Direct from Durrow

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR:

The Annual Christmas Craft Fair will be held in the Castle Arms Hotel, Durrow on Saturday, 12th of November from 11am until 5.50pm. Crafts people from far and wide will be present displaying their unique Christmas gifts at affordable prices. Admission is FREE, so do Come, Browse & Buy!

DURROW COMMUNITY CENTRE:

The committee are holding a clothes collection which will be collected from the Community Hall on the morning of Thursday 10th November. Bags of used clothes can be left into the Hall each morning, 9.00am to 1.00pm from Monday 7th to Wednesday 9th November. No duvets, pillows or cushions to be included as they will not be accepted. This is an opportunity to do a clean-out of unused clothes before Christmas. By doing so you will be supporting the Community Centre and this will be very much appreciated.

CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE:

Cullohill Community Centre held their Annual General Meeting on Monday 3rd October last. The following people were elected are on the committee: Chairperson – Vincent O Sullivan; Assistant Chairperson – Willie Dunphy; Secretary – Noel Delaney; Assistant Secretary – Emer O Brien; Treasurer – Anne Fitzpatrick; Assistant Treasurer – John Dollard; Committee – Sean Kelly, Noel Kirby, Liam Dunphy, Eamonn Fitzpatrick, Anne Comerford, Steven Gleeson, Shirley Bergin and Clement Whyte.

DURROW COMMUNITY CENTRES . Pic courtesy of www.durrow.ie

The first meeting of the new committee was held on Tuesday 11th October 2016 and it was agreed that members will be collecting Annual Hall Membership week commencing from the 24th of October. The Membership collected is vital to the yearly running of the Community Centre. As an extra incentive we will be holding a draw for all fully paid 2017 members and there will be a prize of €100 for the winner.

Cards:

25 Progressive Card games are held in the hall every Sunday night at 8.30pm sharp followed by tea and sandwiches. Excellent prize money to be won every week. Please support!

Training:

AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training will commence on Tuesday 1st November 2016 in the Community Centre. Anyone interested in participating in same please contact Emer O Brien. The AED unit is located on external wall of the Centre.

BALLYOUSKILL VINTAGE FESTIVAL:

Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th October – Preserving our heritage, Ballyouskill Style! Its Mardi Gras time in scenic Ballyouskill village next weekend. The big weekend kicks off on Saturday night in the Wheel Inn at 9pm with a Cabaret during which an Auction will be held. Everything from a needle to a haystack will go under the hammer.

Threshing with Horses and cleaning the oats with a hand operated Winnowing machine. Seen at the 2015 Ballyouskill Vintage Show. To subscribe to the regaskin Youtube Channel click here. 

Then Sunday sees a double delight with a Tractor Run at 11am followed at 1pm by a Horse & Mill Threshing and Vintage Display. Ballyouskill is certainly doing its bit to preserve our heritage and the organisers hope to build on the momentum of last year when over 100 tractors converged on the village and hundreds enjoyed the threshing. The tractor route is one of the best kept secrets but the white smoke will reveal all on Sunday morning. Every little helps a lot and this year the proceeds of Ballyouskill Vintage Festival will benefit:
• The O’Gorman Home, Ballyragget.
• Motor Neurone Disease.
• Ballyouskill Community Hall.
• Brain Unit Beaumont Hospital, Dublin.
Please come along and support – it promises to be a great weekend!

CHURCH NEWS:

Readers Rota: Saturday Evenings: October 22nd – Kay Sheppard; October 29th and November 5th – Seosamh Murphy. Sunday Mornings: October 23rd – Gearoid Ryan; October 30th and November 6th – Liam Phelan.
Church Cleaning Rota – November: Mary Kennedy, Mary Walsh, Gabriel Daz, Miriam & Pat Connolly.
Eucharist Ministers Rota – November: Saturdays – Rose Woods and Sean Phelan; Sundays – Padraig Walshe and Sheila Finnegan.

WHIST:

The next Whist Drive will be on Thursday night, October 27th at 8.30pm.

CULLOHILL ICA:

The next meeting will be held on November 1st.

McGIOLLAPHADRAIG WAY WALK 2016:

Cullahill Castle, seat of the McGiollaphadraig Clan will be the start point for the Annual October Bank Holiday Monday South Laois Tourism McGiollaphadraig Way Walk. Starting at 12 noon the route will follow the original path taken by Cormac McGiollaphadraig in the mid-17th century as he fled Cromwell’s men to the place of his demise on Cullohill Mountain where a monument bush now stands.

McGiollaphadraig Way Walk starts at Cullahill Castle

From here the walk will continue across Cullohill Mountain through the Ballykealy wood and the Ballagh hill to the finish in Durrow. At the finish refreshments will be served in Dec’s Bar, Durrow. For information contact 087-2395357, 087-4168549 or Facebook south laois tourism.

DANCE LESSONS:

Social Dance Lessons will be soon starting on Thursday nights in Abbeyleix Golf Club. For more details contact Geraldine (087) 9550646 or P.J. at the Golf Club. All welcome.

MIDLAND CAKES by RITA:

Midland Cakes by Rita has now joined Kyle Farm Potatoes and Fresh Veg at the Saturday Market every Saturday morning from 8.30am to 12 noon in the CAIT Centre, beside the Catholic Church in Durrow. Rita makes celebration cakes for all occasions, cupcakes, cookies, scones, breads and standard cakes and these will be available each Saturday. For more information, please phone Rita on (085) 8423201 or Marie on (087) 7742506. Do drop in on Saturdays!

BEST WISHES:

The very best of luck goes to Eva-Marie Dunne and Luke Dunne who are participating in The I.G.S.F. World Kettlebell Championship which will be hosted in Turin, Italy from the 27th to 30th of October. Both were placed and qualified in the European Cup in Portugal in May last and now go on to represent Ireland as part of Laois Girevoy Club.

SUPERVISED STUDY:

A supervised study for Students will be held in The Presentation Centre, Durrow every Saturday from 9.00am to 1.00pm. For details contact Sinead on 087 9510587.

BRIDGE:

Durrow Bridge Club continues every Wednesday night at 7.45pm in the Presentation Centre. All are most welcome.

SMALL BUSINESS SEMINAR:

“We will thoroughly investigate the German Sparkassen model for the development of local public banks that operate within well defined regions” – Programme for Partnership Government, 2016 – This seminar sketches the idea of a public banking system orientated towards SMEs to close the credit supply gap that exists in the Irish economy. Such banks will improve access to finance for SMEs on a regional basis, and thus will ensure continuous economic development on a more uniform basis by creating a virtuous cycle within those communities. Please join us for this fascinating presentation on Wednesday 16th November from 10am until 3.30pm. Admission is FREE and open to the Public. Book online here  or call: (01) 2407254 or librarydesk@rds.ie by email. Please provide your name, contact details and the number of seats required. Limited parking is available in the RDS Merrion Road Car Park.

CONGRATULATIONS:

Popular website Trip Advisor has just announced their Top 25 Travellers Choice Hotels in Ireland for 2016 and CastleDurrow is in fourth place. Big congratulations to Peter, Shelly and all the Staff of the Castle for their dedication to achieving perfection and making CastleDurrow Hotel such a wonderful place to stay and helping to put Durrow on the itinerary of many tourist and visitors.

Laois from the air

DURROW PARISH LOTTO RESULTS:

Monday 10th October 2016: There was no jackpot winner of €9,650. The Numbers drawn were: 09, 18, 20 and 28. The small draw winners were: €30: Sarah Brophy, Swan Rd, Durrow, Co. Laois; €25: Austin Ryan, Seandoire, Durrow, Co. Laois; €20: Paul Kearney, Ballinakill Rd, Abbeyleix, Laois.
Monday 17th October 2016: There was no jackpot winner of €9,800. The Numbers drawn were: 10, 16, 17 and 24. The small draw winners were: €30: Marilyn Smith, c/o Ray Campion, Durrow; €25: Mary & Kieran Campion, Rathmakelly, Ballacolla, Co. Laois; €20: Sean Lambert, Erkindale, Durrow, Co. Laois.

DURROW LIBRARY:

Visit by Children’s Author – Children’s author Kieran Mark Crowley will be reading at Durrow Library on Monday 24th of October at 11.30am. Kieran will be reading from his new novel “The Mighty Dynamo” and we are hoping to have pupils from Our Lady’s Meadow National School in attendance.

Art Classes – Art classes continue under the guidance of artist Valerie Madden. There are two more classes left- one will take place this Saturday 22nd of October, but as the Library will be closed on the 29th of October due to the Bank Holiday, the last art class will be held on the 5th of November.

Bank Holiday – The Library will be closed on the 29th of October due to the Bank Holiday.
Healthy eating for the over 50’s – Ellen Roche (experienced dietician, current Team nutritionist for the Waterford Ladies Senior Football Team and founder of the Nutri Vive Nutrition Clinics in Kilkenny, Carlow and Kildare) will be giving an interactive healthy eating talk on nutrition for optimal health in adults over 50 on Wednesday 9th of November at 11am. All are welcome!

Knitters Needed – We are hoping to form a Durrow Knitting Circle based here in the Library. It could just be to meet for a knit and a natter, alternatively if anyone is interested in trying to form a knitting circle for the Knitted Knockers Breast Cancer Organisation we would be happy to facilitate you. Interested parties can get in touch with Lori at (083) 4274714, (057) 8736090 (during Library hours) or to Lmoriarty@Laoiscoco.ie by email.

Storytelling – We are looking for volunteers to read stories to children on Saturdays. If anyone is interested please contact the library.

Hallowe’en – We have a selection of thrillers and chillers on display for adults and children for the season that’s in it. Membership is free and the Library is open on Tuesdays from 1.30pm to 5.30pm and 6pm to 7.30pm; Wednesdays from 10am to 1.30pm and 2pm to 5:30pm; Also open on Saturdays from 11am until 1pm. Do drop in!

NOTICE:

Grants payable under the Domestic Lead Remediation (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2016 (S.I. No. 56 of 2016) – The scheme is available to assist owners of premises connected to a domestic water supply with the costs of replacing lead piping or related fittings located within the internal distribution system of the premises. The premises concerned must be occupied by the applicant as his or her principle private residence.
The level of grant aid available is determined on the basis of gross household income and is either 80% or 50% of the approved cost of the works. The table below sets out the level of grant available based on the income of the previous tax year.

Household Income % of approved costs available Maximum grant available
Up to €50,000 80% €4,000
€50,001 – €75,000 50% €2,500
In excess of €75000 No grant is payable No grant is payable

If you would like to apply for the grant or know of any-one that would like to avail of this grant, please contact us for an application form and further details. Contact – Pamela Tynan, Laois Public Participation Network, JFL Avenue, Lyster Square, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. Telephone: (057) 8665661 or (086) 4074925 or to ppn@laoiscoco.ie by email.The village of Durrow looking lovely in the October sunshine

CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS:

Rory O’Connell Cookery Demonstration / Waste Awareness Week – Cullohill Community Council are delighted and very excited to announce that TV Chef and Cullohill native, Rory O’Connell will hold a cookery demonstration in Cullohill Community Centre on Wednesday 23rd of November from 7.30pm until 9.30pm. This demonstration is being hosted by Cullohill Community Council in conjunction with Laois County Council as part of Laois Waste Awareness Week.

Tickets for the event are free of charge and will be available within the coming weeks. A number of tickets will be distributed locally by the Community Council on a first come basis (max 2 per person). The date and location for the distribution of tickets will be advertised locally within the next fortnight. Tickets will also be available from Laois County Council and can be acquired by contacting Ann- Marie Kelly once the advertisement appears in the local papers (expected to be early November).

Fundraiser – The Community Council hope to raise funds at the event to finance the compilation of a ‘Community Development Plan’ which will be a roadmap for developments in the area over the next number of years. In this regard the Community Council will be selling raffle tickets at the event for €5, with some great prizes up for grabs. The support of attendees would be very much appreciated.

News from Cullohill Photo of Cullohill courtesy of Bernard Kilbride

‘Stop Food Waste’ Course – In addition to the cookery demonstration, Laois County Council are also holding a ‘Stop Food Waste’ Course which will run over four hours. Course dates are Tuesday the 8th of November, Tuesday the 15th of November, Tuesday the 22nd of November and Tuesday the 29th of November. The course will take place in the Cullohill Community Centre from 9.30am until 10.30am. (Participants must attend all four sessions). This is a very beneficial course which will not only ‘stop food waste’ in your home but also save you money. There are twelve spaces available and each participant will receive a ticket for Rory’s cookery demonstration. If you are interested in taking part, please contact Marian Mahony on (086) 8390266 as soon as possible.

CULLOHILL TIDY TOWNS:

The hosting of the cookery demonstration and Stop Food Waste course in Cullohill next month, can be included as part of next year’s Tidy Town submission so your support of both events would be very much appreciated. Don’t forget on Saturday 29th of October the Cullohill Tidy Towns Fancy Dress Halloween Party will be held in O’Connell’s Bar, Cullohill.

Shouldn’t all of Laois be spotlessly clean?

CULLOHILL HANDBALL CLUB:

The club season is now getting underway with the launch of the Club Handball Nursery Program. This is a fun filled introduction to Handball and is open to children from First to Fifth classes. It takes place every Sunday morning from 11am until 12 noon. Membership for the year is €10 for the Nursery program or €20 for juvenile membership. Juvenile training groups are being compiled this week so please contact a committee member if you would like to join one of the coaching groups. Please visit and like our Facebook page to get regular updates. An information/registration night is planned for Thursday, October 29th.

Niamh Dunne and Ciara Dowling being presented with their All-Ireland Ladies Junior 40×20 Doubles medals by GAA Handball President Willie Roche.

THE CASTLE ARMS HOTEL:

Christmas Party Night – 10th December – Four Course meal + Entertainment! Contact Reception for more information on (057) 8736117.

SET DANCING CLASSES:

Come on down to the Castle Arms Hotel on Monday evenings from 8.30pm until 10pm for Set Dancing Classes. Beginners and advanced levels are all welcome. For more information please contact Declan on (087) 2768680.

LAOIS KAYAK & CANOE CLUB:

LKCC welcomes our four new Level 2 paddlers – Artie, Jim, Noah, and Stephen who styled their kayak skills assessment on Sunday 16th October on a blustery river Erkina. We’re looking forward to you all joining us on our river trips and congratulations to all of you.

Laois Canoe and Kayaking Club News

Congratulations to Michael Malone on passing his Level 3 open canoe skills award at the Euro Paddle Pass conference in Dublin on 15th October, another great achievement for both Michael as an instructor and paddler in the club and also for the club going forward.

The Winter Pool Schedule with Balto Kayak Club which has already started and the following Sunday’s will continue for kayakers to gain experience. Learn to roll or just improve your skills in the warmth of Athy pool. Please confirm with Brian or Matt to reserve your place. Arrive for 5pm, on the water from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. The scheduled pool session dates are October 23rd, November 6th and 20th, December 4th and 18th, January 8th and 22nd, February 5th & 19th and finally March 5th & 19th.

Winter is Coming: With the winter drawing in, paddling will now be at weekends only and advance notice of events and meets will be on our Viber Group or on our Facebook page and Website. We do look forward to seeing you on the water and paddling together and don’t forget to check www.laoiskayak.com for any updates or follow our Facebook page!

THE HARPS GAA CLUB:

A massive congratulations to Tommy Moore who was the first winner of €500 in the Club’s newly launched Third Time Lucky Lotto draw. His lucky number 17 came from the drum at the National Lottery Draw, live on RTE2 TV last Saturday night. Well done Tommy! All eyes are now on the next draw which takes place on November 19th! Best of luck to all our forty-seven players!

Harps GAA: Standing tall on and off the field

Rounders: The All-Ireland Champions, The Heath, will attend Cullohill GAA pitch this Saturday, 22nd of October from 3pm until 4.30pm in an effort to promote the game of rounders. As The Harps are current U13 All Ireland Champions, it would be great if as many adults and children as possible attended to show our appreciation. Admission just €1. For more information call Pat Barnaville on (086) 8304420.

FIRE SAFETY WEEK:

Durrow Fire and Rescue Service held a big Demonstration of Fire Fighting and Fire Safety to mark National Fire Safety Week. Over 200 adults and children attended and they were given a full demonstration of Fire and Accident procedures, a demonstration of fire fighting a Chip pan and a tour through a smoke filled room and the best way to get out of a smoke filled room. Great credit is due to Gearoid, David and crew of the Durrow Fire and Rescue Service for putting on a great nights show and for the wonderful service they give to our area 24/7/365.

COMMUNITY CHOIR:

We would like to invite one and all to the newly formed community choir in Durrow. Open to all, from 19 to 90 who love to sing, and have fun. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 11th of October in Durrow Library (the Old Courthouse) on Chapel St at 7.15pm. Come along even if you’re not sure, just to check us out. We look forward to hearing you. For more information call Ann on (086) 6045409.

ST VINCENT de PAUL:

Anyone looking for help can contact us on (087) 3476012.

St. Vincent de Paul news

DURROW COMMUNITY SERVICES have vacancies for general operatives and also a kitchen helper for the Meals on Wheels project. Call (057) 8736870 for information.

LAOIS WEATHER:

Visit www.laoisweather.com online for the latest weather data live from Durrow.

DURROW REMINISCING GROUP:

A book with 200 pages of Photographs spanning almost 100 years of Durrow and Cullohill memories including ICA, Hurling, Camogie, Soccer, School to mention but a few. Books for sale €25 each or two for €40. Please text or call Tom on (087) 2936531 or Kathleen on (086) 8263368 for further information.

DURROW TIDY TOWNS:

Durrow Tidy Towns is in much need of volunteers for the coming season, if you feel that you would like to get involved in the community, improve your living environment, have your speak on how you would like your town to improve, how you would like your town to shine and how you would like your town to excel, please keep it in mind as we will be looking for volunteers over the coming months, every little bit helps and every new idea lights a spark in a community that will enhance and improve your own living community and your own living environment, Don’t be shy, have your say and get involved! We will issue further notices in the coming weeks.

Committee members attending Tidy Town’s regional awards

NEXT NEWSLETTER: The next newsletter will be on sale next weekend November 5th & 6th. All adverts must be booked with Angela Drennan (087) 1928522 or Mary Walsh (086) 3055157. Advertisements cost €2 per issue of Durrow Parish Newsletter and must be paid for in advance.