Durrow Online

Battle of the Axe Comedy Night – March 3rd 2012

durrow — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:00:40 +0000

On Saturday, March 3rd The Castle Arms Hotel will open it’s doors to host a Comedy Night in aid of Durrow Development Forum. This year’s Comedy Night promises to have you splitting your sides with laughter as a fantastic lineup of artists will perform…

JOHN COLLEARY (RTÉ’s Savage Eye)

ERIC LALOR (RTÉ’s Joy in the Hood)

MARK DOHENY (of Laois County and Winner of ‘Craic Attack 2011′)

AEDIN DARMODY and ANDREA FARRELL (of Kilkenny and Dublin)

SHANE HUGHES (Winner of Battle of the Axe and Best of the Fest)

The doors will open at 9pm with the show beginning at 9.30pm. Admission is €15 with proceeds in aid of Durrow Development Forum. Please Support. Tickets are available from DDF members… Click Here!

A little about some of the Performers…

Mark Doheny: Mark Doheny was the winner the inaugural “Craic Attack” in 2011, the only All Ireland Comedy Competition ran in conjunction with the Cat Laughs Festival. He was a Semi Finalist in So You Think You’re Funny in 2009 and has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe festival in 2009, 2010 & 2011 and in sell out shows at the Cat Laughs, Halloween Howls Comedy Festival in 2010 & 2011 and the Galway Comedy Festival 2011. He is a regular MC at one of the top Irish venues, Kavanagh’s Comedy club Portlaoise. He has supported the likes of Jason Byrne, Tommy Tiernan, Des Bishop, John Richardson, Bernard O’Shea and Karl Spain to name just a few…

Shane Hughes: Shane was Battle of the Axe winner and Best for the Fest winner 2011. He is also on Culch.ie “one to watch” list.

Andrea and Aideen: Andrea and Aideen are an exciting new comedy duo bursting at the seams with whimsical songs and lively on-stage banter. They perfom regulary in comedy clubs all around Ireland and have recently headlined in Laugh out Loud at Anseo – recently voted Ireland’s best comedy club. If you are entertained by entertainment and you like to laugh then you’ll like this!.

Young Voice of Laois – April 21st 2012

durrow — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:59:04 +0000

This competition is organized by Durrow Development Forum in conjunction with the Laois School of Music. This is the Third year of this Competition. The venue is The Castle Arms Hotel. All Contestants must be between the age of 12 and 18.

The winner will receive the Ronan Lawlor Memorial Cup and a series of Voice Lessons with the Laois School of Music and a €100 cash prize. The winner will also have the opportunity of performing at the Laois School of Music’s 10th year-end concert in the Dunamaise Theatre and at the Scarecrow Festival in Durrow in July/August. Aine Delaney from Mountmellick was last years winner. Entry Forms can be got from the Leinster Express newspaper or downloaded here… Young Voice of Laois Application.

Proposed Village Green Development Plans – February 2012

durrow — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:36:46 +0000

The proposed development plan for the square in Durrow is currently on public display in the Library on Chapel Street for the month of February. Durrow Development Forum would be happy to look at any suggestions and ideas in relation to the proposed Development.

If you want a say in the town and in the towns development, it would be in everybodys interest to have a look at the plans, Durrow Development Forum are seeking everybodys suggestions and there is a box in the library for this purpose and the Forum will bring these suggestions forward to the council.

Opening Hours for The Library are available here…

News – February 6th 2012

durrow — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:56:53 +0000

RECENT PUBLIC MEETING: There was a very large attendance at the public meeting held on Tuesday 24th January. It was originally to be held the Presentation Centre but due to the large turnout this venue was too small. The Community Council would like to extend their sincere thanks to Canon O’Doherty who was attending the meeting and offered the use of the Church to facilitate the crowd. Chairman Mick Dunphy opened the meeting and thanked Community Alert Chairman, Michael Kells, Muinter Na Tire Development Officer, Noel McCarthy and Paddy Fitzpatrick, Director for attending. He also thanked Garda Eamon O’Connell our local Garda for attending. The meeting was called as a result of a spate of robberies and break-ins in the Durrow and surrounding area. The main advice given by all the speakers was to be extra vigilant and to observe any strange movements or suspicious activities.

As everyone is aware of the reduced number of Gardai the community needs to work together, to watch out for neighbours and report to Gardai any suspicious activities. Garda O’Connell told the meeting not to be afraid to report anything unusual as they will follow up the information given even, if this leads to a false alarm, that is not a problem. It is best to report rather than ignore. A number of people volunteered to get involved on the Community Alert Committee. Further information from meetings will be printed in the Newsletter. The Community Council is very pleased with the turnout and wish to thank everybody for their attendance.

DURROW DEVELOPMENT FORUM – SOME UPCOMING DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: Saturday 3rd March - Comedy night in Castle Arms Hotel. Friday 17th March – St. Patrick’s Day - The annual non-motorised parade will be held commencing at 2.00pm. Theme is “Folklore, Fairy Tales and Nursery Rhymes”. Local clubs and community and invited to join in and help make Durrow magical. Sunday 18th March - Launch of Leafy Loop Walk. Further details in next issue.

MEMORY QUILT: The Memory Quilt which has been completed by Mary Ryan is now on display in the Courthouse Library. Take the opportunity to view this great work. Durrow Development Forum would again like to thank Mary Ryan for her work and time spent producing the quilt. All the money raised went to Laois Hospice. Deceased family member names can still be added to this Quilt.

CURRENT ROADWORKS: In 2011, Laois County Council secured an allocation from NRA Safety Section for the provision of Traffic Calming Gateways on the N77 approaches to the town. During a regular inspection of the scheme, NRA and LCC staff agreed that additional traffic calming measures were required in the vicinity of Durrow town centre to reduce traffic speeds through the town and to improve pedestrian and cyclist access to and around the town. With this in mind, additional monies were made available to extend the northern cycle lanes towards the town centre, install a signal controlled pedestrian crossing near The Stores, and rationalise the junctions onto the N77 in the town centre. This work was carried out up to Christmas 2011 and has now recommenced. It is expected to take 2 or 3 weeks to complete.

NEWSLETTER: The next issue of Durrow Parish Newsletter is being compiled on Thursday February 16th and will be on Sale on Friday 17th February. Please send in club notes and news to info@durrowvillage.com by email where possible or deliver to Mary Walsh, 10 Erkindale Drive, (057) 8736327 or, Angela Drennan, 14 Erkindale Drive as soon as possible.

Sport – February 6th 2012

durrow — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:55:41 +0000

DURROW/CULLOHILL PARISH ANGLERS: Competitions: St. Patrick’s Day – Mick Walsh Cup (Trout); March 25th – Billy Lawlor Cup (Trout); Two trout fishing com petitions in both April and May, dates to be arranged.

WOODENBRIDGE PADDLERS: The Woodenbridge Paddlers raft race supporting the Harps Camogie Club will take place on Sunday 12th February. Registration at 1pm at Woodenbridge. A Raffle will be held afterwards in Bob’s Bar. Contact M.G.Phelan on (087) 2395357, Bernard Ryan (087) 9736386 or Joan Dollard (087) 6334619 for more information.

THE HARPS GAA: Training: Training for all adult grades commences this Saturday Evening, February 4th in Cullohill Community Centre at 5pm. All players are requested to attend and membership will also be collected on the night.

Membership: It is vital that all membership is paid up in time this year as teams will not be affiliated unless membership is paid up front. In order to streamline this Mick Fitzpatrick has agreed to become affiliations officer and will take charge in collecting membership along with the team mentors.

County Clubs Draw: The GAA All County Clubs Draw tickets are once again available from all committee members. Prizes are as follows… First Prize – €10,000; Second Prize – €5,000; Third Prize – €3,000; Fourth Prize – €1,500; Fifth Prize – €1,500; Sixth Prize – €1,000; and 14 prizes of €500 each. There are four draws for the months of March, April, May & June. Tickets cost €130 each or €32.50 per month. This is one of the major fund raisers for the Club and your support would be greatly appreciated.

THE HARPS CAMOGIE CLUB: Coming Up: The Harps Camogie Club will be presented with an award at the Roscrea & District Sports Star Awards night on the 10th of February in Racket Hall. The Annual Raft Race on the Erkina will be on the 12th of February, so get building your rafts ASAP!

Noticeboard – February 6th 2012

durrow — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:54:53 +0000

IRISH HEART FOUNDATION: The recent Church Gate Collection for the Irish Heart Foundation raised €324. Many thanks to all who contributed.

DURROW COMMUNITY CENTRE: Aisling Walsh Dance Acadamy: Irish Dance lessons continue every Tuesday at 6pm. New beginners welcome. Contact (085) 7780763.

Zumba Fitness: Zumba fitness continues every Thursday from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Loose weight and tone up while having fun. Body Tone from 8.30pm to 9pm. Both classes for €7 or one for €5. Personal Training Service also available. Contact Sarah on (087) 7460707.

Taekwondo: Every Monday and Thursday at 7pm.

LITTLE OAKS PARENT & TODDLER PLAYGROUP: Meetings continue on Tuesdays at 10am in The Presentation Centre, Kilkenny rd, Durrow (beside RC Church). New members are always welcome. For more information contact Delphine on (086) 3655178.

CHURCH NOTES: Church Cleaning Rota for February: Daisy Dollard, Kay Mahony, Babe Duggan and Mary Dollard. The key for the toilets can be had from Shane Walsh’s Shop.

Durrow Parish Pastoral Council: Please note that toilet facilities have been restored and are now available at the rear of Holy Trinity Church, Durrow. Toilets will be open during Mass times and other Church activity only.

SYMPATHY: is extended to Stephanie Phelan and family, Chapel St., Durrow on their recent bereavement.

DURROW COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Senior Citizens Party 2012: The Senior Citizens Party will be held on Saturday 3rd March in the Castle Arms Hotel, commencing at 2.00pm. Invitations will be issued shortly.

COMPUTER COURSE: Anyone interested in doing a computer course, commencing at the end of this month in Durrow, should contact Jonathan on (087) 6408653 as soon as possible as places are limited.

OUR LADY’S MEADOW PRIMARY SCHOOL: Enrolment will take place for Our Lady’s Meadow Primary School starting February 6th and running until February 29th. Enrolment forms can be picked up from the school office between 9.00am and 3.00pm Monday to Friday.

PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA – June 7th to 14th 2012: Would you like to be in Fatima for Children’s Day 13th June? There is a Pilgrimage to Fatima organized for seven nights departing from Dublin on 7th June. Price €739 per person sharing in Hotel Avenida. Insurance €25 (if required) and single room supplement €25 per night. Bus available from Portlaoise, Emo Church, Ballybrittas Church and Rath Church. There will be a Spiritual Director traveling with the group. For further details please contact Maura O’Brien on (057) 8661601 or on mobile phone at (086) 3344722.

SATURDAY MORNING MARKET: There is a vacancy for someone to bake fresh bread and cakes for the Saturday market which is held every Saturday morning from 9.30am to 12.30pm in the Computer Centre (beside the Church). Contact Marie on (087) 7742506 for further details on this new position.

MEALS ON WHEELS: The meals-on-wheels service in Durrow delivers dinners five days a week. If you think this would be a help to you, you can give your name to any of the following: Marie Clooney (087) 7742506, Arthur Lappin (087) 2546493 or the District Nurse. If you are aware of any family member, neighbor or friend that the service would benefit you could suggest it to them, inform the committee and we will take it from there.

WEATHER: For the latest live weather data visit www.laoisweather.com online.

SCOIL TIGHEARNACH NAOFA, CULLOHILL: Enrolment of prospective pupils for Cullohill National School for September 2012 are now being taken. Please contact (057) 8737281 for further details.

CULLOHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE: Cards continue every Sunday night at 8.30pm.

YOUTH CHOIR: A Youth Choir is being formed in Durrow. Age group 10 years to 18 years. A wide range of musical styles will be covered from pop to classical music. Weekly practice. Anyone interested in joining this choir should contact Vicky Murphy on (086) 1000230.

CONGRATULATIONS: to Laurence and Marian Mahony, Gurteen, Cullohill on the birth of a son, Taylor earlier this week.

DURROW ONLINE: Durrow Development Forum wish to advise that www.durrowvillage.com will continue to be refurbished over the coming weeks. Anyone who has content that they feel may be of use (i.e. old articles, history or photos etc…) is invited to submit them via eMail to info@durrowvillage.com or phone Daniel on (087) 4103520.

DURROW COMMUNITY CENTRES: Anyone wishing to book the main hall for badminton, basketball or any indoor activity should contact Shane Walsh, Walsh’s Shop, Carrigan St, Durrow. Phone: (057) 8736594.

Durrow Presentation Centre: All enquiries for the use of the Presentation Centre should be made to Angela Drennan on (057) 8736419 or Mary Walsh on (086) 3055157.

COMMUNITY ALERT: All enquiries for alarms and associated equipment should be made to Michael Kells on (057) 8737289.

BRIDGE CLUB: Bridge continues on Wednesdays in Presentation Centre, Durrow. Anyone interested in playing bridge please come along on Wednesday nights at 7.45pm, you will be very welcome.

MOUNT St. ANNE’S RETREAT: Some of the upcoming events at Mount St. Anne’s Retreat and Conference Centre at Killenard, Portarlington include…

A day of Meditation – Saturday 25th February, 2012 from 10am to 4pm. Relax your body and calm your mind giving you space for yourself away from everyday worries and anxieties. Facilitated by Sr. Róisín Gannon. Cost: €25 (please bring packed lunch – Tea/Coffee provided)

Calligraphy Workshop – Saturday 24th March, 2012 from 10am to 4pm: This creative workshop is aimed at people who wish to develop this special skill with confidence. Suitable for all levels. The cost is €35 (includes all materials). Bring packed lunch. Tea and Coffee Provided. Facilitated by Sr. Roisin Gannon.

Card Making for all Occasions – Thursday evenings 15th, 22nd and 29th March, 2012 from 8pm to 10pm. Facilitated by Sr. Róisín Gannon. Make unique cards for Birthdays, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Wedding Anniversary, etc… Cost: €70 (includes all materials)

Mindful Eating Workshop – Saturday 28th April, 2012 from 10am to 4pm. This workshop will enable you to make healthier food choices and to rediscover the pleasure of eating… without the guilt. Mindful Eating helps us to develop more awarenes around our negative eating patterns and behaviours. Facilitated by Deirdre Kavanagh – a qualified Holistic Nutritionist. Cost: €40 (please bring packed lunch) Tea/Coffee and healthy snacks provided.

All booking enquiries can be made to the Secretary on (057) 8626153 or msannes@eircom.net by email.

DURROW CIVIL DEFENCE: Durrow Civil Defence unit are on the lookout for new members. If you feel you have something to offer and are interested in joining this voluntary emergency service, please contact (086) 3491317 after 6pm.

Parish Lotto – February 6th 2012

durrow — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:11:38 +0000

DURROW PARISH LOTTO RESULTS: Monday 23rd January 2012: There was no jackpot winner of €5,050. The Numbers drawn were: 11, 19, 21 and 28. The small draw winners were: €30: Brigid Conroy, Patrick St., Durrow, Co. Laois; €25: Noel Cooney, Erkindale Dr, Durrow, Laois; €20: Sarah Gaughan, Mary Street, Durrow, Laois.

Monday 30th January 2012: There was no jackpot winner of €5,200. The Numbers drawn were: 14, 18, 20 and 25. The small draw winners were: €30: Kathleen Cummins, Ballyouskill, Co.Kilkenny; €25: Gary O’Sullivan, Ballykealy, Cullohill, Laois; €20: Tom O’Sullivan, Ballykealy, Cullohill, Laois.