CHRISTMAS PARTY: Cullohill Community Centre will host their Annual Christmas Party on Friday December 29th from 9pm ’till late. Over 18s only. Tickets €10. Music by Ali D. Only drinks purchased at the venue can be consumed. (Subject to licence). All monies raised will be used to pay down the debt owed on the recently completed Centre extension. Tickets are on sale in most local businesses and from members of the committee. All are most welcome.
NATIONAL SOCIAL ENTERPRISE POLICY: On the 7th of December last, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, T.D. launched a public consultation to further inform the development of Ireland’s new National Social Enterprise Policy. This is the final stage of the consultation process which included six regional consultation events, the receipt of written submissions from stakeholders, and bilateral meetings between officials drafting the new policy and key stakeholders, representative groups, Government Departments and public bodies. If you would like to share your views and any ideas for a title for the new policy document email your submission to: seconsultation@drcd.gov.ie with “Social Enterprise Policy 2023/2024” in the title. The consultation remains open until January 31st 2024. For more information please visit https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/93961-national-social-enterprise-policy-for-ireland-closing-phase-public-consultation/ online.
CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE INDOOR SOCCER: Cullohill Community Centre finished their indoor soccer leagues Friday night last. Games have been running for the last four weeks culminating with the finals on December 8th last. The leagues were divided into two sections – Primary School and Post Primary – with cracking action throughout. Many thanks to Paschal and Shirley Bergin in the local Circle K station who sponsored vouchers for the winners in each section. A fitting finish to the leagues with the vouchers greatly appreciated. Winning Team (NS) – MJ Muldowney, Adam Malone, Elaine Brennan, Odhran Doyle O’Leary and Ethel McKenna. Winning Team (PP) – Eoin Holland, Tristan Aylward, Kate Mahon, Jack Hickey and Taylor Aylward. Well done to all!
AVAILABLE: Holiday Letting – Two Bed, Double Ensuite Apartment, just 2km outside Durrow. Available for Christmas Holiday letting. Might suit a small family returning home for Christmas holidays. All mod cons and parking available. Any enquiries to durrowapartment@gmail.com by email please.
ABBEYLEIX AND KILLERMOGH PARISH: The Abbeyleix South National School is advertising for a part time secretary. Full ad is on EducationPosts.ie Online.
OUR LADY’S MEADOW PRIMARY SCHOOL: Our Lady’s Meadow Primary School Durrow are currently accepting applications for admission to Junior Infants for the school year 2024-2025. The closing date for completed applications is Monday, 8th of January 2024. Please ensure you apply before the closing date as last year we were oversubscribed. The school’s Admission Policy, Annual Admission Notice and Application Forms are available on the school website www.ourladysmeadow.org via email from ourladysmeadowschool@gmail.com or from the school by phone on (057) 8736329.
DURROW COMMUNITY SERVICES: Durrow Community Services currently have the following vacancies: 5 positions as an Environmental Worker in Durrow; 1 position as Groundskeeper in Durrow; 1 position as an Environmental Worker in Cullohill; 1 position as a Catering Assistant in Durrow Meals On Wheels. As per the Department of Social Protection requirements, the positions are 19.5 hours per week and must be on a Social Welfare payment for minimum of 12 months to apply. Please contact Astrid Andersson on 057 8736870 or andersson@durrowcs.com for further information.
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.
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 and dispel the winter evening blues while helping to keep fit.
SUNDAY NIGHT DANCING: Dancing in The Wheel Inn on Sunday nights to Checkers.
CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE – 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 10th December 2023 were: First – Padraig and Noreen Ryan; Joint Second – Terry Dunne and William Carroll, John and Anne Maher. The Raffle Winners on the night were: Dick Brennan and Seamus Brennan.
BALLYOUSKILL 25s CARDS GAME – Ballyouskill 25s Cards continues in Ballyouskill Community Hall on the last Friday of the month at 8pm. Usual prizes and a raffle on the night. All are most welcome to our next game on Friday, December 22nd for a Christmas special and a regular game will also be held on December 29th.
WHIST DRIVE: The Killermogh Whist Drive is held in the Parochial Hall, Cork Road, Durrow. The Next Whist drive is on Thursday 21st December at 8pm. All are most welcome.
DURROW BRIDGE CLUB: Club meetings continue on Wednesdays at 7.30pm in the Castle Arms Hotel. All are most welcome.
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.
LOETB COURSES IN JANUARY 2024: LOETB (Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board) are offering a diverse range of courses for
further education and training in various fields. This is a great opportunity for individuals in Laois and Offaly to explore new interests, learn new skills, and meet in a supportive environment. The courses cover a wide spectrum, from Dress Design and Cooking to Mindfulness, Sign Language, Horticulture, Art, and Craft and much more! This variety ensures there’s something for everyone, catering to different interests and passions. If you or someone you know is interested in trying something new or enhancing existing skills, reaching out to LOETB on (057) 8630093 is a good step. We can provide more information the courses, schedules, and enrolment details. Taking part in further education and training not only enriches personal knowledge but also fosters a sense of community and personal development. Its a positive initiative to combat the potential January blues and start the New Year with a fresh and engaging experience.
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!
DURROW POST OFFICE: We here at Durrow Post Office do both AIB and Bank of Ireland Lodgements and withdrawals. We provide a quick and professional service for all your personal and business banking. We are here to help you and make banking easier.
AIB CUSTOMERS – You can do * Cash lodgements with bank debit card or lodgement slips; * Cash withdrawals with bank debit card; * Cheque lodgements with a personalised lodgement slip.
BANK OF IRELAND CUSTOMERS – You can do * Cash lodgements with bank debit card or lodgement slips; * Cash withdrawals with bank debit card; * Cheque lodgements with a personalised lodgement slip.
DEFIBRILLATORS IN DURROW: We are lucky to have defibrillators in Durrow – one at the Gala Grocery Store and one at The Community Playground. It is vitally important that if you or anyone you know is unfortunate enough to need to use one, you must inform Susan in the Gala Grocery Store as soon as possible afterwards, as the pads need to be replaced – NOTE: They are single use! The defibrillator needs to be ready for the next person who may need to use it – that person could be you or a loved one! Thanks for your cooperation.
DURROW LIBRARY NEWS: All our Laois Library branches are open to the public for browsing, PC usage, printing, photocopying and studying, in addition to all the free events taking place throughout the month – see details below. You can browse the Laois Libraries online catalogue here: https://laois.spydus.ie and if needed, borrowers can reset their library PIN in order to access the catalogue – contact your local library or email library@laoiscoco.ie for assistance with this.
ONLINE BOOK CLUB – Laois Libraries Online Book Club reads one book a month chosen from the BorrowBox collection. Join us on the last Wednesday of each month when questions are posed for discussion on our Book Club Facebook page. You can join the group on: https://www.facebook.com/groups/315513126404037 online. New members are always welcome.
OPEN HOURS – Durrow Library Opening hours are Tuesdays from 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.
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.
DECEMBER EVENTS: Lego Freeplay takes place on December 19th at 2pm. (No booking neccessary).
Book Club takes place on December 19th at 6pm.
Messy Play Fun takes place on December 20th at 2.15pm (Booking Essential).
DURROW COMMUNITY SATURDAY MARKET: Durrow Community Market continues on Saturdays from 9am to 12 noon on the Kilkenny Road beside the Church.
LIVE LOCAL WEATHER: Visit www.laoisweather.com for live local weather data from Durrow.
DURROW FIRE AND RESCUE: Do you need a smoke alarm? Or do you know of someone who does, in the Durrow, Cullohill or Ballacolla area? Every home should have a minimum of two of the life saving devices! Durrow Fire & Rescue will provide and install smoke alarms for anyone that needs them, and there is no charge for this service. Simply email info@durrow.ie if you are interested, or if you know of a friend or neighbour that needs to have the devices installed. Please leave a contact number too.
DURROW FIRE AND RESCUE: Members of Durrow Fire Brigade are available to give fire safety talk to any interested adult groups or organisations, in the Durrow, Cullohill and Ballacolla areas. If interested please contact Station Officer David Donohue.
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CHURCH NEWS: Parish Office – Regular opening hours have now resumed and are 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.
CHRISTMAS 2023 MASS TIMES: Saturday 23rd December: 11am Durrow, 6pm Rathdowney, 7.30pm Durrow and 7.30pm Cullohill; Sunday 24th December (Christmas Eve): There will be no 10am Mass in Errill; 11.15am Durrow, 4.30pm Durrow (Family Mass), 6pm Rathdowney (Family Mass), 7.30pm Cullohill and 9pm Errill; December 25th (Christmas Day): 8am Community Garden Rathdowney (Weather Permitting, Otherwise Mass will be in the Church), 10am Errill and 11.15am Durrow.
Baptisms in Rathdowney and Durrow – Following the changes to our Mass schedule, baptisms can be booked for Saturdays at 4.30 pm in either Parish and Sundays at 12 Noon in Durrow and Cullohill or 12.15 in Rathdowney and Errill.
Adoration – There will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Cullohill Church every Thursday morning from 8.50am until 9.50am.
Pastoral Council Members – The members of the Pastoral Council are: Martin Lawlor; Mary Lawlor; James Walsh; Carmel Ruane; Mary Ryan; Vicky Murphy; Margaret Murphy; Seamus Clancy; Sr. Anita O’Leary and Fr. Martin Delaney.
Church Envelopes – Envelopes for October, November and Christmas are now available in the church. You can return them at Mass times or to the Parish office in Durrow (Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm). If you can help a neighbour by collecting theirs too that would be great. Thank you.
Online Advent Retreat – The Priory Institute is delighted to offer a FREE OF CHARGE online retreat ‘Reflecting on the Sunday Gospels of Advent’. Visit our website www.prioryinstitute.com to register or find out more.
Anam Cara Midlands – The organisation that supports bereaved parents, is holding it’s monthly Parent Evening for bereaved parents on Wednesday 13th December at 7:15pm in the Mullingar Park Hotel. This event is free and open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or whether their death was recent or not. We also offer an online service. For more information please call us on (01) 4045378.
St Vincent de Paul – Both Durrow and Cullohill branches will hold Church Gate collections on the weekend of the 9th and 10th of December. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Durrow Nativity Scene – The crib this year is situated in the Grotto in St Fintans Terrace, Durrow.
Bambinelli Sunday – This year we plan to celebrate a wonderful tradition from Italy where on the Third Sunday of Advent, Families are invited to bring to Mass the infant Jesus from their own crib at home. During the Mass the Infant Figure will be Blessed in preparation for Christmas. Please bring the Infant Jesus from your crib to the 7.30pm Mass in Cullohill next Saturday or 11.15am Mass in Durrow next Sunday and we will have the special Bambinelli Blessing.
St. Mary’s Cathedral, Chapter House Bookshop – Now open 5 days a week (Monday to Friday) from 9.30am untill 5.00pm. The bookshop has a great selection of Nativity Sets, Christmas Cards, Christmas Mass Bouquets, spiritual books and other religious gifts. A selection of Calendars, Catholic Diaries for 2024, Bibles and a wide range of Children Stories Pictures.
SYMPATHY is extended to the family and friends of Mary Stoddart (née Seale), Grange, Aughrim, Ballinasloe, Galway County (formerly Attanagh) on their recent bereavement.
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NUMBER FOR ST. VINCENT DE PAUL – LAST UPDATED JULY 2023: Please note that our confidential contact helpline number for the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Durrow, has been changed to (083) 4056021 as of July 14th 2023.
THE HARPS GAA CLUB NEWS – SPLIT THE BUCKET – A standing order of €8 a month gives one entry a week, €16 a month gives two entries a week and €20 a month gives three entries a week. If you would like to set up a monthly standing order please contact Tom Ryan on (087) 6159226 or Shane Brophy on (087) 2034035. Thanks to everyone who supports our weekly Split the Bucket draw.
NOTICE – The Junior B Leinster Quarter Final is Postponed until January 2024.
THE HARPS CAMOGIE CLUB: Follow all the latest news from the club at https://www.facebook.com/HarpsCamogie online.
Christmas Raffle – It’s that time of year again for our Annual Christmas Raffle and this year our prizes are amazing… First Prize: A pair of International Rugby Tickets for Ireland V Italy on the 11th of February 2024 in the Aviva Stadium. Second Prize – A signed Rugby World Cup Jersey by the Irish Squad. Third Prize: Overnight Hotel Break for Two. Plus many more great prizes too! All our camogie players have tickets to sell or you can buy tickets at: https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/HarpsCamogieClubAnnualChristmasRaffle online. We appreciate all the support everyone gives to our club and hopefully you can be lucky enough to win some of these amazing prizes!
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.
WIN BIG THIS CHRISTMAS! This year is the 50th year of the Lions AFC Christmas Hamper Draw. To commerate this, we are running a separate 50th Year Golden Anniversary Draw running in conjunction with our regular Christmas Hamper Draw. The purchase of a ticket for the 50th Anniversary Draw will give you three separate chances to win €5,000 over the Christmas period. The three Draws will take place on December 26th, December 30th and January 6th. Tickets are €50 each, and all proceeds will go towards our Pitch Development Fund of which you can see our development plans on our Facebook Page. Tickets are available from the committee or a number of club members.
U12 INTER-LEAGUE: The Lions were well represented with ten players all playing vital roles for Kilkenny and District. Frankie, Taylor and Conor were on the U12 team which travelled to Waterford and came back with a 3 – 2 Win. Frankie with the opener for the cats.
Fionn, Rian, Danny and Alex all started for the U14s as they easily accounted for Wicklow in a 6 – 0 win.
Sean, Joey, Conor and their Kilkenny teammates left it late to account for Wexford in a 2 – 1 win. Both goals coming in the last five minutes.
It’s great to see our club so well represented at this level. Great credit to the boys, their parents and of course the coaches. Keep up the good work lads!
U12 GIRLS: Girls U12 Subway Trophy Result: Tramore 2 V 0 Lions. Our U12 girls bowed out of the Subway Trophy on Sunday December 10th last. The game was Played in heavy wind and rain, but both teams coped remarkably well with the conditions. The Lions started brightly and could have been a couple of goals up but unfortunately their early dominance didn’t produce any goals. Tramore settled into the game and scored twice without reply. The girls bow out but can hold their heads high after a great run in the Subway Trophy. A big thanks to Tramore for their hospitality and best of luck for the rest of the Season.
LIONS LADIES: Our Lions Ladies team travelled to take on an unbeaten Thomastown side that were top of the table last Sunday December 10th. The game was played in horrible conditions for both sides. The Lions scored first from an OG after an excellent cross from a Shannon Kelly corner. Lions ahead 1-Nil. The Lions held firm till half time and battled hard into second half when Ruby Quinn with just five minutes left in the game scored an unbelievable free kick from out side the box slotting the ball into the bottom left. A fantastic finish from our centre back. What a way to finish before Christmas. That is now six points taken from our last two league games. Well done Ladies.
RESULT: U14 Division 2 League – Lions 6 V 0 Freebooters. Scorers: Jack Kelly (X2), Ignacio, Oscar O Connell, Padraig Coffey and Ben Murphy. A super performance from our second U14 team under lights in Kilkenny on Saturday evening December 9th last with some brilliant football played and fantastic goals scored. Well done lads. Keep up the good work.
RESULT: U14 Division 1 League: Lions 0 V 0 Freebooters. Our U14s put in a strong performance at home to Freebooters in the last game of the day in Durrow. Played on a heavy pitch and strong winds the game was always going to favour defences. Chances were few and far between as these two evenly matched teams couldn’t be separated. The Lions played good football and had lots of possession but couldn’t breach a strong Freebooters rearguard. Well done lads keep up the good work.
REPORT: U16 League Division 1 – Lions 5 V 1 Bridge United, Scorers: Joey Dempsey (X3), James Walsh and Liam Townsend. In a game played in high winds the young Lions showed great composure to control the football and the game from start to finish. The Lions took the lead after great work from Ciaran McMenimem found the unmarked Joey Dempsey who made no mistake from close range. Bridge then equalised against the run of play after hesitancy in the Lions defence. Just as it looked the teams would be tied at half time James Walsh scored a spectacular overhead kick. Lions 2-1 up at the break. The Lions started the second half on the front foot. Rob McEvoy’s long range shot was too hot for the Bridge keeper to handle and Joey was on hand to smash the ball home. With a two goal cushion the Lions played some great football. John Coonans ball found Joey who completed his hat trick from twenty yards out. Liam Townsend made it 5 after clever link up play with Ciaran. Overall a good solid performance from the young Lions who can be very pleased with the quality of football they played in difficult conditions. Keep up the good work lads!
REPORT: U12 League Division 1 – Lions 1 V 0 Evergreen. Scorer: Conor Campion. The Lions U12s went top of the league for Christmas with a hard earned win over a very good Evergreen side. A Conor Campion penalty was enough to make sure the young Lions secured all three points. The Lions were always a threat going forward and were unlucky not to go two up when Brian Coonans shot came off the crossbar and seemed to cross the line but the VAR system was not working in Dereen on the day. The Lions as always were solid at the back and kept the Evergreen attack at bay. However it took a penalty save from the excellent Taylor Mahoney to keep Evergreen scoreless. Well done lads keep up the good work.
DURROW AND CULLOHILL DISTRICT ANGLERS: JOIN US – The club is always looking for more Juvenile and Senior members to join up. Why not consider it – a great way to get outside to a new hobby! All fishing membership cards can be bought in The Gala Shop Durrow, Lawlors Flower Shop Durrow, and in Fran’s Fishing Shop Mountrath. All day tickets and full membership cards are available. There are court appointed water keepers overseeing the club’s waters and you could be asked for membership. Please ensure all membership and tickets are valid and please adhere to club rules listed on the membership cards. Happy Fishing!
COMPETITION – The Club held a Pike Competition on December 10th last for the Mick Monaghan Cup. It was a tough day out and the fishing was slow but a winner was landed! First Place went to Tommy Coffey with a fantastic fish caught. Thanks to all anglers who were involved on the day.
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.