PILATES CLASSES: Pilates classes will commence on Wednesday 5th of February at 7pm in Cullohill Community Centre.
DURROW TIDY TOWNS: We plan to have a BBQ after the annual big approach roads litter pick in the spring and we look forward to meeting you all there. 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. Wishing you all a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas.
RE-TURN! Cullohill School Parents Council are asking the community to consider recycling some of their Re-Turn cans and bottles in one of three Re-Turn bins in the locality. The bins are at Cullohill National School, the Community Centre and at Bergin’s shop. All funds raised will benefit Cullohill National School and would be greatly appreciated.
CHARITY CONCERT: Dana’s Cross and Cloak Concert will take place on Sunday, 2nd February at 7.30pm (doors open at 6.30pm) in The Abbeyleix Manor Hotel. Eurovision Song Contest winner Dana will perform in a charity concert in Co. Laois, offering a memorable evening of music and song. All proceeds will support the Sacred Heart Crusade 2025, a national initiative culminating at Knock Shrine on 22nd June 2025. Tickets are available online at www.eventbrite.ie and for more information please contact sacredheartcrusade@gmail.com or via our website www.sacredheartcrusade.ie online.
DRAMA – STOP IT NURSE! Kilquan Drama Group present “Stop it Nurse” by Sam Cree – Directed by Benny Mills. A Comedy in Three Acts in Coon Hall (Eircode: R93 EC89). This play will be performed on 31st January, 2025, the 1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th and 9th February, 2025 at 8.00pm each night. Doors Open at 7.00pm. Admission €10 – do come along, all are welcome.
LOCAL ENCHANCEMENT PROGRAMME 2025 – FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: Laois LCDC are delighted to announce the launch of Local Enhancement Programme 2024/2025. The LEP is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and administered by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area. The LEP will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas. Groups will be able to use the capital element of funding to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities, purchase equipment for e.g. such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment etc.
Groups will be able to use the current element of funding to support their non-pay running costs for example energy costs/bills (electricity costs, refuse charges, heating charges), rental/lease costs, insurance bills.
This funding will help communities, community groups and committees, allowing them to continue to provide valuable services to the people in their area, and in the process strengthen the bonds that tie communities together. Who is eligible for funding? Any not-for-profit community or voluntary group can apply. Commercial organisations and individuals are not eligible for funding. For more information on this programme please visit: https://laois.ie/community/community-funding/community-enhancement-programme online. All applications and supporting documentation must be received by Friday 7th February 2025 at 4.00pm.
COLLABORATION AND INNOVATION FUND 2025: The Collaboration and Innovation Fund is a great opportunity to fund projects and activities that support adults with unmet literacy, numeracy, digital and financial literacy needs. If you are interested in applying for the fund, here are the main things you should know.
How much funding is available?
In 2025, the total funding available in the Collaboration and Innovation Fund is €1 million. The funding will be divided into two strands as follows: €750,000 for local and national projects that provide innovative and collaborative ways to:
o support adults with unmet literacy, numeracy and digital literacy needs, and
o create a more literacy friendly and equal society.
€250,000 for local and national projects that support innovative and collaborative ways to:
o improve financial literacy skills for adults with unmet literacy, numeracy and digital literacy needs, and
o create a more literacy friendly approach to accessing financial services.
Why has the fund been divided?
Ireland’s first National Financial Literacy Strategy will be published in 2025. To support this, the Consumer and Competition Protection Commission (CCPC) has given €250,000 for projects on financial literacy.
How do I apply?
You must speak with your local Regional Literacy Coordinator before you apply. The Coordinator for Laois and Offaly is Tamara Latham. Her mobile is 085 8560160 and her email is tlatham@loetb.ie for further queries. Organisations that work in the public, not-for-profit, community and voluntary sector can apply for the Collaboration and Innovation Fund. Individuals and private sector organisations cannot apply for the Fund. You need a minimum of two organisations working in partnership to apply for the Fund. One organisation is the lead applicant, and the other organisation or organisations are the partner applicants. The closing date is 5pm on Friday 7th February 2025.
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.
IRISH LANGUAGE: Sixth Year Mock Irish Orals available by an experienced oral examiner for the State Exams. For more information or to book a space, please contact – 0861785424.
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.
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.
SUSTAINABILITY FOR BEGINNERS COURSE: The Sustainability for Beginners course is now available to register, with no cost to the learner.
The key part of this course however, is its availability in four languages: Ukrainian, Polish, Irish and English. Key Details: * Fully funded – no cost to you! * Fully online – accessible on your phone, tablet, laptop, or PC; * Just two hours to complete, with flexible 10-minute modules; * Covers essential topics: climate change, energy conservation, waste, biodiversity, circular economy, diversity & inclusion, and more; * available in 4 languages: Ukrainian, Polish, Irish, and English – inclusivity at its best! The aim of this course is to promote awareness and embrace sustainable practices while encouraging diversity and accessibility. Anyone that is interested can learn more and sign up at: https://www.greenskillskwetb.ie/solas-sustainability-for-beginners online.
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.
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 19th January 2025 were: First – Dick Brennan and Michael Kells; Second – Liam Dunphy and Michael Dunphy; Third – Ger Alley and Ollie Clooney. The winners of the raffle were: Eugene Murphy and Jim Walsh.
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.
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! 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.
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 January 31st 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 20th of February 2025 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.
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 now 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.
SYMPATHY is extended to the family and friends of Tunde (Christopher) Nwagwe, Tallyho, Grennan Attanagh, Co. Laois on their recent bereavement.
SYMPATHY is extended to the family and friends of Nancy (Anne) Stapleton (née Maher), Maudlin Street, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny and formerly Durrow, Co. Laois on their recent bereavement.
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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.
Listening to the Voices of Women in the Bible – This Conference will be on 15th February 2025. Venue: The Pembroke Hotel, Patrick Street, Kilkenny. The speaker: Dr. Gráinne Doherty. Times: 10.00am to 4.30pm. Cost: €20 (includes tea/coffee) pay on the door. Booking essential:
Contact Sara or Catherina on (056) 7722870 between 9am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday or e-mail regionaloffice@ssjg.ie before February 11th 2025.
WELCOME – We welcomed into Durrow Parish Community, Tom O’Hara & Maggie Dunphy who were baptised last weekend.
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.
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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!
QUIZ NIGHT: Put Friday, February 7th 2025 in to your diary! We will be holding a table quiz in The Castle Arms Hotel at 9pm on the night. The Quizmaster is Durrow’s favourite, Dave Finnegan. There will be a ‘Jack the Joker’ draw on the night. We are inviting teams of four (€10 per person) to come along and support. All are most welcome.
O40s TEAM! A few of our Over 40s played a nine-a-side tournament at The Watershed in Kilkenny last Sunday morning (January 19th). This is in preparation for the upcoming NC-GAA tournament in Las Vegas later this month. The lads played three games and had a great morning of hurling.
CONGRATULATIONS: Well done to Robyn Bryon, last weeks winner of the Split the Bucket.
THE HARPS CAMOGIE CLUB – NURSERY PROGRAMME: Is your daughter aged between 5yrs and 8yrs (born 2017-2020) and loves making new friends, playing outdoors and learning a new skill? If yes then bring her along to The Harps Camogie Club Nursery Programme which is continues on Thursday evenings from 6pm to 7pm. The Nursery Programme will run for another four weeks in Cullahill Community Hall R32 YK29. Bring a hurl, helmet, runners & a €1 coin! Please send name and your contact number to 087 9313499. Give it a go, you never know!!!
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.
SAVE THE DATE – This year’s Lions AFC Kickaton will take place on Saturday, 22nd March. The Kickaton brings our members of all ages together at our club grounds for a day of football fun and gives the younger members a chance to help in the fundraising for our club. We hope to see you there!
FOOTBALL ACADEMY – Developing Footballers & Friendships! Our Football Academy Returns on Saturday 1st February next at our grounds on the Cork Road, Astro, Durrow. Training starts at 5.30pm. €2 Training Fee, Per Session.
RESULT – KCLR McCalmont Cup Result: Lions AFC 4 V 1 Freshford Town. Scorers: Aaron Grady, Darragh Kelly, Jim O’Connor and Paddy Daly.
U9 TEAM: Our young Lions U9s travelled to Deen Celtic on Friday night, January 17th last with both teams enjoying the great football on show, great to see so many happy kids enjoying their football.
U8 TEAMl Our young U8s entertained Spa United in Durrow on Saturday, January 18th last. They had a great run out. Well done to both teams!
LAOIS KAYAK AND CANOE CLUB CLUB: TOURNAMENT Last Sunday (January 19th) the club hosted the finals of the Jimmy and Vera Fogarty Cup. A great days handball was had and well done to all players involved. Team Three won in a tight contest on a final score of 6 games to 5. On what was a sad year for Fogarty family it was nice to see Vera’s (RIP) grandchild Mia on the winning team. Well done to all players who took part in what was one of the best competitions yet.
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!