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.
AGM: Irish Rural Link’s AGM will take place on Tuesday 8th October 2024, 11.00am in Tuar Ard Arts Centre, Moate, Co. Westmeath, N37 X8P6.
This Irish Rural Link AGM will be chaired by Tara Farrell. The Agenda is as follows: Item 1: Minutes AGM 2023; Item 2: Directors report – Tara Farrell; Item 3: CEO report – Seamus Boland; Item 4: Financial report – Tony Mee; Item 5: Election of Auditor; Item 6: Elections to Board;
Special Guest Speaker: To Be Confirmed. The AGM will be followed by Lunch.
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.
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.
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.
FASHION SHOW: Knock National School Parent’s Association are hosting a Fashion Show, in aid of the school, this Friday the 4th of October, in Abbeyleix Golf Club. We have both ladies and men’s fashion well represented, with Erre Esse, Fifty-Seven Boutique and Ladybelle Boutique for the ladies, and Details Menswear and FreeSoul Menswear for the men. For those of you with children making their communion this year – we have communion fashion for boys and girls from Details Menswear and Nursery Rhymes which will be modelled by some of our (very brave!) second class students.
We also have a local business showcase on the night, with stands from House of Blooms, Sophie’s Bake and Cakes, The Soulful Gardener, Market Square Studios and Laois SPCA. There will be a prosecco reception and raffle on the night. We are lucky to have a 14 foot trampoline as our grand prize for the raffle, which has been kindly donated by Daisy Chains Childcare – our new Montessori and afterschool service. Tickets costing €15 (also payable at door) available in advance from the school office and Ladybelle Boutique in Abbeyleix. A great night is
assured. Doors open from 7pm with show starting at 8pm. We hope to see you there!
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.
PILATES CLASSES: Pilates Classes starts back in Cullohill Community Centre on 2nd October for six nights from 7pm until to 8pm. For more details please contact: Mary Kavanagh.
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.
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: Joint First – Padraig and Noreen Ryan, Sean Bennett and Willie Dunphy; Second – Anthony and Noel O’Sullivan; Joint Third: John Mooney and Jim Walsh, Vera Brennan and Phil Doheny, John Mackey and Kevin Wolfe. The Raffle Winners on the night were: Margaret Phelan and Michael Moran.
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.
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.
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.
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.
COSTUME AND JUMPER SWAP! A Halloween Costume & Christmas Jumper Swap will take place on Saturday the 5th of October from 10am to 1pm in Durrow Parish Office (beside the Church). Costumes and Jumpers can be left in the collection box in the porch of Our Lady’s Meadow School up until Friday the 4th of October.
——-
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.
——-
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!
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: Follow us on Social Media – www.facebook.com/HarpsCamogie
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: Leinster Junior Cup – North End United 5 V 1 Lions AFC. An away day down in Wexford Town saw the lads take on an exceptional North End United FC. Our lads couldn’t have got off to worse start conceding from a corner within the first few minutes. The lads quickly switched on and put in a great effort the first half. The second the lads battled hard and got on the score sheet from Jim O’Connor closing down a clearance and finishing off to give us slight hope. Unfortunately the quality and experience of North End quickly put to rest to the game and gave us no hope to get any comeback going. Excellent effort by all involved and nothing to be ashamed of. Our League Opener is at home next week against Fort Rangers. The lads go into the league full of confidence with the North End Utd game surely going to stand to them and with a good pre-season had by all, the confidence is high.
U15s: Our featured game of the weekend (September 22nd) was our U15 team who entertained Bridge United in Durrow. The boys played a wonderful brand of football for the large home support in attendance and ran out comfortable winners in the end against a gallant and well drilled Bridge United team. A great start to the season for our U15s with three points on the board.
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 – 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!