Kinnegad Matters

St. Etchen's National School, Kinnegad is leading the way in promoting a bicycle culture in the town, with the start of another course of cycling lessons at the school on Friday of next week, September 11.The six week cycling school was a tremendous success in 2008, and principal Matt Melvin hopes that this year's fourth class students will get as much benefits out of it as their predecessors.The class will be given lessons/demonstrations on a range of issues, such as road safety, courtesy on the road, and bicycle maintenance.Parents are asked to inform the staff at St. Etchen's if their child has difficulty cycling, as the facilitators of the cycling school have extensive experience in assisting children to overcome these difficulties.All equipment for the six week course is provided by the cycling school, and the fee per child is €15, payable before the end of the session of lessons.Mr. Melvin and the staff of St. Etchen's are delighted to see the new bicycle shelters being put to good use by pupils.Parents are asked to ensure that their children use a cycling helmet at all times, and that they are aware of the rules of the road. Motorists are also asked to be cognisant of the dedicated cycling lanes in the school grounds.Culture on the menu at St. Etchen'sCycling isn't the only pursuit on the agenda at St. Etchen's right now, as Ms. Karen McCormack will resume tin whistle classes with all children from 2nd to 6th classes at the school on Friday next, September 4.The overall cost will remain the same; however, a payment of €10 per term is requested this year, to allow for easier administration.Also, Irish dancing students at St. Etchen's will be delighted to note that Scoil Rince Seamroig will resume classes for boys and girls in the school on Thursday next, September 3 at 5pm.For more details, contact Jackie Curtis on 01-6231288.Parish Golf Classic on Friday weekThe Kinnegad Parish Golf Classic in aid of the Kinnegad Parish Churches' Restoration Fund, will take place at the County Meath Golf Club, Trim, Co. Meath on Friday of next week, September 11.The day will begin at 8.30am, and local golfers hope that good weather will smile upon them for their tour of the greens, which ends when the last team tees off at 4.30pm.An enjoyable day is promised for all, with prizes for GUI and non-GUI participants. As well as supporting the worthy cause of the Parish Church Restoration Fund - which will go towards the renovation of the churches at Kinnegad, Clonard and Coralstown - the tournament is also a great opportunity for a day's golfing experience, for both the regular and occasional golfer.The format for the day will be a four-person team event - a scramble competition. The entry fee is €280 per team, and snacks, hot meals and excellent prizes will be made available on the day.Tee times can be booked with Deborah on 086-2053488. The time sheet is filling rapidly, so book now to avoid disappointment.Local bike club launchedClonard Road Club - which boasts a number of members from Kinnegad as well as neighbouring Clonard - hosted its official launch at Clonard Hall on Thursday of last week, August 27.The members were introduced by club chairman, Colm Maye, who spoke briefly about the club's hopes and ambitions.The sponsors spoke of their enthusiasm to be involved with the club. Guest speakers on the night were Joe Duffy (Lakeside Wheelers and organiser of Into the West Challenge), Gay Howard (Stamullen C.C.), Liam Walker (Kilcullen C.C.), Philip Brady (local poet and Rás doctor), and two former Rás winners, Seamus Kennedy and Brian Connaughton, who spoke about their exciting careers in cycling.After a brief blessing from the parish priest, Fr. Tom Gilroy, the club was launched by Des Maye, who was the founder of the first club in 1958 and again in 1985.Local underage rider Blane Moloney cycled off the starting ramp and out of the hall to mark the official launch.Tea and refreshments followed, and everyone involved deemed it an enjoyable evening, which bodes well for the future of the club.