COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS AWARD: People First Credit Union’s deadline for applications to their €10,000 Community Champions Award has been extended due to popular demand! The online application is open at www.peoplefirstcu.ie/community-champion until Friday 11th October. People First Credit Union are looking for projects that are creative and have the power to make life better for people in our community.
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.
LAOIS CONNECTS WEEK: Laois Connects Week runs from the 7th to the 13th of October. To view the brochure highlighting activities
throughout Laois, visit the Laois Connects webpage at: https://laois.ie/departments/community/laois-connects/ online.
WANTED: Accommodation wanted for a family of three Portuguese: two adult parents and a fifteen year old who have secured full time local employment and their child is attending Colaiste Mhuire in Johnstown. They are looking for a three bedroom house ideally, in Durrow or the Cullohill area or close by in the surrounding areas. Any help would be appreciated. Please Telephone Sonya on (087) 2477471.
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.
DURROW-CULLOHILL FLOWER AND GARDENING CLUB: The Durrow & Cullohill Flower and Gardening club’s next meeting will be on Monday the 14th of October next with a demonstration of wreath making by Julie-Anne Kelly of the Soulful Garden in Ballinakill. This event will take place in Cullohill Community Hall at 8pm on the night. All are most welcome. Admission: Non-Members – €10. Refreshments served and raffle on the night.
CARE FOR OLDER PEOPLE SURVEY: The Commission on Care for Older People, at the Department of Health has launched a public consultation on health and social care services and supports for older people. The public consultation survey is now available online, along with information about how to respond, at www.gov.ie/ConsultationOlderPeople – the survey is open to all and will provide the Commission with insight into people’s views of the strengths of current service provision as well as of areas for enhancement. The consultation will remain open until 5pm on Thursday 24th of October 2024.
CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE: Speech and Drama Classes will be held in Cullohill Community Centre from Wednesday the 18th of September running from 6.45pm until 7.30pm. For enquiries, please contact: 087 6473414.
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.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: The AGM was held last Monday evening, September 30th. A review of a successful and busy year and planning for the year ahead. Officers elected on the night were – Vincent O’Sullivan (Chairman), Noel Delaney (Secretary), Stephen Gleeson (Treasurer). The rest of the committee being finalised at the moment.
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 22nd September 2024 were: First – Anthony and Noel O Sullivan; Second – John Mooney and Jim Walsh. The Raffle Winners on the night were: Padraig Ryan, Noreen Ryan and Margaret Doheny.
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.
JUNIOR VOLUNTEER AWARDS: Tommy and Sarah Doyle have been nominated for the Junior Volunteer of the Year Award in the Annual Laois Volunteer Awards. This award recognises the outstanding contribution young people throughout the county have made to their local Community. Every community has individuals who are boundless in their energy and determination to get things done and we wish Tommy and Sarah the very best of luck at the awards night on Friday 8th November 2024.
COOKERY DEMONSRATION: Abbeyleix Golf Club presents a Cookery Demo with Derry Clarke – Michelin Star Chef and Special Guest 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 October 25th 2024. Usual raffle and prizes on the night! All are most welcome.
SEPTEMBER GAME RESULTS – The prize money was shared between four joint winners on the night: Jim Brophy and M O Connor; Eugene Murphy and Paddy Lalor; Frank and Tony Dooley; Percy Phelan and Jimmy Ryan. A big thanks to our raffle sponsor: Ciaran Holland Agricultural Contractor. Also, a big thanks to The Wheel Inn for their continued support.
WHIST DRIVE: The Killermogh Whist Drive is held in the Parochial Hall, Cork Road, Durrow. The Next Whist drive is on Thursday the 24th of October 2024 at 8pm. All are most welcome.
DURROW BRIDGE CLUB: We will be back soon! This October, watch this space.
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 next meeting will be on Tuesday 24th September at 6.10pm. New members welcome – call or email the library for more details.
ART AND RELAXATION – Our next session is taking place on Wednesday the 25th of Septmber at 3.30pm. Call or email the library for more details. The intention for this workshop is to create a space to slow down and connect to yourself through creativity. You will then have an opportunity for self-expression around the theme of relaxation. A variety of materials will be provided for this.
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 have now relocated to 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.
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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.
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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!
GOLF CLASSIC RESULTS: Overall Winners: Leo Dunne, Seamus Duggan and Justin Duggan; Overall Runner-Up: Eoin Phelan, Joe Costello and Finber Kelly; Overall Third Prize: Enda Whelan, Donagh Whelan and Hugh Whelan. Ladies Winners: Kathleen Guilfoyle, Theresa Delahunty and Brigid Maher. Non-GUI Winners: T.Phelan, S.Murphy and P.Russell; Junior Winners: Sean Mockler, Shane Rowan and Liam Ellis; Junior Runner-Up: MJ Muldowney, Jo Hangoyi and Oisin O’Donnell. Putting Compition Winner: Sean Farrell; Nearest to pin 2nd: Alex Stenson; Nearest to pin 11th: Olive Payne; Nearest to pin 17th: Timmy Williams.
RAFFLE WINNERS: First Prize – EP Tickets: Claire Delahunty; Second Prize – Air Fryer: Sean Ryan; Third Prize – Toaster: Breda Dunne; Fourth Prize – Gum Shield Fitting: Donagh Whelan; Fifth Prize – Hoover: Howard Cummans; Sixth Prize – Four Ball in Rathdowney: Aishling Aylward; Seventh Prize – Hoodie: Claire Delahunty.
U11 LARRY MAHONY MEMORIAL CUP: The Annual Tournament will take place on Sunday the 13th of October – full details on the Club’s Facebook Page closer to the date.
THE HARPS CAMOGIE CLUB: Follow us on Social Media – https://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: 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.
REPORT: U12 Girls Division 1 – Evergreen Green 0 V 3 Lions. Scorers: Margaret Butler and Rachel Hanlon X 2. Our U12 girls got their first win of the season away to good Evergreen Green side. Both teams started very strong and were evenly matched. Some close chances for both teams and some great saves from the lions keeper Jolie Callinan keep the sides level, both teams were evenly matched at 0-0 going in at half time. There was a fast start to the second half when Lions took the lead. Margaret Butler with a great strike from outside the box. Lions continued to apply pressure and with some great skill Rachel Hanlon dribbled through the evergreen defenders and rounded their keeper to slot home Lions second goal. Some good Lions build play found Rachel on the corner of the box when she struck again with a great shot into far top corner to round off a well earned win. Well done to all the Girls on a fantastic team performance!
RESULT: U12 Boys Division 2A – Lions White 4 V 4 Newark AFC. Scorers: Micheal Gannon X 3, Dara Conway. This game provided great entertainment as the Lions and Newpark shared the spoils in an eight goal thriller. Michael Gannon continued his hot goal scoring streak with a hat trick and Dara Conway scoring the other. Well done lads, keep up the good work!
RESULT: U14 Sketchers Cup Round 1 – Lions 4 V 0 Glynn-Barntown. Scorers: Paddy Cleary X 2, Alex Hickey and Dylan Bowe (1 each). Great performance from our U14 team recently as they advanced to the second round of the SFAI Cup. Two goals from Paddy Cleary, one from Alex Hickey and a screamer from Dylan Bowe, saw the Lions run out comfortable winners. Well done lads and coaches, keep up the good work.
GRANT: Great news for our Pitch Development Project with the announcement of a Sports Capital Grant allocation of €170,259. A special thanks to all the people who worked behind the scenes to get us closer to our dream. A huge boost for our club, community and surrounding areas.
LION CUBS ACADEMY: Our very successful Academy Programme is kicking off on Saturday 12th October. The academy at the Lions AFC is a vibrant and energetic place where young players come together to learn, grow and develop the fundamentals of football. Please Pre-Register in advance by sending a text message to 086 8390266.
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, Lawlor’s 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 – EUROPEAN WEEK OF SPORT: It was great to have members from the Scouts of Durrow out on the water with us recently as part of European Week of Sport. 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!