VOCEM DARÚ: €2000 donation to Laois Hospice from the Parish of Durrow – Vocem Darύ made a donation of €2000 to Laois Hospice proceeds from the Carol Service held in the Holy Trinity Church, Durrow last December. The choir was invited by Fr Martin Delaney to perform at the service. Vocem Darύ was established in 2017 and has developed into a successful female choir. The main objective of the choir is to sing in harmony, to have fun, to make a positive contribution to the community of Durrow and surrounding area. Thank you to everyone who supported us.
OSSORY CYCLING CLUB: Club spins from now to the end of February! New members and some old members can come along, all welcome to join us. We leave the square in Rathdowney every Sunday morning around 9:50am.
AVAILABLE: Cleaner available around Durrow to do house cleans – with experience and has Garda Vetting. Phone 083 0261990 for more information.
COON HALL KILKENNY: Kilquan Players present Separate Beds by Sam Cree. Shows held on Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd, Sunday 4th, Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th February at 8pm each night in Coon Hall, Co. Kilkenny R93 EC89. €10 Entry (no pre-booking). Raffles and Refreshments each night.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Farm worker required in the Cullohill-Rathdowney area for a Dairy and Beef Farm (Dairy 150+ herd with a 12 unit double-up parlour including auto-wash). Duties to include milking, calf rearing, tractor work and general farm activities. Call (087) 2394015 for more information.
NATIONAL SOCIAL ENTERPRISE POLICY: On the 7th of December last, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, T.D. launched a public consultation to further inform the development of Ireland’s new National Social Enterprise Policy. This is the final stage of the consultation process which included six regional consultation events, the receipt of written submissions from stakeholders, and bilateral meetings between officials drafting the new policy and key stakeholders, representative groups, Government Departments and public bodies. If you would like to share your views and any ideas for a title for the new policy document email your submission to: seconsultation@drcd.gov.ie with “Social Enterprise Policy 2023/2024” in the title. The consultation remains open until January 31st 2024. For more information please visit https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/93961-national-social-enterprise-policy-for-ireland-closing-phase-public-consultation/ online.
DURROW TIDY TOWNS: Thanks to everyone who supported our fundraising for planting this year by purchasing our Durrow Calendar.
If you still need a calendar, we’ve a limited few calendars for 2024 left and they have been reduced to €5, available in local shops or online so grab yourself a bargain and enjoy photos of Durrow all year round. Visit durrowscarecrowfestival.com/community-shop online.
CULLOHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL: Scoil Tighearnach Naofa, Cullohill is now accepting enrolments for incoming Junior Infants for September 2024. Enrolment forms are available from the school office on request, email scoiltnaofa@gmail.com. The deadline for application is Thursday, 29th February.
DURROW COMMUNITY SERVICES: Durrow Community Services currently have the following vacancies: 5 positions as an Environmental Worker in Durrow; 1 position as Groundskeeper in Durrow; 1 position as an Environmental Worker in Cullohill; 1 position as an Office Administrator in Durrow; 1 position as an Environmental Worker in Ballacolla. 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 a minimum of 12 months to apply. Please contact Astrid Andersson on 057 8736870 or andersson@durrowcs.com for further information.
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 and dispel the winter evening blues while helping to keep fit.
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. There was no game on January 21st last owing to Storm Isha.
BALLYOUSKILL 25s CARDS GAME – Ballyouskill 25s Cards continues in Ballyouskill Community Hall on the last Friday of the month at 8pm. Usual prizes and a raffle on the night. The next game will be held on Friday the 23rd of February 2024 at 8pm sharp. All are welcome.
WHIST DRIVE: The Killermogh Whist Drive is held in the Parochial Hall, Cork Road, Durrow. The Next Whist drive is on Thursday 22nd February 2024 at 8pm. All are most welcome.
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 https://www.facebook.com/DurrowPipeBand or search Facebook for “Durrow & District Pipe Band” to find us online.
THIRD LAOIS DURROW SCOUTS – Our Beaver and Cub Scout sections are currently at capacity for leader Ratios. If you are considering volunteering, love the outdoors and learning new skills then please consider joining the scout group. Email gldurrow@gmail.com with any questions or to put your name forward.
SPACES: Beaver (6-8 yrs) and Cubs (9-11yrs) have limited spaces available. Please email gldurrow@gmail.com to register.
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!
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.
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 as 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 cooperation.
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.
ADULT ART GROUP – A self-led art group meets weekly every Tuesday at 2:30pm. Call or email the library for more details.
IRISH CIRCLE — 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.
LEGO FREE PLAY – Lego Free Play will continue in the library on Wednesday January 31st from 2pm to 4pm. Children are welcome with parent/guardian supervision.
DURROW COMMUNITY SATURDAY MARKET: Durrow Community Market continues on Saturdays from 9am to 12 noon on the Kilkenny Road beside the Church.
DURROW-ABBEYLEIX MACRA: Well done to everyone who took part in our County Titles Night on Saturday January 20th. It was a very enjoyable evening. We also want to say an absolute massive thank you to our two wonderful judges Sarah Baker and Niamh Sheehy. Best of luck to all of our winners going forward in their respective competitions: Julie Lupton – Queen of the Land; Michael Kilheeney – Mr Personality; Jean Marnell – Miss Macra!
CONGRATULATIONS – Congratulations to Diane Seale who was selected at the Laois Titles night last night to represent both our club and county at the Blue Jean Country Queen Festival which will be held on the June Bank Holiday in Athboy, Co Meath. We are rooting for you Diane
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.
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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 4.30 pm 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.
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.
St. Ignatian Spiritual Exercises for Men – Led by Fr Stephen Kennedy, IVE on Friday, February 2nd to Monday, February 5th (Bank Holiday) in De La Salle retreat centre, Castletown, Laois, R32 N6D8. Cost €200 which includes all meals and en-suite single rooms. Call Sr. Constancy (089) 2152307 or c.puertadelaauroral@gmail.com by email.
Grásta – Preparing for Marriage? Weekend residential courses available from April 26th to 28th and September 20th to 22nd 2024. For more details visit www.grasta.org or contact info@grasta.org by email.
The Priory Institute – Study Theology Online, is this for you? We provide online Theology courses to degree level. Attend Saturday lectures in Tallaght or from the comfort of your own home. Register before February 14th. Find out more on our website: www.prioryinstitute.com online.
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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, has been changed to (083) 4056021 as of July 14th 2023.
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.
CONGRATULATIONS: Congratulations to Heywood CS Senior Hurlers who are through to the Leinster B Hurling Final after a win over Naas CBS in SETU Carlow last Tuesday. Full Time Score: Heywood CS 2-17 V 2-09 Naas.
THE HARPS CAMOGIE CLUB: Follow all the latest news from the club at https://www.facebook.com/HarpsCamogie online.
THIRTY YEARS ANNIVERSARY: The Harps Camogie Club wishes to invite all past and present players and committee members to our 30 year Anniversary Dinner Dance and medal presentation. A great night guaranteed where we will be looking back on all our achievements over the last 30 years whilst presenting medals for our most recent success. On the night medals will be presented to our 2023 Junior County Final Winners, Junior Leinster Final Runners up Medals and 2023 Leinster League winners. More details to follow soon in relation to tickets. The event will be held in The Castle Arms Hotel on February 17th. Music by Sweet Freedom on the night.
APPEAL – We are looking for your Harps Camogie Club photos from the last 30 years so that we can display them at our Dinner Dance. If you have any photos of the teams throughout the past 30 years please get in contact with the Harps Camogie Club Facebook page.
WELL DONE! Well done to Lily, Sive, Eimear and Alison on a super win recently in the Leinster Junior Schools final with Heywood CS!
CULLOHILL HANDBALL CLUB: Last Sunday, January 21st in the Handball Alley we played out the finals of the Jimmy and Vera Fogarty Cup. It was the most competitive finals day ever with both teams winning matches to set up an exciting climax! Team three captained by Ethan Lafferty were winners by 2 aces after a tie at 4 games each. Ellie Lafferty accepted the cup from Ray Fogarty on Ethan’s behalf. The Winning Team on the day was: Ethan Lafferty (Captain); Jamie Fogarty; Ellie Lafferty; Ollie Delaney; Tadgh Hennessy; Mia Fogarty; Darragh Phelan; Charlie Dunne; Daithie Russell and Tadgh Russell. Well Done to all and a big Thank You to the Fogarty Family for this important development tournament carrying on Jimmys wish of Juvenile development at Cullohill Handball Club. 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.
REPORT: Junior Division 1 Result: Lions AFC 2 V 3 Castlewarren A. Scorers: Darragh Kelly and Paddy Daly. A windy Sunday morning saw two teams competing for promotion meet in a league clash. Our boys have had a wonderful first half to the season and are still competing for success in the league and cups still. The boys started brightly pressing high and moving the ball very well at times. They were rewarded for their hard work from Jim O’Connor setting up Darragh Kelly for the opening goal. Not sitting back with their lead they pressed again with Rian Edwards and Darragh Kelly having chances. It was Paddy Daly who doubled the lead with a clever ball from Michael Monahan setting Paddy Daly away who cleverly chipped over the oncoming keeper.
Just when things were settling Castlewarren scored their first with a speculative cross that lobbed into the corner of the net over a helpless Darren Maher. The lads looked to see out the first half but were cruelly punished when from their own free managed to give away a dangerous free just outside the box. Castlewarren punished the slight lapse in concentration to sneak the free into the bottom corner.
Both teams went in at half time level. Such an impressive half with some fantastic football displayed from both sides.
The second half did not have the same standard mainly due to the worsening weather, in particular strong winds. Both teams looked for the winner. Cathal Jordan and Cathal Murphy had a commanding day for us in the second half until Castlewarren managed to work their no.9 in for his third goal of the game. The boys pushed to level the game with Paddy Daly, Jim O’Connor having chances. Unfortunately the equaliser did not come. A disappointing morning for all involved but the season is far from over with the team still in strong contention for promotion and cup competitions. Next weekend brings the quarter final of the Pat Maher Shield and hopefully back to winning ways.
REPORT: U16 South East Regional Semi Final. AET Lions 2 V 3 Freebooters. Scorers: Scott Hovendan and John Coonan. Heartbreak for the young Lions in Kilkenny as they lost in extra time. The Lions started slowly and found themselves two down after fifteen minutes. However the second goal seemed to spark the lads into action, as they settled down and got their passing game going. Scott pulled one back afterclever footwork in the box. Soon after John Coonan equalised with a brilliant left shot that gave the keeper no chance. 2-2 at half time. Both teams cancelled each other out in the second half as both defences got on top. Freebooters scored early in extra time and try as they could the Lions couldn’t find an equaliser that would have brought the game to penalties. A top performance from our lads that bodes well for the rest of the Season. Keep up the good work lads.
REPORT: U14 Division 1: Deen Celtic 1 v 0 Lions. Lions Athletic lined out today in difficult conditions against Deen Celtic in Castlecomer. Despite dominating at many stages throughout the game, the Lions were unlucky not to score, with Fionn O’Sullivan coming closest to the mark when his free kick hit the crossbar in the middle of the first half. It was Deen Celtic who opened the score sheet after sixty minutes with an impressive goal from a corner. unfortunately the Lions couldn’t manage to equalise in the remaining minutes and the game ended one-nil. Hard luck lads.
DURROW AND CULLOHILL DISTRICT ANGLERS: JOIN US – The club is 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! All fishing membership cards can be bought in The Gala Shop Durrow, Lawlors Flower Shop Durrow, and in Fran’s Fishing Shop Mountrath. All day tickets and full membership cards are available. There are court appointed water keepers overseeing the club’s waters and you could be asked for membership. Please ensure all membership and tickets are valid and please adhere to club rules listed on the membership cards. Happy Fishing!
PIKE COMPETITION RESULTS: Last week’s competition results: First – Shane Donohue; Second – Dylan Mac Donald; Third – Stuart Walsh.
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.