DURROW 300:
Welcome to the Durrow 300 page. This page will feature all events for the coming year of celebration in Durrow County Laois, Ireland.
In 2008, Durrow will celebrate the tri-centenary of it's design and layout as we know it to-day. This design and layout was meticulously planned by William Flower in 1708 (whose son, Henry became the first Viscount Ashbrook of Castle Durrow in 1751). It was handed down through the Ashbrook lineage and subsequently to the local community on the departure of the Flower Family from Durrow in 1922.
To-day we have inherited a town of unique character, heritage and beauty for all to admire. With its village greens, rivers, forests and limestone buildings, Durrow is a place that stirs the minds and hearts of the local community and visitors alike. As the 2006 winner of the All-Ireland Pride of Place competition, Durrow encapsulates an historic town with a lively presence and a positive future.
Durrow Development Forum has been at the forefront in promoting positive development in Durrow and has done so with passion and pride in the area. Durrow 300 presents us with another opportunity to invite our local community and welcome visitors to our town, to celebrate, in style, Durrow's unique heritage and character.
During the coming months our Durrow 300 web page will be updated on a regular basis to reach out to all you former residents of Durrow and to extend a hearty welcome to visitors who wish to explore our beautiful village/small town(depending on where you are coming from)and experience the warmth and friendliness of our people.
Durrow 300 is packed with a year long festival of events that will appeal to all age groups. So why not plan your holiday in Durrow this year and enjoy the CRAIC with the locals.
Media Launch at Laois County Council Offices with renowned author Deirdre Purcell.Welcome to the Durrow 300 page. This page will feature all events for the coming year of celebration in Durrow County Laois, Ireland.
In 2008, Durrow will celebrate the tri-centenary of it's design and layout as we know it to-day. This design and layout was meticulously planned by William Flower in 1708 (whose son, Henry became the first Viscount Ashbrook of Castle Durrow in 1751). It was handed down through the Ashbrook lineage and subsequently to the local community on the departure of the Flower Family from Durrow in 1922.
To-day we have inherited a town of unique character, heritage and beauty for all to admire. With its village greens, rivers, forests and limestone buildings, Durrow is a place that stirs the minds and hearts of the local community and visitors alike. As the 2006 winner of the All-Ireland Pride of Place competition, Durrow encapsulates an historic town with a lively presence and a positive future.
Durrow Development Forum has been at the forefront in promoting positive development in Durrow and has done so with passion and pride in the area. Durrow 300 presents us with another opportunity to invite our local community and welcome visitors to our town, to celebrate, in style, Durrow's unique heritage and character.
During the coming months our Durrow 300 web page will be updated on a regular basis to reach out to all you former residents of Durrow and to extend a hearty welcome to visitors who wish to explore our beautiful village/small town(depending on where you are coming from)and experience the warmth and friendliness of our people.
Durrow 300 is packed with a year long festival of events that will appeal to all age groups. So why not plan your holiday in Durrow this year and enjoy the CRAIC with the locals.
DURROW TRI-CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS
Programme Of Events 2008
February 14th1708 - 2008
Programme Of Events 2008
February 29th
18th Century Costumed Ball at Castle Durrow.
Cheese and wine reception and period music in the Castle followed by a 5 course gourmet meal.
March 16th
18th Century Themed Eve of St. Patrick's Day Parade and inter-cultural day.
No motorised vehicles allowed.
March 31st
President Mary McAleese will visit Durrow, arriving 11.20am at Castle Durrow.
April 20th
Durrow Vintage Club Ltd. annual Pre 1970's Vehicle Show & Autojumble. The venue is the same as last year (Cork Road, Durrow, Co. Laois) with improvements made to the site.
Exhibitors will be participating from the 32 counties with a special appearance of 1918 Fowler B.B.1 Ploughing Engine from Co. Antrim making its first appearance in Durrow - this engine is the only ploughing engine in the 32 counties.
An appearance is also being made by a 1922 Henderson 4 Motorcycle - the only one in the 32 counties.
There will be several steam engines on display, vintage/veteran cars, vintage/veteran motorcycles, vintage/veteran tractors, commercial vehicles and oil engines. There will also be a steam-threshing on display throughout the day.
There will be a large autojumble on site selling parts for all types of vintage vehicles and collectibles.
Some of the clubs attending the show include:
The Kilkenny Motor Club
The Midland American Car Club
The Fingal Vintage Society
The Capri Club of Ireland and
The Shamrock Car/Machinery Club to name but a few.
Trophies will be awarded at the end of the show to various vehicles. A special "Visitors Choice" trophy will be given to a vehicle chosen by the public. This trophy is sponsored by Irish Vintage Scene Magazine.
Admission is €7 per adult.
Children under 14 are free of charge.
All proceeds are donated to Local Charities
More details on www.irishvintagescene.ie
Contact : Austin Ryan on 086 8860598 after 6pm
April
Painting of 18th Century Mural by Durrow Scouts with facilitation by artist Caroline Nichol.
May 4th
Wildlife Day
5.00am - Dawn Chorus in the beautiful Dunmore Woods, with Pat Dunkin (Birdwatch, Ireland) and Billy Flynn (Irish Wildlife Trust) followed by breakfast in wood.
Evening - Bat talk with Conor Kelleher from the Irish Wildlife Trust.
Conor will be highlighting the importance of Bats for the environment with a short slide-show in the Presentation Centre followed by a "Bat Walk" in Dunmore Woods.
May 5th
Teddy Bears Picnic.
The Tri-Centenary Celebrations continue with an open invitation to all children to an afternoon of fun in The Community Hall from 3.00 to 5.00pm
Parents and 2 to 5 year olds can join our "Teddy Bears Picnic" for lots of fun, dance, singing and games.
Meet "Bobo" the Clown and his friends - and don't forget to bring your teddy along!
6 to 10 year olds can team up to try the bear challenges (3 to 5 children per team)
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Admission - €3 per child
For further details please contact Delphine Lawlor on
086 3655178
May 11th
Trout Fishing Competition for the Patrick Gaughan Cup, courtesy of Durrow and District Anglers (club rules apply).
May 19th - 25th
Festival of the Environment
May 20th
2.00pm Composting Workshop in Our Lady's Meadow Primary School with Laois County Council Environmental Officer.
My Old Schoolhouse - A return visit to Castle Durrow at 6.30pm by the older residents of Durrow. Guided tour, music and light refreshments.
For further information please contact Noeleen Dunphy (087 9636460) or Mary Walsh (057 8736327)
May 22nd
National Biodiversity Day:
9.30am Talk in school on "Nore Pearl Mussel"
11.00am Visit to Dunmore Wood for Mussel Rescue with Evelyn Moorkens. (Public welcome for Dunmore Wood talk.)
May 23rd
Casino Night at Castle Durrow.
A fundraising event for Durrow Development Forum. Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been postponed to a later date.
May 24th
2.00pm Organic Farm Walk and Talk with kind permission of Dominic Leonard, Castlewood House, Durrow.
May 25th
2.00pm Wildflower Walk in Dunmore Wood.
Meet in car park.
For further details regarding Environmental Week contact Ann Lanigan on 057 8736453
Trout Fishing Competition for the Bill Kelly Cup (club rules apply).
The Lawlors Gardens Tri-Centenary Cup will be presented to the best overall catch for the two competitions, courtesy of Durrow and District Anglers.
June 10th
Official opening of the new library and museum facility at the old courthouse with renowned author, Deirdre Purcell
June 20th - 22nd
All-Ireland Hurling and Camogie Feile Competitions.
June 22nd
Moyne Polo Club June Tournament at Moyne, Durrow.
June 22nd
Moyne Polo Club Midsummer Ball.
July 11th
Laois Walks Festival:
The Dunmore Woods Walk.
July 25th
Laois Walks Festival:
Durrow "Leafy Loops" Walk (14k)
SCHOOL REUNION NIGHT: A School Reunion Night will be held in the Castle Arms Hotel on Friday July 25th at 9.00pm. If you would like to organise and reserve a table for your class, please contact Noeleen Dunphy on (087) 9636460 or Mary Walsh on (057) 8736327 as soon as possible.
July 25th - Aug 4th
Welcome Home Festival Week to include:
Museum and memorabilia exhibition
Sponsored by Glanbia Ingredients, Ballyragget.
July 25th
Laois Walks Festival on Durrow's "Leafy Loop"
Durrow Schools Reunion Dance at The Castle Arms Hotel
July 26th - 27th
Moyne Polo Club Summer Tournament at Moyne, Durrow.
August 1st
Rogues and Vagabonds Fancy Dress Ball at Castle Durrow Country House Hotel.
Aug 2nd
Open Air Market on the Village Green.
Loads of local produce.
Sample the atmosphere - On site jazz band.
Durrow u12 Hurling Champions 1958 (50 years reunion.)
August 3rd
18th Century Themed Parade in Classic Vintage Style.
Children's Amusements, School Reunion, History Re-enactment, Sporting Events, Canoeing Regatta by Wooden Bridge Paddlers, Street Entertainment and much more.
August 8th
Durrow Development Forums "€25,000 Castle Durrow Wedding Reception Bonanza" Draw.
Win €25,000 complete wedding reception at Castle Durrow or walk away with €20,000 in cash.
(Prize valid until 2010) Limited Number of Tickets Still Available
Tickets @ €200 each
Draw limited to 300 tickets.
For further details contact Evelyn on 087 9194428
WINNERS!
Durrow Tidy Towns Association were the lucky winners of the €20,000 Wedding Bonanza Raffle held at Castle Durrow on Friday 8th August.
Durrow Parish Priest Canon Sean O' Doherty drew the winning ticket out of the drum. The draw which was supervised by Garda Sgt. Sean Malone from Abbeyleix Garda Station followed a strict procedural process. The organisers of this draw, Durrow Development Forum, wish to congratulate the winners and also to extend a sincere thanks to all our ticket sellers, to the people from all over Ireland and beyond who purchased tickets for this draw and to the Management and staff of Castle Durrow Country House Hotel for their help, encouragement and support for this local fundraising initiative. It is the intention of the Members of Durrow Development Forum to continue to invest voluntary time and effort in addition to all monies raised in this draw, for the further promotion and enhancement of Durrow.
August /24th - 31st Heritage Week Events in Durrow
Taylor & Skinner Strip Maps of Ireland circa 1780 Exhibition at Sheppard's Auction Rooms. Courtesy of Sheppard Auctioneers. 10am - 5.30pm Mon to Fri.
Exhibition Director Michael Sheppard, 05787 36123
Local Folklore & Photographic Exhibition @ Bob's Museum (rear of bob's bar, the bridge durrow.) 5pm - 10.30 Mon to Fri. 12pm tp 10.30 pm Weekends. Contact Bobby Campion 087 6165484
Lectures: The Flower Family and the Durrow influence.
Speaker: Mr Denis Bergin.
Tue. Aug 26th @ 8.00pm
At The Courthouse Cultural Centre Durrow.
The Life and Times of Canon Carrigan
(historian) Speaker Canon Sean O'Doherty.
Thursday Aug 28th @ 8.00pm
At The Courthouse Cultural Centre Durrow.
Local Museum & Memorabilia Exhibition
Sunday 24th Aug. 2pm - 6pm
Sunday 31st August 2pm - 6pm
At The Courthouse Cultural Centre Durrow
Contact 086 8694691
Sept 6th - 14th
Durrow Arts Festival:
Exhibitors Include:
Carmel Mooney - Art and Glass Sculpture
The O'Brien Family - Watercolours
Mairead Johnston - Fashion and Fabrics
Eileen Mills - Sculpture
Jock Nicol - Landscapes
Maeve Collins - Sculpture
Caroline Nicol - Acrylics
Andrew Walsh - Abstracts
Aileen Phelan - Textiles
Sarah Ryan - Textiles
Finoula O' Connell - Pottery
Sept 12th
Comedy Night : Hilariously Funny! "Top of the Bill" Comedians direct from Temple Bar, Dublin with master of ceremonies
Bernard o' Shea (recently made the "cats laugh")
Fresh from his highly successful stint at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival
Sept 14th
Scene on the Green!
With Kilkenny Samba Band and The Six Five Kitchen Choir.
Childrens Open-Air Art Exhibition on the Square
Puppet Theatre : Face Painting : Workshops
Busking, Childrens Entertainment, Bouncy Castle
Full Arts Festival programme of events will be posted soon! Watch This Space!
Oct 24th
Stars In Your Eyes : "Tribute" to the Stars.
Venue - The Castle Arms Hotel. Featuring the very best of local talent.
Oct 24th
Presentation of the Mairead Johnston Perpetual Trophy. The Durrow Development Forum Community Endeavour Award for the best 18th Century Themed Village Business Premises.
Dec 7th
Launch of Durrow Place names Booklet by the pupils of Our Lady's Meadow Primary School, Durrow.
Dec 22nd
Ecumenical Carol Service and Organ Recital on the historical Samuel Green Organ at St. Fintan's Church, Durrow.
Dec 31st
Closing Ceremony.
Family Night on the Village Green.
Amazing Fireworks.
Children's Traditional Street Games.
Release of Balloons.
Music - Food.
Ringing in of the New Year.
March to October 2008
Visit Durrow's 18th Century Themed Business Premises and Shop Windows Display.
EVENT UPDATE:
THE WOODEN BRIDGE PADDLERS CANOE CLUB:
Following the Woodenbridge Paddlers Charity Fundraiser on the rivers Nore and Erkina to raise money for the Dove House Support Group, a cheque for €5,100 was presented to Albert Townsend, who accepted it on behalf of Dove House. The presentation was made by Michael G. Phelan of the Woodenbridge Paddlers.
Credit to Teresa Morrissey for maintaining this section for the forthcoming year.
