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.
DURROW & CULLOHILL FLOWER CLUB: The Club are hosting a talk by T J Maher of Patthana Garden in Wicklow entitled “Gounded in the Garden” An artist’s guide to creating a beautiful garden in harmony with nature. This will take place in Cullohill Community Hall on Monday 12th May at 8pm. All welcome. Non-members admission €15. Refreshments served and a raffle will be held on the night.
SAVE THE DATE! Durrow Development Forum presents Durrow Goes To Hollywood at The Castle Arms Hotel in Durrow on Saturday November 1st 2025.
FOLLY FESTIVAL 2025: The Folly Festival 2025 Tickets Are Now On Sale! Get ready for another unforgettable weekend at Cullohill Castle -packed with incredible live music, good vibes, and magic moments. Tickets available from Deegan’s (Centra) of Urlingford, Bergin’s Shop (Circle K), Cullohill and Dalton’s, Cullohill. Also, buy online at www.thefolly.ie – weekend tickets just €60, and remember, up to two under-14s go free with every ticket-holding adult! Visit our website for full details.
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.
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.
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.
ELECTION POSTERS SURVEY: There currently is a Public Consultation by the Electoral Commission underway. The Electoral Commission (An Comisiún Toghcháin) are carrying out a survey in relation to electoral postering. The Electoral Commission would like to hear your view, please visit www.electoralcommission.ie/consultation/ online to complete this survey.
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 20th April 2025 were: First – Edmond Kenny and Canice Sweeney; Second – Dinny O Shaughnessy and Ger Alley; Joint Third – Pat and Terry Dunne, Anthony and Noel O Sullivan. The winners of the raffle were: James Muldowney and Kitty Farrell.
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 May 30th 2025. Usual raffle and prizes on the night! All are most welcome.
Results of Ballyouskill Cards Easter Special on April 18th: Joe Cass and Mary Kelly – 13 games; Mick Dooley and Michael O’Connor – 10 games; Helen Holland and Catherine Brennan – 10 games. Thanks to everyone who supported our Game for the Missions, also many thanks to all our sponsors for the raffle prizes.
WHIST DRIVE: The Killermogh Whist Drive will be held in the Parochial Hall, Cork Road, Durrow on Thursday the 29th of May 2025 at 8pm. All are most welcome.
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.
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SYMPATHY is extended to the friends and family of Brian Walter ‘Bruce’ MacDonald of Great Falls, Virginia. USA and Ormsby House, Durrow, Co. Laois / Glengarriff, Co. Cork on their recent bereavement.
SYMPATHY is extended to the friends and family of Paddy Moore, Kyle, Durrow, Co. Laois / Cellbridge, Co. Kildare on their recent bereavement.
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 Mary Gee, 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.
DONATION: The Harps Camogie Club were delighted to present the Laois Minor Management panel with a donation towards their journey to an All Ireland Final last weekend. Congratulations on your dedication and commitment to these girls over the last few months to get to this stage. We wish the very best of luck to our Harps girls Aoife, Eimear, Sive, & Alison and every Laois Minor player on this panel who have put in huge work and endless hours to achieve this goal.
FOLLOW US ONLINE: Follow us on Social Media – www.facebook.com/HarpsCamogie
CULLOHILL HANDBALL CLUB – Ladies Leinster Junior 40×20 Leinster Final: Hard luck to Úna Brophy who lost out to Cora Doyle of Wexford in the Ladies Leinster Junior Final last weekend. Úna played very well in the final but victory deservedly went to the Wexford handballer on a 21-14, 21-11 scoreline. Cullohill handball club would like to congratulate Cora on her Leinster success.
Ladies Leinster 40×20 Minor Final: Hard luck to Orla Brophy who was defeated in the Ladies Leinster Minor Final by Katie Jordan of Kilkenny. Orla had progressed to the final after an impressive 21-16, 21-19 victory against Wexford’s Boo Murphy.
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: Divisional Cup – East End B 0 V 2 Lions B. Scorers: Dan Delahunty and Che Walsh.
RESULT: Kilkenny Junior Division 1 – Tullaroan AFC. 6 V 4 Lions AFC. Scorers: Jim O Connor, John O Brien, Michael Monahan, and Lee Campion.
RESULT: U17 Division 1 – Lions AFC 2 V 1 Freebooters. Scorers: Harry Donohue and Joey Dempsey.
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: Well done to our club members who competed and bringing home a few medals at the recent Boyne Descent. Thanks to WWKC for organising a fun event.
GET IN TOUCH – You can contact us on info@laoiskayak.com by email.
DURROW & CULLOHILL DISTRICT ANGLERS – AGM 2025 REVIEW: At the recent Club AGM, the following officers were elected: Chairman – Ollie Lawlor; Club Secretary – Darren Cooney; Club Treasurer – David Walsh. The committee members are: Shane Donohue, Alan Dwyer, Philip Kearney, Niall Donohue, Gavin Rowe, Seamus Coffey, Freddie Townsend and Shane Townsend. The following will be added to the committee at the next meeting – Tommy Coffey, Albert Townsend and Ian Drennan.
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 always 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.