CONGRATULATIONS: Congratulations to Brent Donohue, Mill Road, Durrow on being chosen as the Young Slimmer of the Year 2019.

NEW SOCIAL GROUP IN DURROW: A new Crafty Chatty Social Group is now up and running! Meet in the Durrow Library every Tuesday from 2.00pm until 4.00pm.

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

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The Copper Kettle Takeaway, The Square, Durrow are looking for people to join their team on a casual 2 to 3 days a week basis. If you are interested, please email your CV to galley86@gmail.com as soon as possible or drop your CV into the Take Away.

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

KILLERMOGH WHIST DRIVE: The next Whist Drive will be held on Thursday February 28th at 8.30pm in the Parochial Hall, Cork Road, Durrow, Laois County.

SPINK COMHALTAS: Please keep the date of Saturday 30th March free in your diary. On that evening, there will be a charity fund-raising concert in the Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix. This will be an evening of music, song and entertainment presented by Spink Comhaltas and friends, including the Abbeyleix-Ballyroan Choir. With the permission of the Bonham family, the concert will be a fundraising concert for Multiple Sclerosis Laois. This concert is being held in the memory of the late Tom Bonham, and all proceeds from the evening will go towards MS Laois. We can promise you an evening of exceptional entertainment, with the proceeds going to a worthy cause. More details of this concert will follow soon. We hope you can support us!

DURROW-CULLOHILL ANGLING CLUB: Trout fishing competitions start on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th for Michael Walsh Cup and on March 24th for the Bill Lawlor Memorial Cup. Membership fees remain the same as last year and can be purchased at Susan Lawlor’s “Gala”, Durrow; Daybreak, Durrow; Lawlor’s Flower Shop, Durrow and from Michael Walsh, Secretary.

THE HARPS GAA: County Board Draw Tickets: The Harps GAA Club appeal to everyone to support the Annual County Board Draw which is a massive fundraiser for the Club. Tickets are currently on sale from all committee members and players until February 26th. Why not buy one in conjunction with a friend? There are lots of prizes to be won with a huge €10,000 top prize in each of the four monthly draws.

RETIRED? Active Retirement Strength Class – A class aimed at the retired community that would like to improve their strength and mobility. No experience or fitness level required. The class will be supervised by a physical therapist to ensure maximum benefit. 11am in Core Health and Fitness gym every Friday. €5 per class. All queries to (057) 8740637.

USED CLOTHES COLLECTION: Another Collection is being organised for mid-March so anyone who wishes to contribute bags of clean clothes can leave them into the Community Hall any morning, Monday to Friday. All in aid of the National Council for the Blind and Durrow Community Centre. Your support will be much appreciated.

CULLOHILL WALKING GROUP: As the evenings are dark why not get out and walk in the company and safety of the walking group. Meet at Cullohill Community Centre on Mondays and Friday evenings at 7.20pm. Walks will commence at 7.30pm sharp.

LIONS AFC. Girls born in 2012 and 2013 will be getting together on Sundays at 1pm at the Astro Pitch. All welcome to come and play in a fun filled environment.

AVAILABLE: Experienced Horse rider available to exercise horses/ponies in the Durrow area, schooling etc… all performed to a high standard. Available also to walk dogs, mornings only, Mondays to Thursdays. (086) 3914725.

SAFETALK: Laois PPN and the HSE would like to offer organisations the opportunity to host the FREE SAFETALK programme in their club, organisation or community. SafeTALK is a three and a half hour ‘suicide alertness’ programme that prepares participants to identify and engage with persons who may be having thoughts of suicide.
Participants learn how to provide practical help by using the steps of TALK (Tell, Ask, Listen and Keep-safe) and also gain information on the supports and resources available locally, regionally and nationally. The minimum number of participant required is 15 with a maximum number of participants places capped at 24. Again, this is a FREE event. For further information contact: Suzanne O’Connor – Laois PPN on (057) 8665661 or (086) 7782551 or to ppn@laoiscoco.ie by email.

ZUMBA CLASSES: Zumba Dance Class are held every Wednesday from 8pm until 9pm in Durrow’s Community Centre, regardless of age, gender or fitness level. Just grab a friend and come join us for an exciting and fun workout like no other. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t tried Zumba yet this class is definitely for you. So come and give it a try as you never know you might enjoy yourself. Class fee €5 per hour. Children go free! Hope to see you soon.

DURROW CHOIR Voicem Daru: Rehearsals continue every Tuesday evening at 7.30pm in Castle Arms Hotel. The group are preparing for a Coral Festival in Cork in May 2019 so it is very important that every member of this group attend practice nights. For details, phone Ann (086) 6045409.

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

PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP: The group meets in the Presentation Hall, Durrow on Tuesdays from 9.30am. Any parents, carers, childminders etc… interested in attending with their little people, suitable from baby stage up to pre-school for a play, chat, cuppa and cake are most welcome to attend. For more information contact (086) 3914725.

CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE: The Progressive 25 Card Games are held in the hall every Sunday night at 8.30pm sharp followed by tea and sandwiches. Please support!

KETTLEBELL BEGINNER CLASSES: Learn to use kettlebells safely and effectively from one of Ireland’s top ranked 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 (087) 3833258 or tridentfitnessclub@yahoo.ie by email.

NEXT NEWSLETTER: The next newsletter will be on sale the weekend of March 16th and 17th 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.