Out and About in South Laois Extra

Congratulations to Lawlor’s Gala, The Square, Durrow on celebrating forty years in business. The Business was started on April 1st 1976 by Billy and Susan Lawlor and family. Down through the years they have provided great service to the people of Durrow and surrounding areas. The business was formerly owned by Brendan Sheeran. Despite the tragic death of Billy in 1994, Susan and her young family put everything into the business and have played a big part in serving the area for all their needs. Great credit is also given to the very friendly and helpful staff. To mark the occasion Susan, Family and staff will celebrate on Friday with their customers by selling chosen items at 1976 prices, a nice cuppa and a free draw.   Everyone wishes Lawlor’s Gala every success in the years ahead.

View your local community’s latest news, sport, notices and much more by logging on and visiting www.durrow.ie online.

Well done to Shane Lawlor, Fermoyle on getting into the final five of the Board Bia’s Ham and Bacon grand final cook off live on the Anton Savage Radio Show recently. Shane cooked a Spicy Roast Bacon and Cabbage and his dish got great praise from all the judges. Shane won an Apple iPad for his efforts.

The first trout fishing competition of the year was held on St. Patrick’s Day for the Michael Walsh Cup. There were some beautiful fish landed and the competition was very close. The winner was Sean Geoghegan; Second – Pat Dunphy; Third – Philip Kearney and the Juvenile winner was Daniel Brophy.

Then on Sunday 20th of March the club held another trout fishing competition for the Billy Lawlor Memorial Cup. The winner was Pat Dunphy; Second – Seanie Delehunty and Third – Declan McDonald. The next competition will be held on April 3rd for the Mick O’Rourke Memorial Trophy and it will again be trout fishing. Membership is available at Lawlor’s Gala, Daybreak, Lawlor’s Florists and from Mick Walsh, 18 Erkindale Drive.

The Laois Kayak & Canoe Club has just announced its 2016 Summer Paddling Programmes. Based out of their club house in Durrow, there is something for everyone from Kayaking and Canadian introduction sessions to Sunday Trips and Skills Training.  With a brand new fleet of kayaks, we look forward to seeing everyone on the water. Further  details and course dates can be found on their website at www.laoiskayak.com online.

The Harps Camogie Club would like to thank all those who took part in the Table Quiz on Good Friday and to those who donated raffle prizes. Also a big thank you to our lotto members – and remember the first draw is on this Saturday 2nd April!

REGISTRATION for juvenile players is taking place in Harps GAA Grounds, Durrow on Saturday 9th April between 3pm and 4pm. Membership is €25 for girls under 6/8/10/12 and €35 for    under 14/16/18’s. Family membership is €80.

JERSEYS – We are missing some team jerseys at all ages and would appreciate if parents would check to see if they have any team jerseys. Contact Vera on (087) 1359333 if any are found.

The club are delighted to announce that the hurling ball wall has now been completed. The ball stopping fence was fitted this week along with access gates. The whole   facility has been completed to a very high standard and looks very well. Great credit is due to all who supported the Club’s fundraising endeavours over the past year to make this facility a reality. A special word of thanks to the Strictly Come Dancers, the organising committees and the volunteers who worked so hard to realise the project – you all are a credit to our parish.

ACHL1 v Ballinakill: The Harps senior hurlers got their league campaign off to a winning start with a comfortable win over local rivals Ballinakill. Played in Durrow, a downpour of rain before the match made the conditions difficult but The Harps were off the mark quickly as Mick ‘Sticks’ Lanigan slotted an early free. Ballinakill responded immediately with a point of their own before a long range effort from Conor Dunne split the posts. Further pointed frees by Lanigan and a second from play for Conor Dunne gave The Harps a three point lead, but a crucial save from the ever reliable Kevin Galvin was needed to hold onto the lead.

With 20 minutes played The Harps delivered a hammer blow to Ballinakill as Barry Dunne offloaded the ball to Richie  Saunders who blasted to the net. When the same player pointed from play a minute later it looked like The Harps were in total control, but Ballinakill managed to get the last three points of the half to leave the half time score as The Harps 1-06 Ballinakill 0-06.

The Harps saved their best hurling for the opening 20 minutes of the second half as they shut down the Ballinakill attack while blitzing the visitors with seven points on the trot. Eoin Clancy (0-02), Shane Fitzpatrick and Mick Lanigan (0-04, 1f) were the men to punish the men in maroon, but it was the team work on display by The Harps which was most encouraging, as players put their bodies on the line time and time again.

Ballinakill efforts were rewarded with a brace of points with 10 minutes left and when an excellent strike by Eamon Jackman from a last minute free went all the way to the net. Final score – The Harps 1-14 to Ballinakill 1-08.

While this was an impressive display by The Harps, Ballinakill were missing a lot of key players and will be a different proposition come championship.  Best for The Harps on the day were Kevin Galvin, Ciaran Costigan, captain John Prior, Shane Donoghue and Eoin Clancy.

The Harps Senior Hurlers next play Clough-Ballacolla in Ballacolla next Saturday, April 9th at 6.30pm. The Club hope that a big travelling support will attend and cheer the lads on.

Our group will still meet socially each Wednesday evening at 7pm for the cuppa and a chat at O’Loughlins Hotel, Main St, Portlaoise. All welcome! The Local Branch can be contacted by phone on(089) 2525344.

Anyone looking for help can contact us on (087) 3476012.

Durrow Saturday market is open every Saturday from 9am to 12.30pm in the Computer Centre beside the RC Church on the Kilkenny Rd. Potato’s and Fresh Veg are available, to book your favourites please ring Marie on (087) 7742506. Home Baking from Bernie Brennan is also available with a selection of fresh breads, scones, tarts and cakes. You can also book cakes for parties etc.

Any old or unwanted clothes or fabric can be left in the porch of the Cullohill Community Centre. All collections are in aid of Cullohill Handball Club.

Visit www.laoisweather.com for up-to-the-minute information.

The next newsletter will be on sale weekending April 16th and 17th. All adverts must be booked with Angela Drennan (087) 1928522or Mary Walsh (086) 3055157. Advertisements cost €2 per issue of Durrow Parish Newsletter and must be paid for in advance.