12th / 13th April, 1997                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Price 30p

DURROW PARISH NEWSLETTER

COMPILED BY THE DURROW SCOUTS

WIDER VIEW

Do not fix your gaze upon the things that worry you. Lift your eyes and let them rest upon the wider view. Difficulties loom so large when looked at constantly, filling up the foreground of your life until you can see nothing but these mountains growing bigger day by day. Solid they appear, but at a touch they melt away.

Do not let your mountains overwhelm you with their size. You will find they’re only shadows if you let your eyes range beyond the trials and tribulations that annoy, seeing only that which makes for hope and peace and joy. Look above the petty things that vex and trouble you. Have a brighter broader vision. Take the wider view.

DURROW PALM SUNDAY WALK FOR KOLBE

The organizing committee wish to thank all who took part in the recent walk, all who sponsored and gave donations, and all who helped on the day. the walk was a great success. We were blessed with a fine day, and not forgetting the good humour of the walkers.

with all donations and sponsorship in, a final total of £2,529.72p has been raised by this walk for the Kolbe Centre. With renewed thanks for your generous support for this worthy cause.

HARPS LADIES FOOTBALL CLUB

We are delighted to announce that the Harps Ladies Football Club was formed on Thursday 3rd April. A special thanks to everyone who attended the meeting, especially Tommy Walsh and Vera Fogarty, who helped the ladies Football to get off the ground. The following people were elected to the committee:

Chairperson – Jackie Campion. Secretary – Catherine Geoghan. Ass. Secretary – Julie Ruth. Treasurer – Liam Ryan. P.R.O. – Nancy campion.

Committee – Aileen Donohue, Kathleen Flynn, Kathleen Mooney, Marion Phelan and Mary Cleary.

All new members are very welcome.

DURROW PARISH LOTTO RESULTS

Tuesday 1st April: Jackpot of £650 won by Darren Lynch, Derry Road, Durrow. Numbers – 10 – 23 – 29.

Monday 7th April: Jackpot of £250 won by Michael O’Rourke, Boley, Abbeyleix. Numbers 6 – 7 – 28.

Next draw on Monday 14th April, at 10.30 p.m. in O’Connell’s Cullohill. Jackpot – £250.

CONGRATULATIONS to Carmel  Brennan, Cullohill and John Bowe, Rathdowney, on their recent marriage.

CONGRATULATIONS to Simon and Helen Walton (nee Whyte) on the birth of a son.

CONGRATULATIONS to Michael and Kate Loughman, Gurteen on the birth of a daughter.

CONGRATULATIONS to Declan and Stephanie Phelan, Castle Street, Durrow on the birth of a son.

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CULLOHILL I.C.A.

The Cullohill I.C.A. meeting was held at the Community Centre on Tuesday last. Sympathy of guild members was offered to Nell Sullivan on the death of her sister-in-law who died since the last meeting. Reports on Federation meeting at Ratheneska were read. Voting for national President and new Leinster committee took place. Research into local history continues – Kyleouge Cemetary, The Nunnery at Newtown and the Powel Family of Ballybooden House were read. Betty Dunne won the raffle and next meeting on Tuesday 6th May at 8.30 p.m.

 DURROW & DISTRICT ANGLING CLUB

The first round of the All Ireland Pike Qualifiers was fished on the River Erkina and River Nore on Sunday last. 136 anglers fished the competition. 46 pike were caught and returned to the river. Top five anglers were:

1. Alan Finnegan, Duleek, 2 fish – 21.06.
2. P.J Brogan, ballina, 3 fish – 19.00.
3. Ibar Condron, Tullamore, 1 fish – 17.08.
4. Michael Molloy, Tullamore, 3 fish – 17.08.
5. Albert Mcnamara, Limerick, 2 fish – 16.06.

Best local angler – David Walsh, 1 fish – 11.14.

The next club competition is on Sunday 13th April, for the William B. Lawlor Cup for Trout Fishing, starting at 10:00 a.m. Weigh-In at 6:00 p.m. sharp.

CULLOHILL SCHOOL

The Girl’s Camoige team lost to Mountmellick. Score: Mountmellick 1 – 03, Cullohill 0 – 01. Team members: Aine mahony, Emma O’Connell, Niamh Guilfoyle, Caroline Delaney, Emer Dollard, Elaine Mahony, Zara Delaney, Aisling Phelan, Aisling Dunne and Joan Dollard.

LADIES AEROBIC CLASSES starting on Monday 14th April in Cullohill Community Centre for the Summer Session. Intensive tummy and leg work, so you’ll look and feel wonderful for the summer. Combine this workout with walking and you’r on a winner. Time: 9 – 10 p.m.

MIDLAND HEALTH BOARD EXERCISE CAMPAIGN

Adi Roche will launch ‘Midland Health Board Exercise Campaign’ on Monday next, 14th April at 7:00 op.m. The Midland Health Board Exercise Campaign focusing on walking will be launched at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick.

All are welcome to take part in a 2.5 mile walk which will commence at the Hospital in Mountmellick, and will be led by Chernobyl Children’s Project leader, Adi Roche.

 GER AND ANN PARKINSON would like to thank all their neighbours and friends, and all the people of the town for their help in the search for Craig. Thank God he was found safe and well.

CONGRATULATIONS to John and Rachel McEvoy (Rapla) Cardiff, on the birth of twin daughters.

CONGRATULATIONS to John Lalor, Cork Road, Durrow, who celebrates his 21st Birthday this weekend

DURROW DEVELOPMENT FORUM are holding a CABARET in the Castle Arms Hotel on this Saturday, 12th April. Music by LARGO. Door Prize £20 on the ticket. Subscription £1.

The winners of the St. Patrick’s Week Competition will be announced on the night. Your support is needed and will be much appreciated.

FOR SALE: Marlboro Mountain Bike 29″ x 35″. Never used. Market Cross sponsored prize. Unwanted. Phone 0502 – 37145.

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HARPS G.A.A. CLUB

The Harps Development Fund Committee would like to thank everyone who supported their recent draw, which was very successful. Results as follows:

1st Prize – Holiday in Spain for 2 – Tommy White, Rapla, Rathdowney.
2nd Prize – Weekend for Two in a Ryan Hotel – Ger Brophy, Swan Road, Durrow.
3rd Prize – Ferguson 14″ Colour T.V. – Jimmy Delaney, Gathabawn.
4th Prize – Ferguson Video Recorder – Jack Daly ESSo Station, Durrow.
5th Prize – Microwave Oven – Larry Mahony, Chapel Street, Durrow.
6th Prize – Seiko Ladies & Gents Watches – Joe White, Cullohill.
7th Prize – Amstrad CD System – Pat Dacres / Martin Dunne, c/o Dunne’s Gardens, Durrow.
8th Prize – Kodak Camera – Mark Donohue, Derry Road, Durrow.
9th Prize – £100 Cash – Martin Walsh, Danesfort, Kilkenny.
10th Prize – £100 Cash – Jim Hennessy, Tentore, Ballacolla.
11th Prize – £100 Cash – John Fitzpatrick, Terenure, Dublin.
12th Prize – £100 Cash – Joe & Mary Dollard, Ballynevin, Cullohill.

Next Harps Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday 15th April at 9.00 p.m. in Durrow.

Match Results:

Last weekend the Harps had three teams playing in their league games. The Seniors drew with Castletown, on a scoreline of 1 – 10 each. The Intermediates beat Park / Ratheniska by 3 points, and the Junior B team beat Clonaslee by 1 point.

This weekend the U-21’s will play Ballinakill in the first round of the Championship. This game will be played in Colt, and they are wished the best of luck.

Harps Camoige Club

Maeve Brophy played a great game at centre field on the Laois U-16 team against Louth on Sunday last in Camross. Claire Donohue and Elaine Clancy were put on in the second half, and played well. Score: Laois 10 – 12, Louth 2 – 02.

CULLOHILL SCHOOL

Cullohill Boys narrowly defeated Mountmellick on Tuesday last. The match ended Cullohill 2 – 06 to Mountmellick 3 – 02. Scorers for Cullohill: Patrick O’Connell 1 – 06, Ross Young 1 – 00, while all members put in a great effort.

Swimming starts up on Friday the 18th April for six weeks. Classes 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th are all going, and hoping to have a good time.

 DURROW I.C.A. 

The Annual General Meeting of the Durrow I.C.A. was held on Tuesday 8th April. New Officers elected:

President – Mrs Mai Bowe. Vice President – Mary O’Brien. Secretary – Bridie O’Brien. Treasurer – Maeve Thornton.

There was a good attendance. Mrs Betty Gorman C.D.A. attended. She was very pleased with Annual Report and wished the new officers well for the coming year.

THE HEART FOUNDATION wishes to thank all who supported their collection at Cullohill Church, lasst weekend, which amounted to £127.70p.

CULLOHILL BRIDGE CLUB – President’s Prize winners: 1st – Jack Murphy and Marie Mahon. 2nd – Jim Rhatigan and Ann Kilbride. Best Gross – Peggy Duggan and Dickie Dempsey.

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CULLOHILL FAS ’97

Cullohill FAS ’97 held a cabaret in O’Connell’s on Friday 4th April. Winner of the Door Prize was Martin Kells. Raffle winners: 1st £20 Voucher for Avonmore Home & Farm Shop – Sean Kelly. 2nd -Avonmore Hamper – Peter Carey. 3rd Bottle of Whiskey, sponsored by William O’Connell – Liam Deegan.

Thanks to all who supported the Cabaret.

LIONS SOCCER CLUB

the Lions B team are just one victory away from winning Division 4 of the Kilkenny & District League, following their 6-1 victory over rivals, St. Canices Boys. With only three games left, the Lions need only three points to guarantee the championship, despite all other results. Scorers for the Lions were Brian Shortall 2, one each for Graham Kells, Finian Dempsey, Albert Townsend and Philip Monnelly.

The Lions Soccer Club wish Ger Maher a speedy recovery to full health, following a serious accident recently. Ger is currently in Waterford Regional Hospital following the accident.

CULLOHILL FOROIGE

The Foroige Club held a very enjoyable Easter Egg Treasure Hunt on Easter Sunday. The club is planning a trip to Carlow on Friday 18th April to go Bowling and will return by the Cinema in Portlaoise. There will be no Foroige meeting on Friday 25th April, as the leaders will be attending the National Conference in Clare.

DURROW & DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB

The theme of this week’s club meeting is “5 Favourite Prints”. All club members please bring along their favourite Photos or Slides. Meeting starts at 8.30 p.m. sharp.

SCOUT NEWS

All Scouts from Section 1, should bring the following for the Night Hike on Friday next, 18th April: Rain-wear – Warm Clothing, Food & Hot Drink – Torch – Boots or strong runners – Hat.

DURROW CARNIVAL COMMITTEE

The Carnival Committee are holding their Annual Sponsored Cycle & Walk on Sunday 4th May. This event is a good fundraiser for both the committee and all clubs and associations taking part, as the proceeds are split 50/50 between both. All interested clubs and individuals will be issued with cards over the coming week.

The committee have also secured the 1997 Laois Fleadh Cheoil which will be held in the town over the June Bank Holiday Weekend. As such it is important that everyone supports our Cycle / Walk as it is our only fundraising source, and it’s income will help to improve the Fleadh and also the Carnival Weekend, which will be held in late July.

The organizers of the Fleadh and Carnival are affiliated to the new Durrow Development Forum, as the Parades & Festivals Working Group.

 THE HARPS G.A.A. CLUB BUFFET DANCE & Presentation of Senior Hurling Shield Medals, will be held on Friday 18th April, in the Castle Arms Hotel. Music by SUNDOWN. Bar Extension and Dancing ’til 2.00 a.m. Subscription £6.

THE HARPS LADIES FOOTBALL CLUB & THE CAMOIGE CLUB are having a Sponsored Walk on Sunday 27th April, in aid of funds. Sponsorship Cards will be distributed early next week.

THE FRIENDS OF PORTLAOISE HOSPITAL wish to thank Hugh Sheppard and his hard working committee for the great nights entertainment in The Castle Arms Hotel recently. The sum of £4,000 was raised. Sincere thanks to all.