CONGRATULATIONS: to Elaine Maher of EM Designs, Cullohill Village on being Regionally short-listed for the Bank of Ireland Start-Up Business Awards 2014. EM Designs is the only Laois Business to have been Regionally short-listed, which is an outstanding achievement, and will now go on to compete in the National Competition. You’ll find out more about her work on www.facebook.com/emdesigns.ie or at www.emdesigns.ie online. Visit her stand EM Designs at the Ploughing Championships this Tuesday to Thursday in the Laois Marquee Row 24, Stand 349 to 351 and Support Local!

CONGRATULATIONS: to Susan Monahan and Liam Carroll, Seandoire, Durrow on the birth of a new daughter, Kimberly.

CONGRATULATIONS: To the committee members of both Durrow Tidy Towns and Cullohill Tidy Towns on their respective results in the National Tidy Towns competitions 2014. Both Durrow and Cullohill increased their points score on the previous year. Great credit to the helpers, volunteers, householders and business premises for keeping our parish looking so well, and with continued effort we both can increase marks again next year.

CHURCH NOTES: Readers for September/October: Sunday Mornings: September 21st: Gearoid Ryan; September 28th: Bea Alley; October 5th and 12th: Gearoid Ryan. Saturday Evenings: September 20th: Thomas Murphy; September 27th: Catherine Freeman; October 4th and 11th: Oliver Lawlor.
Special Ministers of the Eucharist for September: Sunday Mornings: Sheila Finnegan and Padraig Walshe; Saturday Evenings: Miriam Connolly and Seamus Clancy.

CHURCH CLEANERS: Due to the decline in Church cleaners for reasons of health etc… we urgently need more men and women with one hour to spare per week to come on the rota. We try to have four in a group, so the more groups we have the less you will be called on during the year. Contact: Betty Walsh or Angela Drennan or any of the volunteers on the list with your name and you will be notified through the newsletter which month you will be required to volunteer. Many thanks.

TALK: Alzheimers/Stroke Related/Dementia: Alzheimers/Challenging Behaviour in older adults talk with Mia McLoughlin, consultant psychiatrist for later life. Are you providing extra support for a loved one? Could you do with additional support? If so, come along to our talk on Monday 13th October at 3pm in The Carers Association Centre, Springhill Clinic, Waterford Road, Kilkenny.

AWARE: The Aware Support Group for people experiencing depression, anxiety, stress and other mood related conditions meets every Tuesday at 7.30pm in St.Peter and Paul’s Parish Centre, Portlaoise. This service is free of charge, no referral is required and you do not need to book. If you require further information contact (01) 6617211 or www.aware.ie or the LoCall Helpline 1890 303302.

KNOCK: The Legion of Mary Annual pilgrimage to Knock Shrine will take place on Sunday September 28th with a bus collecting anyone from Durrow in the Church Car Park at 8.30am. To book your place please contact (086) 1514575 or (057) 8736281. The cost of the pilgrimage trip is €20.

SYMPATHY: is extended to the Cahill Family, Oldtown, Abbeyleix and the Clancy Family, Barnhill, Durrow on their recent bereavement.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR: A Christmas Craft Fair will be held in The Castle Arms Hotel, Durrow on Saturday 8th November from 11am to 6pm. Crafts people from all over counties Laois and Kilkenny will present their unique Christmas gifts at affordable prices. Come, Browse and Buy!

ACTIVE MEDITATION – Monday 6th October: As part of Mental Health Week, Mary Kavanagh 200YTT will present a workshop in the Castle Arms Hotel from 10am to 11.30am. Yogilibrium’s ethos is geared towards attaining balance for body, mind and spirit in an accessible and playful way. You will leave one of Mary’s classes stretched, strengthened, relaxed, uplifted and empowered with the foundations for instilling mindfulness off the mat and into your daily life. Bring warm comfortable clothes, a blanket and a yoga mat if you have one. Booking is essential. Email sports@laoiscoco.ie or telephone (057) 8674363 for more information. This event is free of charge.

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 Vegetables 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!

THIRD LAOIS DURROW SCOUTS: Recruitment – We are looking for new Scouters, if you feel you enjoy the outdoors and working with the youth, this is very rewarding and enjoyable for leaders. If you would considering joining as a Scouter then Please contact Maureen Campion Group Leader on (085) 8099528 as soon as possible please!

Scout Shop: The Scout Shop will be in the Presentation centre on Saturday 27th September, uniforms etc… will be available on the day.

AVAILABLE: The Presentation Centre is available for hire to any club or group during the day or evening time. Contact Angela on (057) 8736419.

LITTLE OAKS PARENT AND TODDLER PLAYGROUP: The Little Oaks Parent and Toddler Playgroup continues meetings on Tuesdays at 10am in the Presentation Centre. All are most welcome. All enquiries to Teresa on (086) 3914725.

TAEKWONDO CLASSES: World taekwondo association classes are held in Durrow Community Centre every Monday and Wednesday from 7.45pm to 8.30pm (both nights). Classes are open to men, women and children. For more information, contact (086) 8359333 or visit www.world-taekwondo.com online.

LAOIS WEATHER: Visit www.laoisweather.com for all the latest data from Durrow and forecasts too!

COMPUTER SKILLS: Would you like to be able to Send Emails, Search the Internet, Buy items Online? If you are interested in learning Basic Computer Skills as part of a small group, please phone Mary on (086) 8422029.

WHIST DRIVE: The Killermogh Parish Monthly Whist Drive resumes on Thursday September 25th in the Parochial Hall, Cork Rd, Durrow at 8.30pm. We look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday night.

OUR LADY’S MEADOW: Cumann na mBunscol Games: The next boys match is against The Rock at home in Durrow on Friday the 26th September at lunchtime. Note change of date due to the travel restrictions caused by the Ploughing Championships.
Buy a Brick for only €10 and have your name immortalised as part of our school’s building fund! Contact the School on (057) 8736329 for further information.
Insurance Deadline: Please note that September 30th is the final day for accepting the pupil insurance forms.

JAMES FINTAN LALOR SCHOOL: This year’s James Fintan Lalor School takes place in Portlaoise on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th October. There’s a great line up again this year, with speakers including Sean O’Rourke, Áine Lawlor, Diarmaid Ferriter, John Lonergan, Pat Moylan, Fr Peter McVerry, Noeline Blackwell, Michael Martin TD, Eoghan Harris and many many more. Tickets are priced at €10 for the weekend and are available from the Dunamaise Arts Centre and www.dunamaise.ie online.

NEXT NEWSLETTER: The next newsletter will be on sale weekending October 4th and 5th.

NOTICE: The deadline for inclusion of notes is Thursday, 2nd October at 7pm to info@durrow.ie
ALL ADVERTS MUST BE BOOKED WITH ANGELA DRENNAN (087) 1928522 OR MARY WALSH (086) 3055157.