

Saturday 16th July

Times:
11am to 1pm for 5-8 year olds

2 to 4pm for 9-12 year olds

Price: €10

North Kildare are delighted to announce details of a new exciting initiative which aims to encourage Chamber members to use Kildare businesses when doing business.
 

Allan Shine, CEO said:

“If members require quotes on – Printing, IT Services, Web Hosting, Office Furniture, Office Insurance etc, the Chamber Office will tender out your requirements to Chamber members and you can then decide on the best quote.  This service will keep business within the Chamber network and within Kildare.  Every business purchase can be sourced by the Chamber and we will keep as much business as possible in Kildare”,

Since launching this new service this week, the Chamber has helped several businesses in Kildare source products within the locality. 

North Kildare Chamber has today (07/07/11) welcomed the High Court’s ruling that the JLC system is unconstitutional after a group of fast food outlets challenged the JLC system of setting wages for workers.

Allan Shine said, “The Chamber Network has continuously called for an examination of JLCs, in particular the unnecessary conditions they imposed on employment in the sectors they cover such as Sunday premium pay rates.”

“Job retention and creation is a top priority for business. Today’s ruling should have a positive impact on the Government’s plans to reform these wage setting mechanisms, and in turn help to create more jobs in the future,” Shine concluded.

Kildare Road Safety Guide

If you are heading to Oxegen, please avail of public transport or the Park and Ride facilities where possible. However, if you must drive to Oxegen, please follow these simple and safe rules:

• Prepare for your journey and ensure your vehicle is roadworthy
  
• Never overload your vehicle with passengers or moveable items
  
• Never Drive while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs and always
  
  refuse to take a lift from someone who is unfit to drive.
  
• Never use a mobile phone while driving. This includes making or taking a
  call, sending or reading a text or scanning through social media.
  
• Always wear a seatbelt while travelling in a vehicle.
  
• Drivers: Speeding Kills - Kill Your Speed and Never start a journey if you are
  feeling tired

 
KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL ROAD SAFETY
www.kildareroadsafety.ie

Festival fever hits Kildare Village this July. In a series of themed weekends, Kildare Village becomes a stage and invites you to join the party. Each weekend the celebration will include FREE entertainment, live music, street theatre and Irish artisan food.

Please come along to Kildare Village and enjoy the HOMEGROWN WEEKEND from Thursday, 7th July - Sunday, 10th July.

Showcasing Irish musical talent, the Village will also have genealogy experts on hand so that guests can discover their ancestral roots. 

So please join us at Kildare Village any Thursday or Friday in July starting from July 7th to talk to genealogists from Irish Family History Foundation (www.rootsireland.ie) to get advice and further information on how to search for your Irish ancestors.

Before you know it, you could be uncovering a wealth of family history. Please remember to bring along some basic information on the day such as: name and name variations, age, occupation, religion, spouse’s name possible parents’ names, possible age of parents, possible associates and any other information on any other family members you may have. 

For full information on the Summer Festival please click on http://bit.ly/summertimefest

WAITING FOR IKEA - Friday 15th and Saturday 16th July, 8pm
Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare
Tickets €16/€14
Book 045 448327 / www.riverbank.ie

"I loved it...if you want to escape from the doom and gloom then this is the show for you." Róisín Ingle, The View

Chrissie and Jade spend their days waiting; waiting for the postman, waiting for the kettle to boil and waiting for Coronation Street. They won't shop in Argos 'cos we're waiting for IKEA'.

Set in the heart of 'new' Dublin, where night wear is day wear and bitching is everywhere. Pimlico flats is akin to 'Cheers', everybody knows your name, your business, your record and what you’re having for dinner. Nothing much changes in Pimlico, each day begins and ends the same; it's what happens in between that keeps the neighbours interested. The only current affairs these girls are concerned with is whether Mrs Dignam is having it off with Gunner Eye Gilby.

The Celtic tiger has been and gone and they never even stroked it.

'Recession? Is dat a new fragrance by Calvin Klein?’

A heart-warming story of friendship, family, community and sunbed obsessives, 'Waiting for IKEA' will tickle your funny-bone with its unforgettable characters and colourful language. 

Waiting for Ikea is the story of two lifelong friends, Chrissie and Jade. They have been best friends since early childhood, growing up in a block of flats in Dublin’s City Centre. Over the years they have shared, as every friendship does, heartache and laughs, however, when Chrissie’s boyfriend left her with their young baby to raise, Jade starts to share the duties of raising a child to help her struggling friend.

Chrissie’s son Dean is now eight, and the girls have provided him with a solid family unit, but Jade craves her own life. She does not know where she ends and Chrissie begins. They have become an entangled ying and yang, happy with their lot until Jade finds true love in Australian boy Ben, and he asks her to accompany him back to Oz.

Now both girls are faced with having to find their own two feet, find their own balance, and live their own lives. Up until now they have been existing, waiting around for life to find them. Waiting’s over, it's time for change.

Waiting for IKEA explores the bond of true friendship, how demanding it can be, but more importantly how rewarding it is. Don't miss it at Riverbank Arts Centre on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th of July, 8pm nightly. Tickets €16/€14. To book tickets for this hilarious night out call box office on 045 448327 or visit www.riverbank.ie.

"The script is sharp and laugh out loud funny…Sheerin and Mc Kevitt clearly belong on stage…this is a fresh, funny and enjoyable show". ****  Irish Theatre Magazine

"Sheerin and Mc Kevitt inhabit their roles with credibility. Everyone likes to laugh and the duo are bang on the funny bone."  The Irish Times

The first of three July Track Day dates is scheduled for Monday 11th and there are still spaces available in the Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced groups. This day be an 'Open' day on the full International circuit and will be the first where our new lower prices for advance booking will apply.

NEW MOTORCYCLE TRACK DAY PRICES
International Track
Full Day: : Pre-booked €140- Pay on the day €160
Morning: Pre-booked €75 - Pay on the day €85
Afternoon: Pre-booked €90- Pay on the day €100

To book your space phone 045-860200 or email
info@mondellopark.ie.

Kildare Network for Integration (KNIT) Project is pleased to offer an opportunity for the Voluntary, Community and Public Sector agencies to receive a free half- day Cultural Awareness Workshop - an introductory training to intercultural communication and cultural diversity in co. Kildare. 

The activities and discussions will focus on the issues of perceptions, identity, ethnicity and race; prejudice and myths around new communities, terminology and challenges that diversity imposes to our perceptions, policies and procedures.

The training will take place in: Main Training Room, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas,Co Kildare

Date: 18 July 2011

Time: 10.00 am – 1.00 pm

If you would like to secure a place for the training, please Download the registration form and return to:

Ramune Sirvinskiene (KNIT Project) by email ramune@knit.ie

or by post  to:

KNIT, Bridge CDP, Charlotte House, Charlotte Street, Newbridge, Co.Kildare,
Tel. No. 0874124409  no later than 5.00 pm 11th July 2011. 

Please note: places are limited to 12 participants per session, therefore early booking is essential to secure your place.

Mondello Park and Sheane Cars Launch 2011 'Become a Racing Driver' Competition.
 
Mondello Park and Sheane Cars have re-launched their 'Become a Racing Driver' competition for 2011, following the highly impressive race début of 2010 competition winner Sean Hynes. Hynes came out on top in the inaugural shoot out, to win a free season of Formula Sheane races at Mondello Park and now the competition organisers are looking for his successor.

The Mayo based driver opened up his season with an excellent fifth place at his first event in early May and by the second event was less than a second a lap off the front runners in the championship. Hynes, who was an impressive winner of the 2010 competition is delighted so far with his prize: “the whole experience has been fantastic and has allowed me to achieve an ambition I otherwise could never have fulfilled. The competition was brilliantly run and everyone has been very helpful and friendly, from the instructors at the Mondello Park Motor Racing School to David Sheane of Sheane Cars who is providing my car. I went into the competition to enjoy myself and see how things went. It turned put to be very competitive but not nearly as tough as racing against the experienced drivers in the Formula Sheane championship. I'm really happy with the way things have gone and can’t thank enough! , Mondello, Sheane Cars and Murray Motorsport who provided my helmet and race suit.”

The 'Become a Racing Driver' competition is a unique opportunity for novice racers to get into motor racing for a very small investment. The competition prize is worth more than €15,000 and includes the use of a Formula Sheane car, all transport and maintenance costs, entry and testing fees, a full set of race wear to keep, courtesy of Murray Motorsport, as well as coaching from Mondello Park's top instructors. To enter participants must have already completed a Mondello Park Race School Course and then purchase one of the specially designed 'Become a Racing Driver' competition courses. People interested who haven’t yet completed a Motor Racing School course can book both together at a discounted rate.

On the competition course competitors are judged on a number of factors and not just outright speed, with the top driver from each round being invited back to take part in the Final, free of charge. In the final drivers will once again be judged on their on track performances but will also have to undergo an interview. The winner will be the one who scores the most points across all of the categories with a tie being decided in favour of the driver with the quickest lap times.

The competition is now open for entries and qualifying rounds will be run between now and the end of November. The final will take place in early 2012 prior to the start of the race season. To find out more about the Mondello Park and Sheane Cars 'Become a Racing Driver' competition see www.mondellopark.ie/driversearch.

90,000 music fans are expected at Punchestown Racecourse this weekend, for the annual Oxegen music festival.

The festival is one of Europe's leading music festivals and this will be its eighth year in operation.

The festival has previously won Best European Festival at the UK Festival Awards in both 2008 and 2009, and last year won the award for Best Line-up at both the Irish and European Festival Awards.

Headline acts this year include:

Friday:

• Black Eyed Peas
• The Script
• Swedish House Mafia
• The Strokes

Saturday:

• Foo Fighters 
• Arctic Monkeys
• Beady Eye
• deadmau5

Sunday:

• Coldplay
• Beyonce
• Pendulum
• The National

Visit www.oxegen.ie for full information on the line-up and stage times, latest news, camping facilities etc.