CONGRATULATIONS to Paul and Ann Shortall on the recent birth of their daughter Emma.
Congratulations to Susan Monahan and Liam Carroll on the recent birth of their son Kieran.

KILKENNY CARER’S SUPPORT GROUP: Everybody is welcome to attend on Tuesday 5th of July from 3pm to 4.30pm at the Village Day Centre (behind the Village Inn Pub), Kilkenny for Information and support for past/present carers of people with Alzheimer’s/Dementia or for more information please call the support group on (056) 777 1230.

AGE FRIENDLY COUNTY STRATEGY 2016-2021: The Laois Age Friendly County Strategy 2016 – 2021 was launched jointly by Cathaoirleach Catherine Fitzgerald and former Minister and award winning author, Ms’ Mary O’Rourke on Tuesday 14th June, 2016 in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel and was attended by 200 people from across County Laois.  The Chief Executive of Laois County Council and Chairperson of the Age Friendly Alliance Group Mr John Mulholland and CEO of Age Friendly Ireland, Mr Hugh O’Connor spoke about the journey so far and where we go from here.  Orla O’Byrne, Chairperson of the Laois Older Persons Forum spoke about membership of the Older Persons Forum and what they do.  The Launch was followed by a Tea Dance and music was provided by Mr Paddy Bracken from Clara.  Applications for the Older Persons Forum and copies of the Strategy are available to anyone interested by contacting Geraldine Delaney at dce@laoiscoco.ie or 057 86 64227.

ARTHRITIS IRELAND – LAOIS BRANCH: We have decided to participate in the Laois Walks Festival thats running for the month of July. The walk we have chosen takes place Sunday 10th July at Garryhinch Forest – meeting point: Garryhinch Forest Car park at 10.30am for registration with Walk Leaders/Organisers at a cost of 2 Euro. Walk starts at 11am & duration is 2 hours. It’s a Foraging Walk with Mary Bulfin who is a wild food forager. It’s a chance to combine some exercise, fresh air and learn about wild plants that can be enjoyably eaten or used for home remedies. Its family friendly. Further information about this walk can be found at www.laoispartnership.ie or Phone: Laois Partnership 057-8661900. Members from Arthritis Ireland – Laois Branch will be visible on the day in our Orange Arthritis Ireland t-shirts and look forward to meeting you on the day. We will have information available about our group planned and upcoming activities that may be of interest to you. You can contact us at 089 2525344 or arthritislaois@gmail.com or join us on Facebook: “Arthritis Ireland – Laois Branch”.

THIRD LAOIS DURROW SCOUTS: We are always on the lookout for new scouters. Maybe you were a leader previously and after your kids grew out of scouts, you left, by choice or not, maybe you would like to join us again and share your skills with new kids and new leaders alike. Or maybe you know someone that would enjoy being outdoors and join the big scout family. And even if you never did scouting but enjoy walking and challenging yourself, you should give us a shout and come and meet one of our sections. For more information about our group, please contact Delphine Lawlor on (086) 3655178.

CLOTHES COLLECTION POINT: Any old or unwanted clothes or fabric can be left in the porch of the Cullohill Community Centre. All collections are in aid of Cullohill Handball Club.

LIONS AFC: FAI Summer Camp: Booking for the annual FAI Soccer Summer Camp is currently open. It’s runs from the 4th to the 8th of July at our club grounds. The cost is €65. Book online at summersoccerschools.ie quickly as places are filling up – so book now to avoid disappointment!

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

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 available with a selection of fresh breads, scones, tarts and cakes. You can also book cakes for parties etc…

LIVE WEATHER DATA: Visit www.laoisweather.com for up-to-the-minute information.

NEXT NEWSLETTER: The next newsletter will be on sale weekending July 16th and 17th. 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.