County Kildare News

The Adelaide Masters Series continues at Mondello Park on Sunday September 2nd, as it arrives home from a hugely successful first trip away from Kildare. The championship, which is backed by Motorcycle Insurance Specialists, Adelaide Insurance Services, impressed a new crop of riders at Bishopscourt. This has resulted in a number of Ulster competitors, who had not previously sampled the Masters, now making plans to compete in the remaining 2012 rounds.

The fast, former airfield circuit at Bishopscourt, produced some incredibly close finishes, with the Grand Final providing the closest race in the series history. In the championship races the change of track shook up the results and brought things closer at the top of both the Superbike and Supersport standings.

Waterford's Brian McCormack was the rider who lost out most despite two podium positions from his five races. The Superbike and Supersport series leader lost ground in both championships but still remains on course to lift two titles at the end of the season.

The Superbike Grid was more competitive than ever with the return of Marshall Neill and David Haire, joining championship pace setters, McCormack and Lee Johnston, along with British Superstock championship regular Cody Nally in a top five littered with quality and experience. Johnston took both victories to close down McCormack's series lead but had to battle hard for both victories.

Supersport was just as competitive, despite the loss of McCormack from the leading group due to an engine blow-up in qualifying. Riding a borrowed bike he made it to the grid to at least rescue some championship points from the event. With McCormack relegated to the midfield battles, Jonny Buckley closed the championship gap with his first win of the season backed up by a third place finish.

All eyes will now turn back to Mondello and its first single day event of the season. The event will have a slightly different format from the more usual two day events, with two, rather than three championship rounds per class, but the popular Sunday race day format will remain the same. The focus of the event will be the second Superbike & Supersport races and the big prize money Adelaide Masters Grand Final, which will also carry the Monarch of Mondello Title.
ENDS

For further information on the Adelaide Masters Series see the Mondello Park web site www.mondellopark.ie/adelaidemasters or follow us on facebook.

E.L. James, the author of 50 Shades of Grey, has accepted an invitation from the Curragh Racecourse to attend the races this Sunday 26th August to present the trophy to the winning owner of the inaugural Irish Field Grey Horse Handicap, the first time a race has been run in Ireland exclusively for grey horses.
 
Fifty Shades of Grey has been number 1 for 18 consecutive weeks in Ireland and the series of books has been number 1 ,2 ,3 for the last 13 weeks. It is now the UK’s biggest selling book since records began outselling the Harry Potter series.  Time Magazine included British born James in its annual list of "The 100 Most Influential People in the World” this year.
 
Evan Arkwright, Commercial Manager of the Curragh Racecourse, commented, “We are delighted that EL James has accepted our invitation to attend the races this Sunday. Grey horses always seem to capture the imagination of the public in a way that few other horses can and with the hope that the race will boost our attendance and provide a real spectacle for the public to enjoy.”
 
The Fegentri World Championship race for international lady riders supported by Tipperary Crystal is another highlight on the day with Lisa O’Neill representing Ireland in the contest which will also feature riders from Germany, Britain, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Turkey and Spain
 
The Group 2 Galileo Futurity Stakes is expected to feature top 2 year olds Mars and Dawn Approach. while other races include the Group 3 Lanwades Stud Stakes and Group 3 bettor.com Flying Five Stakes. Racing also takes place on Saturday 25th August featuring the Irish Cambridgeshire and Gain Horse Feeds Irish St Leger Trial Stakes, while the Wuhan Goodwill Cup will promote the association between horse racing in Ireland with China.
 
Admission €15, U25s and Seniors €8, U16s Free
 
Free car parking, trains to Kildare Town with free shuttle to racecourse, Dublin Coach also provide service (see dublincoach.ie)

All courses are open to the general public

The Athy Investment, Development & Employment Forum, in association with the Athy Community Enterprise Centre, has announced details of a wide range of enterprise focused training courses to take place this autumn. All courses are open to the general public and will be offered over a 4 to 8 week period (1 evening per week).

Courses will commence in early October. Early booking is advised, as places are limited.

1. Start Your Own Business- General
2. Start Your Own Artisan / Food Production Business
3. Mompreneurs- Combining life as a Mum and an Enterpreneur.
4. Start Your Own Business – Ethnic Enterpreneurs
5. Getting Your Business Online
6. Social Media for Business
7. Genealogy as a Business Opportunity
8. Becoming a Tour Guide
9. Exploring Crafts as a Business Opportunity
10. Manual Handling

Nominal fees will apply and reduced rates are available for persons in receipt of specified Social Welfare payments.

For further details on all programmes and to apply, please telephone Patricia at 086 8470232 (email pberry@kildarecoco.ie) or visit www.athycec.com

In addition, Business Advice & Mentoring Clinics are available on request to any existing/ start-up business.

The AIDEF wish to acknowledge the ongoing support and assistance of the County Kildare Enterprise Board and Kildare Local Authorities.

Calling Montessori schools and Pre-schools!

Would you like a promotional evening/ morning to promote your school?

Positive Parenting Ireland @ Punchestown Montessori school is Offering a reduced fee for talks during September and October .

Choose a topic best suited to your needs...

For example "Why choose Montessori?" 0r "Understanding the needs of the child" or "Helping children settle"

....You may have issues/topics your school  would like to convey to the parents /teachers.

There are various free workshops throughout the year at Punchestown AMI School ,Naas .See website.

Positive Parenting Ireland also  offers a range of topics on Parenting workshops and courses .

For further information call 045-874175

North Kildare Chamber has called on the government to immediately demand full and complete disclosure from the bailed out banks on lending to SMEs. Today’s announcement from the central bank, once again  confirms what the Chamber has continually been stating, that access to bank finance is being denied to viable but vulnerable businesses.

According to the Chamber President Eilis Quinlan “The report also highlights that we have some of the harshest lending conditions in the Eurozone. Now is the time for the Government to agree its line on lending conditions and ensure that all banks follow suit. The Government needs to set the standard for lending through the terms of its Enterprise Loan Guarantee Scheme which must be implemented without further delay. The SME sector, by its very nature, is more labour intensive then other sectors, and hence has always been the biggest job creating, and wealth creating, part of our economy.

“The Government must take a more hands on approach, and while the system is broken, insist on opening credit lines, servicing SME customers and play their part in economic recovery. Otherwise business will stagnate, employment will reduce even further, and the economy will suffer for a generation,. We continue to see our unemployment rate close to 15%, coupled with mass immigration.  This government is now 18 months in office and action needs to take place urgently”.

While Irish banks have been recapitalised with enormous fiscal injections, the truth of the matter is that these Irish banks STILL refuse to lend to viable small and medium enterprises”.

“The reality is that banks are performing at a very limited capacity in ensuring the payments system and ATMs are functioning, however when it comes to assisting the SME sector to grow, the bailed-out banks are continuing to refuse SMEs access to finance, thereby hindering any chance our economy has to recover.”

North Kildare Chamber demands that this Government insist on the two bailed out banks hitting their target of €7 billion in ‘new and increased facilities to SMEs’ and not accept distorted figures from the banks, Quinlan concluded

Wide variety of daytime and evening yoga courses including New MEN ONLY classes.

Get into action this Autumn with a range of yoga classes to suit every taste.  From complete beginners to advanced students, from gentle Hatha Yoga to energetic Yoga for Fitness classes, there's something for everyone.

Morning, lunchtime and evening classes available in The Leinster Clinic, Maynooth and The Wellness Centre, Kilcock.

Classes begin September 3rd 2012.

 For more info:  www.vitalityyoga.ie

or call: Emma 087 6727873

email: emma@vitalityyoga.ie

Recent Tipperary Listed winner First Cornerstone has been supplemented to the Galileo Futurity Stakes taking place at the Curragh this Sunday at a cost of 9,500 euro.

Trainer Andy Oliver is very keen on the chances of his Hurricane Run colt. “The horse is very fit and very well,” he said. “We are delighted by the way he came out of the Tipperary race and he proved on that occasion that he can handle cut in the ground. The plan is to run and he goes there with a fighting chance.”  

The Group 2 contest has also brought together our two top juvenile performers in Dawn Approach and Mars who are among 14 horses remaining in the contest over 7 furlongs.
 
Dawn Approach has been targeted at this race for some time now by his trainer Jim Bolger and the son of New Approach is likely to head the market following his gutsy success in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot in June. Bolger is also represented by Leargas and Trading Leather in this race. There are two intended British raiders in the David Simcock-trained Birdman and George Baker’s Boomshackerlacker.
 
The Group Three www.bettor.com Flying Five Stakes has attracted 18 entries. Nine of them hail from Britain and include Definightly, Eton Rifles, Inxile and Judge ‘n Jury. Best of the home team would appear to be Sole Power, Invincible Ash, Starspangledbanner, After and Fire Lily. The Group Three Lanwades Stud Fillies Stakes has attracted 13 entries, including Ballybacka Lady, Manieree, Beatrice Aurore, La Collina and Wonderful.
 
The inaugural Irish Field Grey Horse Handicap is the first ever race run in this country which is confined to grey horses and the seven furlong contest has attracted 12 entries. Another notable race on Sunday’s programme is the Fegentri World Championship Race For Lady Riders and has attracted an entry of 14 horses and riders from from Britain, Germany, Italy, Norway, Netherlands, Switzerland and Ireland who will be represented by Lisa O’Neill.
 
The first of seven races on Sunday commences at 2.10pm and the ground is currently soft.
 
Admission €15 U25s and Seniors €8 U16s FREE
 

The Integrated Services Programme Kilcock, together with County Kildare LEADER Partnership, will be hosting a Pop-up Employment Information Fair in:

St. Coca’s Hall (The Scouts Hall),
Bridge Street, Kilcock

on Thursday 30th August from 9.30am-1.00pm.

The aim is to provide a one stop shop where unemployed people could meet directly with a variety of agencies. People who find themselves out of work needing advice, information and support from several sources are invited to attend.  County Kildare LEADER Partnership previously hosted two well attended Employment Information Fairs in Athy and Newbridge.

Agency supports present on the day include:

• County Kildare LEADER Partnership
• Kilcock Community Network
• NUI Maynooth
• Obair- Kildare Local Employment Service Network (KLESN) - to register please bring your PPS number
• EmployAbility Kildare
• Citizens Information Centre
• Kildare VEC
• Kildare Volunteer Centre
• Money Advice Budgeting Service (MABS)
  

The first visit of the Adelaide Masters Series to Bishopscourt in Co. Down was a thriller as Ireland’s top Motorcycle racers lit up the track with a series of close and spectacular races.

Two races for Superbikes, two for Supersport machines and the Grand Final were the feature events of an eleven race programme which turned out to be one of the most entertaining in the short history of the series. The championship races for Superbike and Supersport were all closely contested but the competitors kept the best till last as the Grand Final produced the closest ever finish in Adelaide Masters history.

The event opened with the first Superbike encounter and it was Lee Johnston on the Millsport Ducati who led all the way, ahead of a fantastic battle for second place between the Honda's of David Haire and championship leader Brian McCormack and the Kawasaki's of Cody Nally and Marshall Neill. Johnston took a relatively comfortable win while Neill crashed out leaving a group of three riders to fight over second place. At the flag Haire was second with Nally third and McCormack fourth, with all three riders separated by just eight tenths of a second.

In the second race the same group once again battled at the head of the field but this time Johnston had to work a lot harder as he won by just over a second from McCormack, who came through from the back of the group to take second ahead of Neill.

The stage was set then for a titanic battle in the final and that was just what the spectators got as the same five riders swapped positions throughout the race. As they started the final circuit Nally was in the lead but towards the end of the lap a move by Neill shuffled the pack and dropped Nally back to fourth. In the confusion Lee Johnston nipped back into the lead at the entrance to the final corner but was then beaten in a drag race to the line by Neill who lifted the Norman Brown memorial trophy and a cheque for stg£2,000 on his return to the series following injury. The final result showed Neil had triumphed by just two hundredths of a second while the top five were only separated by six tenths of a second.

The Supersport class was similarly competitive with Jonny Buckley on his Module Yamaha snatching the win from David Haire at the line in race one. The second encounter saw these two joined by pole sitter Timothy Elwood in three way battle which went the way of Haire from Elwood and Buckley in another tight finish where the top three were just half a second apart.

The whole event can be lived again when its highlights are broadcast on RPM Motorsport on UTV, Thursday 13th September at 11:50. The Adelaide Masters returns to the Mondello Park National Track for another single day event on Sunday September 2nd before finishing off the season, again at Mondello but this time on the longer International Circuit on October 6th and 7th.

ANOTHER fabulous weekend of racing at the Curragh gets under way on Saturday, 25th August when the Group Three Gain Horse Feeds Irish St Leger Trial Stakes and the valuable Irish Cambridgeshire Premier Handicap are the twin highlights on a seven race programme.
 
Last year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby winner Treasure Beach is one of five Aidan O’Brien-trained horse left in the Group Three contest, while the master of Ballydoyle can also choose between Chamonix, David Livingstone, Offer and the hat-trick seeking I Have A Dream. The latter steps up in grade here having landed a Bellewstown maiden and a competitive Leopardstown handicap last month, but the son of Galileo has a very progressive profile and is well worth his place in Saturday’s line up.
 
Sapphire was most impressive when landing a Group Three prize at Cork earlier this month and the Dermot Weld-trained filly is likely to be one of the market leaders for the 14 furlong contest. Dual Royal Ascot winner Simenon, Hartani, Aklan, Massiyn and fast improving Ursa Major are others to look out for in a very competitive contest.
 
There is a strong British trained team among the 30 entries for the valuable Irish Cambridgeshire Premier Handicap including Crown Counsel trained by Mark Johnson together with Compton and Takeitfromalady trained by Ralph Beckett. Aidan O’Brien has three representatives in Learn, Unanimous and Windsor Palace, while Vastonea, Custom Cut and the hat-trick seeking Sadler’s Mark are other very interesting home trained contenders.
 
Leitir Mor and Lottie Dod, second and third respectively behind Pedro The Great in the Group One Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at this venue just over a week ago, are set to clash again in the Listed Manguard Plus Curragh Stakes. The pair are among 15 entries for the five furlong dash which also includes Gale Force Ten, Boston Rocker, Curly Wee and Lady Gosford.
 
The first of seven races on Saturday’s programme commences at 2.10 pm and the ground is currently soft to heavy. 
 
Admission is €15 U25s & Seniors €8, U16s FREE

Admission will be free at the Curragh races on Sunday 9th September to celebrate the 50th year in Ireland of Moyglare Stud and the 40th running of the prestigious Moyglare Stud Stakes, with some of Europe’s top two year old fillies expected to line up for the €225,000 Group 1 contest. A packed programme of seven races also features the Group 2 Irresistible Jewel Blandford Stakes, Group 3 Go and Go Round Tower Stakes and Group 3 Refuse to Bend Solonaway Stakes.
 
The fashion and style will be an important element of the day with superb prizes courtesy of Moyglare Stud and Newbridge Silverware in the Search for the Style Icon competition.
 
The 2012 Rose of Tralee will make her first official engagement when she is one of the celebrity judges.. The lucky lady who wins will receive a magnificent VVIP prize courtesy of Moyglare Stud at the unique White Turf Horse Races on the snow in beautiful St Moritz Switzerland, with flights by Swiss Air and luxury 5 Star accommodation in a deluxe double room at the Badrutts Palace Hotel, one of the leading hotels of the world. Newbridge Silverware will also provide superb prizes to the finalists
 
Ladies are encouraged to register in advance at www.curragh.ie/whats-on/ladies-days/. The first 50 ladies to register in advance will receive a gift from Newbridge Silverware and a glass of bubbly courtesy of O’Briens Wines.
 
There will also be an opportunity to get style tips from the judges in the Newbridge Silverware Style Lounge during the afternoon
 
An exciting variety of FREE entertainment for children will take place in the garden enclosure, including face painting, bouncy castles, the RACE horse racing simulator and the Giddy Up Club with the chance for kids to learn all about horse racing and met some famous jockeys, while there will be live music from the No 1 Army Band.
 
Singing sensation Mark Boylan will perform a specially commissioned song penned by him celebrating the 50 years of Moyglare Stud in Ireland. The 14 year old County Offaly native has received world wide acclaim by composing a number of racing themed songs that have become internet hits and netted him personal invitations to racing festivals including Cheltenham and the Breeders Cup in the USA. He was the youngest person to perform at Vicars Street on his own when he supported the High Kings earlier this year.

HERITAGE WEEK 2012 in COUNTY KILDARE

Seachtain Oidhreachta 2012 i gCo. Chill Dara

Saturday 18th August to Sunday 26th August 2012

Heritage Week is a part of a European initiative to encourage people to take an interest in their local Heritage.

The aim of heritage week is to foster a greater understanding and awareness of our own local heritage.

This listing of events has been complied by Kildare County Council.

Most events listed here are free.
Children are welcome but young children should be accompanied by an adult.
Please dress suitably.

Saturday 18th August

Tower of Allen

Access to the Hill of Allen Tower steeped in history and with commanding views of the surrounding areas.  Just 10km from Newbridge and Kildare and 15km from Naas, this magnificent tower was built in 1859 by Sir Gerald George Aylmer.  The tower commands extensive views of the Dublin, Wicklow and Slieve Bloom mountains, as well as the Curragh plains and the surrounding Bog of Allen.  On each step of the tower is inscribed the names of the men and women who built it.  There is a trail up to the tower, suitable footwear required.

Date:   Saturday 18th August
Time:    10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Venue:   Tower of Allen, Hill of Allen, Allen, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Regina Heavey
Telephone:  087-2840752
Email:   regina.heavey@gmail.com
____________________________________________________________________________

Heritage Boat Association History Display

Displays on the history and work of the Heritage Boat Association, especially the old work-boats and crews.  Shop window and Community Network Office display.

Date:   Saturday 18th August
Time:    9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue:   Kilcock Community Network Office, Kilcock, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Joe Treacy
Telephone:  087-0507881
Email:   joetreacy@eircom.net
____________________________________________________________________________

Children's Tours

Special Children's Tour of Castletown House with some period costumes available.  Advanced booking and adult supervision essential.

Date:   Saturday 18th August
Time:    12 noon – 1.00 p.m.
Venue:   Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Claire Hickey
Telephone:  01-6288252
Email:   castletown@opw.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Guided Tours of Maynooth Castle

Take a lively guided tour of this fascinating building, a centre of political power and culture in early 16th century Ireland.  Please contact Maynooth Castle for details of other Heritage Week events taking place at the Castle.

Date:   Saturday 18th August  
Times:   10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue:   Maynooth Castle, Maynooth, Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Guide Staff
Telephone:  01-6286744
Email:   maynoothcastle@opw.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Guided Tour of Celbridge Lodge House

Featured is a collection of Irish pictures.  The house is not large so there is a limit of 6 people per tour.

Date:   Saturday 18th August 
Time:    9.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m.
Venue:   Celbridge Lodge, Church Road, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  €5
Contact:  Henry McDowell
Telephone:  01-6288347
____________________________________________________________________________

How To Trace Your Family Tree

An introduction on how to trace your family tree with Mario Corrigan, Karel Kiely and James Durney.

Date:   Saturday 18th August
Time:   10.00 a.m. – 12 noon
Venue: Newbridge Library, Athgarvan Road, Newbridge, Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Suzann Smyth
Telephone:  045-448353
Email:   newbridgelib@kildarecoco.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Naas Town Hall Public Opening

Naas Town Hall (1792) recently renovated, including life and full wheelchair access to historic Council Chamber.  Guided tours of Historic Town Hall & Council Chamber by local historian Paddy Behan at 3pm and 4pm.

Date:   Saturday 18th August
Time:   2.45 p.m. – 5.30 p.m.
Venue: Naas Town Hall, Main Street Naas, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Patrick Behan
Telephone:  087-2853792 or 045-876365
Email:   pccbehan@eircom.net
____________________________________________________________________________

Visit to Courtown House, Kilcock

Courtown House and Demesne is a superb Georgian period residence, which was built c. 1815 by the Aylmer family.  Visit by kind invitation of owners.  During the 1950s John Heuston and his daughter Angelica who lived there entertained such stars as Maureen O'Hara, Gregory Peck, John Wayne and others.  The Group will meet at the Aldi car park in Clane at 14.30 where travel can be organised for those requiring same.

Date:   Saturday 18th August
Time:   2.30 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue: Courtown House, Kilcock, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Pat Given
Telephone:  086-2432359 or 045-868089
Email:   patkgiven@eircom.net
____________________________________________________________________________

Guided Tour of Kildrought House

Guided Tour by the owner.  Limited number of guests permitted - so please book in advance to secure a place.  Kildrought House is a Dublin Merchant's house from 1719 in the heart of Celbridge.

Date:   Saturday 18th August
Time:   10.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.
Venue: Kildrought House, Main Street, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Sean Darcy
Telephone:  087-2552468
Email:   sean.darcy@ie.dsv.com
____________________________________________________________________________

Guided Tour of Killadoon House

Guided tour by the owner.  Limited number of guests permitted - so please book in advance to secure a place.  Killadoon House was built circa 1765 and its intact decorative scheme dates from the 1820s.

Date:   Saturday 18th August
Time:   3.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Venue: Killadoon House, Clane Road, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Sean Darcy
Telephone:  087-2552468
Email:   sean.darcy@ie.dsv.com
____________________________________________________________________________

The Designed Landscape of Castletown Demesne: Its Reality and Its Representation In Paintings, Drawings And Maps

Dr. John Olley will give a short talk in the Stable Wing Coach House, Castletown House, followed by conducted walk.  Wear footwear and clothing suitable for walking in the parklands.

Date:   Saturday 18th August
Time:   2.30 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Venue: Coach House, Stable Wing, Castletown House, Castletown, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Pauline Kennedy
Telephone:  086-6062729
Email:   Pauline.kennedy@opw.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Bones & Stones South Kildare Medieval Festival

Events and exhibitions, showcasing our historical and cultural heritage through a programme of public lectures, walking tours, workshops, exhibitions, demonstrations and living history display.  Hands on workshops in archaeology, digging and recording for young and old.  Demonstrations and displays illustrating and exploring aspects of medieval life, including the ever popular armaments, archery display and much more.

Date:   Saturday 18th August
Time:   12 noon – 4.00 p.m.
Venue: Athy Heritage Centre-Museum, Town Hall, Emily Square, Athy, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Margaret Walsh
Telephone:  059-8633075
Email:   Margaret@athyheritagecentre-museum.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Kids Birdwatching Event

This fun, interactive event includes a short introduction to bird identification followed by a Bird Race where children can try out their new skills

Date:   Saturday 18th August
Time:   10 a.m. – 12 noon
Venue: Donadea Forest Park, Donadea, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free.  There is a €4 charge for parking in Donadea
Contact:  Deirdre Moran
Telephone:  087-9935207
Email:   deirdremoran1@gmail.com
____________________________________________________________________________

Sunday 19th August

Tower of Allen

Access to the Hill of Allen Tower steeped in history and with commanding views of the surrounding areas.  Just 10km from Newbridge and Kildare and 15km from Naas, this magnificent tower was built in 1859 by Sir Gerald George Aylmer.  The tower commands extensive views of the Dublin, Wicklow and Slieve Bloom mountains, as well as the Curragh plains and the surrounding Bog of Allen.  On each step of the tower is inscribed the names of the men and women who built it.  There is a trail up to the tower, suitable footwear required.

Date:   Sunday 19th August 
Time:    10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Venue:   Tower of Allen, Hill of Allen, Allen, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Regina Heavey
Telephone:  087-2840752
Email:   regina.heavey@gmail.com
____________________________________________________________________________

Heritage Boat Association History Display

Displays on the history and work of the Heritage Boat Association, especially the old work-boats and crews.  Shop window and Community Network Office display.

Date:   Sunday 19th August
Time:    9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue:   Kilcock Community Network Office, Kilcock, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Joe Treacy
Telephone:  087-0507881
Email:   joetreacy@eircom.net
____________________________________________________________________________

Children's Tours

Special Children's Tour of Castletown House with some period costumes available.  Advanced booking and adult supervision essential.

Date:   Sunday 19th August
Time:    12 noon – 1.00 p.m.
Venue:   Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Claire Hickey
Telephone:  01-6288252
Email:   castletown@opw.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Guided Tours of Maynooth Castle

Take a lively guided tour of this fascinating building, a centre of political power and culture in early 16th century Ireland.  Please contact Maynooth Castle for details of other Heritage Week events taking place at the Castle.

Date & Times:  Sunday 19th August
Time:   10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue:   Maynooth Castle, Maynooth, Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Guide Staff
Telephone:  01-6286744
Email:   maynoothcastle@opw.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Guided Tour of Celbridge Lodge House

Featured is a collection of Irish pictures.  The house is not large so there is a limit of 6 people per tour.

Date:   Sunday 19th August 
Time:    9.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m.
Venue:   Celbridge Lodge, Church Road, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  €5
Contact:  Henry McDowell
Telephone:  01-6288347
____________________________________________________________________________

Embrace Your History & Heritage

A brief talk on the history of Rathcoffey National School and Rathcoffey Church plus exhibition of information panels, photographs and memorabilia.

Date:   Sunday 19th August
Time:   3.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue: Rathcoffey Church, Rathcoffey, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Mary Weld
Telephone:  086-3614387
Email:   mary.weld@nuim.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Irish Handball Alleys: Unique Irish Architecture

A walk and talk to a surviving example of a purpose-built 20th c. Handball Alley; the history and role of handball in Irish sport, culture and politics.  Walking to a perfect surviving example of unique Irish architecture, discussing its role in Irish history, culture, sport and Diaspora.

Date:   Sunday 19th August
Time:   3.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Venue: St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, Meet at Main gate of St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Declan O’Connor
Telephone:  086-8636249
Email:   kilvic@eircom.net

Guided Walk through Medieval Castledermot

A tour of the sites of Castledermot with stories ranging from early Christian origins to its importance in medieval and later times.  Please find parking in the vicinity of Main Street.  Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.  This tour will include the site of the original early Christian monastery and then proceed to visit the later religious houses and town wall remains of the medieval town.

Date:   Sunday 19th August
Time:   2.30 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Venue: Castledermot, Tour starts at gate of St James' (C of I) Church on Church Lane, just off the Main St of Castledermot, Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Sharon Greene
Telephone:  087-7990867
Email:   castledermothist@gmail.com

Kildare's Natural Heritage: Biodiversity Bus

Celebrate Co. Kildare's Natural Heritage by joining us on a Biodiversity Bus tour visiting a variety of natural habitats within the county.  Strong footwear and outdoor clothing recommended.

Date:   Sunday 19th August
Time:   10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue: Kildare Town Heritage Centre, Market Square Kildare Town
Admission:  €5
Contact:  Kildare Town Heritage Centre
Telephone:  045-530672
Email:   bogs@ipcc.ie

Wild About Clane: Nature Walk By The Liffey

Join experts from Kildare Bat Group and the Kildare Branch of Bird watch Ireland for a leisurely nature walk by the Liffey.  All are welcome.

Date:   Sunday 19th August
Time:   8.00 p.m. – 10.00 p.m.
Venue: Abbeylands Shopping Centre Car Park, Inner Relief Road, Clane, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free.
Contact:  John Kennedy
Telephone:  087-1336093
Email:   ClaneCommunityCouncil@gmail.com

National Science Museum at Maynooth

Largest collection of scientific instruments on public display in Ireland and mostly manufactured in Ireland from 1880.  Callan collection on view.  Ecclesiastical collection of vestments, plate, penal crosses, etc. displayed.  Empress of Austria vestments on view.

Date & Times:  Sunday 19th August
Time: 2.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m.
Venue: National Science Museum At Maynooth, St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Niall McKeith
Telephone:  01-6286550
Email:   niall.mckeith@nuim.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Children's Arts And Crafts Workshops

Free, arts & crafts class.  Advanced booking and adult supervision required.  Suitable for children 5-12 years of age.  www.castletown.ie

Date:   Sunday 19th August
Time:   11.00 a.m. – 12 noon
Venue: Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Claire Hickey
Telephone:  01-6288252
Email:   castletown@opw.ie
__________________________________________________________________________________

Embracing your Local History and Heritage
A brief talk on the history of Rathcoffey National School and Rathcoffey Church will be given.
Information panels and photographs of interest will be displayed throughout the Church, as well as some items of memorabilia. Admission is free.

Date:    Sunday 19th August
Time:    3.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Venue:    Rathcoffey Church
Admission:  Free
Contact:   Mary Weld
Telephone:   086-3614387
Email:    mary.weld@nuim.ie

Monday 20th August

Tower of Allen

Access to the Hill of Allen Tower steeped in history and with commanding views of the surrounding areas.  Just 10km from Newbridge and Kildare and 15km from Naas, this magnificent tower was built in 1859 by Sir Gerald George Aylmer.  The tower commands extensive views of the Dublin, Wicklow and Slieve Bloom mountains, as well as the Curragh plains and the surrounding Bog of Allen.  On each step of the tower is inscribed the names of the men and women who built it.  There is a trail up to the tower, suitable footwear required.

Date:   Monday 20th August
Time:    10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Venue:   Tower of Allen, Hill of Allen, Allen, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Regina Heavey
Telephone:  087-2840752
Email:   regina.heavey@gmail.com
____________________________________________________________________________

Heritage Boat Association History Display

Displays on the history and work of the Heritage Boat Association, especially the old work-boats and crews.  Shop window and Community Network Office display.

Date:   Monday 20th August 
Time:    9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue:   Kilcock Community Network Office, Kilcock, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Joe Treacy
Telephone:  087-0507881
Email:   joetreacy@eircom.net
____________________________________________________________________________

Guided Tour of Celbridge Lodge House

Featured is a collection of Irish pictures.  The house is not large so there is a limit of 6 people per tour.

Date:   Monday 20th August 
Time:    9.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m.
Venue:   Celbridge Lodge, Church Road, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  €5
Contact:  Henry McDowell
Telephone:  01-6288347
____________________________________________________________________________

Children's Museum Treasure Trail

Come join us for a children's treasure trail throughout the Athy Heritage Centre-Museum.

Date:   Monday 20th August
Time:   10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue: Athy Heritage Centre-Museum, Town Hall, Emily Square, Athy, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Margaret Walsh
Telephone:  059-8633075
Email:   Margaret@athyheritagecentre-museum.ie
______________________________________________________________________________

Children's Tours

Special Children's Tour of Castletown House with some period costumes available.  Advanced booking and adult supervision essential.

Date:   Sunday 19th August
Time:    12 noon – 1.00 p.m.
Venue:   Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Claire Hickey
Telephone:  01-6288252
Email:   castletown@opw.ie

Tuesday 21st August

Tower of Allen

Access to the Hill of Allen Tower steeped in history and with commanding views of the surrounding areas.  Just 10km from Newbridge and Kildare and 15km from Naas, this magnificent tower was built in 1859 by Sir Gerald George Aylmer.  The tower commands extensive views of the Dublin, Wicklow and Slieve Bloom mountains, as well as the Curragh plains and the surrounding Bog of Allen.  On each step of the tower is inscribed the names of the men and women who built it.  There is a trail up to the tower, suitable footwear required.

Date:   Tuesday 21st August 
Time:    10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Venue:   Tower of Allen, Hill of Allen, Allen, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Regina Heavey
Telephone:  087-2840752
Email:   regina.heavey@gmail.com
____________________________________________________________________________

Heritage Boat Association History Display

Displays on the history and work of the Heritage Boat Association, especially the old work-boats and crews.  Shop window and Community Network Office display.

Date:   Tuesday 21st August 
Time:    9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue:   Kilcock Community Network Office, Kilcock, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Joe Treacy
Telephone:  087-0507881
Email:   joetreacy@eircom.net
____________________________________________________________________________

Children's Tours

Special Children's Tour of Castletown House with some period costumes available.  Advanced booking and adult supervision essential.

Date:   Tuesday 21st August
Time:    12 noon – 1.00 p.m.
Venue:   Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Claire Hickey
Telephone:  01-6288252
Email:   castletown@opw.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Guided Tours of Maynooth Castle

Take a lively guided tour of this fascinating building, a centre of political power and culture in early 16th century Ireland.  Please contact Maynooth Castle for details of other Heritage Week events taking place at the Castle.

Date & Times:  Tuesday 21st August  
Time:   10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue:   Maynooth Castle, Maynooth, Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Guide Staff
Telephone:  01-6286744
Email:   maynoothcastle@opw.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Guided Tour of Celbridge Lodge House

Featured is a collection of Irish pictures.  The house is not large so there is a limit of 6 people per tour.

Date:   Tuesday 21st August 
Time:    9.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m.
Venue:   Celbridge Lodge, Church Road, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  €5
Contact:  Henry McDowell
Telephone:  01-6288347
____________________________________________________________________________

National Science Museum at Maynooth

Largest collection of scientific instruments on public display in Ireland and mostly manufactured in Ireland from 1880.  Callan collection on view.  Ecclesiastical collection of vestments, plate, penal crosses, etc. displayed.  Empress of Austria vestments on view.

Date & Times:  Tuesday 21st August
Time:   2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. 
Venue: National Science Museum At Maynooth, St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Niall McKeith
Telephone:  01-6286550
Email:   niall.mckeith@nuim.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Children's Museum Treasure Trail

Come join us for a children's treasure trail throughout the Athy Heritage Centre-Museum.

Date:   Tuesday 21st August
Time:   10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue: Athy Heritage Centre-Museum, Town Hall, Emily Square, Athy, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Margaret Walsh
Telephone:  059-8633075
Email:   Margaret@athyheritagecentre-museum.ie
_____________________________________________________________________________

Talk on 1932 Eucharistic Congress & Launch of County Kildare Federation Of Local History Groups

Naas Local History Group is holding a talk on the 1932 Eucharistic Congress in Naas Library on Tuesday 21st August.  The new website for the County Kildare Federation of Local History Groups will also be formally launched on the night.

Date:   Tuesday 21st August
Time:   7.45 p.m. – 9.45 p.m.
Venue: Naas Community Library, The Harbour, Naas, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Geraldine Whelan
Telephone:  045-879111
Email:   naaslib@kildarecoco.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

History Talk and Website Launch

Illustrated account of 1932 International Eucharistic Congress including local and national events by Paddy Behan.  Illustrated talk on 1932 Eucharistic Congress preceded by launch of history website.  Talk preceded by launch of local history website.

Date:   Tuesday 21st August
Time:   7.45 p.m. – 9.30 p.m.
Venue: Naas Community Library, The Canal Harbour, Naas, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Paddy Behan
Telephone:  045-876365 or 087-2853792
Email:   pccbehan@eircom.net
____________________________________________________________________________

Talk By James Durney On Newbridge Social Housing

Date:   Tuesday 21st August
Time:   7.00 p.m. – 8.00 p.m.
Venue: Newbridge Library, Athgarvan Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Suzann Smyth
Telephone:  045-448353
Email:   newbridgelib@kildarecoco.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Main Street Clane: Its buildings and its people

A talk on Main Street Clane, its buildings, and people will take place in the Clane Library.

Date:   Tuesday 21st August
Time:   8.00 p.m. – 9.30 p.m.
Venue: Clane Library, ‘The Woods’, Clane, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Jacqueline McCabe
Telephone:  045-892716
Email:   clanelib@kildarecoco.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

The significance Of The Horse & Hound In The 18th Century At Castletown

Date:   Tuesday 21st August
Time:   2.00 p.m. – 3.00 p.m.
Venue: Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Caoilfhionn Murphy
Telephone:  01-6288252
Email:   caoilfhionn.murphy@opw.ie

Wednesday 22nd August

Tower of Allen

Access to the Hill of Allen Tower steeped in history and with commanding views of the surrounding areas.  Just 10km from Newbridge and Kildare and 15km from Naas, this magnificent tower was built in 1859 by Sir Gerald George Aylmer.  The tower commands extensive views of the Dublin, Wicklow and Slieve Bloom mountains, as well as the Curragh plains and the surrounding Bog of Allen.  On each step of the tower is inscribed the names of the men and women who built it.  There is a trail up to the tower, suitable footwear required.

Date:   Wednesday 22nd August 
Time:    10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Venue:   Tower of Allen, Hill of Allen, Allen, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Regina Heavey
Telephone:  087-2840752
Email:   regina.heavey@gmail.com
____________________________________________________________________________

Heritage Boat Association History Display

Displays on the history and work of the Heritage Boat Association, especially the old work-boats and crews.  Shop window and Community Network Office display.

Date:   Wednesday 22nd August
Time:    9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue:   Kilcock Community Network Office, Kilcock, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Joe Treacy
Telephone:  087-0507881
Email:   joetreacy@eircom.net
____________________________________________________________________________

Children's Tours

Special Children's Tour of Castletown House with some period costumes available.  Advanced booking and adult supervision essential.

Date:   Wednesday 22nd August
Time:    12 noon – 1.00 p.m.
Venue:   Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Claire Hickey
Telephone:  01-6288252
Email:   castletown@opw.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Guided Tours of Maynooth Castle

Take a lively guided tour of this fascinating building, a centre of political power and culture in early 16th century Ireland.  Please contact Maynooth Castle for details of other Heritage Week events taking place at the Castle.

Date:   Wednesday 22nd August
Times:   10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.   
Venue:   Maynooth Castle, Maynooth, Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Guide Staff
Telephone:  01-6286744
Email:   maynoothcastle@opw.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Guided Tour of Celbridge Lodge House

Featured is a collection of Irish pictures.  The house is not large so there is a limit of 6 people per tour.

Date:   Wednesday 22nd August 
Time:    9.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m.
Venue:   Celbridge Lodge, Church Road, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  €5
Contact:  Henry McDowell
Telephone:  01-6288347
____________________________________________________________________________

Children's Museum Treasure Trail

Come join us for a children's treasure trail throughout the Athy Heritage Centre-Museum.

Date:   Wednesday 22nd August
Time:   10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue: Athy Heritage Centre-Museum, Town Hall, Emily Square, Athy, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Margaret Walsh
Telephone:  059-8633075
Email:   Margaret@athyheritagecentre-museum.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Evening Tours of Castletown House

Enjoy an evening tour of the beautiful interior rooms of Castletown House.  Guided tours available 17.30, 18.15 and 19.00.  Advanced Booking Essential.  Places limited.

Date:   Wednesday 22nd August
Time:   5.00 p.m. – 8.00 p.m.
Venue: Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Claire Hickey
Telephone:  01-6288252
Email:   castletown@opw.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Aspects of Castletown

“A Virtual Tour of Celbridge” by Eoghan Corry.  Advanced booking is required to attend the lecture.  The lecture will take place in the Stable Wing, Hunting Room.  www.castletown.ie

Date:   Wednesday 22nd August
Time:   8.00 p.m. – 9.00 p.m.
Venue: Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Claire Hickey
Telephone:  01-6288252
Email:   castletown@opw.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Free Tours of Castletown House

Free, guided tours of Ireland's finest 18th century Palladian style mansion.  Visitor reception open at 10am, tours running throughout the day.  Please note:  Max 20 people per tour.  Tickets - first come basis. www.castletown.ie

Date:   Wednesday 22nd August
Time:   10.00 a.m. – 7.00 p.m.
Venue: Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Claire Hickey
Telephone:  01-6288252
Email:   castletown@opw.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Bryophytes Of Ballynafagh

A morning walk to introduce the bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) of Ballynafagh Lake and adjacent fen habitats.  Beginners welcome.  Booking is essential.  Numbers will be limited as this is a sensitive site.
Date:   Wednesday 22nd August
Time:   10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.
Venue: Ballynafagh Lake, Directions will be given on booking, Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Dr. Joanne Denyer
Telephone:  086-2379153
Email:   joanne@denyerecology.com

Thursday 23rd August

Tower of Allen

Access to the Hill of Allen Tower steeped in history and with commanding views of the surrounding areas.  Just 10km from Newbridge and Kildare and 15km from Naas, this magnificent tower was built in 1859 by Sir Gerald George Aylmer.  The tower commands extensive views of the Dublin, Wicklow and Slieve Bloom mountains, as well as the Curragh plains and the surrounding Bog of Allen.  On each step of the tower is inscribed the names of the men and women who built it.  There is a trail up to the tower, suitable footwear required. 

Date:   Thursday 23rd August
Time:    10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Venue:   Tower of Allen, Hill of Allen, Allen, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Regina Heavey
Telephone:  087-2840752
Email:   regina.heavey@gmail.com
____________________________________________________________________________

Heritage Boat Association History Display

Displays on the history and work of the Heritage Boat Association, especially the old work-boats and crews.  Shop window and Community Network Office display.

Date:   Thursday 23rd August 
Time:    9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue:   Kilcock Community Network Office, Kilcock, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Joe Treacy
Telephone:  087-0507881
Email:   joetreacy@eircom.net
____________________________________________________________________________

Children's Tours

Special Children's Tour of Castletown House with some period costumes available.  Advanced booking and adult supervision essential.

Date:   Thursday 23rd August
Time:    12 noon – 1.00 p.m.
Venue:   Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Claire Hickey
Telephone:  01-6288252
Email:   castletown@opw.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Guided Tours of Maynooth Castle

Take a lively guided tour of this fascinating building, a centre of political power and culture in early 16th century Ireland.  Please contact Maynooth Castle for details of other Heritage Week events taking place at the Castle.

Date:   Thursday 23rd August 
Time:   10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue:   Maynooth Castle, Maynooth, Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Guide Staff
Telephone:  01-6286744
Email:   maynoothcastle@opw.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Guided Tour of Celbridge Lodge House

Featured is a collection of Irish pictures.  The house is not large so there is a limit of 6 people per tour.

Date:   Thursday 23rd August
Time:    9.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m.
Venue:   Celbridge Lodge, Church Road, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  €5
Contact:  Henry McDowell
Telephone:  01-6288347
____________________________________________________________________________

National Science Museum at Maynooth

Largest collection of scientific instruments on public display in Ireland and mostly manufactured in Ireland from 1880.  Callan collection on view.  Ecclesiastical collection of vestments, plate, penal crosses, etc. displayed.  Empress of Austria vestments on view.

Date:   Thursday 23rd August
Time:   2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Venue: National Science Museum At Maynooth, St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Niall McKeith
Telephone:  01-6286550
Email:   niall.mckeith@nuim.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Children's Museum Treasure Trail

Come join us for a children's treasure trail throughout the Athy Heritage Centre-Museum.

Date:   Thursday 23rd August
Time:   10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue: Athy Heritage Centre-Museum, Town Hall, Emily Square, Athy, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Margaret Walsh
Telephone:  059-8633075
Email:   Margaret@athyheritagecentre-museum.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Naas Canal History Walk

Naas Branch Canal one of the most scenic stretches of the Grand Canal system.  History walk along Naas Branch Canal.

Date:   Thursday 23rd August
Time:   7.30 p.m. – 9.15 p.m.
Venue: The Canal Harbour, Naas, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Ger McCarthy
Telephone:  045-879108
Email:   geralddmccarthy@gmail.com
____________________________________________________________________________

Tour of Confey Cemetery & Medieval Church

Date:   Thursday 23rd August
Time:   7.00 p.m. – 8.30 p.m.
Venue: Confey Municipal Cemetery, Confey Rd, Leixlip, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  John Colgan
Telephone:  085-1007369
Email:   johncolgan@iol.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Kildare Country Market With Traditional Crafts

The craft is knitting, showing basic first steps in knitting for children and anyone who has not yet learned the skill, but would like to participate in a craft demonstration.  There will be a demonstration of traditional brown bread making as well.

Date:   Thursday 23rd August
Time:   10.00 a.m. – 12 noon
Venue: Friary Hall, Carmelite Church, Kildare Town, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Ruby Johnston
Email:   rubyjohnston@eircom.net

_____________________________________________________________________________
Friday 24th August

Tower of Allen

Access to the Hill of Allen Tower steeped in history and with commanding views of the surrounding areas.  Just 10km from Newbridge and Kildare and 15km from Naas, this magnificent tower was built in 1859 by Sir Gerald George Aylmer.  The tower commands extensive views of the Dublin, Wicklow and Slieve Bloom mountains, as well as the Curragh plains and the surrounding Bog of Allen.  On each step of the tower is inscribed the names of the men and women who built it.  There is a trail up to the tower, suitable footwear required.

Date:   Friday 24th August
Time:    10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Venue:   Tower of Allen, Hill of Allen, Allen, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Regina Heavey
Telephone:  087-2840752
Email:   regina.heavey@gmail.com

____________________________________________________________________________

Heritage Boat Association History Display

Displays on the history and work of the Heritage Boat Association, especially the old work-boats and crews.  Shop window and Community Network Office display.

Date:   Friday 24th August 
Time:    9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue:   Kilcock Community Network Office, Kilcock, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Joe Treacy
Telephone:  087-0507881
Email:   joetreacy@eircom.net
____________________________________________________________________________

Children's Tours

Special Children's Tour of Castletown House with some period costumes available.  Advanced booking and adult supervision essential.

Date:   Friday 24th August
Time:    12 noon – 1.00 p.m.
Venue:   Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Claire Hickey
Telephone:  01-6288252
Email:   castletown@opw.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Guided Tours of Maynooth Castle

Take a lively guided tour of this fascinating building, a centre of political power and culture in early 16th century Ireland.  Please contact Maynooth Castle for details of other Heritage Week events taking place at the Castle.

Date:   Friday 24th August
Time:   10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue:   Maynooth Castle, Maynooth, Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Guide Staff
Telephone:  01-6286744
Email:   maynoothcastle@opw.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Guided Tour of Celbridge Lodge House

Featured is a collection of Irish pictures.  The house is not large so there is a limit of 6 people per tour.

Date:   Friday 24th August 
Time:    9.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m.
Venue:   Celbridge Lodge, Church Road, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  €5
Contact:  Henry McDowell
Telephone:  01-6288347
____________________________________________________________________________

Children's Museum Treasure Trail

Come join us for a children's treasure trail throughout the Athy Heritage Centre-Museum.

Date:   Friday 24th August
Time:   10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue: Athy Heritage Centre-Museum, Town Hall, Emily Square, Athy, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Margaret Walsh
Telephone:  059-8633075
Email:   Margaret@athyheritagecentre-museum.ie

Saturday 25th August

Tower of Allen

Access to the Hill of Allen Tower steeped in history and with commanding views of the surrounding areas.  Just 10km from Newbridge and Kildare and 15km from Naas, this magnificent tower was built in 1859 by Sir Gerald George Aylmer.  The tower commands extensive views of the Dublin, Wicklow and Slieve Bloom mountains, as well as the Curragh plains and the surrounding Bog of Allen.  On each step of the tower is inscribed the names of the men and women who built it.  There is a trail up to the tower, suitable footwear required.

Date:   Saturday 25th August
Time:    10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Venue:   Tower of Allen, Hill of Allen, Allen, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Regina Heavey
Telephone:  087-2840752
Email:   regina.heavey@gmail.com
____________________________________________________________________________

Heritage Boat Association History Display

Displays on the history and work of the Heritage Boat Association, especially the old work-boats and crews.  Shop window and Community Network Office display.

Date:   Saturday 25th August
Time:    9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue:   Kilcock Community Network Office, Kilcock, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Joe Treacy
Telephone:  087-0507881
Email:   joetreacy@eircom.net
____________________________________________________________________________

Children's Tours

Special Children's Tour of Castletown House with some period costumes available.  Advanced booking and adult supervision essential.

Date:   Saturday 25th August
Time:    12 noon – 1.00 p.m.
Venue:   Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Claire Hickey
Telephone:  01-6288252
Email:   castletown@opw.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Guided Tours of Maynooth Castle

Take a lively guided tour of this fascinating building, a centre of political power and culture in early 16th century Ireland.  Please contact Maynooth Castle for details of other Heritage Week events taking place at the Castle.

Date & Times:  Saturday 25th August  
Time:   10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. 
Venue:   Maynooth Castle, Maynooth, Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Guide Staff
Telephone:  01-6286744
Email:   maynoothcastle@opw.ie
____________________________________________________________________________

Guided Tour of Celbridge Lodge House

Featured is a collection of Irish pictures.  The house is not large so there is a limit of 6 people per tour.

Date:   Saturday 25th August
Time:    9.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m.
Venue:   Celbridge Lodge, Church Road, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  €5
Contact:  Henry McDowell
Telephone:  01-6288347
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Launch of Kilcullen History Timeline

Permanent fixture of professionally produced Display Boards showing the History of Kilcullen in date order with text and photos.  Sunday opening on 26th August is to coincide with the Annual Kilcullen River Festival.

Date:   Saturday 25th August
Time: 11.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m.
Venue: Kilcullen Town Hall & Heritage Centre, Lower Main Street Kilcullen, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Nessa Dunlea
Telephone:  087-2339610
Email:   nessadunlea@gmail.com
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Genealogy Taster Sessions

Come and talk to an experienced genealogist about starting to research your Kildare roots.  The Kildare county genealogist will be available to advise people on how to start to trace their ancestors and explain the sources available.

Date:   Saturday 25th August
Time: 11.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue: Kildare Town Heritage Centre, The Square, Kildare Town, Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Karel Kiely
Telephone:  045-448350
Email:   kildaregenealogy@iol.ie
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The Churches of Naas

Walking history tour of Naas Churches.  Presbyterian Church (1865) St. Davids, (1212) and Our Lady and St. David's (1827).

Date:   Saturday 25th August
Time: 3.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue: Presbyterian Church, Main Street, Naas, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Ger McCarthy
Telephone:  045-879108
Email:   geraldmccarthy@gmail.com
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Walking Tour Of Celbridge Historic Sites

Date:   Saturday 25th August
Time: 2.00 p.m. – 3.30 p.m.
Venue: Castletown Gates, Main Street, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Sean Darcy
Telephone:  087-2552468
Email:   sean.darcy@ie.dsv.com
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Display Of Cars And Motorcycles Of A Type That Would Have Raced At The Curragh Between 1947 And 1967

Display of Sports/racing cars.  Car and Motorcycle races were held regularly at the Curragh “Short” Circuit from 1947 to 1954, and motorcycles continued to race there occasionally until 1967.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Date:   Saturday 25th August
Time: 11.30 p.m. – 5.30 p.m.
Venue: Lumville House Hotel, Lumville, Curragh, Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Oliver McCrossan
Telephone:  045-431769 or 086-8322426
Email:   olivermccrossan@eircom.net
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Guided Local History Bus Tour

Guided by local historians, visiting 10 local historical and heritage sites.  Opportunity for refreshments.  Ticket pre-booking required.

Date:   Saturday 25th August
Time: 12.30 p.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Venue: Rathcoffey GAA, Donadea, Naas, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Mairead Byrne
Telephone:  087-2239410
Email:   maireadccbyrne@gmail.com
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Sow And Grow At The Mill

Learn how to sow some seeds - places strictly limited - please book in advance.  Suitable for children 6 to 12 years.

Date:   Saturday 25th August
Time: 11.00 a.m. – 12 noon
Venue: Abbeylands Shopping Centre Car Park, Inner Relief Road, Clane, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Sean Darcy
Telephone:  087-2552468
Email:   sean.darcy@ie.dsv.com

Sunday 26th August

Tower of Allen

Access to the Hill of Allen Tower steeped in history and with commanding views of the surrounding areas.  Just 10km from Newbridge and Kildare and 15km from Naas, this magnificent tower was built in 1859 by Sir Gerald George Aylmer.  The tower commands extensive views of the Dublin, Wicklow and Slieve Bloom mountains, as well as the Curragh plains and the surrounding Bog of Allen.  On each step of the tower is inscribed the names of the men and women who built it.  There is a trail up to the tower, suitable footwear required.

Date:   Sunday 26th August
Time:    10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Venue:   Tower of Allen, Hill of Allen, Allen, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Regina Heavey
Telephone:  087-2840752
Email:   regina.heavey@gmail.com

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Heritage Boat Association History Display

Displays on the history and work of the Heritage Boat Association, especially the old work-boats and crews.  Shop window and Community Network Office display.

Date:   Sunday 26th August
Time:    9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Venue:   Kilcock Community Network Office, Kilcock, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Joe Treacy
Telephone:  087-0507881
Email:   joetreacy@eircom.net
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Children's Tours

Special Children's Tour of Castletown House with some period costumes available.  Advanced booking and adult supervision essential.

Date:   Sunday 26th August
Time:    12 noon – 1.00 p.m.
Venue:   Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Claire Hickey
Telephone:  01-6288252
Email:   castletown@opw.ie
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Guided Tours of Maynooth Castle

Take a lively guided tour of this fascinating building, a centre of political power and culture in early 16th century Ireland.  Please contact Maynooth Castle for details of other Heritage Week events taking place at the Castle.

Date & Times:  Sunday 26th August
Time:   10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. 
Venue:   Maynooth Castle, Maynooth, Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Guide Staff
Telephone:  01-6286744
Email:   maynoothcastle@opw.ie
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Guided Tour of Celbridge Lodge House

Featured is a collection of Irish pictures.  The house is not large so there is a limit of 6 people per tour.

Date:   Sunday 26th August
Time:    9.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m.
Venue:   Celbridge Lodge, Church Road, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  €5
Contact:  Henry McDowell
Telephone:  01-6288347
____________________________________________________________________________

Launch of Kilcullen History Timeline

Permanent fixture of professionally produced Display Boards showing the History of Kilcullen in date order with text and photos.  Sunday opening on 26th August is to coincide with the Annual Kilcullen River Festival.

Date & Times:  Sunday 26th August
Time:   12 noon – 6.00 p.m.
Venue: Kilcullen Town Hall & Heritage Centre, Lower Main Street Kilcullen, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Nessa Dunlea
Telephone:  087-2339610
Email:   nessadunlea@gmail.com
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National Science Museum at Maynooth

Largest collection of scientific instruments on public display in Ireland and mostly manufactured in Ireland from 1880.  Callan collection on view.  Ecclesiastical collection of vestments, plate, penal crosses, etc. displayed.  Empress of Austria vestments on view.

Date:   Sunday 26th August
Time:   2.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m. 
Venue: National Science Museum At Maynooth, St. Patrick's College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Niall McKeith
Telephone:  01-6286550
Email:   niall.mckeith@nuim.ie
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Children's Arts And Crafts Workshops

Free, arts & crafts class.  Advanced booking and adult supervision required.  Suitable for children 5-12 years of age.  www.castletown.ie

Date:   Sunday 26th August
Time:    11.00 a.m. – 12 noon
Venue: Castletown House, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Admission:  Free
Contact:  Claire Hickey
Telephone:  01-6288252
Email:   castletown@opw.ie
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Robertstown, The Grand Canal & Lowtown Lock: A Guided Walk Led By Karen Gorey

A guided walk to take in the archaeological, historical and ecological aspects of the Grand Canal and Lowtown Lock area of the village of Robertstown.  Meet at the Holiday Village Car Park, Robertstown.  Please wear suitable shoes for walking on uneven ground.

Date:   Sunday

 
The Gain Horse Feeds Irish St. Leger will move to a later time this year when it takes centre stage at the Curragh on Saturday 15th September.   The Group 1 Classic has been scheduled for 6.05pm, while the Group 1 Goffs Vincent O’Brien Stakes will bring the star studded 8 race program to a close at 6.40pm.
 
Paul Hensey Curragh Racecourse General Manager commented, “Following discussions with our sponsors and RTE, we feel that moving the feature races to a later time will ensure we maximize the opportunity to boost attendance, television coverage and the profile of what is undoubtedly one of our best racing days of the season”.
 
Mary Delaney, Sales Manager for Gain Horse Feeds said “It is our aim to make this day a success for everyone. Moving the Gain Horse Feeds Irish St. Leger Day to a later starting time will accommodate a wider customer base travelling from all over Ireland to attend a Classic Day’s racing at The Curragh.
 
The Gain Horse Feeds Irish St Leger is established as one of the premier trial races in the world for the Emirates Melbourne Cup. 1993 Melbourne Cup hero Vintage Cup (now 25 years old) will be paraded before the feature race, while the Melbourne Cup’s won by both him and Media Puzzle (2002) will also be on display. Race goers will have the opportunity to take part in a competition to win a trip the Australia for 2 people with flights, accommodation and tickets to “the race that stops a nation”.
 
The list of entries for this year’s race include last year’s joint winner Jukebox Jury, 2010 winner Sans Frontieres,  Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden, Ascot Gold Cup winner Rite of Passage, Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby winners Fame and Glory and Treasure Beach, the Dermot Weld trained pair Unaccompanied and Galileo’s Choice, Dubai World Cup hero Monterosso, Masked Marvel winner of last year’s English St Leger and  Brown Panther owned by soccer star Michael Owen, while a  select number of three year olds feature among the 50 entries including Light Heavy, Hartani and Call to Battle .
 
Camelot’s attempt to become the first horse since Nijinsky in 1970 to land the Triple Crown of races when he lines up in the English St. Leger at Doncaster on the same day will be included in the schedule at 3.45pm and shown on large screens throughout the racecourse.
 
It is also Bollinger Bond Day with a James Bond theme to the fashion and style element of the day to promote the release of the new James Bond movie “Skyfall”. Under 16s go free on the day and there will be a variety of exciting free entertainment for children to add to the festive atmosphere. The first race is off at 3pm.
 
Admission €20 Under 16s Free. Special 3 for 2 offer on www.curragh.ie

 
On Sunday the 26th August the Bog of Allen Nature centre will be celebrating National Heritage Week.  From 2-5pm the centre will be open for visitors to explore the peatland heritage of Ireland.  The museum takes in all aspects of peatlands from the use of peat as a domestic fuel for heating and cooking in the home to the variety of wildlife found on the wet and wild habitat of Ireland’s peatlands.  The wildlife gardens will be open to discover how you might enhance the wildlife in your own garden and how you can choose to garden without peat.
 
There will be a talk on IPCC’s Sphagnum moss restoration project on Lodge Bog. The Irish Peatland Conservation Council have successfully introduced the Canadian methods of peatland restoration to our own nature reserve. The talk will be followed by a visit to Lodge Bog where you can see the exciting results of three years of trials of this method of raised bog restoration. Children’s activities will include pond dipping and frog and newt searches in the garden.  This is a free event and all are welcome to attend. For further information contact 045-860133 or e-mail bogs@ipcc.ie. This event is supported by the Heritage Council under the Heritage, Community & Outreach Grants Scheme 2012.
 
The Bog of Allen Nature Centre is the headquarters of the Irish Peatland Conservation Council, a charity that aims to conserve a representative sample of Irish peatlands for future generations
 

Probably will aim to give trainer David Wachman his second winner of the prestigious Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh this Sunday when he lines up among 9 runners in the Group 1 contest.

The recent winner of the Dubai Duty Free Railway Stakes will face tough competition from the Aidan O’Brien trained pair of Pedro The Great and Cristoforo Colombo, while recent Goodwood winner Bungle inthejungle is the sole British trained entry.
 
Famous Name and Born To Sea head a select number of runners in the Group 2 Keeneland Royal Whip Stakes on the same programme, while the John Oxx trained Harasiya is likely to start favourite in the Group 2 Keeneland Debutante Stakes.  Definightly, trained in Britain by Roger Charlton, is one of nine runners in the Group 3 Patrick P O’Leary Memorial Phoenix Sprint, while the home trained team is led by multiple Group 1 race winner Starspangledbanner, together with Fire Lily and Invincible Ash.
 
1st race 2.20pm. Admission 15 Under 16s Free.   Free car parking. Trains to Kildare Town with free shuttle to races and  also Dublin Coach service to races
 
Racing at the Curragh this August

Sunday 12th Keeneland Phoenix Stakes (Group 1)
Saturday 25th Irish Cambridgeshire & Gain Horse Feeds Irish St Leger Trial Stakes
Sunday 26th Galileo Futurity Stakes

The final Mondello Park Clubman Motorcycle Championship event of the season takes place this Sunday, August 12th, on the National Track, organised by the Irish Sidecar and Motorcycle Racing Supporters Club.

The event includes rounds of the Irish Clubman Championship and Motorcycling Ireland, Southern Centre Championship. Alongside the Clubman championship races there will also be two non-championship 'Open' classes for National riders, one for Supersport and Superbike riders and one for all other machinery.
 
Clubman Superbike competitors will run with the Senior Open Race and with interest in vintage racing machinery continuing to grow there will be two races for Classics.

Admission to Sunday's event is €10 for adults with under 16's admitted free. All Admission includes a complimentary event programme.

The Creative Well is an integrated arts and health programme developed and piloted in County Kildare. Using the arts as a social development tool, our aim is to create opportunities to improve wellbeing, enhance personal development and help participants connect with others in their local community.
 
We are now calling for new applicants. This September The Creative Well will offer free, friendly, daytime workshops in Naas and Athy where you can try creative arts activities. All adults aged 18+ are welcome to apply including complete beginners. Please find below information sheets for both locations. Please feel free to circulate to anyone you think may be interested:

Creative Well, Athy Community Arts Centre

Creative Well Workshops in Naas

Starting Tuesday 25 September, workshops will run once a week and are delivered by professional trained artists in a supportive and non-pressurised environment. We aim to make the workshops a relaxed place to be where you will find friendly faces, art materials and a cuppa. This programme will introduce drawing, painting, printmaking, clay work and three dimensional studies. 

Participation is free of charge but by application. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 29 August 2012. If you are interested you can download an application form from www.kildare.ie/artsservice or email: catherine.ogrady@hse.ie or Tel: 087 056 6784.

The Creative Well is an initiative of Kildare Arts in Health supported by HSE Kildare West Wicklow Mental Health Services, Kildare County Council Library and Arts Service, HSE Health Promotion, Kildare County Mental Health Association.

Fine Gael TD for Kildare North, Anthony Lawlor, warmly welcomes the announcement from Minister Leo Varadkar that An Bord Pleanála has granted a Railway Order for the Luas BXD line which will link the two existing Luas lines and terminate in Broombridge, interchanging with the Maynooth line.

“This is wonderful news for the people from Kildare North who access the train line from Maynooth or Leixlip as it will make commuting throughout the city so much more accessible. Once constructed, you will be able to travel from Maynooth to Sandyford with only one change. It will bring Dublin in line with most other modern cities by proving an integrated rail and light rail network.

“Along with creating a well functioning public transport system, the construction phase will also create hundreds of jobs. Minister Varadkar is confident that the arrangements and tendering for the project will be finalised as soon as possible, with construction commencing in the near future.

“Despite the tough economic climate, it is refreshing to note that such transport projects are still advancing, with a recognition of the need for an effective and practical public transport system. This is a huge boost for commuters both into and out of Kildare and I look forward to seeing construction commencing without delay”.

A superb day’s racing is assured at the Curragh this Sunday, 12th August when the Group One Keeneland Phoenix Stakes is the featured event on a seven race programme.  Dawn Approach winner of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot puts his unbeaten record on the line here and the Jim Bolger-trained star will face a maximum of 14 rivals in his bid to chalk up victory number five.

Aidan O’Brien has a tremendous record in this race and the Ballydoyle trainer can choose between Alfonso De Sousa, Cristoforo Colombo, Gale Force Ten, George Vancouver, Parliament Square and Pedro The Great. Probably, winner of the Group Two Dubai Duty Free Full Of Surprises Railway Stakes here over Irish Derby weekend, has been supplemented to the race at a cost of €19,000, while recent Goodwood winners Bungle Inthejungle and Heavy Metal are the two British trained challengers in a fascinating contest.

The Group Two Keeneland Royal Whip Stakes is another fabulous contest and featured among the 15 entries are prolific winner Famous Name, last year’s Dubai

Duty Free Irish Derby hero Treasure Beach and Native Khan. Born To Sea and Light Heavy, second and third respectively behind Camelot in this year’s renewal of the Irish Derby, have also been left in the race, while Bible Belt, Tannery and the unbeaten Declaration Of War are other notable entries.

Local trainer John Oxx holds a strong hand in the Group Two Keeneland Debutante Stakes two unbeaten fillies in Harasiya and Sinaniya to choose from. They are two of the 15 fillies remaining in the seven furlong contest which has also attracted Diamond Sky, Magical Dream and three British-trained challengers in Discernable, Jillnextdoor and Savanna La Mar. The Group Three Patrick P. O’Leary Memorial Phoenix Sprint Stakes, meanwhile, has attracted an entry of 22, which includes two big names from the Aidan O’Brien stable in Excelebration and Starspangledbanner.

The first of seven races at the Curragh next Sunday commences at 2.20pm and the ground is currently yielding to soft.

Starting this Thursday 2nd August, 10 young men (16-18) will attempt to walk from Cork to Drogheda in 8 days in aid of local suicide prevention charity SOSAD. 4 of the participants were part of a team of 6 which walked from Drogheda to Galway (214k) last year; 3 made it.

SOSAD was set up in Drogheda when a student of St. Marys Diocesan school committed suicide, the same school which all of the walkers attend(ed). Last year 2000 euro was raised by the walkers for the understaffed charity and they hope to raise even more this year.

People can donate on our www.mycharity.ie page under "Cork to Drogheda walk for SOSAD".

The walk will take 8 days, the route: Cork..Fermoy..Cahir..Thurles..Abbyleix..Kildare..Maynooth..Swords..Drogheda).

Each night the walkers will stay in B&B's paid for by SOSAD. On average 40k will be walked every day with days 4 and 5 being the longest at over 45k.

Last year half the team dropped out due to injuries such as dislocated knees and dehydration; we hope more participants will complete the walk this year as the distances to be covered per day are shorter. Last year  110k was walked in 2 days (Mullingar to Loughrea).

Last year the money was raised by the co-operation and fundraising of 4 other Drogheda based secondary schools as well as generous donations from companies such as Flo-gas, Coca Cola and Centra, as well as awareness raised by Newstalk, Dublin FM, Dundalk FM and LMFM.

Unfortunately due to many of the walkers being preoccupied with leaving cert exams, we have not recieved as much in sponsorship this year, making individual donations through the Mycharity.ie page all the more vital.

As a fundraising event there will be a sponsored walk from Julianstown Co.Meath to Drogheda on 8/9/12, the final day of the Cork to Drogheda walk, the idea being that people pay 10 euro a head and walk the last 7km into Drogheda with the walkers. People are to meet at 5.00 at the communal gardensin Julianstown; it is hoped the evening will be very enjoyable for families and friends while raising awareness and money for a great cause.

The walkers will be staying in Kildare on the evening of August 6th. Please give them your support.

 
Europe’s top two year old Dawn Approach is still on course for the 110th running of the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes, which takes place at the Curragh on Sunday 12th August. 

Trainer Jim Bolger has said that his intention is to run the Coventry Stakes winner but a final decision will depend on the ground.  A majority share in the unbeaten son of New Approach was recently purchased by Godolphin.

Aidan O’Brien who is looking for his 12th success in the Group 1 contest has Cristoforo Colombo, Leopardstown maiden winner Forester, Parliament Square and Alfonsa De Sousa among his entries, while Kevin Prendergast who won the race last year with La Colina has Roseraie, Starbright and the unraced Mooqtar.