July 16th 2023

July 2023 turns out to be a wet month. Heavy rain clouds over Durrow is pictured.
July 2023 turns out to be a wet month. Heavy rain clouds over Durrow is pictured.

MAKE A SCARECROW FOR THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL! Have you got what it takes to win this year’s All Ireland Scarecrow Championship at Durrow Scarecrow Festival? Register your entry before July 26th and have your scarecrow in place by July 29th – that’s the only criteria! The rest is up to you! Enteries are accepted from all over Ireland and even beyond! Enter by visiting https://durrowscarecrowfestival.com/all-ireland-scarecrow-championship/ online where full details on categories and terms and conditions are listed along with the entry form.

WIN TICKETS TO THIS YEAR’S SCARECROW FESTIVAL – Visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/DurrowScarecrowFestival where we will be running promotional competitions throughout July, remember to Like, Comment and Sahare to be in with a chance to win!!!

DURROW SCARECROW FESTIVAL 2023: The Scarecrow Village will go up on Saturday 15th July, meeting on the green in Durrow from 10am, all help and skills are needed on the day and in the coming week after the Saturday, setting up the village on that Saturday makes it easier for all the smaller jobs to be done during the week. Please do come out and assist, any queries please call Anne on (086) 6079069.
Scarecrow Making: Would you like to get involved? Please join us on Mondays and Tuesdays from 7.30pm until 9pm and help us prepare for this year’s festival in the ICA hall, Patrick Street. If you’ve not made a scarecrow before, do come along, everyone has a skill or idea and we can all learn from each other.

LADIES NIGHT: Join us on Tuesday, 1st August, at Castle Durrow as part of the Durrow Scarecrow Festival, for an exclusive Ladies Night event. Get ready for an evening filled with glamour, entertainment, and delightful surprises. With limited places available, make sure to secure your spot early!
Event Details: Date: Tuesday, 1st August, Time: Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start, Location: Castle Durrow. Visit www.durrowscarecrowfestival.com/ladies-night/ for ticket details.

THE FOLLY FESTIVAL 2023; Cullohill Community Council would like to thank all the volunteers who helped to make the Folly Festival such a great success. The festival is run by Cullohill Community Council supporting the Cullohill Village Development Plan. The group would also like to thank the many locals who bought tickets and came in such great numbers to support the event. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2024.

JOB VACANCY: Durrow Community Services has a vacancy for an Office Administrator based in Durrow; as per the Department of Social Protection requirements, the position is 19.5 hours per week and must be on a Social Welfare payment for minimum of 12 months to apply. Please contact Astrid Andersson on (057) 8736870 or andersson@durrowcs.com for further information.

THE WHEEL INN BALLYOUSKILL: From Friday July 14th 2023, Food will be available in The Wheel Inn, Ballyouskill between the hours of 7pm and 10pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. Eat In or Takeaway Available, why not drop in and see the menus!

DURROW MEALS ON WHEELS SERVICE: The committee of Meals on Wheels wish to thank all those involved in the cooking and delivering of many meals daily, five days weekly. This include the kitchen staff and van drivers, who are employed on the CE Scheme in Durrow, and to the volunteers who deliver in the local area on a regular basis.
New volunteer drivers are needed at present, it can be for one day at a time or more. If you would like to help with this worthy service you can do so by contacting Pius on 0870611880.

THE CLEANING FAIRY: Avaliable to clean houses! Bathroom Cleaning, Kitchen Cleaning, Oven Cleaning, General Room Cleaning, Surface Polishing, Bed Changing, Refrigerator Cleaning, Cabinet Cleaning, Organization. Ironing. Text 0852895375 for more details.

DURROW TIDY TOWNS: With Tidy Towns ongoing Judging over the months of June, July and August, we are asking all businesses and Residents to continue the five minute sweet outside your own homes and premises. Every help is needed in keeping Durrow looking neat and tidy for the Judges.We meet on Wednesday and Friday nights if you would like to assist with a group or if you wish to work on your own, why not join our ‘hidden hour’ and work at your own pace or Adopt an Area to look after with some friends and family? Contact Fred on 087 6892323 or email tidytowns@durrow.ie with any queries.
Survey Reminder: If you’ve picked up a Tidy Towns Survey in and if the local shops, credit union or post office, can you complete it and return it soon! It’s hugely important to get community feedback.

OUR LADY’S MEADOW PRIMARY SCHOOL: The Parent’s Council will be holding a second-hand uniform sale in the CES Hall (beside the Church) after weekend Masses on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd July. This is a great way to save on uniform shopping for the new school year but also a chance to pass on uniforms that don’t fit anymore. Donations of uniforms can be dropped to the school on Saturday 22nd July between 3pm and 4pm. Please ensure same are in good condition.
OUR LADY’S MEADOW PRIMARY SCHOOL: As you may or may not be aware Our Lady’s Meadow will celebrate its 40th Anniversary later this year. As part of the celebrations we are looking for people’s stories and memories of their time there. We will be asking the schoolchildren to share their own stories, however we are sure many of you have attended yourselves and can help out also. It could be a funny incident, a happy memory, a teacher you will always remember and why, a classmate who was there for you- anything at all. Photographs would also be appreciated if you are willing to share! We would love to hear from you. Please send your story directly to the school or to olm40years@gmail.com by email.

CULLOHILL BRIDGE CLUB: Summer Bridge has now commenced in Cullohill Community Centre. The game continues every Thursday evening at 7.30pm, and everyone is 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.

BALLINAKILL SWIMMING POOL: Season tickets are now available to purchase on their website www.ballinakilloutdoorswimmingpool.com – prices remain as they were last year.
Please email ballinakillswimmingpool@gmail.com with any queries.

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!

CULLOHILL COMHALTAS: We are delighted to announce that there will be a Cullohill Comhaltas group starting in September 2023. This will be open and available to all members of our community (adults and children).

DURROW BRIDGE CLUB NEWS: Durrow Bridge Club continue their Bridge nights in the Castle Arms Hotel every Wednesday night at 7.30pm. All are most welcome.

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.

WHIST DRIVE: The Killermogh Whist Drive is held in the Parochial Hall, Cork Road, Durrow. The Next Whist drive is on Thursday 28th September 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 9th July 2023 were: Joint First – Dick Brennan and Michael Kells, Vera Brennan and Willie Gorman.; Joint Second – Pat and Terry Dunne, Sean and Anna Burke, Ger Alley and Ollie Clooney. The Raffle Winners on the night were: Eddie Delaney and Dick Brennan.

SET DANCING CLASSES: Set dancing classes are held every Thursday night in The Wheel Inn, Ballyouskill from 9pm. 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.
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 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.
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 fåilte röimh cupån tae a 61 agus cüpla focail Gaeilge a labhairt no a canadh.
DISCO GIRL – Summer Disco in the Library! Tuesday the 18th of July from 2.10pm to 3.10pm.
SLIME WORKSHOP – A Slime Making workshop will take place on Wednesday 19th of July from 1Oam to 11.30am.

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.

WANTED: Short term rental for approx three months required in Durrow or surrounding areas. Please call (086) 0469513 or contact agleeson79@gmail.com by email.

BIRDWATCH IRELAND: BirdWatch Ireland wishes to remind the public that, under the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended, it is prohibited to cut, burn or otherwise destroy vegetation not then cultivated between Sunday 1st March to August 31st, except in the case of any of the derogations permitted under the Wildlife Act. This means that the cutting of hedgerows and the burning or gorse and other vegetation are prohibited during this period.
The restrictions on the destruction of vegetation are in place in order to allow birds to undertake their breeding cycle, a time when they are most vulnerable. All wild birds are protected under national and EU law, especially during the period when they are breeding. This period starts when birds seek out and establish territories, find a mate, begin nest-building and then lay eggs and rear their chicks.

ROSCONNELL: Rosconnell Cemetary Mass will take place this Friday the 21st of July at 8pm.

CHURCH NEWS: Parish Office – The Parish Office at the Presentation Centre beside the Church is open from 9.30am to 2pm on weekdays. The booking of Masses, Christenings of babies, weddings and funeral arrangements must be arranged with this office. Sale of Mass Cards, Christening Candles, Communion gifts and booking of All matters relating to Church business in the Parish must also go through this office. You can also contact the Parish Office by phone on (085) 2625033 or to durrow@ossory.ie by email.
Summer Opening hours for July and August will be: Wednesdays – 930am until 2pm; Thursdays – Closed; Fridays – 930am until 2pm.
REVISED MASS HOURS: Effective from 9th September 2023 – Durrow and Rathdowney Parish Mass Times will be revised as follows: 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.
ADORATION: There will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in Cullohill Church every Thursday morning from 8.50am until 9.50am.
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.
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.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT: The Financial Statement for 2022 is available for your information in the Church porch. If you have any questions please ask in Parish Office.
CEMETERY MASSES 2023: Cullohill – Saturday 5th August at 7pm; Durrow – Sunday 27th August at 12 noon; Aughmacart – Friday 11th August at 7pm.
ANNUAL BUS TO KNOCK SHRINE – The National Mary’s Meals Annual Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine takes place on Saturday 1st July. Bus will leave Roscrea at 9am. To book a seat (€20), please contact Angela on (089) 4339592.
SYMPATHY: Deepest Sympathies are extended to the family and friends of John Freeman, Durrow on their recent bereavement.

NUMBER FOR ST. VINCENT DE PAUL – LAST UPDATED JULY 2021: Our new contact phone number for confidential assistance is (087) 6974792.

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.
JUVENILE CAMP 2023 – This year The Harps will be running our own Juvenile camp with our own coaches in conjunction with our games development officer. Save the Date: Monday 21st August to Friday 25th August. More details and information to follow.

THE HARPS CAMOGIE CLUB: SUMMER CAMP – Laois Camogie Summer Camp will be taking place again this year. We have our camp in St Fergals Rathdowney confirmed for Monday July 24th until Friday July 28th. It will run from 10am to 2pm daily. Fabulous gear again this year! We are also hoping to run a second camp, details to be confirmed.
Camp and gear will cost €100. Visit the following link to book your place and order camp gear – see https://forms.office.com/e/aDp8ZFVSqp online.

CULLOHILL HANDBALL CLUB: You can contact the club on cullohillhandballclub@yahoo.ie by email.
WELL DONE! Well Done to Aoife and Una Brophy who won the GAA Leinster Softball Title by a score of 21 6 21 8 against April and Emily Moran from Wexford last weekend. Another title in what is a fantastic year for the Girls in both Big and Small Alley!

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.
SUMMER CAMP 2023 – The club will be hosting an FAI soccer camp this summer. If any club members or players are interested in being a coach at the camp, contact Brian on 085 7088511.
WOMENS KICKFIT – GET FIT WITH FOOTBALL: Have fun and get fit with a social soccer kick about. No experience necessary. Held every Wednesday during June and July from 8pm to 9pm on the Astroturf at Lions AFC. For more information please contact Sinead on 0879510587. Commenced 21st June – but welcoming new players on an ongoing basis.
WELL DONE! A big shout out to Harry, Conor, Taylor and Frankie who are all part of next seasons Kilkenny U12 squad. The lads were in pre-season action v Crumlin Utd. on Saturday July 8th and all four of our boys were in top form. Keep up the good work lads!

DURROW AND CULLOHILL DISTRICT ANGLERS: APPEAL – Durrow Cullohill District Anglers want to offer our support to Sean Dunphy and Mairead Brennan for their Memorial Run for Pat and Elaine. Pat Dunphy was a long serving Member in our Club and is sadly missed. We as a Club can only promote this worthy cause as Pat gave endless commitment to the running of the Fishing Club. So please visit www.gofundme.com/f/memorial-run-for-pat-elaine-50km-for-5k online and any donation would be greatly appreciated.
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!
PAT DUNPHY CUP 2023 – The Club had a Competition for the Pat Dunphy Cup on July 9th last at Grantstown Lake. First – Paddy Regan; Second – David Walsh; Third – Shane Donohue. And a special thanks to the Dunphy family for presenting the winning cup and to all who took part in the competition.

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.