ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – DURROW TIDY TOWNS: The Annual General Meeting of Durrow Tidy Towns will take place on Thursday 13th March at 8pm in the Library on Chapel Street, Durrow. All are most welcome to attend.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.
LIVE WELL EXPO 2025: The Annual Live Well Expo which will be showcasing supports, services and activities available to all ages in Laois will take place on April 23rd next at Portlaoise College R32 N795. Register your interest by calling Tom on (086) 0363426 or (057) 8664150, or Emma on (086) 0665215 or (057) 8664042.
DURROW SENIOR CITIZEN’S PARTY 2025: A massive thank you to everyone who has supported us through the fundraisers or has kindly donated towards our annual party, it was very much appreciated.
IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST PROGRAMME MEETING: Fáilte Ireland has developed a new Ireland’s Ancient East Champions Programme to help enhance customer service skills and build local product knowledge. The programme will combine our Local Experts and Service Excellence programmes, with specialised training in accessible tourism. Frontline professionals, from taxi companies, pubs, restaurants, accommodation
businesses, social enterprises, festivals, community volunteers, and anyone who engages with visitors, are invited to register for our free Champions Programme workshop for Laois.
This event will take place this Wednesday, 12th March from 10am until 1pm (Registration from 9.30am) at The Maldron Hotel, Abbeyleix Rd, Meelick, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 HKN3. Register by emailing champions@failteireland.ie with your name and place of work. Spaces are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your team’s skills to provide an exceptional visitor experience.
BUSINESS CLINIC IN DURROW LIBRARY: Laois Tourism Business Clinics – Are you a tourism business in Laois? The Laois Tourism Activator will be running a clinic in Durrow library on Tuesday, the 25th of March from 6pm to 7.30pm. Book your place with the Library in Durrow.
RE-TURN! Cullohill School Parents Council are asking the community to consider recycling some of their Re-Turn cans and bottles in one of three Re-Turn bins in the locality. The bins are at Cullohill National School, the Community Centre and at Bergin’s shop. All funds raised will benefit Cullohill National School and would be greatly appreciated.
THIRD LAOIS DURROW SCOUTS NEWS: Congratulations to Eoghan (Third Laois Durrow) and Sean (Sixth Tipperary Roscrea) who represented the Slieve Bloom County in the Crean challenge this year. They landed back safely in Dublin on the morning of February 22nd last and have loads of stories to share with their groups. Congratulations to all the Crean Scouts and the Mentors who guided them all for eight days.
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.
IRISH DANCING CLASSES: Traditional Irish Dancing Beginner classes for ages 4+ continues on Mondays in Durrow CYMS Hall. Time: 4.30pm until 7.30pm. Limited places available. Text or call Katrina on (085) 7606866.
CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE:
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 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 2nd March 2025 were: Joint First – Terry Dunne and Seamus Brennan, Joe McGill and Eddie Delaney; Joint Second – Padraig and Noreen Ryan, Patsy and Michael Moran, Dick Brennan and Michael Kells. The winners of the raffle were: Terry Dunne and Percy Phelan.
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 25s Cards continues in Ballyouskill Community Hall on the last Friday of the month at 8pm. Our next game is March 28th 2025. Usual raffle and prizes on the night! All are most welcome.
WHIST DRIVE: The Killermogh Whist Drive will be held in the Parochial Hall, Cork Road, Durrow. The Next Whist drive is on Thursday the 27th of March 2025 at 8pm. All are most welcome.
CHANGE OF DAY – 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/
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/
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 6pm. The next meeting is on Tuesday, the 25th of March 2025 – new members welcome.
JUNIOR BOOK CLUB – The Junior Book Club’s next meeting will be held on Wednesday, the 26th of March at 3:10pm. New members welcome! Call or email the library for more details.
BUSINESS CLINIC IN DURROW LIBRARY: Laois Tourism Business Clinics – Are you a tourism business in Laois? The Laois Tourism Activator will be running a clinic in Durrow library on Tuesday, the 25th of March from 6pm to 7.30pm. Book your place with the Library in Durrow.
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: 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: Call in to us today – we are now located in 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.
SYMPATHY is extended to the family and friends of Philip Gerard Sheppard, Sheppard’s Antiques Durrow, Laois County and Ballyouskill, Kilkenny County on their recent bereavement.
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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.
Restoration Fund Draw – Tickets are now available from the Parish Office for the Diocese of Ossory Cathedral Restoration Fund Draw. Tickets cost €120 for twelve monthly draws. Ten prizes each month – Top prize €2,000.
Ossory Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes – Led by the Bishop of Ossory, Most Rev. Niall Coll. Pilgrimage Director: Very Rev. Anthony O’Connor.
19th May for five nights – €949 per person. For information and bookings please contact Joe Walsh Tours on (01) 2410800 or contact info@joewalshtours.ie by email.
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.
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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!
CONGRATULATIONS: Well done to Caroline Costigan, last weeks winner of the Split the Bucket.
EASTER CAMP 2025: The Harps Easter GAA Camp will run from April 14th to 18th inclusive. The Nursery Programme (Kids in Junior Infants, Senior Infants & First Class) from 10am until 12pm, Monday to Friday costing €30. The Juvenile Programme (Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth & Sixth Class) from 10am to 2pm, Monday to Friday costing €60. Our camp will be run by our Game’s Development Officer along with our coaches and a select few 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 6th of April and can do so by WhatsApp/text Podge on (087) 9755876 with your childs name, class in school and contact details along with any special medical requirements.
Payment: Payment can be made through Revolut to Podge on (087) 9755876 or by cash on the Monday morning of the camp. Any questions you might have you can contact – Tadhg on (086) 1081314 or Podge on (087) 9755876 or Enda on (087) 6348615 or Brendan on (086) 3062801. We look forward to seeing you there!
THE CLUB DEVELOPMENT PLAN – PUBLIC PRESENTATION: The Harps GAA Club will unveil it’s Development Plan at a Public Presentation which will be held in Cullohill Community Centre on Friday, the 14th of March at 8:30pm. The club invites all members of the community to attend. We look forward to seeing you there and wish to thank everyone in the community for their ongoing support.
LAOIS GAA – County Board Draw Tickets: The Harps GAA Club appeals to everyone to support the Annual County Board Draw which is a massive fundraiser for the Club. Tickets are currently on sale from all committee members and adult players until March 27th. Why not buy one in conjunction with a friend? There are lots of prizes to be won with a massive €10,000 top prize in each of the four monthly draws which take place on the first Fridays in April, May, June and July.
THE HARPS CAMOGIE CLUB – FOLLOW US ONLINE: Follow us on Social Media – www.facebook.com/HarpsCamogie
CULLOHILL HANDBALL CLUB – LEINSTER TITLES FOR BROPHY SISTERS! Having performed very well at the US Handball Collegiate Championships last week, Aoife and Úna Brophy returned to handballing action closer to home when they faced Deirdre and Margaret Purcell (Kilkenny) in the Ladies Junior 40×20 Leinster Final. The game was played yesterday in Borris and it was expected to be a close affair between two very good pairings. The final lived up to expectation with little separating both sets of sisters. The Cullohill girls showed their greater experience in the first game to take it 21-11. The second game saw the Kilkenny girls mount a serious challenge and had the score level 16-16 in the second game.
Once again, Aoife and Úna showed their composure and handballing skill to switch tactics and win the next five aces and claim the Leinster 40×20 Junior title on a scoreline of 21-11, 21-16. This was another well deserved title for Aoife and Úna Brophy and continues the very impressive form they have shown in 2025. The best of luck to both girls in their quest for All-Ireland success.
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.
SAVE THE DATE – This year’s Lions AFC Kickaton will take place on Saturday, 22nd March. The Kickaton brings our members of all ages together at our club grounds for a day of football fun and gives the younger members a chance to help in the fundraising for our club. We hope to see you there!
U12 GIRLS NEWS: Division One Result – Stoneyford 0 V 1 Lions. Scorer: Margaret Butler. Our U12 girls travelled away to Stoneyford and came big with all three points, with Margaret Butler scoring the only goal of the game. A brilliant team performance kept the home side scoreless. Well done girls keep up the great work!
U14 BOYS REPORT: Lions Boys 4 V 0 Stoneyford. Scorers: PJ Phelan, Ciaran Farrell, Taylor Mahony and Odhran Doyle-O’Leary. Well done to our U14 Lions Boys who had a superb win in Stoneyford, scoring four times and keeping a clean sheet. A remarkable turn around by these group of players and management over the last few months, showing that hard work and dedication does indeed pay off. Well done boys, keep up the great work.
U14 DIVISION 1A RESULT: Stoneyford United 2 V 3 Lions Athletic. Scorers: Frankie Carroll, Liam Ellis, Conor Campion. A hard fought win for our U14 Boys away to Stoneyford on Saturday, March 1st last. Goals from Frankie, Liam and Conor secured the three points to keep the boys in the hunt for promotion. Well done boys, keep up the great work.
LAOIS KAYAK AND CANOE CLUB CLUB: GET IN TOUCH – You can contact us on info@laoiskayak.com by email.
DURROW GUN CLUB: Keep up to date with our social media page: www.facebook.com/durrowgunclub online.
KETTLEBELL BEGINNER CLASS: New round of classes starting soon! Learn to use kettlebells safely and effectively from one of Ireland’s top ranked kettlebell sports and fitness instructors. Also 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. Places are limited so booking is essential. For more information please telephone: (087) 3833258 or email: tridentfitnessclub@yahoo.ie or borukettlebellclub@yahoo.com
KETTLEBELL CLASSES FOR SENIORS: New Beginner Class Starting Soon. Just because you are getting older and a bit less active doesn’t mean you give up on your health and fitness. In fact physical training becomes more important as you get older! Working with weights such as kettlebells can slow down a number of conditions associated with ageing. Numerous studies have proven the benefits of strength training. Some of these are:
– Increase in bone density and muscle mass. This builds protection against fractures from falls etc.
– Improved Posture. Kettlebell exercises help to improve spinal alignment and strengthen the core muscles that hold the spine in its correct position.
– Improved mood and sleep. Exercise releases chemicals that increase positivity, reduce feelings of pain and anxiety, and promote sound sleep.
– Lower risk of heart disease. Weight training lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and strengthens the heart.
– Improved balance and movement skills.
Class places are limited so if you are interested contact me to book your place! Classes are run by coach David who is one of the most experienced and highest ranked kettlebell instructors in Ireland, with 10 years of experience.
JUNIORS KETTLEBELL CLASS: New kids class starting on Saturdays. Many parents worry that strength training is harmful for kids. However there is now widespread recognition in the medical community of the benefits of strength training for children. The American Academy of Pediatrics and The Mayo Clinic have stated that sensible strength training does not stunt growth or cause growth plate injuries. In fact it increases a child’s muscle strength and endurance, protects them from sports injuries, and improves their performance in any sport. Children are far more likely to get injured by playing sports without engaging in weight training.
Even if your child is not interested in sports, weight training can strengthen their bones, improve coordination and balance, promote healthy blood pressure and cholesterol, help maintain a healthy weight, and build confidence. Class places are limited so if you are interested contact me to book your place!