DURROW SCARECROW FESTIVAL 2024: Get Ready for the Durrow Scarecrow Festival! Have you ever experienced the magic of a village coming to life with creativity, fun, and endless entertainment? If not, then the Durrow Scarecrow Festival is a must-visit event for you and your family! From July 28th to August 5th, Durrow transforms into a whimsical wonderland where every corner is brimming with excitement. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a festival veteran, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store:
* Scarecrow Village: Open daily with live music, puppet shows, bouncy castles, carnival games, face painting, clay workshops, and more! Dive into the heart of the festival where fun meets creativity.
* Funky Zone: Open daily from 11am to 6pm with Europe’s Largest Mega Slide, a Scarecrow Maze, an Agri Aware pet farm, Legoand tons of games for kids of all ages.
* Live Music: Dance to the tunes of local favorites like The Kelly Brothers, The Finns, Drops Of Green, Sweet Freedom, and the Des Hopkins Dixieland jazz Band. There’s live music every day to keep you grooving!
* Workshops & Activities: Get hands-on with cookie decorating, slime making, fairy door crafting, and even a kids’ talent show. Perfect for keeping the little ones entertained and engaged.
* Laser Tag in small green opposite the Scarecrow Village! From Monday 29th July to Friday 2nd August!
* Entertainment Galore: Meet Jeca The Clown and laugh at his madcap antics, watch incredible escapologist Monsieur Gusto, and don’t miss out on the meet & greets with unicorns and dinosaurs!
* Outdoor Adventures: Kayaking on the River Erkina, Hund dog training sessions, Family Stroll in Dunmore Country School, and even a historical walk through Durrow. Embrace the great outdoors with family-friendly activities.
* Special Events: From a Photographic Exhibition by Annie Holland, a ladies’ night at Castle Durrow to a Grand Slam Wrestling match, Duck Racing, and more, each day brings unique events that you won’t want to miss.
This is not just a festival – it’s an experience filled with laughter, joy, and countless memories waiting to be made. Join us at the Durrow Scarecrow Festival and be part of a tradition that celebrates community spirit and creativity. Dates: July 28th – August 5th; Admission: Adults €6, Children €1 (Scarecrow Village) | Adults €4, Children €1 (Funky Zone). Don’t miss out on the festival of the summer! See you there!
CLOWN JECA – We are delighted to have Clown Jeca back with us again for this years Scarecrow Festival, keep an eye out for him at this year’s festival.
VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED: Volunteers Needed for Scarecrow Summer Camp from Monday 29th July to Friday 2nd August – 10am to 1pm Daily. Volunteers must be aged 18+. Contact (087) 9194428.
BOOKING FOR EVENTS: We’re excited to announce that booking is now open for all our amazing events at the Durrow Scarecrow Festival! Don’t miss your chance to secure your spot for these fantastic activities: • Cookie Workshops – Get creative with delicious treats!; • Slime Workshops – Gooey fun for kids of all ages!; • Durrow Historical Walk – Discover the rich history of Durrow!; • Rush Workshops – Learn the traditional craft of rush work!; • Go Fly Your Kite – Make and fly your own kite!; • Grand Slam Wrestling – Showdown at The Castle Arms Hotel!; • Family Strolls – Explore Dunmore Country School! Book your spots now to ensure you don’t miss out on these incredible experiences. Visit our website: www.durrowscarecrowfestival.com online to reserve your tickets today!
KAYAKING: Laois Kayaking Sessions at the Durrow Scarecrow Festival: Looking for some outdoor adventure this summer? Join us for Laois Kayaking Sessions at the Durrow Scarecrow Festival! Perfect for all ages, these sessions offer an exciting way to explore the beautiful River Erkina. Dates and Times: Saturday, 3rd August from 12pm to 6pm and Sunday, 4th August from 12pm to 6pm. Location: River Erkina.
What to Expect: 20-Minute Sessions: Guided kayaking on the scenic River Erkina.
Family-Friendly Fun: Suitable for everyone, priced at €10 per person or €25 for a family of four (one adult per child). No Booking Required: Just show up and dive in!
Safety First: All necessary safety gear provided and experienced instructors on hand. Be prepared to get wet, so wear suitable clothing and bring a change of clothes! Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a thrilling river adventure with family and friends. Join us for a splashing good time at the Durrow Scarecrow Festival! For more details, visit our website: www.durrowscarecrowfestival.com online. See you on the river!
DOG TRAINING SESSIONS: Hund Obedience Dog Training at the Durrow Scarecrow Festival! Attention all dog lovers! Bring your furry friends to the Durrow Scarecrow Festival for the Hund Obedience Dog Training sessions on Sunday, July 28th and Saturday, August 3rd from 12pm to 3pm. Whether your pooch needs some general obedience training or you want to learn fun activities to enjoy together, we’ve got you covered! Meet at The Funky Zone, Durrow Scarecrow Festival. Itinerary: 12pm until 12:45pm – General Obedience Problems, Learn how to address common obedience issues with expert advice; 1pm until 2pm – Kids Handling Seven Skills and Demos, Kids will love this session focused on handling skills and fun demos; 2pm until 3pm – Training, Fun, Games & Activities with Dogs, Engage in fun games and activities that both you and your dog will enjoy! Join us for a pawsome time and make sure to bring your four-legged friend for an afternoon of learning, fun, and games.
SECONDARY SCHOOL JOHNSTOWN – VIABILITY SURVEY: TFI have responded to our survey stating “that there are no plans currently to amend the timetable for 2024, but that there is a plan to review the timetable in 2025.” While we are disapointed that this is the current situation, we will keep appealing to TFI in the hope that we can get the changes needed for 2025.
WANTED: We are looking for a child minder for our baby. Starting in January 2025. Required for five days per week, but flexible. Cullohill/Lisdowney area. Please phone or text (086)3209617 if interested.
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 – LEAFY LOOP WALKS! We are agaon 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.
CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE – CIRCUIT CLASSES – running in The Centre every Tuesday and Thursday at 8.00pm with instructor Richie Saunders. Further details from any committee member.
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 7th July 2024 were: Joint First – Ger Alley and Ollie Clooney, Seamus Brennan and Martin Mahony; Joint Second: Jim Walsh and John Mooney, Phil Doheny and Paddy Meaney. The Raffle Winners on the night were: Johnny Kelly and Kitty Farrell.
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!
WATERING SYSTEM REPAIRED: We are delighted to have our watering system repaired and back with us. Terrance was busy feeding and watering the planters and flowers, always a big job but made a little easier by having the system working. This unit was partially funded through a generous donation from Councillor Oliver Clooney in 2022 and it’s a great help for our volunteers and our CES scheme.
THANK YOU MIDLANDS PRISON! A big thanks to Midlands Prison for donating their award Winning Scarecrow to Durrow Tidy Towns, it’s a great educational piece and a great addition to the Erkina amenity area. It will stay in place here for the time being as it’s still apt for the coming Scarecrow Festival. We have great plans for it going forward.
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.
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 July 26th.
WHIST DRIVE: Club meetings have now ended for the Summer season. We will be back in September.
DURROW BRIDGE CLUB: Club meetings have now ended for the Summer season. We will be back in October.
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 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.
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.
CROCHET CLASS – Meet Courtney in the library every Wednesday at 2pm for crochet classes. Call or email the library for more details.
CRAFT TABLE – Pop into the library every Tuesday in July at 2pm for a special parent/child craft table. While stocks last! Suitable for ages 3+.
BLOW ART – Create fun art pieces using watercolours and straws on Wednesday, 17th July at 12pm. Suitable for ages 7+. Booking essential.
TEDDY BEAR SLEEPOVER – Drop your favourite cuddly friend in for a Teddy Bear sleepover in the library on Tuesday, 23rd July (must be dropped in before 5:30pm). Suitable for ages 0-5 years. Booking essential.
SENSORY MORNING – Pick up your Teddy Bear friend after the sleepover and join in the sensory play session on Wednesday 24th July at 11am. Suitable for ages 0-5 years. Booking essential.
ADULT BOOK CLUB – The next meeting will be on Tuesday 30th July at 6.10pm. New members welcome – call or email the library for more details.
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.
LAOIS COMMUNITY & VOLUNTARY AWARDS 2024: Laois County Council in collaboration with Laois PPN and our long-standing sponsor People First Credit Union, are delighted to announce that we are now accepting nominations for the Laois Community & Voluntary Awards 2024. The Awards acknowledge groups and individuals who, through their commitment to voluntary and community activities, have played a significant role in enhancing the quality of life in their communities. Categories for 2024 are: • Arts, Culture & Heritage Award – This award recognises Groups/Organisations who enhance their local areas, by conserving, protecting and promoting the Arts, Culture and Heritage of their local community through collective creative activities. Examples include – Drama, Music, Literature, Arts, Festivals, Conservation, and Heritage.
• Social Inclusion Award – This award recognises Groups/Organisations that actively work in a supportive role in their communities and whose aim is to minimise social exclusion and/or help to improve the quality of life for socially excluded groups. Examples include working with the elderly, People with Disabilities, Ethnic Minority, Travelling Community, Young people in transition, LGBTI+ and the Homeless.
• Sports Award – This award is to recognise and celebrate group in our local communities from clubs, and community organisations that go above and beyond in their efforts to promote community sport and physical activity opportunities. This award aims to acknowledge groups or organisations that provide a leading role in their communities to help to improve the quality of life and reduce barriers to participation through physical activity or sports.
• Climate Action Awards – This award recognises communities carrying out awareness initiatives and/or actions that make a positive contribution against climate change. Climate actions can encourage your community to improve the impact of their everyday choices, support local communities and foster a sustainable approach to protecting the environment.
• Best Kept Residential ESTATE Award – This award recognises the hard work and dedication shown in residential areas throughout Laois, recognises the great pride people have in their own communities, recognise the value of our biodiversity, and continue to put in a huge effort, on behalf of the places where they live.
• The Health and Well Being Award – This award recognises community health and wellbeing initiatives i.e. mental health, sexual health, awareness raising & promotion around medical conditions, disorders, and disabilities, including opportunities for social connections, increased meaningful daily activities, developing confidence and providing a sense of purpose & positive self-worth for citizens in the community.
• Junior Volunteer of the Year Award. This award recognises the outstanding contribution young people throughout the county, have made to their local Community. Every community has individuals who are boundless in their energy and determination to get things done.
Each group and individual nominated will be presented with a Certificate acknowledging their contribution to the community and voluntary effort in Laois. There will also be award winners and runners up across a range of categories. One of the most anticipated awards each year, goes to an individual, who the judges believe puts in such effort that they can be regarded as somewhat of an Unsung Hero, for the work they do.
How do I nominate? To submit a nomination, simply complete the online forms that are available to you on https://laois.ie/departments/community/community-voluntary-awards-2024/
Log onto the Submit https://laoiscoco.submit.com
Download a Nomination form from https://laois.ie/departments/community/community-voluntary-awards-2024/ and email completed form to : awards@laoiscoco.ie or post hardcopy to Community Section, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise
Hardcopy Nomination forms (only if required) are also available by contacting Community Section, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise – Tel no. 057-8664236.
For further information on the Terms & Conditions, please call 057-8664236 or email awards@laoiscoco.ie
Closing Date for receipt of Nominations is Friday, 26th July, 2024 at 4.00pm
Help us celebrate the remarkable Community Groups and individuals in our community. Nominate someone today and let their extraordinary stories inspire others.
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 have now relocated to 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.
Grásta – Preparing for Marriage? Weekend residential courses available September 20th to 22nd 2024. For more details visit www.grasta.org or contact info@grasta.org by email.
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!
LOCAL CEMETERY MASSES: Cemetery Masses will be held on Friday 26th July at 8pm in Aughmacart; on Friday 2nd August at 8pm in Kyleogue, Cullohill (To be confirmed); on Saturday 10th August at 7.30pm in Cullohill Cemetery and on Sunday 1st September at 11.15am in Durrow Cemetery.
SYMPATHY is extended to the friends and family of Patrick Byrne, Navan Rd, Dublin (and formerly of Durrow, Co. Laois) on their recent bereavement.
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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!
UNDER 7s TRAINING: Harps Under 7s training continues on Fridays from 6pm to 7pm at the Ball Wall in the Durrow Grounds. This training is open to all Junior and Senior Infants boys.
SUMMER CAMP 2024! August 19th to 23rd 2024. The camp will run from 10am to 2pm for children born prior to 2017 and up to sixth class. The cost is €60.
The camp will also run for children born in 2017, 2018 and 2019 from 10am to 12pm midday. The cost is €30 for this camp.
Our camp will be run by our Games Development Officer along with our coaches and a selection of players. This is open to boys and girls and will cater for both codes – football and hurling/camogie.
Registration: You must register your child by the 1st of August and can do so by WhatsApp or Text to Lar on (086) 6091622. Please include Child’s name, Child’s class and contact details along with any special medical requirements.
Payment can be made by Revolut to Lar on (086) 6091622 or in cash on the Monday morning of the Camp.
Queries – Any queries can be made to Lar on (086) 6091622, Podge on (087) 9755876, Enda on (087) 6348615 or Brendan on (086) 3062801.
CROKE PARK EXPERIENCE: The Harps Under 11 travelled to Dublin to play in Croke Park recently. The boys played John Lockes of Kilkenny. A superb display of hurling was shown by all players on the day. A good result in the match. Great day out and Experience for the Harps Under 11. Harps Abu!
THE HARPS CAMOGIE CLUB: Our Adult Junior and Intermediate teams are back training and looking to build on the success of last year. All players young, old and new are more than welcome to join us. We are training on Wednesdays at 7:30pm in Cullohill pitch. If you want more details about joining contact The Harps Camogie Club’s Facebook page.
JUVENILE TRAINING – U6, U8 and U10 training is back on Thursdays at the Juvenile Pitch in Durrow at 6:30pm – all are most welcome.
TRAINING – U12 and U14 training continues on Thursdays at 6:30pm at the ball wall in Durrow. All new members are welcome to come along and give it a go.
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.
WOMEN’S KICK-FIT: Get fit with football – Have fun and get fit with a social soccer kick about, no experience neccessary. Every Wednesday throughout June and July from 8pm to 9pm on the Astro Pitch at Lions AFC Grounds, Cork Rd, Durrow. For further information please call Sinead on 0879510587.
SUMMER CAMP: Due to popular demand, an extra FAI Football Camps is NOW OPEN for bookings. Visit https://bookings.faifootballcamps.ie/s/camp-list online and pick LIONS AFC, DURROW, 22nd – 26th July from the list to complete your booking.
TEXACO AWARD! The Lions AFC were delighted to be presented with the Laois ‘Texaco Support for Sport’ award by Oliver Stanley and Sinéad Fox from Texaco. The ‘Texaco Support for Sport’ initiative is designed to recognise the important contribution that sports clubs make within society by supporting them in a manner that can benefit them most. In the case of the Lions, the awarded monies will be used for our pitch development project. The €5,000 award was presented to the club’s President Elect Liam Holland. We would like to thank Oliver and Sandra Stanley for their ongoing support of our club.
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!
LAOIS KAYAK AND CANOE CLUB CLUB – You can contact us on info@laoiskayak.com by email.
SCARECROW FESTIVAL: The club are holding two kayaking sessions at this year’s festival. Please visit www.durrowscarecrowfestival.com online for further details or see in the local press.