BERNARD O’SHEA TO LAUNCH SCARECROW FESTIVAL: Durrow Scarecrow Festival is all about fun and laughter, so who better to officially open our tenth anniversary event in 2019, than our very own Bernard O’Shea. A native of Durrow, Bernard’s comedic value continues to soar, and we are always delighted to proudly welcome him home! Events on the opening day, Sunday 28th July, get underway from 11am, and Bernard will officially open Durrow Scarecrow Festival 2019, in the Scarecrow Village, at 3pm! So be sure to come along! The laughs are guaranteed!!!

The Festival will celebrate its tenth year this Summer. If you are interested in getting involved, we’d be delighted to have you onboard. If you are making a Scarecrow, we have some Scarecrow Frames and heads that can be dressed up to assist you in your creation, please let us know if you require one as soon as possible. If you require a large space or a specific area for your creation (besides at your own premises, home or business), please also let us know as soon as possible so we can reserve it for you. Call (087) 9626350 or email scarecrow@durrow.ie for any queries or assistance. Scarecrow Making continues on Monday nights in Evelyn Clancy’s house, if you would like to get involved contact one of the committee. Any assistance would be appreciated.
Festival Volunteers: If you are interested in volunteering at this years festival, be it for an hour or more, we will be having a volunteers meeting in the coming weeks. This will be notified on our Facebook Page www.facebook.com/DurrowScarecrowFestival and in the Durrow Parish Newsletter, but if you wish to be sent a message directly re same, please message us on that Facebook directly.

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.

IRISH HEART FOUNDATION: All over the country generous people give of their time at a weekend collecting funds from fellow local parishioners for the Irish Heart Foundation. This huge effort brings in a considerable amount for our foundation so thank you, but we are always looking for more people to help us make this valuable contribution to a great cause. If you would like to come on board and become a church gate collector for the Irish Heart Foundation please call Anne in the fundraising department on (01) 6685001 or email aharrington@irishheart.ie – we will give you all the support and materials you will need. Further information is available at www.irishheart.ie/ways-to-give/give-your-time online.

DURROW COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Walk the Leafy Loop in three further stages in aid of Durrow Community Council. The walk continues on Monday evenings until July 7th. Registration takes place in the Square at 7.15pm with the walk starting at 7.30pm. The entry fee is just €2 and all are most welcome to attend and support this worthy cause.

ODIN: Kettlebell Club achieve Bronze at recent World Championships – Well done to Eva-Maria Dunne, ODIN Kettlebell Club representing Ireland for AKSI in the WKSF World Championships 2019 in Co. Meath recently achieving Bronze Medals in her Biathlon lift in both open and vets 65-75kg b/w class. 36 countries across 5 continents. Ireland are currently in second place for Team placement. 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.

LIONS AFC: The Lions AFC are proud to once again be hosting one of the FAI Summer Soccer Schools. Boys and Girls Aged between six to fourteen are eligible to attend. It will run from 1st until 5th July next. Bookings are now open and you can sign up for the camp from the following website: www.summersoccerschools.ie online.

SUMMER CÚL CAMPS IN DURROW: The Harps GAA will host two Cúl Camps this upcoming summer. The first camp (Hurling/Camogie) will take place from July 15th to 19th. The second camp (Hurling/Camogie/Gaelic Football) will take place from August 12th to 16th. Booking can be made online only at www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie where all the details can be found very easily.

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

USED CLOTHES COLLECTION: Another collection date will be booked for early July. Anyone wishing to give in donations at any time can bring them to Durrow Community Centre week mornings between 9am and 12 noon. Our thanks again for your continued and ongoing support.

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

COMMUNITY & VOLUNTARY AWARDS 2019: Entry forms are now available for the 2019 Community & Voluntary Awards. This years awards are brought to you by Laois County Council in partnership with Laois Public Participation Network and are proudly sponsored for the first time by People First Credit Union. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the awards. Nominations can be made under the following headings: Arts, Culture and Heritage; Healthy and Active Community; Children and Youth; Environment; Social Inclusion; Age Friendly; Unsung Hero. The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday July 5th. Applications are available online or in paper format via Laois County Council, Laois Public Participation Network or your local People First Credit Union Branch. For further information contact (057) 8664150 or to awards@laoisccco.ie by email.

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.

NEXT NEWSLETTER: The next newsletter will be on sale the weekend of July 13th and 14th 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.