South Laois Notes
VOLUNTEERS WANTED: The Scarecrow Festival will commence on Sunday next, 26th July. A huge amount of work has to be carried out over the coming week to get the town ready. The Committee needs your help – if you can spare some time any day or evening it will be much appreciated. Volunteers are also needed during the Festival Week. A meeting of all volunteers, new and existing, will be held on Wednesdayat 8.30pm in the Courthouse. Please do consider coming to this meeting and see how you can help to make this festival the biggest and best one yet! We look forward to seeing you there.
CHURCH NOTES: Readers: Sunday Mornings: July 26th and August 2nd: Irene Phelan; August 9th: Declan Phelan; August 16th: Liam Phelan; August 23rd: Gearoid Ryan. Saturday Evenings: July 25th: Ann Marie Lalor; August 1st and 8th: Martin Lawlor; August 15th and 22nd: Catherine Freeman.
August Church Cleaning Rota: Maeve Thornton, Eileen Keenan, Brigid Traynor and Angela Drennan.
Ministers of the Eucharist – August: Saturday Evenings: Kate and Mary Doogue; Sunday Mornings: Sheila Finnegan and Padraig Walshe.
Sympathy is extended to the Brophy, Kelly and Curry Families, Rathdowney on their recent bereavements.
CEMETERY MASS: Mass at Aharney Cemetery will be held on Friday evening, July 24th at 7.30pm
THANK YOU: Cullohill ICA Guild members who organised the recent pilgrimage to Knock Shrine would like to thank all the people who travelled, brought friends, family and neighbours which helped to fill the bus. To Fr. Tom, Fr. James, and Brother Tom of the Patrician Brother’s for their prayer, full Rosaries and Knock Hymes. A very holy, prayerful and enjoyable day was had by all in attendance.
DURROW BEFRIENDING GROUP: The aim of the Group is to lessen social isolation and enhance the quality of life. If you are feeling isolated, lonely and need a friend to talk to please contact Pat on (086) 8096693. This service is totally confidential and we will not in any way interfere with your lifestyle, or get in the way of you doing the things you have to do every day. Your visitor will drop in just for a friendly chat, to talk about the things happening in your area, things hitting the national headlines, or anything else you would like to chat about.
The relationship is a voluntary one on both sides. The Befriender is there to provide some form of regular, practical assistance and support. If you feel we can be of help to you or would like to find out more about this service do not hesitate to contact us on the above phone number.
DURROW TIDY TOWNS: The committee wish to remind residents to continue to keep your own areas swept and litter free, also to help with the watering of flower beds, hanging bags etc… that are in your area over the summer months. A special effort is needed to have Durrow looking its best for the Scarecrow Festival when a large number of tourists will visit our town. We get so many good comments from visitors to the town – it’s very encouraging. So keep up the good work, your efforts are very much appreciated by the Tidy Towns committee, local residents and visitors alike.
CONGRATULATIONS to Bernard Ryan, Ballyboodin, Ballacolla and Louise Harrinton, Eyeries, Castletown-Bere, Co. Cork on their recent marriage.
ARTS & CRAFTS: The Arts & Crafts Exhibition taking place during the upcoming Scarecrow Festival are looking for volunteers. If you have a couple of hours free during the day (11am to 6pm) from July 26th to August 3rd please phone or text (086) 8263368 and we will try to accommodate you with hours that may suit you on our rota. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
DUNMORE COMMUNITY ALERT: Family Fun Day Postponed – Owing to the bad weather forecast for this Sunday (July 19th) the committee have decided to postpone the event until later in the Summer. We apologise for the short notice – but the weather is beyond our control! Keep an eye on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/
LAOIS WALKS FESTIVAL: Get your walking boots on for this year’s Laois Walks Festival. Local events continue with: Ballacolla on July 20th, Cullohill Mountain on July 24th, Abbeyleix Bog on July 28th and finishing with the Durrow Leafy Loops on July 31st. So plenty to choose from! Full details of all walks in Laois are available at www.fb.com/LaoisWalksFestival online.
