ANNUAL LAOIS WALKS: The 18th Annual Laois Festival of Walks runs from July 1st to July 31st. On Tuesday July 16th at 7.30pm there is a Grade C walk of 8km through the quite roads, laneways, Grantstown Lake and countryside views. Meeting place is at entrance to the lake. This is a family walk of around two hours. All are most welcome!

AN ART & CRAFTS EXHIBITION AND SALE: The Arts and Crafts Exhibition is one of the hidden gems of the festival and runs every year in conjunction with the event. Located in the Durrow Community Centre, situated opposite the Church on the the road out of town towards Kilkenny, this annual exhibition and sale is a great opportunity to view work by local crafts people and artists. The craftsmanship on display includes knitwear, pottery, and woodturning and the artwork exhibition shows off some of the best in photography, oils and acrylics. The annual Arts and Crafts Exhibition and Sale, will run from Sunday 28th July to Monday 5th August inclusive.

SCARECROW PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION 2019: This Annual Photography Competition has a Junior and Senior Category. Entry Fees: Senior €8 . Juvenile (U16) €5. Print size for both competitions – Standard size to a maximum 12” x 10”. Maximum of three photos per entry. The photography competition is run in conjunction with our Arts & Crafts Exhibition & Sale. All entrant’s photographs will be on display at the exhibition venue, which is located opposite the Roman Catholic Church, on the Kilkenny Road. In order to enter, participants need to drop off their entries, with entry fee, to Durrow Community Centre, on Monday 29th July, or Tuesday 30th July, between 3pm and 6pm each day. For further information contact Andrew Walsh (086) 3791904.

SCARECROW FESTIVAL 2019 EVENT: Historical Walking Tour of Durrow with Sean Conroy: The Walk is based on Marie Moylan’s Historical Map of Durrow and will follow the route of same. The earliest record of Durrow dates back to 546AD. and the walk will take you along to visit many distinctive buildings including the Courthouse, The Famine Memorial, the Castle, the Castle Gate Lodge and the Obelisk (in the Castle grounds). This is a perfect opportunity to learn about the history of Durrow.
This is a free Event through DDF/Durrow Scarecrow Festival but requires booking for numbers. Allow a minimum of one hour for the walk but may take more time. The Walk is on two days dates during the Scarecrow Festival, Wednesday 31st July at 2pm and Friday 2nd August at 8pm, booking is through Eventbrite and the link is on both the Scarecrow Festival Website and Facebook page but can also be found under Durrow Laois Historical Walk in Eventbrite. Participants should meet at the Scarecrow Village Entrance ten minutes before the start of the walk, wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots, this walk is part village and part countryside.

THIRD LAOIS DURROW SCOUTS: To join the Scouts, Cubs or Beavers please contact Delphine Lawlor on (086) 3655178 as soon as possible as there are only a few places left ahead of the next season. The group are also looking for leaders and helpers to assist with the expanding group, if you are interested in getting involved, please get in touch with the aforementioned number!

DURROW TIDY TOWNS: DDF/Tidy Towns remind everyone that the first round of Judging in the Tidy Towns Competition started on 8th June, Tidy towns would appreciate everyone keeping the village clean and tidy and tidy. We appreciate everybody’s help in this venture.

LOCAL WEATHER: Visit www.laoisweather.com for live, up-to-the-minute weather data from Durrow.

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.

ODIN: 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.

LAOIS KAYAK AND CANOE CLUB: Adult and Child Kayaking Courses will be advertised on our Facebook Page during the coming months. There are several courses and bookings are through Eventbrite. Club Entry Scarecrow Making will take place during family Kayaking Sessions in the Club House on Friday Nights until the club entry is made for this years Scarecrow Festival, any parents or children who are not kayaking are welcome to assist. Club Events and course information is available online at www.laoiskayak.com or visit facebook.com/laoiskayak or alternatively contact: Brian Ogilvie by sending an email to info@laoiskayak.com or mobile (086) 1739029.

TRIDENT KETTLEBELL BEGINNER CLASS: New round of classes starting soon! Learn to use kettlebells safely and effectively from one of Ireland’s top ranked and most experienced professional kettlebell sports and fitness instructors. Also included in the classes are bodyweight exercises as well as posture correction and strengthening techniques. Together with proper kettlebell instruction you can learn to prevent and remedy a wide range of joint and mobility issues and injuries. Places are limited so booking is essential. Contact David Sheehan MS, MSIC on (087) 3833258 or Email to: tridentfitnessclub@yahoo.ie

NEXT NEWSLETTER: The next newsletter will be on sale the weekend of August 3th and 4th 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.