CONGRATULATIONS to Derek and Caitriona Phelan, Tubberboe, Durrow on the birth of a son.
Congratulations to Pauric Woods and Marlieke Husslege, Carrigan Street, Durrow and Norway, on the birth of a son Finn.
Congratulations to Gerard and Eimear Alley, Swan Road, Durrow, on the birth of a son Leo.

NATIONAL TIDY TOWNS COMPETITION 2018: Judging is underway and we are asking all homes, premises and residents to keep the village clean and tidy, please sweep and clean up outside of your premises and make sure there is no litter around our beautiful village. With the busy tourist season now underway and the upcoming festivals in the Parish we ask everyone to play their part! Many thanks!

MONDAY CLUB: The Monday Club Seniors are having a day trip to Tramore on Tuesday, 14th August. Price per person is €30 including evening meal at The Castle Arms Hotel. Anyone interested in going on this trip should contact Miriam on (057) 8736200 or Margaret on (086) 2662996 as soon as possible.

DURROW COMMUNITY COUNCIL—ANNUAL SENIOR CITIZENS TRIP: The annual trip will be held on Saturday 11th August. A bus will leave the Church Carpark at 1.30pm heading for Holycross Abbey and then on to Cashel where we will spend some time before going to Bru Boru for dinner and afterwards taking in the Show in the Bru Boru Theatre. A great show of Irish music, song and dance, an excellent evening’s entertainment. The after show extends into the kitchen where we will be entertained by the musicians from the Show. If you are interested in going then names and money, amount €30, to be in by the end of July to have a seat on the bus. Please contact Ethel on (087) 0665752 to book your seat.

ZUMBA CLASSES NOW ON BREAK! Karens Zumba Divas! Are on Summer break and will resume classes in early September. Keep an eye out in the local newsletter for details closer to the time!

LAOIS COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY AWARDS 2018: Laois County Council in participation with Laois Public Participation Network wishes to celebrate the major contribution made by Community/Voluntary Organisations in County Laois. Nomination Forms are available in the following Categories:
* Arts, Culture & Heritage; * Healthy & Active Community; * Children & Youth; * Environment; * Social Inclusion; * Age Friendly; * Unsung Hero.
You can also make an individual nomination for an Unsung Hero Award for outstanding contribution by one person to community/voluntary life in their local area and/or the wider community in Co. Laois. Nomination forms and further information on terms & conditions are also available by contacting Community Development Section, Laois County Council on (057) 8664150 or to dce@laoiscoco.ie by email. The closing date is Friday 24th August at 5pm.

LIVE WEATHER INFORMATION: For up-to-date information on rainfall, wind and temperature visit www.laoisweather.com online which includes climate data going back to 2008.

WATER SHORTAGES: For anybody concerned about DDF/Tidy Towns watering the flowers around Durrow, please be advised that the committee undertook a project over last winter and spring collecting rainwater in our ‘Don’t Drain the Rain’ project. Over this period, rain water was collected from points around the Village. These rain water containers are being used to water our flowers. We are very much aware of the importance of water conservation and would also encourage everybody to follow the guidelines surrounding hosepipe bans and conservation.

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

DURROW REMINISCING GROUP: A book with 200 pages of Photographs spanning almost 100 years of Durrow and Cullohill memories including ICA, Hurling, Camogie, Soccer, School to mention but a few. Books for sale €25 each or two for €40. Please text or call Tom on (087) 2936531 or Kathleen on (086) 8263368 for further information.

PIPE BAND: The Durrow and District Pipe Band which is back open and running are seeking a few new members. Age is of no importance, anywhere between 9 and 90, male or female will be warmly welcomed. For more details contact John Sheeran, Bandmaster on (087) 2493749.

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!

LAOIS KAYAK AND CANOE CLUB: Scarecrow Festival: LKCC are again delighted to get involved with the years Scarecrow Festival with our Kayaking Teen Zone and our Members assisting with the Mouse Racing, its always great for our club members to become involved in volunteering within our community and we look forward to assisting again at this years festival
Summer Paddling: Please look at our Facebook page for each kayaking paddle or skills event or message us for any upcoming courses.

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

NEXT NEWSLETTER: The next newsletter will be on sale the weekend of August 18th and 19th – 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.