« April 2006 | Main | June 2007 »
Music in the 2006 Festival
Profiles of the music entertainment at the 2006 Festival.
Avalon
Since playing the Derby Festival back in 2004, Avalon have been gigging as far
away as Kerry and Wexford playing anything from classic rock to recent hits. Due
to the departure of their original drummer in the later 2005, gigging was difficult as
they had to rely on a stand in drummer. Despite this, the remaining members found
regular work performing with other bands.
However, they were fortunate enough to recruit Nick Keogh fromNewbridge which has kick-started them back into the music scene.Contact: 045 - 521949 / 086 0685153.
The Square, Sunday 1st July 7.30
Black Jack
Formed in 2005, Blackjack have been gigging andperfecting their rock/blues and metal sound around the Kildare area.Mark Wynne (vocals, guitar) Jon Barrett (guitar), Steve
McCabe(Bass), and Rob Hall (Drums) hailing form Lourdesville, Beechgrove,Campion crescent and Dunmuray court can be heard in pub venues like LilFlanagans and Rose Earleys and take pride in entertaining parties and other events in the town.
Playing favourites spanning the decades from bands like AC/DC, Thin Lizzy, Led Zeppelin, and
Metallica,incorporating traditional Irish, Funk, Rap, and Soul influences. Thiseclectic young band is currently working towards an original demo andhope for a busy and successful summer bringing the rock back to thepeople of Kildare, Sat 1st July @ 7.30
The Gudmen
The Gudmen come from Kildare town and have embraced a unique genre, that is Irish Hip hop
(Rap) music. They are one of the countries finest. Ay Cee - Allan Clarke is the son of Brigid Scully,
originally from Bishopsland. DJ Lee - Shane Leigh comes from The Curragh Camp, Orchard Park.
Shane appeared for a few years with Kildare’s own Ray D'Arcy on his hit TV Quiz show “2 Phat”
with Zig and Zag in the late 90’s. Our third member P the Emcee comes from Mullingar in West
Meath. The lads have been together a few years and have played numerous Top venues and clubs
in the country (Please see our press pack) and have now concentrated on building up a large
fanbase locally. “When we play the larger venues we want to bring half of Kildare and Meath with
us!” Since January the Gudmen have rocked Lil Flanagans, Top Nolans and Rose
Earley’s in Newbridge. We even played our first Teenage gig to a very loud,
energetic and alcoholic free Teenagers in the Valentines Teenage disco in Tigerlily
Nightclub last February.
The Gudmen are the Freshest and most entertaining
band to ever come out of Kildare town.
Strangle The Dog
Together for just 8 months now Strangle TheDog are just beginning to get their music out there. All our music isoriginal heavily influenced by all of our individual tastes, to namebut a few; Kings of Leon, Snow Patrol, Bell X 1, The Smashing Pumpkins,The Doors...
We are currently gigging around leinster in places such as VoodooLounge (Dublin), The Hub(Temple Bar), Rose Earleys (Newbridge),Ballynockan (Wicklow) we also hold an originals night for localbands/singer song-writers in Top Nolans every third thursday, so anybands that want to get their stuff out there let us know. We Are:Vocals: Steve Morrissey, Percussion: Jono Kearney, Lead
Guitar: Seamus Sheedy(Gandhi), Rhythm Guitar: Paul Bracken, Bass
Guitar: Kerry Sheedy. Sunday 25th @ 8.30
C'est la Vie
A mixture of ballads, folk, trad and pop rock.With Mario Corrigan, Paul O’Toole (formally Live Wire) and DeckyGarrett (formally Criss Cross) if you like them, see them in Top Nolansafter they perform in the Square.
Sunday 2nd July @ 8.30p.m.
Century Steel Band
It’s almost 20 years since the Century Steel Band first began touring in Ireland. With members hailing
fromthe exotic Islands of the West Indies (St Lucia, St Vincent, Antiguaetc.) The century steel band are always kept busy during their Irishtours. A firm favourite with the Festivals, Corporate Events, Colleges& Uni’s, Beach Parties, Theme Nights, Bars, Clubs, and much more,they
have even opened Shopping Malls. To date, the Band has released numerous albums. Some
of the more popular releases being “Take it easy”, “Some Outa Jail” (which was released in
conjunction with Amnesty International) and of course their now famously popular Reggae
version of “The Fields of Athenry”.
They have appeared regularly on T.V. shows on this side of the worldsuch as “Kelly” (UTV) “Kenny Live” (RTE) and “The Big Breakfast” (Ch.4)toname just a few. The Century Steel Band are frequent visitors toIreland, a country they now regard as their second home, and are stillcharming Irish audiences with their own unique blend of Reggae, Caribrock and Soca Music. They may even throw in a little Celtic Reggae forgood measure.
For information contact BANDHIRE on 01 260 9040.
Sullivan Brothers
They believe a star is someone who can takepeople to a place where nobody else can be, just by singing a song!Their family is quite musical.Their Mum can play the violin and theirfather can sing a tune or two as well! Both of the lads havegirlfriends. Adrian is going out with Susan, and Shane is
going outwith Brenda. What they most dislike about themselves is theirreceding hairlines!! M They both hate rudeness and bad manners. Describing themselves in three words they say they are 'confident,musical and thoughtful!' The song that best describes them is'hero's and villains by Brian Wilson. If they could getanythingfor their dressing room they would want honey and lemonflavoured Lockets, Chipsticks and a case of Corona. If they couldhave any actors play them in a movie
about their lives, they would cast Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez. In their spare time
theyplay tennis, watch rugby, go to gigs, write, read and sleep! Anideal night out for them would be a nice meal, a gig in the Olympia andoff to Bruxelles for a few beers downstairs! If they could besuperheroes they would want to be Spiderman.
Their ambition in life is to do something different! Not live the same life as everyone else...
Abbaesque
Abbaesque, the band that took theIrishentertainment world by storm establishing themselves as one of themostpopular bands on the scene have reformed. The show has expandedfrom asix piece to an eight piece. It is made up of some of theoriginalmembers.
Any new members are from the hit show ‘I Keano’. The Abbaesque show is as close as
you'regoingto get to the real thing. With its choreographed dance routines,superbmusicianship, fabulous light show and incredible attention todetail,this fantastic ninetyminute show never fails to impress. It iswithoutdoubt Ireland’s most successful live tribute show.
As well as headlining Ireland’s premier venue, The Point Theatre, this brilliant live act
has performed at every major Irish venue and Festival including Galway’s Black Box, Rose
of Tralee Festival, and Dublin’s Olympia Theatre. TV appearances have included The Late Late Show, Live at Three, Fish, Gerry Ryan Show, Open House and the Den as well as the 98FM Breakfast show and the Pat Kenny show on radio. Contact: Martin, Laura or Anne at the MPI offices on telephone: 01 6684017, e.mail: info@mpibands.com website:
www.mpibands.com
Posted by KCNadmin at 04:35 PM
Irish Derby Festival 2006
Exceptional line up for Budweiser Irish Derby Festival
The Budweiser Irish Derby Festival takes place at theCurragh Racecourse from 30th June to 2nd July. The three dayextravaganza will have all the ingredients to ensure that the eventcontinues to be one of the highlights of the summer’s sporting and social calendar.
Kildare Village Derby Friday - Great racing, barbecue food, free entertainment for children, live music
afterracing and Hector’s Big Bash with the hilarious Hector O hEoghagaintaking place in the Hard Rock Café Marquee, the ingredients for a greatparty night to kick off one of the summer’s most exciting sportingevents. Three of the seven races will be sponsored by Kildare Village,the new chic fashion outlet centre which is due to open it’s doors inJuly. While other races include the valuable Woodpark and BallysheehanStuds Stakes, together with races supported by the Silken Thomas inKildare Town, and successful BMW dealer N.Conlan & Sons.
Budweiser “Big Bash” Package 40 euro, to include admission, racecard, pint of Budweiser, item from the
Barbecue and access to Hector’s Big Bash. Must be booked in advance call Lisa at 045 441205
Budweiser Barbecue Package f30 euro includes admission, racecard, pint of Budweiser and item from the Barbecue.
Admission from 15 euro. Students and Senior Citizens 8 euro. Family Admission 25 euro. Children under 15 Free.
Audi Derby Saturday is all about fillies and fashion withEurope’s top female performers competing for Group 1 glory in the Audisponsored Pretty Polly Stakes,while a fabulous shopping spree can bewon in the Kildare Village “Fashions on the Turf” Ladies Daycompetition. Other races during a packed seven race programme includingthe Group 3 At The Races Curragh Cup, ABB Summer Fillies Handicap,Woodies DIY Derby Festival Handicap and races sponsored by Netjets andleading construction company Roadbridge
Admission from 20 euro . Students and Senior Citizens 10 euro . Family Admission 35 euro. Children under 15 free.
The Budweiser Irish Derby will celebrate it’s 141st birthday on Sunday whileit will be the 21st year for Ireland’s greatest international race tobe supported by Budweiser. The truly world class event will featureEurope’s finest racehorses competing for a record 1.5 million euro intotal prize money. Arrive early to soak up the atmosphere withentertainment from 12 noon including a full programme of entertainingin the West End Marquee sponsored by The Star on Sunday. Thetraditional singing of the Curragh of Kildare will again feature priorto the running of the feature races with the Three Irish Tenors jointedby Newbridge based soprano Lorraine Nolan and the No1 Army Band thisyear. Celebrity judges who will mingle throughout the racecourseincluding in the exclusive Image Derby Pavilion will be looking out forthe Fashion Accessories Style Icon with an exclusive prize worth i6,000presented to the winner by luxury leather goods manufacturer Chesneau.
Admission – Reserved Enclosure from 50 euro. Children under 15 12 euro.
West End Enclosure from 25 euro. Children under 15 6 euro.
3 Day Festival Ticket 70 euro.
PremierLevel Access and Premier Level Seats also available for purchase.Hospitality and Restaurant Packages available on all three days.
Irish Derby Festival Events
An exciting programme of other Derby events have been developed this year. These including:
TheDerby Ball, which takes centre stage on the eve of Derby Day onSaturday 1st July in the Stand House Hotel. Organised by KildareChamber of Commerce, this event will have a major Derby theme runningthroughout the evening, while a presentation will be made to specialguest Lester Piggott to recognise his remarkable achievements. ContactKaren Guilfoyle for further information, tel 045 526066 or e-mailadmin@kildarechamber.ie
Pre Derby Ladies Fashion and Champagne Evening in aid of St Brigid's Hospice will take place on
Thursday15th June from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Ross Morgan’s Restaurant inNewbridge. An exciting evening of high fashion, champagne tastingcourtesy of Febvre Wines and delicious foods will featuring during anevening which is hoped will become an annual event in the build up tothe Derby Festival. Tickets costing 50 euro per person are availablefrom the Curragh Racecourse or from Ross Morgans Restaurant.
Derby Festival Preview Evening in aid of the JockeysAccident Fund taking place on Monday 26th June from 8pm at RossMorgan’s Restaurant. The opportunity to meet some of the stars of IrishFlat Racing as they preview the Festival races and enjoy a deliciousassortment of food and wines. Tickets costing 50 euro are availablefrom the Curragh Racecourse and Ross Morgans.
Derby Shop Front Competition.
The Curragh is pleased tosponsor a competition to encourage shops and businesses in the localityto get into the Derby Festival spirit with the winners receiving a VIPrace day package on Kildare Village Derby Friday for 10 people toincluded use of a Premier Level suite with food and wines. Contact LisaMcGoldrick at the racecourse for further information 045 443209
Hector returns to the Curragh
Hector O hEoghagainwillreturn to Curragh as the special guest on Kildare Village DerbyFriday,the opening race day of the 2006 Budweiser Irish Derby Festival.Hewill interrupt his busy schedule of filming of a new televisionseriesto take part in Hector’s “Big Bash” which will be held in theHard RockCafé Marquee located in the in field of the racecourse. Hewill alsointroduce the Glitter Bugs who will perform on a giant stagein themain enclosure after racing.
HH The Aga Khan to be inducted into Irish Derby Hall of Fame
HHThe Aga Khan will join Vincent O’Brien, Lester Piggott, Mike Roarty ofAnheuser-Busch and Pat Eddery when he is inducted into the BudweiserHall of Fame during the Budweiser Irish Derby Festival. Alamshar’svictory in 2003 was his fifth success in the race, following Shergar,Shahrastani, Kahyasi and Sinndar and brought him level with the numberof successes enjoyed by his grandfather.
Lorraine Nolan to sing “Curragh of Kildare”
Lorraine Nolan from Newbridge will join the Three Irish Tenors and the No 1 Army Band when they perform the “Curragh of Kildare” in front of the Grandstands before the running of the Budweiser Irish Derby this year. Currently performing in Songbird, the Eva Cassidy story, Nolan is well known and spent two years touring Europe, the U.S. and the Pacific rim as lead vocalist with the original cast of Riverdance and recorded on the Radio City Music Hall production of Riverdance - the Show Video.
Posted by KCNadmin at 04:00 PM
Summer Kicks , Sunday 25th June, 2006
This year’s Sunday afternoon event was a parade party,
featuring amini parade along with performances of street theatre by local andcommunity groups. It was organised by LARK, a group set up to encourage
participation in the arts by people living in Kildare.
Following a highly successful Christmas show, this latest offering follows months of practice led by David Day and his drumming and dancing group who have worked with local school children
to make all this happen. Costumes were designed and created by those involved
themselves, organised by Susan Boyle and her band of assistants.
Other local groups involved include Scoil Bride Naofa School BandandCarmel Somers School of Irish Dancing. Finally the fun was topped off by a wonderful piece of street theatre. Featuring local people, this performance focused on the four elements, earth, wind, fire and water. Designed and directed by V.J. Bateson, a great supporter of the Festival and his group Artastic.
Click on the images below to see a larger view.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Posted by KCNadmin at 01:01 PM
French Traditional Market 2006
25th, 26th and 27th June 2006
The French Market on Sunday 25th June 2006.
The French Traditional market experience came to Ireland last year. From
then on the team has been to Dublin, Dundalk, Donegal, Kilkenny,
Waterford, Tralee, Portlaoise and many other towns and is getting better
and better!
The event is organised by the French traditional Market, the forerunners
of the French markets in Ireland, with its team of up to 30 traders who
come from various parts of France, Britany, Provence, Vendée, Picardy, les
Vosages....
The French traditional Markets team would be delighted to bring a little
of France’s atmosphere and finest food to your town and make sure local
shoppers will love the event...
Posted by KCNadmin at 12:52 PM
Contacts
Kildare Derby Festival Co. Ltd. C.Y.M.S. Hall Kildare Email: kildarederbyfestival@eircom.net Website: www.kildare.ie/kildarederbyfestival/
President: Florrie Harrington Chairman: Ollie Kearns
Vice Chairperson: Mary Kavanagh
Secretary and P.R.O.: Phil Braiden
Treasurer: Doreen Delaney
P.R.O.: Emer O'Donnell
COMMITTEE Seamus Maher, Tony O'Donnell, Maurice Heffernan, Mary Comerford, Kym Kelly PROGRAMME Advertising: Vivian Okeze, Mary Kavanagh and Phil Braiden
Editorial: Ollie Kearns, Stephen Talbot, Liam O'Keeffe, Tony O'Donnell
Designed & Printed by: Donovan Printing
WEBSITE Developed by: The Kildare Community Network
Posted by KCNadmin at 12:13 PM
Chairman's Address 2006
A warm welcome to the 28th Kildare Derby Festival.
Events this year are much the same as in previous years with a fewchanges. New this year is the Street Theatre, Puppet Show and a Barpersons Race. Concerts in The Square and the popular Festival Queen competition are here again and we welcome back the French Market. CYMS will hold a Photographic Display and also and Art Exhibition. Aras Bhride will have the usual events. Lots of people turned out for the Bessie Byrne walk in previous years, let’s hope this year is no exception.
The Programme Booklet is one of our main fundraisers. I would like to thank our advertisers for
their support, also a big thank you to the business, club and family patrons who are listed. We are
also grateful to the people who gave their time to write articles for the programme.
I would like to welcome Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell who is our Guest of Honour for
the Grand Opening, on June 25th.
The Festival would not happen without the following organisations, so grateful appreciation to
Kildare Co. Council, C.Y.M.S., FÁS, Kildare Failte, South East Tourism, Curragh Race Course,
Aras Bhride, Kildare Tidy Towns, Donovan Printing Ltd., Chamber of Commerce, Cill Dara
historical Society, Kildare Town Publicans and L.A.R.K.
I would also like to thank the following people for their help. Vivian Okeze, Office Administrator,
Pat Conlon, Peadar Byrne, Kevin Lott, Margie Sheridan, Evan Arkwright, Thrish Byrne, former
P.R.O., Sally Purcell, Former Treasurer, Maurice Heffernan also congratulations to Liam
O’Keeffe Person of the year and Mary Comerford Festival Queen 2005 and last but not least the
Derby Festival Committee. If I have inadvertently left anyone out my apologies.
A big thank you to Budweiser, who have sponsored us for the past 20 years and are bowing out
this year.
Chairman Ollie Kearns
Posted by KCNadmin at 11:54 AM
Kildare Derby Festival Queen 2006
Marianne Vaughan is this years Derby festival Queen (2006). She represents Top Nolan's pub in Kildare Town. The contest was held in the Stand House Hotel on Friday 16th June. Marianne was one of twelve hopeful contestants. Congratulations Marianne!
Posted by bwhelan at 02:25 PM
Wednesday 5th July
8.00 p.m Hayden Lectures in Kildare Education Centre with Paul Hensey. Curragh Racecourse, past, present and future.
Posted by bwhelan at 04:53 PM
Sunday 2nd July
1.30 p.m Curragh Races 141st running of the Irish Derby at the Curragh Racecourse. Featuring 21 years of Budweiser Irish Derby Sponsorship.
6.30 p.m Disco with Kym Kelly in Market Square
7.30 p.m Open Air Concert featuring Black Jack, C-Est La Vie and ABBAESQUE
6 - 10.00 p.m Face Painting in Market Square
Posted by bwhelan at 04:49 PM
Saturday 1st July
12 midday, 2.00 and 4.00 p.m Lambert Puppet Theatre in C.Y.M.S
2.30 p.m CURRAGH RACES Featuring Audi Pretty Polly Stakes
6.30 p.m Disco with Kym Kelly, Market Square
7.30 p.m Open Air Concert featuring: Freefall, Casting Stone, Avalon
7.30 p.m SULLIVAN BROTHERS
6 - 10 p.m Face Painting in Market Square
Posted by bwhelan at 04:43 PM
Friday 30th June
2.00 p.m Art Exhibition, Keely Birmingham, Aras Bhride
6.00 p.m Curragh Races - Fashions of The Turf Ladies Day Feature Race - Kildare Village Derby
9.00 p.m Concert in Curragh Racecourse with Glitter Bugs
Posted by bwhelan at 04:40 PM
Thursday 29th June
2.00 p.m Art Exhibition, Keely Birmingham, Aras Bhride
2.30 - 4.00 p.m Afternoons with a Difference Celebrate St. Brigid by sharing story, legend, poetry and song.
8.30 p.m Your Choice and Mine Music and Stories with Liam O'Keeffe in association with Lyric F.M in Aras Bhride.
Posted by bwhelan at 04:13 PM
Wednesday 28th June
2.00 p.m Art Exhibition, Keely Birmingham, Aras Bhride
7.00 p.m Bessie Byrne Walk
8.00 p.m Senior Citizens Party, Day Care Centre
8.30 p.m Barpersons Race, Market SquarePosted by bwhelan at 04:08 PM
Tuesday 27th June
8 - 6 French Market - Market Square
2.00 p.m Art Exhibition, Keely Birmingham, Aras Bhride
2.30 - 4.00 p.m Afternoons with a Difference with the Brigidine Sisters and Cairde Bhride. Midsummer Pilgrimage at St. Brigid's Well. Gather at Wayside Well beside Japanese Gardens.
7.30 p.m Deity Art Exhibition Launch with Claire Blennerhasset in C.Y.M.S
7.30 p.m A Day in The Life Photographic Exhibition Launch - in C.Y.M.S.
8.30 p.m Poetry and Storytelling with Mae Leonard in Aras Bhride.
Posted by bwhelan at 03:57 PM
Monday 26th June
8 - 6 French Market - Market Square
8.00 p.m Art Exhibition with Keely Birmingham. Launch in Aras Bhride
8.00 p.m Scoil na Mainstreach Awards Night - C.Y.M.S
Posted by bwhelan at 03:53 PM
Sunday 25th June
1.45 p.m Grand Opening, Market Square By Minister for Justic, Equality and Law Reform, Michael McDowell
2.00 p.m Dog Show & Sale of Work, St Brigid's Park. (Registration at 1.00pm)
2.30 p.m Street Theatre 'Summer Kicks' by LARK - Market Square
5.00 p.m Spring Onion 'Moving House' Puppet Theatre, Market Square
6.30 p.m Disco with Kym Kelly, Market Square
7.30 p.m Open air Concert with Gudmen, Strangle the Dog and CENTURY STEEL BAND.
8 a.m - 6 p.m French Market, Market Square
2 - 10 p.m Face Painting, Market Square
Posted by bwhelan at 03:43 PM
Saturday 17th June - Friday 23rd June
Kildare Derby Festival Bowling Tournament in C.Y.M.S
Posted by bwhelan at 03:41 PM
Friday 16th June
8.00 p.m Festival Queen Competition in Standhouse Hotel, Curragh
Posted by bwhelan at 03:38 PM
latest news
TIMETABLE OF EVENTS
16 TH JUNE Festival Queen Competition
Stand House Hotel Curragh
25 TH. JUNE Grand Opening of Festival in Market Square Kildare
by Minister for Justice Michael Mc Dowell 1-45pm
Street Theatre by L.A.R.K.
2.30pm
Green Onion Puppet Theatre 5.00pm
Disco with Kym Kelly 6.30pm
Open air concert 7.30pm
(all Market Square )
CUDMEN
STRANGLE THE DOG
CENTURY STEEL BAND
Posted by okearns at 10:59 PM
