THE FOLLY FESTIVAL 2024: The Folly Festival 2024 will take place on July 5th and 6th in the beautifully intimate venue, known as Nancy’s Yard, beneath the towering ruins of historic Cullohill Castle. All proceeds from the Folly Festival are used by the organisers Cullohill Community Council for Village renewal projects along with donations to local Schools, Clubs and Societies.
The concerts will be punctuated by Saturday’s Daytime Events, with the Family Trad Event in Nancy’s Castle. Led by the fantastic Dooley Brothers who take to the Castle Stage at 2pm along with a packed schedule of children’s entertainment, Artisan Food & Craft Fayre, vintage cars, a dog show, an art exhibition and so much more. Festival tickets are not required to take part in the daytime events, and everyone is welcome to attend!
LINE-UP FOR 2024: Headlining the Folly Festival on Friday night is Darren Kiely, the Irish singer-songwriter who has accumulated three million global streams and has sold-out headline shows at Rockwood Music Hall and Mercury Lounge in NYC, while The Scratch – currently one the most talked about bands in the country signed to Sony Music and garnering a huge fan base as they tour the US and Canada – will headline Saturday.
Róisín O a firm favourite on the festival circuit, has most recently toured Ireland, the UK and Australia in the wake of her chart-topping album Courageous, and Dea Matrona, an all-female trio from Belfast who have amassed over 5.7 million views on YouTube and secured a number one on both the UK and Ireland iTunes chart will also join the lineup of Oscar Blue, Jessica Doolan, Saibh Skelly, Paddy Keys, Dooley Brothers, Cullohill Comhaltas, Garda Band and many, many more over the festival weekend.
TICKETS NOW ONLINE: Day Tickets are now available online for the Folly at €50 per day. Friday – Darren Kiely, Rosin O, Oscar Blue; Saturday – The Scratch, Dea Matrona , Saibh Skelly, Barry Deegan. Weekend Tickets €80. Visit www.thefolly.ie for tickets.
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.
LAWLOR CLAN RALLY: The year 2024 is a special one for the members of the extended Lalor clan as the members will be celebrating their 30th anniversary. The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix will be the venue and the dates for the events will be July 12th, 13th and 14th. If you are a Lalor, Lawlor or a Lawler or married to a person of one of those names then you are eligible to become a member of the clan.
Some of the most illustrious of the name are Patt Lalor of Tennakill, Raheen who was elected one of the first Catholic MPs along with Daniel O’Connell, “The Liberator” in 1830 after the passing of the Catholic Emancipation legislation in Westminster. Three of Patt’s sons were James Fintan, champion of land reform; Peter who led the gold miners at the Eureka Stockade rebellion in Australia and who went on to become Speaker of the House of Parliament in Victoria State and Richard who succeeded his father as MP and constantly opposed the Act of Union legislation which brought Ireland under the direct control of the British Government.
Others of the name who have become involved in politics and public life have done so in America , England and Spain with representatives of those families attending the annual clan rallies down through the years. Anyone wishing to attend the events in July are welcome to do so. Details are available from Mary Lalor-O’Mahony, Boley, Abbeyleix, and her phone number is (087) 9015280 or any clan member.
GOOGLE – SENIOR CITIZENS TECHNOLOGY DAY: Google are holding another “Senior Citizens Technology Day” in Google HQ, Dublin on July 10th, 2024. This time, in addition to helping our guests to navigate the online digital space for their day-to-day activities and help clarify any doubts and concerns they have, they will have a talk about Accessibility and showcase available apps that can help people with vision or hearing impairment. Community members are welcome to visit the Google office for one-to-one consultation addressing their areas of concern and/or interest. Topics on which our volunteers could offer assistance range from internet access basics, how to use apps, how to use a smartphone and staying secure online to tips for recognising online fraud, booking trips, sourcing online entertainment, and creating an email account. Date: July 10th, 2024. Venue: Google Docks, Barrow Street, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 4, D04 V4X7.
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 Durrow; 2 position as Catering Assistant in Durrow; 2 position 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.
DURROW AREA MEALS ON WHEELS: Durrow Meals On Wheels are currently looking for volunteer drivers for their Country Run. The volunteers will be able to use our New Delivery Van which was kindly donated by Secto. Please contact Pius Hennessy on 087 0611880 if you are interested. Thank you.
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-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.
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 16th June 2024 were: First -Two Margaret’s (Doheny). Second: Dinny Shaughnessy and Eddie Delaney; Joint Third: Frances Darcy and Chris Fitzpatrick, Paddy Lalor and Eugene Murphy. The Raffle Winners on the night were: Vera Brennan and William Carroll.
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 APPEAL! Durrow Tidy Towns needs your help! Our watering unit unfortunately is in for repair and we are really struggling on watering and feeding our baskets and planters. Can you help? The areas are as follows: 1. Winnie’s Island, five planters around the Fairy; 2. Baskets at Mill Wheel Area, five in total; 3. Two Beds on the Greens (Marigold ones); 4. Beds at St. Fintan’s Terrace; 5. Hula Hoop Girl at Derry Wood; 6. Three Planters, two at School, one at The Castle Arms Hotel; 7. Two Planters, one at Bus Stop, one close to Daybreak; 8. Three Planters, one at The Health Centre, one at the turn from Abbeyleix Road to Kilkenny Road. (beside Marie’s Snowflake Utility box painting) and one on Winnie’s Island; 9. Five smaller white planters beside seats on green, near day break, School and bike stand; 10. Planters at the Library.
We can provide the feed if you can provide the time to volunteer to feed and water different areas. We need help!
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.
WELL DONE! Congratulations to the Third Laois Durrow Scout Group who achieved their Silver award last week! Well deserved.
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 June 28th.
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.
ADULT ART GROUP – An adult art group meets weekly every Tuesday at 2:30pm. Call or email the library for more details.
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.
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 & 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.
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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.
CONGRATULATIONS: Well done to James Dooley on representing Laois at half time of the Tailteann Cup semi final in Croke Park. James scored a great goal also!
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.
THANK YOU! Thanks so much to Barry and Eimear Murphy of Murfs Diner and Takeaway for sponsoring the U15s Féile Team with a meal recently. It was very much apreciated.
U15 FEILE: A fantastic group of girls who did themselves and their club proud. They gave it everything in the final but just came up short. The final score was The Harps 1-03 V 2-02 St. Cillians. A big thank you to the mentors for putting in so much work into their training. Thanks to all who went up to support the girls in Westmeath on the day. No doubt they will be back stronger than ever.
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.
END OF SEASON: As the Kilkenny and District Leauge Season comes to an end, we give a big shout out to our former players who are playing underage in the League of Ireland. The lads and girls are back in action after the mid-season break. Olivia, Amelia and Lucy are with CK Utd U17 girls; Eoin Sheppard is with CK Utd U20s; Jay Brophy is with the Waterford U17 boys while Conor and Joey Dempsey are with the Waterford U15 boys. It’s great to see so many of our Academy players playing football at the highest level. Keep up the good work and best wishes for the rest of your season.
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.
WELL DONE: Congratulations to Catherine and Aurea on passing their level two kayak skills, a huge effort over last weekend.