ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF DURROW DEVELOPMENT FORUM: The Durrow Development Forum AGM will be held on Tuesday 29th April at 8pm in the Library, Chapel Street, Durrow. All are most welcome to attend.
SAVE THE DATE! Durrow Development Forum presents Durrow Goes To Hollywood at The Castle Arms Hotel in Durrow on Saturday November 1st 2025.
SPRING TIME FLOWERS – ADVICE NOTICE: While picking wildflowers has been a traditional pastime, it’s generally discouraged in Ireland due to the risks of over-picking and the protection of certain species, conservation is important and leaving the flowers for all to enjoy is more beneficial.
You can pick ramsons (also known as wild garlic) in Ireland, but it’s important to identify them correctly and to forage responsibly, ensuring you are picking from public land or have permission from the landowner. Over picking is disastrous and following the 1/20 rule is strongly recommended and encouraged.
It’s illegal to pick or dig up wild bluebells and vital to ensure if purchasing same, to make sure your new plants have been cultivated by a reputable source and that they haven’t been imported from abroad. Bluebells from abroad will destroy our Native Irish Bluebells. Dunnes Garden Centre Durrow will advise best on this.
Please don’t pick our Leucojum aestivum, commonly called the summer snowflake, these are growing wild on our walkways and are also protected.
COMMUNITY SAFETY FUND 2025: The Community Safety Fund 2025 is open now for applications. The annual fund allows for the proceeds of crime, seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and An Garda Síochána, to be directed into local projects to support and enhance community safety. This year, €4 million is available, which is double the original allocation of €2 million when the fund first opened for applications in 2022, and grants range from €20,000 to €150,000. The closing date for applications is Friday 16th May 2025. For further information and to apply, please visit https://bit.ly/4i3ALrq online.
DURROW TIDY TOWNS- JOIN US! If you are interested in taking part in Tidy Towns activities or getting involved in specific projects to continue to maintain and improve Durrow, please get in touch on tidytowns@durrow.ie, pm our Facebook Page or WhatsApp/Text Fred Townsend on 087 6892323.
DOG WALKERS! A reminder to clean up after your dog. We have Mutt Mitt dispensers and instructions on how to clean up after your dog, throughout Durrow. Dog fouling is a serious health risk and children can easily not see it and bring indoors on bikes, shoes, buggies and it’s a particular hazard to wheelchair users. If you’d like to become a green dog walker we have information in the Post Office and Library regarding the initiative. Please be responsible and clean up after your pet!
LEAFY LOOP WALKS! Please note that ALL dogs must be kept on a lead, without exception on the Leafy Loop in Durrow, this includes Dunmore, Clonageera, Bishops Wood, Derry Wood, Knockatrina and The Course. The Leafy Loop traverses across Coillte Woodlands and Farmlands with protected species and farm animals. Your Dog is not an exception to be left off a lead.
TREE PLANTING: Last week we coppiced existing willow and added some native crab apple (malus Sylvestris) some ornamental crab apples (malus Everest) and some native cherry trees on the bank of the river in our semi wild area. The apples will help pollinate the heritage apple varieties we will plant in the nearby amenity area which will be planted in the near future. Thanks to all that assisted and special thanks as always to our youth tidy towns group. Always a bit of banter and a laugh!
SPORTS GRANTS: Laois Partnership Company seeks Expressions of Interest frorn Sports Clubs and Community Groups planning sports and sports-related projects across the county. This is a limited time call, with a total budget of €200,000 available. Closing date for applications is April 30th 2025. This is for projects which hove been unsuccessful in obtaining funding under the Sports Capital Scheme. It is for multi-use projects like walking tracks, multi-use games areas and community facilities. Projects must have a strong social inclusion and youth focus. The minimum grant awarded is €5,000 and the maximum grant awarded is €200,000. Download an Expression of Interest form at www.laoispartnership.ie online, phone (057) 8661900 or contact leader@laoispartnership.ie via email.
LAOIS PPN: Contact us, Monday to Friday by appointment only. You can also contact us by: Email: ppn@laoiscoco.ie Phone: (057) 8665661 (Office); (086) 0352107 Dan. You can also mail us to: Laois Public Participation Network, JFL Avenue, Lyster Square, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.
TOWN AND VILLAGE RENEWAL SCHEME 2025: Community and voluntary groups in Laois are invited to submit expressions of interests to Laois County Council for the following Town and Village Renewal Schemes. Funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, this year’s TVRS funding is designed to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland by focusing on stimulating town centre economic and social regeneration.
There are opportunities under two streams:
– Main Scheme (grant funding for projects will range from €50,000 to €500,000)
– Project Development Measure (grant funding up to €50,000)
Projects submitted under the TVRS must be located in the town and village centre. It is preferable that the proposed projects have been outlined in a community plan, Town Centre First Plan or similar.
Expressions of interests from towns and villages who have not received funding in the past or that have successfully completed projects under previous schemes are also being sought.
How to apply: Scheme outlines and application forms are available on Laois County Council’s website at https://laois.ie/newsroom/2025/expression-of-interest-for-town-and-village-renewal-scheme-2025 online.
If your community has a strategic project proposal that you would like to develop, contact Laois County Council’s Regeneration Section
Email: LS-TownRegeneration-Team@laoiscoco.ie
The closing date for receipt of Expressions or Interest applications to Laois County Council is 5:00pm on Wednesday, 23rd April 2025.
DURROW COMMUNITY SERVICES: Durrow Community Services currently have the following vacancies:
Catering Assistant: Meals On Wheels: Durrow – 3 positions
Groundskeeper: GAA Grounds: Durrow – 1 position
Environmental Worker: Ballacolla – 1 position
Environmental Worker: Cullohill – 2 positions
Environmental Worker: Durrow – 5 positions
As per the Department of Social Protection requirements, the positions are 19.5 hours per week and must be on a Social Welfare payment for minimum of 12 months to apply. Please contact Astrid Andersson on 083 4092464 or andersson@durrowcs.com for further information.
LIVE WELL EXPO 2025: The Annual Live Well Expo which will be showcasing supports, services and activities available to all ages in Laois will take place on April 23rd next from 11am to 6pm at Portlaoise College R32 N795. The event features over 100 exhibitors across health, community and more and features speakers, tech assistance by Google and free refreshments. It takes place from 12.30pm to 6pm (11am to 12pm is by arrangement only for people or groups who need assistance). Register by calling or messaging Tom on 086 0363426 / 057 8664150 or Emma on 086 0665215 / 057 8664042. You can also contact LiveWell@laoiscoco.ie by email.
COIS NORE CANCER SUPPORT CENTRE: Cois Nore Outreach will be visiting the following local venues: Dr. Hogan’s Rooms, The Square, Ballyragget from 10am to 12pm on Mondays and Mill Family Resource Centre, Urlingford from 10am to 12pm on Fridays. Phone (087) 4833941 or email for an appointment or drop in during the above times. This is a local free and confidential service supporting those who need it to live well with cancer and also has services for their families.
SURVEY FOR PORTLAOISE HOSPITAL: Public Consultation – Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise “This is Your Hospital” Survey. Age Friendly Laois spoke with the management of the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise about an Age Friendly Hospital. A online survey “This is your Hospital” is now live and you are asked to complete the survey as this will be the first step in informing them how they can make your Hospital better for you. The link to survey is https://www.srs.hse.ie/yourhospital/ online and we ask that as many people as possible please give feedback to this important survey.
ABBEYLEIX HOUSE AND FARM OPEN DAY: Our much-loved Annual Family Day returns on Sunday, June 29th! Expect a fantastic day filled with craft and food stalls, entertainment for all ages, and the main highlight of the event – a spectacular air show. Calling all craft vendors! If you’re interested in taking part, please reach out to Alice at alice@abbeyleixhouseandfarm.ie to secure your spot. Tickets will be available soon so please stay tuned for updates! As usual, all proceeds from the event will go to charity, making this a day of fun for a great cause. Don’t miss out on another unforgettable Family Day at Abbeyleix House & Farm on June 29th!
CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE – CIRCUIT CLASSES: Circuit Classes are running in the Centre every Tuesday and Thursday evenings with instructor Richie Saunders. Also, personal training sessions are available in mini-gym. Further details through (087) 6608248.
SPEECH AND DRAMA CLASSES: Speech & Drama Classes are running on Wednesdays from 6.45pm until 7.30pm. For enquiries, please contact 087 6473414.
TAEKWONDO CLASSES: Taekwondo Classes will be held in Cullohill Community Centre on Tuesdays from 6.15pm with different time slots for various age groups.. For more information please contact (087) 9003813 or contact allcountiestkd@gmail.com by email.
CULLOHILL COMHALTAS: Comhaltas classes will continue on Tuesdays. Email to cullohillcomhaltas@gmail.com with any queries or to join.
CULLOHILL PROGRESSIVE 25 CARD GAME: Progressive 25 Card Game continues every Sunday night in Cullohill Community Centre at 8pm and all are most welcome. Winners on Sunday 6th April 2025 were: Joint First – Padraig and Noreen Ryan, Micheal Fitzpatrick and Willie Dunphy; Joint Second – Paddy Walsh and Gerry Kelly, John Mooney and Jim Walsh. The winners of the raffle were: Percy Phelan and Margaret Phelan.
VOCEM DARÚ CHOIR: Ladies! Do you enjoy singing? Ever thought of joining a choir? Vocem Daru community choir is looking for new members. We are a lovely bunch of women! Why not give it a try? No formal training required! For more details phone Ann on (086) 6045409.
DIGITAL NEWSLETTER: Get our digital newsletter delivered weekly to your email inbox for free! Please email info@durrow.ie if you are interested.
BALLYOUSKILL 25s CARDS GAME – Ballyouskill 25s Cards continues in Ballyouskill Community Hall on the last Friday of the month at 8pm. Our next game is April 25th 2025. Usual raffle and prizes on the night! All are most welcome.
WHIST DRIVE: The Killermogh Whist Drive will be held in the Parochial Hall, Cork Road, Durrow. The Next Whist drive is on Thursday the 24th of April 2025 at 8pm. All are most welcome.
CHANGE OF DAY – SET DANCING CLASSES: Set Dancing continues in The Wheel Inn Ballyouskill on Monday nights at 9pm – all are most welcome to join. Contact Paddy at (085) 8607256 or Francis at (085) 7157694 for more details. An enjoyable way to socialise while helping to keep fit.
DURROW BRIDGE CLUB: Club meetings continue on Wednesdays at 7.30pm in the Castle Arms Hotel. All are most welcome.
DURROW AND DISTRICT PIPE BAND: We’re always looking for new members, so why not come along to a practice? Get in touch with our Facebook page if you’re interested in learning the pipes or drums, all levels catered for. See www.facebook.com/DurrowPipeBand or search Facebook for “Durrow & District Pipe Band” to find us online.
DURROW LIBRARY NEWS: All our Laois Library branches are open to the public for browsing, PC usage, printing, photocopying and studying, in addition to all the free events taking place throughout the month – see details below. You can browse the Laois Libraries online catalogue here: https://laois.spydus.ie and if needed, borrowers can reset their library PIN in order to access the catalogue – contact your local library or email library@laoiscoco.ie for assistance with this.
ONLINE BOOK CLUB – Laois Libraries Online Book Club reads one book a month chosen from the BorrowBox collection. Join us on the last Wednesday of each month when questions are posed for discussion on our Book Club Facebook page. You can join the group on: https://www.facebook.com/groups/315513126404037 online. New members are always welcome.
OPEN HOURS – Durrow Library Opening hours are Tuesdays from 1.30pm to 7.30pm (closed for lunch from 5.30pm until 6pm) and Wednesdays from 10am to 5.30pm (closed for lunch from 1.30pm to 2pm). Phone: (057) 8736090 Email: durrowlibrary@laoiscoco.ie for further information.
IRISH CIRCLE (Ciorcal Comhrá) – The Irish Circle group meets in the library on Tuesdays at 6.10pm. Beidh fáilte róimh cupán tae agus cúpla focail Gaeilge a labhairt no a canadh.
DURROW COMMUNITY SATURDAY MARKET: Durrow Community Market continues on Saturdays from 9am to 12 noon on the Kilkenny Road beside the Church.
LIVE LOCAL WEATHER: Visit www.laoisweather.com for live local weather data from Durrow.
DURROW FIRE AND RESCUE: Members of Durrow Fire Brigade are available to give fire safety talk to any interested adult groups or organisations, in the Durrow, Cullohill and Ballacolla areas. If interested please contact Station Officer David Donohue.
DURROW POST OFFICE: Call in to us today – we are now located in the Daybreak Store on The Square.
PET OWNERS! Laois SPCA Cat Neuter Scheme – Fee of €40 for both male and female cats including microchipping (you must microchip). Use offer code: Keepmehealthy. Contact Vets directly for appointment. Participating Vets in Rathdowney, Castlecomer, Ballyragget & Portlaoise. Call your local vet to see if they are participating.
NUMBER FOR ST. VINCENT DE PAUL – LAST UPDATED JULY 2023: Please note that our confidential contact helpline number for the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Durrow, is (083) 4056021.
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CHURCH NEWS: Parish Office – Regular opening hours have now resumed and are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10.00am to 2.00pm. We have signed Mass cards, Baptismal candles, Communion gifts and more available to purchase. All Mass intentions, baptisms and weddings must be booked through the office on (085) 2625033, by email at durrow@ossory.ie or in person. No Private advertising in the weekly Mass Newsletter.
Mass Hours – Saturday Evening – 6pm Vigil Mass in Rathdowney; 7.30pm Vigil Mass in Cullohill and 7.30pm Vigil Mass in Durrow (This Mass in Durrow only celebrated when Canon O’Doherty is available to celebrate it); Sunday Morning – 10am Mass in Errill; 11.15am Mass in Durrow.
Baptisms in Rathdowney and Durrow – Following the changes to our Mass schedule, baptisms can be booked for Saturdays at 4.30pm in either Parish and Sundays at 12 Noon in Durrow and Cullohill or 12.15 in Rathdowney and Errill.
Adoration – There will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Cullohill Church every Thursday morning from 9am until 9.30am and in Durrow directly after 8.50am Mass (finishes at 11.30 am) on Mondays, also on Fridays from 7pm until 8pm.
Pastoral Council Members – The members of the Pastoral Council are: Martin Lawlor; Mary Lawlor; James Walsh; Carmel Ruane; Mary Ryan; Vicky Murphy; Margaret Murphy; Seamus Clancy; Sr. Anita O’Leary and Fr. Martin Delaney.
Parish Shops – Both parish shops have a new range of gifts in stock for First Communion, Christenings and other events. Candles, Rosary Bracelets, Crosses & Chains, Rosary Beads, Bibles, Grave Ornaments. Come in and have a look!
Towards Healing – A confidential and free counselling service, Phone 1800 303 416. They provide face to face counselling, structured phone counselling, family counselling and a counselling helpline for people who have experienced institutional, clerical or religious abuse in Ireland.
Funeral Masses on our Website – In order to comply with GDPR regulations recordings of funeral masses will be available on our website for one month only. All previous funeral masses have been removed. Copies of past funerals are available to family members on request. Contact the Parish Office regarding the same.
Restoration Fund Draw – Tickets are now available from the Parish Office for the Diocese of Ossory Cathedral Restoration Fund Draw. Tickets cost €120 for twelve monthly draws. Ten prizes each month – Top prize €2,000.
Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes – Led by the Bishop of Ossory, Most Rev. Niall Coll. Pilgrimage Director: Very Rev. Anthony O’Connor.
19th May for five nights – €949 per person. For information and bookings please contact Joe Walsh Tours on (01) 2410800 or contact info@joewalshtours.ie by email.
Please Note – If you are including a cheque in any of your envelopes, please make the cheque payable to Durrow Parish. These Cheques should not be made payable to Fr Martin or to the name of the Church itself. Please DO NOT scratch out your envelope number. It is not incorrect, we have renumbered the envelopes! Many thanks for your ongoing support.
Church Cleaning – Cullohill & Durrow: Thank you to Oldtown for cleaning the church in Cullohill in March and to Team C in Durrow This month it falls to Bunlacken & Cullohill Mountain in Cullohill and in Durrow, Team D will clean the church during the month of April.
VISITS – Do you have a family member or friend in a nursing home? Sr. Anita and I like to visit parishioners who are living in Nursing Homes or other Care settings. Unfortunately, we don’t have accurate knowledge about all of our parishioners from Durrow and Cullohill who are in Nursing Homes. I’m asking if you have a relative or know of someone from the parish in any Nursing Home or long-term care centre to please let us know. You can contact me, or Sr. Anita directly or alternatively leave the details in the Parish Office. A message from Fr. Martin.
CEMETERY MASSES 2025 DATES: Aughmacart – Wednesday 11th June at 7.30pm; Durrow – Sunday 22nd June at 11.15am; Cullohill – Saturday 28th June at 7.30pm.
NOTE: Both Parish Offices will be closed next Thursday 24th April 2025.
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THE HARPS GAA CLUB NEWS – SPLIT THE BUCKET – Participate in the exciting weekly chance to win instant cash with ‘Split the Bucket.’ You can join in two ways: contact Richie (087) 9294742, Tom (087) 6159226 or Shane (087) 2034035 to establish a monthly standing order. Investing €8 monthly grants one entry per week, while €20 monthly provides three entries weekly, saving you €72 annually. Alternatively, play for €2 a ticket, at local businesses hosting our buckets. Best of luck to all participants, and thank you for your continued support to the Harps GAA Club!
CONGRATULATIONS: Well done to Aimee Ryan, last weeks winner of the Split the Bucket.
THE HARPS CAMOGIE CLUB – TRAINING: Training for the U6s, U8s and U10s Juvenile players has just resumed and continues on Thursdays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Cullohill. All are most welcome to join.
U12s UPDATE: Well done to our super U12 Harps girls who met Naomh Eamann on their first match of the year in Cullahill last Tuesday evening. A big step up for some of these young girls coming from U10 last year. Keep up the good work girls!
THANK YOU! Many thanks to all those who supported the Easter Quest fundraiser in Dunmore Woods last Sunday. A special thanks to the juvenile parents who organised a great event and to our local businesses Daybreak, Gala and Bergin’s for sponsoring treats for this event – much appreciated! Also a special thanks to all those who supported our Harps U12’s bake sale in the parish centre last Sunday morning. Great fundraising work done today by all these juvenile players for their club. Their enthusiasm and commitment for the future is looking very good.
FOLLOW US ONLINE: Follow us on Social Media – www.facebook.com/HarpsCamogie
CULLOHILL HANDBALL CLUB – GET IN TOUCH – You can contact the club on cullohillhandballclub@yahoo.ie by email.
THE LIONS AFC CLUB: FOR HIRE – Astro Pitch Hire, suitable for 7-a-side soccer social groups, casual bookings and team activities. For all enquiries or to make a booking please contact lionsafc@gmail.com or call (085) 7088511.
RESULT: Kilkenny District League Junior Division 1: Fort Rangers 1 V 2 Lions AFC. Scorers: Darragh Kelly and Jim O’Connor.
U13 GIRLS – KILKENNY LEAGUE: Congratulations to Kilkenny U13 ladies team who have qualified for the All Ireland Final with a 1-0 win away to Cork. Lions girls Nikki and Olivia put in a top-class performance with Olivia scoring the only goal of the game. Well done girls keep up the great work – and best of luck in the Final!
SONGO MUSIC BINGO IS HERE! Happening on the Saturday of the upcoming June Bank Holiday Weekend. Get ready for a night of non-stop tunes, big laughs and amazing prizes! (but watch out for the gag ones!) Hear the songs, Mark them on your bingo card, Be a winner every 5 minutes! Whether you’re a chart-topper fan, a karaoke king or queen, or just looking for the most fun you can have on a night out, Songo Music Bingo has you covered! Date: May 31st 2025, Location: Castle Arms Hotel, Durrow. Tickets: €20. Don’t just hear the music – win with it! Grab your friends and make it a night to remember. See you there! Tickets are on sale at www.eventbrite.ie/e/songo-music-bingo-tickets-1301533093519 online. Please support – in aid of Lions AFC.
LAOIS KAYAK AND CANOE CLUB CLUB: Interested in learning how to kayak? Our adult beginners kayaking course is now open for 2025. Starting on Saturday 26th April, registration is now open through Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.ie/e/adults-beginner-learn-to-kayak-course-tickets-1247025710469 online.
GET IN TOUCH – You can contact us on info@laoiskayak.com by email.
DURROW & CULLOHILL DISTRICT ANGLERS – MEMBERSHIP: Membership for the 2025 season can be got in the Gala Shop, Durrow and in Frans Fishing Shop, Mountrath.
DURROW GUN CLUB: Keep up to date with our social media page: www.facebook.com/durrowgunclub online.
KETTLEBELL BEGINNER CLASS: New round of classes starting soon! Learn to use kettlebells safely and effectively from one of Ireland’s top ranked kettlebell sports and fitness instructors. Also included in the classes are bodyweight exercises as well as posture correction and strengthening techniques. Together with proper kettlebell instruction you can learn to prevent and remedy a wide range of joint and mobility issues and injuries. Places are limited so booking is essential. For more information please telephone: (087) 3833258 or email: tridentfitnessclub@yahoo.ie or borukettlebellclub@yahoo.com
KETTLEBELL CLASSES FOR SENIORS: New Beginner Class Starting Soon. Just because you are getting older and a bit less active doesn’t mean you give up on your health and fitness. In fact physical training becomes more important as you get older! Working with weights such as kettlebells can slow down a number of conditions associated with ageing. Numerous studies have proven the benefits of strength training. Some of these are:
– Increase in bone density and muscle mass. This builds protection against fractures from falls etc.
– Improved Posture. Kettlebell exercises help to improve spinal alignment and strengthen the core muscles that hold the spine in its correct position.
– Improved mood and sleep. Exercise releases chemicals that increase positivity, reduce feelings of pain and anxiety, and promote sound sleep.
– Lower risk of heart disease. Weight training lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and strengthens the heart.
– Improved balance and movement skills.
Class places are limited so if you are interested contact me to book your place! Classes are run by coach David who is one of the most experienced and highest ranked kettlebell instructors in Ireland, with 10 years of experience.
JUNIORS KETTLEBELL CLASS: New kids class starting on Saturdays. Many parents worry that strength training is harmful for kids. However there is now widespread recognition in the medical community of the benefits of strength training for children. The American Academy of Pediatrics and The Mayo Clinic have stated that sensible strength training does not stunt growth or cause growth plate injuries. In fact it increases a child’s muscle strength and endurance, protects them from sports injuries, and improves their performance in any sport. Children are far more likely to get injured by playing sports without engaging in weight training.
Even if your child is not interested in sports, weight training can strengthen their bones, improve coordination and balance, promote healthy blood pressure and cholesterol, help maintain a healthy weight, and build confidence. Class places are limited so if you are interested contact me to book your place!
OSSORY CYCLING CLUB: New members aways welcome – we leave the square in Rathdowney every Sunday morning around 10 am we have a beginners group heading out every Sunday morning at 10 am from the square in Rathdowney too. Everyone is welcome to join us – all you need is a bike and helmet.