Direct from Durrow at Christmas

DURROW COMMUNITY SERVICES: Current Vacancies: Durrow Community Services are looking to recruit a Catering Assistant to work with our busy Meals On Wheels service, a Groundskeeper for the Lions Soccer Club Durrow and another Groundskeeper at The Harps GAA Club Durrow. For further information on these positions or to apply please contact (057) 8736870 during office hours on any weekday.

BALLYOUSKILL: Christmas and New Year: Music each Saturday Night in the Wheel Inn bar with JB the DJ. No cover charge. Dancing next Sunday night with Lawrence Campion; Christmas Eve – The Blue; St. Stephens Night – Adrian Ryan.

Cabaret: A cabaret will be held in the Wheel Inn on Friday, 22nd of December with music, a raffle and an auction on the same night. Contact: Jimmy Palmer on (087) 2889551 for further information. All   proceeds added to the Sponsored Walk held on St. Stephen’s Day…

Sponsored Walk: A 5km walk will be held on St. Stephen’s Day from The Wheel Inn starting at 10am. All proceeds in aid of the Gambia Schools Renovation Project and Carlow, Kilkenny and Laois HomeCare Teams. Refreshments in the Wheel Inn afterwards.

North Kilkenny Truck and Tractor Run: New Year’s Eve 2017: Light up the Night Sky – Highlighting Suicide Awareness. In aid of relevant local charities. Phone (087) 2797221 or (087) 9065125 or (086) 2520155 for further information. Followed by Cabaret in The Wheel Inn.

CULLOHILL ICA: The local ICA held their December meeting in the Community Centre recently where votes of sympathy were passed with the Bergin Family, Grantstown on the death of Brigid who spent many years in Cullohill as a young girl. Sympathy also to Nelly Bergin, Errill on the death of her husband. May they both rest in peace. Members then reported on the Federation meeting in Castletown where the Cuisle Centre and the HomeCare Teams were presented with €1,100 each from proceeds of members donations and the Portlaoise walk. Congratulations to the choir who celebrate their silver jubilee with a concert soon. There is no meeting in January but we may organise a night out. The new Pilates classes start on January 30th and continue on Tuesdays from 1.30pm to 2.30pm until March 13th – please note the change of time. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 6th 2018 at 8pm.

DURROW BRIDGE CLUB: The winners on November 22nd were: First – Nora Fitzpatrick and Teresa Phelan; Second – Babe Duggan and Phil Mahony; Third – Joan and Dickie Dempsey. The winners on November 29th were: First – Ann Fitzpatrick and Dolly Harding; Second – Theresa Muldowney and Jimmy Ryan; Third – Pilar Delaney and Peggie Duggan. Durrow Bridge Club continues for the winter season on Wednesday evenings in the Presentation Centre at 7.45pm. All are most welcome.

CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR: Mountrath Community Forum hosted a Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday 16th December at The Old Brigidine Convent, Mountrath from 1pm until 5pm. Mountrath Cottage Market will be there with 30+ Marketers. There was carol singing, festive food, Christmas Fair and Mulled Wine. The town’s Community Hub was launched on the day as well.

LAOIS GIREOVY CLUB: Congratulations to Oisín Dunne, Durrow on becoming a World Champion Kettlebell lifter at the World Kettlebell Marathon held recently in Milan. Oisín is the first youth member in Ireland to receive a world medal. Oisín trains with Laois Gireovy and is a member of the Association of Kettlebell Sport Ireland. Congratulations to Oisín on such a prestigious award!

LAOIS KAYAK AND CANOE CLUB: Winter Paddling: With the shorter evenings all paddling is now at weekends only due to shorter daylight hours.

Munster Polo League: Started on Saturday 9th December at the UL pool. This league is always very beneficial to our paddlers and they gain great experience in the competition. We wish all paddlers the best of luck in same.

Annual St. Stephen’s Day Paddle: The Annual Paddle will be from the Woodenbridges into Durrow. Please be at the clubhouse for 11am. Food will be served in Bob’s Bar afterwards. This is a free event and paddlers should dress warmly.

Pool Sessions: Sessions to improve level 2 and 3 paddlers continue with Balto Canoeing club in Athy on Sundays evenings. It’s a great opportunity for younger paddlers to practice their roll.

Sports Capital Grant: LKCC were delighted to be one of the successful clubs in Laois to receive funding through the sports capital grant. A total of €17,000 was allocated to the club and this will be used for the renovation of the clubhouse.

Interested? We are founded and based in Durrow with a huge commitment to encouraging our youth to participate. Follow us on Facebook under Laois Kayak and Canoe Club or at www.laoiskayak.com online.

Christmas: Wishing all our paddlers and community the very happiest of Christmases. Keep safe and  enjoy the holiday season. We hope to see you all on the water on St. Stephens Day and in Summer ‘18!

DURROW-CULLOHILL PARISH ANGLERS: The Durrow/Cullohill Parish Anglers held their presentation night and awards presentation at the Christmas Party night in the Castle Arms Hotel recently. A huge congratulations to Tommy Coffey on captaining a victorious Irish team against the British team in England. The club has commissioned a special award for Tommy and this will be presented to him in the New Year. Trophies were presented on the night to: River Angler of the Year – Tommy Coffey; Lake Angler of the Year – Patrick O’Regan; U14 Angler of the Year – Ryan McDonald; Heaviest Trout – Declan McDonald; Heaviest Pike – Tommy Coffey; U14 Heaviest Trout – Keelan Carroll. Seanie Delehunty also  received a special award for winning the Mick O’Rourke three times in a row!

The Chairman Philip Kearney congratulated all the winners and thanked everyone who helped the club throughout the year in particular the landowners, lotto sellers, Michael and Trish Gaughan, and everyone who supported the club. Philip wished everyone a Happy and Peaceful Christmas and a great New Year.

HARPS CAMOGIE: Congratulations to our December winner of Barney’s Bonus Bonanza – Martin Fitzpatrick. Well done!

Christmas Raffle: The annual Christmas raffle will take place in O Connell’s, Cullohill on Saturday, 16th December. Thank you to everyone who has bought a ticket so far. Tickets are still available from all club players and the committee. Prizes include: Two Electric Picnic tickets, a meal voucher for CastleDurrow, a Christmas hamper and a turkey.

5k Fun Run: We are holding a 5k run on New Year’s Eve at midday. Registration from 11am. Everyone is welcome to run, walk or jog. Adults are €10 with U16s just €5 to enter. Prizes given for all categories. Refreshments afterwards in Cullohill Community Centre.

Harps Camogie New Year’s Eve Party: Come bring in the New Year with friends and family in O’Connell’s, Cullohill! Music by Pat Barnaville and friends. Admission free.

LIONS AFC: Lions Christmas Draw for the Monster Hamper will take place in Dec’s Bar on Christmas Eve at 6pm. Tickets are available from all Lions players and Committee members or from Daybreak. Tickets cost €2 each or three for a €5. Please support.

LIONS AFC: Club togs and socks are now available through each team manager – €10 for both, which is great value!

CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE: Indoor Soccer League: The indoor soccer leagues finished recently with finals in three separate categories – primary school, post primary junior league and post  primary senior / college league. Each Friday evening has been very well attended with great games and great goals each evening. A feature of the junior league was a goal scored by girls on the team counted double which made for some interesting tactics! Congratulations to the three winning teams who will be receiving their souvenir tops this week. Primary School Winners: Liverpool – Jack Dunphy (captain), Mia Henderson, Ross Deegan, Kayla O’Dwyer, Orla Brophy and Simon Comerford. Post Primary Junior League: Barcelona – Patrick Daly (captain), Lorcan McGuigan, Rachel Deegan, Cody Comerford, Brian Holland and Muire Fitzpatrick. Senior League: Chelsea – James Larkin (captain), Eoin Doheny, Conor Delaney and Thomas Walsh.

Cards: The Progressive 25 Card Games are held in the hall every Sunday night at 8.30pm sharp followed by tea and sandwiches. Please support!

THE HARPS GAA AGM: The Annual General Meeting of The Harps GAA Club will take place on Sunday, January 7th 2018 in Cullohill Community Centre at 5pm. All are most welcome to attend.

Monday 27th November 2017: There was no jackpot winner of €4,750. The Numbers drawn were: 03, 10, 13 and 21. The small draw winners were: €30: Eddie Fitzpatrick, Ballacolla, Co. Laois; €25: Margaret Dunne, Castlequarter, Cullohill, Co. Laois and €20: Clara Ryan, Cork Rd, Durrow, Co. Laois.

Monday 4th December 2017: There was no jackpot winner of €4,900. The Numbers drawn were: 01, 04, 16 and 24. The small draw winners were: €30: Trish Fogarty, Seandoire, Durrow, Co. Laois; €25: Lisa Buckley, Erkindale, Durrow, Co. Laois; €20: Gay Lalor, Chapel St, Durrow, County Laois.

Monday 11th December 2017: There was no jackpot winner of €5,050. The Numbers drawn were: 05, 09, 11 and 27. The small draw winners were: €30: Ryan Family, Cork Rd, Durrow, Co. Laois; €25: Sarah O’Rourke, Shanahoe, County Laois; €20: Cora Carroll, Emo, County Laois.

Christmas Lotto Raffle Results: First Prize – €50: Richard Behan, c/o Larry Fitzpatrick; Second Prize – €50: Mary Townsend, Swan Rd, Durrow; Third Prize – €50: Steven Thomas, Cork Rd, Durrow; Fourth Prize – €50: Siobhan Bowe, Caponellan, Durrow; Fifth Prize – €50: Sally Tynan, Dunmore, Durrow; Sixth Prize – €50: Imelda Caroll, c/o K.Dunne; Seventh Prize – €50: Jimmy Stapleton, Erkindale, Durrow; 8th Prize – Bottle of Hennessy: Jimmy Joyce, The Square, Durrow; 9th Prize – Bottle of Jameson: Lorna Dunne, Ross, Cullohill; 10th Prize – Bottle of Jameson: Frank Dunne, c/o K.Dunne; 11th Prize – Bottle of Jameson: Frank Dunne, c/o K.Dunne; 12th Prize – Bottle of Powers: Lisa Buckley, Erkindale, Durrow; 13th Prize – Bottle of Baileys: Carmel Murphy, Cork Rd, Durrow; 14th Prize – Two Bottles of Wine: Liam Fitzpatrick, c/o Michael Walsh; 15th Prize – Sweets and Biscuits: Catherine Stapleton, Dunmore, Durrow;

16th Prize – Sweets and Biscuits: John Doheny, c/o K.Dunne; 17th Prize – Sweets and Biscuits: Jamie  Fogarty, c/o Ray Fogarty. Well done to all the winners!

Christmas & New Year Draws: The last Lotto Draw of 2017 will be on Monday 18th December in O’Connell’s, Cullohill. The first Lotto Draw of 2018 will be held in Bob’s Bar on Monday 8th January.

Many thanks to all in the Parish & beyond for their support throughout the year.

DURROW TIDY TOWNS: Durrow Tidy Towns under DDF are in early preparations for the 2018 judging. Further to meetings and new members on the committee, we are delighted to action water butts for the town and further improvements will be made in the coming months. We would encourage all residents and businesses to get involved in every way possible and keep the outside of their own premises clean and tidy. Our Junior Tidy Towns committee is in the process of being set up and we would encourage all our over 10 year olds in the community to assist our junior committee in improving Durrow’s tidy town results for 2018 – together, as a community we can make it happen!

DURROW LIBRARY: If anyone is interested in a genealogy course please do call in! Library Opening Times: The open times are as follows: Tuesdays: 1.30pm to 5.30pm and 6pm to 7.30pm; Wednesdays: 10am to 1.30pm and 2pm to 5.30pm; Saturdays 11am to 1pm. Phone: (057) 8736090 or e-mail: Lmoriarty@laoiscoco.ie for information on any of the above.

LIAM LAWTON IN CONCERT: Liam Lawton will be perform in concert with the Irish Festival Orchestra in the Church of The Holy Trinity, Rathdowney on Thursday, 21st of December. Other acts performing on the night include the Rathdowney Parish Choir and the Creagh Family. Doors open at 7.30pm with the concert commencing at 8pm. Tickets €30 are available from the   Rathdowney Parish Office. All enquiries by phone to: (050) 546282

DEFIBRILLATORS IN DURROW: Durrow now has three defibrillators across the town with one in Our Lady’s Meadow National School, one outside on the wall between Lawlor’s Gala and Sheppard’s Auctioneers and one at the reception in the Castle Arms Hotel.

CULLOHILL WALKING CLUB: As the dark evenings draw in why not stay active and walk in the safety and the company of others. Walking continues every Monday and Friday evening leaving Cullohill Community centre at 7.30 pm sharp. Free activity. All are most welcome.

THIRD LAOIS DURROW SCOUTS: If you are interested in the outdoors and like to show skills to others, why don’t you join us? Contact Delphine Lawlor on (086) 3655178 for further details.

PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP: The Parent and Toddler group will continue in the Presentation Hall, Durrow on Tuesdays from 9.30am. Any parents, carers, childminders etc… interested in attending with their little people, suitable from baby stage up to pre-school for a play, chat, cuppa and cake are most welcome to attend. For information contact (086) 3914725. We will continue to hold a few sessions over the coming weeks to gauge interest and sustainability of the group.

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.

THE BEGADON FORGE: The Historical Heritage Visit Booklet can now be bought in locally in Lawlor’s Gala, Daybreak and Bob’s Bar. Price €2 each or three for €5.

LSCPA RESCUE – URGENT APPEAL: We desperately need Dog Fosterers, we are full beyond our limit and cannot take in anymore dogs, unless we get more fosterers. We supply everything and cover all veterinary costs. If you can help, contact our Dog coordinator on (086)4169559.

DURROW COMMUNITY ALERT: With the evenings getting shorter now as we approach the Autumn and Winter seasons, keep vigilant for suspicious activity in our community. Keep an eye on the Community Alert’s new Facebook Page here for regular updates and information from across the district.

CASTLEWOOD FARMSHOP: Organic meat, apple juice, eggs and other produce. Farmshop and tearoom open Fridays and Saturdays 10am – 5pm; Sunday 11am – 5pm. Enquiries to Dominic (087)9694070.

APPEAL: This year, 2017 is the 100th anniversary of the O’Brien’s starting their Headstone business in Durrow. If anyone has any old pictures of the Quarry on the Derry Road, Sean would be delighted to hear from you. You can email them to seanobrien1957@eircom.net or phone Sean on (086) 2656657 if you have them in paper form. Any additional details such as the names and date of the picture would be greatly appreciated.

NEXT NEWSLETTER: The next newsletter will be on sale the weekend of January 13th and 14th – weather permitting. 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.