DURROW SCARECROW FESTIVAL 2024: The Durrow Scarecrow Festival continues for the rest of this week and concludes next Bank Holiday Monday – here’s a taste of what is happening around the town:
* 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 until 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.
MUSIC: Get ready to groove to the beats of our incredible lineup of live music acts throughout the festival! Here’s what you can look forward to, with live music on all remaining days:
Tuesday, 30th July – 2pm: Joe Laffen; 4:30pmM: Ray & Paddy; Wednesday, 31st July – 2pm: Joe Laffan; 4pm: Johnny Keegan; Thursday, 1st August – 2pm: Billy White; 4:30pm: Billy Dollard & Eddie Larkin; Friday, 2nd August – 2pm: Billy White; 4pm: Ray & Paddy; Saturday, 3rd August – 12pm: The Culprits; 2:15pm: Des Hopkins Dixieland Jazz Band; 4:30pm: Brian & Figgs; Sunday, 4th August – 12pm: Brian & Figgs;
2:15pm: Drops of Green; 4:30pm: Diarmuid Guinan; Monday, 5th August – 12pm: Brinda Irani; 1:30pm: Joe Laffen; 3:45pm: Sweet Freedom. Join us for an unforgettable musical experience at the Durrow Scarecrow Festival!
IRISH HISTORY LIVE: Experience History Like Never Before with Irish History Live! Step back in time and become part of history at the Durrow Scarecrow Festival with Irish History Live! Dive into the fascinating past of Ireland, from fur-clad hunter-gatherers, to Viking raiders and more. Date: Saturday, 3rd August; Time: 11am until 6pm; Location: Scarecrow Village. Join us for an immersive and interactive historical adventure that brings the past to life. Perfect for history buffs and curious minds of all ages!
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, 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.
RHYTHM AND DRUM WORKSHOP: Feel the Beat at the Rhythm & Drum Workshop – Join us for the ever enjoyable Rhythm & Drum Workshop at the Durrow Scarecrow Festival! Perfect for all ages, this workshop will have you moving to the beat and discovering the joy of drumming.
Date: Tuesday, 30th July; Time: 2pm until 3pm; Location: Scarecrow Village; Cost: Free Event. Come and learn the basics of rhythm, explore different percussion instruments, and unleash your inner drummer. This interactive workshop is a fantastic opportunity for family fun and musical discovery.
SLIME WORKSHOPS: Slime Workshops at the Durrow Scarecrow Festival, with The Wonder Years! Calling all slime enthusiasts! Join us for our Slime Workshops and dive into the gooey, stretchy, and super fun world of slime making. Perfect for kids to learn how to create your very own slime to take home! Dates and Times: Thursday, 1st August and 3:30pm; Location: Scarecrow Village; Cost: €12 (Pre-book on Festival Website). Don’t miss out on this exciting, hands-on experience. Spaces are limited, so make sure to book your spot today and get ready to get slimy!
GRAND SLAM WRESTLING FRIDAY! Get Ready for Grand Slam Wrestling at the Durrow Scarecrow Festival! Calling all wrestling fans! Join us for an electrifying wrestling showdown at the Durrow Scarecrow Festival. Watch as top wrestlers battle it out in an action-packed event that promises thrills and excitement for the whole family! Date: Friday, 2nd August; Time: 4pm; Location: The Castle Arms Hotel. Tickets: €10.50 from https://durrowscarecrowfestival.com/community-shop/ online. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience live wrestling right in the heart of Durrow. Grab your tickets now and be part of the action!
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Evening Relief Milker Required – Weekdays only. Farm located near Durrow. 2hr milking process with modern facilities and very keen rates. Previous milking experience is essential. For further details please contact 086 0321525. Thanks.
DURROW COMMUNITY SERVICES CLG: Durrow Community Services currently have the following vacancies: 5 positions as an Environmental Worker in Durrow; 1 position as Groundskeeper in GAA Grounds, Durrow; 3 positions as Catering Assistant in Durrow Meals on Wheels; 2 positions as an Environmental Worker in Cullohill; 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 minimum of 12 months to apply. Please contact Astrid Andersson on 057 8736870 or andersson@durrowcs.com for further information.
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 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.
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 21st July 2024 were: Joint First – Paddy Walsh and William Carroll, Pat and Terry Dunne; Joint Second: Padraig and Noreen Ryan, Frances Darcy and Mary Kelly. The Raffle Winners on the night were: Willie Dunphy and Eddie Delaney.
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!
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 August 30th.
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+.
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.
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 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.
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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.
SEINOR HURLERS – Well done to our Senior Hurlers on securing a win in their opening game defeating Rosenallis on a scoreline of 3-19 to 0-13. Next up the team face neighbours Clough-Ballacolla in the second round. Best wishes to the team.
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.
WOODENBRIDGE PADDLERS: Woodenbridge Paddlers Canoe Club on Sunday 11th August next will hold a paddle challenge to support the new centre for Autism in St. Fergal’s College Rathdowney. The Challenge will start from the Woodenbridge on the Erkina River and conclude at John’s Bridge in Kilkenny City. Please support us by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-new-centre-for-autism-in-stfergals-rathdowney online.
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 necessary. 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.
NEW SEASON AHEAD! Our Junior Teams are now looking for expressions of interest for players playing in both our junior squads for the coming 2024/25 season. Please call 087 9173695 for more details.
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 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!
HER WEEK 2024: As part of HER Outdoors week, you are invited to join us at our clubhouse in Durrow on Saturday, 10th August for a fun morning or afternoon of kayaking. Come try out a new adventure as part of this great initiative and meet some of our female paddlers who will tell all about our sport. Tea and coffee and chats afterwards. Booking is through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/laois-kayak-and-canoe-club-13145804968 online.