County Kildare News

The Integrated Services Programme (ISP) for County Kildare is a project of the Kildare County Development Board (CDB) Strategic Plan 2020, for which the CDB has responsibility and ultimate decision making authority. Initially endorsed by the CDB in 2008 it was launched in Kildare Town in 2010. The ISP is currently being rolled out in Kilcock. 

 
The key achievement of the ISP has been the drawing together of the multiple strands within a geographic region, such as the business, public and community sectors along with facilitating a high degree of local area solidarity. The ISP does this by driving an inclusive, action focused process and delivering numerous tangible outcomes over its current form of existence. The expansion of the programme into North Kildare builds on the work to date in Kildare Town.

In order to launch the ISP in Kilcock Local Area Research must be undertaken to identify the social, cultural, economic, recreational, educational, tourism and any other need appropriate to Kilcock. A Community Participation Strategy will also run concurrently. We are delighted to announce the County Kildare LEADER Partnership will fund this process.

Burtenshaw Kenny & Associates have been engaged as researchers. The findings will inform the development of an action plan in conjunction with Project Implementation team (PIT) members.  PIT members will include senior staff from HSE, FAS, Garda Siochana, VEC, Department of Social & Family Affairs, Kildare County Council, County Kildare LEADER Partnership, South Western Regional Drugs Task Force and the business and community sectors in the town.

A Community Participation Strategy is a key element of the programme and will be developed and implemented by Elevate Project Management & Consultancy who has the expertise in community development.

Burtenshaw Kenny & Associates and Elevate Project Management & Consultancy will be engaging in the Kilcock area in the coming weeks. A schedule of consultations is currently being agreed and will be advertised in the local area. Honor Griffin as ISP Coordinator, North Kildare will oversee the management of the Research and the development of the Community Participation Strategy.

Please contact Honor at 087 7828928 or email honor@countykildarelp.ie for more information.

Pilates Kildare * Stretching * Strengthening * Toning * Breathing

Efrat (Aoife) Kahanbov - Certified Pilates Instructor with 20 years experience in The Pilates Method

New Sept 2011 Pilates Mat Classes

Kildare Town - Aras Bhride parish centre:

• Mon 10:30am Basic/Beginners Pilates
• Wed 7:00pm PreNatal Pilates
• Thu 7:00pm Basic/Beginners Pilates;   8:15pm Improvers/Advanced Pilates

Newbridge - Pilates Studio (Limerick lane):

• Tue 10:30am Basic/Beginners Pilates;  11:45am Beginners/Improvers Pilates
• Wed 10:30am Improvers Pilates
• Fri 10:30am Basic/Beginners Pilates;  8:00pm Mixed level Pilates

** All courses are 7 week in small groups of 8 participants max to ensure individual attention.

** Class is full 60 minutes incorporating Pilates props (Pilates circles, balls, bands etc.) - All mats & props provided!

For more information contact Aoife
Text: 087-6674863
Voice mail: (045) 520144
Email: info@pilateskildare.com

Visit Pilates Kildare website: www.pilateskildare.com

Ireland’s most popular Modified Car Show, Mondello Jap-Fest, is preparing for its return to the County Kildare Venue on Sunday September 11th. The annual festival of Japanese motoring and Motorsport will this year feature the most exciting Drift event of 2011 with Prodrift assembling a spectacular field for the finale of their 2011 Irish Series.

The main drifting attraction will be round five of the Prodrift Series and this will be boosted by the arrival for the first time on Irish shores of US based Team Need for Speed with their drivers Fredric Aasbo and local hero Darren McNamara. Aasbo will drive his Team NFS Japan Auto Toyota Supra while McNamara will make his home début with 'Dmac86' the wildest Toyota AE86 drift car ever built.

Joining Team NFS will be a number of other big name overseas entries including UK based Driftworks. Former D1GB champion Phil Morrison will drive Driftworks Nissan S15 which will be making its Mondello Park début. Morrison has long been one of the biggest names in European drifting, both on and off the track, in particular due to his involvement with Driftworks, one of the biggest online drifting communities in the world, and he should be a big draw for Irish Drifting fans.

Jap-Fest always provides an exciting mix of on-track and off-track entertainment and this year will be no different. Round five of the Irish Time-Attack will be one of the other main attractions with a much increased entry expected for this event due to changes to the regulations. New rules for 2012 will be tested at this event and these rules will see much more highly modified cars and kit cars being allowed to compete. A number of new drivers have already signalled their intention to take part, as a try out for next season, so a very interesting field of cars is expected.

Modified Japanese cars remain the central theme of the event and there will be plenty on display alongside those destined for the track. A large number of clubs and individuals are expected to showcase Ireland’s best Japanese metal alongside an extensive trade area. Some of these cars will also be visible on track during the early morning 'Track Day' sessions.

Tickets for Mondello Jap-Fest are now on sale with an advance purchase offer of free Grandstand seating for all pre-booked tickets. Admission tickets will be available on the day of the event but with limited availability of Grandstand seating these may not. The only way to ensure the best seats In the house, overlooking the drifting arena, is to book in advance.

For information on Mondello Jap-Fest see www.mondellopark.ie/japfest or call Mondello Park on 045-860200.

North Kildare Chamber has today (23/08/11) said that the seasonally adjusted trade surplus, an increase of 8% to €4,079m and the highest surplus ever, is excellent for Ireland and especially Kildare Businesses. 
 

Allan Shine, Chief Executive said, “The fact that we have just recorded the highest seasonally adjusted trade surplus ever highlights once again the almost unique potential for Ireland, as opposed to many other Euro zone countries, to export our way towards economic recovery.  This clearly shows that Ireland has a very healthy export driven model.” 
 

“Another source of confidence is that some of the biggest areas for growth in the first five months of 2011 compared with 2010 were in medical and pharmaceutical products which increased by 14%, organic chemicals by 7% and dairy products which increased by 47%. These broad-based sectors which are driven by both domestically-based and foreign direct investor companies will continue to be in demand regardless of how the global economy is performing.” 

“Exports are playing an essential role in Ireland’s recovery. The Chamber has seen a surge in its issuing of Certificates of Origin for companies in Kildare exporting. The fact that we are the only Chamber in Kildare that is both full time and has an online service for issuing Certificates of Origin is a huge advantage for companies in Kildare and bordering counties” said Shine

La Collina trained by Kevin Prendergast and the Aidan O’Brien trained Maybe, Europe’s two top rated two year fillies, are among 11 runners to compete in the Moyglare Stud Stakes taking place at the Curragh this Sunday. Other notable runners in the Group 1 contest include Fire Lily, Princess Sinead, Rubina and Teolane.

Paddy Power, official betting partner to the Curragh Racecourse: 8-11 Maybe, 100-30 La Collina, 9 Princess Sinead,  10 Fire Lily, 16 Rubina, 20 Teolane, 25 Soon, 33 Coral Wave, 66 Chieftess, 100 Criostal, Miss Ellany

Sole Power, one of the top rated sprinters in Europe, lines up in the Group 1 Market Slide Flying Five. The Edward Lynam trained performer who landed the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes last year, will face 8 rivals with a very strong British trained challenge including Move In Time and Amour Propre.

Primevere, Contredanse and Field Day are the leading British trained contenders in the Group 3 Dance Design Stakes. The home trained team includes Bible Belt, Aoife Alainn, Haziyna and Gemstone.

Lightning Pearl, An Ghalanta and Captain Obvious are among the seven runners for  the Group 3 Go and Go Round Tower Stakes, while the ultra competitive Social Harmony Irish Cambridgeshire features 22 runners including likely favourite Rock Critic who will carry the colours of race sponsor Moyglare Stud.

Newbridge Silverware Search for a Style Icon will also be a major attraction on the day with the chance for one lucky lady to win a Newbridge Silverware Voucher valued at €5,000 as well as a presentation piece for their stunning collection. The panel of judges will include Gay Byrne, the newly crowned Rose of Tralee Tara Talbot, 2011 Miss Ireland Holly Carpenter, together with fashion journalist Bairbre Power.  

The first of seven races at the Curragh commences at 2.15pm and the ground is currently good to firm on the round course and good on the straight course.

Admission €15; Under 25s & Seniors €8; Children Free, Dining packages from €45 include admission.

Bog Walk, Live Moths and Fun for all the Family

The Bog of Allen Nature Centre in Lullymore will be holding an open day from 2-5pm on Sunday 28th August to celebrate National Heritage Week.

This free event will include children’s nature activities such as pond dipping and a froggy and newt search in the wildlife gardens of the centre at 2pm.

The Irish Peatland Conservation Council will present a talk updating visitors on developing a new Lodge Bog Management plan at 2.45pm followed by a guided walk to Lodge bog at 3.30pm.

Throughout the afternoon the peatland visitor museum will be open. The museum includes a temporary exhibition entitled ‘Moths on Canvas’ by Philip Strickland. Philip will be on hand displaying examples of live moths trapped from Lodge bog and to answer any questions you may have on the moths of Ireland.

There will be light refreshments available and the nature shop is stocked full of gift ideas for friends and family.

For those intending to go on the bog walk, strong footwear and, depending on the weather, a sun hat or raincoat will be needed. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic and for further information contact IPCC on 045-860133.

It is all go at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge this week with two top quality shows to take away any post holiday blues and to keep you entertained right through September and onwards.

On Thursday August 25th, it's all about powerful and authentic music with The Gloaming - a collective of powerhouse musicians comprised of, in no particular order, fiddle master Martin Hayes, Chicago guitarist Dennis Cahill, sean-nos singer Iarla O Lionaird, New York pianist Thomas Bartlett & hardanger innovator Caoimhin O Raghallaigh.

This group of virtuoso musicians formed in early 2011 and at once made music that is both ancient and utterly new; it is a band with a sound all of its own. Coming from their international debut at the National Concert Hall and as part of their national tour, Riverbank Arts Centre is delighted to present audiences with a chance to see this superb line-up of musicians in an intimate setting. Starting at 8pm, this is one concert highly recommended for music lovers.

"At times utterly avant garde, and at others deeply traditional, it seems that The Gloaming excel at twisting and turning tunes towards the light, while they stitch the subtlest patterns into their underbelly." - The Irish Times

Then on Friday August 26th, there’s a special treat for the ladies (and gentlemen!) as comedy theatre takes over Riverbank. "Zocorro Rose of Tralee" follows the hilarious and heartbreaking adventure of Zocorro, the wannabe Spanish Rose as she reveals what really happens behind the scenes in Tralee. Learn how to peel an apple with a knife and fork, how to get out of the car without showing your knickers, and how, when in the company of boys, you must never wear white because it reminds them of sheets. “Zocorro Rose of Tralee” sold out at the 2009 Absolut Dublin Fringe and has since enjoyed huge success.

Beginning in the foyer from 6.30pm with a complimentary drink, the Ladies Night Out offers some free hair, nail and beauty treatments and tips, a massage and some post-show cocktails and canapés. Featured businesses on the night are Harrigan's Bar (Newbridge), Beauty Nail Salon (Newbridge), Halo Hair & Beauty (Kildare and Killashee) and Killashee Villa Spa (Killashee). This night of laughter and pampering is a perfect excuse for the girls to get together and celebrate the last week of summer in style.

Two great events this week at Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge - don't miss out.

The Gloaming, Thursday August 25th, 8pm. Tickets €25.

Zocorro Rose of Tralee and Ladies Night Out, Friday August 26th. Beauty treats from 6.30pm, show starts at 8pm. Tickets €12/€10.

Tickets for all events can be booked at www.riverbank.ie or by phoning 045 448327

Who Knows Ireland Best?
 

Presented by RTÉ's Derek Mooney, ‘WHO KNOWS IRELAND BEST’ sets two teams against each other in a fun, entertaining game show.

Contestants will be drawn from Ireland‘s workforce, sports clubs and hobby groups in teams of three. There will be Cabbies verses Scuba divers, Nurses verses Karate Experts and Firemen verses Dancers - a cross-section of the population.
 

We’ve asked 1000 members of the public - 100 probing questions about everything from their manners and morals to their hopes and expectations. It’s a census of our self-esteem, a survey of our cultural body image.

We have the results of the survey and we want to find out…

Which of our teams is most in touch with the people? Who has their finger on the pulse?
Points are awarded for being in agreement with the majority of the survey respondents. The eventual winners can truly be said to be in sync with the heart of the country.

‘Who knows Ireland best?’
 

Do you think YOU and YOUR team ‘Know Ireland Best’ ?

If you would like to take part please get in touch with us now.

Download Application Form

Email gameshow@bigmountainproductions.com or call Kate on 086 237 5499.

Irelands top Short Circuit Motorcycle Racing Series, the Adelaide Masters, returns to Mondello Park this weekend with a quality line-up including Australian Cameron Donald and two of Irelands top young International riders, Jack Kennedy and Josh Elliott.

With admission prices reduced to just €10 for adults and with under 16's admitted free, Sunday's event offers some of the most cost effective family entertainment ever seen at Mondello Park

Rounds seven eight and nine of the twelve race series will run over Saturday and Sunday at the County Kildare track. As usual the Superbike and Supersport classes will be the feature events along with Sunday's big money Adelaide Masters Final and a sidecar grid which will include a large number of visitors from the Scottish championship.

The Superbike series is currently lead by Kirk Jamison, with his BMW, and this weekend he will face one of the toughest fields of the year so far. Joining him will be Wilson Craig Honda mounted Cameron Donald who makes his second Masters appearance, his first having been in 2008. Jack Kennedy will also be Superbike mounted as he forsakes his regular Colin Appleyard Supersport Yamaha, to run with local team JMF, on his first Mondello appearance since a major crash at Thruxton earlier in the season. Also expected to feature on the Superbike grid are Brian McCormack and Manxman Gavin Hunt.

The Supersport class was dominated by Keith Farmer at the last event back in May and its here that Josh Elliott will join the field. Elliott will take time out from his European Superstock 600 campaign for his first Supersport appearance at Mondello Park and will be expected to run at the front right from the off. Gary Jeffers will be another contender as he looks for his first Supersport win of the season to go with his surprise victory in the Adelaide Masters Final at event two. Both the Superbike and Supersport classes will include the Bridgestone Cup for clubman racers using Bridgestone tyres.

Sunday is the main race day with two championship rounds for each class as well as the grand final. The centrepiece of the event takes place from 14:00 till 16:30 with the second Superbike and Supersport races and Grand Final all running in this prime spectating slot. The feature events will include grid interviews and podium presentations and the top races from Sunday will be televised on UTV over the coming weeks.

For further information on the Adelaide Masters Series see www.mondellopark.ie/adelaidemasters.

The Group Two Galileo EBF Futurity Stakes is the feature event on a seven race programme at the Curragh next Saturday 20th August. Aidan O’Brien has landed this prestigious event on seven occasions since Impressionist scored for him in 1997 and the Ballydoyle-based trainer is well represented in this year’s renewal with half of the 18 horses left in. Astrology, Daddy Long Leg,s David Livingston and Furner’s Green would appear to be the pick of them.

Jessica Harrington saddled Pathfork to land the prize 12 months ago and she looks to have another very talented juvenile in Dragon Pulse to represent her this time around. Dragon Pulse, which has been supplemented to the race, was only touched off by Vault on his racecourse debut at this venue in June, but the son of Kyllachy made no mistake in a Leopardstown maiden the following month. He is well regarded by connections and is sure to play a big part in proceedings. The Eddie Lynam-trained French Emperor and Dermot Weld’s Riviera Poet are two others well worth a mention in the seven furlong contest.

There are a total of 18 entries for the Listed Irish Field St Leger Trial Stakes including the Aidan O’Brien-trained Ascot Gold Cup winner Fame And Glory. The latter is one of six entries in the race for his trainer, who can also choose between Admiral Of The Red, Apache, Long Live The King, Nantucket Bay and Regent Street. Meanwhile, the Listed thetote.com Curragh Stakes has attracted 12 entries including An Ghalanta, Captain Obvious, Experience, Lady Rochford and Rockview Diamond.

The first race on Saturday goes to post at 2.10 pm and the ground at the Curragh is currently good to yielding.

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

There will be a FREE TRIAL class on THURSDAY 22nd September 8pm - 9.15pm followed by REGISTRATION for the Course which starts on THURSDAY 29th SEPTEMBER.

Venue: ABBEY HALL, CLANE (see website for location map) 8pm - 9.15pm

Course Duration: 15hr in total

Cost: €150

Contact: Brian McDonald 086 3527527 or info@wulonghealing.com

Website: www.wulonghealing.com

We are a branch of the Master Ding Academy of Tai Chi Chuan (London).

New for September 2011. Lunchtime yoga classes in the heart of  Maynooth town.

Hatha flow yoga classes with Vitality Yoga Ireland in Harmony Holistic Health, The Square, Maynooth.  Mondays and Wednesdays, 1.05-1.55pm.

Only 50 euro for 6 weeks (1 class/week)

90 euro for 6 weeks (2 classes/week)

Or drop in anytime for 10euro per class.

For more info:

www.vitalityyoga.ie

 
North Kildare Chamber has today (11/08/11) welcomed the Government’s decision to achieve €500million in annual red tape savings by the end of 2012.

Allan Shine said, “Red tape is one of the biggest challenges facing Irish business. The Government’s commitment to begin a process which will ensure a reduction of 25% in the red tape imposed on business by the end of next year is particularly welcome as it is estimated that it will result in savings of €500million to Irish business.  Our members are facing increased costs on a weekly basis.  The constant theme among our members is the increasing costs of doing business in this country, in particular the costs of rates, rents, energy, transport, labour and local charges,"

“Employers continue to do all they can to retain and create jobs. Any moves to reduce compliance costs and time for employers are welcomed. Government should use this decision as a template to revisit all other transpositions of EU directives into Irish law to ensure that Irish businesses are not burdened by unnecessary legislation,” Shine concluded.

Chambers Ireland has today (10/08/11) announced the shortlist for the 2011 Corporate Social Responsibility Awards. Now in their eighth year, the Awards continue to go from strength to strength with more new companies entering this year.

The Awards are partnered with Business in the Community Ireland, sponsored by Arvato Bertelsmann and run in association with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. The winners will be presented with award pieces from Tipperary Crystal’s Louise Kennedy range.

Announcing the shortlist, Ian Talbot, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive said, “Given the challenges that businesses face it is heartening to see so many companies continue to engage in CSR. These Awards recognise the positive contribution of business both at home and abroad. I would like to extend my congratulations to all those who are shortlisted for their outstanding efforts.”

North Kildare Chamber are delighted to see Kildare Businesses shortlisted in several categories.  Allan Shine, CEO of North Kildare Chamber said “ We are delighted to see Intel, Bord Na Mona and Pfizer nominated in categories this year.  The CSR awards demonstrate how large businesses are contributing to the local community and inspire all companies in how CSR needs to be implemented in all businesses practises”

Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan T.D. continued, “I am delighted that my Department is supporting this year’s Corporate Social Responsibility Awards. In these trying times, it is great to see so many companies becoming aware of CSR and realising the dual benefits it can have to the business and the local community.”

Tina Roche, CEO of Business in the Community Ireland added, “Well done to all who are shortlisted this year, it is a testament to the enduring commitment of Irish business to having sustainable and responsible business practices. Increasingly, we are seeing Ireland’s top companies really committing to examining their business practices and demonstrating a real appetite to measure, report and highlight what they are doing. The CSR awards are a perfect way to showcase best in class and importantly inspire other companies in their practices. Best of luck to all the nominees.”

Awards will be presented in the areas of: Community; Environment; Workplace; Marketplace; Best International CSR Programme; Best Micro Business Award; European Year of Volunteering Special Award; Most Innovative Programme; and Outstanding Achievement in CSR in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin on Thursday 15th September.

Heritage Week 2011 commences on Saturday 20th August and runs until Sunday 28th August. 

This year is packed full of exciting events all across the county, all of which celebrate Kildare’s rich and varied heritage. Heritage Week is part of a European Wide initiative with the express aims of fostering awareness of Ireland’s built, natural and cultural heritage, thereby encouraging its conservation and preservation and increasing interest in our shared heritage.

“The wide range of heritage events organised primarily by community groups and local history groups across the county demonstrates a great pride and growing awareness of Kildare’s heritage” said Bridget Loughlin, County Kildare Heritage Officer.  Events include; An Archaeology Tour of the Little Curragh, Family Fun Day at Maynooth Castle, Guided Tour of Kildrought House, The Church of the Oak – Slideshow of photographs of Kildare Town, Bog of Allen Nature Centre Open Day and Straffan Butterfly Farm.

There are a number of events in Castletown including a Country Market, Sunday Summer Series, Evening Tours, Forgotten Voices – the Great Irish Famine revealed through the Strokestown Estate Archive.

A number of child friendly events are being held through out the county including
Children’s Art Workshops in Castletown House, Traditional Tales, Children’s Heritage Hunt, Sow and Grow.

Many local libraries will be hosting events such as Naas – Exhibition: Who do you think you are?; Clane – An illustrated tale on Clongowes Wood College and Local Connections; Leixlip – Tales of Leixlip in the 1950’s an illustrated talk; Celbridge – Historical Talk; Kildare – Shackleton Lecture

Many local history groups will be hosting events such as a Guided Bus Tour of the Rathcoffey Area (Rathcoffey Group) and The Fitzgerald Walk (Maynooth Group). The Landmark Trust will host an open day at the Round House and Batty Langley Lodge at Castletown, Celbridge.

Heritage sites within the county, such as the Athy and Kildare Heritage Centre, The National Stud and Maynooth Castle have free admission or special concessions during the week.

To celebrate heritage Week 2011 the Heritage Council is inviting participants to take place in two national events, National Heritage Week Photography Competition and National ‘Tell Tale’ storytelling Competition.  Details of how to enter both competitions can be obtained from the Heritage Week website details below.

 Kildare County Council has compiled a listing of these and the many other events happening around the County. These are available at http://kildare.ie/events/typedetails.asp?EventID=5000 and in all local libraries. To view a listing of Heritage Week events in other counties please go to www.heritageweek.ie or call 1850 200 978.

Winner receives €5k worth of Newbridge Silverware and a Trophy. The First Official Engagment for the Newly Crowned Rose of Tralee

Established in 1972, the Moyglare Stud Stakes at The Curragh Racecourse represents the longest running sponsorships in Great Britain or Ireland.
 

Continuing this legacy, Moyglare Stud and Newbridge Silverware present the 2nd year of the Search For a Style Icon Event.
 
Building on the huge success of last years competition, the 2011 event is key date in the diary for all fashionistas.
 

On Sunday, August 28th, a panel of renowned judges will scout the race course to find that special lady befitting of the role of STYLE ICON.
 

Five finalists will be selected and each will be awarded an exquisite piece from the Newbridge Silverware Collection.

The winning lady will receive a Newbridge Silverware Voucher valued at €5,000 as well as a presentation piece.
 

Deriving inspiration from the Newbridge Silverware Museum of Style Icons, the judges will be seeking individuals displaying: Vintage glamour, eclectic style, individuality - all  accessorized to perfection.
 

The panel of judges will include the newly crowned Rose of Tralee and Escort of the Year 2011 for their first official engagement.  Joining them will be leading personalities from TV, fashion and media.
 

"We are honoured to be associated with the Moyglare Stud Farm for the inaugural “Search for a Newbridge Silverware Style Icon” says Phil Donnelly, Marketing Manager, Newbridge Silverware.  "Our panel of judges will be on a quest to find that individual demonstrating the ability to create a winning ensemble irrespective of the price tag. Individuality, vintage glamour and finesse will be the order of the day” 

As well as world class glamour, the Moyglare Stud Stakes promises the very best in racing. Last year`s winner Misty for Me is now rated as one of the top fillies in the world having subsequently won three more Group One races including the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas and Stobart Ireland Pretty Polly Stakes this year,
 

Entries for this year’s race include the unbeaten Aidan O’Brien trained Royal Ascot winner Maybe
 

Other races as part of the seven race programme starting at 2.15pm include the Group 3 Go and Go Round Tower Stakes, Group 3 Market Slide Flying Five and Group 3 Dance Design Stakes, together with the €100,000 Social Harmony Irish Cambridgeshire, one of the most competitive races of the year
 

All the sporting action shown on screens throughout the racecourse including the All Ireland Football Semi Final
 

Admission €15 Under 25s and seniors €8 Under 16s Free. Dining packages from €40 (includes admission)
 

 
The Gloaming comes to Riverbank Arts Centre for one night only, Thursday August 25th. Fiddle master Martin Hayes, guitarist Dennis Cahill, sean-nos singer Iarla O Lionaird, pianist Thomas Bartlett, hardanger innovator Caoimhin O Raghallaigh - individually, virtuoso musicians in their own right; collectively, a powerhouse combination of remarkable individual talent. Described as sparse and beautiful, authentic and tune-filled, these five musical masters will create a night of unforgettable music.

 
Martin Hayes' unique sound, his mastery of the fiddle, his acknowledgement of the past and his ability to place the tradition within a wider contemporary context, combine to create a unique and insightful interpretation of Irish music. He has drawn inspiration from many musical genres, but remains grounded in the music he grew up with in East County Clare.
 
Dennis Cahill is a master guitarist, a native of Chicago born to parents from the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland. His spare, essential accompaniment to Martin Hayes' fiddle is acknowledged as a major breakthrough for guitar in the Irish tradition. In addition to his work with Martin, Dennis has performed with such renowned fiddlers as Liz Carroll, Eileen Ivers and Kevin Burke.
 
Iarla Ó Lionáird grew up and learned his craft in the musical heartland of Cúil Aodha in the West Cork Gaeltacht.  Ó Lionaird established himself both as a masterful exponent of Sean Nós Song and as a pioneer in its renewal and development.
 
Thomas Bartlett, aka Doveman, grew up in Vermont, and began playing ukelele at age three, after the wardens at his daycare found him strumming a block and decided he could probably put resonant strings to good use. He began playing piano at age five, and never stopped -- dropping out of high school to study in London with Maria Curcio, one of the 20th century's greatest classical music teachers. He quickly become one of the most in-demand sidemen in New York City and has since played with such artists as The Frames, Yoko Ono, Antony & the Johnsons, to name but a few.
 
Dublin-born Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh plays traditional and contemporary folk music on fiddle, 5-string viola and hardanger fiddle in small intimate listening venues. Caoimhín has recently been studying the work of contemporary folk fiddlers from other countries, including Nils Okland, Dan Trueman and Johan Hedin, and has been writing new material that continues to explore that region where Irish traditional music begins to disintegrate.
 
Creating music that is ancient and utterly new, capable of raucous power, The Gloaming will leave Riverbank audiences with a night of music and talent that will not be easily forgotten. Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge. Thursday August 25th, 8pm. Tickets €25. Book online at www.riverbank.ie or call box office on 045 448327.

The Curragh will stage the top 2 year old race in Europe this year when 9 runners line up in the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes this Sunday August 7th.

The Aidan O’Brien trained Royal Ascot winner Power will lead the Irish trained challenge, while a very strong British trained contingent includes Frederick Engels, Lilbourne Lad and Gatepost. Other notable runners include Tough As Nails, Parish Hall and La Colina.

Darley Irish Oaks runner up Banimpire is one of six runners in the Group 2 Keeneland Royal Whip Stakes, while the unbeaten Maybe takes on nine fillies in the Group 2 Debutante Stakes with other notable runners including Lightning Pearl, Remember Alexander, Rubina, Teolane and Yellow Rosebud

The British trained quartet of Winker Watson, Deacon Blues, Norville and Hitchens will face the start in the Group 3 Patrick P O’Leary Phoenix Sprint, with the Irish team of runners headed by Six of Hearts and the Aidan O’Brien trained Empowering

Nine of the top amateur lady riders in Europe will compete in the Irish leg of the Fegentri World Championship series with Katie Harrison representing Ireland.

1st race 2.05pm. Admission €15 Under 25s and Seniors €8, children free.

Removal of Sunday Pay Premiums Will Assist Many Struggling Retailers

North Kildare Chamber has today (28/07/11) welcomed the reforms to the Joint Labour Committee (JLC) and Registered Employment Agreement (REA) wage setting mechanisms announced by Minister Bruton and called for rapid implementation of the necessary legislation.

Allan Shine, Chief Executive said, “North Kildare Chamber has long-called for an overhaul of this outdated system. The new measures will result in a fairer and more competitive system which crucially will have the flexibility to respond to changing economic circumstances and ultimately increase job creation opportunities. The news that the number of JLC’s have reduced from 13 to 6 is welcomed.  JLCs will have the power to set only a basic adult rate and two higher increments to reflect longer periods of service. JLCs previously set over 300 different wage rates.  This is welcomed news for our members and we look forward to the forthcoming legislation to be implemented.”

“The decision that those remaining JLCs can no longer set Sunday premium rates will be particularly welcomed by many struggling retailers. Today’s Retail Sales Index published by the CSO showed that, excluding motor trades, the volume of retail sales decreased by 4.2% in June 2011 when compared with June 2010, with a monthly decrease of 0.1% compared to May 2011. This is a sector that faces continued significant challenges and any measures that can help retailers to survive and in turn retain and create jobs is to be welcomed,” Shine stated. 

North Kildare Chamber are also calling for the immediate introduction of a Retail Strategy Group with key figures in the Retail sector joining this group.  There are currently 250,000 people working in the retail sector.  Continued decreases every month in the Retail Sales Index is now a matter of urgency for the Government.  We need urgent action by the government.  The cost base for retailers needs urgent solving.

 
The Irish Peatland Conservation Council based in Lullymore, Rathangan have been shortlisted for a Future Friendly Environmental Award for their Peat Free campaign promoting home composting. 

The annual average production of horticultural peat from Irish bogs is estimated at 2.5 million cubic metres. Ireland supplies 50% of all moss peat used in the UK. Moss peat extraction methods involve clearance of the surface vegetation and site drainage causing irreversible damage to the eco-system. Today less then 17% of the original area of peatlands remains in Ireland.

IPCC's peat free campaign encourages waste minimisation in homes by diverting organic kitchen and garden waste away from landfill sites through home composting. By gardeners making their own compost they should have no need to purchase peat moss compost for their gardens in turn helping to conserve peatlands both in Ireland and the UK and also reducing organic waste in landfill sites.

The winners of the award will be based on the highest number of public votes.  If you would like to support this project please vote for Irish peatlands at http://www.futurefriendly.co.uk/vote.aspx?id=1850