Congratulations to Joe Walsh, Mary St, Durrow and Brigid Boyle, Burtonport, Co. Donegal on their recent engagement.
Congratulations to Ciaran Walsh, Mary St, Durrow and Ellie McNemara, Southampton, England on their recent engagement.
Congratulations to Susie Delahunty and Paul O’Neill, 14 Derrywood, Durrow on their recent marriage.
Congratulations to Sheila Murphy, Tinweir, Durrow and Kevin Greene, Youghal, Co. Cork, on their recent marriage.

FOOD ACADEMY: Local Enterprise Office Laois is holding an Information evening on the upcoming Food Academy Programme on Monday 25th May at 6.30pm at the Killeshin Hotel in Portlaoise. This is a fantastic opportunity for early stage food producers or established food producers to develop your business. The Programme is being run in association with Bord Bia and Supervalu and may give an opportunity for businesses to go to trial in Supervalu shops depending on feedback. The workshops will take place on the 24th June, 21st July, 26th August and the 16th September and will provide businesses with long-term business supports including technical advice, resource planning, commercial advice and marketing development. Why not call into our information evening next Monday 25th May to get more information or hear from local producers who have completed the programme already? If you are attending, please contact (057) 8661800 to confirm. If you cannot call in, you can contact the Local Enterprise Office Laois by email localenterprise@laoiscoco.ie for more information on the programme or view www.localenterprise.ie/laois for application forms.

NEPAL EARTHQUAKE APPEAL: The Stradbally Country Market will hold a Coffee Morning on Saturday 30th May at their weekly market (10.30am to 1pm, St Patrick’s Hall, opposite Napper Tandy’s) to raise funds for the earthquake-stricken people of Nepal. All proceeds will be forwarded to Concern. Your support will be greatly appreciated.

DVDs, MEMORY STICKS and BLU- RAY Discs of BALLYLINAN PASSION PLAY: The Greatest Story Ever Told – recorded on Palm Sunday and Good Friday 2015 now available at €20 each. To place an order telephone or text Mary (086) 8626547. Passion Play 2015 was an experience not to be missed and was acclaimed as such in the many cards, letters and messages received after the production – so great was the demand for seats that an extra performance was added. A sincere thank you is extended to all who supported Passion Play 2015 in any way.

STRICTLY COME DANCING: A new facebook page: “Strictly DDF & Harps Dancing” has been setup where you can keep up-to-date on the build up to the show – make sure you like the page and invite your friends to like it too!
The web browser address is: www.facebook.com/strictlyddfharps for laptops and PCs.
Finally, we are still looking for more people to join and become contestants – if you are shy about joining, have a look at the facebook page to see a list of active contestants, you may know a few there who would help you feel right at home in the group. For more information on the event please contact Daniel Dunne (087) 4103520 or Evelyn Clancy on (087) 9194428.

SCOIL TIGHEARNACH NAOFA CULLOHILL: Enrolments for Junior Infants starting in September 2015 are now being taken. Please call to the school office between 9:30am and 1pm to collect an enrolment form or telephone the school on (057) 8737281 for further information.

THIRD LAOIS DURROW SCOUTS: We are still looking for Scouters in our group. If you like the outdoors, working with children and if you like to learn new skills then maybe you would like to come along and join our crew! Please contact (085) 8099528 for more information.

MIGRAINE ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND: Did you know? Help is available for Leaving Certificate Students who suffer from migraine – apply for reasonable accommodation during exams. Phone (1850) 200378.

DURROW & DISTRICT BEFRIENDING GROUP: This Group offers a free, confidential, friendly, voluntary, dedicated, practical, reliable and often fun home visiting service. Befriending is all about building one-to-one relationships based upon trust, confidentiality and support. Our aim is to reduce social isolation and enhance quality of life in Durrow and surrounding communities. We need more volunteers to consider giving ONE HOUR of their time per week to this worthy service. Any interested person please contact Patricia Young on (086) 8096693.

CULLOHILL ICA: The next meeting is on Tuesday June 2nd.

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!

MISSING DOG: A 5 year old Golden Labrador is missing since 25th April. A Family pet wearing a black collar. Any information to (087) 2319809 please. Reward offered.

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.

THE COPPER KETTLE TAKE-AWAY: Part time work available. Apply to (087) 8304044.

YOUNG VOICE OF LAOIS: The competition has been postponed and the committee will announce a new date in the coming weeks. To register your interest in taking part please contact info@durrow.ie by email.

OUR LADY’S MEADOW NEWS: Keep an eye on our School Website ourladysmeadow.org for school news!

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 June 6th/7th. NOTICE: The deadline for inclusion of notes is NEXT Thursday, June 4th at 7pm to info@durrow.ie and ALL ADVERTS MUST BE BOOKED WITH ANGELA DRENNAN (087) 1928522 OR MARY WALSH (086) 3055157.