CONGRATULATIONS to Emmett Dunne, Dunmore and Bonnie Clancy, Fermoyle on the birth of their son, Iarlaith recently.
Congratulations to Ross Young, Archerstown, Durrow and Helen Spencer, Cullohill on their engagement.

ARTHRITIS IRELAND LAOIS BRANCH TABLE QUIZ: We are a relatively new group in the county set up to support those with all forms of Arthritis & Fibromyalgia, their families & carers. All our members have Arthritis themselves and understand how debilitating it can be. Walking/Strolling group each Wednesday at Portlaoise Leisure Centre at 7pm to 8pm. We are also hosting a Table Quiz in “De Bruin’s Pub”, Main St., Portlaoise at 8pm on Thursday 17th of September. €40 for a table of four. Lots of prizes to be won on the night. Finger food will be served and a Trad. Session will take place immediately afterwards at 10pm also. We look forward to your support & would encourage anyone who can, to come and meet us on the night. It is a social event and we would love to see you there. Our contact mobile number is: (089) 2525344 or inquiries to arthritislaois@gmail.com by email also welcomed.

CIVIL DEFENCE – RECRUITMENT: Would you like to volunteer in your local community? The Durrow unit of Laois Civil Defence are currently recruiting new members to join our ever growing team of skilled volunteers. Our volunteers train each week and receive qualifications which are recognised nationally in areas such as: Casualty/First Aid, Search & Rescue, Swiftwater & Flood Response, Communications & Basic Fire Fighting Skills. Civil Defence plays an important role in the local community dealing with severe weather, flooding, missing person searches and first aid for major events. For more information please visit the Laois Civil Defence website at www.laoiscivildefence.ie online.

SCAVENGER HUNT: Durrow/Abbeyleix Macra will be holding a Scavenger Hunt in Durrow on Saturday, 26th of September. The hunt will consist of teams of four following a number of clues which will guide them through the places to see and different bars in Durrow. The night will kick off from Dec’s Bar at 8.30pm. Entry is €5 per person with free draw entry. Check us out on Facebook for more details.

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.

CRECHE: Happy Days Creche, Durrow, is established for the past 15 years. All our staff have a minimum of Level 6 qualifications. We qualify for all the Government Schemes so if you are interested in returning to the work force and need childcare, please contact us anytime on (087) 9194428. There are two places available on the ECCE Scheme.

WEATHER: Latest weather data and forecasts from LaoisWeather – www.laoisweather.com online.

DURROW TEXT ALERT: The committee of Durrow Text Alert group are continuing to seek subscribers to the service prior to it’s launch in the near future. Most households have completed forms and paid the annual membership fee already, however a few households may have been missed when the door-to-door call was made earlier in the summer. If you wish to be included in the Text Alert system, please contact Noeleen Dunphy (087) 9636460 or Mick Dunphy on (087) 7573099 as soon as possible.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR: A Christmas Craft Fair will take place in the Castle Arms Hotel, Durrow on Saturday, 7th November from 11am to 6pm and will feature Crafts people from all over counties Laois and Kilkenny who will present their unique Christmas gifts at affordable prices. If you wish to have a table at this year’s event – please contact Mary on (087) 2200199.

DURROW REMINISCING GROUP: A big ‘Thank You’ to everyone who bought the reminiscing photograph book “Durrow & Cullohill Gatherings” The book is now on sale in Our Lady’s Meadow School and all funds raised will go to the School Building Fund. Phone: 057 8736329 during school hours.

OPENING: Garden Centre opening at Manorstone, Ballacolla on Friday 18th of September at 3.30pm. Join us for tea, coffee and face painting for the kids all weekend. Visit manorstonegardencentre.ie online.

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.

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.

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.

NEXT NEWSLETTER: The next Durrow Parish Newsletter will be on sale weekending September 26th/27th. NOTICE: The deadline for inclusion of notes is Thursday, September 24th at 7pm to info@durrow.ie and ALL ADVERTS MUST BE BOOKED WITH ANGELA DRENNAN (087) 1928522 OR MARY WALSH (086) 3055157.