County Kildare News

Ultimate amateur cycle tour launched to raise vital funds in aid of Arthritis Ireland

Dublin, 24th July 2012: Taoiseach Enda Kenny urged cyclists to gear up for the ultimate tour experience earlier today as he launched Cycle 360 in aid of Arthritis Ireland. This fun but challenging event, which is open to all, will take in some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery over a three-day, 360km route throughout three counties.

Setting out from the Osprey Hotel, Naas on Wednesday the 3rd of October to Friday the 5th of October, through the stunning flatlands of Co Kildare, Cycle 360 will wind its way through some of Wicklow’s most stunning rolling landscapes, finishing for an overnight stay and mouth watering meal in Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort.  Setting out the following day scaling the heights of Mount Leinster resting overnight in the stunning Ballykealey Manor, Ballon, Co Carlow and back through all three counties, before finishing up with a party in Osprey Hotel, Naas. Cycle 360 is open to cyclists of all levels of experience and abilities and all participants will be provided with a professional training plan to prepare, a free cycling t-shirt and accommodation in some of the most comfortable hotels each location has to offer.

Launching the event, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who is a keen cyclist, said: “I am delighted to launch Cycle 360 in aid of Arthritis Ireland and I would like to wish all the cyclists taking part the very best of luck in their endeavours. Cycling has become a hugely popular activity in Ireland and this initiative is a wonderful opportunity for people to support a great cause while experiencing an authentic tour challenge.”

Arthritis Ireland CEO John Church said: “We are delighted to be supporting Cycle 360 which has been developed to give people a fun but challenging tour experience as well as raise funds to provide vital services, such as the Arthritis Ireland Helpline and the Living Well with Arthritis programme, for people with arthritis. Cycling, and exercise in general, is now regarded as an essential part of healthy living and it has been proven to be an important part of both preventing the onset and controlling the symptoms of arthritis.”

Registration for Cycle 360 costs €75 plus a commitment to raise a minimum of €675. It is also possible to enter a team of two for €1,500 or a four-person team for €2,800. Anyone interested in signing up or to find out more information, please contact Louise on (01) 6470209 or lhyland@arthritisireland.ie or visit the Arthritis Ireland website www.arthritisireland.ie.

About Arthritis:

Arthritis affects 1 in 5 people in Ireland – 915,000 people nationwide.  There are over 100 different types of arthritis and these can affect people of all ages from babies and toddlers right through to those in their adult years.  60% of people with arthritis are aged under 65 years old.

 About Arthritis Ireland:

Little things can make a big difference to a person with arthritis. Difficulty with the little things like making a cup of tea, getting dressed or opening the front door can all add up to have a big impact on a person’s quality of life. At Arthritis Ireland we understand this. That is why we are Ireland’s only organisation working single-mindedly to transform the experience of people living with arthritis and those who care for them.   Every day, we work in communities across the country providing community based education programmes to help people effectively manage and control this devastating disease. We actively drive grassroots advocacy so that the voice of people with arthritis is heard and understood and we work with the medical community to control and cure arthritis.

Round 6 of the 'Trackday Performance' backed Irish Time-Attack championship takes place on Monday August 6th on the Mondello Park International Track. The series which is backed by Wicklow based Tuning and Race Preparation specialists Track Day Performance, continues to attract increasing entries, and with the high profile championship finale approaching, a strong line-up is expected.

Round 5 took place on the National Circuit running as part of a car race event for the first time in three years, but the sixth event of the season will return to sharing with a Car Track Day for the final time this year. the championship finale, Round 7, will see a swap back to the shorter National Track and it will be part of the biggest Modified Car event of the season, Mondello Jap-Fest.

Going into the penultimate championship encounter, Robbie Thronton leads the Unlimited Championship with only fellow Evo driver, Paul Molloy, capable of catching him. Such is Thornton's advantage however, that a strong result at round 6 could give him the championship with one round left to run.

Things are much closer in the remaining two divisions. In the Pro Championship, Honda Civic drivers, David Quille and Philip Wright are locked together at the top, separated by just three points with Brian Fitzpatrick's Civic not out of the running in third. Gordon Dunne and Nigel Maguire are chasing the 'Club' title, with Dunne's Starlet currently leading the way from Civic mounted Maguire.

Time-Attack will share the track at Round 6 with a Car Track Day and will be on track for four sessions over the course of the day. Two qualifying sessions will followed by two finals, an 'Open' Final where drivers can complete as many laps as the wish and a single lap 'Superlap' session, where drivers get just one opportunity to set a time. Points are on offer for all sessions with the Superlap Final being the one where the bulk of the points are awarded.

For further information on Time-Attack see
www.mondellopark.ie/time_attack 
www.timeattack.ie

Kfm 97.6/97.3fm remains county Kildare’s most listened to independent radio station, attracting in excess of 80,000 listeners over the age of 15 weekly.


On a daily basis within county Kildare, Kfm programmes comfortably out-perform national and regional stations across most of the day. 


Some stations broadcasting into the county have a very low single figure listenership, despite wildly optimistic spin on their part, not to mention the fact that their so-called Kildare content is only a very tiny part of an on-air multi county mix.


Kfm C.E.O. Clem Ryan says the figures reflect Kfm’s pre-eminent position in the radio market within county Kildare.

 
“While other stations make claims about Kildare, the absolute fact is that Kfm is the only radio station dedicated, and licensed, exclusively to cover the whole of county Kildare 24/7.  Others try to opportunistically brand themselves as Kildare as part of a commercial strategy, without any of the comprehensive Kildare content or on-air commitments to the county of Kfm.  Kfm is the only radio station that exclusively covers the diverse range of Kildare news and current affairs, with unrivalled Kildare sports coverage of all codes and great music.”


“For county Kildare advertisers, the message is equally reassuring!  On Kfm 97.6/97.3fm, their message is reaching the broadest possible audience in their own area and right across the whole county, and not just a part of the county in a mix of other counties’ messages.”

 
The facts speak for themselves:  Kildare’s Kfm – County Kildare’s Official Radio Station!  The Kfm CEO paid tribute to the Kfm staff for their ongoing professionalism and thanked both listeners and advertisers for their support.

Kfm broadcasts to every corner of county Kildare on 97.6fm and 97.3fm.

Mondello Park is pleased to announce the appointment of well know Motorsport Figure Leo Nulty, as Sales and Marketing Manager for the venue.

Leo is known in Motor Sport circles as a Journalist, Competitor, Commentator and Marketing Guru, and he has been extremely successful this year in promoting the Formula Sheane Class and establishing the new motorsport.ie website. Coupled with this is his background in the Motor Industry through Avon Tyres and more recently Fiat, where he has worked for 12 years as Business Development Manager for Sales & Fleet.

Speaking of the appointment, Mondello Park Managing Director John Morris said: “When I heard Fiat Group was restructuring a few months ago, I knew it was an opportunity to try and bring Leo to Mondello and I’m delighted we’ve been successful in that regard. He has a detailed knowledge of everything we do at Mondello and a proven Sales and Marketing pedigree and I’m confident he will be a huge asset to the circuit”.

Leo, a self confessed Motorsport Anorak was equally enthusiastic and said of his appointment: "I have been going to Mondello Park since I was a child and subsequently raced successfully and commentated there. To join the team at the venue is a dream come true for me. I am looking forward to the new and exciting challenges ahead."

Leo Nulty will take up the Sales & Marketing Manager position from August 13th and relevant contact details will be forthcoming closer to the time.

Radio Nova, has increased its audience by 20% in the latest JNLR radio ratings. The figures, which cover the 12-month period up to the end of June, now give the station 30,000 * listeners in North Kildare, cementing its reputation as the fastest growing radio station in Kildare. The results come as the station prepares to celebrate its 2nd birthday next month.

“We’re very excited by this latest set of results”, said CEO Kevin Branigan. “Not only do they show an extremely strong overall result, we have achieved huge growth across all of the key demographics in Kildare, clearly showing that Nova continues on a strong upward trajectory”.

In addition to his 30,000 listeners in North Kildare, Branigan also points out that the station now has 140,000** listeners across the Dublin commuter belt, including Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow, an increase of 19% from this time last year, showing that the station has a unique cross-generational appeal.

He also points out that 28% of 15-34 year olds and 25% of 20-44 year olds in Kildare now listen to the station, evidence that Nova has brought something new to what was previously considered to be a saturated market.

“In 2010 our goal was to bring something different to listeners. We’ve managed to entice listeners away from other stations by providing a unique mix of music, featuring the greatest-selling artists of all time, along with credible presenters – and it’s clear that this has proven immensely popular”, he said. 

Nova launched in September 2010, into the height of recession and in what was considered to be an already saturated market.  The station has experienced strong ratings growth to date, having exceeded its own listenership projections by 20% and being unique amongst radio startups in being on target with its business plan.

Nova broadcasts to North Kildare on 100.5 FM and is backed by some of the most experienced names in broadcasting in Ireland including Dermot Hanrahan, Pearse Farrell, Des Whelen, Mike Ormonde and Branigan.

* JNLR/Ipsos MRBI, 2012/2. Kildare weekly
** JNLR/Ipsos MRBI, 2012/2, Dublin commuter weekly

Clark are delighted to announce that following the successful audit of the company's quality management it has been awarded ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management Certification through NSAI and IQNet.

This award is internationally recognised as a badge of excellence and standard for quality management systems that highlights Clark's commitment to meeting and exceeding our clients' requirements.

Since 1998, with a current team of 7 people, based in The Atrium on Johns Lane in Naas, Co.Kildare, Clark have been providing Recruitment & HR solutions to both local and national clients across many different sectors and industries. Our exceptional service is achieved through our team's proven expertise and the sheer passion and pride we have in tailoring our personalised service to suit the needs of the many clients we partner with.

Managing Director of Clark, Deirdre Coghlan Murray said:

“I am delighted to have achieved such a worldwide recognised award and believe it only confirms the standards our clients and candidates have come to expect from Clark. Well done to all the team and especially to Geraldine & Clodagh for all their commitment to achieving this Standard.”

www.clark.ie 

 
We are 7 Scouts from the 5th Kildare (Athy) Scout Group and our challenge is Operation Tent-the-Nation, Code Name: 1-24-26.

This challenge involves 7 Scouters driving to each of the 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland and pitching a tent in each of the 26 counties in 24 hours.

From this challenge, we hope to raise enough money, not only to buy an AED for our Scout Den, but we hope to be able to purchase one for a Scout group in each of the 42 Scout counties in the Republic of Ireland.

To achieve this, we need all the support and publicity available to us.
 
The date of the challenge will be the 17th and 18th of August. We will start in Rossnowlagh in Co. Donegal at 7pm and it will finish in Athy in Co. Kildare the following evening at, approximately, 7pm. 

If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us on 086 8521719 or tentthenation@gmail.com

There are still some places available on the Bog of Allen Natures Centres nature camp starting next Monday 30th July at 10am. 

This camp runs for the week and activities include pond dipping, nature walks, nature crafts, frog and newt searches and much more. 

The cost is €50 per child with a 10% discount for sublings.  The camp is fully supervied by experienced tutors. 

Book now to avoid disappointment by calling 045-860133 or e-mail bogs@ipcc.ie.

 
With 1400 nominations in so far for hundreds of blogs and with Grafton Media as the headline sponsor, the organisers of Blog Awards Ireland are delighted that so many share their enthusiasm and passion for good blogging. The Blog Awards will become an important event in the social media and awards calendars playing its part in celebrating the best in Irish  blogging and bringing online communities together in its gala event on 13th October 2012 at the Osprey in Naas.

The headline sponsors, Grafton Media, are an award-winning, full-service, creative digital agency, ranked 24/100 in the  recommended agencies register. With offices in Dublin, Manchester and London, they are proving to be a dynamic and growing company with their finger on the pulse for all things web and digital related.

‘At Grafton Media we believe passionately in blogging and reaching new audiences. As a communications agency at the forefront of many technologies, blogging is an integral part of sharing ideas and thoughts between communities, and building new relationships between others that would not have been made otherwise.We feel that sponsoring the Blog Awards 2012 is a great opportunity to promote the efforts of the blogging community and to encourage others who haven’t blogged before to get started. The night should be fantastic and we’re very excited to be involved’. Dave Antrobus, Managing Director – Grafton Media

Lorna Sixsmith, Amanda Webb and Beatrice Whelan use blogging and other social media platforms to promote their businesses and those they work for. (Garrendenny Lane and Write on Track, Spiderworking, and Sage Ireland).  They see blogging as not just about writing or SEO or driving traffic to a website but also about creating communities. Blogging can offer as much to the individual and personal blogger as to the business blogger and a Blog Awards recognises and rewards the efforts involved in creating excellent blogs.

The organisers are delighted that Grafton Media have come on board as the headline sponsors. “We’re absolutely thrilled that Grafton Media have joined us as headline sponsors of Blog Awards Ireland. After meeting them we were very excited that they wanted to become involved. They are a dynamic and innovative company and are also great bloggers. Working together, we are going to create a wonderful celebration of the best of Irish blogging.” Amanda Webb, Spiderworking/ Blog Awards Ireland.

The Grafton Media Blog Awards Ireland’s event will bring online communities together, celebrate the best of Irish blogging, and offer businesses and bloggers an opportunity to iincrease their visibility and prominence in social media circles. With more people being guided in their buying decisions by bloggers rather than friends’ opinions, blogging is a considerably influential tool in word of mouth marketing. The organisers expect 250 people to attend the event on 13th October with hundreds more following the event on twitter from their armchairs at home.

Nominations are open at www.blogawardsireland.com until 31st July. There are 30 categories to choose from with a diverse range of themes. Bloggers can nominate their own blogs and it is free to nominate. 1400 nominations have been received to date with the most popular categories being lifestyle, food/drink, personal, photography and health/wellbeing. Best Newcomer (new blogs started since June 2011) is one of the most popular with over 350 nominations, showing the growth in Irish blogging.

Categories sponsored include Best Food/Drink blog by Glenisk, Best Photography Blog by Cearbhuil Studios, Best Blog of an SME by Sage and Best Corporate Blog by Media box.  Sponsorship opportunities are available for any business who would like to be connected with such a lively and exciting event by emailing sponsor@blogawardsireland.com.

Celebrating 30 Years of the Irish Peatland Conservation Council on International Bog Day
 
The Irish Peatland Conservation Council are marking 30 years since they were established in 1982 by inviting you to a special birthday open day at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre in Lullymore, Co. Kildare from 2-5pm on Sunday the 29th July.  IPCC is delighted that Mayor of Kildare Michael ‘Spike’ Nolan will officially start our celebrations at 2.30pm.
 
We have special wildlife guests joining us for the party. The Dublin Falconry and Hawking Club will be displaying a selection of beautiful birds of prey including Barn Owls, European Eagle Owl, Bengal Eagle Owl, Peregrine/Saker Falcon, Saker Falcon and Harris Hawks. This is your chance to experience these beautiful birds of uplands and bogs up close and create life long memories.  Don’t miss an information talk on these birds of prey at 3pm.
 
There will be activities for children including pond dipping and butterfly identification in the gardens of the centre at 3.30pm.  IPCC staff will update you on this year’s activities including education, conservation and research projects at 4pm.  The peatland museum will be open all afternoon for visitors to explore the wonder of Ireland’s peatlands with guided tours at 2.15pm and 3.30pm.  The gardens will be open for visitors to discover the largest public display of insect eating plants in Ireland and the UK.  International Bog Day and IPCC’s 30th birthday celebrations could not pass without a walk to Lodge Bog at 4.30pm for you to experience the wetland habitat for yourself.   If you are lucky you might see and hear the Curlew one of Ireland’s peatland birds that is in rapid decline and which is found on Lodge Bog each summer.
 
The Lonely Planet Guide lists the Bog of Allen Nature Centre as one of the top 5 visitor attractions in 2012 for Kildare and Wicklow and the 29th of July gives you the perfect opportunity to find out for yourself the reasons why.  All welcome to attend this free event. For further details contact IPCC on 045-860133 or email bogs@ipcc.ie. Bring a picnic.

Fine Gael Deputy for Kildare North, Anthony Lawlor TD, has welcomed plans for a new Primary Care Centre in Kilcock. The announcement was made as part of a multi-billion euro stimulus package unveiled by the Government, which also includes significant investment in roads and schools across the country. Of the 35 locations earmarked for Primary Care Centres, 20 will initially be commissioned for development under the Public Private Partnership Programme whilst the remaining will be progressed during later stages of the Programme.

“It will come as a great boost to the people of Kildare North to know that Kilcock has been identified as in need of a new Primary Care Centre. A new centre would make a real difference to the way in which the people of Kilcock access health care services in the community and I am delighted that the needs of the area have been considered by the Minister in this regard.

“Developing the network of Primary Care Centres is a key commitment in the Programme for Government. It was also a central plank of Fine Gael’s reform programme for the health service, which was developed in Opposition and is now being pursued in Government by Minister James Reilly and his colleague Minister Roisin Shorthall.

“Primary Care Centres will be the first point of contact for people who need to access health services in the years ahead. In a developed Primary Care system, as envisaged by the Government, up to 95% of people’s day-to-day health and social care needs can be provided in a community setting.

“A new centre would make a substantial difference to the lives of people in Kilcock. As well as treating illness, the centre in Kilcock would help people to care for themselves, such as those with a long-term illness, and would also help to prevent serious illness from occurring in the first place by providing easily accessible health services in the community.

“A focus on Primary Care not only benefits patients, it will also benefit the taxpayer. By allowing patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke and asthma, to be treated near or at their homes, we can save the health service millions of euro by preventing hospital stays.

“I look forward to the development of the new Primary Care Centre and I will urge the Minister to consider Kilcock for the first phase of the PPP Programme, to ensure that the needs of the community are addressed without delay.”

Epsom Oaks winner WAS is one of 11 fillies remaining in the Darley Irish Oaks taking place at the Curragh this Sunday, following today’s final forfeit stage for entries.  The Aidan O’Brien trained performer will renew rivalry with Shirocco Star who finished third at Epsom. 2012 is the 25th year for the race to be sponsored by Darley Stud.
 
The Group 1 Classic also includes recent Lancashire Oaks winner Great Heaven and the Edward Lynam trained Colliding Worlds who have both been supplemented into the race at a cost of €40,000 each, while Princess Highway, winner of the Ribbledale Stakes at Royal Ascot is also among the entries and she represents Dermot Weld and the Moyglare Stud, who combined to win the Classic with Dance Design in 1996. The daughter of Street Cry is unbeaten this season having previously scored at Naas and Leopardstown and will prove a tough nut to crack.
 
H.E. The President of Ireland Michael D Higgins will present the trophies to the winning connections following the Darley Irish Oaks.
 
Paddy Power, official betting partner of the Curragh, have opened a book on the Darley Irish Oaks and bet as follows: 2/1 Princess Highway, 9/4 Was, 5/2 Great Heavens, 6/1 Shirocco Star, 16/1 Colliding Worlds and Twirl, 33/1 Betterbetterbetter, Livia Galilei and Wonderful, 40/1 Devotion, 50/1 Demurely.
 
The Group Three Jebel Ali Stables and Racecourse Anglesey Stakes has attracted 18 entries headed by course winner and hat-trick seeking Cay Verde. Other notable likely runners here are Cristoforo Colombo, Parliament Square, Heavy Metal and Hard Yards. The Group Three Kilboy Estate Stakes is another fascinating contest with Beach Of Falesa, Caponata, Princess Sinead, Soon and Tannery most notable among the 15 entries. The bettor.com Rockingham Handicap and Thalgo Ladies Derby for the leading lady riders are other races taking place.
 
Sunday is also Ladies Day with a team of judges including world famous milliner Louis Mariette, Jacqueline Honor Sullivan, Joe Murphy and Melanie Finn, showbusiness editor of the Evening Herald, selecting the winner of the Classic Ladies Race wear competition with ladies encouraged to have a hint of blue in the outfit. The prize includes a €3,000 shopping spree with Michael Murphy Home Furnishing and, a day of pampering at the Coogan Bergin Beauty Clinic.
 
A variety of free entertainment for children will also feature on the day
 
The first of eight races at the Curragh on Sunday, 22nd July commences at 1.40pm and the ground remains soft to heavy.
 
Racing also takes place Saturday with the KARE Race Day Minstrel Stakes as the feature race.

Following an absence of seven years the Irish Formula Vee festival makes its return this weekend (July 21st & 22nd) at Mondello Park with an innovative and exciting event format. The revival of what was one of the most popular events on the Irish racing calendar has come about due to some hard work by the Formula Vee drivers association which has secured the backing of Dunlop Tyres and Total Oils for the two day event.

This Saturday and Sunday will see the running of seven Formula Vee races made up of a single championship race followed by three heats, two semi finals and a final to decide the Irish Formula Vee Festival winner. Sunday's programme will also have a strong line-up of support races including the return to Mondello Park of Formula Ford and the latest round of the Irish Touring Car Championship.

Saturdays programme is made up of a half day of track activity commencing at 13:45. The afternoon will feature the Formula Vee championship race and once this has been completed, all eyes will turn to the three Vee Festival heats. These heats will feature a revolutionary format which should guarantee close racing as drivers will be grouped together by lap times with the fastest drivers racing together in heat 1 the next fastest group in heat two and the slowest in heat three. Saturday's racing will also include two races for Ginetta Juniors and the first Formula Ford race of the weekend.

Sunday will get under way with the first of two races each for Global Lights, Historics, Formula Sheane and The ITCC. The Vee Semi Finals are scheduled to kick off the afternoon's activities followed by the weekends' second race for Formula Ford and the other supporting classes.

The Vee Festival Final will take to the grid for a 16:30 start and once again the action will be spiced up by a new approach, with a number of the top grid positions being reversed just prior to the start. Just how many positions are to be reversed, and therefore who will have the honour of starting form pole position, will be decided by a draw just before the cars take to the track. The fifteen minute race could throw up some surprises with a number of guest drivers expected to take part and the use of a reverse grid adding to the intrigue.

The event includes a number of side attractions which include a Formula One simulator and a Barbecue on Saturday Night which includes a Race Night, the proceeds from which will go to the Barretstown charity. Perhaps the biggest initiative however is the offer of free tickets to the event courtesy of Dunlop and Total Oils and these can be claimed by contacting the Mondello Park office.

Adding to the Volkswagen theme will be paddock displays by Volkswagen owners clubs including 'Eircooled', with members displaying their vehicles as well as completing some parade laps on Sunday. To encourage all fans of air-cooled cars anyone arriving in such a vehicle will be admitted free of charge.

To gain free of charge admission to Mondello Park this weekend you need to arrive at the circuit in an air-cooled car or avail of some of the limited number of free tickets by contacting Mondello Park in advance. Otherwise, a €10 charge for adults will apply with no charge for under sixteen’s. All money raised at the gate will go to Barretstown.

For information on the Formula Vee festival see www.mondellopark.ie/vee.

Dual Group One winner Starspangledbanner is set to make a return to the racecourse in the KARE Race Day Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh, which is the feature race on day one of the Darley Irish Oaks weekend this Saturday.
 
The Aidan O’Brien trained performer has not been seen in public since finishing fifth behind Markab in a Group One contest at Haydock in September of 2010. The son of Choisir had earlier that season landed both the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes at Ascot and the Group 1 Darley July Cup at Newmarket. Crusade, Empowering, Among Equals and After are the other Ballydoyle horses up for consideration.
 
Emulous had her winning streak brought to a halt when she could only manage fifth place behind Joviality at Royal Ascot, but the Dermot Weld-trained mare earlier showed her true worth when, on her seasonal debut, she easily landed a Group Three contest at this venue in May. A return to that sort of form would see her go very close on Saturday. Penitent and Firebeam are the two overseas challengers for the seven furlong contest, while local trainer John Oxx can choose between Takar and Akeed Wafi.
 
The much improved Custom Cut bids to record his fourth straight victory when he lines up in the D and M Trucks Kilcullen Supporting KARE Handicap. He is one of 13 entries for the seven furlong race and other notable runners here are Bubbly Bellini, Among Equals, Flic Flac and recent course scorer Winning Impact.
 
The Parfit Mobility Vehicles Supporting KARE Nursery is the first juvenile handicap of the season and the race has attracted 20 entries. Aidan O’Brien appears to hold a strong hand here with recent winners Count Of Limonade and Parliament Square to represent him, while he also has Pedro The Great in the race. Blue Bullet, Hard Yards, Truly Madly and Boston Rocker are other notable entries.
 
The first of seven races on Saturday, 21st July commences at 2.30pm and the ground is currently soft to heavy. The afternoon is designed to raise funds for KARE who do a fantastic feat in helping people with an intellectual disability.
 
Admission €15 U25s and Seniors €8 Children Under 16s Free
 

The 2012 Darley Irish Oaks weekend will take place at The Curragh Racecourse on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd July. Sunday will see Europe’s top fillies take centre stage in the Group 1 Darley Irish Oaks. President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina will be the guests of honour on Sunday 22nd July and will make the presentation of trophies to the winning connections of the Darley Irish Oaks.

The ‘Classic Ladies Race Wear Competition’ will also run on Sunday 22nd of July.  Each entrant must include blue in their outfit, giving this competition an exciting edge!  The winner of The Classic Ladies Race Wear Competition will take home €3,000 worth of furniture and interior decor from Michael Murphy Home Furnishing and an interior design consultation as well as a Coogan Bergin Beauty Clinic pamper day.  Ladies who pre-register online at www.curragh.ie will also receive a voucher for a glass of bubbly and entry into the ‘Style Lounge’ where all the fashion action will take place.

One of the judges of the fashion competition is milliner extraordinaire to the stars, Louis Mariette.  The self- taught milliner has a glamorous celebrity following and his client list read’s like a ‘who’s who’ of the entertainment world. He has made hats for Lady Gaga, Dannii Minogue, Kate Moss, Paris Hilton, Jodie Kidd, Jerry Hall, Alek Wek, Sophie Dahl and Joan Collins.  He was also a judge on Britain’s Next Top Model and was the official milliner for the Investec Derby at Epsom.

Louis will be joined by fellow fashion judges Joe Murphy from Michael Murphy Home Furnishing and Melanie Finn, social diarist at The Evening Herald.

Speaking about his involvement in the fashion competition Louis Mariette said; “Irish women have a wonderful sense of style and fun.  I want to see some individuality shining through, the best dressed for me will be wearing a wonderful head piece that complements her overall outfit”.

 Joe Murphy from Michael Murphy Home Furnishing said, “We are delighted to be involved in the day as fashion and interiors are intrinsically linked, what happens on the catwalk really influences furniture, fabrics and accessories.  We are very fashion conscious and that is represented in the furniture and ranges that we carry in both our Newbridge and New Ross stores.”

Michael Murphy Home Furnishing was established thirty eight years ago and is a second generation family run business.   The stores stock everything from flooring to furniture to fabrics and accessories and is one of the leading interior, furniture and lifestyle companies in Ireland.
 
The first of 8 races on Sunday goes to post at 1.40pm and the high quality programme also features the Kilboy Estate Stakes (Group 3), Jebel Ali Racecourse & Stables Anglesey Stakes (Group 3), www.bettor.com Rockingham Handicap and Thalgo Ladies Derby, one of the top races in Europe for lady riders.

Saturday will feature an exciting card in aid of KARE, with the first race (Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden) going to post at 2.30pm with a competitive 7 race programme. There will also be lots of family activities with a kids zone located in the garden enclosure offering a variety of free entertainment for children.

Admission: Saturday 21st July, adult €15 / U25’s and Seniors €8 / Children free. Sunday, 22nd July, adult €20 / U25’s and seniors €10 / children free.

For further information about the Darley Irish Oaks Weekend, to purchase tickets or to register for the fashion competition please contact The Curragh racecourse on (045) 441205 or log on to www.curragh.ie

Sunday

1.40pm  Darley Maiden
1.50pm  Classic Racewear Preview
2.10pm  Kilboy Estate Stakes
2.40pm  Jebel Ali Racecourse and Stables Anglesey Stakes
2.50pm Classic Racewear winner announced
3.15pm  Darley Irish Oaks
3.50pm  Thalgo Ladies Derby
4.25pm  Bettor.com Rockingham Handicap
5.00pm  O’Briens Champagne & Wine Bar at the Curragh Handicap
5.30pm Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap

Saturday

KARE race day with seven competitive races and the opportunity to help raise funds for a very important local charity.
2.30pm  Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden
3.00pm The Irish Field Maiden
3.30pm D & M Trucks Kilcullen Supporting KARE Handicap
4.05pm KARE Race Day Minstrel Stakes
4.40pm Parfit Mobility Vehicles Supporting KARE Nursery
5.15pm Winders Electrical Supporting KARE Handicap
5.45pm Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show Maiden

Ireland’s biggest annual Modified Car show 'Mondello Jap-Fest' is set to feature the country's first professionally run 'Barrel Sprint' with the arrival of the UK's biggest Barrel Sprint series organisers, Fueltopia. Jap-Fest is Ireland’s only festival of Japanese Motoring and Motorsport and this year the show takes place on Sunday September 9th.

The Fueltopia Barrel Sprint (FBS) is an affordable entry into motorsport and is a cross between drag racing and drifting. It’s new, exciting and focuses on driver skill and technique rather than overall speed allowing anyone with a car to enter. For 'Jap-Fest', FBS will bring their top UK driver and are inviting Irish drivers to take part and see if they can beat the best.

Barrel sprinting requires a driver to slalom through a straight line of barrels performing a doughnut around each one before continuing to the next. Once the barrels have been successfully negotiated the clock stops when the driver crosses the finish line. For the 2012 Jap-Fest the Barrel Sprint will replace Drag racing on the programme as the only competitive track event open to the public to enter.

Entries to the Barrel sprint will be limited to fifteen drivers . Competitors must apply to Mondello Park for a place in the competition and must include a picture of their car and some details on themselves and their competition experience, if any. Mondello Park and FBS will choose the best fifteen applicants and they will be invited to enter and go head to head with current UK championship leader Robert White.

The Barrel sprint will line-up alongside the Prodrift International Drift event and the final round of the 2012 Trackday Performance Time-Attack championship as the main Jap-Fest track activity. The competition will be held in front of the Mondello Park grand stand giving drivers the chance to show their skills directly in front of the biggest car event crowd of the season.

For information on how to enter the Fueltopia Barrel Sprint at Mondello Jap-Fest, along with information on all other aspects of the show go to www.mondellopark.ie/japfest.

Information on FBS can be found at www.facebook.com/fueltopiabarrelsprint or on youtube.

His Excellency President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina have accepted an invitation to be the guests of honour at the Darley Irish Oaks which takes place at the Curragh Racecourse on Sunday 22nd July.   The President will make the presentation of trophies to the winning connections of the Darley Irish Oaks following the running of the feature race at 3.15pm.

 
Likely contenders for the Group One fillies Classic include Epsom Oaks heroine Was. The latter is one of 15 fillies still left in the race for her trainer Aidan O’Brien, who is chasing his sixth Classic in Ireland and Britain this season. The Ballydoyle maestro also bids to land his third Darley Irish Oaks following on from his successes with Alexandrova and Peeping Fawn. The Fugue and Shirocco Star chased Was home at Epsom and both fillies are likely to reoppose on Sunday week.

 
Ribblesdale Stakes winner Princess Highway will represent Dermot Weld and the Moyglare Stud, who combined to win this race in 1996 with Dance Design. Impressive Haydock scorer Great Heavens is being seriously considered for the race by trainer John Gosden, although she will have to be supplemented by 12 noon on Tuesday, 17th July. In total there are 19 British-trained raiders left in the 400,000 euro race, while there are four from France.

 
While the Darley Irish Oaks is the main event of the day, there are some other very exciting contests for racegoers to enjoy, including the Group Three Kilboy Estate Stakes, the Group Three Jebel Ali Stables and Racecourse Anglesey Stakes, the Thalgo Ladies Derby Handicap and the Bettor.com Rockingham Handicap. The first of eight races on Sunday commences at 1.40pm.

 
The Classic Race Wear competition will also be held on Sunday, judged by milliner extraordinaire Louis Mariette whose  myriad of couture creations have been worn by an eclectic clientele and glamorous celebrities such as Jerry Hall, Alek Wek, Jodie Kidd, Isabell Kristensen, Sophie Dahl, Joan Collins, Dannii Minogue, Lady Gaga, Paris Hilton and Kate Moss. The prize will be €3,000 worth of furniture and interior decor from Michael Murphy Home Furnishing and an interior design consultation as well as a Coogan Bergin Beauty Clinic pamper day.

 
Racing at the Curragh also takes place on Saturday, 21st July and the day is designed to race funds for KARE who help people with intellectual disabilities. The Group Three KARE Race Day Minstrel Stakes tops the bill and contest has attracted some quality horses, including Betterbetterbetter, Royal Ascot winner Duntle, Caponata, Circle, Princess Sinead, Soon and Tannery. There are seven possible British-trained challengers most notable of which are Rhythm Of Light, Lady Time and Kinetica. The first of seven races on Saturday gets under way at 2.30pm.

 
Saturday 21st July
Adult €15 / U25’s and Seniors €8 / Children free.
 
Sunday 22nd July
Adult €20 / U25’s and Seniors €10 / Children free.
 

 
Calling all fashion, food, flower and music lovers! Following the huge success of last year’s Summertime Festival, Kildare Village will toast our favourite season with an even bigger and better series of original festival experiences to cater for every age and taste.

‘Chic Summer Festival’, which takes place from Thursday 5th until Sunday 29th July will see Kildare Village be transformed into a beautiful garden of delights where visitors will enjoy a series of exciting experiences including: bespoke floral couture installations, musical performances, an artisan food pop up and a Heritage & Genealogy trail.

Launching the festival this year is English model and DJ Daisy Lowe who will kick of the festivities on Thursday 5th July at a chic afternoon event hosted in Kildare Village. With a love for fashion and festivals, Daisy commented that “Kildare Village is the perfect stop for me to enjoy music, food and entertainment this July”.

Make Kildare Village your ultimate day out destination for shopping, entertainment and culture this summer, while exploring the best the Thoroughbred County has to offer throughout the season.

Festival Highlights
To capture the essence of Chic Summer Festival, Kildare Village will showcase a unique floral couture catwalk created using some of the beautiful flowers of the season. The Floral Couture installation will be curated by international award-winning florist Joe Massie. Largely regarded as the most talented florist of his generation, Joe boasts a host of international accolades and awards and recently became the first floral designer to win Gold at the 2012 Chelsea Flower Show for the fourth consecutive year. His must-see floral catwalk will be on display throughout the festival providing visitors with the opportunity to see “living couture” with three unique floral muses using fashionable flowers from local gardens and meadows. Joe will also host floral masterclasses during the festival, learn how to create the perfect posy using the best of Irish summer flowers.
 
For foodies, Good Food Ireland will be tantalising taste buds with a pop-up presence at Kildare Village every weekend throughout the festival. Dine around Ireland from the smorgasbord of regional specialty dishes from Ireland’s top restaurants, hotels, cookery schools and food producers.

The Chic Summer charity partner this year is Ireland’s oldest and most well-known children’s charity, the ISPCC. Visitors to the Village throughout July will be able to buy a bespoke floral creation with all proceeds donated to the worthy charity.

Chic Summer Festival at Kildare Village will also include a series of boutique open air summer concerts, offering visitors to Kildare Village a unique and diverse musical experience every weekend in July. On July 20th and 21st members of the Irish Chamber Orchestra will delight audiences with a repertoire of summer favourites’. Also, there will also be live sets from fashion blogging DJ Alex Donald who will bring a cool, chic, vibe to the open air promenades of Kildare Village.

Expect the unexpected at this year’s Chic Summer Festival with impromptu theatrical performances including a parade of butterflies that will flutter their oversized wings throughout the Village. In addition, there will be lots of garden themed fun for kids every weekend of the festival. 

A must see at the Chic Summer Festival is the beautiful ballet performance inspired by the birds of summer and choreographed by Muirne Bloomer of “The Ballet Ruse”, one of Ireland’s freshest and original performers and choreographers. 
 
Every Friday during Chic Festival, tourists can join a Heritage & Genealogy Trail where they will discover the fascinating heritage of Kildare Town, one of the oldest towns in Ireland. Visitors will be guided by a local historian from the Heritage Centre in Kildare Town and can explore St. Brigid’s Cathedral, The Round Tower, the site of a Norman Castle and three medieval Abbeys including the 13thcentury Grey Abbey ruins at Kildare Village. After the trail, visitors who wish to trace their Irish ancestry can continue their journey back in time with a special consultation from the Irish Family History Foundation at Kildare Village. Due to expected demand, booking your Heritage & Genealogy Trail in advance is advised. For more details see www.kildarevillage.com

And of course there’s the chic shopping, which at Kildare Village is unrivalled. With over 60 designer boutiques offering authentic previous seasons’ collections from luxury fashion and lifestyle brands with savings of up to 70% on the recommended retail price, and sometimes more, all year round, you’re guaranteed to come home a happy shopper.
Kildare Village is open seven days a week and will and has late night shopping on Thursday, Friday (8pm) and Saturday until 7pm.

Log on to www.kildarevillage.com for more details on Chic Summer Festival at Kildare Village

A new book on Kildare Town, entitled Kildare Footprints, will be launched in Kildare Education Centre on Wednesday night, 11 July, at 7.15 p.m. by James Cannon, Chairman of the Centre. All are welcome.

KILDARE FOOTPRINTS by MARIO CORRIGAN

It has been written very much as a follow-up to the popular The Hundred Acres which was originally published in 2006 to promote the Slí na Sláinte routes but at the same time to discover the rich and varied heritage the town has to offer.

Essentially, this book, Kildare Footprints, is the textual basis for the town walking tours which were developed through Kildare Town Heritage Centre. We want to encourage people to become guides or to use it as a basis for entertaining visitors and friends. We want our schools to have the knowledge to develop tours and projects for their students and to preserve the tours for the future. It is a dangerous thing to rely on one or two people and the knowledge that they have gathered. The book includes all the information used to develop the tours in 2006.
 

This guide is for everybody, whether it is the first time visitor, the returning pilgrim or the resident interested in finding out a little more about where they live. It encourages us all to take time to walk around the town and spend some time there, to allow ourselves time to relax or get fit, to understand a little more about the heritage of the town or to simply find a good place for a cup of coffee, a pint or place to shop or to try them all.
 

Kildare Footprints is not just a heritage trail or guide book, it is a local history book in its own right and a practical manual for tour guides or would-be tour guides in the town or indeed elsewhere. The book is well illustrated throughout while a colour photo section captures some key events in the recent history of the town, including the inaugural Giraldus lecture of Cill Dara Historical Society in 2011, on the late Senator Michael Smith of Cooleen, which was delivered by none other than Michael D. Higgins before he was elected President of Ireland.
 

As a keepsake or a working guidebook, Kildare Footprints has something for everyone and will be available at the launch at a specially reduced price of €5 per copy. The launch at 7.15 p.m. in Kildare Education Centre will be followed by the eagerly anticipated Giraldus lecture, A Thread in the Tapestry, Talbots in Kildare, by A.C. Talbot.
 
All are welcome.
 

Not only is the new book by Mario Corrigan a walking tour guide and heritage trail for Kildare Town it is a practical guide for would be tour guides on how to arrange and give a walking tour.

County Kildare Local Employment Service Network

In association with

 County Kildare LEADER Partnership

will be offering the following Employment Support Service to Unemployed People

• Information
• Career Guidance
• Job Seeking Skills
• Personal One – To – One Career Guidance Counselling
• SUPPORTING YOU
• Putting YOU first
• Working Together

In RATHANGAN COMMUNITY CENTRE

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY AS PLACES ARE LIMITED

For appointment please call:
BERNIE or BREDA – 045-870573

OR EMAIL bernie@countykildarelp.ie / breda@countykildarelp.ie

Kildare Town Educate Together National School is a new primary school opening 29th August 2012.

They will be starting with a class of junior Infants. The school is founded on the four key principles of Educate Together:

• Child Centred
• Democratically run
• Co-Educational
• Multi-Denominational

If you have any questions at all please use the contact form in the ‘contact us’ section of their website at www.kildaretownet.ie - You can also enrol online at the website

Or contact the school at 089 469 7175

Educate Together is the patron body to Ireland’s multi-denominational schools. Established in 1978, it now has 60 national schools nationwide, all teaching the full primary curriculum.

We are committed to delivering an excellent education to your child. Our schools are child-centered, learning communities where boys and girls learn together and parental involvement is encouraged.

Car Boot Sales in aid of Straffan Community Hall and Church of Ireland.

Our car boot sales will take place in the grounds of the Church of Ireland, Straffan Village on the following dates during July, August, September and October.

July:  Saturday 14th July & Saturday 28th

August: Saturday 11th & Saturday 25th

September: Saturday 15th

October: Saturday 20th

Contact: Joey McBride or Rose Donovan - 086 6018012 or 087 2232633

Email: rosedonovanireland@gmail.com

28 June 2012 A second year Politics student at NUI Maynooth was today officially included in the Irish Paralympics Team which will be heading to London at the end of August.  James Scully, from Ratoath in Co Meath will represent Ireland at the Paralympics Games which take place from August 29th September 9th

Mr Scully, who began swimming competitively in 2005, reached international swimming level in 2009.  He was awarded a full international scholarship to attend NUI Maynooth in 2011.  Prof Philip Nolan, President NUI Maynooth, commended James on qualifying for the Paralympics “The University is delighted that James will be representing Ireland at the Paralympics this summer.  His achievement is a testament to his training and hard work over the previous three years.  At NUI Maynooth we strive to create a community which is friendly and open and where diversity is expected and respected”.

Currently ranked 5th in the world, James is hopeful of a good result in London.  In the run up to the Paralympics he has been training for twenty hours a week.  He commended the staff at NUI Maynooth for their support, “I have a lot of support from the University. Everyone on campus has been very supportive, ensuring that I complete course assignments while attending training camps”.

Speaking at the team announcement, Minister of State Michael Ring TD, commented, “I’m very pleased and proud to announce this Irish team today.  It is a tremendous achievement to have qualified for the Paralympics Games and an honour to represent your country on the greatest international stage”. 

The first Mondello Park Car Track Day Training Course for some time will be run on Wednesday July 11th. The course will run in the afternoon only and a limited number of spaces are now available for booking.

The July 11th date is perfectly timed for anyone thinking of giving Track Day driving a go, as it falls just four days before our next Track Day. Completing a Training Course is the best way to get started in Car Track Day driving and offers expert tuition as well as a chance to get a feel for what goes into preparation for and taking part in a track day.

Track Day Training is not compulsory before doing a track day but it will teach you more in one afternoon than you may ever learn trying to teach yourself during your track sessions.
 
During a training course, classroom sessions are combined with practical on-track instruction driving your own car. The day is then completed by a twenty minute open track day session where you can put your new skills and knowledge to the test in a controlled and supervised environment under the watchful eye of our instructors.

Our Track Day Training days are priced at just €50 as their primary purpose is to encourage more drivers to take part in track days at Mondello Park. The course takes just three hours to complete. Prospective participants need to be at least eighteen years of age with a full driving license and must have their own car. For normal track days each driver is required to provide their own crash helmet but due to the introductory nature of the training days, Mondello Park will provide these free of charge for the day. Unlike a full Car Track Day passengers are not allowed and race cars of any type will not be permitted.

CAR TRACK DAY TRAINING WEDNESDAY JULY 11th

14:00 - 17:30, Only €50

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

OPEN CAR TRACK DAY - SUNDAY JULY 15th 2012

The next Car Track Day on the Mondello Park calendar is set for Sunday July 15th. The day will be an 'Open' day run on the International Track layout.

Having run alongside the Trackday Performance Time-Attack championship on Bank-Holiday dates since March, the next Track Day date will be the first stand alone event event since January. Being on a Sunday, the lower, non bank holiday, prices of €100 for a half-day and €165 for a full-day will apply.

Full day, along with Half Day Morning and Half-Day Afternoon sessions are available and advance booking while not compulsory is of course the best way to secure your space.
 
CAR TRACK DAY, INTERNATIONAL TRACK, July 15th
1/2 Day €100 - Full Day €165

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

North Star Swimming Club For People with Disabilities

To celebrate our 20th anniversary the Club is holding a celebratory get-together for members, past and present. The Club would be happy to hear from former members and helpers who would like to join the celebrations.

The party will take place in St Mary’s GAA Club Leixlip on the 29th September 2012 from 4pm. Please contact Valerie @ northstarswimmingclub@gmail.com before 1st September 2012 to confirm bookings

North Star Swimming Club has just finished its spring term with a family swim, followed by tea and presentation of Certificates of Achievement in St. Raphael’s, Celbridge. September will be an important month for us as we celebrate our 20th Anniversary.  
  
The North Star Swimming Club was set up in 1992, to provide swimming lessons for people with disabilities living in North Kildare. This was a subsidiary of a similar swimming club in South Kildare, which has since dispersed.  The Club originally only catered for people (children and adults) who have Spina Bifida or Cerebal Palsy. Due to increasing demand the club now endeavours to provide lessons and introduction to swimming to people who have a disability. The members travel from Dublin, Meath and Kildare.

Currently there are 25 members, ranging in age from 6 to 50+.  There is also a long waiting list.

Initially the club ran one session.  However due to increased demand, a second session was introduced in 2008.

The first session generally provides one to one support in the pool, ensuring members feel safe and comfortable in the water. The aim is to help each member to reach their full potential and above all to have fun.

The second session is for more independent swimmers. The aim of this session is to develop the members stroke/water skills, to increase their stamina and to continue to grow in confidence in the water.

The North Star Swimming Club is unique in that it provides for the individual needs of each member.

The Club is run by parents of swimmers and volunteers. Money to fund the club mainly comes from fundraising, donations and a small annual membership fee.  The membership fee was introduced recently due to a reduction in fundraiser income and donations/ grants and increased costs.

The Club is also an extended support network for parents/ guardians/ family of members.  Parents are not required to get into the pool.  This provides time for them to chat and to share experiences etc.

There is an important social aspect involved in the club for all who are associated.  There is an annual trip to the National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown.  The end of year dinner before the summer break is a favourite event (where acknowledgements of the hard work throughout the year are recognised). And not to forget the Christmas Party where we are joined by our ex-sister club. These events are vitally important for the Club as it allows members, volunteers and families to socialise.

It is important to note that all the helpers give of their time on a voluntary basis. This requires a commitment of at least two hours each Sunday afternoon during the school terms. In addition some help to organise and assist with fundraisers, the annual social events and try to raise the profile of the Club is given. These volunteers are vital to the club’s existence.

Finally, the Club would like to thank all those who have supported it over the past twenty years, both those who gave of the time and those who assisted financially. It is only through their charitable assistance that North Star Swimming Club has managed to maintain its valuable service to the community.

    
Reform of Insolvency Legislation to help those struggling with unsustainable debt

Kildare South Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon has welcomed the publication of the new Personal Insolvency Bill 2012, which will fundamentally reform outdated insolvency laws in Ireland and provide a lifeline for those who are struggling with enormous debts.

“Many Kildare individuals are struggling with unsustainable debt as a result of reckless lending which is affecting their entire life.  I have met many constituents who are finding it very difficult to cope and I hope the options set out in this Bill today will provide them with viable alternatives” stated Heydon

“A number of flexible arrangements are included in this Bill to deal with varying levels of debt. These are alternatives to bankruptcy, which should be a final port of call for anyone. The options set out in this Bill are designed to meet the needs of those who genuinely cannot keep their heads above water. It does not provide for the automatic write-off of negative equity. Nor does it provide assistance to solvent debtors.
 

“I would stress the importance for those who are struggling with unmanageable debt to talk to their lenders in an attempt to come to a revised arrangement that is suitable for both sides. Banks and financial institutions are being encouraged to come to realistic debt settlement arrangements with their debtors, who, in turn, will be shown a way out of their debt problems. MABS in Newbridge also provide a very useful service for those in debt and can be contacted at 07 61 072 600.
 

“We cannot continue to ignore the burden of debt that hangs around the necks of so many and the provisions of this Bill will hopefully allow people to take action and move on from the Debt that is causing so much distress.” concluded Heydon.
 

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, has announced funding for two flagship scientific research projects based at NUI Maynooth.  Administered via Science Foundation Ireland’s (SFI) ‘Principal Investigator’ (PI) Programme the projects, run by Prof Doug Hamilton, Prof Rob Shorten and Dr Sean Doyle, will be supported through to 2015.

Prof Douglas Leith and Prof Robert Shorten of the Hamilton Institute at NUI Maynooth have received €1.8mn to fund their research Green Transport and Communications Networks in partnership with Intel and Bell Labs Ireland. The research programme focuses on the development of algorithms to regulate the aggregate effect of vehicles, enabling vehicles to cooperate with each other to avoid pollution peaks, for example, to manage traffic flow more efficiently while respecting an emissions budget, and to regulate electric vehicle load on the energy network. This combines priority areas Future Networks and Communications with Smart Grid and Smart Cities with the goal of acting as a catalyst for the development of networked transport systems to tackle the Green City research agenda and position Ireland at the forefront of this emerging area which is potentially of considerable economic importance.

Dr Sean Doyle, Dept of Biology at NUI Maynooth has been awarded €600k for his study of the global effects of gliotoxin on A. fumigatus using state-of-the-art protein mass spectrometry and molecular biology expertise and equipment, available at NUI Maynooth. Dr Doyle plans that the Institute’s novel experimental strategies, and concomitant results, will significantly advance the understanding of A. fumigatus as a human pathogen, with a view to future drug target identification.

Making the announcement, Minister Bruton said “that the Government is investing a further €39million in 30 new research projects in areas which the Government has identified as having particular potential for jobs and growth, including ICT, health/life sciences and energy. What is particularly heartening is that much of this research is being done in collaboration with companies who are seeking to find new products and services, including Intel and Analog Devices. I congratulate SFI on their achievements; we must now build on this to ensure that even more of this work is translated into commercial products and services and ultimately the jobs we need”.