Latest Laois News: Out and About in Durrow

All the news from Ballinakill, Cullohill, Durrow & Spink

DURROW LIBRARY NEWS:

Silk Fibre Papermaking Workshop – Tuesday, 10th May at 11am: Silk fibre papermaking or silk fusion is a paper-mache type technique for creating textured paper/fabric or 3d objects. Limited space at this workshop, please book in advance

Fire Safety in the Home – Tuesday, 10th May at 6pm – Important fire safety tips that we can apply in our homes. Talk presented by Laois Fire Service. Booking advised.

Flower Arranging Demonstration – Wednesday, 18th May at 2-3pm: Watch a professional create a beautiful Flower Arrangement. The arrangement will be raffled at the end of the demonstration. Booking advised  

Durrow Book Club Meet Up – Tuesday, 31st May at 6pm: Durrow Book Club is reading ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ by Delia Owens this month. The book is available to borrow from the Library. The ebook and audio book is also available on Borrow Box. All welcome to join the book discussion on the 31st May, 6pm at the Library.

Lego Free Play – Every Wednesday from 2pm – 4 pm: Children are invited to call to the Library with their parent or guardian to play with our big selection of lego. Places are limited. Please phone or email in advance to book your place.

Durrow Library Opening hours are Tuesday 11am -7.30pm and Wednesday 10am -5.30pm (closed for lunch 1.30-2pm) .  Phone: 057 8736090 Email: durrowlibrary@laoiscoco.ie for more information.

RETIREMENT: Congratulations to Pius Hennessey on his retirement from trading in Durrow. Pius had a lovely Butcher shop in Durrow for over forty years. In his retirement Pius is wished every good health and a long and happy life with his wife Angela and daughter Claire.

GREAT LIMERICK RUN: Well done to Martin Lawlor, Durrow and his son-in-law Patrick Mason who took part in the Great Limerick Run last Sunday week. They took part in the half marathon, thirteen and a quarter miles and walked the full course in a good time of just over three hours. Martin finished fifteen places in the over 65 age group despite walking. Well done to both for a great achievement.

THIRD LAOIS DURROW SCOUTS:

The group have huge numbers in all sections this year so unfortunately can’t take any on 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. 

APPEAL TO LOCAL CLUBS AND ORGANISATIONS: The local Parish Newsletter is published every few weeks and apart from during the Covid pandemic it has been in circulation since early 1988 – spanning almost thirty-five years now. Since resuming the newsletter in early January 2022 following the lifting of Covid restrictions, it has become quite difficult to compile the  newsletter owing to the lack of news and notices from our clubs and organisations across the Parish. The newsletter is a vital source of local information for many people in our community who are not tech-savvy or have access to the internet. We appeal to all local clubs and organisations to make a better effort to contribute to the newsletter on a regular basis. Submitting news and notices has never been easier as we accept pieces through email at info@durrow.ie or WhatsApp on (087) 4103520 – in addition we send out two reminder emails to the contributors ahead of each issue where we appeal for news and notices. The future of the newsletter very much depends on the effort of contributors going forward. The newsletter has a great tradition in Durrow and Cullohill and it would be of great disappointment to many in the community if it’s publication came to an end. Please support us going forward – many thanks! 

DURROW TIDY TOWNS WOW DAYS: Our Work On Wednesdays will continue on every Wednesday, meeting in the Square at 7.30pm. All are welcome. We aim to keep our WOW evenings to an hour and all ages including children are welcome to help keep Durrow beautiful. Join when you can, there is no pressure to attend every Wednesday. Litter Picking continues and all are welcome to assist at a time that suits your own schedule. Our Litter picking station is behind the CYMS Hall – and bags, gloves and litter pickers are available from there. For more information, please contact any of our Tidy Towns team.

Sustainable Energy Community: 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.

LOCAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Supermacs Family Restaurant at the M8 Junction 3 – Manor Stone Motorway Services, Ballacolla are hiring full time and part time workers. Call in store to drop in your Curriculum Vitae (CV) or apply at https://supermacs.ie/job/restaurant-staff-ballacolla-co-laois online.  

DRINKING WATER STATIONS IN DURROW TOWN:

A reminder to bring your own reusable bottle on walks around Durrow as we have three free drinking water stations in Durrow!   Drinking water stations are located in The Square near Bowes Cafe, Cork road at the top of Patrick Street and on Carrigan Street/Kilkenny Road.

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.Wild Flower Gardens at our Parish Churches: At the request of the Bishop Nulty recently the Durrow-Cullohill Pastoral Council took on the task of making our Church grounds more environmentally friendly. So the areas inside the gates at The Holy Trinity Church Durrow have being prepared and sown with a selection of wild Flowers which look very well for the summer months and in Cullohill inside the main gate on left hand side. Excitement is high as going to press the seeds have started to grow and hopefully it will be lovely during the summer time ahead!

CULLOHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL:

Scoil Tighearnach Naofa is now accepting enrolments for Junior Infants, September 2022. For information email scoiltnaofa@gmail.com or call us on (057) 8737281.

DURROW COMMUNITY SERVICES: 

Durrow Community Services currently have vacancies in Ballacolla and Durrow. The positions are Environmental Workers and working hours are 19.5 hours per week.   Contact Astrid Andersson for more details on (057) 8736870 or andersson@durrowcs.com by email.

CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE:

Progressive 25 Card Game continues in The Cullohill Community Centre every Sunday evening at 8.30pm sharp. All are welcome.

DURROW COMMUNITY SATURDAY MARKET: Durrow Community Market continues on    Saturdays from 9am to 12 noon on the Kilkenny Road beside the church. 

LAOIS ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY:

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

ZUMBA, PILATES, ACTIVE RETIREMENT – DURROW AND BALLINAKILL:

Mondays in  Ballinakill Community Centre: 10.30am – Pilates Beginners Course; 11.30am – Active Retirement (Latin Dance,   Pilates and Yoga). Tuesdays in Ballinakill Community Centre: 6.30pm – LatinFit  Dance Workout (Zumba Toning); 7.30pm – Easy Yoga (Back Care). Wednesdays in Durrow Community Centre: 10.30am – LatinFit Dance Workout (Zumba Toning); 11.30am – Active Retirement (Latin Dance, Pilates and Yoga); 6.30pm – LatinFit  Dance Workout (Zumba Toning); 7.30pm – Pilates Core, Legs and Bum. Please book in advance online at: www.yogafitness.ie or email info@yogafitness.ie or call (085) 7637981.

LIVE LOCAL WEATHER: Visit www.laoisweather.com for live local weather data from Durrow with up-to-the minute temperature, humidity, rainfall, air pressure, wind speed and wind direction information.

DURROW LIBRARY NEWS:

Lego Free Play – Every Wednesday from 2pm until 4 pm. Children are invited to call to the Library with their parent or guardian to play with our big selection of lego. Places are limited and parents/guardians are advised to remain in the building while their child attends the lego free play session. Please phone or email in advance to book your place.Book Club  – Would you like to start a book club or are you interested in joining one? If so we would love to hear from you.Opening Hours – Durrow Library Opening hours are Tuesdays from 11am to 7.30pm and Wednesdays from 10am to 5.30pm (closed for lunch from 1.30pm to 2pm). Phone: (057) 8736090 Email: durrowlibrary@laoiscoco.ie for further information.

DOG WALKER AVAILABLE:

Experienced dog walker available. All dogs catered for – big and small. For more information contact (087) 0959591.

CHILDMINDER AVAILABLE:

Childminder/Babysitter available to mind children of all ages evenings and weekends. Experienced working with children, has work experience in a crèche as well as childminding for families. Can also provide references. If interested feel free to contact (087) 0605392.

PEDAL VINTAGE – 

Durrow Community Bike Hire Scheme: “Spring Chicken” Leisure Cycle Trails in association with Kenna’s Family Butchers Durrow. Bookings are now being accepted for our novel leisure cycling event, which will be held on Friday evenings at 7pm and/or Saturday mornings at 10am., during the month of April. Cycle fee €5 includes the hire of one of our leisure bicycles, helmet, hi-vis jacket and free entry into our draw for a free range chicken, courtesy of Kenna Family Butchers, Durrow. Routes will be decided on the day of the event, being mindful of each cyclist’s capabilities. Groups or individuals are very welcome. Leisure bikes available for hire 7 days per week for the summer months within reasonable booking times. Contact: (086) 8694691 or email durrow.doings@gmail.com for more information.

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

HOME HELP WANTED:

Seeking part time home help please for a few days a week in the Durrow area. Some cooking undertaking would also be a great help. References required please. Feel free to message or call (087) 2477471.

FREE RANGE EGGS – New Egg Vending Machine: Eggs picked and packed freshly. Thanks to the Hennessy family it’s located at Manor Stone Service Station and Garden Centre. The vending machine  accepts coins and credit card contact-less payments. One tray of 30 free range eggs only €7!

DURROW-CULLOHILL ANGLERS:

Membership Cards for the River Nore and its Tributaries and also Grantstown Lake are available from Durrow-Cullohill Parish Anglers through their agents: Lawlor’s Gala, Daybreak Durrow, Lawlor’s Flower Shop, Fran’s Fishing Shop Mountrath and the Club Secretary David Walsh.

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.Cul Camps 2022: This year’s Annual GAA Cul Camps will take place from July 11th to 15th and also from August 8th to 12th. Each player attending will recieve a free backpack and training gear. The camps are a great opportunity to learn and develop new skills and also meet your County Stars! For more information about the camps email mike.henchy.gamesmanager.laois@gaa.ie – you can also book your place at https://kellogsculcamps.gaa.ie online.

LAOIS MINOR PANEL 2022: Congratulations to the seven Harps players named on the Laois Minor Hurling Panel for 2022 and to Ciaran Flynn who was named as vice captain. Best of luck in this year’s competitions lads.

TRIDENT FITNESS CLUB – KETTLEBELL SPORTS AND FITNESS CLASSES: Learn to use kettlebells safely and effectively from one of Ireland’s top ranked and most experienced professional kettlebell sports and fitness instructors with over 10 years of experience in kettlebell sport and fitness. Included in the classes are bodyweight exercises as well as posture correction and strengthening techniques. Together with proper kettlebell instruction you can learn to prevent and remedy a wide range of joint and mobility issues and injuries. Class schedule: Tuesday 6.30pm; Thursday 6.30pm; Saturday 11am. Venue: Durrow Community Hall CYMS. Call David or email for further information. Also available for personal training. Telephone (087) 3833258 or email: tridentfitnessclub@yahoo.ie or borukettlebellclub@yahoo.com for more information.

COUNSELLING SERVICE AVAILABLE: Counselling & Psychotherapy. Eva-Maria Dunne, Dip. Counselling & Addiction, Hons BSc. Counselling & Psychotherapy. MIACP, Teacher Training, Child First Safe Guarding. Serving Durrow & Abbeyleix, Laois, Carlow & Kilkenny. Call (089) 4400758 or email dunnetherapy@gmail.com –       Humanistic & Integrative Counselling Service available for Adults, Children & Adolescents. One to One, Couple and Group therapy available. Person Centred, using mediums of Creative Therapy, Art Therapy, Brief therapy and Solution Based Therapy. Covering a vast array of difficulties, Addiction, Anxiety, Anger Management,     Bereavement & Loss, Bullying, Couples Therapy, Depression, Family Therapy, Filial Therapy, Eating Disorders, Gender Identity, General Counselling, Health Related Issues, Personal Development, Relationships, Self-Esteem, Self-Harm, Suicidal Ideation, Stress, Sexual Dysfunction, Women’s Issues, Work Related issues. Child Play Therapy. Brief Therapy. Court Orders are welcome. On-Line Sessions are also available via Zoom / Teams.

WHIST DRIVE:

The Killermogh Whist Drive is held in the Parochial Hall, Cork Road, Durrow at 8 pm. It will be held on the last Thursday of every month. Please come and enjoy a lovely friendly night.

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.
LIONS AFC FOOTBALL ACADEMY: Developing Footballers and Friendships – Our Football Academy is back on Sundays in the Club Grounds, Durrow at 12.15pm. €2 per session. New members most welcome. €20 registration fee. Previous members free.

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:

People are asked to keep an eye on their elderly neighbours daily. Check 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.

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.

SPEECH, DRAMA AND ELOCUTION CLASSES:

Speech, Drama and 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 and 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.

NEXT NEWSLETTER: The next newsletter will be out on the weekend of May 14th and 15th 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.