Latest Laois News: In and around Durrow

All the latest news from Durrow and its environs

HOUSE FOR RENT: Three Bedroom mid terrace house in Erkindale Drive with front and rear enclosed garden located in quiet estate. Close to all amenities, school, playground, pitches, shops. Twenty minutes commute to Portlaoise/Kilkenny. Viewing advised. Please contact John by Email at jd_la@hotmail.com and don’t forget to leave contact details!

CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS: Many thanks to all who bought a horse in our sweepstake on the Grand National. All forty horses were sold in a matter of days. The draw for horses takes place the middle of next week with the big race then next weekend. €1,000 for first past the post with prize money for second and third also. There’s also something for last place… €200 for the final finisher!Development works are ongoing with the new build almost complete. Once Covid restrictions are eased all will have an opportunity to view and avail of the excellent facilities.

COFFEE DOCK AT DUNNES: Bloom Coffee are open from 9:30am-5pm everyday at Dunnes Garden Centre Durrow, do drop in!

WALKERS TAKE NOTE: Please remember that dogs are required to be on a lead on the Leafy Loop walk in Durrow. Please remember that the walk crosses Private, Coillte and Farmland and all dogs are required to be on a lead throughout the route, without exception. For local walkers, if you see a dog off the lead, please do remind visitors that dogs need to be on a lead as although there is some signage reminding people, sometimes it can be missed and visitors may not be aware that dogs must be on a lead at all times. 

THE HARPS GAA: SPLIT THE POT: We encourage club members, parents and supporters to sign up for a standing order for the weekly split the bucket draw. Last weeks winner won €500. Just €8 a month gives one entry a week, €16 a month gives two entries a week and €20 a month gives three entries a week. For standing order details contact Joe Deegan, 0879678729, Brian Farrell, 0879555500, or Shane Brophy, 0872034035.

There is a lot of expenditure at present in improving the pitches and grounds in Cullahill and Durrow and all support is gratefully appreciated.

AGM 2021: To all members of the Harps: With the ongoing health situation it is not possible to hold a Juvenile or Senior Club AGM.  The matter will be reviewed by the end of current level 5 restrictions and it will be sought to hold the AGMs as soon as is safely possible.  If anybody has any concerns they can contact a member of either committee.  Joe Deegan & Brian Farrell.

LAOIS GAA COUNTY BOARD DRAW: The Harps GAA club are appealing to their many supporters to get a ticket for the Laois County Board Draw 2021. With fundraising very difficult under Covid 19 restrictions the club needs all the support it can get. There are four draws taking place on 30th April, 7th May, 4th June and 2nd July. Tickets cost €130 euro up front or €65 euro in two payments or €32.50 every month for four draws. Please support your club and tickets are available from all club members.

WOODENBRIDGE PADDLERS: The Woodenbridge Paddlers 30 Day Paddle Challenge runs until April 30th. Supporting the Erkina Blueway Project. MG Phelan & Alison Bailey will complete a course on the river in all of the 30 Days of April. Contributions can be made via GO FUND ME by searching “Woodenbridge Paddlers 30 day paddle challenge” or follow the link on Woodenbridge Paddlers Facebook Page. Sponsorship Cards are also available. Businesses are invited to sponsor either of the canoeists for one Day during this 30 Day challenge. In return their Business will be promoted on all social media outlets and will also be included in future information signage relating to the Erkina Blueway.

Individuals or families are invited to join in support on the river throughout the 30 Day Challenge. The Erkina Blueway which will connect the Towns  of Rathdowney & Durrow (14km) is a waterway usable for small boats and canoes with associated walking and cycling trails. Work on this project will start soon. A contribution from this fundraiser will be made to The Irish Wheelchair Association. All Covid 19 Guidelines will be adhered to throughout the 30 Day Challenge. For further details please Tel. (087) 2395357 or (085) 1009998.

CHURCH OF IRELAND SERVICES: Regrettably due to the Level 5 lockdown none of our Churches are open for worship during the month of February which includes St. Fintan’s Church in Durrow. We do however livestream a service every Sunday at 11.00am, on our Parish Facebook page called ‘The Abbeyleix & Killermogh Union of Parishes’. All are welcome to view it here.