5th / 6th August 1995.          Price 30p

 

DURROW PARISH NEWSLETTER

COMPILED BY THE DURROW SCOUTS

Climbing

“We climb the mountain of the Lord with the Spirit of one who knows how to contemplate the works of God….
We try to recognise him in his stupendous view of peaks and valleys. You need to climb up so that in the bounding space you can come to know the wonderful works of God. You need to climb up to respond to the repeated invitations to make this life a continual ascent towards the peaks of human and Christian virtue.”

So said Pope John Paul II once after a steep mountain climb. Today he is an ailing man incapable of climbing again. Perhaps you can spare a prayer for him today, an Ave, or a decade of your Rosary for he has served the Church well.

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LIONS SOCCER CLUB

DUCK RACE

The Lions Supporters Club are holding a MONSTER DUCK RACE on Saturday, 19th August at 7.30 p.m. The competition will be run on heats with winners qualifying for semi-final and finals. The heats winners will receive £10 and final winner will receive £50, 2nd £30, 3rd £20. There will be a draw for all entrants of £20.

Ducks cost £5 each and first race begins at 7.30 p.m. sharp on Sat. 19th following Mass, at Old Bridge. Ducks are on sale from all club members and players.

SOCCER 

The Lions have entered two teams in Kilkenny & District League. The A team will be in the First Division and will be managed by Francis Campion.
The B team will be managed by Philip Monnelly. In Schoolboys the U-16 team will be managed by Ger Woods.

The Youths team will hold a meeting on Wednesday night 9th August in small C.Y.M.S. Hall at (.30 p.m. All players interested in Youths team are asked to attend and if there is sufficient interest the team will be entered in the Youth League.

There will be a committee meeting in the C.Y.M.S. Hall on Tuesday night 8th August at 9.30 p.m. All committee members are asked to attend.

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HARPS G.A.A. JUVENILE CLUB

History was made in O’Moore Park on Tuesday 25th July when the Harps U-12 footballers defeated a gallant Portlaoise side to win the A Footbal Final. In doing so, this young team completed a magnificent double, having already taken the A Hurling Championship in their stride. This was a championship double fashioned by an excellent bunch of dedicated young players, a tremendously hardworking coaching team of Michael Lanigan, Michael Bolger and Seamus Campion and an excellent juvenile committee who leave no stone unturned in the preparation of juvenile teams.

After the game the team were treated to an excellent meal courtesy of the Castle Arms Hotel, and celebrations continued into the night.

The Harps Juvenile Club would like to take this opportunity to give a very sincere thanks to all who gave generously in sponsoring this unique U-12 A Hurling & Football Double. The Castle Arms Hotel & Staff, Colin Murphy of Bank of Ireland, Copper Kettle Restaurant, Ger & Patricia Alley & Jack Daly, Esso Station.

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CONGRATULATIONS to John Clooney, Swan Cross, who celebrated his 21st Birthday recently.

CONGRATULATIONS to Niamh Lennon and John Smyth on their recent marriage.

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PAGE 2

DURROW & DISTRICT ANGLERS

The Trout Fishing Competition held on Sunday 30th July was for the Paddy Holohan Cup. 20 anglers fished the competition but only one trout was caught on the day. The winner was Joe Fogarty with a fish weighing 2.75 lbs.

The club held a Fly Fishing competition on Friday night, 4th August, from 7.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. Results in next issue.

The next round of the All Ireland Pike Qualifiers is on the river Shannon at Limerick on Sunday 13th August, starting at 12 noon and fishing until 5.00 p.m.

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DURROW PARISH LOTTO RESULTS

Monday 24th July: Jackpot of £250 was won by Stephen Deegan, Derry Road, Durrow.

Monday 31st July: No Jackpot winner. £50 to Fiona Joyce, The Square, Durrow.

Next draw on Monday 7th August in Gerri’s Bar. Jackpot £450.

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RORY O’MOORE PIPE BAND

The Draw for the Rory O’Moore Pipe Band will take place on Sunday 20th August at 10.00 p.m. at the BRIDGE BAR. Please support the draw. Tickets are £1 each and can be got from any committee member.

PRIZES: 1st – £100, 2nd – £50, 3rd – £10 and 4 prizes of £10 each.

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ABBEYLEIX HOSPITAL FETE

The Abbeyleix Hospital Fete was held on Sunday 23rd July. It was a massive undertaking organising the Fete and made huge demands on the Matron and Staff. But it was all worth while as a huge crowd turned out to support their efforts.

At the end of the day the Matron was happy to announce that the Fete raised close to £3,000 and Miss Doherty disclosed that this generous figure has brought the fund to within a couple of thousand pounds of the £18,000 that is needed to erect the Conservatory which will be a most valuable amenity at the Hospital. work has already commenced on the construction of the Conservatory by Classic Home Interiors.

The Matron & Staff wish to thank everyone who donated and all who came out and supported them on the day.

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DURROW MACRA NA FEIRME are  holding their Annual Church Gate Collection for “We Care Ireland” World Appeal on this weekend, Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th. As this collection is always well supported we ask you for your continued support for this worthy cause.

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RETIREMENT Best Wishes for a long and happy retirement goes to Mr Patrick (Palk) O’Hara, Tubberboe, who retired recently from Laois Co. Council.

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NEWSLETTER SELLERS

This Sunday morning – Mary Lawlor, Mark Donohue, Jonathan Walsh and Eoin Lawlor.

Weekend 26th/27th August: Saturday evening – Pat Young, Mark Young, Natasha Kenna and Jason Walsh.
Sunday morning – Andrew Walsh, Karen Stapleton, Pat Walsh and Niall Donohue.

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PAGE 3

SCOUT NEWS

Summer Camp ’95 took place in Cappanalea Outdoor Education Centre, Co. Kerry, from Monday 17th to Friday 21st of July last. 26 Scouts and $ Leaders eventually arrived at the centre despite a couple of hitches along the way.

Firstly the bus which was to shuttle us to Thurles Station for the 10.50 a.m. train to Killarney arrived in Durrow half an hour late, and after a rather hurried boarding we felt we would just about make the departure time. But fate was having other ideas. While passing through Urlingford our bus cut out in the middle of the road and refused to re-start.

Fortunately J.J. Kavanagh’s Travel has an office nearby and two leaders made a desperate dash and pleaded for a bus. Within ten minutes of the initial breakdown we were piling onto the granted bus, but not before ringing Thurles to again plead, this time that they would hold the train for us. They said they would give us 5 minutes. As it was now 10.50 we were sure we’d miss out.

After coaxing and somewhat taunting the driver about his apparent inability to drive fast, we arrived at the station at 11.05 and to our delight saw the delayed train sitting patiently on the tracks. It was another hurried if not panicked boarding, but as the train pulled out of Thurles we could finally relax.

It is at this point that we must thank the office staff at J.J. Kavanaghs, the bus driver, who in hindsight drove as fast as the bus would allow, and Iarnrod Eireann staff for delaying the train almost quarter of an hour, for our benifit.

When we arrived at the Centre the weather had taken a turn for the worst. A strong wind was blowing and rain fell steadily. This was probably due to the altitude as we were situated high in the soaring peaks of the Macgillicuddy Reeks, miles from the nearest town or shop. However when the clouds occasionally lifted we were treated to some breathtaking views of Carragh Lake, the massive mountains and the surrounding countryside.

After settling in and eating lunch, which was prepared for us, as were all our meals that week, the Scouts reluctantly but bravely faced out into what was gradually becoming a storm, to go canoeing and raft building. Despite the rain, and because everyone was going to get wet eitherwaysthe activities were enjoyed immensely. Later after consuming that evenings dinner the Scouts, who had been divided into two groups for activities, switched around and partook in canoeing and raft building again. It must be said that not everyone’s rafts remained afloat for the duration of the exercise.

That night after watching a video it was off to bed, but unfortunately, yet not unexpectedly, little sleep was to be had due to high spirits. A night hike would have been arranged were it not for the howling gales and heavy rains that lashed down all night.

On Tuesday morning the storm had abated but it was still quite wet and windy, and this was to prove our forecast for most of the week. Over the remaining days the activities consisted of rock-climbing, absailing, hill walking, orienteering, bouldering, camp craft, initiative exercises and evenings swimming and camping. All were enjoyed with personal experiences of both ease and difficulties.

That Tuesday night 3 of the boys still possessed the ability and the will to keep everyone else awake. Due to the improved weather we were able to arrange a night hike for the 3, and on our return, they were more than anxious to get some sleep. Wednesday night saw a group of the girls suffer the same hike, but this time with the added discomfort of heavy rain.

Our last activity of the week was a trip to Glenbeigh to camp out near the beach. Despite the initial moans and groans about @going to a centre to actually get away from tents’. this activity proved to be perhaps the most enjoyable of the week. As we descended the mountain on our journey the weather improved dramatically and by the time we arrived at the beach we were basking in sunshine.

Tents were quickly pitched and two of the instructors prepared a Barbecue for supper, after which everyone did as they pleased. Some going for a swim on what was a beautiful beach, others playing soccer and more opting to play on the huge sand dunes that surrounded us.

On Friday morning everyone had a lie in, and after breakfast we packed up and headed for the Centre, where we again packed our gear, and this time headed for home, after a very enjoyable and trouble free week. Our journey home was more straightforward than our jinxed trek down. The only problem was the crowds on the train due to the REM concert at Slane.

We arrived in Durrow at 9.30 p.m. that night and everyone wearily headed for home, and so ended Summer Camp ’95.

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PAGE 4

POETRY COMPETITION

Prizes were presented to the winners in our poetry competition on Sunday last, 30th July, in the Presentation Centre. Those who received prizes were:
Under 10 – Claire Phelan for her poem The Big Armchair By The Fireside.
Joint Under 14 – Rita McCann for her poem Ozone Layer and Muireann Phelan for Mrs. Brophy’s Garden.
Under 18 – Kathleen Bowe for her poem Remember.
Adult – Mrs. E. Morrissey for her poem Peace.

The Under 18 winning poem:

Remember
by Kathleen Bowe

Remember Australia
The people we left forever
Remember the beach, the gleaming sand
The beautiful nature of depressed and confused

People – worthless lives
Remember you, empty, sad
You escaped, free as a flower……
Free from anger and hopeless love
Nothing funny, gone forever.
Remember the sounds…. monotonous, empty day…
Look back with sadness, but always remember me –
Your love.

The Adult winning poem:

Peace
by Mrs. E. Morrissey

For fifty years I have searched in vain,
I searched in sunshine and in rain,
In city, town and every dell,
I even searched the drinking well.

On hill, in hollow, field and glen,
I even searched the fairy den.
I searched the ocean and the sky,
Shall I not find it ’til I die.

I heard it’s name, it must be there,
But where to find it, where oh where,
From daily toil I seek release,
And try to find elusive peace.

The dove, it’s symbol, can be seen,
On roof and chimney, snowy clean.
Must I forever be it’s slave,
And only find it, in the grave.

We would like to thank, and are deeply indebted to Mrs. B. Alley for judging the competition and presenting the trophies to the respective winners.

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ALL SCOUTS PLEASE NOTE

On Friday 18th August this year’s night hike will take place. Scouts are requested to assemble outside the Boy’s School at 9.30 p.m. and shall return at approx. 4.30 a.m. Weather permitting this hike will take place on the said date and will be part of the coming terms Scout of the Year Award.

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THE NATIONAL PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIP

The National Ploughing Championships returns to Laois this year for the first time since 1944. It will take place from September 26th to 28th incl. on the farm of Mr. David Lalor, Ballygogue, Ballacolla. The event will attract 300 competitors and upwards of 100,000 visitors over the three days. It is already guaranteed that the commercial sector will include over 500 trade stands and a huge livestock exhibition. Hotels, Guest Houses, B & B’s and all available accommodation in the surrounding areas will be booked out over the three days.

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BEST WISHES go to four boys from Holy Family Boys’ School who are presently in the Gaeltacht for three weeks. They are Shane Phelan, Tony Woods, James Freeman and Brian Purcell.

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PLEASE NOTE The next issue of the Newsletter will be on the weekend 26th/27th August.

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