Latest Laois News: Out and About in Durrow

All the news from Ballinakill, Cullohill, Durrow & Spink

THE HARPS GAA JUVENILE CLUB:

The Harps Nursery Programme will commence on Sunday, 6th February from 12 to 1pm and every Sunday thereafter for approx. six weeks in the Lions Astroturf pitch in Durrow. The Nursery Programme is open to all boys from the parish in junior infants and senior infants’ classes. The purpose of the Nursery Programme is to introduce the boys within this age category to the basic skills of Gaelic Games with an emphasis on fun and it will be structured to improve the coordination, balance, running, jumping, catching skills etc. of the participants. There is a small fee of €2 per child per week.If the boys have hurls and helmets they can bring them along however for the first week all they’ll need is a pair of runners. The club would like to welcome and encourage as many parents as possible to help out with the organisation and running of the Nursery Programme. The success of the programme is dependent on sufficient numbers of parents being available to help outeach Sunday. If you have queries in relation to any aspect of the Nursery Programme please do not hesitate to contact Enda Carroll at 087 6348615, Podge Phelan at 087 9755876 or any committee member.

DURROW-CULLOHILL ANGLERS:

 Durrow/Cullohill Parish Anglers held a pike competition on theriver Suck for the Harold Lawlor Cup. There were over twenty-six fish landed with a number of them superb fish. The winner – with a fish landed of 16 lb-3 oz. was David Walsh; Second – Fred Townsend; and Third – Shane Donohue. Well done to all involved!

DAYBREAK STORE, DURROW OPENS UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT:

Daybreak Durrow now reopened! The daybreak store in Durrow reopened on the 12th of January last to the delight of the local community. The store was sold to Dean and Triona Hand in late December and was temporarily closed to facilitate a refurbishment. The Tipperary locals were delighted to acquire the business from Audrey and Stephen Ryan who can look forward to their retirement following a very successful ten years in business on The Square. Dean and Triona wish to thank the Ryan’s for leaving them a great establishment to further build on and really look forward to meeting all the people of Durrow and surrounding areas. So far they have been delighted with the support and warm welcome received from the community. Best wishes for the future are extended to the staff and management.

LIONS AFC NEWS: The club are heading into two thrilling weekends of soccer at our home grounds starting this Saturday January 29th, when our U13s will play against Callan Utd in the last eight of the SouthEast region of the Skechers National Cup. The following Saturday (February 5th) our U12s play St, Joseph’s (Wexford) and the U14s entertain Dungarvan (Waterford) and again the games are at home. To have all three of our teams in the last eight of the South East region is a fantastic achievement for the club. One more victory for each team will see them through to the National competition and into the last 32 teams across Ireland. Having home games at this important stage of the competition gives us a great advantage and having the support of the community would make a huge difference to our teams, so we would love to see people come out to support our boys. Best of luck to all our teams and especially to the U13s you are in action this Saturday at 11am.

Our U9 Girls had their first game of 2022 on Saturday January 22nd last. They put in two fantastic team performances against two very good freebooters teams. They were very enjoyable games with brilliant displays of football from both teams. Well done Girls!

PILATES CLASSES IN BALLYOUSKILL COMMUNITY CENTRE:

Block of mixed level pilates classes starting on Thursday February 3rd at 8:15pm in Ballyouskill Community Hall for six weeks. €10 per class.

THIRD LAOIS DURROW SCOUTS:

All sections returned on February 1st, with Camps, day trips and and a very cool activity planned for an area in Durrow. The group has huge numbers in all sections this year so unfortunately can’t take any new members at the moment. A waiting list is currently in operation for September and to add your child just send their name and their age to gldurrow@gmail.com by email. The scout garden has been replanted to blossom in the spring and we would like to thank everyone who donated pots, wellies, etc… You’ll all see them brought to new life every soon. Again just a reminder, the herb garden and book box are in the garden and are for all the community to use. All the Youth members and Leaders are looking forward to the new scout year and the group would like to thank everyone in the community for their continued support.

ATM SERVICE TO MOVE FROM THE BANK TO THE CREDIT UNION:

Good news was announced this week for Durrow residents and businesses alike. Following the closure of Durrow’s Bank of Ireland branch late last September, much concern surrounded the future of the bank’s ATM service which was not terminated at the same time. Fortunately St. Canice’s Credit Union, Durrow have now agreed to provide ATM services from their premises nearby in the town. Planning permission for the new ATM was lodged this week and in further good news, Bank of Ireland have agreed to keep their ATM running until such a time as the Credit Union ATM is fitted and in service. Local businesses and residents welcomed the good news with one pointing out that unlike other towns nearby, Durrow does not have any retail outlet with an ATM in-store, so this is a vital service for the town in the absence of in-store ATMs. It is hoped the new ATM will be in service before the summer.

DURROW PARISH LOTTO:

After a couple of years missing, Durrow Parish Lotto is coming back with a bang and a special €2000 Jackpot! The first draw is on Monday next, 7th February.  Tickets are available through your clubs and usual outlets! When you play Durrow Parish Lotto, you are supporting local clubs and groups, including Third Laois Durrow Scouts, Our Lady’s Meadow National School, the Fishing Club, the Gun Club and the Harps GAA Club. And you are also in with a chance to win big! Go on, get a ticket… it could be you!
HERO’S AID – FRONT LINE WORKERS: A selection of players from the World Darts Championships will take part in a fundraiser in The Castle Arms Hotel on Friday, February 18th at 7.30pm. The championship players will play against local players (maximum of ten) and anyone wishing to take part must raise up to €200 through sponsorship cards. Call Barry on (085) 8602316 for further information.

DURROW TIDY TOWNS:

Want to save money on your energy and heating bills? We have been working hard on sustainability in Durrow but we need more help from our businesses and our residents. Anyone who is interested in our Sustainable Energy Community, please contact Kevin on (087) 1947743. The Durrow Tidy Towns AGM will take place on Thursday 10th February at 8pm in the library on Chapel Street, all are welcome to attend. Don’t be a litterbug! Litter Picking continues at volunteers’ own convenience due to darker evenings. We’d like to express our thanks to all our litter pickers over the last few years, we couldn’t keep on top of it without all of you.

VISITORS & RESIDENTS:

New Natural and Social History Information Signage on the River Erkina and Durrow Bridges are now in place at the Erkina/Old Bridge area.  Signage was facilitated with a grant from Laois County Council LCDC. We have been working on this area for the past year and will continue this year. A grant has also been secured from Failte Ireland by Durrow Development Forum for this area and we are looking forward to seeing the area develop into an all year round outdoor usable space. Thank You: A huge thanks to Dunnes Garden Centre Durrow who donated stock which had damage to its packaging to Durrow Tidy Towns for recycling, saving the same from landfill. Absolutely fantastic items which were cleaned and repackaged into fantastic prizes for our fundraising plate game smash at the Durrow Christmas market. We are absolutely blessed to have so many of our businesses involved and assisting us.Bulb Planting: 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 on the Abbeyleix road. We are reaching out to the community to sponsor a bag of bulbs and if you’d like to do so online there’s a link on the Website. If you’d like to sponsor any amount towards the bulbs you can also do so by dropping an envelope marked DurrowTidy Towns to Lawlors Gala in the square or to our treasurer Rita Casey. Thank you as always for keeping Durrow beautiful. Visit https://www.durrowscarecrowfestival.com/community-shop/ online.

CHURCH NEWS:

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 Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. 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.

NUMBER FOR ST. VINCENT DE PAUL – UPDATED JULY 2021:

Our new contact phone number for confidential assistance is (087) 6974792.

SYMPATHY is extended to the family and friends of John Woods, Carrigan Street, Durrow, Laois County on their recent bereavement.

DURROW LIBRARY:

We have just received an excellent selection of New Non-Fiction Books. Membership is free and you can borrow books for up to three weeks. Your Recommend Reads: To celebrate ‘Ireland Reads’ on Thursday 25th February, we will be taking recommendations of all types of books from young and old. To take part, think of three books that you really enjoyed and contact us to arrange to have your suggestions added to our Recommend Reads List which will be displayed in the   Library. Valentine Poetry Draw: To celebrate Valentine’s Day we want you to write a short poem, less than ten lines. It can be a Limerick, Sonnet, Haiku, Serious or Funny, it can Rhyme or Not! Enter as a family or an individual. Contact the Library for an entry form. Every entry will be entered into a draw with lots of spot prizes. Entries will be displayed in Durrow Library for the month of February. Opening hours are Tuesday 11am -7.30pm and Wednesday 10am -5.30pm (closed for lunch 1.30-2pm). Phone: 057 8736090 or durrowlibrary@laoiscoco.ie by email.

PEDAL VINTAGE: 

Durrow Community Bike Hire Scheme , building a community of leisure cyclists! Avail of our Share a Bike Scheme! Includes supply of bicycle, helmet and hi-vis jacket. Commencing Apriil 1st and ends on October 1st. Benefits include: Priority Booking of Bicycle, Helmet and a Hi-Vis Jacket for a six-month period; Seven Day Availability – Must be booked 24 hours in advance; Free Use of our Bicycles, Helmets & Hi-Vis Jackets for “Rothar Rogues” Gatherings; Free Use of our Bicycles, Helmets & Hi-Vis Jackets for “Cycle Sisters” Gatherings; No Expensiue Bicycle Purchase – No Maintenance Costs – No Storage Problems! Share-A-Bike Scheme based on normal 2/3-hour usage per hire. Does not include hire for “Special Promotion Events” etc… Membership of Share-a-Bike Scheme is non-transferrable. For immediate booking, please contact (086) 8694691 or at durrow.doings@gmail.com by email. This offer ends on March 1st 2022. Facebook: PedalVintage Instagram: PedalVintageDurrow
LSPCA: Laois SPCA, in conjunction with Kyle Vet Clinic Durrow (057) 8734111, are running a subsidised cat neutering scheme. We urge people to get their cats done to avoid unwanted litters in the Spring. We recommend that your cat be neutered at approximately 4 months. Any later, you run the risk of them  being already pregnant. €20 per cat, male or female. This offer runs from January 17th until February 28th 2022, so don’t delay!

DURROW COMMUNITY SERVICES:

We currently have four vacancies on our Community Employment Scheme: Position: 4 x Environmental Workers; Location: 2 positions in Durrow and 2 positions in Ballacolla. No Experience Required. Work 19.50 hours per week. Eligibility to participate in 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 of Social Protection. Please contact Astrid Andersson on (057) 8736870 or to andersson@durrowcs.com by email.

THE HARPS GAA CLUB NEWS:

Split the Bucket – A standing order of €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. If you would like to set up a monthly standing order please contact Joe Deegan on (087) 9678729 or Shane Brophy on (087) 2034035. Thanks to everyone who supports our weekly Split the Bucket draw.Bonus Ball Draw – This draw is held on the third Saturday of the month. Enda Carroll is the new administrator of the draw taking over from Enda Whelan and if you would like to participate in the monthly draw, please contact the Club’s PRO Shane Brophy on (087) 2034035 who will put you in contact. 

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.

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!
AVAILABLE: Lady available to care for the elderly overnight stays, degree in social care and years of  experience, Garda Vetted. Please contact (086) 7235241.

LAOIS ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY:

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

SPEECH, DRAMA AND ELOCUTION CLASSES:

Speech, Drama & Elocution Classes begin in January and are suitable for all ages from 6 to 15 years. The opportunity to take the Irish Board of Speech & Drama exams is available for all age groups, in all the grades and public speaking. If interested contact Mairead at Star Blossom  Communications, Speech & Drama School on (087) 6473414. A few of the many benefits of Speech & Drama: Great fun! – Develops the voice and personal awareness; – Improves clarity and fluency of speech; – increases confidence and improves communication skills.

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 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/amyphelansinger online.

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.

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 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).

DURROW COMMUNITY ALERT:

With the long winter nights 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.

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.

ODIN KETTLEBELL CLUB:

Kids Classes 6pm Tuesdays and Fridays; Adults Classes 7pm Tuesdays and Fridays. Learn how to use a kettlebell effectively while burning up to 1000 (yes 1000) calories per class. An overall body workout that will make you stronger while burning excess fat. Kettlebell fitness also     improves mobility and flexibility. All fitness levels and ages welcome. Small class sizes and all covid guidelines adhered to. Personalised programmes for those who wish to compete. Odin Kettlebell Club are affiliated to The Association of Kettlebell Sport Ireland and operate under the guidelines of the World  Kettlebell Sport Federation. For further information or to book your place phone (089) 4400758.

NEXT NEWSLETTER: The next newsletter will be out on the weekend of February 5th and 6th 2022. 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.