CULLOHILL & DURROW FLOWER CLUB: Cullohill & Durrow Flower Club are hosting our Christmas Gala “O! what a Pantomine” with Cherie Nummy on Monday 9th December at 8pm in The Castle Arms Hotel. Tickets €15 to include mulled wine and mince pies. All proceeds to AsIAm (National Autism Charity) and Cullohill Community Centre. All arrangements raffled on the night.
HARRY FERGUSON NIGHT – Saturday 16th November at 7.30pm in The Faith Mission Centre, Durrow, Co. Laois, R32 HX23. Looking at the life and work of Harry Ferguson from a historical, farming, engineering and Christian perspective. PowerPoint presentation by George Conn. George served his apprenticeship in R.Hewitt Motors Ltd., Portadown (part of the W.H. Alexander Group – later Charles Hurst) in the mid-seventies. He then taught motor vehicle engineering for a few years in Dungannon Technical College. Until his retirement, he and his wife Andrea were full time workers in The Faith Mission. He still has a keen interest in vintage tractors and machinery.
Free Admission – Hot Dog Supper – Agri Model Displays – Ferguson Tractors on Display – All Welcome! For more information contact: Mervyn Tomb on (086) 0575462. The Faith Mission is a charity registered in Scotland No SC005119 and in Ireland No 20012588.
DUNMORE COMMUNITY ALERT – The Annual Fancy Dress Party will take place in Bob’s Bar on Friday 1st November! Save the date.
IRISH RURAL LINK – ELDERLY NEIGHBOURS: Irish Rural Link – the national network representing the interest of rural communities is urging people to check-in with elderly neighbours as we enter into the Autumn and Winter months. As the evenings start to close in, this can be a difficult time for older people living on their own and can experience higher rates of loneliness. The Tilda report launched last week showed the feeling of loneliness is more strongly associated with death ideation than other measures of social disconnection.
With children back to school and afterschool activities, we know this is a busy time for people but we strongly urge people to check in with elderly neighbours to have a chat and if they are in need of anything.Although older people are more reluctant to go out when it is dark, especially in rural areas, it is important they try to engage with some social activity during the day, whether it is just to go to the shop, meet with a friend or join an active age group. We know this may not be possible for everyone but for those who can, it is important to stay connected with your local community.
With a recent wave of burglaries in rural areas, we are also urging people to be extra vigilant and again making sure older neighbours and those living alone are safe and alerted to any strange activities. If a Neighbourhood Watch or Text Alert scheme is available in your area, we would encourage everyone to join.Older people should contact neighbours if they do need help with anything and not be afraid to ask and if they have a personal alarm to check it is working and have it on their person at all times.
For further information, please contact (anytime): Seamus Boland (Chief Executive) 0862491153 or Louise Lennon (Policy and Communications Officer) 0861069244.
IRISH DANCING CLASSES: Traditional Irish Dancing Beginner classes for ages 4+ continues on Mondays in Durrow CYMS Hall. Time: 3.30pm until 7.30pm. Limited places available. Text or call Katrina on (085) 7606866.
CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS: Currently committee members are visiting local households looking for support / donation as in the past. With The Centre increasingly more busy, and with ongoing running costs, finances are always a challenge so all support greatly appreciated. The following the main activities / offerings with new suggestions always welcome: * Study Hub; * Pilates; * Comhaltas; * Cards – 25’s / Bridge; * Child Minding; * Foróige; * Homework Club; * Sensory Classes; * Speech & Drama Classes; * Circuit Training; * Flower Club; * Indoor Soccer; * Auction; * Hip Hop Dancing; * Irish Dancing; * Taekwando; * Christmas Social Night; * Handball; * Squash; * Personal Training / Mini-Gym; * Choice of meeting rooms also available on request.
OPEN EVENING: On Friday evening, November 8th, an open hour from 8.00pm to 9.00pm is planned for The Centre where all will have an opportunity to view the facility as well as enjoy light refreshments. To conclude that evening, there will be a draw for €200 in fuel vouchers for all who have paid their membership by that date.
CIRCUIT CLASSES are running in the Centre every Tuesday and Thursday evenings with instructor Richie Saunders. Also, personal training sessions are available in mini-gym. Further details through (087) 6608248.
SPEECH AND DRAMA CLASSES: Speech & Drama Classes are running on Wednesdays from 6.45pm until 7.30pm. For enquiries, please contact 087 6473414.
TAEKWONDO CLASSES: Taekwondo Classes will be held in Cullohill Community Centre on Tuesdays from 6.15pm with different time slots for various age groups.. For more information please contact (087) 9003813 or contact allcountiestkd@gmail.com by email.
CULLOHILL COMHALTAS: Comhaltas classes will continue on Tuesdays. Email to cullohillcomhaltas@gmail.com with any queries or to join.
FITNESS CLASSES: ‘Back To Fitness’ Classes coming soon. For males 40+. Full details through Richie on (087) 6608248.
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 20th October 2024 were: First – John and Kitty Farrell; Second – Joe McGill and Eddie Delaney; Joint Third – James and Veronica Muldowney, Padraig and Noreen, Eugene Murphy and Paddy Lalor.
VOCEM DARÚ CHOIR: Ladies! Do you enjoy singing? Ever thought of joining a choir? Vocem Daru community choir are looking for new members. We are a lovely bunch of women! Why not give it a try? No formal training required! For more details phone Ann on (086) 6045409.
DIGITAL NEWSLETTER: Get our digital newsletter delivered weekly to your email inbox for free! Please email info@durrow.ie if you are interested.
DURROW TIDY TOWNS: If you would like to be added to our volunteer WhatsApp group, please text Add me to TT volunteers on 086 3657833 – many thanks!
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!
DOG WALKERS – LEAFY LOOP WALKS! We are again reminding people that ALL dogs must be kept on a lead, without exception on the Leafy Loop in Durrow, this includes Dunmore, Clonageera, Bishops Wood, Derry Wood, Knockatrina and The Course. The Leafy Loop traverses across Coillte Woodlands and Farmlands with protected species and farm animals. Your Dog is not an exception to be left off a lead.
COOKERY DEMONSRATION: Abbeyleix Golf Club presents a Cookery Demo with Derry Clarke – Michelin Star Chef and Special Cuest Chef
Cúán Greene of Ómós. Part proceeds to Pieta Suicide Prevention. The night will feature MC Sally Anne Clarke along with a musical performance by Timahoe Male Choir. This event will be held in The Abbeyleix Manor Hotel on November 26th from 6.30pm. Tickets €25 + booking fee available from www.abbeyleixgolfclub.ie online.
THIRD LAOIS DURROW SCOUTS – Third Laois Durrow Scouts are now accepting applications for Beavers (ages 6 to 8 years old), Cubs (ages 9 to 12 years old), Scouts (ages 12 to 15 years old) and Ventures (ages 15 to 17 years old). Leaders aged 18+ are also required for all Sections.
Visit https://form.jotform.com/242542450329352 online to complete the sign-up form.
BALLYOUSKILL 25s CARDS GAME – Ballyouskill 25s Cards continues in Ballyouskill Community Hall on the last Friday of the month at 8pm. Our next game is November 29th 2024. Usual raffel and prizes on the night! 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 Thursday the 21st of November 2024 at 8pm. All are most welcome.
SET DANCING CLASSES: Set Dancing continues 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 while helping to keep fit.
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.
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 1.30pm to 7.30pm (closed for lunch from 5.30pm until 6pm) 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.
IRISH CIRCLE (Ciorcal Comhrá) – 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.
ADULT BOOK CLUB – The club meets on the last Tuesday of the month at 6pm. Our next meeting is on this Tuesday, the 29th of October – new members welcome!
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.
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.
Call in to us today – we are located in the Daybreak Store on The Square.
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, is (083) 4056021.
VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED: For conversational English! No experience necessary. All are welcome. Location and Times: Rathdowney on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays (TBD) from 10am till 12pm. Contact Olena on (087) 9131236 for more information.
——-
CHURCH NEWS: Parish Office – Regular opening hours have now resumed and are Wednesdays, Thursdays 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 4.30pm 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 9am until 9.30am and in Durrow directly after 8.50am Mass (finishes at 11.30 am) on Mondays, also on Fridays from 7pm until 8pm.
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.
Parish Shops – Both parish shops have a new range of gifts in stock for First Communion, Christenings and other events. Candles, Rosary Bracelets, Crosses & Chains, Rosary Beads, Bibles, Grave Ornaments. Come in and have a look!
Towards Healing – A confidential and free counselling service, Phone 1800 303 416. They provide face to face counselling, structured phone counselling, family counselling and a counselling helpline for people who have experienced institutional, clerical or religious abuse in Ireland.
Restoration Fund Draw – Tickets are now available from the Parish Office for the Diocese of Ossory Cathedral Restoration Fund Draw. Tickets cost €120 for twelve monthly draws. Ten prizes each month – Top prize €2,000.
——-
SYMPATHY is extended to the family and friends of Johnny Cooney, Mary St, Durrow, Co. Laois (Formerly Tinweir) on their recent bereavement.
THE HARPS GAA CLUB NEWS – SPLIT THE BUCKET – Participate in the exciting weekly chance to win instant cash with ‘Split the Bucket.’ You can join in two ways: contact Richie (087) 9294742, Tom (087) 6159226 or Shane (087) 2034035 to establish a monthly standing order. Investing €8 monthly grants one entry per week, while €20 monthly provides three entries weekly, saving you €72 annually. Alternatively, play for €2 a ticket, at local businesses hosting our buckets. Best of luck to all participants, and thank you for your continued support to the Harps GAA Club!
Congratulations to Brian Clancy, last weeks winner of split the bucket!
THE HARPS CAMOGIE CLUB: Follow us on Social Media – www.facebook.com/HarpsCamogie
NOTICE: The Harps GAA and Camogie Healthy Club Update: Since the 1st October 2024, our club grounds in Cullohill and Durrow became a Smoke and Vape free zone. This is part of the GAA Healthy Clubs initiative. Signage is now up in both pitches and we will encourage all members, officials, coaches, players, parents, visitors and volunteers to comply. The club recognises that tobacco and vape second-hand smoke is severely harmful to health, in particular to the health of children. There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. There will be a number of events planned over the coming year as part of the GAA Healthy Clubs programme and we would encourage any members of the community who may be interested in joining the Healthy Club Team to speak to any member of the GAA or Camogie Committee for further details.
CULLOHILL HANDBALL CLUB – WORLD HANDBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024: Cullohill Handball Club are proud to be one of the host venues for the upcoming World Handball Championships. This is a unique opportunity for us to show case our refurbished Handball Centre. The first games started on Saturday the 26th of October and continue each day from 9am to 5pm through to Saturday the 2nd of November. Admission is free every day and there are lots of club members taking part both adult and juvenile. If anyone wishes to get involved or help out in any small way please message the Facebook Page for the Club.
GET IN TOUCH – 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.
LITTLE LIONS ACADEMY: Our Little Lions Academy kicked off last Saturday evening (October 12th) in lovely sunshine. It was great to see so many boys and girls enjoying their first steps into football. A huge thank you to all our coaches and to all the parents who stepped in to take a training station. The Little Lions Academy is back again next Saturday at 5.30pm.
RESULT: Women’s League Division 1 Result: Kilkenny United 0 V 3 Lions AFC. Scorers: Leah Kelly, Lucy Kelly and Eleanor Merriman. A great win for our ladies team last Sunday (20th October) in tough conditions at the Watershed in Kilkenny City Well done girls keep up the good work.
REPORT: U15 Boys League Division 1: Evergreen 2 V 3 Lions AFC. Scorers: Jack Marnell, Danny Campion and Adrian Beletsky. Our U15s travelled to the Kells Road on Sunday October 20th last to take on a very strong Evergreen team in their second league game of the season. Conditions to say the least were bordering on horrendous as storm Ashley howled through the pitch. The conditions were never going to allow a free flowing game of football as these two teams always serve up. The Lions started brilliantly as Jack Marnell broke down the left hand side of the box to slot home the opener after just 3 mins, what a start for the boys.
Everyone in attendance could hardly draw breath from the tip off as Evergreen broke through on goal to slot home the equalizer.
The first half was all Lions as we were playing with the advantage of Ashley. The boys were pushing forward for a second and were duly obliged when Fionn O’Sullivan whipped in a superb corner to the back post for Danny Campion to meet with an unstoppable header.
It looked like the Lions were going to take a 2-1 lead in at half-time but with only a minute or two left to the break Evergreen scored an opportunistic leveller to leave the boys with an uphill battle in the second half at 2-2.
Half-time was a welcome break to all as the weather was playing its part in making life tough for everybody, even the ball couldn’t sit still 😁
The second half kicked off and as expected Evergreen gained early control as the howling wind pushed the game down towards the Lions end. To the boys credit they defended and worked tirelessly to keep Evergreen to half chances. It was tit for tat as the game went on as the Lions were given as good as they got.
The management team sprung the changes from the bench and what a masterstroke it was, with two mins in normal time left Fionn O’Sullivan got assist number two when in played a fabulous ball through the heart of the Evergreen defence and for Adrian Beletsky to slip past the keeper into the bottom corner. The boys battled through the remaining minutes as Evergreen pressed for an equalizer. The final whistle sounded for the boys to take home a vital 3pts.
RESULT: The U13 SFAI Subway National Cup Round 2: Slievenamon Celtic V Lions AFC. Scorers: Frankie C, Conor C, Eddie I, Harry P (X2) Todd L, Brian C and Tommy S. A clean sheet and some suberb goals were the order of the day as The boys put in a super performance today down in Kilsheelan in great weather conditions. The Lions controlled the game, working the ball well. A few goals scored from wonderful set pieces helped the boys to secure the win and advance to Round 3. Well Done Boys – keep up the hard work.
U11 GIRLS: Our U11 girls had their second match of the season last week against Clover Utd. It was a debut game for a few of the girls and they all performed brilliantly. There was some great teamwork and individual skill on display. Well done to all the girls and thank you to Clover for a great game.
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!
LAOIS KAYAK AND CANOE CLUB CLUB – GET IN TOUCH – You can contact us on info@laoiskayak.com by email.
KETTLEBELL BEGINNER CLASS: New round of classes starting soon! Learn to use kettlebells safely and effectively from one of Ireland’s top ranked kettlebell sports and fitness instructors. Also 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. Places are limited so booking is essential. For more information please telephone: (087) 3833258 or email: tridentfitnessclub@yahoo.ie or borukettlebellclub@yahoo.com
KETTLEBELL CLASSES FOR SENIORS: New Beginner Class Starting Soon. Just because you are getting older and a bit less active doesn’t mean you give up on your health and fitness. In fact physical training becomes more important as you get older! Working with weights such as kettlebells can slow down a number of conditions associated with ageing. Numerous studies have proven the benefits of strength training. Some of these are:
– Increase in bone density and muscle mass. This builds protection against fractures from falls etc.
– Improved Posture. Kettlebell exercises help to improve spinal alignment and strengthen the core muscles that hold the spine in its correct position.
– Improved mood and sleep. Exercise releases chemicals that increase positivity, reduce feelings of pain and anxiety, and promote sound sleep.
– Lower risk of heart disease. Weight training lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and strengthens the heart.
– Improved balance and movement skills.
Class places are limited so if you are interested contact me to book your place! Class are run by coach David who is one of the most experienced and highest ranked kettlebell instructors in Ireland, with 10 years of experience.
JUNIORS KETTLEBELL CLASS: New kids class starting on Saturdays. Many parents worry that strength training is harmful for kids. However there is now widespread recognition in the medical community of the benefits of strength training for children. The American Academy of Pediatrics and The Mayo Clinic have stated that sensible strength training does not stunt growth or cause growth plate injuries. In fact it increases a child’s muscle strength and endurance, protects them from sports injuries, and improve their performance in any sport. Children are far more likely to get injured by playing sports without engaging in weight training.
Even if your child is not interested in sports, weight training can strengthen their bones, improve coordination and balance, promote healthy blood pressure and cholesterol, help maintain a healthy weight, and build confidence. Class places are limited so if you are interested contact me to book your place!