CONGRATULATIONS to the boys and girls from Our Lady’s Meadow Primary School who received their First Communion at Holy Trinity Church, Durrow on Saturday May 25th. Great credit to the parents, teachers from Our Lady’s Meadow and Canon O’Doherty for all their work in preparing the children for this big day.

BERNARD O’SHEA TO LAUNCH SCARECROW FESTIVAL: Durrow Scarecrow Festival is all about fun and laughter, so who better to officially open our tenth anniversary event in 2019, than our very own Bernard O’Shea. A native of Durrow, Bernard’s comedic value continues to soar, and we are always delighted to proudly welcome him home! Events on the opening day, Sunday 28th July, get underway from 11am, and Bernard will officially open Durrow Scarecrow Festival 2019, in the Scarecrow Village, at 3pm! So be sure to come along! The laughs are guaranteed!!!

AN ART & CRAFTS EXHIBITION AND SALE will be held during the Scarecrow Festival, dates: Sunday 28th July until Monday 5th August. Five pieces of art not previously exhibited in Durrow may be entered, no charge. For all other information please contact Mary Dowling by email durrowcraftfairs@gmail.com or on (087) 2200199 by phone.

PRESENTATION CENTRE: The Presentation Centre beside the Catholic Church is available for hire. For further information please contact Angela on (087) 1928522.

ST VINCENT de PAUL DURROW: Contact us, in strict confidence on (087) 1917813.

LITTLE OAKS PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP: Little Oaks Parent and Toddler group continues to be held every Tuesday morning from 9.15am to 11am in the Library in Durrow. A good opportunity for mixing for little ones, new attendees always welcomed!

NEW SOCIAL GROUP: A new Crafty Chatty Social Group is now up and running! Meet in the Durrow Library every Tuesday from 2pm until 4pm.

LIVE WEATHER DATA: Visit www.laoisweather.com online for live weather information.

ART CLASSES: Adult Art Classes on Wednesday and Thursday evenings in Durrow Library. Beginners welcome. For further details, please contact Marie on (086) 3136028

KETTLEBELLS: Kettlebell Fitness and Sport Classes continue on Fridays in Core Fitness via ODIN Kettlebell Club. Times: 6pm for kids and 7pm for adults. Get fit, tone up, meet new friends and have an option to compete. All ages and fitness levels welcome. For further information go to Facebook ODIN Kettlebell Club or by email to dunnetherapy@gmail.com or by phone to (089) 4400758.

LIONS AFC: The Lions AFC are proud to once again be hosting one of the FAI Summer Soccer Schools. Boys and Girls aged between 6 and14 are eligible to attend. It will run from July 1st to 5th. Bookings are now open and you can sign up for the camp on www.summersoccerschools.ie online.

USED CLOTHES COLLECTION: Another collection date will be booked for early July. Anyone wishing to give in donations at any time can bring them to Durrow Community Centre week mornings between 9am and 12 noon. Our thanks again for your continued and ongoing support.

JOHNSTOWN HERITAGE TRIP: The group have organised their annual trip for Thursday June 13th. The coach will leave Johnstown at 8am for Cobh, from there will be a guided tour of Spike Island with time to tour the Heritage town of Cobh. The cost is €30 and more information contact (086) 3272288.

CULLOHILL ICA: There will be no meeting in June as it coincides with the trip to Arklow.

WOODENBRIDGE ERKINA RIVER FESTIVAL: The Woodenbridge Erkina River Festival takes place on Saturday 22nd of June. Starting at 1pm at the Woodenbridge with the Heritage Walk at 6pm. BBQ and Woodenbridges Got Talent at 8.30pm – Music & Song with Johnny Keegan. Other events: 10km Cycle as part of Bikeweek starting at 1pm; Raft Building; Canoe Polo; Sheep Dog Trial; Sheep Shearing; Tight Rope Walking; IFI Demo; Field Dog Trial; Laois Hunt Show; Aqua Slide; Long Puck; Long Kick!

LAOIS COUNTY COUNCIL: Durrow Development Forum have received confirmation from Laois County Council that the agreed replacement of lights on Mary Street and work on the footpaths, road and green area outside the Copper Kettle, Creche and The Castle Arms Hotel will begin on Monday next. Please expect some disruption during this time and allow for delays.

NEXT NEWSLETTER: The next newsletter will be on sale the weekend of June 22nd and 23rd 2019 – weather permitting. 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.