CULLOHILL COMHALTAS: Comhaltas classes will continue on Tuesdays. Email to cullohillcomhaltas@gmail.com with any queries or to join.
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. About Irish Rural Link – Irish Rural Link represents the interests of locally based rural groups in disadvantaged and marginalised rural areas by highlighting problems, advocating appropriate policies, sharing experiences and examples of good practice. It has a membership of nearly 600 rural community groups dedicated to sustainable rural development and represents rural communities at a national and international level.
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.
NATIONAL HERITAGE KEEPERS PROGRAMME: Burrenbeo Trust is thrilled to announce that the latest round of the National Heritage Keepers Programme has opened for applications since the 3rd of September. Over 150 groups and schools have completed the free programme to date. Heritage Keepers are now looking for community groups and senior classes of primary schools to take part in its highly anticipated fourth round. Through a series of online workshops Heritage Keepers empowers groups and schools to delve into their local heritage and provides funding to allow them to take positive action. Rather than seeking to separate built, cultural and natural heritage the programme works on the principle that all aspects of heritage are very closely inter-linked and that these aspects work together to create our distinctive Places.
In the previous year, 70 schools and communities participated in the programme, with the majority successfully completing local funded projects and actions. These actions included exhibitions, heritage trails, tree planting, podcast creation, booklets, wildlife ponds, oral history projects and ‘Place Celebration’ days. Funding for fieldtrips is also provided meaning participants get to visit local heritage sites in person rather than just learning about them online. Previous participants have highly praised the programme with one primary school teacher commenting “Its more than just talking about helping, its actually doing something”, and another participant saying “It definitely brought us together as a group and we are delighted with what we achieved”.
The programme consists of five engaging two-hour workshops, followed by dedicated support while completing the funded action. It opened for expressions of interest on the 3rd of September, with options to begin this autumn or in the New Year.Visit www.heritagekeepers.ie for additional details and to complete a brief application form. Closing Date: October 4th 2024.
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 24 October 2024.
ACCOMODATION WANTED: If anyone knows of any accommodation with 2 to 3 bedrooms for a Portuguese Family (2 adults and one girl 15yrs old) within Cullohill, Durrow or Abbeyleix areas, please contact Sonya on (087) 2477471.
ACCOMODATION WANTED: Professional couple looking for a house to rent, preferably a 2 to 3 bedroom house in the Abbeyleix or Durrow areas. Good references available as long term tenants. Please call 0851288493 or 0857424682.
DURROW COMMUNITY SERVICES CLG: Durrow Community Services currently have the following vacancies: 3 positions as Catering Assistant in Durrow Meals on Wheels, Durrow; 1 position as Groundskeeper in GAA Grounds, Durrow; 1 position as an Environmental Worker in Ballacolla; 2 positions as an Environmental Worker in Cullohill; 5 positions as an Environmental Worker in Durrow. 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.
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 also running in The Centre every Tuesday and Thursday at 8.00pm with instructor Richie Saunders. Also, personal training sessions are available in mini-gym. Further details through (087) 660 8248.
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.
CLIMATE ACTIONS WORK ENGAGEMENT FUND: The Climate Actions Work Engagement Fund is a first-of-its-kind national engagement and communications campaign to support and encourage action on climate and community resilience. The campaign, led by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, will focus on hearing from, and working with, local communities – talking directly to people to help combat climate change. The purpose of the Fund is to support widespread public and stakeholder engagement on climate action, empower people across all of society to adopt more sustainable behaviours, and be a vehicle to facilitate public participation in the Climate Action Plan.
If you are an existing or newly formed organisation, this funding is to support communications and engagement activities that enable you to connect with a wider audience in your community. This unique fund is to support you to communicate about climate actions you may be undertaking in your community. It is not for climate actions by themselves as there are many other supports available for those, rather this funding is aimed at your communication and engagement needs. For further Information and to Apply please visit: https://www.communityfoundation.ie/wp-content/uploads/Climate-Actions-Work-Engagement-Fund-2024-branded-v2-2.pdf online. The closing date is Friday 4th October 2024 at 4pm.
AGE FRIENDLY LAOIS: The Age Friendly Laois and Healthy Laois initiative has been shortlisted from 31 applicants for the communication category of the national age friendly awards 2024. Being shortlisted for such an award is an acknowledgement of the value of the initiative. It is as a result of the quality of the exhibitors , the speakers and the workshops on the day and of course of the many attendees who came. Thank you to all! Presentations to the judging panel will follow on the 20th of September at Council offices and the awards ceremony takes place on the 7th November at an event in Dublin. Fingers crossed! To join us on judging day call Tom on 086 0363426.
DIGITAL NEWSLETTER: Get our digital newsletter delivered weekly to your email inbox for free! Please email info@durrow.ie if you are interested.
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.
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 September 2024 were: First – Joe McGill and Paddy Walsh; Joint Second – Two Margaret’s (Doheny) , Sean and Anna Burke, Ger Alley and Ollie Clooney. The Raffle Winners on the night were: Margaret Doheny and Dick Brennan.
TAEKWONDO CLASSES: Taekwondo Classes will be held in Cullohill Community Centre on Tuesdays from 6.15pm. For more information please contact (087) 9003813 or contact allcountiestkd@gmail.com by email.
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!
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 September 27th 2024.
WHIST DRIVE: The Killermogh Whist Drive is held in the Parochial Hall, Cork Road, Durrow. The Next Whist drive is on Thursday the 26th of September 2024 at 8pm. All are most welcome.
DURROW BRIDGE CLUB: Club meetings have now ended for the Summer season. We will be back in October.
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.
CELTIC BROTHERS IN CONCERT: Come along and enjoy an evening of great music with the Celtic Brothers starring The Willoughby’s in the Cathedral, Thurles on Friday, September 27th, 2024. All proceeds to Cathedral Reroofing Project. Tickets €30 now on sale in Thurles Parish Centre 050422229, Bookworm 050422257 and Holycross Abbey Shop 050443124. Book early to avoid disappointment.
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.
ANAM CARA: The monthly Parent Evening for bereaved parents takes place on Wednesday 18th September at 7:15pm in the Horse and Jockey Hotel, Thurles. Contact Numbers: Office 01 4045378. Information Line 085 2888 888. Visit www.anamcara.ie online.
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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.
Grásta – Preparing for Marriage? Weekend residential courses available September 20th to 22nd 2024. For more details visit www.grasta.org or contact info@grasta.org by email.
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.
Relics of Saint Bernadette of Lourdes – The Diocese of Ossory will host a visit of the Relics of Saint Bernadette of Lourdes on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday the 21st and 22nd of September 2024 in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny. This is an initiative to bring a small piece of Lourdes to Ireland and make it possible for more people to experience something of what is close to the hearts of those who travel on our diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes each year.
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.
Grásta – Preparing for Marriage? Weekend residential course available on 20th to 22nd September 2024. Details: www.grasta.org or at info@grasta.org by email.
Cullohill St Vincent de Paul – SVdP will hold a Church gate collection before Mass on Saturday 21st September. Please Support.
Congratulations to Mairead Killeen & Brian Walsh who were married In Cullohill on Saturday 7th September.
We welcome into Durrow Parish Community baby Khloe Kilmurray who was baptised last weekend.
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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 DAY- SEPTEMBER 28th 2024: Main Sponsor of the Day – MES Ireland. Join us in Rathdowney Golf Club on Saturday 28th September next for a Three Ball Scramble. Entry: €100. Great prizes for the following: * GUI and Non-GUI Members; * Ladies Team; * Three nearest to the Pin; * Skill Competition (Open to All Ages); * Junior (€20 Entry Each). Complimentary refreshments on the course. Presentation, Music and Raffle back in Dec’s Bar, Durrow later. Your support would be gratefully appreciated. Please send a WhatsApp message to (087) 6805402 with a preferred Tee Time or for more information.
NOTICE: The Harps GAA and Camogie Healthy Club Update: From the 1st October 2024, our club grounds in Cullohill and Durrow will become a Smoke and Vape free zone. This is part of the GAA Healthy Clubs initiative. Signage will be going 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 next 12 months 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.
THE HARPS CAMOGIE CLUB: All players young, old and new are more than welcome to join us. We are training on Wednesdays at 7:30pm in Cullohill pitch. If you want more details about joining contact The Harps Camogie Club’s Facebook page.
JUVENILE TRAINING – U6, U8 and U10 training is on Thursdays at the Juvenile Pitch in Durrow at 6:30pm – all are most welcome.
TRAINING – U12 and U14 training continues on Thursdays at 6:30pm at the ball wall in Durrow. All new members are welcome to come along and give it a go.
CULLOHILL HANDBALL CLUB: GET IN TOUCH – You can contact the club on cullohillhandballclub@yahoo.ie by email.
ABBEYLEIX GOLF CLUB: Congratulations to Louise Mahony, who came joint Fourth in the qualifying competition for the Ladies Silver Medal.
Louise will now play in the All Ireland Finals for the Silver Medal in golf. It will be played in Headford on October 2nd. We wish Louise the very best of Luck.
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.
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.