May 2002

Scouts News – John Clear runs in Belfast Marathon: On Monday last 6th Mat, John Clear, Derry Road Durrow ran in the Belfast City Marathon in a time of three hours and thirty-eight minutes. For this, he was presented with a medal and a T-Shirt. John took part in the marathon as a fundraiser for the Third Laois Durrow Scout Group. We would like to thank John most sincerely for the huge effort he made on our behalf.

Durrow Tidy Towns: Durrow Tidy Towns committee reminds householders and businesses of the up-and-coming competition sponsored by Dunne’s Nurseries. Now is the time to get started on window boxes, hanging baskets, tubs etc… to have them in full bloom by judging time (July 12th to 26th). €350 is the total prize money, broken into three prizes of €200, €100, €50.

Peter Dunne is World Champion: Peter Dunne is the 2002 World Fly-Tying Champion after winning three Gold and two Silver medals in the Mustad Scandinavian Open recently. The Championships were held in Norway and are run annually by the Mustad Hook company. This is the 7th time Peter has won the World Fly-Tying Championships and is in demand world-wide for his Fly-Tying demonstrations. His latest demonstration was in Quebec, Canada where he teamed up with ten other master fly-tyers for an action-packed weekend. Over seven thousand spectators visited the Forum that week-end. Well-done Peter.

Our Lady’s Meadow Primary School: Soccer - On Thursday 2nd May the girls and boys from 4th, 5th and 6th classes travelled to Portlaoise for a soccer blitz. A great day was had by all. Special congratulations to the girls team: Lisa Buckley, Kari Donaghue, Laura Thornton, Kate Clancy, Susan Campion, Karla Parkinson, Nicole Jordan and Aibfinn O’Sullivan who won all their matches and now go through to the Leinster Finals in Navan on May 22nd. Well done also, and thanks to Aileen Donaghue (Team Manager) and Emily Donaghue (Team Mascot). We are very greatful also to Liam Clancy, Ella Walshe and Mary O’Leary who managed the other teams.
Cumann ná mBunscol - Now that the Cumann ná mBunscol season is coming to an end we would like to thank all those who helped us to participate – to Michael Lanigan for training the hurling and football teams and for preparing the pitch for all home fixtures, to Pat Barnaville for refereeing, to Ms Curran and Mrs Purcell for their hard work and support and to all the parents who drove to matches and supported us throughout. Although we didn’t reach the finals on this occasion, we played some great matches and thoroughly enjoyed participating.

Sympathy is extended to the Conroy Family, Patrick Street, Durrow on the death of Paul.

Cullahill ICA Guild: Cullahill ICA Guild met on Thursday last. A vote of sympathy was passed to the Conroy Family on the death of Paul. Members back from federation holidays were delighted with their trip. The “Colour me Beautiful” event was a great success and thanks to everyone who supported us. Donations to the Children’s Heart Foundation and the Cameroon Missions were sent. Mary Geoghegan won the raffle. The next meeting is the AGM on June 4th. Cullahill pilgrimage to Knock is on Tuesday 16th July 2002.

Durrow Parish Lotto Results: Monday April 29th: No Jackpot Winner. Numbers drawn: 14, 28 and 30. €30 each won by; Sarah Brophy, Swan Rd and Pat Barnaville, Cullahill. €15 won by Eddie Cleare, Durrow.
Tuesday May 7th: No Jackpot Winner. Numbers drawn: 2, 16 and 29. €30 each won by; Ellen O’Sullivan, Ballykealy and Sharon Dunnan, Ballinakill. €15 won by Enda Carroll, Swan Road, Durrow. The next draw will be held in Lennon’s Bar on Monday 13th May with a jackpot of €3,150. Tickets on sale locally.

Durrow Parish Lotto Results: Monday May 13th: No Jackpot Winner. Numbers drawn: 10, 19 and 21. €30: Joe Fitzpatrick, Gurteen; €25: Peter Monnelly, Barn Hill; €20: Peter Monnelly, Barn Hill (again!) Tuesday May 20th: No Jackpot Winner. Numbers drawn: 2, 19 and 24. €30: Elsie Stewart, c/o Castle Arms; €25: Walter Dollard, Bishopswood; €20: Steven Kenna, Erkindale Drive.

Scouts News: Scouting Ireland is very much alive and well in Durrow. Friday 17th May was the first official outing of 2002 of the now well-equipped troop. Unfortunately the weather has other ideas and the night was rained off. In true scouting spirit the show ahead and on Saturday May 18th, under a blanket of dark cloud the new state-of-the-art tents were pitched and christened with the night out at the back of the Bianconi Inn, courtesy of Tomas Murphy. In high spirits, the troop of seven built a fire and executed their knowledge of “backwoods cooking”. The feast of chicken kebabs, chocolate banana, apple brown sugar and raisin was cooked to perfection by each enthusiastic scout. A lengthy walk ensued which was both fun and educational with the troops acquaintance of morse code.
Over a blazing fire, stories and and jokes were jovially exchanged. One last ghost story tucked the troop into bed in the small hours. The following morning, the weather was against us as we broke camp and headed for home, but in elevated morale we scouted on.
The Durrow Scouts would like to thank everyone who took part in our first local camp and would like to extend a special thanks to all who made it possible. We hope for our next outing in June to have a full troop turnout and we pray the weather is on our side!