GIVE BLOOD! Give Blood, Save a Life! The mobile unit will be in attendance at The Castel Arms Hotel, Durrow on Wednesday 11th September and at Scoil Bride National School, Rathdowney on Thursday 12th September. Both dates will be open from 3.45pm until 8.00pm. Call 1800 222 111 to book. Check your eligibility at giveblood.ie online.
CULLOHILL COMHALTAS: Comhaltas classes will resume on Tuesday the 17th of September. Registration by email to cullohillcomhaltas@gmail.com along with any queries.
CULLOHILL & DURROW FLOWER CLUB: Cullohill and Durrow Flower Club returned after the summer break on Monday night September 9th at 8pm in Cullohill Hall. The theme on the night was container gardening for lasting winter colour with Eva Holmes. All welcome. Non-Members Admittance €10 including refreshments. Raffle: €5 includes all containers made up on the night.
IRISH DANCING CLASSES: Traditional Irish Dancing Beginner classes for ages 4+ commences from Monday 2nd September in Durrow CYMS Hall. Time: 3.30pm until 4.30pm. Limited places available. Text or call Katrina on (085) 7606866.
CARE FOR OLDER PEOPLE SURVEY: The Commission on Care for Older People, at the Department of Health has launched a public consultation on health and social care services and supports for older people. The public consultation survey is now available online, along with information about how to respond, at www.gov.ie/ConsultationOlderPeople – the survey is open to all and will provide the Commission with insight into people’s views of the strengths of current service provision as well as of areas for enhancement. The consultation will remain open until 5pm on Thursday 24 October 2024.
DURROW COMMUNITY SERVICES CLG: Durrow Community Services currently have the following vacancies: 3 positions as Catering Assistant in Durrow Meals on Wheels, Durrow; 1 position as Groundskeeper in GAA Grounds, Durrow; 1 position as an Environmental Worker in Ballacolla; 2 positions as an Environmental Worker in Cullohill; 5 positions as an Environmental Worker in Durrow. 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.
PUBLIC MEETING: Elaine Mullally, an Independent candidate in the general election for Laois, will be hosting a public meeting at 8.00pm on Tuesday, September 10th in Morrissey’s Pub Abbeyleix. This gathering provides a platform for residents to share their concerns directly with Elaine. She is keen to listen and understand the issues that matter most to constituents. Everyone in the community is encouraged to attend and engage in the discussion. For more details, visit www.elainemullally.ie online.
VOCEM DARÚ CHOIR: Ladies! Do you enjoy singing? Ever thought of joining a choir? Vocem Daru community choir are looking for new members. We are holding an open night in the Castle Arms Hotel, Durrow, on Tuesday the 10th of September from 7.30pm until 9.30pm. We are a lovely bunch of women. Why not give it a try? No formal training required! Refreshments provided on the night.
AGE FRIENDLY LAOIS: The Age Friendly Laois and Healthy Laois initiative has been shortlisted from 31 applicants for the communication category of the national age friendly awards 2024. Being shortlisted for such an award is an acknowledgement of the value of the initiative. It is as a result of the quality of the exhibitors , the speakers and the workshops on the day and of course of the many attendees who came. Thank you to all! Presentations to the judging panel will follow on the 20th of September at Council offices and the awards ceremony takes place on the 7th November at an event in Dublin. Fingers crossed! To join us on judging day call Tom on 086 0363426.
DIGITAL NEWSLETTER: Get our digital newsletter delivered weekly to your email inbox for free! Please email info@durrow.ie if you are interested.
FURNITURE UPCYCLING – SEPTEMBER 14th 2024: Join us in Portlaoise Library for an inspiring upcycling furniture demonstration with Revamp Tramp. Taking place on the 14th September at 11am. This event will guide you through the creative process of transforming an ordinary piece of furniture into a stunning work of art. Places are limited so booking is advised. To register visit https://tinyurl.com/ms3aancn online.
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 1st September 2024 were: First – Jim Walsh and William Carroll; Second – Pat and Terry Dunne; The Raffle Winners on the night were: Noel O Sullivan, Willie Dunphy 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!
VOLUNTEERING continues, festival volunteering had us occupied and huge thanks to all that got involved in litter picking and sustainability over the festival – WOW and thank you! We were a little remiss over the past few weeks with other volunteer works but we are back on track now and catching up. Huge thanks also to all our litter picking volunteers who are always litter picking on the approach roads and woodlands, we see you and appreciate you.
THIRD LAOIS DURROW SCOUTS – Third Laois Durrow Scouts are now accepting applications for Beavers (ages 6 to 8 years old), Cubs (ages 9 to 12 years old), Scouts (ages 12 to 15 years old) and Ventures (ages 15 to 17 years old). Leaders aged 18+ are also required for all Sections.
Please email gldurrow@gmail.com to add names or for more information.
VIVE LE FRANCE: What a journey our scouting group had recently as we were accompanied by thirteen members of the Sixth Laois Mountrath Group when we set off for France on international camp. There will be shared stories and memories with new friends that will live on for a very long time to come.
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 September 27th 2024.
WHIST DRIVE: The Killermogh Whist Drive is held in the Parochial Hall, Cork Road, Durrow. The Next Whist drive is on Thursday the 26th of September 2024 at 8pm. All are most welcome.
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.
CELTIC BROTHERS IN CONCERT: Come along and enjoy an evening of great music with the Celtic Brothers starring The Willoughby’s in the Cathedral, Thurles on Friday, September 27th, 2024. All proceeds to Cathedral Reroofing Project. Tickets €30 now on sale in Thurles Parish Centre 050422229, Bookworm 050422257 and Holycross Abbey Shop 050443124. Book early to avoid disappointment.
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 next meeting will be on Tuesday 24th September at 6.10pm. New members welcome – call or email the library for more details.
ADULT CRAFT – Our next Adult Craft session is taking place on Wednesday the 25th of Septmber with the time TBC. 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!
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.
Relics of Saint Bernadette of Lourdes – The Diocese of Ossory will host a visit of the Relics of Saint Bernadette of Lourdes on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday the 21st and 22nd of September 2024 in St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny. This is an initiative to bring a small piece of Lourdes to Ireland and make it possible for more people to experience something of what is close to the hearts of those who travel on our diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes each year.
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.
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SYMPATHY is extended to the friends and family of James (Jim) Mahoney, Tullamore, Co. Offaly (formerly, 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!
GOLF DAY- SEPTEMBER 28th 2024: Main Sponsor of the Day – MES Ireland. Join us in Rathdowney Golf Club on Saturday 28th September next for a Three Ball Scramble. Entry: €100. Great prizes for the following: * GUI and Non-GUI Members; * Ladies Team; * Three nearest to the Pin; * Skill Competition (Open to All Ages); * Junior (€20 Entry Each). Complimentary refreshments on the course. Presentation, Music and Raffle back in Dec’s Bar, Durrow later. Your support would be gratefully appreciated. Please send a WhatsApp message to (087) 6805402 with a preferred Tee Time or for more information.
U9 HURLERS: Well done to the Harps U9s who played in a blitz in Gortnahoe last Sunday morning (September 1st) against six different Tipperary teams. It was a great experience for the boys.
THE HARPS CAMOGIE CLUB: 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 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.
U14s – Well done to our super U14 Harps girls who put in a great performance last Sunday morning (September 1st) in Abbeyleix at the Stephen Dunican Memorial Tournament defeating Erin’s Óg and O’Moore’s and getting to the Cup Final against St Lazarian’s. Well done to St. Lazarians Camogie Team, Abbeyleix on their Cup Final win and once again thank you for inviting The Harps U14’s girls to participate in this special tournament.
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.
U13 NEWS: Fantastic news for our U13 player Conor Campion who has been invited to attend the FAI National Academy in the AUL Complex in Dublin on 15th September. A brilliant achievement Conor, keep up the great work!
U12s: Kilkenny and District Leauge Division 1 Result: Freebooters 1 V 1 Lions. Scorer: James Dooley. Our U12 boys are playing in the top Division this season and they secured a good point away from home against a strong Freebooters side. James Dooley with the Lions goal.
RESULT: Pat Maher Shield Result: Lions AFC 2 V 3 Fort Rangers. Scorers: Aaron Grady and Lee Campion.
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 – GET IN TOUCH – You can contact us on info@laoiskayak.com by email.