UPDATE: 

Durrow Development Forum will now be taking this final plan to Laois Partnership Ltd. in an effort to secure funding for this project. The revised plan will be on display in the local Library from Monday, 14th, May, 2012.

The members of Durrow Development Forum are proud of their town’s history, heritage and character, its open spaces and high quality community facilities. They are also proud of the role they have played in providing many of these facilities for the local community.

Therefore, we are confident that this plan will reflect our rich history and heritage and secure the beauty of the Square area in Durrow for generations to come.

Trusting we will have your support in the fundraising campaign that will be ongoing over the coming year to secure the best quality of work for this project.

Evelyn Clancy, Chairperson

YOUNG VOICE OF LAOIS 2012: The new Young Voice of Laois was selected at the grand final of the competition held on Saturday 21st April in the Castle Arms Hotel. The competition was organized by Durrow Development Forum in association with Laois School of Music. The new Young Voice of Laois was selected from 14 finalists on the night, Michael Kirkman, a 17 year old singer, songwriter and guitarist from Abbeyleix. Michael played his guitar and sang the aptly   titled song “Never Say You Can’t” a Bruno Marks song. The 5th year student at Heywood CS received a voice training scholarship sponsored by Laois School of Music and Oliver Lawlor presented him with the Ronan Lawlor Memorial Perpetual Trophy. Great credit goes to all participants in the competition on such a high standard, all singers sang their hearts out on the night which was much appreciated by the large audience. The forum wish to thank all involved in making this show such a success.

THIRD LAOIS SCOUTS: All of our sections have been busy over the last month; We have our Chief Scout Award; Beavers and Cubs have competed their hikes – Beavers doing a 10km Hike in Sahran up in the Slieve Bloom Mountains while the Cubs in the same venue but doing a more challenging hike of 20.5km. They both linked up with Roscrea Beavers and Cubs doing their award. This was a great achievement on their part. Well done to Darragh Conory, Eoghan Whelan and Stephen Murphy who are our chief scout award – Beavers, and to Evan Campion and Neil Cronin for also attending on the day. Also well done to Jordan Donohue and Fionn Whelan for doing there hike and Kate Campion or helping them on their way. Thanks to all the Scouters involved in helping the scouts achieve their aims.
Our Beavers did their shared camp in Sahran last Saturday 28th of April and again joined up with the Roscrea Beavers. Thanks to Roscrea for the link. The Beavers had a great time there and did work on their adventure skills badges getting them up to stage to of camping and backwoods. They also enjoyed a campfire on the Saturday night. Again well done to them all and all the Scouters involved.
On Sunday 29th of April the Beavers took part in a county fun day held in Portlaoise. The day involved the Beavers building a shelter, covering stage two of backwoods. They joined in Olympics and a treasure hunt. They had great stories form Michael Moynan and they got to see and taste a pig. The pig was on a spit and all Beavers saw this and were amazed by it. A great day was had by all.
Plans are well underway for Jamoige 2012 which will take place on the June Bank Holiday Weekend. We will have 15 Beavers attending this National event. Our scouts and ventures are looking forward to their Trip to the Gorge du Tarn in the south of France from the 14th to the 23rd of July. A parent information night will be arranged shortly.

LAOIS TALKING NEWSPAPER: Laois Talking Newspaper is a free 90-minute audio cassette tape recording of local news, features, entertainment and sports produced every week. With readings from The Leinster Express and The Nationalist the Talking Newspaper is free to anyone with a disability or infirmity, who may be blind or visually impaired or people with literacy problems, which prevents them from reading the printed word. Several of our listeners have lived locally all their lives and have friends and family in the area. The Talking Newspaper helps keep them in contact, sustain an active interest in life and aids conversation. Some of our listeners have commented that the Talking Newspaper is like a weekly visit from a friend so, if you have a relative or neighbour who has failing eyesight or other disability then please put them in touch with Angela Mockler on talkingnewspaperlaois@gmail.com or (057) 8661754.

STRICTLY COME DANCING: Durrow Development Forum has changed the date for Strictly Come Dancing to the end of the year after dancers have requested a bit of time to train for the performances of their lifetime. But watch this space as there is a lot of talent in Durrow and you wouldn’t want to miss a great night of fun!
This leave time for us all to concentrate on the PRIDE OF PLACE COMPETITION that will be judged at the end of June. Pride of Place is ten years old this year and they have included a new category to celebrate this birthday, The Previous Winner Category. Durrow won the Pride Of Place in 2006 and has been entered in this new category. Durrow has all the chances to win it with all the community effort that has been made in the last few years. A bit more work has to be done, showcasing how the people take pride in living in Durrow.
We are asking everybody to give a hand within their possibilities to make this happen. Maybe help during the Thursday night Tidy town clean up, maybe adding flowers in the gardens or window boxes to brighten up the place. Maybe a lick of paint here and there… A lot can be done if we work together! The judging date will be released in a couple of weeks, but if we start now, we can do Durrow really proud! Only a few weeks later will be the scarecrow festival, with a lot of visitors to the town, we will be ready for them! For more, contact Noeleen on (087) 9636460.

ALL IRELAND SCARECROW FESTIVAL: The All-Ireland Scarecrow Festival will take place from 28th July to 6th August. Make sure you book the dates and invite your friends and family to come to Durrow. We are working hard on the program at the moment and if anybody has new ideas, we would love to hear from them! The competition will be great this year with €1000 for first prize up for grabs!

CHURCH NOTES: Church Cleaning Rota for May: Bridget Traynor, Mary Walsh, Betty Walsh, Maeve Thornton and Angela Drennan. Durrow Parish Pastoral Council: Please note that toilet facilities have been restored and are now available at the rear of Holy Trinity Church, Durrow. Rota for people to take charge of toilets for May: Fiona Bergin. Readers for May: Saturday night 5th and 12th – Tomas Murphy; 19th and 26th – Ann Marie Lalor. Sunday Morning 6th and 13th – Stephanie Phelan; 20th and 27th – Arthur Lappin.

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT 5K EVENT: Pieta House Centre for the Prevention of Self-harm or Suicide are holding a Darkness into Light 5k Event in fourteen venues around Ireland on Saturday 12th May starting at 4am (early morning). To sign up for this unique experience visit our web site dil.pieta.ie to find the venue nearest you or contact Pieta House office on (01) 6282111.

YOUTH CHOIR: Rehearsals for the new Youth Choir have commenced on Tuesday Evenings in The Computer Centre, Durrow at 4pm for age groups 7 to 12 year olds and 4.45pm for 13 to 18 year olds. A wide range of musical styles are covered from pop to classical music. Anyone who would like their child to participate should contact Vicky Murphy on (086) 1000230.

UNISLIM CLASSES: Unislim classes will take place in the Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix every Tuesday from 10am to 11am and 7pm to 8.30pm. Contact Nicola (087) 6234291 for more information.

WOMEN’S MINI MARATHON: The local ladies taking part in the Mini Marathon are doing it in aid of Motor Neuron Research. The Marathon is in Dublin on the June Bank Holiday Monday (7th June). Anyone interested in taking part can register online. Sponsorship cards are available in Lawlor’s Gala Shop. A bus is being organized for the day. Anyone interested in traveling on this bus should contact Eileen Keenan (086) 0868017, Marie Clooney (087) 7742506 or Susan Lawlor (087) 2574477 to book a seat.

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

CONGRATULATIONS: to Michael Dunphy, Rath, Durrow and Ethel Coady, Clonking, Abbeyleix on their recent marriage.
Congratulations: to Emer Duggan, Lakefield, Dereen, Durrow and Noel Kiely, Thomastown on their recent marriage.
Congratulations: to Eddie and Anne Marie Lalor, Derrywood, Durrow on the birth of a son, Todd.
Congratulations: to Conor and Marie (nee Lalor) Sweeney, Carlow on the birth of a son Daragh.

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

WALKING PROGRAMME: Fittlesticks is an exercise programme which uses the techniques of Nordic Walking to provide an enhanced walking experience. The use of walking sticks allows the user to achieve a 50% increase in calorie burn over normal walking, an improved stride length, improved posture and improved stability. The programme is run over 4 to 5 weeks in order to get a good feel for the use of the sticks but can be amended to suit the client. Laois Sports Partnership can facilitate up to fifteen people in a group. The class is predominantly held outdoors but there are indoor elements which can be completed if required. If you are interested in taking part please contact Ann Lanigan on (087) 7749281.

TIDY TOWNS: WORK NIGHTS: Thursday Night cleanup is continuing every week and this week we would like to thank the Cub Scouts who did great work cleaning the Church Grounds, Boys School area and Erkindale Drive with us. The Cub Scouts have pledged to help us every week as part of their badge programme! Next Thursday night (May 10th) work will commence at 7pm on The Square. We invite all residents to come along and help out on the night and bring gloves, perhaps a friend too! Litter pickers and refuse sacks are supplied by the Tidy Towns Committee on the night.
The work nights are important in our preparation for Pride of Place Competition. We also ask, if possible, for residents and business to clean outside their premises and put out flowers etc… Thank You!

MACRA: Durrow/Abbeyleix Macra are holding our annual fundraising Table quiz in Dec’s Bar Durrow on Friday 11th May at 8.30pm. All are welcome on the night, both members and non members of Macra. Raffle on the night also. Our club would love you to come along to join us on the night. Table of 4 €20.

SYMPATHY: is extended to the Thornton family, Derry Wood and Swan Rd, Durrow on their recent bereavement.
Sympathy: is extended to the Mahony and Duggan family, Dereen and Mahony family, Chapel St. Durrow on their recent bereavement.

DURROW SATURDAY MARKET: The market is open every Saturday morning from 9am to 12.30pm in the Computer Centre beside the Church on the Kilkenny Rd. Potatoes, fresh vegetables, home baked cakes and breads available. To place an order phone Marie on (087) 7742506 or Vyonne (087) 6389606.

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

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.

FAMILY FUN DAY – A date for your Diary!: Durrow/Cullahill Parish Anglers in conjunction with the Woodenbridge Paddlers will hold a family fun day on Sunday 27th May at the Old Bridge Durrow. Time 2pm. Members will exhibit fly tying and casting techniques along with canoe trips and a mini regatta. Bucket collection on day in aid of Durrow Community Services. For further information please contact Olliver on (085) 7348425 or Michael G Phelan on (087) 2395357. Please support.

DURROW TIDY TOWNS: Laois County Council Environment Section Have launched a Dog Fouling Awareness Campaign to raise awareness of the anti-social behaviour of dog fouling on the streets and other public areas in the town. The message is “Failing to clean-up after your dog is a litter offence and is subject to an on-the-spot litter fine of €150”. We ask all dog owners to please clean up any dog fouling caused by your pet.

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

The Laois team regrouped at half time and after a number of tactical switches the tide began too change in the favour of Laois when full forward Emma Phelan led the bravest comeback in recent memory as she buried the sloitar in the back of the Down net. This was followed by another cracking goal, this time from Kelly O’Neill and it looked like Laois were beginning to believe in themselves again. Laura Marie Maher, Lorna Campion and Lizzy Ryan all scored lovely individual points before the ever dependable Laois Captain Yvonne O’Neill narrowed the gap between the teams to just four points with seven minutes remaining. Up to that point, Down had only scored two points in the second half and with Laois dominating the second half, it looked like it could go down to the wire. However Laois failed to push on from there and Down scored the last two points of the game before the final whistle. The final score: Down 2-15 to Laois 3-06. This Laois minor team will be taking a break and will be getting back together later in the year to prepare for the Leinster Championship.

LIONS AFC: U12 Nicholas Marnell Cup Semi Final: Lions AFC 4 v 1 Freebooters. April 28th 2012: What a game. Lions were one up at half time then freebooters equalised in the second half. After 20 minutes of extra time the sides were still level. It ended in penalties with the Lions winning 4-1.
Thomastown won their semi against East End so it’s Lions v Thomastown in the final. No date fixed yet. We will keep everyone posted. The semi final match was well supported compared to other matches and the atmosphere was incredible.

Monday 30th April 2012: There was no jackpot winner of €7,300. Numbers: 03, 06, 25 and 28. The small draw winners were: €30: Sinead Cleary c/o P. Kearney; €25: Padraig Phelan, Oldtown, Cullohill, Co. Laois; €20: Laura Thornton, Swan Road, Durrow, Laois.

INSTANT PHOTOS: For your new regulation digital Visa, Passport and ID instant Photos. Contact Johnny Conroy on (057) 8737265 or (087) 2711105. Photos taken anywhere, anytime.

FOR SALE: Hurls, any size, any style. Contact Brian Clancy on (086) 8894166.

WALSH’S SHOP: Services available: Mobile Phone Top-Up (no extra charge), M50 Toll Pass Pay, & O2 Moneycard top-up. DVD Weekend Special: Rent any 2 DVDs for Fri. & Sat. nights for just €8. DVDs can be booked by phoning (057) 8736594 or (086) 0642504.
In-store: Gifts, cards and toys are available in our new department. Gift Vouchers Available.
Bernie Brennan’s Cakes, Tarts and Breads are now available in-store.

AVAILABLE: Glass, Double Glazing, Mirrors, decorative glass and repairs, window handles and hinges also PVC and aluminum door locks. Contact Liam Clancy on (087) 7561445.

FOR SALE: Clothes lines, Bicycle Stands, Rotary Clotheslines, Winders, pulleys, Birdfeeder posts. Contact Sean Doyle on (057) 8734089 or (087) 2068972.

CAKE FAIRY DURROW: Home baked cakes for all occasions. Weddings, Christening, Birthday, Cupcakes and more. To view our cakes go to www.cakefairydurrow.com. For enquiries give Noeline or Wendy a call on (057) 8740962.

DUNNE COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY: Eva-Maria Dunne, Dip counselling & Addiction, Hons, BSc Counselliing & Psychotherapy. Am I.A.C.P. and I.A.A.A.C. accredited. Depression, Anxiety and Stress, Addiction, Relationships/Marriage, Low Self Esteem, Confidence, Eating Disorders and Weight Management, Life coaching, and Abuse. Also Court Orders are available. Secure Office and Fully Professional and Confidential Service. Phone: (089) 4400758 or (089) 4541887.