Out and About in Durrow

Your latest news from Ballinakill, Cullohill, Durrow and Spink

KILLERMOGH UNION OF PARISHES: Our Annual New Year’s Buffet Dance will take place in The Castle Arms Hotel, Durrow on Friday, January 17th 2025. Music by Philip English on the night. Supper served at 8.30pm sharp. Dancing from 8.30pm until 1.30am. Subscription €25. All are most welcome.

DURROW TIDY TOWNS: We plan to have a BBQ after the annual big approach roads litter pick in the spring and we look forward to meeting you all there. If you are interested in taking part in Tidy Towns activities or getting involved in specific projects to continue to maintain and improve Durrow, please get in touch on tidytowns@durrow.ie, pm our Facebook Page or WhatsApp/Text Fred Townsend on 087 6892323. Wishing you all a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas.

CHARITY CONCERT: Dana’s Cross and Cloak Concert will take place on Sunday, 2nd February at 7.30pm (doors open at 6.30pm) in The Abbeyleix Manor Hotel. Eurovision Song Contest winner Dana will perform in a charity concert in Co. Laois, offering a memorable evening of music and song. All proceeds will support the Sacred Heart Crusade 2025, a national initiative culminating at Knock Shrine on 22nd June 2025. Tickets are available online at www.eventbrite.ie and for more information please contact sacredheartcrusade@gmail.com or via our website www.sacredheartcrusade.ie online.

LOCAL ENCHANCEMENT PROGRAMME 2025 – FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: Laois LCDC are delighted to announce the launch of Local Enhancement Programme 2024/2025. The LEP is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and administered by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area. The LEP will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas. Groups will be able to use the capital element of funding to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities, purchase equipment for e.g. such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment etc.
Groups will be able to use the current element of funding to support their non-pay running costs for example energy costs/bills (electricity costs, refuse charges, heating charges), rental/lease costs, insurance bills.
This funding will help communities, community groups and committees, allowing them to continue to provide valuable services to the people in their area, and in the process strengthen the bonds that tie communities together. Who is eligible for funding? Any not-for-profit community or voluntary group can apply. Commercial organisations and individuals are not eligible for funding. For more information on this programme please visit: https://laois.ie/community/community-funding/community-enhancement-programme online. All applications and supporting documentation must be received by Friday 7th February 2025 at 4.00pm.

OVER 60s CLIMATE ACTION COURSE: Over 60’s Climate Course: Starting in January 2025 this course will be held every Thursday from 10.15 for two hours, at the Parish Centre, Portlaoise. Our expert instructor, Jacinta, has created this free course. Jacinta is a passionate advocate for climate conservation. She believes in the urgent need to protect our planet and address the pressing issues of climate change. Her dedication to raising awareness and promoting sustainable practices serves as an inspiration to many. Jacinta’s work highlights the importance of taking action now; regardless of your age, to preserve our environment for future generations. Jacinata is a former UN diplomat in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Founder and CEO of 60+ Climate Drive, encouraging the over 60s to discuss, challenge, influence and take climate action for a healthy planet.
Step 1: Understanding the basics: Discuss basic climate related terms like greenhouse gas emissions, targets, Paris Agreement, household consumption, production, sink, source and carbon footprint.
Step 2: Changing behaviour: Discuss the barriers holding us back from taking climate action.
Step 3: Carbon Footprint: Learn how to calculate your Carbon Footprint for your household consumption actions, ( i.e housing, transport, food, waste, other).
Step 4: One action: Choose ONE household consumption action to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, (GHGs).
Step 5: Plan: Discuss the barriers that might hold you back from implementing the ONE action.
Step 6: Share Progress: Do the ONE action.
Share progress, amongst peers, enjoy benefits and tell family and friends about climate change. Please do call (086) 2033269 to book your place.

INCREDABILITIES! Incredabilities – “Empowering Every Child, Every Ability” have lots of sensory fun and activities for kids age 3 to 16 with additional needs. We meet every Saturday from 3pm to 5pm at All4Fitness Gym, Rathdowney. €5 contribution per family, siblings welcome. For more information please call or WhatsApp Chloe on (085) 8708562.

COIS NORE CANCER SUPPORT CENTRE: Cois Nore Outreach will be visiting the following local venues: Dr. Hogan’s Rooms, The Square, Ballyragget from 10am to 12pm on Mondays and Mill Family Resource Centre, Urlingford from 10am to 12pm on Fridays. Phone (087) 4833941 or email for an appointment or drop in during the above times.

IRISH RURAL LINK – ELDERLY NEIGHBOURS: Irish Rural Link – the national network representing the interest of rural communities is urging people to check-in with elderly neighbours as we enter into the Autumn and Winter months. As the evenings start to close in, this can be a difficult time for older people living on their own and can experience higher rates of loneliness. The Tilda report launched last week showed the feeling of loneliness is more strongly associated with death ideation than other measures of social disconnection.
With children back to school and afterschool activities, we know this is a busy time for people but we strongly urge people to check in with elderly neighbours to have a chat and if they are in need of anything.Although older people are more reluctant to go out when it is dark, especially in rural areas, it is important they try to engage with some social activity during the day, whether it is just to go to the shop, meet with a friend or join an active age group. We know this may not be possible for everyone but for those who can, it is important to stay connected with your local community.
With a recent wave of burglaries in rural areas, we are also urging people to be extra vigilant and again making sure older neighbours and those living alone are safe and alerted to any strange activities. If a Neighbourhood Watch or Text Alert scheme is available in your area, we would encourage everyone to join.Older people should contact neighbours if they do need help with anything and not be afraid to ask and if they have a personal alarm to check it is working and have it on their person at all times.
For further information, please contact (anytime): Seamus Boland (Chief Executive) 0862491153 or Louise Lennon (Policy and Communications Officer) 0861069244.

IRISH DANCING CLASSES: Traditional Irish Dancing Beginner classes for ages 4+ continues on Mondays in Durrow CYMS Hall. Time: 3.30pm until 7.30pm. Limited places available. Text or call Katrina on (085) 7606866.

CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE:
CIRCUIT CLASSES are running in the Centre every Tuesday and Thursday evenings with instructor Richie Saunders. Also, personal training sessions are available in mini-gym. Further details through (087) 6608248.
SPEECH AND DRAMA CLASSES: Speech & Drama Classes are running on Wednesdays from 6.45pm until 7.30pm. For enquiries, please contact 087 6473414.
TAEKWONDO CLASSES: Taekwondo Classes will be held in Cullohill Community Centre on Tuesdays from 6.15pm with different time slots for various age groups.. For more information please contact (087) 9003813 or contact allcountiestkd@gmail.com by email.
CULLOHILL COMHALTAS: Comhaltas classes will continue on Tuesdays. Email to cullohillcomhaltas@gmail.com with any queries or to join.

CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE – PROGRESSIVE 25 CARD GAME: Progressive 25 Card Game continues every Sunday night in Cullohill Community Centre at 8pm and all are most welcome. Winners on Sunday 29th December 2024 were: First – Dick Brennan and Michael Kells; Second – Anthony and Noel O Sullivan; Joint Third – Canice Sweeney and Liam Dunphy, Vera Brennan and Willie Gorman. The winners of the raffle were: Anne Fitzpatrick and Emmet Fitzpatrick. A minutes silence was observed, and sympathy extended to the Dunne family on the sad passing of Larry, who was a great supporter of our game in Cullohill. Sympathy was also extended to Mary Kelly on the death of her brother Michael. May they Rest in Peace. There was no game on Sunday, 5th January 2025, due to weather conditions.

VOCEM DARÚ CHOIR: Ladies! Do you enjoy singing? Ever thought of joining a choir? Vocem Daru community choir is looking for new members. We are a lovely bunch of women! Why not give it a try? No formal training required! For more details phone Ann on (086) 6045409.

DIGITAL NEWSLETTER: Get our digital newsletter delivered weekly to your email inbox for free! Please email info@durrow.ie if you are interested.

DOG WALKERS! A reminder to clean up after your dog. We have Mutt Mitt dispensers and instructions on how to clean up after your dog, throughout Durrow. Dog fouling is a serious health risk and children can easily not see it and bring indoors on bikes, shoes, buggies and it’s a particular hazard to wheelchair users. If you’d like to become a green dog walker we have information in the Post Office and Library regarding the initiative. Please be responsible and clean up after your pet!

DOG WALKERS – LEAFY LOOP WALKS! We are again reminding people that ALL dogs must be kept on a lead, without exception on the Leafy Loop in Durrow, this includes Dunmore, Clonageera, Bishops Wood, Derry Wood, Knockatrina and The Course. The Leafy Loop traverses across Coillte Woodlands and Farmlands with protected species and farm animals. Your Dog is not an exception to be left off a lead.

THIRD LAOIS DURROW SCOUTS – Third Laois Durrow Scouts are now accepting applications Cubs (ages 9 to 12 years old). Leaders aged 18+ are also required for all Sections. Visit https://form.jotform.com/242542450329352 online to complete the sign-up form.

BALLYOUSKILL 25s CARDS GAME – Ballyouskill 25s Cards continues in Ballyouskill Community Hall on the last Friday of the month at 8pm. Our next game is January 31st 2025. Usual raffle and prizes on the night! All are most welcome.

WHIST DRIVE: The Killermogh Whist Drive will be held in the Parochial Hall, Cork Road, Durrow. The Next Whist drive is on Thursday the 23rd of January 2025 at 8pm. All are most welcome.

SET DANCING CLASSES: Set Dancing continues in The Wheel Inn Ballyouskill on Thursdays at 9pm – all are most welcome to join. Contact Paddy at (085) 8607256 or Francis at (085) 7157694 for more details. An enjoyable way to socialise while helping to keep fit.

DURROW BRIDGE CLUB: Club meetings continue on Wednesdays at 7.30pm in the Castle Arms Hotel. All are most welcome.

DURROW AND DISTRICT PIPE BAND: We’re always looking for new members, so why not come along to a practice? Get in touch with our Facebook page if you’re interested in learning the pipes or drums, all levels catered for. See www.facebook.com/DurrowPipeBand or search Facebook for “Durrow & District Pipe Band” to find us online.

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 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.
ONLINE BOOK CLUB – 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.
OPEN HOURS – Durrow Library Opening hours are Tuesdays from 1.30pm to 7.30pm (closed for lunch from 5.30pm until 6pm) 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.
IRISH CIRCLE (Ciorcal Comhrá) – The Irish Circle group meets in the library on Tuesdays at 6.10pm. Beidh fáilte róimh cupán tae agus cúpla focail Gaeilge a labhairt no a canadh.

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.