REMOVAL OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS MAST FROM BARNHILL, DURROW: Durrow Development Forum are pleased to confirm that Cignal (Cellnex) have delivered on their commitment to remove the mast installed in March 2019. This was the result of several constructive meetings between DDF and Cignal regarding the visual impact at the Barnhill/Kilkenny Road location. Structurally it was an eyesore on a gateway into our village which has been working over the past number of years to preserve and enhance Durrow as a Heritage and Tourism destination. DDF are delighted that Cignal (Cellnex) have taken the feedback of the community and the mast has now been removed.
IRISH WATER – CUSTOMER NOTICE: Customers are reminded not to dispose of wet wipes in their toilets. Why you shouldn’t flush wet wipes down the toilet? A wet wipe seems like a harmless item to put down the toilet. After all, how much damage can a small sheet made up of cotton and plastic really cause? Wet wipes don’t break up properly in our sewers, but with many manufactures labelling their wipes with the word ‘flushable’, consumers think it is ok to put these products down the toilet. Around 90% of wipes contain some form of plastic, which is one of the main reasons as they don’t disintegrate like regular toilet paper does. Flushed wipes will eventually gather in your pipes which may stop your toilet from flushing correctly, potentially resulting in sewage backing up into your home or yard through your toilet or sewer lid. Following recent blockages at the end of Erkindale Drive, customers around the Durrow area are reminded not to dispose of wet wipes in their toilets. Many thanks in advance for your co-operation.
Well, more than you may think. When these supposedly ‘flushable’ products accumulate in our pipes it can cause a huge amount of damage to your home and the environment.
DEFIBRILLATORS IN DURROW: We are lucky to have defibrillators in Durrow – one at the Gala Grocery Store and one at The Community Playground. It is vitally important that if you or anyone you know is unfortunate enough to need to use one, you must inform Susan in the Gala Grocery Store as soon possible afterwards, as the pads need to be replaced – NOTE: They are single use! The defibrillator needs to be ready for the next person who may need to use it – that person could be you or a loved one! Thanks for your co-operation.
DURROW COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Durrow Community Council will hold the Annual Senior Citizens Party in The Castle Arms Hotel on Saturday the 4th of March at 2pm. The invites will be going out over the next few weeks – but if anyone who does not get one but wishes to attend, please get in touch with Ethel on (087) 0665752.
CULLOHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL: Scoil Tighearnach Naofa, Cullohill is now accepting enrolments for incoming Junior Infants for September 2023. Enrolment forms are available from the school office on request, or email scoiltnaofa@gmail.com to receive a digital copy. The deadline for application is Tuesday 28th February 2023.
HOME-HELP REQUIRED: Looking for a housekeeper/home help for a few hours a day preferably or even a couple of days a week. Location: between Durrow and Cullohill. References required please: (087) 2477471.
ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE 2023 IN DURROW: It has been proposed to run the Durrow St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Friday 17th March at 1pm. This is our first parade since Covid and we want to make it the best one yet but we need all your help to make this the best St Patrick’s Day parade Durrow has ever seen. We need volunteers, floats, fun, music, dance, gaelic games and we need the full community to assist. Please text or phone Ian on (087) 4422654 or Pat on (087) 2814661 for further information and to partake or contact us on our social media pages.
BOOK: A book titled ‘The Poorest of the Poor’ by Durrow author Seosamh O Cuinneagain is now available. All the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated towards the education and general welfare of the street children of Kolkata. Price €20. Please phone 0868263368 for more details.
WHIST DRIVE – NOTE CHANGE OF DATES: Results from January 26th 2023 – Top Score: Billy Jackson and Louise Kavanagh; First Lady: Willie Wallace; Second Lady: Josie McCartney and Mick Scully; First Gent: Seamus Hennessy; Second Gent: Tom Gowing; Quarters: First: Paul Kavanagh; Second: Henry Parr and Ray Seale; Third: Tim Keenan; Fourth: Ann Pearson and Albert Dann; Low Score: Kieran Fitzpatrick. The winners of the raffle on the night were: Louise Kavanagh, Francis Benn, Henry Parr and Willie Wallace. The Killermogh Whist Drive is held in the Parochial Hall, Cork Road, Durrow at 8pm on the ***fourth*** Thursday of every month during 2023. Please come and enjoy a lovely friendly night. The Next Whist drive is on Thursday 23rd February at 8pm.
CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE – PROGRESSIVE 25 CARD GAME – NEW EARLIER START TIME OF 8PM: Progressive 25 Card Game continues every Sunday night in Cullohill Community Centre at 8pm and all are most welcome. Winners on Sunday 29th January 2023 were: First – John Mooney and Jim Walsh; Joint Second – John and Kitty Farrell, Padraig and Noreen Ryan, Sean and Anna Burke. The Raffle Winners on the night were: Kevin Woulfe and Sinead Burke.
CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE: Annual Auction – Our auction is planned for Sunday, February 19th. Committee members will be in contact with households over the next number of weeks. All support is greatly appreciated.
ZUMBA CLASSES: Zumba classes are held in The Parochial Hall in Rathdowney each Wednesday night from 8pm to 9pm. The weekly Fee is just €7. Keep fit the fun way while dancing to great music. No dancing experience necessary at all. Good fun guaranteed!
SET DANCING CLASSES: Set dancing classes are held every Thursday night in The Wheel Inn, Ballyouskill from 9pm. All are most Welcome.
DURROW ART CLUB: Art Classes are held in the ICA Hall, Patrick Street, Durrow. Beginners most welcome to join. More details from Marie on (086) 3136028.
STAFF WANTED: Happy Days Creche in Durrow are currently looking for a Childcare Professional. Details of Position: The ideal candidate must be confident in working as part of a team, in a child led, child centred, play based environment. Qualifications Needed – The successful candidate must have a minimum of Level 7 in Early Childhood Care and Education. If you are interested in this position please send a CV and a cover letter to happydayscreche1@gmail.com by email.
DURROW COMMUNITY SERVICES CLG: Durrow Community Services currently have vacancies for an Office Administrator (Durrow) and Environmental Workers (Durrow). No experience required. Work 19.5 hours per week. Eligibility to participate in CE is generally linked to those who are 21 years or over and in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for one year or more or 18 years and over for certain disadvantaged groups. Your eligibility will have to be verified by the Department of Social Protection. Please contact Astrid Andersson on (057) 8736870 or andersson@durrowcs.com by email.
DURROW BRIDGE CLUB NEWS: Durrow Bridge Club have resumed their Bridge nights in the Castle Arms Hotel every Wednesday night at 7.30pm. All are most welcome.
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.
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.
Opening Hours – Durrow Library Opening hours are Tuesdays from 11am to 7.30pm 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.
DURROW COMMUNITY SATURDAY MARKET: Durrow Community Market continues on Saturdays from 9am to 12 noon on the Kilkenny Road beside the Church.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Comfort Homecare are Recruiting: Home Health Care Workers. Location: Durrow, Abbeyleix and surrounding areas. Full and Part Time Hours Available. Excellent weekend rates. Call (089) 244 7499 or email supervisorlaois@comforthomecare.ie for more information. Requirements: Full Drivers License and Own Car – QQI Level 5 in Healthcare or working towards – Experience in Healthcare. Employee Benefits: Excellent Rates of Pay – Travel Allowance – Flexible Working Hours – Ongoing Training Provided – Free Garda Vetting – Free uniform.
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.
KILQUAN PLAYERS: The Kilquan Players Drama Group present a comedy in Three Acts by Jimmy Keary: The Maiden Aunt will be performed in Coon Hall, Kilkenny County on Friday the 9th of February at 7.30pm, also on Saturday the 10th of February and Sunday the 11th of February at 8pm both nights. Admission is €10. No bookings, so please come early on the nights!
WANTED: A 3 or 4 Bedroomed house required in the Durrow/Abbeyleix or surrounding areas. References available phone (087) 3486976.
CHURCH NEWS: Parish Office: The Parish Office at the Presentation Centre beside the Church is open from 10am to 2pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The booking of Masses, Christenings of babies, sale of Mass Cards, Booking of weddings and funeral arrangements will go through this office. All matters relating to Church business in the Parish must also go through this office. You can also call the Parish Office on (085) 2625033.
NUMBER FOR ST. VINCENT DE PAUL – LAST UPDATED JULY 2021: Our new contact phone number for confidential assistance is (087) 6974792.
DURROW-CULLOHILL PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL: Durrow-Cullohill Pastoral Council are looking for people who will assist with: (1) Cleaning the Church; (2) assisting with the collection during Mass, and (3) Readers for weekend Masses and Eucharistic ministers. Please give your name to Martin Lawlor, Seamus Clancy, or any member of the Pastoral Council. Your help would be gratefully appreciated. This is for The Holy Family Church Durrow.
SYMPATHY is extended to the family and friends of Padraig Walshe, Cork Rd, Durrow on their recent bereavement.
SYMPATHY is extended to the family and friends of Sister Sheila Bowe, Caponellan, Durrow/Presentation Convent, Parnell Street, Kilkenny City on their recent bereavement.
SYMPATHY is extended to the family and friends of Edmond Moynan, Tubberboe, Durrow on their recent bereavement.
SYMPATHY is extended to the family and friends of Maeve Thornton (née Lawlor), Derrywood, Durrow/Bennetsbridge, Kilkenny County on their recent bereavement.
ATHLETICS: Best of luck to Avril Deegan who takes part in the European Club Championships in Spain this weekend with Dublin City Harriers
THE HARPS GAA CLUB NEWS: Split the Bucket: A standing order of €8 a month gives one entry a week, €16 a month gives two entries a week and €20 a month gives three entries a week. If you would like to set up a monthly standing order please contact Tom Ryan on (087) 6159226 or Shane Brophy on (087) 2034035. Thanks to everyone who supports our weekly Split the Bucket draw.
Sympathy is extended to the Walshe family and friends of Padraig Walshe, Cork Rd, Durrow on their recent bereavement.
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.
BEST OF LUCK: The very best of luck to our three U13 players who have been called up for a five week assessment at the FAI Centre of Excellence in Waterford – Fionn, Alex and Danny. A fantastic achievement for the lads and well deserved for their hard work and dedication.
INTER-LEAGUES: Well done to all our boys who were representing Kilkenny and District Leauge in the Inter-Leauge competitions last Sunday January 29th at U12, U13, U14 and U15 levels. As always they done themselves and the club proud. Special mention to Sean Dempsey (U14s) whose equaliser against Wexford ensured Kilkenny topped the group and advance to the Cup competition. Well done boys and keep up the great work.
RESULT: Ladies League Division 1 – Lions AFC 2 V 0 Evergreen. Scorers: Lucy Kelly and Shannon Kelly.
RESULT: U13 League Division 2 – Lions Boys 3 V 2 Denn Celtic Boys. Scorers: Adam Staunton, Oscar O’Connell and Padraig Coffey (penalty); U13 League Division 1 – Lions AFC 0 V 1 Evergreen Athletic.
RESULT: Junior League Division 1 – Lions AFC 0 V 2 Ormonde Villa.
DURROW AND CULLOHILL DISTRICT ANGLERS: The Club’s AGM will be held on Friday the 17th of February at 8pm in the Presentation Hall (beside the Church in Durrow). All are most welcome to attend. The club are always looking for more Juvenile and Senior members to join up. Why not consider it – a great way to get outside to a new hobby!
CULLOHILL HANDBALL CLUB: Well Done to Ollie Delaney who represented Cullohill and Laois last Tuesday, January 28th in the Irish Nationals against Clare opposition. Ollie put in a great performance but was unable to get the better of his Clare opponent. Keep going Ollie and more great days out in the Handball Alley for sure!
TRIDENT FITNESS CLUB – KETTLEBELL SPORTS AND FITNESS CLASSES: Learn to use kettlebells safely and effectively from one of Ireland’s top ranked and most experienced professional kettlebell sports and fitness instructors with over 10 years of experience in kettlebell sport and fitness. 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. Class schedule: Tuesday 6.30pm; Thursday 6.30pm; Saturday 11am. Venue: Durrow Community Hall CYMS. Call David or email for further information. Also available for personal training. Tel: (087) 3833258 or email: tridentfitnessclub@yahoo.ie or borukettlebellclub@yahoo.com for more information.