Latest news from Ballinakill, Cullohill, Durrow and Spink

THIRD LAOIS DURROW SCOUTS: If your child is interested in joining scouting at any age, please contact Leanne our group leader at gldurrow@gmail.com by email. We’re also looking for adults to join as leaders – the time commitment you give can be flexible and since we’re a voluntary organisation we rely on our fantastic leaders, without whom the group simply couldn’t exist. And who knows, you might even enjoy yourselves! And if being a leader isn’t your thing but you’d like to help in other ways then you could always join our parents and friends committee who help with fundraisers and general logistics throughout the year or become an associate member and offer help that way. 

BOOK BOX: A Book Box is now operational in the Scout Garden. Please feel free to take a book or leave a book. Please ensure that the lid is replaced properly after each use. Enjoy!

CHRISTMAS HAMPER: Durrow Community Services CLG are currently trying to raise money for equipment. We have a Christmas Eve Goodie Hamper in Kenna Family Butchers; its €2 per line or €5 for 3 lines. All support is greatly appreciated.

SPONSOR A BAG OF BULBS AS A CHRISTMAS GIFT: It’s been approx fifteen plus years since we had our fundraiser to sponsor a bag of bulbs for planting the beautiful daffodils on the approach roads into Durrow. You may have noticed that the burst of spring yellow has not been as bright lately and in particular on the Abbeyleix road. We are reaching out to the community both at home and abroad to sponsor a bag of bulbs and if you’d like to do so, this is the link to sponsor online or if you’d like to sponsor any amount towards the bulbs you can do so by dropping an envelope marked Durrow Tidy Towns to Lawlors Gala in the square or to our treasurer Rita Casey. This would also make a great Christmas gift for family and friends. Thank-you as always for keeping Durrow looking beautiful. Visit…www.durrowscarecrowfestival.com/community-shop for details on purchasing.

DURROW PARISH LOTTO: After almost two years suspended, the Durrow Parish Lotto is restarting in January 2022! It will start with a large €2,000 Jackpot! Tickets costing €2 each are available in retailers and pubs across the Durrow and surrounding districts. When you play the Durrow Parish Lotto you support many Groups and Clubs in the Parish including Our Lady’s Meadow NS, Gun Club, Harps GAA, Fishing Club, Scouts. For these groups it is a great way to fundraise every week and every player is in for winning the Jackpot!

LAOIS ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY: For more information on Alzheimer’s contact Ann Munnelly on (057) 8663398 or (086) 8372168 Homecare Co-ordinator, Portlaoise or by email to laois.branch@alzheimer.ie online.

OUR LADY’S MEADOW PRIMARY SCHOOL: Our Lady’s Meadow Primary School commenced accepting applications for admission to Junior Infants for the School Year 2022-2023 on Monday 15th November last. The schools admission policy, Annual admission notice and application forms are available on school website www.ourladysmeadow.org or from the school by phone on (057) 8736329 or by email to ourladysmeadowschool@gmail.com. Application for the school ASD class can also be made since Monday November 15th last.

CONGRATULATIONS: Congratulations to Kate Stapleton, Dunmore, Durrow who celebrated her 100th Birthday on November 18th last. Kate would like to thank everyone for all the lovely presents and best wishes. A special mention of thanks to Fr. Paddy Byrne and Fr. Ger Aherny for the beautiful Mass celebrated.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 2021: A huge thanks is extended to Durrow Community Services CLG for their work in putting up the Christmas lights in preparation for the Making Spirits Bright Christmas Market event in Durrow on Sunday 28th November. There’s a lot of hard background work that people don’t even see and it’s important that we acknowledge their help. It’s so much appreciated! 

CHURCH NEWS: Public Health Guidelines: With Covid19 numbers very high once more, everyone who goes to Church Masses are asked to observe Social Distancing guidelines, Use hand sanitizers; Wear a face covering and Stay Safe. It is in all of our interests that we continue to observe these guidelines and recommendations.Carol Service: The Coral Service that was due to be held on December 5th was cancelled due to the high numbers of Covid cases currently in circulation.Mass Schedule: The following Mass schedule is now in operation throughout the Parish: Saturday Vigil Mass Cullahill: 7.00pm, Durrow 7.30pm, Errill 8.30pm. Sunday Mass: Rathdowney; 10.30am, Durrow 12 noon.Parish Office: The new Parish Office is now open at the Presentation Centre beside the Church or call (085) 2625033. Opening hours for this office will be from 10am to 2pm Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

The booking of Masses, Christenings of babies, sale of Mass Cards, Booking of weddings and funeral arrangements will go through this office. All matters relating to church business in the parish must also go through this office.Readers: Readers for Sunday Mass from December 5th 2021 until January 30th 2022: December 5th – Kevin Kelly; December 12th – Deidre Moore; December 19th – Michael Conroy; December 26th – Martin Lawlor; January 2nd – Fergal Hassett; January 9th – Mary Lawlor; January 16th – Stephanie Phelan; January 23rd – Martin Lawlor; January 30th – Kevin Kelly. If you are unavailable to read please contact some person on the list. For any queries, please contact Martin Lawlor on (087) 2185839. Readers for Saturday night Mass from December 4th until January 29th 2022: December 4th – Ann Marie Lalor; December 11th – Catherine Walsh; December 18th – Bernie Murphy; January 1st – Seosamh Murphy; January 8th – Oliver Lawlor; January 15th – Kay Sheppard; January 22nd – Noreen Joyce; January 29th – Ann Marie Lawlor.Cullohill Adoration: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrement is held every Thursday morning in St Tiernach’s Church Cullohill from 8.50am to 9.50am in the kitchen area, followed by Mass. Everyone is most welcome.

NUMBER FOR ST. VINCENT DE PAUL – UPDATED JULY 2021: Our new contact phone number for confidential assistance is (087) 6974792.

SYMPATHY: Sincere Condolences are extended to the friends and family of Martin Lalor, Erkindale Drive, Durrow on their recent bereavement.

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 COMMUNITY ALERT: With the long winter nights now here people are asked to keep an eye on their elderly neighbours daily. Check that they have enough fuel to keep warm, enough food to last a number of days, that they are healthy and not in need of medical attention. Check visitors and report strange movement of people and cars to your local community alert and to the Gardaí.

LIVE LOCAL WEATHER: Visit www.laoisweather.com for live local weather data from Durrow.

SINGING LESSONS: Whether you want to learn how to sing or develop your existing skills – Amy offers one-to-one tuition or group tuition for families for everyone aged 9 or over. Learn vocal techniques, breathing exercises, control, performance and delivery. For more information please contact Amy (083) 8253665 by phone or to amyphelan65@gmail.com by email. You can also reach Amy’s Social Media page by visiting facebook.com/amyphelansingeronline.

DURROW LIBRARY NEWS: Durrow Library is currently open for browsing, borrowing, printing and photocopying. We have received an excellent selection of new books which you are welcome to borrow. We are currently running a small treasure hunt event. To take part, families collect a Durrow Discovery Map at the Library, answer the associated questions and when complete return the Map to Durrow Library to receive a small prize. To celebrate our participation in the ‘Leave a Light On’ project we have been given a number of craft packs so you can make your own window display from crepe paper and black card. These are available to collect from the Library and details of the online instructional video will be included. You are also invited to help decorate the Library for Christmas with paper snowflakes. Paper, scissors and instructions will be available in the Library over the coming weeks and all snowflakes will be proudly displayed. Opening hours are Tuesday 11am -7.30pm and Wednesday 10am -5.30pm (closed for lunch 1.30-2pm) (Christmas closing 28th and 29th December). Phone: 057 8736090 or email durrowlibrary@laoiscoco.ie

ST. CANICE’S CREDIT UNION DURROW: St. Canice’s Credit Union is located on Mary Street in Durrow. It provides a range of services including Current Accounts, globally accepted Debit Cards, Loans including Mortgages and Agri, Online Banking Services and a Mobile App. Contact Mary, Catherine or Breda. Opening Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm also Fridays from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm. Visit our popular website at www.stcanicescu.ie online. Phone: (056) 7722042 (available six days – Monday to Saturday) or (057) 8736522. Email: info@stcanicescu.ie(also available six days – Monday to Saturday).

PILATES CLASSES: Pilates Classes continue in Cullohill Community Centre and will continue every Tuesday from 1.30pm to 2.30pm. All welcome, do come along and enjoy yourself!

IRISH DANCING CLASSES: Scoil Rince Katrina practises Traditional Irish Dancing for all ages in a fun-filled environment. Benefits are numerous as it helps children to engage in their coordination, improves posture, helps them learn about timing and rhythm and encourages teamwork. Our main focus is to try to bring out the best in every individual and improve their confidence. There are regular competitions if dancers choose to take part. Book now to secure your place. Contact Katrina on (085) 7606866. Classes take place in Durrow Community Hall on Monday evenings.

THE HARPS GAA CLUB NEWS: Player of the Year: The Laois GAA players of the year for 2020 and 2021 were announced at the award ceremony held on Friday night. In the 2020 awards Conor Dunne was voted Premier Intermediate Hurler of the year and Ross Young was voted Junior Hurler of the year. Two awards deserved and very well done the Harps had no award winners in 2021 but will be very happy to be still in the senior ranks for the upcoming 2022 Championship.

Annual General Meeting 2021: The Annual General Meeting of The Harps GAA was held on Sunday November 21st at Cullohill Community Centre. The following committee was elected: Joe Deegan, Brian Farrell, Anne Comerford, Claire Delahunty, John Scanlon, Shane Brophy, Tommy Walsh, Donal Deegan, Conor Murphy, Seamus Duggan, John Dollard, Pauric Dunne, Cathal Phelan, Noel Delaney, Tommy Moore, Peter Walsh, Martin Deegan, Richie Comerford, Dan Deegan, Albert Townsend, Enda Whelan, Noel Kirby, Sean Conroy, Ross Young, Justin Brophy, Pat Barnaville, Daniel Comerford, Ciaran Comerford, Podge Delaney, Niamh Clancy, Eoin O’Sullivan, Kieran Shortall, Philip Russel and Evan Deegan.Split the Pot! We encourage club members, parents and supporters to sign up for a standing order for the weekly split the bucket draw. 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, (087) 9678729, Brian Farrell, (087) 9555500, or Shane Brophy, (087) 2034035. There is a lot of expenditure at present in improving the pitches and grounds in Cullahill and Durrow and all support is gratefully appreciated.

DURROW-CULLOHILL PARISH ANGLERS’ NEWS: Fisherman of the Year: Congratulations to Seamus Coffey on winning Durrow-Cullohill Fisherman of the Year 2021. This is a remarkable achievement as Seamus is winning this title for the third year in a row, 2018, 2019 and 2021. Due to Covid there was no fishing in 2020. This is only the second time that the Fisherman of the year was won by the same person three years in a row. The first time it was won was in the early eighties when Brendan Sheppard won it. Seamus also set another first as well as winning Fisherman of the Year he also caught the Heaviest Pike and the Heaviest Trout. This was never before done in the club. Thank You! Durrow-Cullohill Parish Anglers wish to thank everyone who helped the club in the past year especially Susan Lawlor, Audrey Ryan, Fran in the Mountrath Tackle Shop, John and Liam Fitzpatrick, Michael and Trish. A special word of thanks to the Landowners who allowed us to walk through their land. As it is impossible to thank everyone individually we appreciate your help and support down through the yearsCompetition: Durrow-Cullohill Parish Anglers entered a four man team in the Irish Federation of Pike Angling Club Competition held in New Bliss, Co. Monaghan on Sunday 21st November. The team was David Walsh, Shane Donohue, Seamus and Tommy Coffey. Eighteen of the Best Teams in Ireland competed for the top prize. The competition consisted of four lakes with one person from each team fishing on the different lakes. Fishing was very difficult at the start but the Durrow-Cullohill Team did very well and caught over 62lb. of fish, this resulted in a Third place finish. This was a great achievement for the team and the club. This is the first time a team representing Durrow-Cullohill Parish Anglers finished with a Podium Place.

LIONS AFC DURROW NEWS: LIONS AFC: Clonmel Celtic 1 v 2 Lions (AET) in the SFAI Sketchers Cup, 6th November: The Lions U13 team put in a superb performance in Clonmel to advance to the next round of the SFAI cup. Both teams were intent on playing good football on an excellent surface. The Lions started brightly as Sean Dempsey forced the Clonmel keeper into an excellent save. At the other end the impressive Shane Ruane kept Clonmel at bay. The home team took the lead after 20 minutes when Clonmel cut through the Lions defence. The Lions pushed forward looking for the equaliser and were rewarded when Conor Dempsey dribbled from midfield and crossed to the far post where Sean Dempsey volleyed home. The second half was frantic as both teams looked for a winner. Sean, Conor, Brett and Jack all went close as the Lions were now on top. However it was Shane Ruane who was the hero as he pulled of a magnificent save in the dying minutes. The Lions never looked like conceding in extra time as the defence of Danny, Sean Mockler, Evan and Edmond stood firm. With penalties looming the Lions pushed forward looking for the winner. With the help of Jack and Jamie, Sean was now finding more space. When through on goal he was taken down outside the box. Captain Joey stepped forward and buried the ball in the roof of the net. Clonmel went close as they hit the crossbar in the dying minutes, but the Lions held on for a well deserved victory!

DURROW COMMUNITY SATURDAY MARKET: Durrow Community Market continues on Saturdays from 9am to 12 noon on the Kilkenny Road beside the church. Social Distancing will be in practice and please adhere to the Covid-19 guidelines!

DURROW POST OFFICE: Santa Letters and Colouring Competition Sheets are now available in the Post Office. Also, check out our special mail box for all your completed Santa Letters with a guaranteed speedy delivery in time for Christmas!

JOB VACANCIES: We currently have two vacancies on Durrow Community Employment Scheme: Position: 2 x Environmental Workers; Location: Durrow and Ballacolla; No Experienced Required; Work 19.5 hours per week. Eligibility to participate on CE is generally linked to those who are 21 years or over and in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for 1 year or more or 18 years and over for certain disadvantaged groups. Your eligibility will have to be verified by the Department. Contact Durrow Community Services on (057) 8736870 for more details.

YARD HELPER WANTED: Groom / Yard Help Wanted – Part Time vacancy: Private, friendly and       reputable yard requires help with day to day yard duties. We have a mixture of; broodmares, youngsters, and ridden horses. Weekend work is required, location, between Durrow and Abbeyleix. You must be over 18 and have experience with horses. Message or phone Lindsay 0833913222. We’ll be pleased to hear from you.

CLEANER AVAILABLE: Mondays to Fridays for the Durrow, Cullohill and Johnstown areas. Flexible hours. Call (085) 8166820.

LIONS AFC LADIES SOCCER: Women’s social soccer on every Monday from 7pm until 8pm at the Lions AFC all weather pitch. All abilities welcome. Contact Sinead at (087) 9510587 for further details.

NEXT NEWSLETTER: The next newsletter will be out on the weekend of December 18th 2021. All adverts must be booked with Angela Drennan (087) 1928522 or (057) 8736419. Advertisements cost €2 per issue of Durrow Parish Newsletter and must be paid for in advance. Clubs and Organisations are encouraged to email info@durrow.ie with their ongoing news and notices which will be printed in the upcoming newsletter and also be posted on the Durrow.ie website.