County Kildare News

Brannockstown Baptist Church is hosting an evening performance by the Tigh Linn Men's Gospel Choir on Sunday night, 25 October at 7:00pm.

Tigh Linn, a faith-based rehabilitation centre located in Co. Wicklow, currently facilitates rehabilitation for 18 men; their women's rehabilitation, Shechem House, is located in Co. Kildare.

Both the men's and women's houses are part of Teen Challenge, which reaches out to individuals struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol, as well as other life controlling problems.  Originating in New York City in the 1950s, their goal is to see these men and women become physically well, emotionally whole, socially adjusted and spiritually alive.

All are very welcome to attend.  A freewill offering will be taken during the evening to benefit Tigh Linn.  For more information, please visit www.BrannockstownBaptist.ie or ring 045 420 811.

The inaugural Go Racing in Kildare Festival will take place from the 11th to the 18th October.  This exciting new initiative will include five days of racing in the Thoroughbred County together with a variety of other events aimed at showcasing horse racing in County Kildare.

The week of events will highlight the achievements of horses, jockeys and trainers from the county together with promoting the benefits of Go racing in Kildare membership

The Curragh kicks off the week with a seven race programme on Sunday 11th October featuring the Finale Stakes and Lanwades and Staffordstown Studs Stakes. The Daily Star Chase will be the highlight of the two day fixture at Punchestown on 14th and 15th October, while Naas stages a top class day on Sunday 18th October with the valuable Derrinstown Stud Birdcatcher Nursery taking centre stage.

Other events will include a Thoroughbred Trail with the opportunity to visit some of the leading places of equine interest at the Curragh, while the Curragh stage a racing careers forum on Monday 12th October and Ladies Day takes place at Naas on the 18th October.

A special admission ticket costing €15 will be available to purchase giving admission to all five race days for the price of one day.

Current Go Racing in Kildare will enjoy a variety of privileges and special offers during the week, while the cost of Go Racing in Kildare Membership for 2010 has been substantially reduced if ordered by 13th December this year.

A new website www.goracinginkildare.ie will be launched shortly

Donadea Forest Walk – Sunday October 4 2009

A Walk in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation “Walk for Heart” Day, will take place this Sunday, October 4th at 3pm.  This is an annual event which aims to focus attention on the importance of developing and maintaining a healthy heart. 

Approximately 10,000 people die each year from cardiovascular disease It is the most common cause of death in Ireland, accounting for 36% of all deaths.

Supporting this event, Deputy Michael Fitzpatrick T.D. is asking everyone to come along to Donadea Forest  on Sunday October 4th at 3pm and walk along the wonderful Sli na Slainte route.

“The focus of the day is Walking For Fun, while highlighting how enjoyable it is to be physically active and there is no nicer a place to walk than Donadea Forest Park”, says Michael. 

Please meet at 3pm in the Carpark at the entrance to the Sli na Slainte Route.

Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Rufus Wainwright and the late, great Elis Regina…these legendary artists are the inspiration for award winning Jazz artist Christine Tobin’s music. And now this talented singer is bringing her music to Newbridge for one night only at Riverbank Arts Centre.

Since moving to the UK from Dublin singer-songwriter Christine Tobin has gained a reputation as one of the most innovative and versatile artists on the jazz scene. A musical free spirit, Christine has broken down genres to create her own unique style that is romantic, radical, streetwise and eclectic. Christine’s distinctive expression has led to her being described as the ‘Björk of Euro jazz’ and, in 2008, she was hailed as the BBC Jazz Vocalist of the year.

Much of her music is self-penned and Tobin has received many accolades for her skills as composer, arranger and lyricist, as well as for her vivid interpretations of the music of others. Those who love jazz will delight at Christine Tobin’s skill while music lovers in general will be blown away by this woman ability to interpret popular music legends like Dylan and Cohen.

Don’t miss out on the this chance to see Chrisitne Tobin, BBC Jazz Vocalist of the Year, October 9th, 8pm at Riverbank  Arts Centre. Tickets €12/€10. Book at www.riverbank.ie or call 045 448327.

“a jewel of the London jazz scene, streets ahead of the pack… She should be on a global stage, rubbing shoulders with fellow troubadours like Cave, Mitchell and Cohen.”  ****  
John L Walters, The Guardian

If you’re interested in literature, theatre and great entertainment then Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge is the place to be this week. With a free lunchtime poetry event on Thursday October 1st and An Evening with Great Irish Writers- a humourous one-man theatre performance- on Tuesday October 6th there’s no better way to enjoy some great Irish authors.

Feed yourself with highly acclaimed poetry and celebrate All Ireland Poetry day with this lunchtime reading at Riverbank Arts Centre. Featuring Kildare based poets Mary O'Donnell, Des Egan and Neil Donnelly this hour-long event will give poetry lovers the chance to sit back, relax and enjoy their lunchbreak in the company of great authors. The three featured poets are all highly acclaimed writers living in Kildare.

During the last twenty years Mary O’Donnell’s career has reflected various interests. Her first novel The Light-Makers, was published to critical acclaim in 1992. She is an accomplished poet and broadcaster on literature and her sixth collection, The Ark Builders, will be launched on October 20th.

Desmond Egan is a full-time writer living near Newbridge. To date, he has published 23 books of poems, 2 Prose Collections (including the acclaimed The Bronze Horseman) and 2 translations of Greek Plays. A documentary film has been published in USA and 22 Collections of his poetry have appeared in translation worldwide.

Neil Donnelly’s best known plays are Upstarts, The Silver Dollar Boys, The Duty Master and his play about Van Morrison, King of the Blues. Inappropriate Relations, a collection of short stories and a poetry collection Tullamore Train, will shortly be leaving the station. To celebrate All Ireland Poetry Day, Riverbank Arts Centre will host two events- one for students at 11 and another reading at lunchtime for a general audience.

Following the lunchtime reading audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions or share their own writings. Light refreshements will also be served. 

Tickets are Free but to book your place call box office on 045 448327.

On Tuesday October 6th the words of some of Ireland’s most celebrated authors will be immortalised on the Riverbank stage with a one-man performance of An Evening with Great Irish Writers.  Imagine Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift, George Bernard Shaw, W.B Yeats, Seamus Heaney and more great Irish authors shared the same stage, in the same place all in one night? Well, in this one-man performance, Neil O’Shea takes us on a humorous journey through the writings of some of Ireland’s most famous writers.

Performed with an emphasis on the comical elements of Irish writings, An Evening with Great Irish Writers is rather like a stand up comedy routine but the material is written by Ireland’s best-loved authors. See this performance on Tuesday October 6th, 8pm, Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge.

Tickets €10/€8 Book online www.riverbank.ie or call Box Office on 045 448327

The Curragh Racecourse is currently looking for a new sponsor for the Irish Guineas Festival following the recent decision of Boylesports to end their six year association with the race meeting.

The Irish Guineas Festival sees Europe’s leading colts and fillies compete in the 1,000 & 2,000 Guineas, two of only five Irish Classic races staged annually at the County Kildare venue. The Aidan O’Brien trained Mastercraftsman and Again trained by David Wachman landed the two major prizes this year, while previous winners of these prestigious Group One contests include Rock of Gibraltar, Sadler’s Wells, Attraction, Finsceal Beo and Ridgewood Pearl.

Mark Nunan, Head of Marketing for Boylesports commented, “The Irish Guineas Festival has been an excellent sponsorship for us and we would like to thank the Curragh for their help over the last six years. However, due to a change in our strategic marketing plans for 2010 and beyond, we have made the decision not to renew the contract. Over the term of the relationship, The Irish Guineas Festival has provided us with a strong branding and promotional platform for our core territories of Ireland and the UK. We will continue to look at opportunities in horse racing and will not rule out further involvement with the Curragh in the future.” 

“We have enjoyed a very good working partnership with Boylesports and we are sad to see them go, but we hope we can work with them again in the near future,” said Evan Arkwright, Commercial Manager of the Curragh Racecourse, “We are now in the process to source a new sponsor who will help us further grow and enhance the event.”
 
The Irish Guineas Festival takes place on the 22nd and 23rd May 2010

Aria Boutique of Naas and Saggart are holding their annual fashion show. All proceeds go to the Jack and Jill Foundation.

Food and Drinks Reception commences at 7.00pm. Hosted by former Miss World Rosanna Davidson. Style tips on the night by Irelan's leading stylist Cathy O'Connor. For tickets contact Aria in Naas. All proceeds go to the jack & Jill Foundation who provide care and support for children with severe neurological development issues, as well as offering some respite to the parents and families.

Home trained team to face strong overseas challenge for Goffs Millions at the Curragh this Sunday.

A total of 20 runners will face the starter in the Goffs Million Sprint at the Curragh this Sunday with the Tommy Stack trained Walk on Bye likely to start favourite, while 19 runners will line up for the Goffs Million Mile with a strong British trained challenge including the John Gosden trained Azmeel, while the home team will be lead by Stunning View, Famous and Crystal Gal. 

St Nicholas Abbey will face 8 runners in the Group 2 Juddmonte Beresford Stakes with opposition to the Aidan O’Brien trained performer including the Godolphin owned Passion for Gold and Layali Al Andalus trained in Britain by Mark Johnston

A massive 30 runners line up in the ultra competitive Hacketts Bookmakers Irish Cesarewitch lead by the Dermot Weld trained Majestic Concorde

There will be a variety of entertainment throughout the afternoon including a 20,000 euro fashion prize to spend with Ireland’s most exclusive retailer Brown Thomas for the lady judged to be the Most Stylish by television presenter Amanda Byram, publisher Michael Doherty and Stacey O’Donnell of Brown Thomas

Live music from the Slovak Strings, Latin Express during the afternoon, a mini food festival and free activities for children will add the festival atmosphere at the County Kildare venue.

Admission can be purchased on the day for only 15 euro, while children under 15 are free.

The first of 7 races takes place at 2.15pm. 

The list of riders lining up to put an end to Alastair Seeley’s Mondello Masters domination continues to grow with just over a week to go to the biggest Mondello Park motorcycle race of the year. The two day event on October 3rd & 4th will feature the Masters Invitation race and the penultimate round of the 2009 Irish Superbike Championship.

Along with the quality line-up for the feature race and the excitement of the ISB races, the Mondello Masters event has now been made even more attractive to spectators with reduced price admission. Mondello Park has extended its money off offer to cover the October 3rd & 4th race meeting and spectators can now see the strongest line-up of the season for just €10.00 by visiting the Special Offers page on mondellopark.ie.

The ‘Mondello Masters’ qualifying and race will take place on the Sunday of the two day event and the entry list will be headed by the top three from March’s season opener. Alastair Seeley on the Relentless TAS Suzuki, Jack Kennedy, who will be armed with a TAG Superbike for the first time, and David Haire on his regular ISB mount will all return and they will be joined on the grid by a who’s who of Irelands top short circuit racers. Regular British Superstock challenger Marshal Neil was Seeley’s closest challenger at this event twelve months ago and he returns for another go at beating his BSB Superstock rival. Reigning ISB champion Brian McCormack, fresh from his first road racing appearance at Killalane, is another who has committed to the masters and adding to the quality of the grid will be English rider Gary Johnson who will once again ride for Uel Duncan Racing! .

All of the top six from this seasons Irish Superbike series will be present for the Masters and the three ISB races which will also be run. Seeley and Haire will be joined by the other title challengers, Mark Johnston, James Dickson, Gerard Kinghan and Kirk Jamison but, as with the Masters, Seeley will still be the man to beat as he has won all nine ISB races he has contested this season. Look out to for some of the other Masters competitors who will make one-off appearances in the ISB races

As usual the Mondello Masters has attracted riders from other series as well as the Superbike championship with a number of top Supersport riders and a handful of road racers also joining in. The Street Sweep team will bring Irish Supersport championship leader Mark Lunney along with team mate Michael Sweeney, who took a fantastic second place in the Killalane Grand Final just two weeks ago. Regular Masters challenger Declan Swanton returns and as usual will be looking for wet conditions to level the playing field for his Supersport machine. Recent returnee to the British scene Mark Pollock will also be Supersport mounted as will former BSB Superbike Cup frontrunner Paul Barron.

Further additions to the Mondello Masters entry are expected to be announced over the coming days along with the event timetable.

To keep up with developments visit the Mondello Masters pages of the Mondello Park web site HERE or to avail of reduced price admission see HERE.
 

Following representations to the Minister for Education Batt O’Keeffe, Deputy Michael Fitzpatrick has been informed that two local schools were recently sanctioned for additional funding.

St. Conleth’s NS Carbury has been approved for funding for Disabled Access.

Cadamstown NS has been approved for an All-in-Grant of €100,000 for the provision of additional accommodation.

"It's an example of the Government's continuing investment in the country's school infrastructure and our commitment to providing the best possible learning and working environment for students and teachers", said Deputy Fitzpatrick.

"This year, this Government is investing €614 million in the school building programme."

The Keeneland Association have agreed to a significant race sponsorship with the Curragh Racecourse. The world famous bloodstock sales company based in Lexington Kentucky will add their name to the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes from 2010.  The race, which was first run in 1902, is established as one of Europe’s most historic and prestigious races and the first Group 1 race of the year for juveniles to be run in Europe.  The race attracts some of Europe’s top owners, trainers and jockeys and has been won by numerous top class performers including George Washington, Turtle Island, and Breeders Cup winner Johannesburg, while multiple Group 1 winner Mastercraftsman was successful in the race in 2008. 

The agreement, which runs from 2010 to 2012, also includes the Group 2 Debutante Stakes and Group 2 Royal Whip, with the races scheduled to take place on Sunday 8th August next year.

Keeneland previously sponsored the International Stakes and Minstrel Stakes at the County Kildare venue.

“Expanding on our successful relationship we're pleased to have the opportunity to sponsor three prestigious graded races at The Curragh for the next three years”, said Keeneland president Nick Nicholson, ”Buyers from Ireland have been very faithful in their support of the Keeneland sales and we wish to show our appreciation.”

Paul Hensey, Curragh Racecourse General Manager commented, “We are very grateful to Keeneland for their very generous support of the Curragh and look forward to working with them to maximise all potential to attract the very best runners for all three races, while we will also assist them focus on attracting prospective Irish buyers to their Sales”.

The National day of Volunteering, 'Give it a Swirl Day'  takes place on Friday 25th September.  As part of the celebration of volunteering, Kildare Volunteer Centre are having an open day.

We currently have a variety of over 200 active volunteering opportunities available in 200 organisations seeking volunteers.

Volunteers, organisations and people with an interest in Volunteering are invited to call in and meet with us on the day.

Time:                         10:00 a.m. – 4:00p.m.

Date:                         Friday, 25th September

Venue:            Kildare Volunteer Centre, (behind Halifax Bank) Newbridge

This year’s Ploughing Championships, 22 - 24th September, will play host to no less than 19 All Ireland Ploughing finals over the course of the three days. Horse Ploughing, Vintage Ploughing, specialist plough competitions and the Queen of the Plough will be just some of the finals taking place. The winner of the Supreme Conventional and the Kverneland Reversible will qualify to represent Ireland at the World Ploughing Championships in New Zealand in 2010, a feat most ploughmen aspire to. There are also qualifying competitions for the Europeans and the 5 Nations Ploughing Contest.

Using upwards of 600 acres for this year’s event, Anna May said that the amount of land available this year is phenomenal, every field is at least 50 acres. Free car parking and Entry Fee covers access all areas are two priorities for the NPA, “we attract families from Bantry Bay to Malin Head says Anna May and they have enough expense without adding more.

This year, the 78th is a special year for the National Ploughing as the first contest was held in Mr W.K. Hosie’s field, Coursetown, Athy where a perpetual cup was donated by the Estate Management and Supply Association Ltd, Kildare “to be competed for annually in a contest for the Senior Individual Ploughing Champion of Ireland”.

The first inter county ploughing match took place in 1931 with 40 entries and the National Ploughing Association was born. The land is now owned by Jim and Iris Fox and the same field will be part of the overall area used for the 2009 National Ploughing Championships nearly 80 years on.

This heritage town is steeped in history for the National Ploughing Association as Athy was the venue for the Silver Jubilee of the National Ploughing Championships in 1955, the same year that the Championships went from a one day to a two day event and also the year that current Managing Director Anna May McHugh was appointed Secretary of the Association.

Showcasing millions worth of Agricultural Machinery, the country’s Prize Livestock, Forestry Village, our finest Bio Energy Village ever, Tented Lifestyle Village, Food Fair, Craft Centre, Educational & Business Arcade, State Agencies, Sporting Associations.

An on the social side – Fashion Shows, Food Halls, huge variety of exciting fast food options, Bars with top names like Brush Shiels and Richie Kavanagh playing, Entertainment all day on the bandstand with singers, musicians and dancers, Hunt Chase, Pony Games, Vintage Threshing, Sheep Dog Trials, Sheaf Tossing, Pyrenees Sheep Shearers and a few more surprises in store.

You will literally find a needle to an anchor at the Ploughing.

The National Ploughing Championships in Cardenton, Athy from Tuesday 22nd September to Thursday 24th September – it’s the “Farming Festival”

It will be non-stop arts, culture, music and entertainment in Newbridge over the coming months judging by the new Riverbank Arts Centre programme of events. With big music acts like Kila and Lisa Hannigan, comedy with Jason Byrne, theatre with Stones in his Pockets, Days of Wine and Roses, a world premiere production of Doubt by local group Dara Drama, events for children and a line-up of quality movies, the Autumn Season at Riverbank is full of entertainment to suit all interests.

The new team at Riverbank has enjoyed a sucessful Summer season and are hoping to see the centre continue to grow and flourish with the next programme of events. One of the newest and most exciting developments at Riverbank Arts Centre is the opening of a new high-definition cinema. Cinema lovers will have the opportunity to see some brilliant films this Autumn, from Waveriders, the thrilling Irish surfing documentary to special screenings on topics such as Burma and the 125th Anniversary of the GAA. Regular movies for children and Monday Matinees featuring timeless classics like Breakfast at Tiffanys and White Christmas add to the line-up.

Other highlights include comedy with Jason Byrne and the ever popular Dead Cat Bounce, music with the super talented Lisa Hannigan, Declan O’Rourke and Kila, and on the theatre front there are some highly regarded productions including Stones in his Pockets starring Simon Delaney and The Gift, a magical Children’s Christmas special. On the local arts front, Dara Drama Group has sucessfully secured the rights for the Tony Award winning play Doubt. This is a real coup for the group as it is a world premiere in amateur drama. The visual arts programme is also heating up this season with a number of highly regarded artists exhibiting at Rivrbank and there are plenty of events for children, from storytelling with the legendary Eddie Leinhan, a Kila kids concert, Artand music workshops and much more.

The Autumn programme is now availailable and more information on Riverbank Arts Centre events can be found at www.riverbank.ie or by calling 045 448327.

Click to download Riverbank Arts Centre’s Autumn Programme: http://www.riverbank.ie/Autumn%202009%20Images/Aut09.pdf

Slimming Study seeks male and female participants - a good start is half the battle with any challenge.

Good Vibrations and Diet Express are currently seeking 10 adults both male and female to take part in a 2 week slimming study.  Based on a good wholesome Low GI diet, participants will learn which foods to avoid for best results; they will improve their eating habits while getting all the support they need to stick to their healthy eating plan.

This will be combined with using whole body vibration training (which uses the latest advances in the science of health and fitness) on a daily basis – it is particularly suitable for people who may not have exercised in a long time, as it is low-impact and needs very little input on the part of participants – basically the machine does all the work – and a workout only takes 10 minutes!

Current statistics reveal that over half of the population of County Kildare are now classed as being overweight or dangerously overweight, Good Vibrations and Diet Express are doing their bit to reverse this trend.  The slimming study will get you off to a great start with any weight-loss efforts!

They also have a range of special offers on at the moment such as bring a friend for free every Friday and Saturday in September; sign up for 3 months and get sessions for less than €3 or book the Diet Express programme before the end of September and bring a friend for free!  Call 087-6132735 to take part and check out www.ibuyvouchers.com for further offers.

Naas Local History Group Autumn/ Winter Programme of Events (2009-2010)

Tuesday, 8th Sept. Memorabilia Night. Members are asked to bring along old photos, newspaper articles, medals and other artifacts that have historical connotations.

Saturday, 3rd. Oct. 25th Anniversary Bus Tour to Dublin.

Tuesday, 13th Oct. Last Train from Naas, Liam Kenny

Thursday, 5th Nov. Annual Mass for Deceased Members. 7.30pm B’cane.

Saturday, 7th Nov. Annual prayers in the Workhouse Graveyard. 3pm

Tuesday, Nov. 17th. Local Ghost Stories. John Noonan.

Tuesday, Dec. 8th. A Winter’s Tale. Brian McCabe.

Tuesday, Jan. 19th 2010, A.G.M.

All talks take place in Naas Library at 7.45pm

Kill History Group
 
Autumn & Winter 2009
 
Monday 28th September: The Earls of Kildare - Maryann Lyons
 
Monday 26th October: The Great Flu of 1918 - Ida Milne
 
Monday 24th November: Arthur Guinness: 250 years - Eibhlin Roche
 
Monday 25th January 2010: Annual General Meeting
 
All meetings take place in the Parish Meeting Room at 8.30 p.m.

Mondello Park’s second and final ‘Masters’ race of 2009, set for October 4th, looks set to be the biggest yet with the announcement that newly crowned British Superstock Champion Alastair Seeley will top the entry list on a Relentless TAS Suzuki Superbike. Seeley is the only rider ever to taste Mondello Masters victory, having won all five events that have been run over 2008 and 2009, and the diminutive Ulsterman looks set to Master Mondello once again.

Seeley’s performances in 2009 have been outstanding as he has powered to the British Superstock title with a perfect record of nine wins from nine races, securing the title with three rounds still to go. Riding for the TAS Suzuki team the Carrickfergus rider has dominated the British scene in the same way he has Mastered Mondello and that domination looks set to continue into October’s event. For the latest Masters round, Seeley will step up from his Superstock machine to ride one of the teams’ Superbikes and now, more than ever, he will be the one to beat. With the Relentless team confirmed as starters for the event it is hoped that Seeley will be joined on the grid by regular TAS Superbike rider Ian Lowry.

Head of the queue aiming to topple Seeley will be fast improving Dubliner Jack Kennedy who will also have a Superbike at his disposal for the first time at a Masters event. Kennedy has been racing with Colin Appleyard Racing in the British Supersport Championship since mid season and has picked up three top ten finishes from the last three rounds of this highly competitive series. For the Mondello Masters he will forsake his Supersport machine in favour of a brand new TAG prepared Superbike as he returns to the team that ran him a couple of seasons ago.

Kennedy and Lowry will be just two of a field of thirty riders who will be out to end Seeley’s ownership of the top step of the Mondello podium at the October 4th event. Over the next few weeks more names will be added to the invited list with all of the top Irish Superbike Championship racers and a number of Irish overseas competitors expected to complete the line-up.

Saturday September 19th sees the running of the first ever 'Drift Practice Only' day at Mondello Park. Having supported the Irish Time-Attack championship all year this new phenomenon is now set to stand alone during the off-season. The lack of any Time-Attack action makes way for an extra group, bringing the number of spaces available to over eighty, but with every previous event being oversubscribed the additional spaces are expected to fill up fast

Drifting practice has become popular with both the competition and amateur drifter alike as it offers the chance to get more drifting experience under your belt than you would achieve in a full season of competition. The sessions run on a shortened, more flowing version of the Mondello Park National Circuit, which creates non-stop drifting action that is highly popular with spectators and participants.

A full competition car is not required, Roll Cages are not compulsory and passengers are allowed making Drifting Practice ideal for Competition Drifters and Track Day drivers who find drifting opportunities restricted on regular Mondello Park Track Days. Normal Mondello Park Track Day rules and regulations apply (for further information see HERE).

Bookings are now being taken. The cost is €150 for the day with no half day option. To book your place phone Jenny on 045-860200 or contact jsenior@mondellopark.ie.

Spectators are allowed and Adult Admission to the event is €10.00 with under 16's admitted free.

Invitation - Have your say on the future of Newbridge 

Event: Newbridge Open Forum

Issue: How Does Newbridge Deal With The Economic Crisis?

Date: 16 September 2009 at 8pmVenue: Hotel Keadeen, Newbridge

The finale of the Schnitzel Comedy Club season at Riverbank Arts Centre will be something of a Kildarefest and a celebration of the comedy talent to emerge out of Newbridge in particular.  Kildare comedian Jarlath Regan is set to play one night in his hometown of Newbridge and, fresh from the launch of his new book 'How to Break Bad News', this promises to be an electric night of comedy antics.

A face well know from RTEs hit comedy show, The Panel, Jarlath Regan's popularity and reputation as one of Ireland's top comedians has grown from strength to strength.

In 2006, as part of his stand-up set Jarlath developed a range of twisted greeting cards that his audiences loved and The Irish Times called “comedy genius”. Selling the cards over the internet, from his bedroom, Jarlath was asked to produce a collection of his darkest cards and so his new book was born.  'How To Break Bad News' is the product of the four years Jarlath has spent touring Ireland with the likes of Jason Byrne, David O’Doherty and Des Bishop, his experiences on The Panel with Neil Delamare and his performances at various comedy festivals like Kilkenny, Edinburgh, Melbourne and Montreal. A former student of the Patrician Brother's, Newbridge, Jarlath started out in the world of advertising before the power of comedy overtook him and stardom beckoned.

Run by local comedian Alan Bennet and Tipperary's Mikey Flemming, the Schnitzel Comedy Club at Riverbank has proved to be a roaring success this Summer bringing great comic talents like Maeve Higgins, David O'Doherty and Diet of Worms and Reuben to Newbridge. Sadly this will be the last in the Schnitzel season at Riverbank for this year as Newbridge talent Alan Bennett and Mikey Flemming head off to explore Europe, delivering their humour to far flung countries.

However, there will be more great comedians arriving at Riverbank throughout the Autumn, and with the Arts Centre is due to announce its new programme of events this week, comedy fans won't be disappointed with what's in store.

Don't miss out on Jarlath Regan's hilarious show,which will be a great night out, and with Jarlath in flying form and the Schnitzel duo Al & Mikey on hand, who knows what will happen!  Wednesday 23rd September, Riverbank Arts Centre Newbridge. Tickets €15/€12 Book online www.riverbank.ie or call 045 448327.

4 times Ascot Gold Cup winner Yeats is one of 8 runners declared for The Irish Field St Leger taking place at the Curragh this Saturday. The Group 1 classic will also feature the Dermot Weld trained Profound Beauty and the Godolphin owned Schiaparelli, who is one of three British trained challengers.

The Aidan O’Brien trained Alfred Nobel is one of six runners for the Group 1 Ladbrokes.com Vincent O’Brien National Stakes on the same program with other contenders including the Jim Bolger trained Chabal and Kingsfort trained by Kevin Prendergast

An exhibition to commemorate the life of Vincent O’Brien will take place over both days to coincide with the inaugural running of the Group 1 Vincent O’Brien National Stakes which he won fifteen times during his illustrious career. This will include an exhibition of memorabilia open to the public and presentations to some of his closest associates including Lester Piggott. 1^st race 2.15pm

With a free music show and the announcement of the Autumn programme of events, Riverbank Arts Centre is the place to be at lunchtime this Friday 18th September.

Togetherness, a talented four-piece group, will have the venue hopping with its lively tunes. With Justin Carroll on Piano, Hugues Mayot on Tenor Sax, Dave Redmond on Bass and Seán Carpio on drums this is a new Irish group with real creative talent. Anyone with a keen eye on the Dublin jazz scene will be familiar with this stellar quartet.

Representing the best of Irish jazz at the Young Generation Jazz festival in Berlin in October before performing at the Cork Jazz Festival 2009, Togetherness are gaining both national and international recognition for their musical talents.

‘Togetherness are a talented group, with this free show it’s a nice way to pass a lunch hour and kick off the weekend. On Friday, we’ll also be announcing a great line-up of events for Autumn. We have a packed programme for the coming months and the new brochure will be available on the day.’ said Linda Geraghty, PR and Marketing Coordinator at Riverbank Arts Centre.

Don’t miss the opportunity to catch the lively quartet Togetherness for a free lunchtime show, and find out what’s in store for Autumn at Riverbank Arts Centre on Friday 18th September, 1.15-2.15pm.

Mondello Park’s Operations Manager Ian Beatty has been confirmed to drive a KTM X-BOW in Irelands inaugural Cannonball Run in aid of Barretstown Children’s Charity to be run on the 11th, 12th & 13th September 2009. This will be the first time an X-BOW has been seen in Ireland and it is with great thanks to KTM Austria and KTM UK for making this happen. He will be partnered for the weekend with his business colleague and friend Dave Humphreys.

Barrettstown Castle was founded by Hollywood actor Paul Newman in 1994 after his success of his Hole in the Wall camps in the USA. He started the charity with two million dollars of his own money to get the children’s camp up and running and it has been a huge success ever since. It caters for sick children who have life threatening illnesses and to date has catered for over 12,000 children, the castle needs to raise over 4.5 million euro per year to operate and 96% of this money comes from companies and individuals. This event aims to raise money for Barrettstown Castle.

Speaking at the launch of Cannonball Ireland 2009 Ian had this to say “ I’m really looking forward to Ireland’s first Cannonball Run it’s shaping up to be a great weekend and is being organised to raise funds for an excellent charity that is Barrettstown Castle. We will be visiting the castle and it’s children on Friday before heading to Killarney for our first overnight, Saturday will see us in Galway before heading home Sunday. A very special thank you must go to Manfred Wolf in KTM Austria & Jeff Lau in KTM UK whom have been very supportive of the event in providing me with the first KTM X-BOW to drive in Ireland and I’m quite excited about this”.

The KTM Ian will be driving is an X-BOW Clubsport which has a carbon fibre racing monocoque with a crash box made from visible carbon fibre, a racing underbody and rear diffuser in aluminum composite and carbon fibre front splitter. This version of the car is powered by an Audi 2.0 TFSI engine producing 240 horsepower and weighs 805kg which produces a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds. To harness all this power to the wheels it has a six speed gearbox and a mechanical limited slip differential. The seats are fixed in place, however the pedals are individually adjustable in order for the driver to get into his or her most comfortable position, the steering wheel harnesses a lot of the controls of the car such as the lights and indicators and is also removable. To keep you secure the car has six point safety harnesses, racing head supports, a main power kill switch, dry battery & a hand-held fir! e extinguisher.

For the first time in the history of the class, Formula Vee will this weekend race for the biggest trophy in Irish Motorsport, the ‘Leinster Trophy’. The biggest class in Irish Motor Racing will headline the final championship race meeting of Mondello Park’s 2009 season with two championship rounds on Saturday and the Leinster Trophy race on Sunday.

The Leinster Motor Club’s annual two day event will once again this year take place on the full Mondello Park International layout with eighteen races scheduled. The chance to race on the full International track for the famous Leinster Trophy has really caught the imagination of Formula Vee drivers current and past with many drivers making their first appearance of the season as well as some making a comeback after long lay-off’s.

With the championship races completed on Saturday more than forty five Vee competitors will take part in two Sunday morning qualifying sessions looking to secure their place in Sunday’s main event. While the fastest drivers will automatically secure a place on the final grid, the slowest thirty two will be left to fight it out through the lottery of a qualifying race in order to secure their place. The ‘Leinster Trophy’ final will then be a real test for those drivers, with a duration of twenty minutes and the biggest grid of the season. Whoever comes out on top will be truly deserving of placing their name alongside the famous drivers already etched onto the trophy.

Supporting the ‘Vee’s’ over the course of the two days will be all of the current Irish racing classes, but with the current economic climate resulting in reduced numbers in many classes, the organisers plan to amalgamate races in order to swell grid sizes and create a more entertaining event for spectators. Of the classes on the programme some will race only on Saturday. The Porsche Open, Saloon Car Challenge and Supercars will combine for their race as will Global Lights & Legends, while Historics will have a stand alone encounter.

Formula Vee, Formula Libre and Formula Ford will race on both days of the event with Sunday’s Leinster Trophy having additional support from the Fiat Abarth Cup, a combined Punto and Uno race, Stryker Sportscars, Formula Sheane and an Allcomers Saloon and Sportscar event. The feature race is scheduled for 15:45 and will be followed by a podium presentation where the prestigious ‘Leinster Trophy’ will be presented to the winner.

While regular admission for the event is €15.00 for adults on both days, with under 16's admitted free of charge, discount vouchers are available through the Mondello Park web site. To avail of a reduced admission price of €10.00 spectators need only go to the Special Offers section of the circuits web site and follow the instructions on the page.

Yeats is the star attraction at the Curragh’s two day Autumn Festival weekend, when the four times Ascot Gold Cup winner bids to land The Irish Field St Leger this Saturday.
 
One of four Aidan O’Brien entries for the final Classic race of the season, Yeats has plenty of opposition, most notably, current Emirates Melbourne Cup favourite Profound Beauty and the highly promising Alandi. In addition, there are five overseas trained challengers in Clowance, Royal and Regal, Tastahil, the Godolphin owned Schiaparelli and All The Aces, who finished runner up in the September Stakes at Kempton last Saturday. Other notable entries for the race are the John Oxx Mourayan, the hat trick seeking Moon Indigo, Age of Aquarius and Ebor Handicap runner up Changingoftheguard.
  
Aidan O’Brien will hope to saddle his eighth winner of the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes sponsored by Ladbrokes.com. He appears to have a vice like grip on this year’s renewal as the Ballydoyle handler has no less than twelve of the eighteen entries for the prestigious Group 1 contest. Top of the list is Alfred Nobel, while O’Brien has plenty of back up power with horses such as Cape Blanco, Black Quartz, Lord High Admiral and Viscount Nelson.
 
There is one British trained entry in Poet’s Voice who has been supplemented into the race by owners Godolphin. Meanwhile trainer Jim Bolger, who has won this race with champions New Approach and Teofilo, is represented by Chabal and Free Judgement, while Dermot Weld will rely on Stunning View.
 
Boylesports Irish 1000 Guineas runner up Lahaleeb is one of two British trained contenders for the Group 2 Irish National Stud Blandford Stakes, in which she is likely to be joined by compatriot Lady Marian. Also included among the twelve entries is impressive Dance Design Stakes winner Chinese White, while Aidan O’Brien can select between Chirkova, Perfect Truth, Roman Empress and Totally Devoted.

Hats will be the key focus of the day with a year’s supply of Bollinger champagne presented to the lady judged to wear the Most Stylish Hat, while race goers will have the chance to win a trip to the Emirates Melbourne Cup.

An exhibition to commemorate the life of Vincent O’Brien will take place over both days to coincide with the inaugural running of the Group 1 Vincent O’Brien National Stakes, a race which he won fifteen times during his illustrious career. This will include an exhibition of memorabilia open to the public and presentations to some of his closest associates including Lester Piggott.

The first of seven races on Saturday gets underway at 2.15pm, while the ground is currently soft to heavy.  Admission is €20, seniors and students €10 and children under 15 free.

Annual Harvest Service at Brannockstown Baptist Church on 8 October.

Brannockstown Baptist Church will be holding its Annual Harvest Service on Thursday, 8 October at 8:00pm. A time to give thanks to God for the harvest, Pastor Mark Hamblen will be delivering the message.

All are very welcome to this first meeting back in the church since the recent renovations to the building. For more information, please visit www.BrannockstownBaptist.ie or ring 045 420 811.

The programme for the most exciting and varied line-up of track action ever seen at an Irish Car Show has been finalised with just days to go to the 2009 Mondello Jap-Fest. Irelands only Japanese Motoring and Motorsport Festival takes place this Sunday with a full day of on-track entertainment set to entertain Japanese and modified car enthusiasts like never before.

The three biggest events of the show will be the final rounds of the Prodrift Super Series and Irish Time-Attack championship and the Mondello Drag Sprint in association with ‘Sideways Racing’. The Drifting Super Series pitches the best of the UK’s drift competitors against the top Irish drivers in the first championship to combine rounds in the UK and Ireland and has proved a big hit with fans in its first season. The Time-Attack championship is a closely fought series for modified road cars where each driver’s fastest single lap determines the results and for this weekends final the regular Irish contenders will be joined by a number of guest drivers swelling the entry list to over twenty five cars. Drag Racing fans will be able to witness the first ever Mondello Drag Sprint to be run in association with Irish Drag championship organisers Sideways Racing who wil! l bring their full organisation to the event including their International starting light and results recording system to Mondello for the first time. Entries for the Drag Sprint are still open but may not be accepted on the day.

Working around the feature motorsport events will be a full day of track activity which will include Drift Practice, Track Time sessions, stunts, Autotesting and demonstration runs. In addition to the Prodrift competition, drifting fans will be extremely well catered for with additional Drifting Practice sessions also scheduled and an appearance by Ireland’s top Rally driver Eugene Donnelly, who will sample drifting for only the second time as he performs some demonstration runs.

The morning of the event will be filled by Track Time sessions for clubs and individuals as they warm their cars up before putting them on display in the Mondello paddock for the remainder of the show. The stunt entertainment will be a new addition to Mondello Jap-Fest for 2009 and will be performed on two wheels and four. World famous precision driving expert Paul Swift will provide the four wheeled action as he demonstrates some of his most famous manoeuvres, which could also include some two wheel driving. Keeping to two wheels or less will be Motorcycle Freestyle rider Mattie Griffin who will be the first motorcycle act to appear at Jap-Fest. Rounding out the active part of the show will be the ever popular Autotest display will take up its usual space in the paddock and will be on the go throughout the show.

Show visitors who need a break from the non-stop track action will be able to chill out with a walk around the static displays in the Mondello paddock area. These will include Irelands top Modified Japanese Cars in the ‘Modified Motors’ area, a show and shine competition, the latest offerings from Japanese and Korean car manufacturers, trade stands, all of the competition cars taking part in the track activities and many other attractions.

Tickets for the 2009 Mondello Jap-Fest are currently on sale at reduced rates for advanced booking and will remain on sale up to Friday evening. For further information or to purchase your entrance and grandstand tickets phone +353-(0)45-860200 or visit mondellopark.ie.