DURROW COMMUNITY SERVICES – FÁS: Durrow Community Services in association with the Harps GAA Club ran the Annual Parish Dance in the Castle Arms Hotel on Saturday 13th April last. A very enjoyable night was had by all in attendance. Presentations were made to the Harps Senior B Hurling team by Fr Tobin. Presentations were made to the Minor B Hurlers and Junior C Footballers by Seán Conroy. Club Personality Awards which were sponsored by The Bank of Ireland were presented by Helen Corcoran of the Durrow branch to the following;

  • Tom Flynn – Durrow Community Council
  • Enda Murphy – Lions Soccer Club
  • Seamus Campion – Harps GAA Club
  • Oliver Clooney – Durrow Community Centre
  • Anne Mahony – Harps Camogie Club
  • Mary Clear – Durrow Scouts
  • Pat Farrell – Durrow Camera Club
  • Oliver Lawlor – Durrow and District Angling Club

John Dorgan, chairperson of Durrow Community Services in his address praised the work of FÁS in Durrow, Cullahill and Attanagh. He thanked the FÁS sponsoring committee and in particular Vice-chairperson Seosamh Murphy, Secretary Anne Vaugh and Treasurer Mary Walsh for their dedicated work with the committee.

THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY: Take some lovely thought out of a poem or a prayer. Turn it over in your mind and let it linger there. Don’t sit watching at the window for the clouds to part – there’ll soon be a rainbow if you start one in your heart. Work your own small miracle and make the dull day glow. Put some sunshine into life and let the glory show. Sun and rain, they come together all along the way. Life with all its tears and joys is like an April day… Cloud and shadow, changing with the changes of the hours. O for faith with which to go a-singing through the showers knowing that the glory’s there behind the gloomy pall – knowing that the love of God is in and over all.

HARPS JUVENILE GAA:U12 – The U-12 Harps team have started their league campaign. They have played against Portlaoise A and Errill-Rathdowney. They were evenly matched with Portlaoise A but were unfortunate to lose by a small margin. Errill-Rathdowney started very strong and gained a few soft goals in the first half. However the Harps played better in the second half and prevented Errill/Rathdowney from scoring. Alas victory was not meant to be as the goals scored at the beginning were to hold strong for them to the end.
U14 – The U-14 played against Ballyroan in football and against Mountrath in Hurling. They won both these matches and gives them a good start to their league campaign.
U16 – The U-16 team played against Kilcotton last Friday night. Kilcotten seemed to take the lead early but the Harps fought back very well and were unlucky to lose. Brian Dunne, Conor Dunne, Sean Cahill and Michael Larkin played well. The Harps lost by only two points at the final whistle.
U10 – Training for this group of hurlers takes place every Thursday evening at 6.30pm in Durrow and Cullahill. Check in the school as to the venue each week. Pat Barnaville is the trainer and many thanks to him for all his help. Also there is a group of younger children (ages 6-9) being coached each Thursday at 6.30pm. by Michael Coffey who has offered to help out with these younger children as a follow on to the indoor hurling which they all enjoyed immensely. Thank you Michael!
NB: Re Juveniles: Birth Certs and passport photo must be handed in to Liam Clancy as soon as possible in order to register players for U-12

DURROW DEVELOPMENT FORUM: AGM Report – The Durrow Development Forum general meeting was held on Thursday 18th April in the Presentation Centre. The Chairperson Hugh Sheppard outlined the achievements of the group to date and the plans on hand and for the future. He also outlined the projects which were not successful but which a lot of time and energy had gone into. He paid tribute to the management committee who he said had attended hundreds of meetings over the past five years. The working groups were highly praised for their contribution and thanks was extended to the four candidates who took part in the Lord Mayor campaign, namely Jack Murphy, Susan Lawlor, Bobby Campion and Jack Daly. This fundraiser was a tremduous success raising over IR£30,000 for the development of Durrow. The chairperson also praised the work of outgoing secretary Anne Vaugh and outgoing treasurer Vincent O’Brien and thanked them for their hard work, commitment and dedication to the forum over the past five years.
The election of officers;

  • Chairperson: Hugh Sheppard – Vice chairperson: Oliver Clooney
  • Secretary: Walter Foyle – Assistant secretary: Ann Lannigan
  • Treasurer: Mary Walsh – Assistant treasurer: Sean O’Brien
  • P.R.O: Anne Vaugh

Committee members elected: Mary Donaghue, Sean Keown, Daniel Dunne, Paul O’Brien and Aurther Lappin.
A vote of sympathy was passed to the O’Brien family on the sudden death of Ned O’Brien who was a valued member of the forum.
List of achievements to date: Fifteen mile Loop Walk; Business Brochure; Survey on Households; Arts & Crafts Exhibition with twenty-six exhibitors; Christmas Lighting; Laois Fleadh Ceoil ‘97 & ‘98; IR£1000 grant towards a computer; Lord Mayor campaign raised in excess of IR£30,000; Production of an Environmental Plan; Set up a Limited Company; Twelve point plan; Night Classes; Millennium Project; Historical Walk; White Lady Drama Group; Tae Lane Project; Old Fire Engine returned; Shop Windows Display competitions; Building of houses both private and social;
Dunmore Wood Litter Campaign; Durrow Against Litter Campaign; Feasibility study on a Music & Drama College for Durrow; Area Development Plan B R A D S; N R A signs removed; Donations to Tidy Towns for flowers; ‘Durrow Laois’ on the Internet; Fancy Dress Ball; Computer training course under Leader; Set up ECO Village – Recycling-training scheme;
The Pound Amenity Area; Street Signs; Millennium Celebrations.
Plans on hand and for the future: The proper alignment of parking spaces and retention of Green Area in the Square; Complete Millennium Bridge; “The Pound” Amenity Area; Form a Canoe Club; Set up a Pitch & Putt Course; Start a Museum – Dr. Bannon’s artifacts could then be returned from Laois Co. Council; Stone face the fire station – subject to permission of Laois Co. Council; Flood lighting of Church of Ireland – subject to their permission. This would serve to brighten the Square as well as highlighting the building; Keep pressure on Laois Co. Co. so that our Water and Sewerage systems are properly upgraded; The refurbishment of all our under maintained streets and paths; The creation of a serviced Industrial site at the Co. Council’s landbank Abbeyleix road; The creation of a Community Arts Centre at the Old Courthouse (if we can acquire it) to include a Library, Community Arts performing/Exhibition area and interpretative centre; The undergrounding of E.S.B. & Telephone cables & the provision of adequate lighting and appropriate lanterns on the Square; Marketing of Leafy Loop Walk; Setting up of a Walking Club; Organizing of a school re-union as a fundraiser – this could be held in Castle Durrow; Bilingual Street signs to replace the old ones; Traffic calming measures for the town; Extend Christmas lighting; Additional street lighting; Permanent Co. Council worker for Durrow.
Unsuccessful projects: We took part in A.I.B. Better Ireland Awards with the following projects: Millennium Bridge; Courthouse; Leafy Loop Walks; The setting up of a Craft Shop &Work shop in the town; Submission to Laois Co Council of Town Renewal Scheme; Submission to Leader for Conservation Skills study centre; Many meetings took place in relation to – Bianconi Inn and the area at the back of Bianconi which would make a lovely amenity area; School House on the Cork Road; Boys School Premises which was very much part of our plans for the future development of Durrow; The Old Courthouse Building was very much part of our plans – The Department of Defence have it leased once again from Laois Co. Council; Application for funding to Heritage Council to convert the Old Boys School premises into a Museum; Application for grant to the Department of Environment.

DURROW PARISH LOTTO RESULTS: Monday April 15th: No Jackpot Winner. The Numbers drawn were: 6, 13 and 32. The small draw winners were: €30 each won by Ray Campion, Erkindale Drive and Mrs. Kenny, Tubberboe; €15 won by Imelda Foyle, The Ballagh.
Monday April 22nd: No Jackpot Winner. The Numbers drawn were: 6, 12 and 33. €30 each won by Anita Curran, c/o The Nore Nets and Joyce Donaghue, Cork Road; €15 won by Walter Dollard, Bishopswood. The next draw will be held in The Nore Nets on Monday 29th April with a jackpot of €2,850.

NOTICE: Laois Citizens Information Service will be in attendance in the Presentation Centre, Durrow on the 2nd Thursday of every month (next date is May 9th).from 2pm to 4pm. You can also contact (0502) 21425 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5pm.

JACK’S GOLF CLUB: The society had a very successful and enjoyable golf outing in Abbeyleix Golf Club on Sat 13th April. The winner was Seamus Grace, 2nd was Declan Phelan and 3rd was Seán Kavanagh. The front nine prize went to John Delahunty & the back nine prize went to Pat Ruane. Next outing is on June 1st in Athy Golf Club. See you there!

DURROW TIDY TOWNS: Competition: Dunnes Nurseries are sponsoring a competition for the town in relation to Window Boxes, Hanging Baskets and Containers. Rules are as follows; All contestants must live within the 30mph speed limits of the town; Window Boxes, Hanging Baskets and Containers etc… are only to be judged; Judging to be based upon originality, colour scheme, co-ordination and style. There will be three judges – one from Dunnes Nurseries, one from the Tidy Towns committee and one from Durrow Community Services (FÁS). The judging will take place between July 12th and July 26th. Prize winners to be announced the following week and presented on Carnival Weekend. €350 in total prize money; Winner: €200, Second Place: €100 and Third Place: €50
Work Night: As our last work night had to be cancelled due to bad weather, we ask everyone to come out on Wednesday evening next 1st May and help by picking up litter, weeds etc… in your own area. If this date does not suit you, do come out on any other evening of the week. Your help and co-operation is needed to help keep Durrow tidy.

THANK YOU: Mrs. Lalor and Family, Chapel St. wish to thank everyone who sympatised with them on the death of Mrs Lalors brother, Brother Alfred, by visiting, phone calls, Mass Cards and letters. Mass will be offered for their intentions.

PHELAN’S OFF-LICENCE SPECIAL OFFERS: Jacobs Creek Wine: buy two and save €1.50; E&J Gallo Wine: buy two and save €1.50 and entry into a free draw; Olde English Cider: €1.80 each plus 29% free; Blackthorn Cider: €1.80 each plus 29% free; Buy six cans of Miller – get one free!

BANK OF IRELAND: New Open Hours – New open hours are as follows: Monday: 10am – 12.30pm and 1.30 to 4pm
Tuesday: 10am – 12.30pm and 1.30 to 3pm; Wednesday: 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30 to 3pm; Thursday: 10am – 12.30pm and 1.30 to 3pm; Friday: 10am – 12.30pm and 1.30 to 3pm. Applies to Durrow Branch ONLY

INFORMATION EVENING ON ASTHMA: The Midland Health Board would like to inform and invite you to an information evening on Asthma where specialist consultant and nursing personnel will speak on the subject. The National Asthma Society of Ireland will be in attendance. All children and families are welcome, toys and a supervised playing area will be provided. Refreshments will also be provided. The evening will be held in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise on Thursday 2nd May from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Medical advice available on the evening. For further information please contact Pauline Igoe-Poole on (0506) 46732 or Marie Minnock on (0506) 21501.

CULLOHILL ICA: Cullahill ICA would like to thank most sincerely everyone who attended the recent “Colour Me Beautiful” presentation. The night was a great success and enjoyed by all. Congratulations to all our raffle winners and to those who sponsored prizes.

CARERS ASSOCIATION: Carers association will be in attendance in Presentation Centre on Monday 13th May from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Congratulations to Garreth Kelly, Erkindale Drive and Sheila Garrett, Belmullet Co. Mayo on their recent engagement.

Congratulations to Stephen and Teresa Brophy, Aughmacart on the birth of their daughter; Aoife.

Congratulations to John and Josephine Fitzpatrick, Gurteen on the birth of twins – a boy and a girl.

DURROW ON THE INTERNET: We are delighted to have celebrated our six months online landmark on April 8th. Just under 4000 visitors have logged on to the site in that space of time. We also featured on Gareth O’Callaghans 2FM show on the day too. Amazingly, 156 people viewed the site within two minutes of the feature on the Radio.
We hope to build a big section on the up-and-coming Carnival Festival by the end of June and get 2FM to advertise the site again in July, we hope that this would encourage a lot of visitors to Durrow for the weekend. We appeal to the Organisers, Clubs, Pubs and B&Bs to have all their details ready for the end of June so we can sell the festival across the internet.
New space for local clubs and organisers has been made available on the site. Any club or Organisation can put their club profile on the site for free. Allowed is one page of text and three photos. The pages can be updated for free if you send us the information via email or on a disk, otherwise a small fee will be incurred for updating manually. Contact us on (087) 4103520 or (0502) 36595 for further details.
We would also like to appeal to some locals signing the guestbook to show courtesy, several complaint emails have been received (especially from emigrants) about abusive messages left on the guestbook. Remember that the whole world can view these messages and people generate an opinion of all the people of Durrow when they see these messages. Your IP address can also be tracked which may result in civil action against you.
Our new advertising program on the site rotates advertisements regardless of visitor movement and covers every page on the site. Businesses wishing to advertise on the site will find this feature very good as they are not limited to one page. If you wish to advertise, contact us on (087) 4103520 or (0502) 36595 for further details.
We would like to get help from locals in building a tourist magazine for the site too. All suggestions and comments are welcome. We would like to have this completed by the end of June. We are looking to upgrade the existing Discover Durrow Section. Your help would be much appreciated.
Thanks to everyone who supported the site over the last six months – we look forward to your continued support – Daniel Dunne, Erkindale Drive & Niall Dunne, Knockanoran – DurrowLaois Online Team.

DURROW SCOUTS NEWS: On Saturday morning last a group of nine scouts and three leaders travelled to Tomduff hill located in the Blackstairs Mountains to take part in the FIA challenge. There were seven bases on the hike which covered various scouting skills and team games. This is the first time that these young scouts have taken part in such a challenge and though they came home on Sunday afternoon tired and aching, they all seemed to have enjoyed the experience and look forward to their next outing.
This year’s nominee for the Bank of Ireland Personality the Year Awards was Mary Clear. Mary has been a valued member of our Beaver section for the past five years. She can always be relied on and is totally dedicated to her role as Beaver Leader.