CONGRATULATIONS to Shane Walsh and Laura Streilniece, Erkindale Drive, Durrow, on the birth of a daughter, Leila Rose.

ZUMBA CLASSES NOW ON WEDNESDAYS! I would like to welcome you all to my Zumba Dance Class every Wednesday from 8pm until 9pm in Durrow’s Community Centre, regardless of age, gender or fitness level. Grab a friend and come join me for an exciting and fun workout like no other! Don’t forget to bring along with you plenty of water and a towel as you’ll need these. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t tried Zumba yet, this class is for you! So come give it a try and get ready to party! Karens Zumba Divas!

THIRD LAOIS DURROW SCOUTS: Join Us: If you are interested in joining us? Contact Delphine Lawlor on (086) 3655178 for further details.

DURROW SCARECROW FESTIVAL 2018: Scarecrow Summer Camp: The Annual Scarecrow Summer Camp Forms will be up on scarecrow website www.durrowscarecrowfestival.com on Friday 15th June – early booking is advised!
Help Needed! Scarecrow Making continues each Wednesday night in the ICA hall from 7.00pm, all help is needed, please come along and bring a friend or two.

LAOIS LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE: Are you thinking of starting a business or expanding your existing business? Do you employ up to 10 people? Is your business in the manufacturing and/or Internationally Traded Services Sectors? Did you know the Local Enterprise Office provides a range of financial supports designed to assist with the establishment and/or growth of micro enterprises in County Laois. These may include (eligibility criteria will apply):
• Feasibility Study Grants; • Priming Grants; • Business Expansion Grants; • Export Grants; • Trading Online Vouchers.
If you are interested in hearing more about our financial supports, why not book a place on our upcoming workshop on Wednesday 6th June at 10am to find out more. Places are limited so early booking is advisable. Book at www.localenterprise.ie/laois online. If you have any queries, please contact: Honor Deevy, Senior Enterprise Development Officer on (057) 8661800 or hdeevy_leo@laoiscoco.ie by email alternatively send a letter to: Laois Local Enterprise Office, Business Support Unit, County Hall, Portlaoise, County Laois, R32 EHP9.

ST KIERAN’S COLLEGE ANNUAL REUNION: Last year over 300 past pupils attended our reunion so why not join us again this year? On Friday 29th June come to our Gala Banquet to meet up with many familiar faces from your days on the Glasshall and on Saturday 30th June take part in our Golf Challenge at Kilkenny Golf Club. Bookings are available at www.stkieranscollege.ie or phone (056) 7721086. All years are most welcome to attend.

FITZPATRICK FAMILY SEARCH – APPEAL: We are searching for some information on our family. My maternal Second Great Grandfather, Dennis Fitzpatrick born 1818, lived in Durrow and was married to Maria Hoolehan. They had a son, Dennis (Date of Birth 17th April 1866) who married and had a daughter named Catherine – my maternal grandmother. If anybody can assist or is related can they please contact rwill830@hotmail.com by email. Many thanks.

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.

LOCAL WEATHER: For up-to-the-minute weather data from Durrow, please visit www.laoisweather.com

LOCAL AUTHOR LAUNCHES NEW BOOK: A local author, Seosamh O Cuinneagain launched his new book entitled ‘Traces – The Way and Path of My Life’ last Monday night. In it he documents the hardships both he and his family endured growing up on a small farm. He was educated by the nuns in the convent now Castle Durrow and went to the boys school where his teachers were Christopher Finnegan and Liam Hassett, both now deceased. He had to leave school at the age of fourteen years and work with a local farmer from dawn until dusk before taking up employment with Joe Brophy. He worked, studied and played hurling in Chicago… If you would like a copy of the book please contact (086) 8263368 or (087)2936531. The cost is just €15 with all proceeds raised going to the education and welfare of the street children of Calcutta.

CULLOHILL ICA: There will be no meeting in June as we will be on the Laois Federation outing to Kerry.

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 CAMOGIE NEWS: Laois Camogie County Board are holding their annual Golf Classic on Saturday, 16th June 2018, at The Heath Golf Club. This is an important event in our Calendar year, as it enables us to raise funds which go towards supporting all our county teams from U14 to Intermediate level. A team of four will cost €120, Tee Box Sponsorship will cost €60. If you would like to support this event or enter a team please contact Ber Walsh on (087) 9000807.

NEXT NEWSLETTER: The next newsletter will be on sale the weekend of June 30th and 1st July – 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.