NEW PHONE NUMBER FOR THE ST VINCENT de PAUL DURROW: Please note that the phone number has changed and anyone in need of help or assistance can contact us, in strict confidence on (087) 1917813. Please note the change of number.

CONGRATULATIONS: to John and Paula Clooney, Kyle, Durrow on the birth of their daughter Anna-Marie recently.

DURROW COMMUNITY SERVICES: Current Vacancies: Durrow Community Services are looking to recruit a Catering Assistant to work with our busy Meals On Wheels service, a Groundskeeper for the Lions Soccer Club Durrow and another Groundskeeper at The Harps GAA Club Durrow. For further information on these positions or to apply please contact (057) 8736870 during office hours on any weekday.

PRESENTATION CENTRE: The Presentation Centre beside the Catholic Church is available for hire. For further information please contact Angela on (087) 1928522.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR: Mountrath Community Forum are hosting a Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday 16th December at The Old Brigidine Convent, Mountrath from 1pm until 5pm. Mountrath Cottage Market will be there with 30+ Marketers. There will be carol singing, festive food, Christmas Fair and Mulled Wine. Santa will be paying a visit to meet the boys and girls. A wonderful way to spend an afternoon with family and friends as we celebrate the extraordinary generosity of The Brigidene Sisters who have gifted the Convent to Mountrath Community Forum in Trust. All are most Welcome – Free Event.

DURROW TIDY TOWNS: Durrow Tidy Towns under DDF are in early preparations for the 2018 judging. Further to meetings and new members on the committee, we are delighted to action water butts for the town and further improvements will be made in the coming months. We would encourage all residents and businesses to get involved in every way possible and keep the outside of their own premises clean and tidy. Our Junior Tidy Towns committee is in the process of being set up and we would encourage all our over 10 year olds in the community to assist our junior committee in improving Durrow’s tidy town results for 2018 – together, as a community we can make it happen!

DURROW LIBRARY: If anyone is interested in a genealogy course please do call in! Library Opening Times: The open times are as follows: Tuesdays: 1.30pm to 5.30pm and 6pm to 7.30pm; Wednesdays: 10am to 1.30pm and 2pm to 5.30pm; Saturdays 11am to 1pm. Phone: (057) 8736090 or e-mail: Lmoriarty@laoiscoco.ie for information on any of the above.

LIAM LAWTON IN CONCERT: Liam Lawton will be perform in concert with the Irish Festival Orchestra in the Church of The Holy Trinity, Rathdowney on Thursday, 21st of December. Other acts performing on the night include the Rathdowney Parish Choir and the Creagh Family. Doors open at 7.30pm with the concert commencing at 8pm. Tickets €30 are available from the Rathdowney Parish Office. All enquiries by phone to: (050) 546282

DEFIBRILLATORS IN DURROW: Durrow now has three defibrillators across the town with one in Our Lady’s Meadow National School, one outside on the wall between Lawlor’s Gala and Sheppard’s Auctioneers and one at the reception in the Castle Arms Hotel.

CULLOHILL WALKING CLUB: As the dark evenings draw in why not stay active and walk in the safety and the company of others. Walking continues every Monday and Friday evening leaving Cullohill Community centre at 7.30 pm sharp. Free activity. All are most welcome.

THIRD LAOIS DURROW SCOUTS: If you are interested in the outdoors and like to show skills to others, why don’t you join us? Contact Delphine Lawlor on (086) 3655178 for further details.

PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP: The Parent and Toddler group will continue in the Presentation Hall, Durrow on Tuesdays from 9.30am. Any parents, carers, childminders etc… interested in attending with their little people, suitable from baby stage up to pre-school for a play, chat, cuppa and cake are most welcome to attend. For information contact (086) 3914725. We will continue to hold a few sessions over the coming weeks to gauge interest and sustainability of the group.

DURROW REMINISCING GROUP: A book with 200 pages of Photographs spanning almost 100 years of Durrow and Cullohill memories including ICA, Hurling, Camogie, Soccer, School to mention but a few. Books for sale €25 each or two for €40. Please text or call Tom on (087) 2936531 or Kathleen on (086) 8263368 for further information.

THE BEGADON FORGE: The Historical Heritage Visit Booklet can now be bought in locally in Lawlor’s Gala, Daybreak and Bob’s Bar. Price €2 each or three for €5.

LSCPA RESCUE – URGENT APPEAL: We desperately need Dog Fosterers, we are full beyond our limit and cannot take in anymore dogs, unless we get more fosterers. We supply everything and cover all veterinary costs. If you can help, contact our Dog coordinator on (086)4169559.

DURROW COMMUNITY ALERT: With the evenings getting shorter now as we approach the Autumn and Winter seasons, keep vigilant for suspicious activity in our community. Keep an eye on the Community Alert’s new Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/DurrowLaoisCommunityAlert for regular updates and information from across the district.

CASTLEWOOD FARMSHOP: Organic meat, apple juice, eggs and other produce. Farmshop and tearoom open Fridays and Saturdays 10am – 5pm; Sunday 11am – 5pm. Enquiries to Dominic (087)9694070.

APPEAL: This year, 2017 is the 100th anniversary of the O’Brien’s starting their Headstone business in Durrow. If anyone has any old pictures of the Quarry on the Derry Road, Sean would be delighted to hear from you. You can email them to seanobrien1957@eircom.net or phone Sean on (086) 2656657 if you have them in paper form. Any additional details such as the names and date of the picture would be greatly appreciated.

NEXT NEWSLETTER: The next newsletter will be on sale the weekend of January 13th and 14th – weather permitting. All adverts must be booked with Angela Drennan (087) 1928522 or Mary Walsh (086) 3055157. Advertisements cost €2 per issue of Durrow Parish Newsletter and must be paid for in advance.