County Kildare News

THE Group One Moyglare Stud Stakes takes centre stage at the Curragh next Sunday and the prestigious seven furlong fillies contest has attracted an entry of 7 including the unbeaten Tapestry, which was supplemented to the race at a cost of 22,500 euro.
 
She certainly has the pedigree to land Sunday’s prize as a daughter of Rumplestiltskin who landed this race for the stable in 2005. Aidan O’Brien also won this race with Sequoyah (2000), Quarter Moon (2001), Necklace (2003), Misty For Me (2010) and Maybe (2013).
 
Kiyoshi, winner of the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot and Queen Mary Stakes winner Rizeena will head a strong British trained challenge.

The home trained team will be led by the Aidan O’Brien trained pair of Tapestry, recent winner of the Friarstown Stud Debutante Stakes and Group 3 race winner Wonderfully, while Carla Bianca, who runs in the ownership of big race sponsors Moyglare Stud, will represent trainer Dermot Weld in the Group 1 contest.

• 1st of 8 races 2.10pm
• Family Admission FREE – (adult must be accompanied by a child Under 16s to avail of this offer)
• Adult Admission is 15 euro, Under 25s & Seniors 8 euro
• Transport: Trains to Kildare Town with free shuttle to races. Dublin Coach provide race day service (see dublincoach.ie)
• Free car parking
• Dublin v Kerry Football semi final shown on screens

North Kildare Chamber has welcomed today’s (29/08/13) CSO figures which show a 6.1% rise in the volume of retail sales between June and July and urge the Government to build on this momentum by supporting retailers and SMEs in the budget.

Speaking this morning, Eilis Quinlan, Chamber President said, “While we would expect sectors such as clothing, books and stationery to record an increase at this time of year, it’s encouraging to see that there was also a significant year on year increase of 4.7%. The earlier date for Budget 2014 should reduce the anxiety felt by many consumers in the run-up to the vital Christmas period. This should allow retailers to capitalise on the positive trading period reflected in these figures.  But with the continued increase in bank charges, the lack of action on upward only rent reviews and the non-committal by Government to address our calls for the immediate setting up of a Retail Strategy Group, we can only believe that the Government is  still ignoring the retail sector, which currently provides 15% of the jobs in our economy. 

To add to the travails of this sector, the lack of action on our minimum wage level, currently the highest in the EU, puts further pressure on a retail sector already brought to its knees. These positive figures provide the Government with the perfect opportunity to support continued improvement through Budget 2014”.  Eilis Quinlan concluded by saying “ The Chamber are playing a major role in North Kildare in assisting with all businesses and we call for all interested parties to work together to help a struggling retail sector.  In Naas we are finalising a Retail Marketing Report with Colliers International and Naas Town Council.  We need all interested parties to work together to implement the outputs from this plan.”

North Kildare Chamber also call for:
 
Mandating the introduction of ‘free parking windows’ in town centres, where the first two hours are free, as this would be of significant benefit to retailers in town centres;
The introduction of a targeted rates reductions for companies located within town and city centres, who provide much needed employment and contribute to the quality of life in these areas. This would have a considerable impact on retailers, and would help create a better ‘town centre’ strategy.

It’s not just a return to school this week but a return of the Athy Business Network meetings after the summer recess.

The next Athy Business network meeting will take place on Thursday 5th September 2013 at 6.00 pm in the Clanard Court Hotel and thereafter on the First Thursdays of the month. The meetings are being hosted by the North Kildare affiliated branch of Chambers Ireland.

The Athy Business Network meeting is open to all business, big or small who wish to meet other business people in a mutually supportive environment. The meetings last approximately an hour and are geared towards an exchange of ideas and information in a relaxed setting. They are particularly popular with sole traders and small business operators as they can act as a great sounding board for any particular challenges that a business may be trying to resolve on its own.

“It was decided to switch our Athy and South Kildare network meeting to the early evening following a request from our local members and to provide an alternative to the other three weekly early morning meetings that we host in Naas, Maynooth and Celbridge”, advised Allan Shine, . “We hope to be in a position to provide an update on progress on the formation of the countywide chamber for Kildare in 2014 at the next meeting”, he concluded.

Adelaide Masters Series benefits from Return of the Mack

The entry list for the Adelaide Masters Series at Mondello Park this Saturday and Sunday has received a major boost with the return to the series of double 2012 champion Brian McCormack.

Having shifted his focus for 2013 onto Road Racing the Waterford man returns to the scene of some of his greatest triumphs, riding a Yamaha R1 supplied and run by top race team EICL. The presence of McCormack will increase the level of competition at the head of the series which is backed by Motorcycle Insurance specialists, Adelaide Insurance Services. The Tramore man will go up against the championship leaders including Derek Sheils, riding for McCormack's 2012 team, Chris Dowd Racing.

Speaking of his return McCormack said, “it's great to be back and I'm really looking forward to it. I'll be riding the R1 Yamaha which I rode a few years ago and set my fastest ever Mondello Park lap times on, so I have to say a big thank you to Peter from EICL for this opportunity and for all of his help in organising this weekend.”

Sheils currently leads the Superbike championship from Kilkenny's Damien Byrne. These two dominated the races at the last Mondello event but at the subsequent rounds at Bishopscourt, both were off their usual pace which led to a tightening up of the championship points. Others to watch out for this weekend are Athlone's Cody Nally and Lisburn's David Haire both of whom were among the front runners at Bishopscourt.

The Superbike Cup battle was blown wide open at Bishopscourt as Thomas O'Grady became the first rider to win other than series leader Frank Smyth. The former Motocrosser from Lusk has been improving at every event and could take the fight to Smyth once again this weekend.

The Supersport Series once again has the strongest field on the programme with over forty entries and the greatest strength in depth. Any one of a dozen riders could share the three race wins on offer but the favourites must be local expert, Kildare's Richie Ryan, current championship leader Carl Phillips and his Lisburn neighbour David Haire.

Also upping the stakes this weekend in terms of competition will be the Irish Stunt Riding Championship which runs alongside the Adelaide Masters event. For the first time this year the event has attracted a strong overseas entry with a number of UK based stunters joining in the battles. The stunt action can be seen throughout the day alongside the circuits first turn, 'Ford' corner.

The home of the Ryder Cup, The K Club in Straffan, Co. Kildare is set to welcome another famous trophy to the resort, The FA Cup. Mr. Tony Smurfit, whose family own The K Club has arranged for the Chairman of Wigan Athletic Football Club, Dave Whelan and the board of the club to bring the FA Cup to the iconic Kildare Hotel on Sunday, 1st of September.

The FA Cup will be put on display in the lobby of The K Club from 5.00pm on Sunday and football fans from all over the country are invited to come to touch, see and photograph a piece of footballing history.  Children from Straffan Soccer Club, dressed in their club strip will also be on hand to formally welcome the cup to Ireland and to The K Club and will form a guard of honour at the main entrance of the hotel.

Wigan Athletic Football Club is the current holder of the FA Cup following their famous 1–0 win over Manchester City. It is the first time the club has won the Cup.  The FA Cup competition is the oldest football association competition in the world with the first FA Cup competition being staged in 1871-1872.

Tony Smurfit, President of The Smurfit Kappa Group has been a lifelong Wigan supporter as he was born in Wigan when the Smurfit family operated a factory in the town. “As a Wigan supporter it was unique and historical to see the club winning the FA Cup and I am honoured that Dave Whelan is bringing such an amazing piece of history to The K Club”.

Dave Whelan said, “I have always loved Ireland and the Irish people, so to bring the cup to Ireland and The K Club is something of which I am very proud .Wigan Athletic is a great football club with a unique atmosphere. Winning the cup was a dream come true and I am sure we will be back in the premiership next season”.

The K Club is the home of the Ryder Cup in Ireland, having hosted the tournament in 2006 but is also home to not one, but two Melbourne Cup’s which were won by Dr. Michael Smurfit’s two racehorses, Vintage Crop and Media Puzzle.  The Ryder Cup and the two Melbourne Cup’s will also be displayed so sports fans will have some serious photo opportunities!

The FA Cup will be on display for the public to view in the lobby of The K Club from 5.00pm on Sunday, 1st of September until the afternoon of Monday, 2nd of September.

North Kildare Chamber President Eilis Quinlan today welcomed the news that Kildare Village have been granted planning permission for a €50 million development which will create 120 construction jobs and 380 retail jobs once completed. 

Eilis said “The Chamber are delighted with this news, the Village are an active and valued member of the Chamber, this project when completed will see in excess of 1000 people working in Kildare Village.  It is a huge employer in the county and one of our major tourist destinations with over 80% of visitors coming from outside the county.  I am particularly pleased with this news as it will further help two struggling sectors of our economy - the retail and construction sector.   With this in mind, the Chamber continue to call for a stimulus plan to be put in place immediately for both these sectors and will welcome this in the forthcoming budget”. 

Quinlan concluded by saying that “This extension will result in an extra €5.5 million being injected into the local economy in wages which will benefit all sectors of business in Kildare”

Brought to you by Kildare Library & Arts Services

Venue: Kilcock Community Library
(Corner of School Street and Butler’s Lane, just off Shaw Bridge)

Workshops and Dates

Personal Well-being: simple relaxation techniques
Tuesday, 10th September. 9:30 – 11:30 am

Community: exploring nature and wildlife in Kilcock
Tuesday, 17th September. 9:30 – 1130 am

Personal Creativity through art: using pencil, charcoal and acrylic paints
Tuesday, 24th September, 9:30 – 11:30 am

Community: snapshots of lives and times in Kilcock 1913 – 1963
Tuesday, 1st October. 9:30 – 11:30 am

Personal Health: healthy eating for all – A talk on Nutrition
Tuesday, 8th October. 9:30 – 11:30 am


If you are interested in signing up, please email: kcn.office1@gmail.com 
or phone:  085 860 6870

Or call in to the office, located in the Old Post Office, The Mall, Kilcock

The Adelaide Master Series heads into the second half of its season with a return to the Mondello Park National Track on August 31st and September 1st. Following the recent races at Bishopscourt the championship battles are a lot tighter at the top of both the Superbike and Supersport championships with just two events left to run.

The championship, with backing from Motorcycle insurance Specialists, Adelaide Insurance Services, enjoyed a successful trip to its sponsor's home track of Bishopscourt, with a significant increase in spectator numbers over the 2012 event.

Portadown Veteran Marshal Neill and Lisburn's rising star Carl Phillips were the big winners. Neill took his Wilson Craig Honda to two hard fought Superbike wins, to close on the series leader, Dubliner Derek Sheils, who had his worst event of the season on his CD racing Kawasaki. The Supersport championship lead changed hands with Phillips taking over from Kildare's Richie Ryan who missed the Bishopscourt event. Phillips took his Yamaha to third place in race one and then improved in race two to take his first win of the season.

The next event returns to the two day, three race format and is the last of the season on the Mondello Park National Circuit. Ryan is expected to return to try and wrest back his Supersport championship lead but he will have his work cut out. As well as Phillips, Ryan will also have to contend with a trio of other top Northern Irish riders, Jason Lynn, Nico Mawhinney and double 2013 race winner David Haire, who will all be out to add to the gains they made at Bishopscourt.

Superbike Championship leader Derek Sheils will be hoping for a return to form at Mondello Park following his disappointing run at Bishopscourt, as will second placed Damien Byrne from Kilkenny, who found himself way off his usual pace on the way to two seventh place finishes. Byrne did manage to close the gap to Sheils but not as much as third placed Alan Bonner. The Meath man equalled his best results of the season with a fourth and a sixth place, despite continuing to suffer mobility problems on his bike due to back pain.

The Superbike and Supersport cup classes for less experienced riders also saw new winners emerge at Bishopscourt. In Superbike cup the ever improving Thomas O'Grady from Lusk took his first Cup win and in doing so became only the third winner of the year. In Supersport it was series Débutante, Bangor's Daniel Annett, who added his name to the winners list.

Spectators attending the event can look forward to viewing some serious Motorcycle Stunt action alongside the top class racing, as the event will include the latest round of the Stunt Ireland organised, Irish Stunt Riding Championship. This round will feature a number of overseas competitors including popular female stunter Monny Mon and top UK rider, Harley Davidson mounted, Josh Turner. Practice for the Stunt Ireland competition will take place on Saturday with qualifying on Sunday morning and the final shoot-out on Sunday afternoon. The Stunt competition takes place behind the circuits' first turn, Ford Corner, and for the first time may also include some action in front of the Grandstand if the race programme allows.

The August 31st and September 1st Adelaide Masters event will be made up of three championship rounds for each class with the first of those taking place on Saturday and the second and third on Sunday. Admission for adults is just €10 with under sixteen’s admitted free. Admission includes an event programme while stocks last.

Further information on the Adelaide Masters Series can be found at www.adelaidemasters.ie or by searching for Adelaide Masters on facebook.

New Classes to provide the interest at Mondello Park this weekend

This coming Sunday (August 25th) the Carlow Car Club will be in charge of the penultimate championship Car Race event of the 2013 Mondello Park season. The race meeting will take place on the National Circuit with six different race series competing across an eleven race programme.

Mondello Park has introduced two new classes for 2013 and it is these new initiatives which will provide the biggest interest on Sunday afternoon. The highly successful Patch Fiesta Championship has its fourth double header of the season planned and this will require four races as entry levels dictate that a qualifying race will be needed for each championship round.

The other new class for 3013 is the OPH GT Series which got off to a healthy start in June and is already looking at expanding for only its second event. The new series uses some novel race formats to attract drivers and this weekends offering will be a twenty five minute one or two driver race where drivers can drive the full distance themselves or share with a second driver. To make things fair all cars must complete a timed pit stop even if they only have one driver.

The GT class will see a wide variety of machines compete over three different classes catering for near standard sports and saloon cars up to purpose built sports Racers. Cars from the defunct RT2000 and Porsche Open series will take part along with saloon cars no longer eligible for the ITCC and pure sports racers such as Lotuses and Ginettas.

Also on Sunday's programme will be two races for Formula Vee and Ginetta Junior's as well as a race each for the two Historic Racing classes, HRCA Historics and Future Classics. Racing kicks off at 11:55 and continues through till 17:00, stopping for lunch between 13:00 and 14:00.

Sunday's admission is just €10 for adults with under sixteen's admitted free of charge and all admission includes a complimentary event programme. For an event timetable and further information on Car Racing events at Mondello Park, including Mondello.TV see www.mondellopark.ie.

THE Group Two Galileo EBF Futurity Stakes tops the bill on another fantastic day of racing at the Curragh this Saturday, 24th August which also features the Group Three Flying Five Stakes, the Group Three Gain Irish St Leger Trial Stakes and the valuable Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale Stakes.

Royal Ascot winner War Command is out to redeem his reputation in the Galileo EBF Futurity Stakes following his defeat behind Sudirman in the Group One Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at this venue just over a week ago. The son of War Front is one of five Aidan O’Brien-trained horses in the race which has attracted an entry of 12. Also included among the entries is the Ger Lyons-trained Exogenesis who is chasing a four timer following wins at Fairyhouse, Leopardstown and Naas.

“Exogenesis is in very good form and has pleased us since his last run a Naas,” commented trainer Ger Lyons today. “At the minute the plan is to run the horse but we will wait until he does his final piece of work before making a firm decision”.

Dabadiyani is another horse chasing a four-timer when he lines up in the Group Three Gain Irish St Leger Trial Stakes. Trained by Michael Halford and one of 14 entries for the one mile and six furlong contest, the son of Zamindar has pleased his connections since recording his most recent success at Limerick last month. “Dabadiyani is in great form and we could not be happier with the horse,” commented Michael Halford. “The plan is to run the horse on Saturday. He will have his final piece of work mid-week after which he will be scoped and a final decision taken regarding Saturday’s race.”

Halford also intends running the ultra consistent Russian Soul in the Group Three Flying Five Stakes, which has attracted an entry of 25 horses. “Russian Soul is in good form since his Tipperary run and the plan is to let him take his chance on Saturday,” revealed Halford. The Eddie Lynam-trained pair of Sole Power and recent course winner Slade Power are both also among the entries, while there are 11 potential British-trained challengers. Included among them are Hamza, Kingsgate Choice, Pearl Secret and Dutch Masterpiece.

The 125,000 euro Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Sale Stakes has attracted 41 entries, which includes 24 from Britain. Sandy Smile is Michael Halford’s sole entry, but he is keen on the chances of his filly. “She ran a smashing race at Dundalk yesterday when finishing fourth behind Pleasant Bay despite missing the break,” commented Halford. “That race will have brought her on a good deal and provided all is well with her she will turn out again at the weekend.”

Oklahoma City, who holds an entry in the Galileo Futurity Stakes, is also entered in The Irish Field Curragh Stakes (Listed) and is the top weighted horse among the 19 entries

Heritage week 2013, which runs from Sat 16th August to Sun. 24th, is packed full of exciting events, walks talks and exhibitions celebrating Kildare rich and varied heritage and everyone is invited to get involved.

“I am amazed at the number and variety of events happening during this year's Heritage Week. All credit to local community and heritage groups for their enthusiasm for the week.” said Bridget Loughlin, County Kildare Heritage Officer.  For those interested in built  heritage many buildings will be open to the public for the week including the Round House,  Batty Langley Lodge and Kildrought House in Celbridge, Leixlip Castle  and St. Mary’s Church Leixlip. 

For the wildlife lovers there is an opportunity to get involved in a Swallow ringing project in Pollardstown fen , take a bog walk to Moods and Clongory bogs, learn about eh hedgerows of Ballymore,  bird watching in Donadea , bee keeping in Castletown House,  bats in Donadea. A number of Kildare libraries will be hosting exhibitions on Kildare’s natural heritage.

There are some novel events this year such as: sharing local memories in Kilcullen, traditional Irish cookery demonstration in Kildare, a bus tour of local Maynooth heritage sites Sean Nos Song and Dance Kildare and Newbridge Heritage Trail Quiz.

Local groups have organised a variety of talks: Garret Mor Fitzgerald at Maynooth Castle, the Griffith Family of Millicent House in Clane, the 1913 lockout in Naas, Athy and Kildare, and the transportation of women to van Diemen’s land.

 Many heritage walks have been organised by local groups to promote the unique heritage of their area such as the churches of Ardclough, the heritage of Celbridge and the flora and fauna of Straffan.

Visit Kildare County Council for a listing of all of the Kildare Heritage Week events. Brochures of events are available on www.kildare.ie, all local libraries and credit unions.

Download the listing here...

To view a listing of Heritage Week events in other counties please go to www.heritageweek.ie or call 1850 200 978.

Local logistics firm Transland International has received an award covering the UK and Ireland in recognition of its outstanding performance in Customer Service and Operational Excellence.

The local distribution firm, which collects and delivers consignments of palletised freight to customers in Southern Ireland, has received a Palletways Platinum Club Award for delivering outstanding levels of service and operational excellence within the Palletways UK network.

The Palletways Platinum Club, launched this year, is a scheme designed to reward only the best Network Members for excellence in performance, commitment and compliance. The Award has only been given to the very best performers and Transland International are one of an elite group of 12, which highlights their continuous commitment to providing high levels of service to their customers. There are 106 Network Members in the Palletways UK Network.

Kieran Conlon, Managing Director of Transland International, said: “We are thrilled to have achieved Platinum Club status, which is a testament to the hard work of our staff in maintaining and improving our levels of service and efficiency.

“Winning this award shows our customers that they can expect the very best transportation and logistics service to support the achievement of their business objectives”.

Palletways UK Managing Director, Martyn Young, said: “I’d like to thank Transland International for their excellent work over the past year and their commitment to our network. Providing customers with a fast, reliable and efficient service is our top priority, and these awards highlight the dedication of our members to meeting the very highest standards”.

Palletways is Europe’s largest and fastest growing express palletised freight network. It consists of 300 members across Europe of which 106 are in the UK. The company’s distribution networks are made up of independent transport companies who share each other’s resources to deliver small consignments of palletised freight to market faster and more cost effectively than ever before.

“An unexamined life is not worth living” Socrates

An introductory course in Philosophy starting soon in Scoil Mhuire Clane promises to be a treat for philosophy buffs everywhere.

The course runs for 10 weeks on Thursday evenings starting on 26th Sept 2013. Situated in a bright modern building, the school has good canteen facilities where participants can go for a coffee and a chat during breaktime. The classes have a relaxed informal atmosphere and there is lots of lively discussion about topics of everyday interest. Course fees are very good value reflecting the difficult climate we are in.

The course will appeal to those who are intrigued by philosophy and want to find out more about it. No previous knowledge of philosophy is required. The tutor on the course gives recommended reading and many of the books are available in the library. The kinds of topics covered on the course include:-

• What is philosophy?
• Can you prove Gods existence?
• Are there moral principles that all human beings should follow?
• Can we ever know anything for certain?
• Am I free or is freedom an illusion?
• Is there not a better way to organise society?

Other reasons for doing the course would be:-

• Would you like to think clearly about a wide range of issues?
• Would you like to make more rationally informed choices in life?
• Learn about some of the famous Philosophers from the Ancients Greeks to the present day.

The course remains a popular one. In a previous term there were 10 participants on the course and on the first course there were 13. Participants have enjoyed it very much.
Unlike an academic programme it’s an adult education course which should be enjoyable as well as educational and it’s designed with this in mind. The tutor is a great believer in helping the participants to understand and explore philosophical issues for themselves. Participants are encouraged to discuss the topics and to ask questions.

Participants with a background in subjects related to philosophy such as psychology, literature, ethics, sociology, theology and politics might find the course interesting. But others who have not studied any related areas could still find the course of value if they are interested in reflecting and thinking more deeply on important and fundamental issues concerning humanity and society and to ask the kind of questions that are not dealt with by science or other disciplines apart from philosophy.

For the Ancient Greeks Philosophy was the "Queen of the sciences” because it asked the ultimate questions about life and examined the fundamental issues about humanity and the world. “The philosopher is a lover of wisdom” according to Aristotle. Nowadays in our more consumer driven, capitalist society our outlook is different. In a world so pervaded by science and technology, philosophy is seen by some as of less importance and philosophers viewed as academics in ivory towers immersed in highly abstract ideas of little relevance to us ordinary mortals. - Nothing could be further from the truth. The media frequently deals with what we could call philosophical issues- abortion, euthanasia; human rights, social justice, freedom, and democracy. What is the best way to organise society? The search for happiness, wisdom and truth. To examine the assumptions and presuppositions on which your life is based and exercising your power of thought seems like a worthwhile reason for studying philosophy. The philosopher Socrates in 399BC who was condemned to death for challenging conventional beliefs and ideas, for him the task of the philosopher was not peripheral to life but central. To stop questioning and challenging accepted concepts was unthinkable.

For further information contact Scoil Mhuire Clane Tel 045 -868255 or contact Ross on 085 1395 320. Website www.clanesm.com Email info@clanesm.com

The tutor Ross Campbell has a BA (honours) in Philosophy from UCD and has been teaching Philosophy to adult classes for 8 years in Scoil Mhuire and other community schools. He is also a lecturer in Philosophy with the Free University of Ireland in Dublin

Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at the Silken Thomas, Kildare Town.

Speakers club.  Learn public speaking in a friendly, safe and fun environment. Great for building confidence, improving your chances at job interviews and business presentations.

A good place to meet new friends.  A highly entertaining evening.

www.facebook.com/KildareToastmasters

Contact Adrian Melia:

Phone: 086 2413747

Email: adrianmelia@gmail.com

Web: www.kildaretoastmasters.org

On Sunday the 18th 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 also be a talk on IPCC’s on-going ecohydrolgy study of Lodge Bog to include a visit to the study site. This method of study, involving analysis of the links between hydrological functioning and surface ecology, is now considered best practice and has been recommended to be carried out on all raised bogs of conservation concern in the country. It involves detailed analysis of the current hydrological state of the bog, both at the surface and lower in the groundwater system, which allows for mapping of the historical plant assemblages as well as today’s ecosystem functioning within the bog habitat.

Through analyzing what is going on below the ground can we get an insight into what the surface we see everyday has done historically and what it is likely to do into the future!

For further information contact 045-860133 or e-mail bogs@ipcc.ie. This event is supported by Kildare County Council under the Community Heritage Grant Scheme.

North Kildare Chamber are hosting an Open Network Morning in Maynooth – 13th August, 2013
 
North Kildare Chamber, the largest business organisation in Kildare is hosting an open network morning in Maynooth next Tuesday. 

The Chamber hosts over 140 network mornings and evenings per year throughout Kildare and provide network mornings weekly in Naas and Maynooth and monthly in venues throughout North Kildare. 

CEO Allan Shine said “ In the past 12 months we have seen a huge upsurge in businesses attending our network mornings, so much so that we now provide over 140 such mornings and evenings for our members.  This coming Tuesday in Maynooth, we are hosting an open morning and any business who is interested in learning more about the Chamber or indeed would like to meet with fellow local business are invited to attend."  

Allan said “ The feedback we get from our members on a weekly basis is that they find it excellent that they can pop along to a Chamber event on a weekly basis and they will always meet with different businesses.  I encourage any business to attend any of our mornings and next Tuesday in Riverstown House within St Patrick’s College in Maynooth is an ideal opportunity for businesses to meet with fellow Kildare businesses”. 

If any business is interested in attending or would like any further information, please contact the chamber office on 045 894074

 
North Kildare Chamber are dismayed and concerned with the news this morning of the imminent closure of Marks and Spencers in Naas with the losses of 37 jobs.  

The retail sector needs urgent addressing from Government.  Continued decline in monthly figures for the retail sector is very worrying. Naas, in particular has seen in recent years the loss of Superquinn on the Main Street and this announcement this morning will  lead to further decreasing footfall figures in the town.  

Chamber President, Eilis Quinlan said this morning “ This news is a further blow to Naas and will only lead to people shopping in our numerous out of town retail parks and shopping centres.  The heart of the town is crucial to all sectors of business.  The chamber are completing a marketing plan for Naas in the next 3 weeks and one of the main outcomes of this report  is the urgent requirement to create a retail strategy group for the town.   Whilst vacancy figures are relatively low in Naas, the Chamber will work closely with all concerned to attract a retail operator to open in this now vacant unit”.

War Command, Big Time and Sudirman to clash in Keeneland Phoenix Stakes this Sunday
 
RUNAWAY Coventry Stakes winner War Command is set to put his unbeaten record on the line when he tackles a maximum of 10 opponents in the Group One Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh this Sunday, 11th August. The son of War Front is one of five entries for trainer Aidan O’Brien, who is also represented by Fountain Of Youth, Giovanni Boldini, Wiltshire Boulevard and Bluebell.
 
“War Command has been in great form since Royal Ascot and we are really looking forward to running him on Sunday,” said champion trainer Aidan O’Brien today. “We will wait until later in the week as regards the other horses but Wiltshire Boulevard is also up for consideration for the race.”
 
Sudirman and Big Time, first and second respectively in the Group Two Dubai Duty Free Full Of Surprises Railway Stakes at the Curragh over Irish Derby weekend, are also among the 10 entries for the six furlong juvenile contest. The John Murphy-trained Big Time, which only went under by half a length to Sudirman that day having earlier landed a Naas maiden on his racecourse debut, has been supplemented to Sunday’s contest by connections at a cost of 20,000 euro. Ambiance (Mick Channon) is the sole British-trained challenger, while Sniper (Ger Lyons) and Muscle Beach (Charles O’Brien) are the other two entries.
 
One time Epsom Derby favourite is set to make his long awaited return to action in the Group Three Bet Online thetote Royal Whip Stakes. Winner of the Group One Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster last October, the son of Galileo will face a maximum of seven opponents in Sunday’s contest, including Dermot Weld’s Caponata and the Mark Johnston-trained Maputo.
 
“We have been very happy with Kingsbarns and he has progressed lovely,” commented trainer Aidan O’Brien. “We will work the horse in the morning and make a final decision after that. Fortify also holds an entry in the race and it will be a similar situation with him.”
 
The Group Two Friarstown Stud Debutante Stakes has attracted an entry of 16, including five (Bluebell, Minorette, Perhaps, Tapestry and Wonderfully) from the Ballydoyle stable. Other notable entries here are Glassatura (Michael Halford), Gorteo (Johnny Murtagh) and Tap Dancing (David Wachman).
 
Speed is the name of the game in the Group Three Paypal Supporting Irish Autism Action Phoenix Sprint Stakes for which there are 22 entries. Hamza, Nocturn and Mass Rally are among five likely British-trained challengers, while Slade Power, Cape Of Approval, Russian Soul and Nechita spearhead the home defence

8 week programme delivered over three mornings per week.

If you are currently unemployed and looking to rebuild your confidence and explore opportunities, then you might be interested in our free Career Skills Programme.

 
Date: September 2013 from 10:00am to 1:00 pm

Location: Athy (CKLP Outreach Office) and Newbridge (Venue TBC)
 
The aim of the programme is to engage YOU with a view to improving YOUR employability through skills based training. Modules included in this programme are:
 
1. Lifeskills

• Goal Setting
• Career Guidance
• Managing Stress
• Motivation
• Time Management
• C.V. Preparation

 
2. Certified Training

• Manual Handling,
• First Aid,
• Healthy Food Made Easy

 
3. Information Mornings

• Citizens Information
• Kildare VEC (Education)
• Money Advice & Budgeting Service

 
Participants completing this programme will be entitled to take up further FREE training provided by County Kildare Leader Partnership.  

For more information contact:

Bernie (086) 7702907 bernieh@countykildarelp.ie or

Breda (045) 870573 breda@countykildarelp.ie.

Kick start your career in healthcare.

Offered in Newbridge, Co. Kildare; a free 38 week course in health and social care. Fetac level 5 award to include 12 weeks work placement with a host employer in the health care sector.

Course begins 1st September 2013.

Do you want to work in the caring profession?

Would you like to avail of growing employment opportunities in hospitals,nursing homes, daycare centres, or in home care support?

Then national Learning Network's new free Health and social skills course is for you

Contact Fiona McCoy 1890 283 000

Email: kildare@nln.ie

Web: www.nln.ie/healthandsocialcare