County Kildare News

Are you interested in helping out for a day?

June Fest 2012 (Newbridge)

Tall Ships Event Volunteers (Dublin)

Euro 2012 Soccer Event (Leixlip)

Kildare Youth Services Summer Camp (Naas)

Down Syndrome Kildare, Summer Camp (Newbridge)

K.A.R.E. Summer Camp (Kildare Town)

K.A.R.E. Summer Camp (Naas)

KA.R.E.  Summer Camp (Newbridge)

K.A.R.E. Summer Camp (Athy)

K.A.R.E. Elkantara Summer Camp (Newbridge)

Jumping Jellybeans Summer Camp (Milltown, Newbridge & Naas)

Newbridge Family Resource Centre Summer Camp (Newbridge)

 
For more information please contact us at the following:

Kildare Volunteer Centre
Edward Street
Cutlery Road
Newbridge
County Kildare

Phone No: 045 - 449156

email: info@volunteerkildare.ie

Celebrating 125 years of GAA in Athy

A Civic Reception will take place on Friday, 1st June, 2012 to mark the 125th anniversary celebrations of the Athy Gaelic Football Club and the remarkable contribution made to the town and environs. Athy Town Council also congratulates the club on recent successes, including:

·        County Senior Champions 2011

·        Under 21 Champions 2011

·        Mr. Michael Foley, All Star Team 2011

This is scheduled to take place in the Athy Community Arts Centre, Woodstock Street, Athy, County Kildare at 7pm.

Club website http://www.athygfc.com

Barclays Bank Ireland has announced that it is to sponsor the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh Racecourse. 

The Group 1 contest will take place on Sunday 1st July as part of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival.

The €200,000 contest over 10 furlongs is one of the most prestigious races for fillies and mares in Europe and is part of the Breeders Cup Challenge series.

First run in 1948 and named after one of the best thoroughbred fillies of the 20th century, past winners include such legendary racehorses as Princess Pati, Flame of Tara, Dance Design and Alexander Goldrun while Misty for Me won the race in 2011.

Entries for this year’s race include recent Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas winner Samitar, The Fugue, Princess Highway, Homecoming Queen, Discourse, Maybe, Bible Belt, Mahooba, Khawlah and Nahrain.

Andrew Hastings, Chief Executive of Barclays Bank Ireland said:  “The Barclays Pretty Polly Stakes is one of the most prestigious Group 1 race in the Irish racing calendar and will showcase the cream of European fillies and mares and we look forward to a successful event on 1st July”.

“The support of the Pretty Polly Stakes by Barclays Bank Ireland is hugely positive for both the Curragh racecourse and Irish horse racing and their association with one of our most prestigious races will ensure that we continue to attract the very best horses and riders for what promises to be an outstanding race day with great racing, stunning fashion and great food in our Good Food Ireland Village,” said Curragh General Manager Paul Hensey,

“We look forward to working closely with Barclays to ensure they maximize their association with our most high profile weekend of the year”.

English 1000 Guineas winner Homecoming Queen will face seven rivals in the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas taking place at the Curragh this Sunday. The Aidan O’Brien trained filly will face stiff opposition from the Kevin Prendergast trained La Collina, Yellow Rosebud trained by Dermot Weld and the sole British trained challenger Samitar.
 
11 colts go to post in the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas on Saturday. Aidan O’Brien’s four runners are lead by Power and Daddylonglegs, while the Jim Bolger trained Parish Hall, currently the 7/2 favourite and the John Oxx trained pair of Takar and Born to Sea are other notable contenders who will attempt to keep the first Irish Classic race of the year at home. A strong overseas trained challenge includes Hermival from France who finished 3rd in the English 2000 Guineas, the Richard Hannon trained Trumpet Major and Foxtrot Romeo trained by Brian Smart
 
12 sprinters will line up in the Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes also on Saturday, including  Nephrite, Fire Lily and the British trained Tiddliwicks, Hitchens and Jimmy Styles, while Liberating, Infanta Blanca, Katchy Lady and Verbal Honestly are among the 8 runners in the Emirates Equestrian Federation Marble Hill Stakes, together with the British trained Cay Verde a recent winner at Ascot trained by Mick Channon
 
Emulous and Alanza are among seven Irish trained fillies to face the strong British trained pair of Law of the Range and Winter’s Night in the TRI Equestrian Stakes.
 
On Sunday multiple Group 1 winner So You Think is one of 5 runners in the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup where Famous Name and Bible Belt are other notable entries, while the David Wachman trained Tannery will attempt to land this third race of the season in the Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes with Speaking of Which, Crius and Frontier among the other notable runners in the Group 3 contest.
 
1st of 7 races is 1.40 on Sat,  while there are 8 races on Sunday starting at 1.35pm. Live coverage on RTE and At The Races.
 
Admission €20, Under 25s and Seniors €10 Under 16s Free.   Sunday is also Etihad Airways Ladies Day in association with Irish Tatler.

Starting on the 31st of May, 7.30am in the Clanard Court Hotel

North Kildare Chamber, the leading business organisation in Kildare, which already provides weekly network mornings in Maynooth and in Naas, is launching Athy as the next location for this valuable business support.  The meetings begin next Thursday morning, 31st May, and will run every second week from 7.30am to 9am at the Clanard Court Hotel.

Speaking about the latest business-to-business networking fixture, Allen Shine, Chamber CEO, said “We are delighted to announce today that we will now provide this great facility for business in Athy.  Networking mornings are proving to be a great success for the Chamber and Athy was the next obvious choice as we already provide this service for businesses in the greater Maynooth and Naas areas.  We have many members of the Chamber in Athy and to have this facility on their doorstep is going to be of huge benefit to them.”

“Networking is the buzz word at the moment,” continued Shine, “And North Kildare Chamber now provides networking mornings across the county.  “Our members find it an invaluable support”.

The North Kildare Chamber recently launched a Strategic Plan for Kildare in conjunction with the main stakeholders in the county. One of the principle actions recommended by the plan was the need for the Chamber to provide its services county-wide.  The North Kildare Chamber now provides over 120 networking mornings every year on top of monthly workshops and seminars on topics of interest to business in the county.   The Chamber is one of the fastest growing and most active Chambers in Ireland in recent years. 

If any business would like to learn more about the North Kildare Chamber, please contact the Chamber on 045 894074.

A star studded line up of 11 runners is confirmed to compete in the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas this Saturday at the Curragh racecourse.
 
Aidan O’Brien’s four runners are led by Power and Daddy Long Legs, while the Jim Bolger trained Parish Hall, currently the 7/2 favourite with Paddy Power, and the John Oxx trained pair of Takar and Born to Sea are other notable contenders who will attempt to keep the first Irish Classic race of the year at home
 
The strong overseas trained challenge includes Hermival from France who finished 3rd in the English 2000 Guineas, the Richard Hannon trained Trumpet Major and Foxtrot Romeo trained by Brian Smart
 
1st of 7 races is 1.40pm with the feature race off at 3.15pm. Live coverage on RTE and At The Races.
 
Declared runners for Sunday’s Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas will be announced at 10am tomorrow (Friday)

HOMECOMING QUEEN will hope to follow up on her impressive success in the English 1000 Guineas when the Aidan O’Brien-trained filly will bid for a Classic follow up when she faces a maximum of 13 hopefuls in the featured Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas at the Curragh on Sunday 27th May.

The daughter of Holy Roman Emperor made every yard of the running at Newmarket and, clear from the two furlong marker, she came home unchallenged to beat Starscope and stable companion Maybe by nine lengths and one length with La Colina back in fifth place.

O’Brien, who won this race for the first time with Classic Park in 1997 and has since scored with Imagine (2001), Yesterday (2003) Halfway To Heaven (2008) and Misty For Me 12 months ago, has also left After, Devotion, Ishvana, Maybe, Soon and Wonderful in Sunday’s race.

It is exactly 40 years since local trainer Kevin Prendergast recorded his first (he also scored with Arctique Royale in 1981) success in this race with Pidget and he is very keen on the chances of La Colina. Winner of the Group One Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at this venue last season, La Colina was having her first outing of the season at Newmarket and Prendergast has confirmed that his filly has come on a great deal for that run and will be better suited to the Curragh.

Yellow Rosebud staked her claim for top honours on Sunday with a solid victory in the Derrinstown Stud 1000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown earlier in the month when she had Devotion (second), Soon (sixth) and Princess Sinead (tenth) behind her. Dermot Weld, who saddled Prince’s Polly (1982) and Trusted Partner (1988) to land this prestigious prize, has always held Yellow Rosebud in high esteem and the daughter of Jeremy won’t be far away.

The Mick Channon-trained Samitar is the only overseas challenger, while Jim Bolger is double handed with Cleofila and Janey Muddles.

Paddy Power have opened a market on the race and go 6/4 Homecoming Queen and Maybe (with a run), 100/30 Yellow Rosebud, 7/1 La Colina, 9/1 After, 10/1 Devotion, 16/1 Ishvana and Samitar, 20/1 bar.

So You Think and St Nicholas Abbey are the stand out entries in the Group One Tattersalls Gold Cup for which there are a possible eight runners. Aidan O’Brien has also left Await The Dawn, last year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby winner Treasure Beach and Robin Hood in the race. Multiple scorer Famous Name will represent trainer Dermot Weld, while Bible Belt (Jessica Harrington) and Elusive Ridge (Harry Rogers) are other notable entries.

The Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes, an established trial for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby, has attracted 14 entries including Aklan, Coral Wave, Frontier, Tannery and the English trained Crius. The HH The President of the UAE Cup, the only race in Ireland run for pure bred Arabian horses, will also take place on Sunday 

As always, fashion is top of the agenda with the first of the Curragh’s series of six Ladies Days taking place on Sunday. Media personality Claire Byrne, Jessie Collins Editor of Irish Tatler and bridal designer Patrick Casey will award the prize of a holiday to Abu Dhabi courtesy of Etihad Airways to the overall winner who is judged to represent classic racing style.

Race goers can also look forward to seeing the display of the Etihad Airways Formula One Ferrari on both days. 

Saturday’s highlight is the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas with a maximum field of 15 runners with the home trained team lead by Taker, Born to Sea, Parish Hall and Power facing a very strong overseas challenger who include the French trained Hermival and Trumpet Major trained in Britain by Richard Hannon

Admission on both 26th and 27th May is €20, under 25s and seniors €10.  Children under 16 accompanied by an adult go free.  Special 3 for 2 admission offer available by booking in advance. 

1st race:  Sat 26th May, 1.40pm, Sun 27th May, 1.35pm.  

THE Group One Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas is the showpiece contest on the opening afternoon of Classic weekend at the Curragh next Saturday 26th May and the race has attracted some exciting colts including Hermival, Power, Takar, Born To Sea and Parish Hall.
 
The Mikel Delzangles-trained Hermival ran a blinder when keeping on to finish a neck and two and a quarter lengths third behind Camelot and French Fifteen in the Newmarket 2000 Guineas earlier in the month and had one and a quarter lengths to spare over Richard Hannon’s Trumpet Major on that occasion. Born To See (12th) and Camelot’s stable companion Power (17th) finished well adrift at Newmarket but a much better showing is expected from that pair on Saturday. Born To See’s trainer John Oxx is also represented by the very promising Takar.

Aidan O’Brien has won this contest on no less than seven occasions (Desert King gave him his first success back in 1997) and the Ballydoyle maestro is responsible for seven of the 15 horses left in the first Classic of the season. Apart from Power, O’Brien can also choose between Crusade, Daddy Long Legs, Nephrite, Reply Vault and Wrote. Parish Hall, game winner of the Group One Dubai Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket in October, makes his seasonal debut on Saturday and is trainer Jim Bolger’s sole representative.

Alkazim (David Wachman), Foxtrot Romeo (Brian Smart) and Speaking Of Which (Dermot Weld) are the other three contenders in a fascinating contest.

Bookmakers Paddy Power have opened a market on the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas and go 5/1 Hermival, Power and Takar, 11/2 Parish Hall, 6/1 Born To See, 9/1 Crusade and Daddy Long Legs, 11/1 Nephrite, 12/1 Reply, 20/1 Wrote, 25/1 Speaking Of Which, 40/1 Bar.
 
Emulous makes her long awaited seasonal debut in the Group Three TRI Equestrian Stakes and the Dermot Weld-trained mare is reported to be in great shape ahead of the task in hand. Alanza, who is also making her first appearance of the season, will offer stiff opposition as will the two overseas challengers Law Of The Range and Winter’s Night.

There is likely to be a very strong British-trained challenge for the Group Three Weatherbys Ireland Greenland Stakes. There are 25 still remaining in the six furlong contest and no less than 11 of them are trained across the pond, including last week’s York scorer Tiddliwinks. Interestingly Aidan O’Brien has also left Crusade, Power Nephrite and Reply in the race. The Listed Emirates Equestrian Federation Marble Hill Stakes, meanwhile, has attracted 14 entries, including the unbeaten Dawn Approach who was most impressive when scoring at Naas last week.

The first of seven races on Saturday commences at 1.40pm. Admission €20, under 25s and seniors €10.  Children under 16 (accompanied by an adult) go free. Special 3 for 2 admission offer available by booking in advance.

Friday 25 May 2012 will see the launch of a book in aid of the Jack & Jill Foundation, at 6.30 p.m. in Riverbank Arts Centre. It is a republication by Kildare Library and Arts Services of Thomas Bodkin's, 'My Uncle Frank'. All proceeds will go to the Jack & Jill Foundation so you simply buy the book as a way of supporting one of the best known and best loved charities in the country.

Thomas Bodkin, Professor of the Barber Institute in Birmingham, originally published his light-hearted memoir of his days as a child in the company of his uncle in Co. Kildare, in 1941. It is set in the fictional house Beauparc in the fictional Village of Kilcolman, near Newbridge around the turn of the last century — it was in fact Newpark House, near Kilmeague, in Co. Kildare. The uncle in question, identified as Dr. Frank MacMahon in the story, was Francis Joseph McDonagh, M.D., Medical Officer for the Kilmeague and Robertstown District.

In 1940 Thomas Bodkin was in Birmingham. The world was in turmoil as WWII raged. He wrote My Uncle Frank as a distraction to alleviate the boredom of ‘fire-watching. Bodkin tried to do his own drawing but he was a very average artist and he turned to his friend Jack B. Yeats, who had at one time made a career as an illustrator. The drawing of Uncle Frank driving his spirited horse, Black Jack, with the Hill of Allen in the distance and the swallows wheeling in the evening air.

Eventually the drawing passed from Emma Bodkin to her nephew and godson, Dick Robinson. In late 2010 Dick Robinson sold Newberry Hall and gifted many fine paintings to the Friends of the National Collections, but Dick was adamant that the Jack B. Yeats drawing would go to Kildare and be put on display where the people of Kildare could enjoy it because it had a unique Kildare connection. His friend and neighbour, Cecil Potterton, organized everything.

As part of the process of honouring Dick for his wonderful gift and to explain the reasoning behind the gift, Kildare Library & Arts Services committed to republishing the long-forgotten memoir by Thomas Bodkin, My Uncle Frank. The book is now as much a part of the story of the drawing as the drawing was a part of the story when it was first published in 1941. Its republication is also part of the commitment of Kildare Library & Arts Services and Kildare County Council to promoting the unique and varied history of the county and making it accessible.

We thank Dick Robinson from the bottom of our hearts, and the people of Kildare will thank him as they come to view the drawing which is displayed in the Riverbank Arts Centre for all to see. It will remain within the care of Kildare Co. Council and will become a feature of the County Kildare Municipal Art Collection.

It is a ‘charming’ book; not a word we use much today but a word that conjures good memories of days gone by – the Irish Times of 1947 called it, a ’gentle pleasure’, while the Clongownian of 1961 described it as ‘a delightful book of reminiscences, which takes the reader back in time to a county Kildare now gone from memory'. Thomas Bodkin preserved that memory for us and Dick Robinson reinvigorated our interest with his gift of the drawing, done for ‘My Uncle Frank,’ by Jack
B. Yeats.

 
A strong Irish trained team is set to line up in the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas and Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas taking place at the Curragh on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th May.

John Oxx has indicated that both Born To Sea and Takar are intended runners in the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas, he said “both colts are in great form and will take their chance in the race.”

Dewhurst Stakes winner Parrish Hall is likely to represent Jim Bolger who currently has five colts in the race, “We won’t make our mind up for a couple of days and at this stage it is all ground dependent,” he said.

Aidan O’Brien, who won both the 1000 and 2000 Guineas last year, is likely to have a few runners in the 2000 Guineas and mentioned Wrote, Power and Daddy Longlegs as probably runners, while he nominated Homecoming Queen as a definite runner in the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas and last year’s top 2 year old Maybe as a possible contender.

Dermot Weld is unlikely to have a runner in the 2000 Guineas, but will be represented in the 1000 Guineas by Yellow Rosebud. “She has come out of her recent Leopardstown race in great shape and is all set to run in the 1000 Guineas.”

Kevin Prendergast will be represented by La Colina in the 1000 Guineas. “La Colina ran a blinder to finish fifth in the Newmarket 1000 Guineas and she has come out of that race in great shape,” he said. “The Fugue was just three quarters of a length ahead of our filly that day and she really gave the form a big boost when romping to victory at York this week.”

David Wachman indicated that Aloof is a possible for the 1000 Guineas. “It is all ground dependent with Aloof and we will wait until nearer the time,” he said. “Fire Lily won’t run in the 1000 Guineas and will instead have a crack at the Weatherbys Ireland Greenland Stakes.”

Ger Lyons confirmed that he will wait until next week to decide on Lightening Pearl’s participation in the 1000 Guineas.

Aidan O’Brien expects to be represented by So You Think, Windsor Palace and Robin Hood in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, while the Group 1 contest is also likely to attract other notable Irish trained performers Famous Name and Bible Belt

The HH The Presidents Cup, the only race in Ireland run for pure bred Arabian horses, will take place on Sunday with runners from all over Europe expected to compete.

As always, fashion is top of the agenda for the girls and this year fashion is set to ‘take off’ as Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE and Irish Tatler will be searching for their ‘Classic Icon’ on Sunday.  Media personality Claire Byrne, Jessie Collins Editor of Irish Tatler and bridal designer Patrick Casey will award the prize to the overall winner of an amazing trip to Abu Dhabi with accommodation and return flights from the award winning Etihad Airways.

This year, the Curragh will encourage ladies to pre-register before the day through their new look website www.curragh.ie, however it will still be possible to register on the race days with roaming ‘Fashion Police’ who will also be inviting fashionably dressed race goers to enter the competition. The first 100 ladies who register for the Classic Icon competition will receive a fabulous goodie bag from Irish Tatler and will be invited into the Irish Tatler Style Lounge.

Race goers can also look forward to seeing the display of the Etihad Airways Formula One Ferrari, while the Guineas Shopping Village will feature a range of goodies from hats, antiques, jewellery, clothing and spa treatments from the 5 star Heritage Hotel, Golf and Spa resort.  Free entertainment for children will feature on Sunday.

Admission €20, under 25s and seniors €10.  Children under 16 accompanied by an adult go free.  Special 3 for 2 admission offer available by booking in advance.
1st race:  Sat 26th May, 1.40pm, Sun 27th May, 1.35pm.

The Prodrift Academy and the home of all things motorsport in Ireland, Mondello Park, are proud to announce a new partnership that will see the Academy based solely at the famous Irish venue. The infrastructure available and ease-of-access to the Kildare venue make it an ideal choice to become the new home of the Prodrift Academy.

The Prodrift Academy is Ireland’s ultimate drifting experience. At the Prodrift Academy, members of the public can learn how to drift under the instruction of Professional drift competitors and behind the wheel of professionally prepared drift cars.

For those of you who have never sat behind the wheel of a fully prepped drift car, our aim is to teach you the basic skills involved in learning how to drift. For those of you who have some knowledge of drift techniques, our aim is to fine tune these techniques and eliminate any bad habits you might have.

The Academy’s next outing is May 19th at Mondello Park, and for booking’s and/or enquiries please contact 045-860200.
 

 
With the onset of National Biodiversity Week imminent the Irish Peatland Conservation Council has launched an information and awareness campaign celebrating the importance of peat to Ireland and the World. The campaign is targeted at communities throughout Ireland and includes the release of a poster and information leaflet and the organisation of two family events in the countryside during Biodiversity Week.
 
At the launch of an information leaflet and poster entitled “What’s so special about Peat? (see www.ipcc.ie) Dr Catherine O’Connell of the IPCC said “that despite the fact that we have been cutting turf from peat lands for nearly 400 years, the vast majority of Irish people know little or nothing about peat lands. This campaign aims to fill the information gap and help people to celebrate the unique and invaluable place that peat lands have in our lives” she added.
 
Peat lands are wetlands and have been part of the Irish landscape for 10,000 years accumulating peat at a rate of 1mm per year. They are part of the fabric of our countryside and an iconic landscape renowned all over the world. They are a natural store of carbon and water. They provide a refuge for unique flora and fauna that are not found in the wider countryside. They provide an inspiration for artists and writers and they are good for people as a venue for relaxation and outdoor pursuits.
 
Peat is easily destroyed by digging, cutting, draining, burning, overgrazing and erosion. And in some parts of the country management is necessary to restore their ability to store water, accumulate carbon and safeguard biodiversity.
 
There’s something for everyone to celebrate and smile about this coming week  in the bog whether your taste runs from bird watching to berry collecting or peat snorkling to peated whiskey. Further details about the campaign are available from the IPCC web site at www.ipcc.ie and the What’s So Special About Peat? Leaflets are available from the IPCC, tel 045-860133. This campaign is supported by the Heritage Council under the Heritage, Community and Outreach Grants Scheme 2012 and by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht as part of “Notice Nature” – Ireland’s Public Awareness Campaign on Biodiversity.

Sean Gallagher to launch Newbridge 200 €50,000 Business Start-up Competition

 
Kildare businesses that have commenced trading in the last year, or are thinking about setting up could benefit from €50,000 in top class professional supports and services through the Newbridge 200 Business Start-up Competition which is part of the bicentenary celebrations taking place in the town throughout the year.

 
Séan Gallagher, the entrepreneur, formerly of Dragon’s Den, an accomplished expert in innovation and enterprise will launch the competition on Tuesday May 22nd at Newbridge Credit Union.

Why choose Montessori ? The long term benefits ? What it offers the child?

WEDNESDAY MAY 30TH - A TALK:    WHY MONTESSORI EDUCATION?

No charge but pre-booking necessary!      11am -noon
              
All welcome ! Punchestown Montessori AMI School , Baltreacy ,Naas

Call 045-874175  Gaye Mullen
              
www.punchestownmontessori.org

GORTA need volunteers in County Kildare for mass collections this weekend:

Celbridge St. Patrick’s :–

Sat 7pm.

Sunday 8.30am, 10am, 11.15am, 12.30pm, 7pm.

With St. Patrick’s we will need a minimum of 3 people to the front of the church on the pavement as the permit only allows us at the gates of the church and not inside on the grounds.

 
Celbridge Parish/Straffan

This is a small church, but we need a minimum of 2 people for each mass.

Straffan St. Brigid’s :- 

Sat 6pm.

Sunday 11am.

 
Mass  TIMES Naas.
Our lady and St David - 4 gates
 
Saturday: 6.30pm
 
Sunday Masses: 8:30am, 10.00am, 11:15am,

 
Irish martyrs Ballycane
 
Sat 8pm 

Sun 11 & 12.15
 
 
MASS TIMES Kill/Ardclough

CHURCH of St. Brigids

Sat. 7.30 pm

Sun. 11.00, 12.15 am

St. Annes

Sat. no service

Sun. 9.30 am

CONTACT: Gorta, 12 Herbert St, Dublin 2.  Tel: 01 6615522/ 0877933513 or email: ann@gorta.org

Website: www.gorta.org
 

98% of Last Year’s Business Graduates in Full-Time Employment

 
Last year’s graduates from NUI Maynooth’s School of Business MSc programmes enjoyed a nearly 100% success rate in finding full-time employment, according to a recent survey.  Maynooth’s School of Business offers a range of business masters programmes for both business and non-business graduates.

The survey, carried out by the School of Business, received a 100% response rate from students. Of the 52 graduates, only 1 was currently out of employment.  Most of the respondents are employed in international companies and national concerns, with many of them employed in management and executive roles. 

The employment success of NUI Maynooth’s Business Graduates in a competitive job market is proof of the career-orientated programmes offered by the University, according to academics in the department.

Commenting on the figures, Prof Robert Galavan, Professor of Strategic Management in the School of Business said, “The MSc programmes in Strategy and Innovation, Business Management, IT Management and Human Resources Management/Development are clearly valued by employers due to their applied and relevant nature. They provide graduates with disciplinary expertise with an additional set of management and business tools which has proven to significantly enhance their employment and career development potential.”

The Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) are getting ready for National Biodiversity Week at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre in Lullymore, Co. Kildare.  On Wednesday 16th May the centre will host its annual 'Introduction to Habitat Management' course.  This course is designed for beginners in habitat management and introduces participants on ways to manage habitats to promote and protect biodiversity.  This full day course costs €95 and includes recording grid references and GPS readings, abiotic factors, pond dipping, butterfly identification, bird identification, habitat classification and developing a management plan.  Places are limited on this popular course so contact IPCC on 045-860133 or e-mail bogs@ipcc.ie to reserve a place.

On Friday 18th May from 10am-1pm the IPCC will celebrate the first annual International Fascination of Plants Day by offering a peatland flora workshop.  Nuala Madigan, Education Officer with IPCC will be exploring with workshop participants the variety of plants found on peatlands and the fascinating adaptations they have for surviving in the waterlogged and nutrient poor peatland habitat.  Insect eating plants and bog snorkeling plants are two such species included in the workshop.   Course cost €30 and booking is essential by contacting IPCC on 045-860133 or e-mail bogs@ipcc.ie.

On Saturday the 19th May IPCC would like to invite you to their Biodiversity Week 'Date with Nature'.  This event is supported by Notice Nature Ireland's public awareness campaign for biodiversity.  This event is free and no booking is required.  From 7.30pm -10.30pm the Bog of Allen Nature Centre will be open for visitors to explore and celebrate Ireland's peatland biodiversity.  With the support of Notice Nature a new peatland biodiversity display will be included in the visitor centre.  As 2012 is the International Year of the Bat the IPCC have invited Kildare Bat group along to provide information to visitors on the variety of bat species in Ireland, their habitats and how to protect them.  A guided walk around the local area will follow the information talk at dusk where we will identify bats in the area.

If you would like further information on any of these events please contact IPCC on 045-860133 or e-mail: bogs@ipcc.ie.

Nominate your Local Hero

After the success of the Kildare County Show 2011 Local Hero competition, the committee have decided to make the local hero award a permenant fixture in the Kildare County Show.

This year the theme of the show is Support Your Local Community!

They are looking for the people of Kildare to nominate someone they know, who has done extraordinary things for their local community.

All nominees will be presented with a certificate at the Kildare County Show on Sunday the 17th of June 2012.

To nominate someone you know, please send their name, contact details and the reason why you think this person deserves to be recognised for their work to...

Email: localhero@kildarecountyshow.ie

Post: Local Hero, The Kildare County Show Office, 7 Leinster Street, Athy, Co. Kildare.

In a move which will provide a further boost to Ireland’s classic and vintage vehicle scene, market-leading specialist insurance broker Carole Nash has been confirmed as title sponsor of the fast-growing Classic Car & Motorcycle Live Show .

Hosted at Co. Kildare’s Mondello Park, Ireland’s only international motor racing circuit, the show’s mix of high speed track sessions, demonstrations and displays has proven highly popular with enthusiasts. Since it was established in 2008 attendance figures have soared with the event swiftly establishing itself as a key fixture in the classic calendar. Over 1,000 bikes and cars are anticipated to be displayed at the 2012 show which takes place on Sunday 17th of June.

As a result of the new agreement the show will be rebranded as the Carole Nash Classic Car & Motorcycle Live Show with the motorcycle and classic car insurance specialist earning exclusive promotional rights at the circuit and Mondello’s website, Facebook and other platforms. The deal complements the company’s well established sponsorship of the Carole Nash Irish Motorbike & Scooter Show at the RDS in Dublin.

Explaining the decision to back the Mondello show Carole Nash’s head of marketing, Rebecca Donohue said: “Since our very early days we have always invested in the grassroots and supported those people and events that help ensure the classic scene remains healthy and vibrant. We’re delighted to extend that support to what is a relatively new, different and exciting show. The fact that visitor numbers have soared by over 50 per cent amply demonstrates that the Carole Nash Classic Car & Motorcycle Live Show is a superb showcase of the finest classic and vintage vehicles and Mondello Park an excellent host venue.”

Welcoming the sponsorship agreement John Morris, managing director of Mondello Park, commented: “We’re thrilled not just to have secured sponsorship for this flagship show, but the support of a sponsor of the calibre of Carole Nash. With a proven track record for actively, not to mention pro-actively, supporting the classic scene we see Carole Nash as the ideal partner.”

As part of National Volunteering Week the Kildare IWT branch is organising Himalayan balsam removal in Celbridge Town on Sunday 20th May, 11am – 4pm.

Himalayan balsam is an invasive species of Irish waterways in Ireland. It can grow to 2m tall and prevents native plants from growing underneath it. In October it dies back and leaves the ground bear which can cause erosion. Its flower produces more nectar than our native species which makes it more attractive to insects resulting in less pollination of our native plants. For more information visit www.invasivespeciesireland.com.

We will be removing Himalayan balsam from the banks of the river Liffey, starting behind the Mill community centre in Celbridge and working our way towards Straffan. Participants will need strong boots or wellies (wellies are preferable), long robust trousers (to ward off the unwelcome attention of nettles or brambles), long sleeved upper garments and long durable gloves (for the same reason).

If you are interested in volunteering send us an e-mail at kildarebranch@iwt.ie. We need as many volunteers as we can for this event to be successful and your support will be much appreciated!

For more information contact: Roseanne at kildarebranch@iwt.ie or follow our
blog: www.iwtkildarebranch.wordpress.com

We are delighted to announce the establishment of a new, community-based festival for Newbridge. It is called June Fest and will, appropriately, happen over the June bank Holiday weekend.
 
We have a packed programme of events ranging from an exhibition of work from some of our leading visual artists, to a gig by Luka Bloom previewing songs from his new  album ‘New Morning.’ Lots of family friendly walks and attractions are planned, including children’s performances, family fun in the park, and walks on the trail of bats. Gigs and youth theatre events feature prominently, with a play performed in the Liffey Linear Park and a gig of local bands in Rosetown. To cap it all, there is a major Eighties Night of dance, fun, fancy dress and live music at the Hop in the Keadeen Hotel on Sunday 3rd.
 
The festival is run by volunteers (a group called Red Events) and is principally funded by Newbridge Town Council. June Fest is also supported by Kildare County Council and Newbridge 200.

June Fest 2012
31st May – 4th June

Principally sponsored by Newbridge Town Council. Additional sponsorship from Kildare County Council and Newbridge 200.

JuneFest 2012 is a community festival coordinated by Red Events which takes place in Newbridge, County Kildare over the June bank holiday weekend. It is an artist-led, community-based festival, designed to showcase the creative produce and enterprising spirit of the people of Newbridge.

JuneFest 2012 is an organic, home-grown festival. The events and activities are all organized by local people working as individual artists or through clubs, societies or projects.  They include gigs, exhibitions, performances, walks, talks and markets, all scattered across the town and over 3 days and nights.

JuneFest 2012 reclaims, with art and events, spaces in the town that have become disused in the recession, such as vacant shop units and malls. The festival also emphasises the outdoors, with many events occurring at street-level, along walks, in the park, and in back yards.

JuneFest 2012 builds on the memory of Newbridge’s earlier festival, Bealtaine Arts Festival, and is galvanized by the energy of Red Events. Red Events is a collective of volunteers who make space in the town for creative things to happen. We organize gigs, walks, tours, exhibitions and events all year round and support independent artists to showcase their talents.

E: redevents@gmail.com
Telephone: 045 446612
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/REDevents1

Red Events 2012 are Mary Linehan, Noel Heavey, Mary Doyle, Jackie Tyrrell, Gay Brabazon, Peter Hussey, Veronica Bagnall, and Cllr Fiona O’ Loughlin.

Programme of Events:

Thursday, 31st May

10:00-12:00pm PAINTING WORKSHOP
A gentle way to unlock your creativity.  Beginners welcome
The Lifeflow Centre, Moorefield
Bookings 086 0795095
Donation Welcome

11:00-2.00pm FOSSIL FUN
Children in local schools delve into the fascinating world of ancient artifacts and fossils with Vince Butler. (5th class pupils only)
FREE Event

11:30am INTRODUCTION TO REFLEXOLOGY
 Learn more about the powerful, healing techniques of reflexology With Bernadette Doyle.
 Newbridge Library.
Bookings: 045 448353
E: newbridgelib@kildarecoco.ie
FREE Event: booking essential

12.00pm UNVEILING OF WALL HANGING
St. Conleth’s Community College
Formal unveiling by Mayor of hand-made wall hanging made for the school by parents of the pupils.

5:00pm-7:00pm LIGHT FOR CONLETH
A guided walk to Hurley’s Moat, led by local historian, Mario Corrigan. Limited places available on the walk – book with Damien Molinyeux 087 2450881. Assemble at Parish Church.
FREE Event

8:00pm ART TRAIL & EXHIBITION LAUNCH
Arts exhibition in the Courtyard Shopping Centre, Newbridge for two weeks. Launch at 8pm with entertainment and refreshments – all welcome. 3 artists from Newbridge (Eamonn Keenan, Eleanor Swan and Maeve Mulcahy); 3 from Kildare (Brian O’ Loughlin, Margaret becker and Annette Mc Cormack); and 3 from Ireland (Padraig McCaul, rock Butler and Lar O’ Toole).  There will also be exhibitions of 3 artists’ work in FRamwork Gallery on Eyre Street Studio (beneath the old Oscar Cinema). The 3 exhibited here are Zita McGarry, Mary Ruane and Grainne Dowling.
Exhibition open daily from 11.00am to 3.00pm
FREE Event, open daily

8.30pm – 9.30pm BEGINNERS’ LINE DANCING CLASS
Ryston Sports Centre.
FREE.

9.00pm – 11.00pm NEWBRIDGE NOVELTY TABLE QUIZ
A light-hearted table quiz on the theme of Newbridge. Expect quirky rounds of pictures, questions on well-known sons and daughters, some history, and a little bit of observation skill. (Only 17 tables available – if you want to ensure yours ring 087 2759420. Otherwise just turn up).
Table of 4: €40.

Friday, 1st June

10:00am-12:00pm Tai Chi/Yoga
Lifeflow Centre.
A powerful way to start your day with Yoga Teacher, Yogicho.
Bookings + 0851691304
Donation Welcome

11.30am HISTORY TALK: Forgotten Newbridge Prisoners of World War II
An intriguing talk by James Durney
Newbridge Library
Bookings: 045 448353
FREE Event

2:00pm-6:00pm HOLISTIC AFTERNOON
Feed your spirit with reiki and acupuncture. Find out about many other ways to relieve stress and develop holistic wellbeing.
The Lifeflow Centre.
Donation Welcome

6:30pm TEA-TIME WITH THE LOCAL HISTORY GROUP.
A talk about the history and heritage of our town. Followed by traditional music session.
Cummins’ Public House, Main Street.
FREE Event

7:00pm – 9.00pm SING FOR YOUR SUPPER
Kildare Youth Theatre showcase emerging young musicians and singers musicians and singers aged 14 to 17.
The Liffey Studio (above Johnson’s).
Admission: €5. Tickets at door.

9:00pm – late ROSETOWN ROCKS!
In keeping with the aim to reclaim, this event brings back live music from original local artists to Rosetown Club House. The gig will feature music from Substance, Loyal Cuckoo, King Modo and more.
Admission: €8/€5. Tickets at door.

Saturday, 2nd June

NEWBRIDGE IN BLOOM
Enjoy the delightful flower displays throughout the town, sponsored by Newbridge Credit Union and provided by Newbridge Tidy Towns Committee.

CAFÉ EVENTS
Look out for special pop-up festival events in coffee shops, with readings, music and visual arts (including a reading by Claire Codd in the Hoky Poky at 4pm; music from Paul McCormack in the Courtyard; and new bridge Drama Group in An Chistin).

11.30am – 12.00pm CROOKED MICE: CHILDREN’S DRAMA
Short performance created by children under 10 and directed by Mark Tuffy in the Liffey Studio.
Admission €3. Limited seating.

2:00-5:00pm FOSSIL FEST
Come along to see million year old fossils and hear about ancient life on earth. Presented by Vince Butler
O’Rourke’s Bar
FREE Event

4:00pm-5:30pm THEATRE IN THE BOOKSHOP
Book early to enjoy two short hilarious comedies about ladies whose good intentions backfire. Performed by Marguerite Rowan and Martina Mc Cormack. Directed by Peter Hussey.
Farrell’s Bookshop, Main Street
Admission: €8 (€5 concessions)
Tickets: 045 431708.

7.00pm – 8.15pm RUCKUS IN THE GARDEN
Kildare Youth Theatre presents this one-hour comedy about rival schools, strange and magical events in a garden, and unlikely romance. Directed by Keith Burke with a cast of 15 young actors from county Kildare.
Outdoors in The Liffey Linear Park. Strictly no alcohol event. If it’s reaining the play will be performed indoors in The Liffey Studio.
Donations welcome (suggested donation €5)

8:30pm LUKA BLOOM
Enjoy the pure pleasure and joy of an evening with one of Newbridge’s internationally celebrated musicians. This very special gig will preview songs from his upcoming album “This New Morning.”
Lumville House, The Curragh.
Admission: €20
Tickets: Top Twenty, The Kiosk, or on the door.

Sunday, 3rd June

Family Fun at the Liffey Linear Park
Outdoor games, and pop-up surprise events in the Liffey Park from Saturday til Monday 11.00am til 4.00pm.

2:00pm- 3:30pm LITERARY MISCELLANY
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon of words and music with John McKenna, and other established and emerging writers.
Keadeen Hotel.
Admission €5 (pay at door). Tickets at the door.

3:30pm HIDDEN HISTORY TRAIL
Join in this guided, gentle walk around Newbridge to visit some of our hidden history, with guide Brenda Walsh. Assemble at Riverbank Arts Centre.
FREE Event

9.00pm BAT WALK
Join experts in a walk along the banks of the life observing and finding out about bats in their local habitat. Assemble at the entrance to the Linear Park.
Weather permitting (needs to be dry).

9:00pm SUMMER HOP!
Keadeen Hotel
Relive the eighties in our annual Hop as the legendary “Backwater Crooners,” led by Mary Young and ably assisted by Pud Barrett, reprise popular 80s classics. Fun concert followed by 80s disco with Liam Kett. Lots of spot prizes – wear fancy dress and win for best costume.
Admission: €12. Fundraiser for Kildare Youth Theatre and Arts Project
Tickets: Top Twenty, the Kiosk or email booking info@crookedhouse.ie or telephone 087 2759420.

Monday, 4th June

11:00am GUIDED WALK IN POLLARDSTOWN FEN
Uncover the story of the fen with guide Nuala Madigan.
Assemble at car park in Pollardstown Fen.
FREE Event

STREET DANCE
Pop up dancing in public locations throughout the town by young dance crew Irish Jump Style (IJS).

Every Day
Family Fun at the Liffey Linear Park
Outdoor games, and pop-up surprise events in the Liffey Park from Saturday til Monday 11.00am til 4.00pm.

Café & Pub Events
Throughout the weekend look out for readings, music, short scenes from Newbridge Drama Group, and visual art. There will also be events and gigs in many of the town’s pubs.

Newbridge in Bloom
Newbridge Tidy Towns will launch their annual flower festival in Newbridge Credit Union at the start of the weekend.

ETIHAD AIRWAYS CLASSIC ICON IN ASSOCIATION WITH IRISH TATLER

The Abu Dhabi Irish Guineas Festival will kick off the exciting summer season of racing at the Curragh this year when it takes place on 26th and 27th May.  As always, fashion is top of the agenda for the girls and this year fashion is set to ‘take off’ as Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE and Irish Tatler will be searching for their ‘Classic Icon’.  The Etihad Airways Classic Icon competition in association with Irish Tatler will see fashion judges, Irish Tatler editor, Jessie Collins, media personality Claire Byrne and bridal designer Patrick Casey looking for their classic icon, the lady they believe represents classic racing style.  This ladies day fashion competition is the first of the flat racing season and is always a great day out for fashionistas everywhere!  The prize up for grabs for The Classic Icon is an amazing trip to Abu Dhabi with accommodation and return flights from the award winning Etihad Airways.

For those ladies who really love to make the most of putting together a great race day outfit, why not think about entering the competitions and convince friends to join you?  This year, the Curragh will encourage ladies to pre-register before the day through their new look website www.curragh.ie, however it will still be possible to register on the race days with roaming ‘Fashion Police’ who will also be inviting fashionably dressed race goers to enter the competition. The first 100 ladies who register for the Classic Icon competition will receive a fabulous goodie bag from Irish Tatler and will be invited into the Irish Tatler Style Lounge.

English 2000 Guineas third and fourth Hermival and Trumpet Major could clash in the Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas on Saturday, while other possible runners in the first Irish Group 1 Classic of the year include Power, Abtaal, Born to Sea, Top Offer, Parish Hall and Caspar Netscher.

The support programme features our top sprinters in the Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes, while the Group 3 TRI Equestrian Stakes and Emirates Equestrian Federation Marble Hill Stakes (Listed) are other notable races.  The Kildare Dublin region of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association will celebrate the successes of horses bred in the region by making presentations throughout the afternoon

English 1000 Guineas Heroine Homecoming Queen is one of 48 entries in the Etihad Airways Irish 1000 Guineas on Sunday. Maybe, La Collina, Discourse, Lyric of Light, Best Terms, Cleofila and Lightning Pearl are others who may line up in the Group 1 Classic. The first three horses to finish in the Dubai World Cup could all renew rivalry in the Tattersalls Gold Cup with Monterosso, Capponi and Planteur  among the entries for the Tattersalls Gold Cup. The Group 1 contest has also attracted St Nicholas Abbey, Famous Name, Rio De La Plata and World Domination. The Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes (Group 3) and the His Highness The President of the UAE Cup, the only race run in Ireland for pure bred Arabian Horses are other feature races.

The whole weekend of top class racing will have a distinctly Arabic flavour with many elements of Emirati life and culture being showcased in an Arabian Village, which will feature a variety of activities to promote the attractions of Abu Dhabi.   There will also be a gourmet food area in the garden enclosure, a Festival Shopping Village and free children’s entertainment on Sunday.

Admission €20, under 25s and seniors €10.  Children under 16 accompanied by an adult go free. 

Special 3 for 2 admission offer available by booking in advance. Variety of dining packages from €55.  1st race:  Sat 26th May, 1.40pm, Sun 27th May, 1.40pm. 

For more information log on to www.curragh.ie or call (045) 441205

Bloom – Ireland’s Top Floral, Food & Family Festival returns this June Bank Holiday

Bord Bia has announced the return of Bloom, its hugely successful gardening, food and family festival, which will take place in the Phoenix Park, Dublin this June Bank Holiday weekend. The popular event, which is now in its sixth year, attracted more than 90,000 people last year. This year Kildare will be well represented with four food companies, four nurseries and two Garden Designers creating two of the 27 show-gardens at the event. Bloom 2012 will run over five days, from Thursday 31st May – Monday 4th June on a 70-acre site at the Visitors Centre in Dublin’s Phoenix Park.

The President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins will officially open Bloom on Thursday 31st May in his first appearance as Bloom Patron.

Details of the Kildare representatives at Bloom are as follows:
 
Kildare Show-Garden Designers:

• Andy Kelly from Prosperous will design a garden called ‘Starberry Paradise Garden' sponsored by The Blueberry Growers Association    
• David Shorthall from Carberry will design a garden called 'Changing Perceptives' in association with the Rehab Group

Kildare Nurseries on display in the Nursery Marquee

• Flannerys Nurseries Ltd from Staplestown
• Garden Direct from Ballyteague
• Herb's on Thyme from Rathangan       
• Doran Nurseries from Donadea

Kildare Food Companies in the Food Village

• Trouble Brewing from Allenwood will be on show in the Bloom Inn
• Jane Russell's Original Irish from Kilcullen will be on show in the Artisan Food Market
• Irish Blueberry Growers Association from Allenwood will be on display in the ‘Best in Season’ Fresh Produce Market         
• Brady Family Donadea will be on display in the Meat and Fish Market             

               
 
This year’s event will also offer expanded walking space in which to enjoy the spectacular show gardens, food and family features. Gary Graham, Bloom Show Manager, Bord Bia said “Tomorrow (Wednesday 9th May) marks the first day of the Bloom build for the garden designers involved in this year’s event. There is a huge amount of work involved in creating magnificent show-gardens which will form the centre-piece of the event for visitors to enjoy. This year, gardens will incorporate topical, human interest themes such as sustainability, the impact of immigration and the importance of Irish culture.”
 
Bloom Show–Gardens
The Bloom 2012 gardens range from veteran Bloom garden designer Fiann O’Nuallain’s “Stream of Consciousness” garden which will include dramatic water features, lighting and a host of performers throughout the event, to new garden designer, Kate Kurevleva from Bray, Co. Wicklow who is creating a traditional Japanese garden featuring Irish moss. A number of charities are also on board working with Bloom garden designers to bring important social issues to the public’s attention. These include the National Council for the Blind (NCBI), Rehab Group, Amawele and Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. The winner of RTE’s Super Garden show will also be revealed at Bloom. (See www.bloominthepark.com for the full list of this year’s designers).   
 
Bord Bia Food Village
For food lovers, Bord Bia is building on the success of the popular Food Village which was introduced last year, with an even bigger showcase planned for 2012. Built around a central dining area, the Bord Bia Food Village will bring together all aspects of the food chain into one place where visitors can learn more about food and its origin by paying a visit to the Bloom Farmyard, in association with Agri-Aware.
Visitors will have the opportunity to sample and purchase a wide range of top quality food including: fresh Bord Bia Quality Assured produce at the Meat, Poultry & Fish Marquee and “Best in Season” fresh produce market; the finest artisan foods Ireland has to offer at the Artisan Food Market and Artisan Caterers Street Food stalls; and complimenting the wonderful food, the popular “Bloom Inn” will be offering craft beers and whiskey.
 
At the centre of the Bord Bia Food Village, the Chef’s Summer Kitchen will host live cooking demonstrations from some of Ireland’s much loved chefs such as Neven Maguire, Catherine Fulvio, Donal Skehan and Rozanne Stevens. The events will be hosted by TV presenter and foodie, Ella McSweeney who will also interview Irish food producers throughout the weekend.
 
Gardening Delights
Green-fingered visitors can pick up tips and advice at the Woodies Expert Garden Stage which will feature talks from gardening expert Gerry Daly, Mick Kelly from GIY Ireland and Paddy Gleeson, RTE’s Super Garden Judge. They can also learn about the art of flower arranging at the AOIFA (Association of Irish Floral Artists) stage and seek advice and purchase domestically grown plants from the abundance of nurseries exhibiting in the floral marquee.
 
Family Fun at Bloom
Bloom is a family friendly event with many interactive child-orientated features and best of all children can enter for free! The ‘Budding Bloomers’ kids zone will contain a vibrant mixture of fun and educational features including a daily Teddy Bear’s Picnic hosted by Hamley’s; the Food Dudes characters who will be hosting games based on children getting their five fruit and vegetables a day; The Garden School who will be teaching visitors how to plant and sow; Buds’ in Bloom who will provide a covered natural sand play area; One Family and the National Association of Childcare Committees who will offer support and advice to families; and a children’s stage with a fantastic range of acts.
 
Additional family activities include TreeCareIreland who will demonstrate and showcase tree-climbing skills while promoting proper tree care and hosting tree-climbing competitions. The Crafts Council of Ireland will host craft demonstrations, craft workshops and a dedicated craft retail area.
 
The picnic area surrounding the Main Stage promises to be a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoyment with various musical artists entertaining visitors from mid-morning to late afternoon, for the duration of Bloom.
 
Sponsors

New and returning sponsors for this year’s event include Fáilte Ireland, Love Irish Food, Bord Na Móna, Irish Times, OPW, Rehab, Woodies, Nissan LEAF, Viking, Robert Roberts, Atlantis, Popcorn Ireland, Newstalk, Irish Greyhound Board, Universal Studios, Bewleys Hotel, Lyric FM and Glenisk.

Tickets are on sale now starting at €15 and children go free! Intending visitors are encouraged to book early for discounted rates by visiting www.bloominthepark.com.

You can follow Bloom 2012 on www.facebook.com/bloominthepark and join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #Bloom2012.

Irelands biggest motoring and motorsport spectacle, Mondello Jap-Fest, returns for 2012 with exciting line-up already starting to build. Top of the bill will be a list of International Drifters, assembled by Prodrift, who will perform alongside some new and exciting attractions. The single day event is set for Sunday September 9th and will include the final round of the Prodrift Irish series the first ever Intercontinental Drift Cup and the final round of the Irish Time-Attack championship.

The annual celebration of Japanese car culture and motorsport is by far the biggest show on the Irish car scene and it continues to grow. 2011 was the most successful event in the shows history, boosted by the strongest line-up of international drift competitors ever seen in Ireland. Many of these drivers, along with a few new ones, are set to return again this September to compete for overall honours as well as the inaugural intercontinental cup which will pitch the International drivers against the best of Irish.

While Drifting will once again be the highlight of the event for large numbers of show visitors, the organisers are planning a full days action which will feature some new events alongside the old favourites. The Mondello Park track will be busy for most of the day with the resurgent 'Trackday Performance' Time-Attack championship as the main support for the Drift event. This event always attracts the largest line-up of the season and with numbers already way ahead of previous years the finale is expected to feature the biggest ever Time-Attack field seen in Ireland

Additional competitive action will be provide by a new event to the programme, a 'Barrell Run' where competitors will compete over a tight course. The challenge is to slalom through, and perform doughnuts around the barrells, with the first driver to finish without touching a barrell progressing into the next round.

Motorcycle Stunt competition will also be a part of Jap-Fest for the first time as the New Stunt Ireland series concludes its three round championship. The best of Ireland’s motorcycle stunt riders will be joined by British and European competitors to battle for a number of awards as well as top spot in the championship standings.

With all the track activities its easy to overlook the huge number of Japanese cars which will be on view, not only displayed in the paddock but also on track in the 'Track Day' sessions. Jap-Fest always attracts the best of Ireland’s modified and classic Japanese Cars with a host of owners clubs and web sites represented alongside individual exhibitors. The whole event is topped off by the always colourful and vibrant trade area where anyone who's anyone in the Irish Modified Car scene will be present.

Over the coming months, news of additions to the Mondello Jap-Fest 2012 line-up will be announced. Spectators will be able to keep up with the news through the Jap-Fest facebook pages and the Mondello Park web site where they can also purchase their tickets in advance at reduced prices.

Workshops available:

•  Communicating effectively with children birth - teenage years     
  Thursday May 17th 8pm
  
  
• How to help your child to read and write        
  Thursday May 24th 8pm
  
  
• How to teach creative drama 'to little ones'     
  Saturday June 9th
  
  
• Creative and practical ideas for children during the summer months   
  Thursday june 14th  
  

Venue : AMI School, Punchestown,  Naas, Co.Kildare   

 Workshops cost: 20euro.   Pre-booking necessary

 Contact Gaye Mullen 045-874175 for further details .

www.punchestownmontessori.org

The Academy for Junior Chefs at The Village at Lyons Estate, near Celbridge, will be running courses this July.

Programmes include:

• Junior Chef - Super Foods for Super Heroes, for 8 - 12 year olds
  
• Pro Chef - Feel Good Foods, for 13 - 18 year olds.

Price €145 (sibling discounts available)

Check out Facebook for competitions to win free places.

See website - www.theacademyforjuniorchefs.com for bookings and details.

THE High Chaparrel EBF Mooresbridge Stakes tops the bill on an exciting card at the Curragh on Bank Holiday Monday and the Group Three contest has quality written all over it with St Nicholas Abbey, Sharestan, Famous Name, Chrysanthemum and Unaccompanied among the 12 horses still left in the race.
 
St Nicholas Abbey, runner up to Cirrus Des Aigles at Meydan last month on his seasonal debut, is one of four horses left in the race by trainer Aidan O’Brien, who also has Memphis Tennessee, Robin Hood and Windsor Palace.
 
O’Brien is also well represented in the Canford Cliffs EBF Athasi Stakes and can choose between Empowering, After, Ahimsa, Ishvana, Soon and Up. Alanza, Fire Lily and Princess Sinead are three other interesting home-trained challengers for the Group Three prize, while Mick Channon has left both Lady Gorgeous and Tinzapees in the seven furlong contest.
 
Lady Gorgeous also features among the 16 horse remaining in the Listed Dylan Thomas EBF Tetrarch Stakes as is her stable companion Tidentime, while the Mark Johnson-trained Bannock is the other overseas challenger. Once again Aidan O’Brien is well represented with no fewer than seven (After, Ahimsa, Ishvana, Soon, Triumphant, Vault and Wonderful) entries, while the promising Takar is likely to take his chance for Curragh-based trainer John Oxx.
 
Racing opens at 2.20pm  with the Alfred Nobel EBF Maiden for which there are 12 entries. Five of those have already tasted racecourse action, including Canary Row which ran the highly regarded Dawn Approach to one and three quarter lengths in the opening juvenile contest of the season at this venue last month. The Newbridge Credit Union Handicap and the Keadeen Hotel Wedding Specialists Handicap are both wide open contests, while National Hunt fans are catered for with concluding The Irish Field INH Flat Race.
 
The Curragh have reduced the adult admission price to €10, under 25s and seniors are only €5 while Under 16s accompanied by an adult are free. A family package is only €15.
 
In addition to 8 exciting races on the track, an impressive variety of free entertainment is planned to take place throughout the day with a major family theme including a