Congratulations: Congratulations to Michelle O’Keefe (nee. Dunne), formerly of Knockanoran, Durrow and Kevin O’Keefe, Perth, Australia (formerly of Dublin) on the birth of their son Maximus last week.

CULLOHILL ICA: The Next meeting will be held on Tuesday May 5th.

SQUARE PLAN: Durrow Development Forum are delighted with the progress of works to date. The Phase 1 Plan is available for public viewing in Durrow Post Office currently.

LITTLE OAKS: Little Oaks Parent and Toddler Playgroup meet at 10am in the Presentation Centre every Tuesday morning. All are most welcome. All enquiries to Teresa on (086) 3914725.

OVER THE RAINBOW MONTESSORI BALLYOUSKILL: Summer Camp 2015: Running from the 13th – 17th of July in Ballyouskill for 2 1/2 to 10 year olds. Activities such as water games, orientation, swimming, teddy bear picnics, barbeque, indoor soccer, arts/crafts, musical games, disco, hip-hop dancing, face painting, camp games and many more! Run by Laura Saunders and Tina Hayde. Contact Laura (085) 1652589 for bookings or for more information.

FUN RUN: On Sunday May 3rd there will be a 5km fun run/walk in aid of refurbishment of the school canteen in Colaiste Mhuire, Johnstown. The race starts at 11am sharp in the school grounds and registration starts at 10.30am. All welcome to join in the fun!

LADIES MINI-MARATHON: Any Ladies wishing to travel to the Ladies VHI Mini-Marathon on the June Bank Holiday Monday are asked to give their name to Marie Clooney as soon as possible so as to book transport to the race. Without booking your seat there will be no place kept on the bus!

LAOISWEATHER: Visit www.laoisweather.com for all the latest weather conditions and forecasts.

CIVIL DEFENCE POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Durrow Civil Defence currently have a number of positions open within the unit. If you are interested on volunteering in this emergency service and you are over 18, why not call us on (086) 3491317.

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

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.

PROCUREMENT SEMINAR COMING SOON: The procurement landscape in the public sector is changing to become much more transparent and straightforward for suppliers. In particular there is a drive towards encouraging small and medium businesses to engage more in this lucrative €8.5 billion per annum market (that’s roughly €23.5 million every day). In this regard The Local Enterprise Office Laois and Laois County Council are looking at hosting a free seminar specifically designed for small and micro businesses to provide clear introductory information on how to register to be informed of tender opportunities that arise in the public sector. If you would like to register your interest in attending such a seminar (dates to be confirmed) please reply to bdunne_LEO@laoiscoco.ie by email as soon as possible.

TIME TO GET THE KETTLE ON!: Classes continue in Durrow Community Centre every Tuesday and Thursday evening, PLUS! SATURDAY MORNINGS from 11am to Noon. First class free for everyone joining at any time. Contact David on (087) 3833258 or tridentfitnessclub@yahoo.ie by email

AED DEFIBRILLATOR: Cullohill Community Centre have installed an AED Defibrillator in a box on the outside wall of the Community Centre. This is accessible by using the Key in the break Glass Box alongside it. A list of trained responders to call in the event of an emergency is in the box. The Community Hall is now protected by a new CCTV System and access to footage from the cameras can be gained through by any committee member.

NEXT NEWSLETTER: The next Durrow Parish Newsletter will be on sale weekending May 9th/10th. NOTICE: The deadline for inclusion of notes is NEXT Thursday, May 7th at 7pm to info@durrow.ie and ALL ADVERTS MUST BE BOOKED WITH ANGELA DRENNAN (087) 1928522 OR MARY WALSH (086) 3055157.