Latest Laois News: Out and About in Durrow
All the news from Ballinakill, Cullohill, Durrow & Spink
ALMOST €1.5m FUNDING SECURED FOR DURROW COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE HUB: Durrow Development Forum are delighted to announce their successful grant application of €1,456,983.00 million in the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund for the Community Enterprise Hub in Durrow. The need for the centre was raised as part of the consultation process for the 2019-2023 community plan, which identified community space, arts space and remote working/co-working space as a priority to serve the town and the wider hinterland. The Centre will be primarily a hub for co-working and remote workers and a hub to promote arts, heritage and cultural activities. It will also support existing and new organisations by providing accessible meeting and events space and will also accommodate training and educational programmes targeted at young people.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Chief Executive John Mulholland, Ken Morley SEE, Tom O’Leary and the full team in Laois County Council with their assistance in this grant application and also to our local councillors and politicians for their support in the background and for following up on the application over the past months with Minister Heather Humphreys.
The grant application requires match funding and Durrow Development Forum have been working on funding over the past few years with the Durrow Scarecrow Festival and will continue to do so over the coming years to facilitate this build for the community. Durrow Development Forum would also like to express our thanks to our hard-working committee and our volunteers and also all the Businesses, Residents, Clubs and Organisations and also to Laois Partnership Company for their continued support of all our projects over the years.
CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE: After a difficult couple of years on the back of Covid, activities are now starting to get back to normal in The Community Centre. In spite of the challenges, phase one of the extension has been completed and over the last 7/8 months another grant through Laois Partnership has been secured to complete the development works. This development was due to start in September but due to a minor technical issue, it will now likely commence mid November. The new build will include a storage room as well as Youth Space which should be a great asset for teenagers in particular. The main activities in The Centre at this stage include: Handball; Pilates; Squash; Martial Arts Class; Education Hub; Flower Club; Cards (25s & Bridge); Meeting Rooms on request; Hip Hop Dancing; Pop Up Clothes Market; Irish Dancing; Indoor Soccer (November 11th to December 9th). Generally there are additional spaces for anyone who might want to join an activity – further details from any committee member. Currently committee members are visiting local households looking for support / donations with all contributions greatly appreciated.
CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE – Indoor Soccer Leagues 2022: Starts Friday, November 11th with registration and games to formulate teams (and continues each Friday at the same time until December 9th). Three Sections: Primary School Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Class Boys and Girls, Time 7pm to 8pm; Post Primary First, Second and Third Year Boys and Girls, Time 8pm to 9pm; Post Primary Senior Cycle/TYs/College. Time 9pm to 10pm. After the games on November 11th, the organising committee will pick teams with the league starting the following week. Entry Fee: €3 (The €3 is the first night only – cover entry to league and lights for the five weeks). Prizes for the winners in each of the three categories. Further information from any Committee Member or Vincent O’Sullivan 087-4168549 (Chairman) or Noel Delaney 087-2456147 (Secretary)
CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE – PROGRESSIVE 25 CARD GAME – NEW EARLIER START TIME OF 8PM: Progressive 25 Card Game continues every Sunday night in Cullohill Community Centre at 8pm and all are most welcome. Winners on Sunday 6th November 2022 were: First – John Dollard and Pa Maher; Joint Second – Padraig and Noreen Ryan, Jimmy Ryan and Percy Phelan. The Raffle Winners on the night were: Seamus Brennan, Jim Walsh.
DURROW TIDY TOWNS: Thanks to all the volunteers last Saturday morning for assisting in replanting of Abbeyleix road with the Daffodil bulbs. A momentous job and the help was much appreciated. Thanks also to our new Ukraine residents for their assistance. Special thanks also to Seosamh in The Castle Arms Hotel for dropping by with fresh soup and bread, it was very much appreciated. We are all looking forward to seeing the colour in spring.
SOUTH LAOIS PLOUGHING ASSOCIATION: in conjunction with Laois County Ploughing Association are hosting a celebration night for Padraig Brandon who won the Intermediate All-Ireland for Laois and also for Jimmy Ryan who won the five nations reversible for Ireland. The celebration night will be held in The Castle Arms Hotel, Durrow on November 18th at 8pm with finger food and music on the night. Tickets are available from Mick Fitzpatrick, call (087) 2653004 or Henry Whitford (087) 2538352 or Seamus Duggan (087) 2525819. Tickets €10 each.
THE HARPS GAA CLUB ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NOTICE: The Annual General Meeting of The Harps GAA Club will take place on Thursday the 24th of November 2022 at 8pm in Cullohill Community Centre. Nominations and motions for consideration must be emailed to secretary.theharps.laois@gaa.ie before close of business on Monday 21st of November next. All are most welcome to attend.
RENTAL ACCOMODATION AVAILABLE: Two bedroom furnished duplex to rent 1.5km from Durrow. Double ensuite bedrooms, living room area and kitchenette. The property is located on private land with the “Leafy Loop” Walkways adjacent to the property. Would suit non smoking single professional adult. Feel free to WhatsApp any questions to (086) 8373090.
BOOK FOR SALE: A Book titled ‘The Poorest of the Poor’ written by a local author Seosamh O’Cuinneagain is now available to purchase. All proceeds are in aid of the Street Children of Kolkata formerly Calcutta. Price €20. Contact Tom (087) 2936531 or Kathleen (086) 8263368.
MOUNTRATH CHRISTMAS MARKET: The annual Mountrath Christmas Market will be held this year on the 4th of December from 2pm to 6pm in BloomHQ (Brigidine Convent). Expect Carol Singing, a visit from Santa, kid’s activities and a huge market featuring loads of local businesses and producers.
DURROW ART CLUB: Expressions of interest are invited to establish the resumption of the Durrow Art Club – Art classes for adults are to be renewed in the near future in Durrow. Venue to be confirmed and all levels are welcomed. Enquiries to Marie on (086) 3136028.
CULLOHILL-DURROW FLOWER AND GARDEN CLUB: The Cullohill and Durrow Flower and Garden Club are hosting their Christmas Gala Flower Demonstration in the Castle Arms Hotel on Monday 12th December at 8pm. “CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND” by floral artist Harumi Langford. Tickets: €15 are available from club members. All are most welcome.
CHRISTMAS MARKET IN ABBEYLEIX: Abbeyleix House and Farm invite you to visit their Christmas Market and Grotto on Saturday the 3rd December 2022 from 11am to 4pm. Santa will also be taking a break from his busy schedule, and he will be in his grotto at Abbeyleix House and Farm on the day! (PreBooking Essential). We invite all visitors to use our Courtesy Bus which will be departing Abbeyleix town from three locations (To be announced). There is limited parking on site and is strictly reserved for eligible Disability and Age-Friendly visitors. Parking Pass available to pre-reserve. All proceeds from the market and Santa’s Grotto will be donated to St.Lazerians SVP Conference and My Lovely Horse Rescue. To book your visit to Santa, admission to the market or for more information please visit
THE LIONS AFC CLUB: Astro Pitch Hire, suitable for 7-a-side soccer social groups, casual bookings and team activities. For all enquiries or to make a booking please contact lionsafc@gmail.com or call (085) 7088511.
DURROW COMMUNITY SERVICES CLG: Durrow Community Services currently have vacancies for an Office Administrator (Durrow) and Environmental Workers (Durrow). No experience required. Work 19.5 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 one 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 andersson@durrowcs.com by email.
CHURCH NEWS: Parish Office: The Parish Office at the Presentation Centre beside the Church is open from 10am to 2pm on 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. You can also call the Parish Office on (085) 2625033.
Mass Times in Durrow: Sundays – 12 noon; Saturday Nights – 7.30pm.
Mass Times in Cullohill: Saturday Nights – 7pm. All are most welcome.
NUMBER FOR ST. VINCENT DE PAUL – LAST UPDATED JULY 2021: Our new contact phone number for confidential assistance is (087) 6974792.
VOCEM DARU LADIES CHOIR: Vocem Darύ choir was founded in Durrow in 2017 and has established itself as a vibrant part of the local community for women of all ages. From the beginning, the choir actively participated in choral events and festivals, both local and national and have discovered that we thrive on performing in front of an audience, singing everything from rock to light classical. We focus on creating beautiful music, making friends and having fun. We just love to sing! Vocem Darύ Ladies Choir is looking for new members! Meet Tuesday nights at 7.30pm in the Castle Arms Hotel, Durrow, Co. Laois. Group singing has been scientifically proven to lower stress, relieve anxiety and elevate endorphins. The release of these endorphins can leave you feeling completely rejuvenated and after our rehearsal, we are living proof of that!
DURROW LIBRARY NEWS: All our Laois Library branches are open to the public for browsing, PC usage, printing, photocopying and studying, in addition to all the free events taking place throughout the month – see all details below. You can browse the Laois Libraries online catalogue here: https://laois.spydus.ie and if needed, borrowers can reset their library PIN in order to access the catalogue – contact your local library or email library@laoiscoco.ie for assistance with this.
Laois Libraries are once again running our Parenting Support Programme in collaboration with Offaly Libraries throughout October and November. For a full list of all upcoming events – visit https://laois.ie/departments/libraries/programmes/parenting-support-programme online for more details.
Laois Libraries Online Book Club reads one book a month chosen from the BorrowBox collection. Join us on the last Wednesday of each month when questions are posed for discussion on our Book Club Facebook page. You can join the group on: https://www.facebook.com/groups/315513126404037 online. New members are always welcome.
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.
NOVEMBER EVENTS IN THE LIBRARY: Lego Creation Competition – Calling all master builders! Join us in the library on Wednesdays from 2pm to 4pm for a different Lego building challenge each week. Booking advised. This Wednesday 16th November, join forces to create a big MEGA race course.
Irish Circle – the Irish Circle group will meet up in the library on Tuesdays November 15th, 22nd and 29th 6.30pm. Call or email the library for more details.
Storytime and Craft – Join Amy in the library on Wednesday, 23rd November at 2:15pm for a reading of Barry, the Fish with Fingers and a special craft. Call or email the library for more details.
Santa Letter Workshop – Come along to the library for a Christmas workshop to write your letter to Santa on Wednesday, the 30th of November from 2pm to 4pm. You will also get a chance to post your letter in the special library post box for delivery to the North Pole! Booking advised.
RIDENT 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. Tel: (087) 3833258 or email: tridentfitnessclub@yahoo.ie or borukettlebellclub@yahoo.com for more information.
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.
SET DANCING CLASSES: Set dancing classes are held every Thursday night in The Wheel Inn, Ballyouskill from 9pm. All are most Welcome.
DURROW COMMUNITY SATURDAY MARKET: Durrow Community Market continues on Saturdays from 9am to 12 noon on the Kilkenny Road beside the Church.
LIVE LOCAL WEATHER: Visit www.laoisweather.com for live local weather data from Durrow.
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.
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 FIRE AND RESCUE: Members of Durrow Fire Brigade are available to give fire safety talk to any interested adult groups or organisations, in the Durrow, Cullohill and Ballacolla areas. If interested please contact Station Officer David Donohue.