CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT: Carols by Candlelight will take place on Sunday 3rd December at 6.30pm in The Holy Trinity Church, Durrow, Co Laois with Vocem Darú (Durrow Community Choir). Join Vocem Darú and guests for a beautiful evening of festive music and carol singing in the atmospheric surroundings of the Holy Trinity Church, Durrow, Co Laois. Our Carols by Candlelight concert offers an evening of carol singing, with enchanting performances of festive music. The choir will sing much loved classics Sussex Carol, The Wexford Carol, Night of Silence and Silent Night alongside a few favorites for you to join in with. Profits from concert in aid of Laois Hospice. Admission: €5.
ABBEYLEIX AND KILLERMOGH PARISH: The Abbeyleix South National School is advertising for a part time secretary. Full ad is on EducationPosts.ie Online.
OUR LADY’S MEADOW PRIMARY SCHOOL: Our Lady’s Meadow Primary School Durrow will commence accepting applications for admission to Junior Infants for the school year 2024-2025 from this Monday, 20th of November 2023. The closing date for completed applications is Monday, 8th of January 2024. Please ensure you apply before the closing date as last year we were oversubscribed. The school’s Admission Policy, Annual Admission Notice and Application Forms are available on the school website www.ourladysmeadow.org via email from ourladysmeadowschool@gmail.com or from the school by phone on (057) 8736329.
OUR LADY’S MEADOW PRIMARY SCHOOL: As you may or may not be aware, Our Lady’s Meadow will celebrate its 40th Anniversary later this year. As part of the celebrations we are looking for people’s stories and memories of their time there. We will be asking the schoolchildren to share their own stories, however we are sure many of you have attended yourselves and can help out also. It could be a funny incident, a happy memory, a teacher you will always remember and why, a classmate who was there for you- anything at all. Photographs would also be appreciated if you are willing to share! We would love to hear from you. Please send your story directly to the school or to olm40years@gmail.com by email.
DURROW COMMUNITY SERVICES: Durrow Community Services currently have the following vacancies: 5 positions as an Environmental Worker in Durrow; 1 position as Groundskeeper in Durrow; 1 position as an Environmental Worker in Cullohill; 1 position as a Catering Assistant in Durrow Meals On Wheels. As per the Department of Social Protection requirements, the positions are 19.5 hours per week and must be on a Social Welfare payment for minimum of 12 months to apply. Please contact Astrid Andersson on 057 8736870 or andersson@durrowcs.com for further information.
SIGHTLESS CINEMA: Sightless Cinema comes to the Dunamaise Arts Centre for the first time with ‘Blind Panic’ – a programme of short audio thrillers, where all the pictures are in your head! Optional blindfolds are provided. It features nine Sight less Cinema Laois members. Ash is set in a country lodge guest house during a thunder storm. In The Visitor Laura finds her new house has a scary history. Horse and No Jockey is a madcap comic mystery on a blind weekend away. The evening ends with Blind or What? a live radio drama, performed by a Sightless Cinema Network cast of twenty-five from three counties, with live music by Steve Wickham (Waterboys).
Since 2015 Sightless Cinema has presented six original programmes of surround sound plays at the Lighthouse Cinema and IMC Cinema.
Sightless Cinema Network is a collaboration between South Dublin, Meath and Laois County Council Arts Offices, and theatre artist Ciarán Taylor, in partner ship with Solstice Arts Centre, Dunamaise Arts Centre and The Civic Theatre, with the National Council of the Blind of Ireland. It is funded by the collaboration partners and by The Arts Council under the Invitation to Collaboration Scheme.
The Dunamaise Arts Centre will host ‘Blind Panic’ on Tuesday, November 28th at 7.30pm. Tickets costing €12/€8 are available online at www.dunamaise.ie or from the Centre.
DURROW TIDY TOWNS NEWS – Take a little piece of Durrow home with you, or buy the perfect gift for that someone special! Durrow 2024 Calendar now available featuring photographs of our beautiful Georgian village, all in support of Durrow Tidy Towns. Can also be purchased locally in shops and businesses in Durrow and will be on sale at the Saturday Market in the CES office. The calendar can also be purchased directly from any of our committee which includes Fred Townsend, Mary Thornton, Tom or Kathleen Flynn, Fiona Jacob, Kathleen Doyle, Rita Casey or Emer O’Brien. You can also message our Tidy Towns page on Facebook. Many thanks to everyone for their ongoing support of Durrow Tidy Towns.
MICHAEL ENGLISH IN CONCERT: St. Brigid’s Church, Ballinakill on Sunday 3rd December 2023 at 7.00pm. Tickets €25. Raffle on the night. Tickets can be purchased at McGraths, Ballinakill; Brennans, Ballinakill; Drury’s Bar, Ballinakill; Abbeyleix Parish Office; Parish Shop at Portlaoise Parish Centre; Old School Community Hall, Ballinakill after 11am mass every Sunday. For more information contact Annemarie at 087 7613468 or Anne at 087 6187653.
CULLOHILL AND DURROW FLOWER CLUB GALA 2023: Themed “All is calm, all is bright” by floral artist Melanie Harris will take place in The Castle Arms Hotel at 8pm on Monday December 11th 2023. Admission €15 in aid of ‘As I Am’ – the National Autism Charity and The Cuisle Cancer Support Centre. Mulled Wine and Mince Pies Served. All who attend will be in with a chance to win our Door Prize on the night. All floral arrangements will be raffled.
SET DANCING CLASSES: Set Dancing classes have resumed in The Wheel Inn Ballyouskill on Thursdays at 9pm – all are most welcome to join. Contact Paddy at (085) 8607256 or Francis at (085) 7157694 for more details. An enjoyable way to socialise and dispel the winter evening blues while helping to keep fit.
SUNDAY NIGHT DANCING: Dancing in The Wheel Inn on Sunday nights to Checkers.
CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE MEMBERSHIP – Many thanks to all for their support over the last number of weeks with memberships a huge help in terms of covering running costs for the year. The Centre is particularly busy at the moment with a wide range of activities weekly.
INDOOR SOCCER started on November 17th and continues each Friday evening until December 8th.
SQUASH LEAGUE up and running at the moment with finals due at Christmas.
HANDBALL court is busy too with coaching sessions for juveniles running Tuesdays and Thursdays.
COMHALTAS have their weekly sessions each Wednesday evening catering for all ages.
ICA are coordinating a PILATES class each Wednesday and this is also proving popular.
TAEKWONDO runs each Tuesday evening with this mainly catering for younger attendees.
STUDY HUB runs every Saturday with study and classes getting underway at 9.00am and running until 4.00pm.
HIP HOP dancing runs every Friday afternoon and again, particularly popular younger children.
FOROIGE had their first session on November 17th and are meeting every Friday for the moment from 7.00pm to 8.00pm.
CARDS then takes place three evenings per week – 25s Tuesday and Sunday with Bridge every Thursday.
Overall, The Centre is a hive of activity each week and we thank all for their support and help to make all activities run seamlessly!
CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE – PROGRESSIVE 25 CARD GAME: Progressive 25 Card Game continues every Sunday night in Cullohill Community Centre at 8pm and all are most welcome. Winners on Sunday 19th November 2023 were: First – Seamus Brennan and Martin Mahony; Second – Padraig and Noreen Ryan; Joint Third – John Dollard and Chris Fitzpatrick, Michael and Patsy Moran, Ollie Clooney and Ger Alley. The Raffle Winners on the night were: John Mooney and Paddy Walsh.
BALLYOUSKILL 25s CARDS GAME – Ballyouskill 25s Cards continues in Ballyouskill Community Hall on the last Friday of the month at 8pm. Usual prizes and a raffle on the night. All are most welcome to our next game on Friday, December 29th.
TABLE QUIZ: A table quiz in aid of Ballyouskill Community Hall will take place in The Wheel Inn on Friday December 1st at 9pm. A table of four is €40 to enter (€10 per participant). Plenty of prizes. All are most welcome.
WHIST DRIVE: The Killermogh Whist Drive is held in the Parochial Hall, Cork Road, Durrow. The Next Whist drive is on this Thursday 21st December at 8pm. All are most welcome.
DURROW BRIDGE CLUB: Club meetings continue on Wednesdays at 7.30pm in the Castle Arms Hotel. All are most welcome. Results from October 25th – First N/S: Theresa Muldowney and Jimmy Ryan; First E/W: Susan Lawlor and Sadie Phelan. Results from November 1st – First N/S: Anne Fitzpatrick and Dolly Harding; First E/W: Nancy Costello and Mary Hickey. Results from November 8th – First N/S: Fr. Martin Delaney and Marion Sherman; First E/W: Theresa Phelan and Paddy Purcell.
DURROW AND DISTRICT PIPE BAND: We’re always looking for new members, so why not come along to a practice? Get in touch with our Facebook page if you’re interested in learning the pipes or drums, all levels catered for. See https://www.facebook.com/DurrowPipeBand or search Facebook for “Durrow & District Pipe Band” to find us online.
THIRD LAOIS DURROW SCOUTS – Our Beaver and Cub Scout sections are currently at capacity for leader Ratios. If you are considering volunteering, love the outdoors and learning new skills then please consider joining the scout group. Email gldurrow@gmail.com with any questions or to put your name forward.
Scouts Section: Are you 12-15 years old? Do you like: * adventure; * the outdoors; * making new friends? If so, our Scout group could be for you! We currently have limited spaces in our Scout section. For more information please contact gldurrow@gmail.com by email.
DOG WALKERS! A reminder to clean up after your dog. We have Mutt Mitt dispensers and instructions on how to clean up after your dog, throughout Durrow. Dog fouling is a serious health risk and children can easily not see it and bring indoors on bikes, shoes, buggies and it’s a particular hazard to wheelchair users. If you’d like to become a green dog walker we have information in the Post Office and Library regarding the initiative. Please be responsible and clean up after your pet!
ABBEYLEIX HOUSE & FARM – Save the date. Our Christmas Market and Santa Grotto will take place on Saturday December 9th 2023. Open call for craft stalls & food vendors. Contact alice@abbeyleixhouseandfarm.ie for more information. Tickets will be on sale at a later date.
ABBEYLEIX CHRISTMAS MARKET CALLOUT – A callout to all traders who may be interested in the annual Abbeyleix Christmas Market which will be held on December 2nd, 2023 from 2pm until 7pm at Market Square, Abbeyleix. Crafts, home baking, local businesses, clubs, gifts, antiques, art, pottery, food van, coffee truck, etc… Fee: €30, hot food/bev vendors must supply their own insurance. Email: short description of work to be sold and three images to abbeyleixchristmasmarket@gmail.com by email.
DURROW POST OFFICE: We here at Durrow Post Office do both AIB and Bank of Ireland Lodgements and withdrawals. We provide a quick and professional service for all your personal and business banking. We are here to help you and make banking easier.
AIB CUSTOMERS – You can do * Cash lodgements with bank debit card or lodgement slips; * Cash withdrawals with bank debit card; * Cheque lodgements with a personalised lodgement slip.
BANK OF IRELAND CUSTOMERS – You can do * Cash lodgements with bank debit card or lodgement slips; * Cash withdrawals with bank debit card; * Cheque lodgements with a personalised lodgement slip.
DEFIBRILLATORS IN DURROW: We are lucky to have defibrillators in Durrow – one at the Gala Grocery Store and one at The Community Playground. It is vitally important that if you or anyone you know is unfortunate enough to need to use one, you must inform Susan in the Gala Grocery Store as soon as possible afterwards, as the pads need to be replaced – NOTE: They are single use! The defibrillator needs to be ready for the next person who may need to use it – that person could be you or a loved one! Thanks for your cooperation.
DURROW LIBRARY NEWS: All our Laois Library branches are open to the public for browsing, PC usage, printing, photocopying and studying, in addition to all the free events taking place throughout the month – see details below. You can browse the Laois Libraries online catalogue here: https://laois.spydus.ie and if needed, borrowers can reset their library PIN in order to access the catalogue – contact your local library or email library@laoiscoco.ie for assistance with this.
ONLINE BOOK CLUB – Laois Libraries Online Book Club reads one book a month chosen from the BorrowBox collection. Join us on the last Wednesday of each month when questions are posed for discussion on our Book Club Facebook page. You can join the group on: https://www.facebook.com/groups/315513126404037 online. New members are always welcome.
OPEN HOURS – Durrow Library Opening hours are Tuesdays from 11am to 7.30pm and Wednesdays from 10am to 5.30pm (closed for lunch from 1.30pm to 2pm). Phone: (057) 8736090 Email: durrowlibrary@laoiscoco.ie for further information.
ADULT ART GROUP – A self-led art group meets weekly every Tuesday at 2:30pm. Call or email the library for more details.
IRISH CIRCLE — The Irish Circle group meets in the library on Tuesdays at 6.10pm. Beidh fáilte róimh cupán tae agus cúpla focail Gaeilge a labhairt no a canadh.
DURROW COMMUNITY SATURDAY MARKET: Durrow Community Market continues on Saturdays from 9am to 12 noon on the Kilkenny Road beside the Church.
LIVE LOCAL WEATHER: Visit www.laoisweather.com for live local weather data from Durrow.
DURROW FIRE AND RESCUE: Do you need a smoke alarm? Or do you know of someone who does, in the Durrow, Cullohill or Ballacolla area? Every home should have a minimum of two of the life saving devices! Durrow Fire & Rescue will provide and install smoke alarms for anyone that needs them, and there is no charge for this service. Simply email info@durrow.ie if you are interested, or if you know of a friend or neighbour that needs to have the devices installed. Please leave a contact number too.
DURROW FIRE AND RESCUE: Members of Durrow Fire Brigade are available to give fire safety talk to any interested adult groups or organisations, in the Durrow, Cullohill and Ballacolla areas. If interested please contact Station Officer David Donohue.
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CHURCH NEWS: Parish Office – Regular opening hours have now resumed and are as follows; Wednesdays from 9.30am to 2.00pm; Thursdays from 9.30am to 2pm; and Fridays from 10.00am to 2.00pm. We have signed Mass cards, Baptismal candles, Communion gifts and more available to purchase. All Mass intentions, baptisms and weddings must be booked through the office on [085] 2625033, by email at durrow@ossory.ie or in person. No Private advertising in the weekly Mass Newsletter.
Mass Hours – Saturday Evening – 6pm Vigil Mass in Rathdowney; 7.30pm Vigil Mass in Cullohill and 7.30pm Vigil Mass in Durrow (This Mass in Durrow only celebrated when Canon O’Doherty is available to celebrate it); Sunday Morning – 10am Mass in Errill; 11.15am Mass in Durrow.
Baptisms in Rathdowney and Durrow – Following the changes to our Mass schedule, baptisms can be booked for Saturdays at 4.30 pm in either Parish and Sundays at 12 Noon in Durrow and Cullohill or 12.15 in Rathdowney and Errill.
Adoration – There will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Cullohill Church every Thursday morning from 8.50am until 9.50am.
Pastoral Council Members – The members of the Pastoral Council are: Martin Lawlor; Mary Lawlor; James Walsh; Carmel Ruane; Mary Ryan; Vicky Murphy; Margaret Murphy; Seamus Clancy; Sr. Anita O’Leary and Fr. Martin Delaney.
Church Envelopes – Envelopes for October, November and Christmas are now available in the church. You can return them at Mass times or to the Parish office in Durrow (Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9.30am to 2pm. If you can help a neighbour by collecting theirs too that would be great. Thank you.
Baptism – We welcome into our Parish Community Callum Conroy Maritz who was baptised in our Parish last weekend.
Towards Healing – We provide face to face counselling, structured phone counselling, family counselling and a counselling helpline. Their help line is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 9am to 5pm. Freephone 1800 303416. Hearing-impaired Text Line Number: (085) 8022859. Email: info@towardshealing.ie Website: www.towardshealing.ie online.
Cullohill Church Cleaning – Thanks to Parknahown residents for keeping the Church clean last month. In December it will be the turn of The Village residents taking on the task!
Online Advent Retreat – The Priory Institute is delighted to offer a FREE OF CHARGE online retreat ‘Reflecting on the Sunday Gospels of Advent’. Visit our website www.prioryinstitute.com to register or find out more.
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NUMBER FOR ST. VINCENT DE PAUL – LAST UPDATED JULY 2023: Please note that our confidential contact helpline number for the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Durrow, has been changed to (083) 4056021 as of July 14th 2023.
THE HARPS GAA CLUB NEWS – SPLIT THE BUCKET – A standing order of €8 a month gives one entry a week, €16 a month gives two entries a week and €20 a month gives three entries a week. If you would like to set up a monthly standing order please contact Tom Ryan on (087) 6159226 or Shane Brophy on (087) 2034035. Thanks to everyone who supports our weekly Split the Bucket draw.
CONGRATULATIONS: Cumann na mBunscol Winners – Our Lady’s Meadow & St Tighearnach played in the boys Division 3 Football Final last Wednesday with OLM coming out on top at the end. Well done to all boys that participated on the day, some great football was played.
CONGRATULATIONS: Congratulations to Hugh Whlean on winning the Leinster Junior Hurling Title with St Kieran’s College. Hugh scored 3 points from midfield in the Final. Well Done!
NOTICE – The Junior B Leinster Quarter Final is Postponed until January 2024.
THE HARPS CAMOGIE CLUB: Follow all the latest news from the club at https://www.facebook.com/HarpsCamogie online.
Thank You! A big thank you to all the local businesses and people who sponsored us for our Leinster campaign. Your unwavering support helps us to continue to support and develop camogie within in our club. Over this Christmas Period please make sure to support all these local businesses and people who so kindly donate to us: Ashbrook Arms, APS- Ian Cleary, Aylward Heavy Haulage, Bergin’s Shop Cullohill, Brennan Fencing, Blossoming Stars, Campion Plastering, Castle Arms Hotel, Daltons Cullohill, Dec’s Bar Durrow, Deegan’s Centra Urlingford, Dowling Quarries, Drennan Agri Ltd, Dunnes Garden Centre, Eddie Dunne, Fawltys Bar, Fitzpatrick Agri Services, Halo Hair, Happy Days Creche, Hanlon Kitchens, Intosport, James Murphy Haulage, Jason Dollard Heating and Plumbing, Jim Kells, Justin Brophy, Leo Dunne, Liam Clancy, Little Angels Creche and Montessori, Killashee House Hotel, Kilminchy School House, Murfs Takeaway, Oldtown Construction, Oliver Clooney – County Councilor, Oliver Stanley Motors, Paddy Dunne, Platinum Mechanical Ltd, Phelans Hardware, Robbie Dempsey Nurseries, Shane Brophy, Spencer Plant Hire Ltd, The Catwalk Hair Salon – Claire Ann Alley, The Empire Fitness and finally, The Workshop Barbers!
Well Done! Huge congratulations to Louise Mahoney on being named Laois Junior Player of the year award.
ATHLETICS: Well done to Avril Deegan who finished 2nd in the Leinster Senior XC Championships in Dunboyne on the 4th of November. This was followed by a top ten finish at this years National Senior XC Championships in Gowran last weekend. Avril was also part of the Dublin City Harriers team who retained the National XC title for the second year in a row. They will now go on to represent Ireland in the European Clubs XC Championships in Portugal next February. Avril was also a scoring athlete on the Dublin county team who took home gold on the day.
CULLOHILL HANDBALL CLUB: Three counties training sessions reached their climax last Saturday November 11th with a trip to the New Handball National Centre at Croke Park. Representing Cullohill we had Aoife Kelly, Ellie Laferty, Tadgh Hennessy, Liam Ellis, and Ollie Delaney. They played a number of games throughout the day and have now the fantastic honour of being the first Cullohill Players to play competitive matches in the superb, newly built national handball courts; All players did their club proud today and a special mention to Aoife Kelly who reached the final in her group. A big thank you to all the trainers, mentors and especially the parents who have supported these young players through this journey. You can contact the club on cullohillhandballclub@yahoo.ie by email.
THE LIONS AFC CLUB: FOR HIRE – Astro Pitch Hire, suitable for 7-a-side soccer social groups, casual bookings and team activities. For all enquiries or to make a booking please contact lionsafc@gmail.com or call (085) 7088511.
GRASSROOTS PROMOTION: Circle K and FAI Grassroots Promotion! Win €30,000 for your Club. To enter the competition, customers must have downloaded the Circle K App and registered for PLAY or PARK, Circle K’s loyalty game. Then you simply select your chosen football club in the FAI portal within the app and upload your Circle K receipt to generate a draw entry for your club. One draw entry will be generated per receipt uploaded. The more entries a club gets, the higher their chances of winning will be. Go Lions Facebook or Instagram pages to see videos on how to enter and we would ask for your support in getting in as many entries as possible over the next couple of months for the Lions AFC, Durrow!
BECOME A REFEREE: Please see a list of upcoming referee courses that have just opened up: Online Referee Beginners Course – 11th/12th December 2023 (7pm to 10pm) Online; Referee Beginners Course – 15th/16th January 2024 (7pm to 10pm) Online; Referee Beginners Course – 30th/31st January 2024 (7pm to 10pm) Online; Referee Beginners Course – 26th/27th February 2024 (7pm to 10pm). Visit www.fai.ie/domestic/referees/referee-beginner-courses for more information or to sign up.
WIN BIG THIS CHRISTMAS! This year is the 50th year of the Lions AFC Christmas Hamper Draw. To commerate this, we are running a separate 50th Year Golden Anniversary Draw running in conjunction with our regular Christmas Hamper Draw. The purchase of a ticket for the 50th Anniversary Draw will give you three separate chances to win €5,000 over the Christmas period. The three Draws will take place on December 26th, December 30th and January 6th. Tickets are €50 each, and all proceeds will go towards our Pitch Development Fund of which you can see our development plans on our Facebook Page. Tickets are available from the committee or a number of club members.
RESULT: U15 Kilkenny League Division 1 – Lions 2 V 1 Callan Utd. Scorers: Sean Dempsey and Joey Dempsey. The Lions fell behind to an early Callan goal in this league game on Saturday November 19th last. However a fantastic second half display saw the Lions edge this tight game.
Sean Dempsey equalised early in the second half from the spot after Joey was fouled in the box. With ten minutes remaining Joey Dempsey scored the winner from distance with a brilliant strike. The Lions defence were excellent throughout and was well Marshalled by Harry and Evan. Overall a great team performance in difficult conditions as this young team continues to improve. Keep up the good work lads!
U12 COUNTY: A big shout out to Frankie, Taylor and Conor who all had a big part to play for Kilkenny U12s last weekend. Super performances from the three Lions boys. Kilkenny beat Wicklow 4 – 1. Well done lads keep up the good work.
DURROW AND CULLOHILL DISTRICT ANGLERS: JOIN US – The club is always looking for more Juvenile and Senior members to join up. Why not consider it – a great way to get outside to a new hobby! All fishing membership cards can be bought in The Gala Shop Durrow, Lawlors Flower Shop Durrow, and in Fran’s Fishing Shop Mountrath. All day tickets and full membership cards are available. There are court appointed water keepers overseeing the club’s waters and you could be asked for membership. Please ensure all membership and tickets are valid and please adhere to club rules listed on the membership cards. Happy Fishing!
TRIDENT FITNESS CLUB – KETTLEBELL SPORTS AND FITNESS CLASSES: Learn to use kettlebells safely and effectively from one of Ireland’s top ranked and most experienced professional kettlebell sports and fitness instructors with over 10 years of experience in kettlebell sport and fitness. Included in the classes are bodyweight exercises as well as posture correction and strengthening techniques. Together with proper kettlebell instruction you can learn to prevent and remedy a wide range of joint and mobility issues and injuries. Class schedule: Tuesday 6.30pm; Thursday 6.30pm; Saturday 11am. Venue: Durrow Community Hall CYMS. Call David or email for further information. Also available for personal training. Tel: (087) 3833258 or email: tridentfitnessclub@yahoo.ie or borukettlebellclub@yahoo.com for more information.