LAOIS BIODIVERSITY WEEK 2025: There are four local events taking place this week: On Wednesday May 21st a Nature and Bees Workshop will take place in Durrow Library at 10am; then on Thursday May 22nd at 7pm a Water Quality Sampling Workshop will take place at Bobs bar in conjunction with the Nore Vision Group. Next up, join us for a Bat Walk in Dunmore Woods, Durrow on Saturday May 24th next at 8.30pm. Finally, on Sunday afternoon May 25th we meet in Bunlacken Brew Car Park, Cullohill for a Nature and Heritage Farm Walk at 2.30pm. We hope to see you there!
PRESENTAION CONCERT: Vocem Darú Choir are hosting an evening of music and song to present funds raised for Cois Nore and Cuisle Cancer Centre. Join us at the beautiful St Michael and All Angels Church, Abbeyleix on Tuesday 27th May at 8pm. Special guests will also perform on the night. Admission is free.
SESKIN WINDFARM MEETING: A Community Information evening will be held in the CYMS hall in Durrow on Wednesday 28th May at 8pm. We will have guest speakers on the night and will be inviting our local TDs and County Councillors from both Laois and Kilkenny. We invite all members of our communities of Durrow, Lisdowney and Ballyragget to attend and get all the information regarding this proposed development. It really cannot be understated the detrimental effect this Windfarm will have on our communities should it proceed.
SAVE THE DATE! Durrow Development Forum presents Durrow Goes To Hollywood at The Castle Arms Hotel in Durrow on Saturday November 1st 2025.
CULLOHILL TIDY TOWNS: A big thanks to Laurence O’Reilly from SEAI who made a presentation to 26 of our local club reps / community members on Monday night in relation to sustainable energy grants/ supports for households and local clubs last week in Cullohill.
SHOPFRONT AND STREET FACADE GRANTS AVAILABLE: The Business Support Unit of Laois County Council are delighted to announce the launch of the Durrow Façade Enhancement Scheme. Each year we offer the scheme in different towns, this year we chose Durrow.
The focus of this scheme is to support the upgrade and enhancement of shopfronts and street facades within a designated area for Durrow village. Under this Scheme, a grant is available for painting your property. Grant funding will be provided at 75% of the total painting costs subject to a maximum of €750. Grantees must cover the initial costs before receiving grant funds.
The following types of premises are considered eligible:
* Commercial
* Residential
* Unoccupied premises
Those interested can apply online at https://submit.link/3yP and the deadline for receipt of applications is 4pm on Friday 30th May 2025.
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.
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.
IRISH CANCER SOCIETY: The Irish Cancer Society’s Transport Service is seeking compassionate volunteer drivers in your community. Your time can help to continue the vital service of providing transport for patients attending cancer treatment appointments. If you have a minimum of two days per month to spare, a valid driving license, and a safe, reliable vehicle, you’re the perfect candidate to make a significant difference. Your generosity can ease the journey for many during a challenging time, offering comfort and support when it’s needed most.
Full training will be provided. There are a number of essential post-drive administration tasks that will require either existing knowledge of basic computer or IT skills, or the willingness to acquire such skills (such as scanning and uploading documents or attending virtual meetings). For more information and to become a volunteer driver, contact Monica at volunteer@irishcancer.ie by email.
DURROW COMMUNITY SERVICES: Durrow Community Services currently have the following vacancies:
Catering Assistant: Meals On Wheels: Durrow – 3 positions
Groundskeeper: GAA Grounds: Durrow – 1 position
Environmental Worker: Ballacolla – 1 position
Environmental Worker: Cullohill – 2 positions
Environmental Worker: Durrow – 5 positions
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 083 4092464 or andersson@durrowcs.com for further information.
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: Our much-loved Annual Family Day returns on Sunday, June 29th! Expect a fantastic day filled with craft and food stalls, entertainment for all ages, and the main highlight of the event – a spectacular air show. Calling all craft vendors! If you’re interested in taking part, please reach out to Alice at alice@abbeyleixhouseandfarm.ie to secure your spot. Tickets will be available soon so please stay tuned for updates! As usual, all proceeds from the event will go to charity, making this a day of fun for a great cause. Don’t miss out on another unforgettable Family Day at Abbeyleix House & Farm on June 29th!
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 11th May 2025 were: First – Sean O’Shea and Gerry Kelly; Joint Second – Padraig and Noreen Ryan, John and Kitty Farrell; Joint Third: Noel O’Sullivan and Tommy Whyte, Micheal Fitzpatrick and Johnny Kelly. The winners of the raffle were: Pa Maher and Pat Dunne.
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 May 30th 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 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, 20th May – new members welcome.
Junior Book Club – the next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 28th May 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.
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.
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.
Church Cleaning – Cullohill & Durrow: Thank you to Oldtown for cleaning the church in Cullohill in March and to Team C in Durrow This month it falls to Bunlacken & Cullohill Mountain in Cullohill and in Durrow, Team D will clean the church during the month of April.
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.
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SYMPATHY is extended to the family and friends of Robert (Bobby) Hovenden, Swan Rd, Durrow, Co. Laois on their recent bereavement.
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 Shane Phelan, last weeks winner of the Split the Bucket.
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.
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.
CONGRATULATIONS: Well done to Our Lady’s Meadow Primary School who won the Division 1 Cumann na mBunscol Hurling Final last Wednesday in O’Moore Park, Portlaoise.
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.
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.
WELL DONE! Congratulations, Brian Coonan. Winner of our final Last Man Standing of the season! Brian pipped Alex Sheppard & Tomas O’ Sullivan to the winners pot of €335. Our Last Man Standing will be back in August when the Premier League returns. A big thank you to all who supported our Last Man Standing this season.
RESULT – Division 1 Cup Semi Final Result: Lions AFC 6 V 3 Highview Athletic. Scorers: Darragh Kelly (X3); Rian Edwards, Joey Dempsey, Michael Monahan.
SONGO MUSIC BINGO IS HERE! Happening on the Saturday of the upcoming June Bank Holiday Weekend. Get ready for a night of non-stop tunes, big laughs and amazing prizes! (but watch out for the gag ones!) Hear the songs, Mark them on your bingo card, Be a winner every 5 minutes! Whether you’re a chart-topper fan, a karaoke king or queen, or just looking for the most fun you can have on a night out, Songo Music Bingo has you covered! Date: May 31st 2025, Location: Castle Arms Hotel, Durrow. Tickets: €20. Don’t just hear the music – win with it! Grab your friends and make it a night to remember. See you there! Tickets are on sale at www.eventbrite.ie/e/songo-music-bingo-tickets-1301533093519 online. Please support – in aid of Lions AFC.
LAOIS KAYAK AND CANOE CLUB CLUB: Congratulations to Cathal and Rian on winning the open canoe class at last Sunday’s Junior Liffey Descent and retaining their title.
GET IN TOUCH – You can contact us on info@laoiskayak.com by email.
DURROW & CULLOHILL DISTRICT ANGLERS – 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 always welcome – we leave the square in Rathdowney every Sunday morning around 10 am we have a beginners group heading out every Sunday morning at 10 am from the square in Rathdowney too. Everyone is welcome to join us – all you need is a bike and helmet.