County Kildare News

3 week positive parenting course

Dates: Wednesday November 7th,14th,21st  @ 8pm
         
Venue: Punchestown AMI School Baltreacy

Topics include :

• Building self-esteem and confidence  
• How to apply effective discipline  
• How slapping and shouting effects children
• Setting up routine and boundaries    
• Caring for the emotional needs of the child
• Sibling rivalry
• Bullying      
• Effects of Television on children     
• Understanding child development
• Bringing harmony to the home and more….

Cost: €60 for 3 week course  
        
For pre-booking or further details call:

 Gaye Mullen 086-6005614
 gma.mullen@hotmail.com

Follow Positive Parenting Ireland on Facebook!

Deputy Emmet Stagg has been advised by the Mid Leinster Divisional Manager of the Department of Social Protection that a site has now been identified for the provision of a New Community Welfare Public Office for Naas, at the old FAS offices in Rathasker Square.

Deputy Stagg has been further advised that plans for the renovation of the Rathasker premises have been approved and that work will commence over the coming weeks on the office following a tender process. Deputy Stagg has sought a timetable on the completion of the renovation works and when the Office will open to the Public.

Welcoming this move forward Deputy Stagg stated that the meeting he arranged on July 18th with Minister Joan Burton T.D., his fellow North Kildare T.D.'s and Pat Dowling and Timmy Conway from the Naas Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul, had the desired effect of putting pressure on the Department to deliver a Public Office. Having viewed both the Town Hall and the Old FAS Office the Departments Property Management Section had come down in favour of the old FAS office.

Deputy Stagg also stated that people currently seeking assistance with Mortgage Payments, Rental payments, Exceptional Needs payments or people seeking Supplementary Welfare Payments, have to use a postal based or freephone service to access their entitlements. This is a rather impersonal way to transact business when you need support even though the Local Community Welfare Officers did their best through follow up home visits. In addition to the fact that no public office was available the Local Community Welfare Officers are operating under immense pressure due to the increased numbers of people seeking assistance due to the recession.

In conclusion Deputy Stagg stated that he was very pleased with the progress and looked forward to hearing further on the expected opening timeframe for the office.

Pride of Place and Tidy Towns Awards Night

Prize-winners gathered at Áras Chill Dara, Naas this evening (24.10.2012) to reap the fruits of their work in the County Kildare Pride of Place and Tidy Towns Competitions.  Kildare County Council hosted a prize-giving ceremony for the winners who included young people, gardeners, residents associations and Tidy Towns committees from across the county.

Mayor Micheál “Spike” Nolan presented the prizes.  He thanked the groups and individual citizens who had taken part for their work and achievements in their neighbourhoods.

This is the eighteenth year of the competition for tidy local authority housing estates. Prizes were awarded for voluntary work, community involvement and environmental impact.  Nine prizes were awarded in the Best-Kept-Garden competition.

This is the tenth year of the county council’s special awards scheme for young people who make an outstanding contribution to community life. Every year Kildare Tidy Towns groups work tirelessly to ensure their communities are pleasant places to live.  Mayor Nolan acknowledged their effort and their results in the national Tidy Towns competition. This year there were 36 entrants, an increase of two on last year. In addition, Straffan became the first Kildare town to win the coveted Gold Medal in the competition.

2012 Community Awards

Pride of Place results 2012

Category 1 (1-20 Houses)
Winner:         Millview Milltown

2nd place:      Millrace Lawns Broadford

Category 2 (21-40 Houses)
Winner:         Rowanville Kildare

2nd place:      Wheatfield Ardclough

Category 3 (41-55 Houses)
Winner:         Park View Clane

2nd place:      St. Evin’s Park Monastervin (North End)

Category 4 (56 – 80 houses)
 Winner:        St. Patrick’s Park Kill

2nd place:      Coarsemoor Straffan

Category 5 (80 + houses)
Winner:         Avondale Leixlip

2nd place:      Churchview Suncroft

Developing Communities Category

Winner:         Moatview Kilmeade

2nd Place:      Woodside Park Kildare

3rd Place :    Ottomy Crescent, Grove & Drive Clane

Community Development Category

Winner :                  Ashgrove Derrinturn

Highly Commended for their work with young people: Castlefen Sallins

Best Newcomer:

Winner : Lakeside ParkNewbridge

Commended:         Mooretown DriveRathcoffey

                              St. Brigid’s Tce Sallins

Best Kept Gardens 2012

Margaret & Cyrill Reeves, 1166 Wheatfield Ardclough

Kevin & Rose Connolly, 2352 St Brigid’s tce Sallins

Philip Comerford, 50 Park View Clane

Daniel Delahunt, 1609 New Line Grove Kilmeade

Mary Mc Cormack, 1934 St. Dominic’s Park Newbridge

Joan White, 3553 Lakeside Newbridge

Tanya Ekhoize,13 Rosconnell Road SouthNewbridge

Tony Purcell, 3177 Avondale Kilcullen

Overall Winner

Paddy Carthy, 2338 St. Brigid’s Park Ballymore Eustace

Youth Endeavour Award Winners 2012
 

Jason Gahan, Oaklawns kilmeague

Joesph Hackett, Ashgrove Derrinturn

Christopher Morgan, Dara Park Newbridge

Stephen Corrigan, Wheatfield Ardclough Straffan

Thomas Grattan, St. Evin's park Monasterevin

Vivienne Kelly, Moatview Kilmeade

Cian Martin, Castlefen Sallins

Tidy Towns Awards

Gold medal winner
Straffan (and overall county award)

Silver medal winners
Kill (highly commended in county award)
Naas

Bronze medal winners
Rathangan (commended in county award)
Newbridge
Leixlip
 

Endeavour award for Kildare
(for greatest improvement in marks from 2011)

Nurney
 

Tidy Towns Heroes award
Liam Murphy from (Robertstown)
 

Gum Litter Taskforce award
Robertstown

First Time Ever in Ireland.

On display at the Athy Heritage Centre-Museum, Town Hall, Emily Square.

The story of the Terra Nova expedition, explored through the letters, diaries and photographs of its members, is being told in this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition.

This Exhibit tells the story of Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s 1910-1013 Terra Nova expedition to the Antarctic.

First time in Ireland, these unique artefacts, photographs and panels will be on exhibit until the 14th December 2012

(On loan from Scott Polar Institute Cambridge and Discovery Point Dundee.)

 
President Michael D. Higgins will formally open the Ernest Shackleton Autumn School next Friday (October 26th) celebrating the centenary of the 1912 Scott expedition to the South Pole and the key role of heroic Irishmen in that and other Antarctic endeavours.
 
The school runs in Athy, Co Kildare from Friday to Monday over the Bank Holiday weekend and will be attended by the grandchildren of Captain Scott and of two Irishmen who played major roles in Antarctic exploration, Ernest Shackleton and Tom Crean.
 
The school is also delighted to welcome Kari Herbert, daughter of distinguished Polar explorer Sir Wally Herbert. Kari, who grew up with the Intuit in Greenland, is the author of a new book celebrating the contribution to women to Polar exploration and will deliver a lecture on that theme.
 
Kevin Kenny of the Shackleton School Organising Committee said:
 
"We are honoured that President Higgins has agreed to open the Shackleton School in this very important year marking the centenary of some of the great Antarctic expeditions. Now in its 12th year, the School brings together leading historians, environmentalists, explorers and scientists in focusing on the Polar regions”.
 
In 1912, Captain Scott reached the South Pole but died on the return journey, Mr Kenny outlined. Four Irishmen were members of Scott's expedition, notably the 'Unsung Hero', Tom Crean. Michael Smith will talk about their contributions in his lecture on Sunday morning.

Mr Kenny continued "Ernest Shackleton, born in Kilkea, Athy in 1874, is renowned for his  exploits when leading Antarctic expeditions. He is famed for his exemplary decision making and leadership skills, best summarised in a quote from a contemporary :“....when disaster strikes and all hope is gone, get down on your knees and pray for Shackleton”. It is particularly apt that Ireland's many associations with polar
regions are celebrated in Shackleton's birthplace”.
 
A wide variety of lectures, film and drama is augmented by a vibrant social programme.

www.Antarctic-Circle.org has billed the Ernest Shackleton Autumn School as: "The best Polar gathering of the year".
 
A fascinating exhibition of artefacts relating to Scott's tragic expedition will be on display in Athy Heritage Centre until Dec 14th.
 
Full details are available on www.ShackletonMuseum.com and www.athyheritagecentre-museum.ie

Off the Wall with John Minihan – Meet the Artist and Buy the Prints

Final Weekend of Film Photography Exhibition at Kildare Village

Kildare Village will host the final weekend of their hugely successful photography exhibition by John Minihan titled “Celebration of Film Photography”. To mark the end of the exhibition guests of the Village will have a unique opportunity to meet John Minihan and purchase some of the truly iconic photography prints from the beginning of John’s career back in 1962 to his most recent shot of Shane McGowan.
 
The exhibition features iconic photographic works from the world of fashion, art and film, from Andy Warhol to Yves Saint Laurent. Spanning more than 50 years, John’s portraits capture each individual’s character and are all the more poignant because of the universal appeal of many of the people photographed. Off the Wall with John Minihan takes place at Kildare Village Sunday October 28th and Monday 29th from 12pm – 4pm in the Exhibition Space

For more information visit www.kildarevillage.com

About John Minihan

John Minihan was born in Dublin in 1946 and raised locally in Athy, County Kildare. After moving to London he worked as an apprentice photographer and by the age of 21 he had become the youngest staff photographer for the Evening Standard.
 
Working in Fleet Street, John captured life in the 1960s. The close relationships he formed with writers and artists are apparent from his pictures; his photographs of Samuel Beckett and Francis Bacon show a particular affinity with his subjects. His friendship with Beckett produced some of the most remarkable photographs ever taken of the writer.
 
Many of John’s pieces have become iconic images, pictures that are synonymous with figures such as Al Pacino, Andy Warhol, Jimi Hendrix and Lady Diana Spencer.

Now in his sixties, John has eschewed the evolving medium of digital technology. Living with his partner in Lisheen, West Cork, he is still as passionate about working with film today as he ever was.

And that is what this exhibition in Kildare Village is all about: a celebration of film photography by one of the world’s most prolific exponents of the art – John Minihan.

The prints contained in this exhibition are for sale. All images are printed using archival inks on acid-free, fine art paper and, as such, are lightfast for 100 years or more.

The Keeneland Association has extended its sponsorship of the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at The Curragh Racecourse in Ireland for an additional three years.

The world's leading bloodstock sales company has supported the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes, one of Europe’s top juvenile races, since 2010.  The six-furlong contest, which was first run in 1902, was won for a record 12th time this year by trainer Aidan O’Brien when Pedro the Great came home in front.

The Keeneland Phoenix Stakes has an impressive roster of winners, including Holy Roman Emperor, George Washington, Johannesburg and Saoirse Abu.

“The Curragh has enjoyed a very positive association with Keeneland and we were delighted to welcome their new President Bill Thomason to the races for the first time this year,” said Paul Hensey, The Curragh’s General Manager.

“The Keeneland Phoenix Stakes has an outstanding record for attracting some of the best two-year-olds in Europe and we look forward to working closely with the team at Keeneland to ensure the top owners and trainers continue to target the race with their top juveniles.”

Keeneland’s President Bill Thomason was delighted to announce the sponsorship’s extension, “Keeneland deeply values its relationship with The Curragh,” said Thomason. “Ireland’s Thoroughbred community has been an important part of Keeneland’s sales programme for decades so this partnership is a natural fit. It also is gratifying to partner with such a prestigious international venue where racing is showcased at such a high level.”

The Keeneland Phoenix Stakes will take place on Sunday, August 11, 2013.

Pilates Classes at Naas Holistic Centre, Naas Town Centre

Starting Monday 5th November & Wednesday 7th November.

Morning and evening - all are welcome.

Contact Grainne Dempsey @ 087 6374030

International rugby player Sean O’Brien to launch Kildare Village Careers Open Day on Thursday 25th October
 
Home to some of the world’s most luxurious brands, Kildare Village is looking for talented individuals seeking employment in the world of fashion and retail. The careers open day will take place from 4pm until 8pm on Thursday 25th October.  There will be a number of new temporary, permanent and part-time positions available in December 2012 for which visitors will be able to apply.
 
International rugby player Sean O’Brien will be on hand to welcome applicants and speak about career progression at 4.30pm. Sean will discuss the comparisons between achieving in sport and being successful in the retail / hospitality industry as well as outlining the importance of knowing one’s own strengths and being a team player. As one of Ireland’s most promising sportspeople, his advice and positive attitude are sure to prove an invaluable source of inspiration to those in attendance.
 
Maria McGovern, Director of Retail and Marketing commented, “Kildare Village continues to grow as a business and look forward to discovering fresh talent to work among some of the biggest names in fashion including Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss and DKNY.”
 
Kildare Village is home to over 60 designer boutiques at up to 60% off recommended retail prices. Kildare Village is open seven days a week. For more details on Kildare Village visit www.kildarevillage.com Make sure to become a fan on facebook too for the latest updates http://www.facebook.com/kildarevillage or follow us on Twitter @KildareVillage

The Bog of Allen Nature Centre is now taking bookings for their annual Creepie Crawlie Fun Camp. 

The camp will take place on Thursday 1st November between 10am-1pm at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre in Lullymore. 

The camp is full of exciting nature activities for children aged 7-13 years old. 

Activities will include:

• pond dipping,
• creepie crawlie safari,
• insect eating plants 
• nature crafts. 

The cost is €15 per student and booking is essential as places are limited by contacting the centre on 045-860133 or e-mail bogs@ipcc.ie.

The Irish Rallycross Championship is set for a revival with a raft of changes being introduced for this season including a new class.

The first major change is the return to a calendar year for the championship schedule. The three 2012 events, one in Pembrey and two in Mondello Park, will be added to the six 2013 rounds, to produce the next Irish Rallycross champion. Each competitor will be allowed to count their six best scores from the nine rounds.
 
This is the first of a number of measures designed to attract competitors back to the sport. Others include changes to the championship structure so that there will be a champion crowned in each class rather than just an overall winner. Drivers will also have more opportunities for track time with the top two drivers from the 'B' Final progressing into the 'A' Final, rather than just the winner.

A new class will also run this year with the introduction of purpose built Rallycross buggies. Motorcycle engined JB Buggies have been competing in sprint and autocross events in Ireland and will now have their own Rallycross championship which will carry the name Kartcross.

Kildare Youth Service Christmas E-Card Art Competition 2012

Kildare Youth Service are pleased to announce their 2012 Annual Christmas e-card Art Competition.

Entries are invited from young people across Co. Kildare. Classes or school entries are welcome.

To enter you must be in the age category:

• 10-12 years
• 13-15 years
• 16-18 years

Designs can be in pencil, paint, crayon, or computer designed.

All entries must be submitted on A4 standard size paper.

Your entry will need to be reproduced, so must be 2D i.e. no cotton wool, no glitter etc.

All entries must be accompanied with an Entry Form.

You can pick up an entry form from KYS, Youth Information Centre, Or email yic@kys.ie and we will be happy to email you a copy.

Closing date for entries is the 15th of November 2012

The overall winning entry will become KYS Official Christmas Card for 2012. Winners from each age category will also receive prizes.

    All entries must be sent to:
    Kildare Youth Services, Youth Information Centre,
    Canal Stores, Basin Street, Naas, Co Kildare,
    Ph. (045) 897893

Email yic@kys.ie  and find us on Facebook.com/YIC Naas

North Kildare Chamber has welcomed the announcement that the Credit Guarantee Scheme will go live on Wednesday 24th October.

Speaking this morning, Eilis Quinlan, Chamber President, said “this scheme is something that the Chamber  has been calling for since 2009 and we have consistently pushed for its implementation since its announcement last year. The scheme has the potential to help a number of viable small business gain much needed access to credit and will be of particular advantage to high growth SMEs that are categorized as ‘high risk’. We urge any business in need of a loan to get down to their bank to explore all funding options. The scheme is intended to increase access to finance for businesses currently deemed too risky by the banks.
It will provide a 75% State guarantee to banks against losses on qualifying loans to firms with growth and job creation potential.”
 

“With the potential to benefit over 1,800 businesses and create 1,300 jobs it is much needed at a time when unemployment remains at an unacceptably high rate. Supporting the domestic economy and containing the cost of employment must be the priority for Budget 2013 if these measures are to have any benefit to business,” she concluded.

Ireland's premier Motorcycle Racing Championship, the Adelaide Masters Series, came to a dramatic climax over the weekend of October 6th & 7th with the two main championship fights going down to the wire. The season long battles for the Superbike and Supersport titles came down to the final race in each series following thirteen rounds of close and unpredictable racing.

Brian McCormack led the Superbike and Supersport classes at the end of the first event in April. Across the remaining four events, held at Mondello Park and Bishopscourt, the former Irish champion was never headed, but so close were the points going into the final event that it was still possible for him to be beaten to both titles. In the end McCormack pulled out all the stops in Supersport to win the final round and clinch the title and was then able to settle for a steady fifth place in the Superbike race to add it to his Supersport crown.

In the Superbike 'Cup' race for less experienced, Clubman grade riders, the outcome was even closer with season long leader Evan Delaney being caught by Melvin Hollingsworth over the second half of the year. Hollingsworth improved throughout the season and eventually tied Delaney on points at the final event only to lose out on a tie breaker due to Delaney's superior number of 'Cup' wins.

The Supersport 'Cup' was a lot more clear-cut with Luke Johnston dominating for most of the season. Such was Johnston’s pace that he was on the coat tails of the overall race leaders at many events and had the championship tied up well before the final race. Johnston’s nearest challenger was James Kelly who took his first cup win early in the season but could not match the champion from there on.

Over the course of the season the Adelaide Masters Series was the most successful of all the Irish Short Circuit Motorcycle Racing championships, attracting consistent competitor numbers and record crowds. In all 270 competitors contested 11 different championships, with 230 riders scoring points. The support race championships went to Declan Swanton in Pre-Injection, Gavin PJ Quinn in Lightweight Supersport, Conor Parkhill in Supertwins, Ronan Shanahan and Karen Hadden in the Two Stroke classes and Terry O'Reilly in Sidecars. During the season the championship set numerous records including attracting the biggest ever crowd for a non-international event at Mondello Park

Plans are already being finalised for next year’s series with the organisers hoping to announce the 2013 dates very shortly. While the new Adelaide Masters Series season is being prepared there are still plenty of opportunities to see the high quality racing from 2012, with two events still to be televised on UTV, Motors TV and Setanta Sports.

Droichead Nua Town Council is inviting nominations for Community and Voluntary Awards to be granted by the Council.

These awards pertain to individual, community groups and organisations within Newbridge Town, whose activities promote the well-being of communities in the Town.

In 2012 there will be nine awards.

1) Culture-award for the best facilitator/organisation

2) Culture-award for most talented performer

3) Community/voluntary group

4) Community/voluntary individual

5) Academic/educational achievement

6) Sporting-award for best club/organisation

7) Sporting-award for best volunteer

8) Sporting-award for athlete

9) Hall of Fame

Nominations

Nominations should clearly state:

1. The name of nominee and contact details

2. The name of proposer and contact details

3. The reasons why the nominee is being nominated

Any other supporting material would be helpful.

Closing date for receipt of nominations is Friday 6th November 2012.

Nominations for the above scheme should be sent to:

Town Clerk, Droichead Nua Town Council, Town Hall, Newbridge. 
Tel: 045 980560 or by Email: tc@newbridgetowncouncil.ie

2012 has been another high-class and exciting year of sport at the Curragh, from the very start right through to the finish.

The very first race of the year at the Curragh, the opening two-year-old maiden of the season, is always an intriguing contest, but this year’s renewal produced a winner that would remain at the top of the juvenile ranks from the very beginning of the season to the very end of it, the Jim Bolger-trained Dawn Approach. The main event of the opening day, the www.thetote.com Irish Lincolnshire, also produced a high-class winner, with the John Oxx-trained Sharestan winning comfortably and going on to win two Listed races.

The following month, the Group 3 Big Bad Bob Gladness Stakes attracted a particularly high-profile star this year, with the Aidan O’Brien-trained Excelebration landing the odds in great style prior to going on to stamp himself as one of the leading milers in Europe later in the season.

The first Irish Classic of the season was the Group 1 Abu Dhabi Irish 2000 Guineas and it produced an exciting finish, with the Aidan O’Brien-trained Power proving his class by recording a game length success under Joseph O’Brien. Aidan and Joseph combined to take another Group 1 the following day, combining with So You Think to record an easy win in the Tattersalls Gold Cup. The other Classic of the weekend was the Group 1 Etihad Airways Irish 1,000 Guineas and the prize went for export after the Mick Channon-trained Samitar scored under Martin Harley.

The focus of the entire Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby meeting was the will he won’t he debate over the participation of the mighty Camelot in the feature race, as the testing ground made him a doubtful runner. It was only in the hours before the race that Aidan O’Brien’s stable star was confirmed for the race and while he wasn’t deeply impressive on the day, he ground out a gritty two lengths win under Joseph O’Brien.

The Darley Irish Oaks meeting is always one of the highlights of the Irish Flat season and this year’s renewal attracted all of the top fillies in Britain and Ireland. As it transpired, the John Gosden-trained Great Heavens proved best suited by the testing ground, grinding out an authoritative three lengths victory under William Buick.

The Group 1 Phoenix Stakes is generally one of the top juvenile races of the season, though this year’s renewal will be best remembered for the drama that unfolded. The favourite Probably underperformed and the second favourite Cristoforo Colombo dramatically slipped up when travelling well a furlong out, leaving the Aidan O’Brien-trained Pedro The Great to prevail readily under Seamie Heffernan.

Group 1 action returned four weeks later, with the prize for the Moyglare Stud Stakes being confirmed for export, as the Richard Hannon-trained Sky Lantern recorded a comfortable success under Richard Hughes.

A week later, the final Irish Classic of the season, the Gain Horse Feeds Irish St Leger, produced a pulsating four-way finish, with the Tommy Carmody-trained Royal Diamond notching one up for the Curragh-based trainers by recording a head victory under the ever-green Niall McCullagh. The other Group 1 on the day was the Goffs Vincent O’Brien Stakes and it saw the Jim Bolger-trained Dawn Approach make a glorious return to the Curragh almost six months after making a winning debut there, running out the wide-margin winner and stamping himself as the top prospect of his generation.

Tuesday 16th October 2012

Following the recent cancellations of race meetings at Tipperary the fixtures committee have approved a meeting to be held at the Curragh on Tuesday 16th Oct. Therefore the schooling morning scheduled for the 16th has been postponed and ground permitting will be held at a later date.

First Race @ 1.45pm and Admission is FREE for all.

Missunited is one of 27 runners to line up in the ultra competitive Hackett’s Bookmakers Cesarewitch taking place at the Curragh this Sunday. Sponsors Hackett’s Bookmakers have installed her as 4/1 clear favourite. Trained in Kantuck County Cork by Michael Winters, she is looking for her fifth consecutive victory having won at Listowel, Galway, Clonmel and Ballinrobe.
 
One of the most competitive races of the season, other notable runners which were announced today for the 2 mile contest include Hidden Universe currently second favourite with Hacketts at 8/1,  Hay Point and Seventh Sign at 10/1 and it is 12/1 bar these four runners
 
Greek Goddess, Rawaaq, Seolan and Uleavemebreathless are among the eight runners in the Staffordstown Stud Stakes, while Maarek, a four time winner this season, are among the twelve runners for the Mick Ramsey Waterford Testimonial Stakes.
 
Last year’s Cesarewitch winner Minsk is one of seven runners in The Irish Field Finale Stakes with other notable entries in the Listed race including Midnight Soprano and Chamonix
 
1st of 7 races is 1.55pm
 
Admission 15 euro, Under 25s and Seniors 8 euro, Under 16s Free
 
Trains to Kildare Town with free shuttle bus to races, Dublin Coach provide race day service (see dublincoach.ie)
 

Kerry Group, the global food company, is to make a €100million investment in a technology and innovation centre at Millennium Park, Naas.

900 jobs will be created at the completed facility, with 400 construction jobs to be available during the development phase.

The North Kildare Chamber today stated that they are truly delighted with today’s job announcement for Naas and Kildare. 

Eilis Quinlan, Chamber President said this morning “This is the largest ever single investment in food innovation by a company in Ireland, and puts Ireland and Kildare firmly at the forefront of global food innovation.  We welcome the 400 jobs that will be created during construction, and of course the 800-900 permanent jobs that this announcement will create, the spinoff of which will have a greatly positive impact on businesses throughout the county. 

To have the Kerry Group set up a Food and Innovation Distribution centre in Naas will be great news for the whole county.  Kildare has the best of high end technological parks and we are perfectly strategically and geographically positioned to service all major motorways easily.  The Chamber looks forward to working closely with the Kerry Group”. Quinlan concluded.

North Kildare Chamber officially launched their forthcoming conference “Innovation and Enterprise in a challenging economy” in Google Headquarters this week.  The Chamber has speakers from Enterprise Ireland, Irish Sports Council, Irish Exporters Association, Entrepreneur Brody Sweeney, The Gathering 2013 and Irelands leading exporter, Google amongst several other high profile speakers.

EirGrid is delighted to sponsor this year’s conference. As developer and operator of the national electricity transmission system, EirGrid is aware of how important a secure and reliable electricity service is to business. The company is currently investing €3.2 billion in upgrading the system through a long-term strategic programme called Grid25 which will help domestic businesses and make the country a more attractive location for inward investors.

Cera Ward Head of Sales at Google Ireland said “I am delighted to speak at the forthcoming North Kildare Chamber Conference and am really looking forward to meeting with the wide and diverse business sectors that are operating in Kildare.  We in Google pride ourselves of being at the forefront of business in Ireland and being given the opportunity to address Chamber members is really exciting for me.  I hope to see a great turnout for the conference and am also looking forward to hearing from all of the other speakers also”.

Eilis Quinlan, North Kildare Chamber President said “We are delighted to have a really good line up of speakers and I look forward to meeting with the business community in Kildare on the day.  I am particularly pleased to see such a varied and interesting range of speakers, who should appeal to all sectors of business.

The conference is also an excellent way to network with fellow entrepreneurs, and our enhanced trade stand area this year really means that this is definitely a conference you should not miss.  I’d also like to acknowledge our sponsors for this conference, EirGrid and County Kildare Enterprise Board."

To reserve your place, bookings can be made on line at www.northkildarechamber.ie or by contacting the Chamber office on 045 894074

Making the right choice!

If you’re one of the thousands of students who completed their leaving certificate this year or you’re looking to up-skill or make a career change then you know it’s a jungle out there when it comes to choosing the right course! With so many options available, choosing the right one can be mind boggling! The golden rule is to choose a course that matches your natural talents and choose something that you know you will be passionate about. If music or sound is your thing then maybe Poppyhill School of Recording has the answer! How about an industry recognised course in sound engineering or music production?

Holding a qualification in this area can lead to many interesting and exciting careers in areas such as Sound recording, Live sound, Sound for Film, Radio and TV broadcast, Sound design for games …the list goes on!

Poppyhill School of Recording has been in operation for over twenty years and has become one of the leading lights in Sound and Music Technology training. The excellent reputation of the school has spread far and wide with students attending not only from all parts of Ireland but even from as far a field as England, Spain, France, Italy, Poland, Canada, USA and China!

The school offers world-class facilities including two state of the art recording studios, a fully equipped music technology lab and access to a superbly equipped 200 seat theatre!

Courses offered at the school include Live Sound Engineering, Sound Recording and Music Production and students can study on a full-time or part-time basis.

The training offered focuses on practical hands-on tuition in small groups, ensuring that all students receive individual attention. Students can also avail of work experience opportunities assisting on commercial sessions in the school’s recording studios and on live theatre events.

The school prides itself on the quality of training offered and aims to develop each student’s natural and creative talents in a friendly and positive atmosphere.

So, if you think Poppyhill is the place for you, final enrolments are currently being accepted for courses commencing in Oct. 2012.

 For further information contact Poppyhill School of Recording at 045 862194 or email: info@poppyschool.com or visit www.poppyschool.com

The US cable news channel, Cable News Network (CNN) has included The K Club in its definitive list of the top ten golf resorts in the world.  The list, created by self proclaimed golf fanatic and journalist Tony Smart used four criteria for choosing the world’s top 10 golf resorts.   The first criteria was golf quality, condition and history of the course; second, quality and luxury of the accommodation; third, the quality of the food and drink available; and finally the quality and variety of the other facilities available.

CNN lists The K Club in this prestigious ranking along with The Old Course Hotel St. Andrew’s, in Scotland and Pebble Beach, Kiawah Island and Pinhurst in the USA making this another great endorsement for a quality Irish golf experience.

The standard of golf at The K Club is second to none, with two championship golf courses both designed by legendary golfer, Arnold Palmer, The K Club offers golfers an opportunity to play 36 of the most dramatic and challenging holes in Europe. The article describes the differences in both courses and describes how the parkland style of the Palmer Ryder Cup course features tree lined fairways while the Smurfit Course is wide and open and has a distinctly inland links feel.  It then goes on to describe the various dining offerings, the spa, fly fishing and outdoor pursuit’s activities all available at the world renowned resort.

CNN is available in over 100 million U.S. households while CNN International can be seen by viewers in over 212 countries and territories.

Europe’s dramatic victory over the US in this year’s Ryder Cup has reignited great memories of the 2006 Ryder Cup when the eyes of the world were drawn to  Ireland and the Kildare based golf resort for its hosting of the Ryder Cup. 

The World Travel Awards has also nominated The K Club for the award for Ireland’s Leading Golf Resort, the results of which will be released in early October while The K Club was awarded gold for Best Wine Experience at last week’s, Hotel and Catering Review Gold Medal Awards.

Membership to the Smurfit Course at The K Club is now open, to find out any more information on The K Club or to make a golf, accommodation, dinner or spa reservation log on to www.kclub.ie or call +353 (0) 1 6017200

 To view the full list and article by Tony Smart for CNN please log on to the link or full list below: http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/escape/worlds-ten-best-golf-resorts-801201

Monday October 8th and Saturday October 20th are the dates for the final Motorcycle Track Days of the Mondello Park season. With dates running out we are expecting a large turnout for both days so pre-booking is advised to avoid disappointment and to avail of our lower pre-booking prices.

Both track days will of course have three sessions, for Novice, Intermediate & Advanced riders. As always, instructors from Bike2Bike Rider Training will also be on hand to assist those who are looking for a little training or advice.
 
Tyres are also available on the day from our Track Day Tyre partners NDM who will have their usual Bridgestone Tyre service on hand. Tyres can be purchased from them on the day or booked in advance for fitting at the track. For details see their advert on the right.

MOTORCYCLE TRACK DAY INTERNATIONAL TRACK
MONDAY OCTOBER 8th
Morning 10:00-13:00:....Pre-booked €70 / Pay on the day €80
Afternoon 14:00-17:30:..Pre-booked €85/ Pay on the day €95
Full Day:.......................Pre-booked €140 / Pay on the day €150

To book contact info@mondellopark.ie - 045-860200

For information on Motorcycle Track Days see HERE.

MOTORCYCLE TRACK DAY INTERNATIONAL TRACK
SATURDAY OCTOBER 20th
Morning 10:00-13:00:....Pre-booked €70 / Pay on the day €80
Afternoon 14:00-17:30:..Pre-booked €85/ Pay on the day €95
Full Day:.......................Pre-booked €140 / Pay on the day €150

To book contact info@mondellopark.ie - 045-860200

More information on Motorcycle Track Days

There will be a kiddies Spraoi (parent & Toddler)

• Tuesday 9th October 10:00-11:30 for 6 weeks
• €21 per child for 6 classes

(deposit of €10 per child to be paid towards art materials before Oct 2nd, balance due on start date)

• Wednesday10th Oct 7- 9pm for 10 weeks
• €90 per person including materials

(deposit of €30 per person to be paid towards art materials before Oct 2nd, balance due on start date)

Halloween & Christmas Spraoi

• Children themed Arts & Crafts Workshops
• €15 per child for 4 hours

Portfolio Prep

• Starting November 2012

For More information please call 085 1514151

www.athycommunityartscentre.com

The Final rounds of the 2012 Adelaide Masters Series take place this weekend at Mondello Park with the two main championships still up for grabs. The Adelaide Insurance Services backed series will complete its season on the Mondello Park International circuit, the third different track used this year.

Having kicked off in April the series has so far raced on Mondello Park’s National Track and made its first visit to Bishopscourt in Co. Down. This weekend’s season finale will see the completion of the final three races for each class on Mondello Park’s International track layout, with race one on Saturday and the final two races on Sunday.

Waterford's Brian McCormack goes into the event in a strong position to take both the Supersport and Superbike crowns with his Chris Dowd Honda Superbike and Yamaha Supersport machines. The Waterford rider leads the Superbike standings from Lee Johnston on the Millsport Ducati and the Maguiresbridge rider is the only one who can snatch the championship from McCormack.

In Supersport McCormack has a tighter battle on his hands as both Carl Phillips and Jonny Buckley can overhaul him if things don’t go his way. Philips has been one of the stars of the season on his graduation from the Cup class and he and Buckley have been gradually closing in on McCormack over the last few events.

Within the main races, the 'Cup' class for Clubman riders will also be up for grabs. In Superbike Evan Delaney has led all season, but Melvin Hollingsworth and Brian Coomey have been closing in gradually. Hollingsworth looks like the most likely to challenge for the title, having won the last two races. In Supersport Luke Johnston looked like a shoe-in to take the crown but two non-finishes at the last Mondello has allowed James Kelly back into contention.

The weekends action will centre around the Superbike and Supersport title battles initially, but with those out of the way the best of the Supersport and Superbike riders will come together to race in the Grand Final for the biggest prize fund of the day and the 'Race of the Year' trophy.

The race track will not be the only place at Mondello Park this weekend where a championship is to be decided. The final round of the Stunt Ireland series also takes place on Sunday running all day alongside the circuits Ford corner. This is the first year of Motorcycle Stunt competition in Ireland and so far the series has proved very popular and an excellent addition to Mondello Park events.

Admission to each day is €10 for adults with Under sixteen’s admitted free. Saturday's programme includes qualifying and the first race for each class as well as practice for the Stunt competitors. Sunday programme is a full day of Adelaide Masters race action along with the Stunt Ireland season finale.

The Irish Peatland Conservation Council are delighted to announce that LeslieJo Meyerhoff will be hosting a mushroom workshop at the Bog of Allen Nature Centre between 2-4pm on Wednesday the 17th October. 

LeslieJo is from America and has been invited to speak at the All Ireland Mushroom Festival October 13 & 14th.  The workshop will include a detailed presentation on mushrooms followed by a walk to Lodge Bog to discover some of the mushrooms found on the site. 

Cost €10 per person contact 045-860133 or e-mail bogs@ipcc.ie

On Wednesday, 10th October 2012, Kildare based not-for-profit organisation, Sensational Kids hosts a free talk for parents, teachers and anyone else interested in learning about developing speech and language for young children using everyday items, as well as specialist devises. Speech and language therapist, Claire Kennedy will provide invaluable tips to help develop language skills for both mainstream and children with special needs during the morning’s event.

On the day, guests will also be introduced to the benefits of using some of the items available in the subsidised special needs gym at the Kildare site.  Sensational Kids provides subsidised occupational and speech & language therapy services for children of all abilities, including those with special needs. 

Claire will also demonstrate how to get the most benefit for language development out of items that are in most homes, such as children’s books, puppets, doll’s houses and Mr Potato Head. The key to language development is early intervention and the session is targeted for developing language skills in children from birth to age eight.

Speaking in advance of the event, Claire Kennedy, Speech & Language Therapist at Sensational Kids, said, “It is amazing the benefits that can be seen in young children, both mainstream and with special needs, through using everyday items in an innovative way. You do not need to spend a fortune to improve the language development opportunities in the home and by simply amending the way a parent reads a book to their child, the language benefits can be doubled for that child.”

Sensational Kids is based in Kildare town and also provides a shop selling a range of educational and fun toys for children of all abilities and needs.  The new Christmas collection will be in the store soon. 

To book your place for the Sensational Needs Speech and Language Talk, please call 045 520900.  Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.  

For further information about Sensational Kids, please visit www.sensationalkids.ie, call 045 520900 or drop into the shop in Kildare Business Park, Kildare Town.