LAUNCH OF DURROW SEC: The launch of the Durrow Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) Energy Master Plan will take place on Saturday 4th November next from 10am to 12pm in The Castle Arms Hotel, Durrow. What’s the Durrow SEC? Durrow SEC is a community group set up in 2021. We are local volunteers With an interest in the topic of sustainability in our local community. What’s an Energy Master Plan? It’s a document that enables Durrow to understand its current and future energy needs in order for us to make informed decisions and prioritise actions. Can you put that in English please? It provides information on ways we can save money on energy such as attic insulation, heat pump/heating controls, solar PV, pumping cavity walls, dry lining walls, improving windows and doors, and improving ventilation/airtightness. What’s happening on Saturday the 4th of November in the Castle Arms Hotel? It’s our official SEC launch! Climate 23, our energy partners, will be there to present the EMP, while Laois County Council will discuss available grants. We’re also expecting several small business owners in the energy sector to showcase their offerings and answer any questions. All are most welcome and we look forward to seeing you there.
SHINE A LIGHT 2023 – THIRD LAOIS DURROW SCOUTS: Will be sleeping out on Friday 17th November to raise money for FOCUS Ireland! We need your support through scout sponsorship or donations. Please support us on the night!
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.
WINTER PLANTING: Winter weeding and planting will take place in the coming weeks, please keep an eye out on social media and if you can assist us, it would be great.
CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS: Currently committee members are visiting local households looking for support / donation as in the past. Having recently completed an extension giving additional storage and ‘Youth Space’, as well as ongoing running costs, finances are always a challenge so all support is greatly appreciated. The Centre has become increasingly busy with the following the main activities / offerings: * Squash; * Handball; * Auction; * Indoor Soccer; * Youth Club; * Study Hub; * Pilates; * Wellness; * Membership; * Cards-25’s/Bridge; * Hip Hop Dancing; * Irish Dancing; * Martial Arts; * Flower Club; * Comhaltas; * Choice of meeting rooms also available on request.
On Friday evening, October 27th, an open hour from 8pm to 9pm is planned for The Centre where all will have an opportunity to view the facility including new build. Refreshments will also be served. To conclude that evening, there will be a draw for €200 in fuel vouchers for all who have paid their membership by that date.
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.
LAOIS COUNTY JOINT POLICING COMMITTEES: A Public Meeting of Laois County Joint Policing Committee will be held in the Council Chambers, Laois County Council Hall, JFL Avenue, Portlaoise on Monday, 20th November 2023 at 3.30pm. The function of a Joint Policing Committee is to serve as a forum for consultations, discussions and recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the local authority administrative area. Members of the public have the right to make their views known and submit questions to the Joint Policing Committee. Questions will be accepted by the Joint Policing Committee from any individual member of the public, or collectively from any group/organisation.
Questions in relation to the above, or any other relevant topic, should be submitted in advance in writing to Ms. Anne Marie Kirrane, Administrative Officer, Community Department, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, by email to dce@laoiscoco.ie or by phone at Tel. (057) 8664060, no later than 4.30pm on Wednesday, 8th November, 2023.
CASTLEVIEW OPEN FARM: The dates for our Annual Halloween and Pumpkin Carving Event have been finalised! We will be open for our Pumpkin Patch, carving and treasure hunt from Saturday 28th to Monday 30th October from 11am to 6pm each of the days with carving finishing at 5pm. Our witches cabin and fancy dress competition will be held on Halloween day – Tuesday October 31st from 11am to 6pm. No booking required for any day. Entry is €8.50 per person with under 2s and carers free. Pumpkins will have an additional charge of €4.50 each.
CPA – THE CREATIVE PERFORMANCE ACADEMY: New classes will be held on Mondays from 6pm to 7pm in the Ballyroan Community Hall, commencing with a FREE open day for new students aged 6 to 12 years on November 6th 2023. Booking is essential via email to info@thecpa.ie or phone (085) 7315556.
COVID AND FLU INJECTIONS: These are now available from the health Centres in Rathdowney and Durrow for all vulnerable patients or those aged over 65.
DURROW BRIDGE CLUB: Club meetings continue on Wednesdays at 7.30pm in the Castle Arms Hotel. All are most welcome.
PILATES IN CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE: Pilates will be back in Cullohill Community Centre from 7pm to 8pm on Wednesday 25th October 2023. All are most welcome.
LAOIS COUNTY COUNCIL – Charges at Kyletalesha Recycling Centre – Please note the following charges took effect from the 18th of September; Car – €5; Van or Jeep – €10; Single Axle Trailer – €10; Double Axle Trailer – €15; Large Van – €15; Large Van and Trailer €25.
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 8th October 2023 were: First – Seamus Brennan and Liam Dunphy; Joint Second – Canice Sweeney and Willie Dunphy, Sean and Anna Burke. The Raffle Winners on the night were: Patsy Moran and John Dollard.
AGE FRIENDLY LAOIS – Older Persons Council AGM, a FREE Public Event with booking required. New Members are welcome to join our Older Persons Council and our AGM will take place at Castletown Community Centre, Castletown, Co. Laois, R32 F624 on Tuesday, 24th October from 2pm to 5pm. Dancing to Martin Delaney with refreshments served. Information stands include: TFI Local Link; Laois County Council – check the register; Laois Library Services and An Garda Siochana. Our Age Friendly Strategy Guide will be launched by our Ambassador Anna May McHugh. Make sure to be there!! Book your place today by calling Tom Curran on 086 0363426 or email: tcurran@laoiscoco.ie as soon as possible.
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, October 27th. Results from our September game: Pa and John – 12 games; Jim and John – 12 games; Alice and Mary T. – 11 games; Paddy and Bridget – 10 games. The raffle winners on the night were John Kennedy, Alice Fitz Patrick and Billy Costigan.
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 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.
WHIST DRIVE: The Killermogh Whist Drive is held in the Parochial Hall, Cork Road, Durrow. The Next Whist drive is on this Thursday 26th October at 8pm. All are most welcome.
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.
SARAH SPARKLES – Storytime, puppets and fun. Suitable for 0 to 4 year olds. Wednesday November 1st at 10.30am in Durrow Library.
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.
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.
Revised Mass Hours – Effective since 9th September 2023 – Durrow and Rathdowney Parish Mass Times have been revised as follows: 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.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2024 – The 2024 Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes led by our Bishop, Most Reverend Niall Coll DD, will take place from Tuesday May 21st to Sunday May 26th inclusive. The organising committee are confident in offering places to pilgrims in need of assistance, youth helpers, support staff and able-bodied pilgrims. The youth section is organised through the head of RE in Secondary Schools and places are limited. Prices have yet to be established but the 2023 cost was €899 PPS.
St Mary’s Cathedral – Restoration Fund Draw 2023/2024 tickets are now available from the Parish Office at a cost of €120 for twelve months. The monthly prizes are
€2000, €1,000, €500, Two X €300, Two X €200 and Three X €100. The draws take place the last Wednesday of each month.
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.
Church Cleaners Needed – We are in urgent need of cleaners for Durrow Church. If you could spare one hour a week (6 months a year) please contact Darina or Sr. Anita in the Parish office or on [086] 2625033.
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.
Catholic Youth Ministry Internships – The diocese of Lancaster in England is looking for young people aged around 18 to 25 to join their Youth Ministry Internship scheme, based at Castlerigg Manor in the English Lake District. The scheme lasts for either one or two years and offers comprehensive training and experience as well as recognised qualifications. Participants get free accommodation and food as well as £75 (€85) pocket money each week. If you’re interested, contact Jack Regan onjack@castleriggmanor.co.uk by email.
Synod Update – As the Synod in Rome continues in these weeks the 400 members are gathering in the Paul VI hall at the rear of St Peter’s Basilica. The format of this Synod is noticeably different from the many that have gone before. All gathered are seated at round tables and all, irrespective of “role”, are given the same time to speak. Pope Francis has worked to ensure that all gathered can speak freely but also that they truly make listening a priority. He has noted that at this gathering the Holy Spirit is not merely present but should be seen as the “protagonist” guiding the discussions. To create this atmosphere, Pope Francis has requested confidentiality on the part of Synod members, and in this sense a “fasting from public speech”. It is working – we had intended to write to inform you what was happening each week but, thankfully, we do not know.. or at least we do not know the detail of what is being said – Synod members are respecting this freedom to talk and listen without fear of being quoted. Maybe the Spirit is truly the protagonist.
Durrow-Cullohill Remembrance Mass – Our Annual Mass of Remembrance for those who died during the past year will take place on Saturday 11th November at 7.30pm in Cullohill Church. If you wish to have a candle presented at this Mass in memory of your deceased relative please contact the Parish Office on (085) 2625033 or email durrow@ossory.ie – please let us know who will be there on the night to present the candle. Candles will be supplied by the Parish.
Baptism – We welcome into our Parish Community Rían Stephen O’Brien who was baptised in our Parish last weekend.
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.
U15A HURLING TEAM: A big congratulations to The Harps U15A Hurling Team who overcame Park/Ratheniska-Timahoe on Sunday 15th October to win the County Final.
JUNIOR FOOTBALL TEAM: Hard luck to our Junior Football team who battled hard against a well organised Annanough in the Junior A County Final on Friday 13th October last.
THE HARPS CAMOGIE CLUB: Follow all the latest news from the club at https://www.facebook.com/HarpsCamogie online.
HALLOWEEN WITCHY WALK: Saturday 28th October 2023 at 4.30pm in Dunmore Woods. Entry: €3 per child or €10 per Family – all proceeds in aid of The Harps Camogie Club. Meet at Dunmore Woods Car Park for a Spooky walk and hot chocolate. Fancy dress is optional. Don’t forget to bring a torch. All children must be accompanied by an adult as there may also be some surprises along the trail!
HALLOWEEN PARTY FUNDRAISER: The Harps Camogie Club invites you to their Halloween Party Fundraiser on Bank Holiday Sunday October 29th 2023 from 9pm in Dec’s Bar, Chapel St, Durrow. Admission €5 with DJ Alan Doran on the night. Prizes for the best dressed man and woman on the night, so get working on that costume! There will also be a raffle on the night too with some wonderful prizes to be won.
CULLOHILL HANDBALL CLUB: 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.
QUIZ NIGHT! Join us for some fun on our first Quiz Night of the new season and pit your wits against Quizmaster David Finnegan. With a First Prize value of €200, be sure to come along to Dec’s Bar on Friday 27th October where it all kicks off at 9pm sharp. To enter, a table of four will cost €40. Please support.
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!
RESULT: Junior League Division 1 Result – Lions AFC 5 V 1 River Rangers. Scorers: Danny Delahunty (2), Luke Huder (2) and Rian Edwards. Well done lads.
RESULT: U12 National Skechers Cup Result – Lions AFC 1 V 0 Ferrybank. Scorer: Conor Campion.
RESULT: U11 National Skechers Cup Result – Lions AFC 6 V 0 Camolin Celtic. Scorers: James Dooley (2), Harry Phelan (2) Adam Malone and Frankie Carroll.
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.