All your news from Ballinakill, Cullohill, Durrow & Spink

THE LIONS AFC CLUB NEWS:

The Lions AFC Committee would like to thank all those who supported, sponsored prizes and helped out in the Lions Annual Christmas Draw.The New Year begins with some exciting fixtures with our U12s, U13s and U14s all playing their Sketchers Sup (South East Region) last 8 cup ties over the next 3 weeks. What’s even more exciting is that all cup ties are at home in the Lions AFC Club Grounds and we hope if you are free you will come and support the teams.Saturday January 29th: Lions U13 v Callan U13 ; Saturday February 5th: Lions U12 v St Josephs (Wexford) U12; Lions U14 v Dungarvan U14. Best of luck to all teams.

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 andersson@durrowcs.com by email.

DURROW LIBRARY:

Durrow Library has just received an excellent selection of new books for Young Adults. 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.

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.

THIRD LAOIS DURROW SCOUTS:

Join the Scouts! If your child is interested in joining scouting at any age, please contact Leanne our group leader at gldurrow@gmail.comby 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!

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.

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.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 until January 30th 2022: 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 until January 29th 2022: January 22nd – Noreen Joyce; January 29th – Ann Marie Lawlor.Cullohill Adoration: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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..

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!

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!

DURROW PARISH LOTTO:

After almost two years suspended, the Durrow Parish Lotto is restarting in late-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!

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.

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/amyphelansinger online.
DURROW LIBRARY NEWS: Opening hours are Tuesday 11am -7.30pm and Wednesday 10am -5.30pm (closed for lunch 1.30-2pm). Phone: 057 8736090 or type to durrowlibrary@laoiscoco.ie by email!

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).

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 January 22nd and 23rd 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.