DURROW BEFRIENDING GROUP: The aim of the Group is to lessen social isolation and enhance the quality of life. If you are feeling isolated, lonely and need a friend to talk to please contact Pat on (086) 8096693. This service is totally confidential and we will not in any way interfere with your lifestyle, or get in the way of you doing the things you have to do every day. Your visitor will drop in just for a friendly chat, to talk about the things happening in your area, things hitting the national headlines, or anything else you would like to chat about.
The relationship is a voluntary one on both sides. The Befriender is there to provide some form of    regular, practical assistance and support. If you feel we can be of help to you or would like to find out more about this service do not hesitate to contact us on the above phone number.

DURROW TIDY TOWNS: The committee wish to remind residents to continue to keep your own areas swept and litter free, also to help with the watering of flower beds, hanging bags etc… that are in your area over the coming weeks. The committee wish also to thank Paddy Quinn and the FÁS Team for their hard work in the community. So keep up the good work, your efforts are very much appreciated by the Tidy Towns committee, local residents and visitors alike.

DUNMORE COMMUNITY ALERT: Family Fun Day Postponed – Owing to the bad weather forecast for this Sunday (July 19th) the committee have decided to postpone the event until later in the Summer. We apologise for the short notice – but the weather is beyond our control! Keep an eye out on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/DunmoreCommunityAlert for updates on the rescheduling of the event.

DURROW WEATHER STATION: Visit www.laoisweather.com for the latest conditions and forecasts.

STRICTLY COME DANCING: Durrow Development Forum and The Harps GAA are delighted to be  bringing Strictly Come Dancing to Durrow on the 14th November. Our dancing couples are all working hard organising their fundraising events and would be very grateful for your support. A summer of great fun nights out is definitely ahead! Dancing tuition will start at the end of August so there is still plenty of time to get involved. We would be delighted to welcome another few dancing couples on board. If you are interested please call Marian on (086) 8390266 or marian@durrow.ie by email.

BALLINAKILL SWIMMING POOL: The outdoor heated pool is open for the remainder of the summer during fine weather. For more information please contact (089) 4413150 to check if the pool is open on any particular day before travelling!

CULLOHILL HANDBALL CLUB: Clothes collection point – Any old or unwanted clothes or fabric can be left in the porch of Cullohill Community Centre. All in aid of Cullohill Handball Club. Please support.

THIRD LAOIS DURROW SCOUTS: Please Support the Scouts: We would ask that all the parents of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts to please support the Durrow Scouts in their fundraising by buying the newsletter either at the Church gate or in Tommy Kenna Family Butchers on The Square. Also to purchase a Parish Lotto ticket either in The Castle Arms Hotel, The Post Office or Tom Woods shop. Thank you for your continued support.

SCHOOL BUS SERVICE: Commencing this September there will be a new bus service from Durrow to Colaiste Mhuire, Johnstown for students. All will be catered for. For more information please contact M&A Coaches on (056) 8833454.

SATURDAY MARKET: Durrow Saturday market is open every Saturday from 9am to 12.30pm in the Computer Centre beside the RC Church on the Kilkenny Rd. Potato’s and Fresh Veg are available, to book your favourites please ring Marie on (087) 7742506. Home Baking from Bernie Brennan is also now available with a selection of fresh breads, scones, tarts and cakes. You can also book cakes for parties etc… with Bernie. Do come along, great value on offer!

BALLINAKILL BINGO: Monday night in the hall on The Square at 8.30pm and there is €1,000 in prize money every week. We also run a raffle. Books are at €7.50 for a single book with sheets and €15 for a double book with double sheets. There is also a bus service running from Durrow. For more information on pick up times please contact Dick on (086) 8402139.

ST VINCENT de PAUL: Anyone looking for help can contact us on (087) 3476012.

REMINISCING GROUP: Anyone wishing to purchase a Durrow/Cullohill Reminiscing Book please call to Our Ladys Meadow during school hours, or contact Tom on (087) 2936531 / Kathleen on (086) 8263368.

COMHALTAS: Spink branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann continue hosting their summer seisiun series in Heritage House, Abbeyleix on Wednesdays, between 8pm and 10pm, until 26th August (excluding  12th August). The format of the evening includes a mixture of music, song, dance and story telling – anyone who is there who would like to perform will get the opportunity – either individually or in a group. There is no charge for the  evening, but donations are accepted to cover costs. Please encourage neighbours, friends, visitors, relations to come along. This is a very enjoyable evening, and the more people that we have at it each evening, the better it is! Highlights of the series will go up on Facebook each week, and we hope to have Irish TV present at one of the sessions.

DURROW COMMUNITY SERVICES: There are a number of General Operative vacancies on the Community Employment Programme in the Durrow area, please contact Paddy on (057) 8736870 for further information as soon as possible.

NEXT NEWSLETTER: The next Durrow Parish Newsletter will be on sale weekending August 8th/9th. NOTICE: The deadline for inclusion of notes is Thursday, August 6th at 7pm to info@durrow.ie and ALL ADVERTS MUST BE BOOKED WITH ANGELA DRENNAN (087) 1928522 OR MARY WALSH (086) 3055157.