CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE AGM 2023 – The Cullohill Community Centre’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 13th at 8.30pm. A Review and Planning of all concerns for Discussion / Ongoing Activities such as: ● New Development; ● Squash; ● Handball; ● Auction; ● Indoor Soccer; ● Youth Club; ● Study Hub; ● Pilates; ● Membership; ● Cards-25’s/Bridge; ● Hip Hop Dancing; ● Irish Dancing; ● Martial Arts; ● Flower Club. All are most welcome to attend.
REVISED MASS HOURS NOW IN EFFECT: 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.
CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE – PROGRESSIVE 25 CARD GAME – NEW EARLIER START TIME OF 8PM: Progressive 25 Card Game continues every Sunday night in Cullohill Community Centre at 8pm and all are most welcome. Winners on Sunday 3rd September 2023 were: First – Sean O’Shea and Gerry Kelly; Second – Mary Kelly and Michael Moran. The Raffle Winners on the night were: Kevin Wolfe, Alice Fitzpatrick, Martin Mahony.
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.
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.
IRISH RURAL LINK – The Irish Rural Link Annual General Meeting will take place on Monday 2nd October 2023 from 10.00am to 1.30pm at Tuar Ard Events Centre, Main Street, Moate Co. Westmeath. Join us for a conversation on rural issues with guest speakers (TBC). Watch this space. 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.
CULLOHILL BRIDGE CLUB: Summer Bridge has now concluded in Cullohill Community Centre. Thanks to all who supported the game during the summer.
JOB ALERT – Experienced Shuttering Carpenters, Steel fixers and Laborers required for immediate start. Contact Michael on [087] 9081435.
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.
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.
CULLOHILL COMHALTAS: We are delighted to announce that there will be a Cullohill Comhaltas group starting soon. This will be open and available to all members of our community (adults and children).
LSPCA CAT NEUTERING SCHEME – ends September 29th. Call Kyle Vets, Durrow on [057] 8734111 directly for an appointment. €30 Male & Female. €10 off microchipping.
DURROW BRIDGE CLUB NEWS: Durrow Bridge Club resumes in October.
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 Thursday 28th September at 8pm.
SET DANCING CLASSES: Set dancing classes are held every Thursday night in The Wheel Inn, Ballyouskill from 9pm. 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 fåilte röimh cupån tae a 61 agus cüpla focail Gaeilge a labhairt no a canadh.
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 – The Parish Office at the Presentation Centre beside the Church is open from 9.30am to 2pm on weekdays. The booking of Masses, Christenings of babies, weddings and funeral arrangements must be arranged with this office. Sale of Mass Cards, Christening Candles, Communion gifts and booking of All matters relating to Church business in the Parish must also go through this office. You can also contact the Parish Office by phone on (085) 2625033 or to durrow@ossory.ie by email. Summer Opening hours for August will be: Wednesdays – 9.30am until 2pm; Thursdays – Closed; Fridays – 9.30am until 2pm.
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.
DURROW-CULLOHILL PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL: Durrow-Cullohill Pastoral Council are looking for people who will assist with: (1) Cleaning the Church; (2) assisting with the collection during Mass, and (3) Readers for weekend Masses and Eucharistic ministers. Please give your name to Martin Lawlor, Seamus Clancy, or any member of the Pastoral Council. Your help would be gratefully appreciated. This is for The Holy Family Church, Durrow.
SYMPATHY is extended to the family and friends of Ann Vaugh (née – Delaney), Tinweir, Durrow, Co. Laois on their recent bereavement.
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.
GOLF CLASSIC 2023: The Harps GAA will host a Golf Classic on October 7th 2023 at Rathdowney Golf Club. Timesheet Now Open. Contact 087 6805402 for tee times. €100 per Team – Three Ball Scramble.
RECENT U9 BLITZ – Our U9 hurlers competed in a blitz last Sunday September 3rd hosted by the “Eire Og Corra Choill Hurling Club” in Co Kildare. In the groups stages they faced tough opposition against Arclough (Kildare) and Monaleen (Limerick). The Harps registered a win and a draw which qualified us for a Semi Final against Naas. After a very tough Semi Final The Harps emerged victorious and played the hosts in the final and emerged as winners of the tournament on the day. Great credit goes to the players and mentors and we are all very excited to see what the lads can do in the future.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR – A big thank you to one of our sponsors of The Harps Juvenile Club this year, Ian Cleary of APS who’s sponsorship helped us to provide every member of our three competitive teams U13, U15 and Minor with a personalised club bag. Thanks Ian for you and your company’s support, it has made a huge difference over the past couple of years.
THE HARPS CAMOGIE CLUB: Follow all the latest news from the club at https://www.facebook.com/HarpsCamogie online.
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.
GIRLS U12s – Kilkenny U12 League Division 1. Freebooters 0 v 1 Lions. A great start to the leauge from our U12 girls who travelled to the Fair Green on Saturday 2nd of September to take on Freebooters in what was these girls first competitive game. Big performances from all the girls to record a solid 1-0 win. Well done girls.
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.