ST CANICE’S CREDIT UNION – NOTICE OF AGM: Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of St. Canice’s Kilkenny Credit Union Limited will take place on Tuesday 17th December 2024 at 7.30pm in Hotel Kilkenny, College Road, Kilkenny.
Due to changes to the Credit Union Act we are no longer required to send paper annual report booklets to every member. As a strong supporter of environmental initiatives with a key strategic objective to reduce our paper usage, we are delighted to inform you that this initiative will contribute to conserving natural resources and reducing carbon emissions, supporting a healthier environment for all.
Our Annual Report for the financial year ended 30th September 2024, Standing Orders, information on the Deposit Guarantee Scheme, arrival of SEPA instant payments in 2025 and Members’ Monthly Prize Draw are available on our website. For those who like to get a paper copy of the Annual Report we will have a number of physical reports available in all our branches, or if you would like us to post you out a copy, just call our Member Service Centre on (056) 7722042.
In addition to our Annual Report, this year we have produced for the first time, a Social Impact Report. We will be launching this at our AGM, and we are very proud to share with you the many positive ways your credit union is contributing to the local community. It will also be available on our website or at any of our branches. Of course, you can also request a copy to be sent to you by post. Please visit our website, www.stcanicescu.ie, where you will be directed to the page containing our AGM Information. Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support during 2024.
CANON CARRIGAN: Centenary of the death of Canon Carrigan – This year on the 12th of December we mark one hundred years since the death of William Canon Carrigan. Canon Carrigan was Parish Priest of Durrow at the time of his death. He was also the renowned Historian of the Diocese of Ossory and his Four Volume work is considered to be the most comprehensive and scholarly of it’s kind anywhere in the world.
A Conference to mark the Centenary will be held in St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny on Friday and Saturday the 13th and 14th of December. On Sunday the 15th of December Bishop Niall Coll will come to Durrow to celebrate the 11.15am Mass in honour of Canon Carrigan. Later in the afternoon of the 15th local historian, Denis Bergin will give a presentation on Canon Carrigan. The time and venue for this presentation has yet to be confirmed.
GOAL MILE: The Healthy Club Committees from The Harps GAA & Clough/Ballacolla GAA & Camogie Clubs are joining forces to run the GOAL mile this December. What is the Goal Mile? The GOAL Mile, proudly supported by AIB, is held throughout December and New Year’s Day in villages, towns and cities across Ireland and virtually throughout the world. The event sees tens of thousands of people run or walk a mile to raise funds for GOAL. One of Ireland’s most popular annual events, the GOAL Mile is a Christmas tradition for thousands of families. All of the events are run by a network of individual and community organisers worldwide.
When and where is it on? Sunday the 22nd December from 10am to 11.30am in Ballacolla GAA Grounds, R32 R8HN. How do I register? You can register at https://www.goalmile.org/register?location=laois-clough-ballacolla online. For more information, please contact Laura (The Harps Healthy Club Coordinator) on 086 3423900 or Stephanie (Clough/Ballacolla Healthy Club Coordinator) on 086 2688687. Donations can be made on the day or at https://www.idonate.ie/wl/fundraiser/CloughBallacollaTheHarps1 online. Please support.
HEALTHY EATING: Recipe For Success Cooking Workshop – As part of our promotion of Healthy Eating and fuelling sporting performance we are running a ‘hands-on’ cookery workshop, in combination with a sports nutrition information session with Sports Nutritionist Laura Mahony. This project is exclusive to Healthy Clubs and uses the ‘Recipes for Success’ toolkit – visit https://www.gaa.ie/my-
gaa/community-and-health/healthy-eating/recipes-for-success for further information.
When & Where? Wednesday 11th December from 7.15pm to 8.30pm in Heywood Community School. Who can attend? We are targeting U14, U15 & U16 age groups for our first workshop (registered Harps camogie & GAA players) (and parents are encouraged to stay also). Space is limited to 20 players, so if you would like to register a place, please register online at https://forms.office.com/e/sURSth9dBS or contact
Laura on 086 3423900. All those who attend will receive a ‘Recipe for Success’ Cookbook and will get to make some tasty recipes which they can take home (so bring a container!) This event is organised with support from Heywood Community School.
MASS PATH WALK: Starting from outside The Wheel Inn on St. Stephen’s Day 2024 at 11am. In memory of Padraig Brennan and Kathleen Carroll. All proceeds to Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre, Kilkenny. Mulled wine for fortitude. Finger food on return. Please support.
WANTED: Looking for short term rental accomodation until March 2025. A 2/3 bedroom house for a family is required after a house fire. If you have anything please phone 083 4419986.
OVER 60s CLIMATE ACTION COURSE: Over 60’s Climate Course: Starting in January 2025 this course will be held every Thursday from 10.15 for two hours, at the Parish Centre, Portlaoise. Our expert instructor, Jacinta, has created this free course. Jacinta is a passionate advocate for climate conservation. She believes in the urgent need to protect our planet and address the pressing issues of climate change. Her dedication to raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices serves as an inspiration to many. Jacinta’s work highlights the importance of taking action now; regardless of your age, to preserve our environment for future generations. Jacinata is a former UN diplomat in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Founder and CEO of 60+ Climate Drive, encouraging the over 60s to discuss, challenge, influence and take climate action for a healthy planet.
Step 1: Understanding the basics: Discuss basic climate related terms like greenhouse gas emissions, targets, Paris Agreement, household consumption, production, sink, source and carbon footprint.
Step 2: Changing behaviour: Discuss the barriers holding us back from taking climate action.
Step 3: Carbon Footprint: Learn how to calculate your Carbon Footprint for your household consumption actions, ( i.e housing, transport, food, waste, other).
Step 4: One action: Choose ONE household consumption action to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, (GHGs).
Step 5: Plan: Discuss the barriers that might hold you back from implementing the ONE action.
Step 6: Share Progress: Do the ONE action.
Share progress, amongst peers, enjoy benefits and tell family and friends about climate change. Please do call (086) 2033269 to book your place.
INCREDABILITIES! Incredabilities – “Empowering Every Child, Every Ability” have lots of sensory fun and activities for kids age 3 to 16 with additional needs. We meet every Saturday from 3pm to 5pm at All4Fitness Gym, Rathdowney. €5 contribution per family, siblings welcome. For more information please call or WhatsApp Chloe on (085) 8708562.
BIRD SURVEY BY DURROW TIDY TOWNS: We are taking part in this years garden bird survey as a group effort, for any of our associate groups and for all residents, please note that we have printed survey forms available in Lawlor’s Gala and at the post office. It’s a very important Survey for BirdWatch Ireland and it’s a great way to get family, children, grandparents and individuals involved. Please share your photos with us on Facebook and we will reshare there too. The survey started on Monday 25th but there’s still plenty of time to pick up the survey form. We can also return same for you to Birdwatch Ireland, just contact us for assistance on our Facebook page. More information on the survey can be found at: https://birdwatchireland.ie/our-work/surveys-research/research-surveys/irish-garden-bird-survey online.
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.
OUR LADY’S MEADOW SCHOOL – DURROW: Our Lady’s Meadow PS Durrow are currently accepting applications for admission to Junior Infants for the school year 2025-2026. Closing date: 8th January 2025. Please ensure you apply before the closing date. The school’s Admission Policy, Annual Admission Notice and Application Forms are available on the school website www.ourladysmeadow.org or from the school (057) 8736329 and from ourladysmeadowschool@gmail.com by email.
IRISH RURAL LINK – ELDERLY NEIGHBOURS: Irish Rural Link – the national network representing the interest of rural communities is urging people to check-in with elderly neighbours as we enter into the Autumn and Winter months. As the evenings start to close in, this can be a difficult time for older people living on their own and can experience higher rates of loneliness. The Tilda report launched last week showed the feeling of loneliness is more strongly associated with death ideation than other measures of social disconnection.
With children back to school and afterschool activities, we know this is a busy time for people but we strongly urge people to check in with elderly neighbours to have a chat and if they are in need of anything.Although older people are more reluctant to go out when it is dark, especially in rural areas, it is important they try to engage with some social activity during the day, whether it is just to go to the shop, meet with a friend or join an active age group. We know this may not be possible for everyone but for those who can, it is important to stay connected with your local community.
With a recent wave of burglaries in rural areas, we are also urging people to be extra vigilant and again making sure older neighbours and those living alone are safe and alerted to any strange activities. If a Neighbourhood Watch or Text Alert scheme is available in your area, we would encourage everyone to join.Older people should contact neighbours if they do need help with anything and not be afraid to ask and if they have a personal alarm to check it is working and have it on their person at all times.
For further information, please contact (anytime): Seamus Boland (Chief Executive) 0862491153 or Louise Lennon (Policy and Communications Officer) 0861069244.
IRISH DANCING CLASSES: Traditional Irish Dancing Beginner classes for ages 4+ continues on Mondays in Durrow CYMS Hall. Time: 3.30pm until 7.30pm. Limited places available. Text or call Katrina on (085) 7606866.
CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE:
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.
FITNESS CLASSES: ‘Back To Fitness’ Classes coming soon. For males 40+. Full details through Richie on (087) 6608248.
CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE – 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 1st December 2024 were: First – Terry and Pat Dunne; Joint Second – Mary Kelly and Joe Cass, Frances Darcy and Paddy Lalor; Joint Third – Dick Brennan and Michael Kells, Joe McGill and Eddie Delaney. The winners of the raffle were: John Mackey and Michael Moran.
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.
DURROW TIDY TOWNS: If you would like to be added to our volunteer WhatsApp group, please text Add me to TT volunteers on 086 3657833 – many thanks!
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!
DOG WALKERS – LEAFY LOOP WALKS! We are again reminding people 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.
THANK YOU! Great work was carried out recently in replacing four of the large planters in Durrow, this was done under huge pressure and we are grateful to Paul Palmer for getting them completed at such short notice. Thanks also to the team in Laois County Council LCDC for their patience and assistance with finalising the project which was funded by The Department of Rural & Community Development with a grant awarded through the Local Enhancement Programme 2024.
CHRISTMAS CARDS FROM DURROW: Durrow Christmas Cards funding Durrow Tidy Towns are now on sale. Assorted 5 pack of cards with photos of Durrow for €6.50 We also have a limited number of single cards for €1.60 each. Text, WhatsApp or call us on 087 9626350 if you would like to purchase.
THIRD LAOIS DURROW SCOUTS – Third Laois Durrow Scouts are now accepting applications Cubs (ages 9 to 12 years old). Leaders aged 18+ are also required for all Sections. Visit https://form.jotform.com/242542450329352 online to complete the sign-up form.
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 December 20th 2024. 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 19th of December 2024 at 8pm. All are most welcome.
SET DANCING CLASSES: Set Dancing continues in The Wheel Inn Ballyouskill on Thursdays 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.
ADULT BOOK CLUB – The club meets on the last Tuesday of the month at 6pm. New members welcome!
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: Do you need a smoke alarm? Or do you know of someone who does, in the Durrow, Cullohill or Ballacolla area? Every home should have a minimum of two of the life saving devices! Durrow Fire & Rescue will provide and install smoke alarms for anyone that needs them, and there is no charge for this service. Simply email info@durrow.ie if you are interested, or if you know of a friend or neighbour that needs to have the devices installed. Please leave a contact number too.
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: We here at Durrow Post Office do both AIB and Bank of Ireland Lodgements and withdrawals. We provide a quick and professional service for all your personal and business banking. We are here to help you and make banking easier.
AIB CUSTOMERS – You can do * Cash lodgements with bank debit card or lodgement slips; * Cash withdrawals with bank debit card; * Cheque lodgements with a personalised lodgement slip.
BANK OF IRELAND CUSTOMERS – You can do * Cash lodgements with bank debit card or lodgement slips; * Cash withdrawals with bank debit card; * Cheque lodgements with a personalised lodgement slip.
Call in to us today – we are located in the Daybreak Store on The Square.
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.
VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED: For conversational English! No experience necessary. All are welcome. Location and Times: Rathdowney on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays (TBD) from 10am till 12pm. Contact Olena on (087) 9131236 for more information.
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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.
Pilgrimage to Medjugorje – The Annual pilgrimage to Medjugorje will take place from April 22nd to 29th 2025, staying at Hotel Leone. Seven Nights half board €799 per person sharing, with single supplement of €210. Travel insurance is extra. Deposit of €350 & Travel Insurance secures your place. Balance of €449 to be paid by 28th January 2025. Full religious programme led by Fr Martin Delaney. For more information and booking details, please contact Group Leader Mary O’Dea on (087) 3170084.
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.
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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!
40 YEARS ANNIVERSARY: The Harps GAA 40 year Anniversary Dinner Dance 1984-2024 will take place in The Castle Arms Hotel on Friday the 27th of December at 7.30pm. Tickets – €40 from The Club. Music by “All The Best”. Presentations and awards on the night. All current and former players/members welcome.
HARD LUCK: Commiserations to Our lady’s Meadow who were beaten in both the boys and girls Cumann na mBunscol football finals last Thursday, November 28th in O Moore Park. Better days ahead!
THE HARPS CAMOGIE CLUB – RAFFLE: The Club will hold its Annual Christmas Raffle on the Saturday 21st December in Dec’s Bar, Durrow. Great prizes on offer with tickets on sale now. All support greatly appreciated.
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.
AGM 2024 REPORT: Chairman Address – With the end of 2024 fast approaching, it is timely that I, on behalf of the Lions AFC, update you all regarding our Pitch Development Project. Following the announcement of a Sports Capital Grant allocation of €170,259, the committee have been tirelessly working in the background and are delighted to share the exciting news that our plans for a full-size, all-weather pitch at our club grounds on the Cork Road, Durrow, are well under way.
The coming year, 2025 promises to be an exciting and busy year for our club. We expect to break ground in early 2025 and will welcome the action and hive of activity that will soon commence…and so begins the Lions AFC Drive for 25!! The saying “Go Big or Go Home” never sounded so true… the successful delivery of Phase 1 of our Pitch Development Project comes at an estimated cost of €750,000. It is my belief and that of our dedicated committee members, that this investment will not only serve the Lions AFC club members, but our local community and indeed the wider sporting community in Laois and surrounds.
This is an exciting milestone for the Lions AFC. The individual support and the support of our wider community is instrumental in helping us bring projects like this to life and in shaping the future of our club and our community. Last year’s 50th Year Golden Anniversary Draw was an immense success, and demonstrated how a wider community can join forces to not only support the Lions AFC, but how this community can come together socially to celebrate each of the three €5,000 winners!
And the good news is, the €15,000 draw will take place once again this year. So, to be in with a chance of joining Enda Carroll, Edel Dalton and Kieran McGree and Liam Aherne on the €5,000 winners’ podium. Make sure to get your tickets before they sell out! Tickets are available from committee members and a number of other selected sellers or online through our Go Fund Me Page.
Let me finish by saying thank you – thank you for helping us to bring our Pitch Development Project to a reality and for supporting us to provide the best playing facilities possible for each of our 457 playing members.
ANNUAL DRAW – 51st Monster Christmas Draw: Our Annual Christmas Draw will take place as usual on the Green on Christmas Eve. Once again we have a number of excellent prizes. First Prize – Monster Hamper; Second Prize – 1 Night B&B & Dinner at Killashee Hotel & Spa;
Third Prize – 1 Night B&B & Dinner at the HEritage, Killenard; Many more vouchers and prizes too! Tickets can also be purchased through our Go Fund Me Page, one ticket for every €5 donated will be entered into the draw. Ensure to provide your name when purchasing online.
MATCH REPORT – Junior League Division 1: Lions AFC 4 v 1 Freshford Town. Scorers: Jim O’Connor X2, Darragh Kelly and Johnny O Brien. After a few weekends off it was good to get back playing. The Lions AFC hosted local rivals Freshford Town. The lads needed to bounce back from a disappointing performance against Newpark to get the promotion challenge back up and running. The boys started brightly with Jim O’Connor, Rian Edwards and John O Brien having chances. More chances were to come, Darragh Kelly opened the scoring after latching on to a close range rebound to calmy slot it home. Lions AFC again pushed and again got through with a lovely through ball to Jim O Connor who hit it across the keeper into the inside of the net to make it 2-0.
The last 15 minutes of the half Freshford started to get a bit of joy and were rewarded when their player collided with our keeper Evan Pidgeon. Freshford slotted the penalty home to end the first half with all to play for. The lads came out with intent in the second half. They showed great character and desire to make sure to put the game to bed. Some excellent attacking play saw Jim O Connor get his second and also the in form John O Brien scored the fourth to secure the points. Great start to the year with the lads getting three wins from four in the league. Looking forward to next weeks away fixture to Highview Athletic on Saturday evening! Thanks to all the supporters on the day that came and supported the boys. We go again!
U12 GIRLS KILKENNY: Lions AFC were represented by Faye Dunne on the Kilkenny & District U12 girls team recently with as they took on Kildare in Kilkenny’s first inter leauge game of the season. It was a convincing win for Kilkenny. Faye had 1 assist on the day, a fantastic through ball. Well done to Faye and all the Kilkenny girls on a great performance.
LIONS LADIES: Women’s League Division 1 Result: Evergreen 2 V 4 Lions AFC. Scorers: Leah Kelly, Shannon Kelly, Lucy Kelly and Ciara Queally. Well done ladies!
LAST MAN STANDING: Congratulations to Brendan Murphy – winner of our first Last Man Standing! Brendan pipped David Roe to the winners pot of €605. Our Last Man Standing will take a weeks break, and our second Last Man Standing will start on December 14th. Details of how to enter will follow over the coming week on our Facebook page – so keep an eye out! A big thank you to all who supported our first Last Man Standing, 121 entries in total.
LAOIS KAYAK AND CANOE CLUB CLUB – ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: Notice of the club’s Annual General Meeting which will be held on Saturday 28th December 2024 at 11am in the clubhouse followed by a local paddle.
GET IN TOUCH – You can contact us on info@laoiskayak.com by email.
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!