Latest Laois News: Out and about in Durrow

Your latest news from Ballinakill, Cullohill, Durrow and Spink

LIONS AFC:

This week 50 years ago the Lions soccer club was formed. The club will publish a commemorative book later this year and would like to include in it, names of anyone who managed any club team. If you managed a team and have not already been contacted by the club, please contact Brian Sheppard at 085 7088511.

POOLS: The Lions AFC Jackpot 10 Football Pools has returned. With a Jackpot currently of €1050 and an entry fee of just €3.50 why not register at https://www.kicktipp.com/lionsafcpools/ and chance your luck. Guess all 10 results to win the Jackpot and if theJackpot is not won there is a weekly prize for the closest. all proceeds go towards our pitch development plan. See the Lions Facebook Page for more info.

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.

THE HARPS GAA:

Very well done to the Harps GAA Club on winning the 2020 Laois Premier Intermediate County Title last Friday week when they overcame a spirited Portlaoise side on a scoreline of 1-18 to 2-12. This win sees the team return to Senior Championship hurling for the 2021 season which commences this Friday 27th August where the team will face stiff opposition from Clough-Ballacolla who won the 2020 Senior Hurling Championship last weekend. Keep an eye out on Facebook for score updates and further fixture dates and times as Rosenallis and Castletown games roll around.

CHURCH NEWS:

New Weekend Mass schedule for Rathdowney and Durrow Parishes – Archdeacon Sean Doherty will retire as Parish Priest of Durrow this weekend (August 28th and 29th 2021). Fr. Martin Delaney PP Rathdowney will become the Administrator of Durrow parish in addition to his duties in Rathdowney. Fr. Tom McGree CC will continue to minister in the Parish of Durrow residing in Cullahill. Resulting from this change it is necessary to revise the weekend Mass schedule in both Rathdowney and Durrow parishes. Following consultation with the Parish Pastoral Council in Rathdowney/Errill and representative members of the community in Durrow and Cullahill the following Mass schedule has been agreed and will become effective on the weekend of 4th and 5th of September 2021. Saturday Vigil Mass Cullahill: 7.00pm, Durrow 7.30pm, Errill 8.30pm. Sunday Mass: Rathdowney; 10.30am, Durrow 12 noon. Funeral Masses are not celebrated in Rathdowney parish on Sundays and from September 5 th this will also apply in Durrow and Cullahill. These changes are necessary given the new circumstances we find ourselves in and I thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Fr. Martin Delaney.

CREDIT UNION NEWS:

St. Canice’s Credit Union | Durrow Branch: July 2021 Members’ Monthly Prize Draw | First Prize – Ford Kuga Plug in Mild Hybrid | Winner – Orla O’Neill, Newpark, Kilkenny| Second Prize – €5,000 in cash |Winner – Mary Maher, Kilkenny | To be included in the monthly draw, you must sign up. Get your Debit Card from your local Credit Union.  Tap, shop online, use abroad or withdraw cash at ATM’s.  Free to full time students and over 65’s. We are now taking applications for the annual Scholarship Draw.  Five scholarships for €3,000 each to be won.  Closing date 30th September 2021. To find out more about our prize draw, debit card or our annual scholarship draw, call into Mary, Catherine or Breda in your local Durrow branch.  They will be happy to help. Terms and conditions apply. St. Canice’s Kilkenny Credit Union Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

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

Our new contact number for assistance is 087 6974792.

DURROW TIDY TOWNS:

We are in full mode and judging will take place anytime between August and October, we don’t have an exact date and have been advised that results won’t be in until late Autumn as the competition was later this year.  We are asking every premises both residential and business to partake in our weekly five minute sweep outside their own premises.  This will be of great benefit to everyone and will keep Durrow tidy.  The town is looking so well but also needs more work and we are so delighted to see how much work all the housing estates are doing too.  It’s so positive and so encouraging to have so many people interested in where they live.  Thank you everyone!

APPEAL: Please join our volunteers every Wednesday evening from 7.30pm to weed, sweep, plant, tidy and litter pick. This helps to keep Durrow looking beautiful for all our residents, businesses, visitors and the Tidy Towns competition. Don’t worry if Wednesdays don’t suit, we’d love you to get involved at a time that suits you best, there’s plenty to be done, a five minute sweep each week outside your own home, business or organisation along with litter picking, weeding, sweeping throughout the town and approach roads—the list is endless and we need your help! ~ Love where you live ~

SHORT TERM HOUSE RENTAL REQUIRED: Seeking a house to rent (2 or 3 bedroom minimum) for a couple of months in the Abbeyleix, Durrow, Cullohill, Johnstown area for a family who are moving to Cullohill and nearing completion of renovations. Children are starting school in local areas at the end if the month. Your help would be really appreciated. Many thanks Sonya Duggan 0872477471 or Fionnuala 0868172443.

BIKES FOR HIRE: “Pedal Vintage” Durrow Community Bike Hire Scheme. Make the most of Summer! Cycle on the quiet country roads around Durrow and enjoy a cuppa at one of our lovely coffee shops or restaurants. Comfortable leisure style bikes for hire seven days a week at only five euro per hour, to include vintage style helmet and hi-vis jacket. Call 0868694691 or email  durrow.doings@gmail.com for more information.

THIRD LAOIS DURROW SCOUTS NEWS:

If your child is interested in joining scouting at any age, please email Leanne our group leader at gldurrow@gmail.com. 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. Looking forward to September when we will be starting the adventure again.

BALLINAKILL SWIMMING POOL: Re-opened on Saturday 19th June and there are changes this year (the heated water being one). If you have queries be sure to message us but some of the basics are:- Both annual membership & pay per session will  be available.- Booking will be online and will include both  health declaration and contact tracing requirements.- Changing facilities must remain closed.- Each swimming session will last 1 hour 15 mins. (time must be allowed for ‘cleaning’ after each session).- Cost per session remains unchanged (€3/ child, €5/ adult)- Membership: €150/family, €80/adult and & €55/ child.Can’t wait to see everybody swimming! Thanks for your support, and patience!