

We are delighted to have the Laois branch of Down Syndrome Ireland, in attendance for the nine days of this year’s festival. They will showcase their plans, for a truly inspiring project – the Laois “Field of Dreams”, which is their hope for a new life for their members, giving them the chance to be gainfully employed and therefore offering them the opportunity to be as financially and socially independent as they can possibly be and fully integrated in society.
The main reasons for the Laois “Field of Dreams” are:
Currently our adult population with an intellectual difficulty in Laois spend most of their time in Day Service Provision in a non-productive way, which can often have huge adverse effects in terms of their mental health and well-being, and feelings of self-worth. There is no proper life plan of meaningful progression in place for our adult members in terms of employment and social inclusion. Day Service Provision will always be a necessity, but it does not need to be a sitting service for all adults simply because there is nothing else out there for them in society currently.
We do not want this for our children and adults with an intellectual difficulty going forward in Laois. The Laois “Field of Dreams” in Abbeyleix is a new way forward which will be parent led throughout and supported by our National body Down Syndrome Ireland.
Our adult population are entitled to the same employment opportunities as the rest of us in mainstream society. Through meaningful paid employment opportunities, our members can then become properly engaged and be part of societal fabric instead of always being on the periphery to a very great degree.
The Laois “Field of Dreams” is our hope for a new life for our members with an intellectual difficulty. Giving them the chance to be gainfully employed and therefore offering them the opportunity to be as financially and socially independent as they can possibly be and fully integrated in society. This is no more than we would wish for any of our children irrespective of their ability or disability. We prefer to concentrate on our children and adults’ abilities as opposed to their disabilities.
None of the current services and supports provided by Down Syndrome Ireland “Laois Branch” would be possible without the huge generosity of the people of Laois over the last twenty-four years and for that we thank them sincerely.
Employment is the key to it all, and therefore the Laois “Field of Dreams” Employment Training Centre of Excellence is the door to meaningful progression for our adults.
To this end we have established a fundraising page for anyone wishing to donate to this great cause.
www.gofundme.com/field-of-dreams-laois
Email: laoisdownsyndrome@hotmail.com
Our sincere thanks to the Durrow Scarecrow Festival for giving us the opportunity to showcase our plans for the Laois “Field of Dreams” during the Scarecrow Festival this year.
Saturday 3rd August
Two Performances
1:00pm – 1:45pm
3:00pm – 3:45pm
Meet Lulu, an amazing street artist that can’t be contained in any gallery. Enter her crazy world of make believe, where magic happens right in front of you! This lady will sweep you off your feet and drag you into her imagination. Who needs words when you’ve got a blank canvas and a marker to fill it.
Outside the Box will be preforming “Lulu’s World” at the Durrow Scarecrow Festival on Saturday 3rd August at 1:00 pm, and later the same day from 3:00pm to 3:45pm.
Francesca Castellano has been performing in Street Shows since 2003, and she has been working as a clown, aerialist, stilt-walker and fire artist with Cork Circus and Sorcaluba. A solo production, the show involves the use of paper, cardboard boxes, a personal assistant when needed, and a case with art material safely kept inside. Suitable for all audiences.
Find out more about LuLu’s World at www.circusoutsidethebox.com
Saturday 3rd August
Arts & Crafts Exhibition Durrow Community Centre on the Kilkenny Road Opening Hours 11am – 6pm Admission: Adults €2 – Teen & Kids Free including Pet Farm Old World Machinery Round Hay Bales The Miami Slide As it’s our 10th Anniversary, Scarecrow Festival, we really are trying to make it that extra bit special, and bringing the biggest slide in Europe, is sure to excite all!
The Walk is based on Marie Moylan’s Historical Map of Durrow and will follow the route of same. The earliest record of Durrow dates back to 546 A.D. and the walk will take you along to visit many distinctive buildings including the Courthouse, The Famine Memorial, the Castle, the Castle Gate Lodge and the Obelisk (in the Castle grounds). This is a perfect opportunity to learn about the history of Durrow.
This is a free Event through DDF/Durrow Scarecrow Festival but requires booking for numbers. Book Here!
Allow a minumum of 1 hour for the walk but may take more time.
Meet at the Scarecrow Village Entrance ten minutes before the start of the walk, wear comfertable shoes or hiking boots, this walk is part village and part countryside.
Wednesday July 31st at 2:00pm
Friday August 2nd at 7:00pm
Durrow Laois Historical Walk in conjunction with Durrow Scarecrow Festival
Historical Walking Tour of Durrow with Sean Conroy The Walk is based on Marie Moylan’s Historical Map of Durrow and will follow the route of same. The earliest record of Durrow dates back to 546 A.D.
Durrow Scarecrow Festival is all about fun and laughter, so who better to officially open our tenth anniversary event in 2019, than our very own Bernard O’Shea. A native of Durrow, Bernard’s comedic value continues to soar, and we are always delighted to proudly welcome him home!!
Events on the opening day, Sunday 28th July, get underway from 11am, and Bernard will officially open Durrow Scarecrow Festival 2019, in the Scarecrow Village, at 3pm! So be sure to come along! The laughs are guaranteed!!!!
Sunday 28th July
3PM in the Scarecrow Village: Durrow’s funniest export, Bernard O’Shea will officially open Durrow Scarecrow Festival 2019!
New to this year’s Scarecrow Festival, to celebrate our 10th Anniversary year, is the Scarecrow Making Workshops for adults. The workshops are being held on both Sundays during the festival, and entry is free!
Children have long enjoyed being tutored in the fine art of making scarecrows, so we thought, “why not give the adults a chance!”
So if you are in the Scarecrow Village, on Sunday the 28th July, or Sunday 4th August, do drop in, and learn the craft from those who have many year’s experience, and many, many scarecrow creations to their names.
For homework, you will have one year to come up with a wonderful scarecrow for next year’s competition!!!