REVISED MASS HOURS FROM THIS COMING WEEKEND: Effective from 9th September 2023 – Durrow and Rathdowney Parish Mass Times will be 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 20th August 2023 were: Joint First – Anne and Jim Mahony, Pat and Terry Dunne, James and Veronica Muldowney; Second – Joe and Anne Cass. The Raffle Winners on the night were: Martin Mahony and Willie Dunphy.
Winners on Sunday 27th August 2023 were: Joint First – Sean and Anna Burke, Mary Kelly and John Mackey, Johnny Kelly and Martin Mahony, Paddy and Liam Dunphy. The Raffle Winners on the night were: James Muldowney and Pa Maher.
THE WHEEL INN BALLYOUSKILL: Food will be available in The Wheel Inn, Ballyouskill between the hours of 7pm and 10pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. Eat In or Takeaway Available, why not drop in and see the menus!
WANTED – Seeking a property to rent in Durrow-Cullohill and surrounding areas. Minimum three bedrooms required. Full time working professional with children relocating back to Ireland, please phone – (089) 443 1426.
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.
COMFORT HOMECARE are looking for weekend carers, part-time and full-time Community Carers in Durrow, Abbeyleix, Ballinakill, Ballyroan and Ballacolla. Our goal is to assist people to live in the comfort of their home for as long as possible, as safe as possible receiving high quality care. If you strive to be part of a professional organisation with fantastic support team for their carers – this is the company for you. If you have personal experience caring for a family member, or are studying your QQI level 5 Healthcare Support and would like paid work experience, please call our Healthcare Manager. Other Homecare package hours available from Monday to Sunday 8am to 8pm. Those applying should have their own transport and a valid drivers licence. If you, or you know someone who might be interested get in contact with supervisorlaois@comforthomecare.ie or call Homecare Manager 089 2447499.
CULLOHILL BRIDGE CLUB: Summer Bridge has now concluded in Cullohill Community Centre. Thanks to all who supported the game during the summer.
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.
BALLINAKILL SWIMMING POOL: Season tickets are available to purchase on their website www.ballinakilloutdoorswimmingpool.com – prices remain as they were last year.
Please email ballinakillswimmingpool@gmail.com with any queries.
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!
CULLOHILL COMHALTAS: We are delighted to announce that there will be a Cullohill Comhaltas group starting in September 2023. This will be open and available to all members of our community (adults and children).
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.
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.
SAVE THE DATE: The Harps GAA will host a Golf Classic on October 7th 2023 at Rathdowney Golf Club.
SENIOR STATUS PRESERVED FOR 2024 – A huge congratulations to our Senior Hurling Team who maintained their Senior status for the 2024 Laois Hurling Championship with a nail-biting win over Borris-Kilcotton last Wednesday night at O’Moore Park. It was a game played with great intensity and sportsmanship with both teams nick-and-tuck throughout. The Harps finished stronger with a 0-28 to 2-20 scoreline at full time much to the delight of the large fanbase who followed the team on the night. Well done to all the players and manager and the backroom team.
THE HARPS CAMOGIE CLUB: Well done to our Intermediates who beat Naomh Eamann last Monday night [August 28th] on a scoreline of 2-18 to 0-03 points. The girls next match is against O’Moore’s in three weeks time.
BLITZ – On Saturday August 26th we hosted our last blitz of the year for our U6s, U8s and U10s. Thanks so much to Brigid’s Camogie and Camross Camogie Club for coming. A great morning was had with lots of brilliant skill on display. Thanks to our U14 and U16 players for helping out and refereeing.
COUNTY – Well done to all our Harps girls who were part of all three Laois U14 Development teams this year. They took part in their final Blitzes of the year recently in Kildare and Tipperary. The Laois U14 Blue and Whites team reached the A semi final and despite a great second half were beaten by Tipperary. Well done to Sinead Kirby, Vivienne Gee and Ciara Townsend.
On the Laois Blue Team we had Harps girls Alanna Dwyer, Sarah Kavanagh, Kate McEvoy and Ellie Lafferty. They lost the Semi final on a 45’s shootout to a well matched Offaly team. Well done to the Harps girls Lily Dunne, Estelle Murphy and Aoife Kelly who played in Kildare on the day. They played brilliant in all there matches.
We are very proud of how you have represented us as club showing great determination and dedication. The future looks very bright with this bunch of girls coming up the ranks.
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.
ADULT MEN’S TEAM – Junior Pat Maher Shield – Thomastown United 1 V 2 Lions AFC. First competitive game of the year against a strong Thomastown United side. Excellent effort by both sides in a very competitive game. Thomastown United opened the scoring after a tense start to the game with an excellent header from a corner. The lads didn’t drop their heads and had chances with Luke Hudner, Che Walsh and Paddy Daly. Good joy was coming down the left side from Lee Campion and Paddy Daly. Lions shortly equalised after with a counter from a Thomastown corner with Che Walsh catching the keeper off the line and Paddy Daly was first on to it to slot home.
The lads kept working hard and finished strong with another goal by Luke Hudner and assisted by Rian Edwards.
The 2nd half was a tough half with Thomastown United pushing strong for an equaliser but good defending, goal line clearance and excellent saves from Shane Keown keeping us ahead to see out the game. Excellent away result against a very good Thomastown United team. Looking forwards to the start of the league in the coming weeks.
WELL DONE – A big shout out to Lions players, Frankie, Taylor and Conor who played for Kilkenny and District Leauge last Sunday August 27th in the prestigious U12 Coastal Cup in Malahide. The lads were superb as they beat Shelbourne and Belvedere in the group stages before going down to Shamrock Rovers. In the quarter final they lost to hosts Malahide. A brilliant experience for the lads and their team as they continue their development. Keep up the good work lads.
DURROW AND CULLOHILL DISTRICT ANGLERS: APPEAL – Durrow Cullohill District Anglers want to offer our support to Sean Dunphy and Mairead Brennan for their Memorial Run for Pat and Elaine. Pat Dunphy was a long serving Member in our Club and is sadly missed. We as a Club can only promote this worthy cause as Pat gave endless commitment to the running of the Fishing Club. So please visit www.gofundme.com/f/memorial-run-for-pat-elaine-50km-for-5k online and any donation would be greatly appreciated.
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!
LAKE FISHING RESULTS – The club held a course competition recently in Grantstown Lake. The results were – First: Patrick Regan 14-9, Second: David Walsh 8-9, and Third: Alan Dwyer 8-6. Well done to all.
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.