CONCERT IN BALLYOUSKILL THIS JULY: The Ballyragget-Ballyouskill Lourdes Fund are holding a fundraising Cabaret on Sunday 13th of July in the Wheel Inn, Ballyouskill. Music by ‘The Wicklow Man’. Door prize on the night and tickets are available from the usual outlets. Please support.
SAVE THE DATE! Durrow Development Forum presents Durrow Goes To Hollywood at The Castle Arms Hotel in Durrow on Saturday November 1st 2025.
CULLOHILL COMHALTAS: Huge congratulations to Kyle Whelan on a fantastic performance recently at the Laois Fleadh. Kyle placed third and highly recommended in U12 whistle and now advances to Drogheda to represent Laois in the Leinster Fleadh in July. A huge thank you to his teacher Paula Dowling McDonald. All of us at Cullohill Comhaltas are very proud of you Kyle. A massive well done!
FOLLY FESTIVAL 2025: The Folly Festival 2025 Tickets Are Now On Sale! Get ready for another unforgettable weekend at Cullohill Castle -packed with incredible live music, good vibes, and magic moments. Tickets available from Deegan’s (Centra) of Urlingford, Bergin’s Shop (Circle K), Cullohill and Dalton’s, Cullohill. Also, buy online at www.thefolly.ie – weekend tickets just €60, and remember, up to two under-14s go free with every ticket-holding adult! Visit our website for full details.
DURROW TIDY TOWNS- JOIN US! If you are interested in taking part in Tidy Towns activities or getting involved in specific projects to continue to maintain and improve Durrow, please get in touch on tidytowns@durrow.ie, pm our Facebook Page or WhatsApp/Text Fred Townsend on 087 6892323.
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!
LEAFY LOOP WALKS! Please note 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.
COMMUNITY COLOURS 2025: To mark 75 years of colour, creativity, and community, Fleetwood are thrilled to relaunch it’s Community Colours campaign – with an even bigger splash! This year, Fleetwood is giving away €75,000 worth of paint to local communities all across Ireland, supporting the spaces that bring people together and make our neighbourhoods shine.
From now until the end of June, 75 community groups and clubs will each receive up to €1,000 worth of Fleetwood paint – whether it’s to brighten a town hall, refresh a sports clubhouse, spruce up a Scout den, or add new life to a Women’s or Men’s Shed. Last Year Was Big. This Year Is Bigger. After the overwhelming success of last year’s initiative – where €60,000 worth of paint was gifted to deserving community groups – Fleetwood knew it had to go bigger. And 2025 is all about colour, community, and celebration.
We’ve already seen what a difference this campaign can make. Jacqueline Daly from East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support Group shared: “The Community Colours initiative is incredible and we’re so grateful to Fleetwood. It’s made a huge difference without impacting our much-needed funds.” And it’s not just support centres that have felt the impact. Local GAA clubs like Glen Emmets have transformed their facilities thanks to the programme. Player Cillian Duff told Fleetwood: “We didn’t have to fundraise for paint this year. The process was simple, and now the stands, dugouts, and fence look fantastic.”
How to Enter – Buy any Fleetwood product no minimum spend required. Paint, brushes, accessories – it all counts!, Scan the QR code on in-store posters or via links on Fleetwood’s social media. Upload your proof of purchase receipt and nominate your chosen club, group or community.
Whether you’re a Tidy Towns volunteer or part of a Community Centre team, this is your chance to give back to the places that matter most and nominate your Community Group!
More Than Just Paint
Fleetwood believes that colour can transform more than just walls – it can uplift spirits, inspire pride, and bring people together. That’s why Fleetwood is proud to support the groups at the heart of Irish communities through Community Colours 2025.
CLIMATE CHANGE LEADERSHIP AWARDS 2025: APPLICATIONS OPEN! Ireland’s Climate Change Leadership Awards are delighted to announce applications are now open for Ireland’s Climate Change Leadership Awards 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your innovation and environmental initiatives on a national stage, and to be recognised as leading the charge for sustainability and fighting against climate change. With an easy application process and plenty of categories to choose from applying has never been easier – see https://www.iccla.ie/categories-iccla online. Choose one or multiple categories to showcase how and why your organisation or project should be recognised as one of the best. Find out more information on how to apply – full details at www.iccla.ie online.
CULLOHILL TIDY TOWNS: The committee will be working particularly hard over the next few weeks in advance of the Tidy Towns Competition judging and would really appreciate the help of the wider community. We will share our work night info on this page, but it would be really helpful if everyone could dispose of any litter they come upon in the village. Thank you!
LAOIS PPN: Contact us, Monday to Friday by appointment only. You can also contact us by: Email: ppn@laoiscoco.ie Phone: (057) 8665661 (Office); (086) 0352107 Dan. You can also mail us to: Laois Public Participation Network, JFL Avenue, Lyster Square, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.
SOUNDBATH – Soundbath in Cullohill Community Centre. When: Sunday, 22nd of June from 10am until 11am. Immerse yourself in a deeply relaxing soundbath, either lying down or seated, which can help calm the mind and restore inner balance. This meditative experience is perfect for reducing stress and lifting your mood. For more information or to book a place, please text Teresa on 083 3364562. Cost – €20 per person. Mindful Paths Ireland.
COIS NORE CANCER SUPPORT CENTRE: Cois Nore Outreach will be visiting the following local venues: Dr. Hogan’s Rooms, The Square, Ballyragget from 10am to 12pm on Mondays and Mill Family Resource Centre, Urlingford from 10am to 12pm on Fridays. Phone (087) 4833941 or email for an appointment or drop in during the above times. This is a local free and confidential service supporting those who need it to live well with cancer and also has services for their families.
ABBEYLEIX HOUSE AND FARM OPEN DAY – JUNE 29th 2025: Excitement is building for our Family Day on June 29th, and over half the attendees tickets have been sold. If you haven’t grabbed your tickets, you can get them on Eventbrite: https://AbbeyleixHouseandFarm-FamilyDay2025.eventbrite.ie
Family Day Festivities – Fun for Everyone!
From noon onwards, step into a world of excitement with: Craft Vendors – Discover unique, handcrafted treasures in the charming Stable Yard; Train Rides & Face Painting – Joy for kids (and the young at heart!); Spectacular Air Show – Look up and be amazed throughout the afternoon; Scenic Walks & Gardens – Stroll through the Walled Gardens, breathe in the fresh country air, and explore the riverside trails; Games, Shows & Activities – All included in your ticket price! Sound Bath in the Church – Step into stillness and serenity with this peaceful, immersive sound experience; Pony Relay at the Horse Arena – Cheer on the riders in a fast-paced, family-friendly equestrian relay. Delicious Eats & Refreshments. Savour an amazing selection of food, snacks, and drinks from specially selected vendors. Every cent counts. 100% of ticket sales, vendor fees, and proceeds from our Abbeyleix House and Farm Kitchen Pantry go directly to charity!
We can’t wait to see you there!
CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE – CIRCUIT CLASSES: Circuit Classes are running in the Centre every Tuesday and Thursday evenings with instructor Richie Saunders. Also, personal training sessions are available in mini-gym. Further details through (087) 6608248.
SPEECH AND DRAMA CLASSES: Speech & Drama Classes are running on Wednesdays from 6.45pm until 7.30pm. For enquiries, please contact 087 6473414.
TAEKWONDO CLASSES: Taekwondo Classes will be held in Cullohill Community Centre on Tuesdays from 6.15pm with different time slots for various age groups.. For more information please contact (087) 9003813 or contact allcountiestkd@gmail.com by email.
CULLOHILL COMHALTAS: Comhaltas classes will continue on Tuesdays. Email to cullohillcomhaltas@gmail.com with any queries or to join.
CULLOHILL 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 1st June 2025 were: First – Vera Brennan and Sean O Shea; Joint Second – John and Anne Maher, Teresa Dollard and Margaret Buggy; Third – Michael and Patsy Moran. The winners of the raffle were: Patsy Moran, Canice Sweeney.
VOCEM DARÚ CHOIR: Ladies! Do you enjoy singing? Ever thought of joining a choir? Vocem Daru community choir is looking for new members. We are a lovely bunch of women! Why not give it a try? No formal training required! For more details phone Ann on (086) 6045409.
DIGITAL NEWSLETTER: Get our digital newsletter delivered weekly to your email inbox for free! Please email info@durrow.ie if you are interested.
BALLYOUSKILL 25s CARDS GAME – Ballyouskill Cards Results from May 30th. First: Sean Shea and M. Doheny – 10 games; Second: E.Murphy and P.Lalor – 9 games; J.Cass and Mary Kelly 9; Eamon and Ann Fitzpatrick 9; Therese and Margaret 9. Thanks to everyone for your support during the year, also thanks to all our generous sponsors. Your generosity is much appreciated. See you all in September.
WHIST DRIVE: The Killermogh Whist Drive will be held in the Parochial Hall, Cork Road, Durrow on Thursday the 26th of September 2025 at 8pm. All are most welcome.
SET DANCING CLASSES: Set Dancing continues in The Wheel Inn Ballyouskill on Monday nights 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 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 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.
Adult Book Club – the club meets on the last Tuesday of the month at 6.10pm. Next meeting on Tuesday, 24th June – new members welcome.
Junior Book Club – the next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 25th June at 3:10pm. 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.
LAOIS LIVE LOCAL WEATHER: Visit www.durrow.ie/weather for live local weather data from Durrow. (Please note new website address)
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.
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.
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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.
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!
Towards Healing – A confidential and free counselling service, Phone 1800 303 416. They provide face to face counselling, structured phone counselling, family counselling and a counselling helpline for people who have experienced institutional, clerical or religious abuse in Ireland.
Funeral Masses on our Website – In order to comply with GDPR regulations recordings of funeral masses will be available on our website for one month only. All previous funeral masses have been removed. Copies of past funerals are available to family members on request. Contact the Parish Office regarding the same.
Please Note – If you are including a cheque in any of your envelopes, please make the cheque payable to Durrow Parish. These Cheques should not be made payable to Fr Martin or to the name of the Church itself. Please DO NOT scratch out your envelope number. It is not incorrect, we have renumbered the envelopes! Many thanks for your ongoing support.
VISITS – Do you have a family member or friend in a nursing home? Sr. Anita and I like to visit parishioners who are living in Nursing Homes or other Care settings. Unfortunately, we don’t have accurate knowledge about all of our parishioners from Durrow and Cullohill who are in Nursing Homes. I’m asking if you have a relative or know of someone from the parish in any Nursing Home or long-term care centre to please let us know. You can contact me, or Sr. Anita directly or alternatively leave the details in the Parish Office. A message from Fr. Martin.
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Following its extensive refurbishment St Bernadette’s Community Hall will be officially opened on Friday 13th June 2025 at 7:30pm. All members of our community are invited to attend. More details to follow.
CEMETERY MASSES 2025 DATES: Aughmacart – Wednesday 11th June at 7.30pm; Durrow – Sunday 22nd June at 11.15am; Cullohill – Saturday 28th June at 7.30pm; Donaghmore, Ballyragget – Friday July 4th at 7.30pm; Rosconnell – Friday July 11th at 7.30pm.
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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!
LITTLE PUCKERS: Continuing on Saturdays at 10:30am in the Astro-Turf Ball-Wall at our grounds in Durrow. All 4 & 5 year Olds welcome to attend. If interested Contact Tadhg on 086 1081314
Bring a hurl and helmet if you have them but these are not essential, equipment also available.
TIME FOR A SPRING CLEAN- CLOTHES COLLECTION? In support of ongoing club development works The Harps GAA Club in conjunction with
Durrow Meals on Wheels are holding a used clothes collection. When: For your convenience Large bins will be left at the GAA pitch in Durrow until Friday 16th May. Please ensure clothes are placed and tied in refuse sacks. We accept – Good quality clean women’s, men’s and
children’s clothing, paired footwear, scarves, hats, ties, handbags, soft toys, towels, curtains and bedsheets. We do not accept – Pillows, cushions, duvets, blankets, soiled, ripped, damaged or wet clothing, rugs, school uniforms with or without logos. Many thanks for your support. Final date for collection is June 27th.
THE HARPS CAMOGIE CLUB – TRAINING: Training for the U6s, U8s and U10s Juvenile players continues on Thursdays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Cullohill. All are most welcome to join.
CONDOLENCES: Deepest condolences to our former Harps Captain & Committee Member Denise Quigley and to her family on the sad passing of Liam recently. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May he Rest In Peace.
FOLLOW US ONLINE: Follow us on Social Media – www.facebook.com/HarpsCamogie
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.
CONGRATULATIONS: Congratulations to our three Kilkenny Player’s of the Year: Darragh Kelly – Men’s First Division; Cliona Kenny – Women’s Division; Rian O’Dwyer – Boys U15. Well done to all, fully deserved.
LAOIS KAYAK AND CANOE CLUB: GET IN TOUCH – You can contact us on info@laoiskayak.com by email.
DURROW & CULLOHILL DISTRICT ANGLERS – RECENT TROUT COMPETITION: The club held a Trout fishing competition on Bank Holiday Sunday last. The results in Senior: First – Declan MacDonald; Second – Semus Coffey; Third – Fred Townsend. The results in Juvenile: First – Pa Coffey; Second – Ryan MacDonald; Third – Liam Dwyer. Well done to the top six anglers and everyone who took part.
MEMBERSHIP: Membership for the 2025 season can be got in the Gala Shop, Durrow and in Frans Fishing Shop, Mountrath.
DURROW GUN CLUB: Keep up to date with our social media page: www.facebook.com/durrowgunclub online.
KETTLEBELL CLASSES: Kettlebell and Bodyweight Training Classes for Beginners to Advanced. Ready to build strength, improve endurance, and transform your fitness? Whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned pro, this class is designed for YOU! Learn proper kettlebell techniques, Master bodyweight exercises, Boost strength, flexibility, and stamina, Improve posture, Progress at your own pace. We meet at Durrow Community Hall (CYMS) every Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30pm and on Saturdays at 11am. Spots are limited! Reserve yours today.
OSSORY CYCLING CLUB: New members are always welcome – we leave the square in Rathdowney every Sunday morning around 10am. We have a beginners group heading out every Sunday morning at 10am from the square in Rathdowney too. Everyone is welcome to join us – all you need is a bike and helmet.