MEMORABLE OCCASION: Great colour, buckets of atmosphere, Mediterranean weather and an idyllic hilltop setting all combined for a memorable trip to Clones for the renowned occasion of the Ulster Football Final. With the hay and silage making season in full swing in the North East there was no obvious effects of Brexit as the route from Virginia was a geographic lesson, winding through the hills and lakes of counties, Cavan, Fermanagh, Monaghan, Fermanagh again and then back into Monaghan. On a day when the population of the town increased twenty fold for the duration of the provincial football finals from its seventeen hundred residents it creates a sporting and cultural oasis unseen in large urban venues. From the height of the Diamond, busy after Sunday morning Service the crowds clad in red, white, green and gold mingled, chatted and flowed all the way down Fermanagh Street and back up Church Hill as all access roads led to St. Tiernachs Park.  Set in a bowl over the brow of the hill, the playing arena is set into the rolling landscape and rises naturally on three sides.  In doing so it created an amphitheatre with the famous hill terrace stretching way up over the uncovered side-line stand and enabled the spectators to looking down on the covered stand on the opposite side of the ground.  
After Donegal survived a late Derry rally in the minor final the tension and anticipation visibly ratcheted up as holders Donegal and challengers Tyrone took to the field and paraded behind the blue and black clad St Michaels Scout Band from Enniskillen.
As recent household names showed their skills the McHugh’s, Lacey's, McGee’s, McBreartys, Murphy’s, Odhrán McNeillais and substitute Toye appeared to have enough done for the Tír Conaill men as the game was well into injury time. Having shadowed boxed and played defensively for most of the game, it then exploded like a sprint finish in the Tour or the Derby as who was in front at the finish line, was all that mattered. Getting the timing to a tee the Cavanagh’s, Harte’s and the bearers of the many Mc surnames who backboned the Tyrone men, it enabled the veteran Red Hand full forward Sean Cavanagh climb the steps to collect the Anglo Celt Cup, that had just slipped from Donegal hands and had eluded Monaghan and Cavan grasps as well.
As supporters mingled on the field, in the ground and around the town for hours, to let the heavy traffic get away, thoughts turned to the potential opposition in the semis and what team would be thrown up in the qualifier draws on Monday morning. A slight damper was the future of the occasion that may be shelved and centralized with the construction of a state of the art stadium at Casement Park in Belfast. Reflections also included thoughts on the Down Jubilee team the champions of 1991 that were presented at half time and had opened the gate for Ulster Teams on the Sam McGuire trail.  As they left Clones that far flung evening led by McGraths McCartan's, Blaney's Carr's, Linden's and McHugh's to become national heroes when they went on to defeat a thought to be unbeatable Meath in the All-Ireland final.
Fed and watered and in no rush on the journey home, signage for lakeside fishing, triathlon events, country music and the sale of turf plots caught the eye as the nearest thing to a traditional Ulster says No sign, related to the environment, when No Fracking was requested.  As the rural areas showing signs of long term emigration, an Indian Summers day in the middle of an Irish Summer, ensured a long term ambition was fulfilled as it was surely a day to remember.
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STONE WALLING: Work resumed converting the new supply of the stone into boundary walls at the forge on Saturday week. Short Paraic Walsh, Dave Jackson, John Ryan and Dermot Houlihan from the team of masons that rebuilt the nearby Forge frontage the remaining team members Jimmy Coyne and Joe O’Shea were ably assisted by Noel Ryan, Nicky Hawe and the masons mentor Seamus Davis. With the joints to be brushed out over the weekend, the work continues on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings with a view to having it completed on Saturday.  After a tidy up and some small landscaping are carried out the project will have transformed the street corner. Supplementing the seven hour day were copious supplies of tea, sandwiches and tarts supplied by the neighbours.

FLOWER POWER: This week’s good news Tidy Towns story includes the repair of the pier at the Church entrance in Windgap whilst across the road weeding work resumes at the Grotto on Tuesday. In the lower village there is more weeding to be carried out at the lake when whilst across the road a tidy up has commenced around the Hall. The extended fine weather has created a mini Wimbledon at the Tennis court as the newly erected Tennis net has attracted plenty of players. Following good work by Noreen Hayes and Kate Moloney work has commenced by KCATS on the Old School Building. In both Tullahought and Windgap villages flower displays of every type have added great colour and are well worth a Drive By.

DEFRIBILATOR SALE: We are holding our Annual Cake and Home Produce Sale on Friday, 5th August, after the Cemetery Mass in Windgap. We would greatly appreciate if you could support this very important event; by bringing cakes, home produce (jams, flowers, vegetables, eggs etc.) or by making a donation to the fund.  Items for the sale can be left in to the tented area in the village on Friday from 6pm onwards.  Raffle tickets for a Hamper and other prizes will be sold at the Cake Sale and the draw will take place after Mass. We will also hold a similar raffle after the Cemetery Mass in Tullahought on Thursday, 4th August. All support would be gratefully appreciated as the fund is providing training for a new group at present and 48 operators will need to do refresher courses before the end of 2016.  Three of our Defibrillators are due to be serviced and pads will need to be replaced.  We also intend to purchase a 5th Defibrillator shortly for the Killamery area.  For further details please contact Joan O’ Gorman 086-1024892, Richie Walsh 087-9963355, Helen Hawe 086-8834042, Miriam Barron 087-7773233 or any member of the committee.

HANDBALL NEWS: At the newly inaugurated under thirteen 60x30 doubles competition hosted in Clogh and Talbots Inch, the finals were played in Talbots Inch. Having won the semi-final with a hard fought 11 to 10 win in the first game against Kilfane, Windgap’s Adam Doyle and Blade O’Gorman went down Kells in the final. All participants received medals with the semi and finalists receiving County playing gear. Windgap hosted the County One Wall handball Championships on Sunday. Report on the games in next week’s edition.

CAMOGIE NEWS: Following the defeat of Kilkenny Seniors by Galway on Saturday week the county championship and holiday and work plans of the club players has been thrown disarray with an All-Ireland quarter final to be fitted into the local fixtures list. The proposed changes have seen the postponement of the side’s next game against Muckalee. Best wishes are extended to Denise Gaule who is a member of the County side for an extended championship run.

GRAVEYARD MASSES: The annual cemetery mass took place in the Slatequarries on Thursday with the remaining ones taking place on Wednesday 3rd August in Killamery, Thursday 4th of August in Tullahought and Friday 5th of August in Windgap. All are at 7.30pm.

ST. BERNADETTE: With clean up preparations on-going at all venues for the annual graveyard masses hoped are still high to have the marble statue of St. Bernadette at the Grotto repaired and restored before the annual community remembrance event. De-capacitated a generation ago its repair has long being a wish of the community.

DRAWS: The winning numbers in this week’s Lotto draw were 2, 17, 25, 26, and bonus number 18. Next week’s prize fund is €7,650. The next Hurlers Co-Op Draw takes place on Tuesday next the 26th.

SUBMISSIONS UPDATE: Well over one hundred and fifty hard copy objections to the proposals by Dunoair’s to build eight wind turbines on the ridge stretching from Carraigadoon towards Slievenamon were lodged with Tipperary County Council. Additional submissions were made on line by the closing date on Monday 18th July.

CELEBRITY EVENT: Preparations are well under way for Kilmoganny Festival with everybody looking forward to the eagerly awaited `I’m not a Celebrity ‘event in Kilmoganny woods. The Launch is on Wed 27th of July at 8pm. Don’t miss it, lots of entertainment in store. 11 contestants enter the wood and stay there until Sunday 31st July unless voted out. Come and see them, vote for who you want to stay in. Only 1 euro a vote. Times of Trials and challenges as follows. Wed 7pm-: Champagne in Dunphy`s Bar, Kilmoganny. 8pm-Wed: Launch. Thursday-12noon; challenge, 5pm:   Jungle Dinner, 8pm: Trial. Friday- 12noon: Challenge, 5pm: Dinner, 8pm: Trial, 9pm: Vote off. Saturday12noon: Challenge, 4pm: Trial, 5pm: vote off, 6pm: Dinner, 7.30: vote off, 8.00: Challenge. Sunday-     12noon: Vote off 12.30; Challenge 5.30:  Trial followed by voting, counting of votes, and crowning of King or Queen of the Jungle. Irish Ceil night on Friday Night in Kilmoganny Hall at 9.30pm. Music by Danny Webster. Teas and Raffle also. Field Day on Sunday 31st in the new Sports Field in Kilmoganny commencing at 1.30. Thomas O`Shea hurling blitz at 2.00pm Wheel of Fortune,  Bric a Brac, Numerous games for young and old, Barbecue, Tea Tent, Tug of War, Great nights entertainment in Dunphy`s Lounge later with music from 7-9.30 by Kiwi Paddy followed by the brilliant ‘Vegas Nights`

NUACHLITIR: Notices for the weekend Masses can be emailed to [email protected] or (085) 8830756 or be dropped into the Parochial House by Thursday evening.

NOTES: Contributors and Clubs are invited to email items for publication with a name and contact number to [email protected] by Sunday evenings at 6pm. For all the local news and photos visit windgap.ie

​DEFRIBILATOR SALE: We are holding our Annual Cake and Home Produce Sale on Friday, 5th August, after the Cemetery Mass in Windgap. We would greatly appreciate if you could support this very important event; by bringing cakes, home produce (jams, flowers, vegetables, eggs etc.) or by making a donation to the fund.  Items for the sale can be left in to the tented area in the village on Friday from 6pm onwards.  Raffle tickets for a Hamper and other prizes will be sold at the Cake Sale and the draw will take place after Mass. We will also hold a similar raffle after the Cemetery Mass in Tullahought on Thursday, 4th August. All support would be gratefully appreciated as the fund is providing training for a new group at present and 48 operators will need to do refresher courses before the end of 2016.  Three of our Defibrillators are due to be serviced and pads will need to be replaced.  We also intend to purchase a 5th Defibrillator shortly for the Killamery area.  For further details please contact Joan O’ Gorman 086-1024892, Richie Walsh 087-9963355, Helen Hawe 086-8834042, Miriam Barron 087-7773233 or any member of the committee.

DEVELOPMENT NEWS: Good news emanated on a number of fronts at the Windgap Community Development Committee that took place on Tuesday evening. After a long planning and consultation process an application for Windgap's new Community Centre will be submitted to Kilkenny County Council shortly. At the playground a new tennis net was installed and repairs are planned for the hole in the surrounding fence. The work of the Tidy Towns group in its second year was lauded as were the plans to complete the forge. The appointment of a new director to complete the full complement for the next funding application has been put in train. Updates were given on the planned improvements at the creamery, the old National School and proposed ones in the areas around the hall and playground. Maps are to be provided for the entrance to the School, Playground and GAA Club with a view to having the area tarred.

EVENING STROLL:  One of the hidden gems of the area has been rejuvenated by a hard working dedicated team of volunteers in recent weeks. Trimmed, strimmed, swept, wed and planted in recent weeks, a stroll through the Calvary Grotto over the contrasting white quartz and laurel hedge lined pathways displays majestic external panoramic views as it circles the peak of the hill. It also offers internal surprises at every corner with Carrera Marble statues set in alcoves hewn into the hill, with pathway mosaics adding intrigue to the peaceful silence of the place. On the route the multi shades of green are contrasted with the red berries on the laurel hedges, foxgloves, fuchsia, blackberry and elder flowers that also provide their unique scent to the evening air. Added are the bright colours of the Lupins, African Marigolds, lobelia and carnations in almost one hundred yards of flower beds. On the way bags of decorative stones are lined up for the next evenings work schedule.  Exiting the Grotto via the steps under the giant beech trees whose brown autumnal leaves of the past season still provide visible layers of their golden colour. Nearby the shells and husks of its fruits carpet the surface of a number of the older graves in their shade. A glance at the headstone inscriptions in the fading light starts a story for another day on the people and the history of those buried in the lee of the Grotto.  

THE UNTOLD STORY: The tragedy of the disappearance of six year Mary Boyle in our childhood days in 1977 has remained unresolved and has reached Government Chambers in Dublin, Westminster, Brussels, Stormont and Washington without resolution. In recent times a TV documentary, The Untold Story written and directed by Gemma O'Doherty, tells the story about the case of Ireland's youngest missing person. Mary vanished on her grandparents' remote farm near Ballyshannon County Donegal. Having attracted over seventy thousand viewers since it was launched on line a week ago it can be seen on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vGORoCbpXw&feature=youtu.be

GREAT WIN: The under twevlve Camogie side won the Jerry Kenneally Memorial Tournament in Kilmacow. The teams were marched around the pitch and then the band  played Amhrán Na bhFiann. In all four teams took part in the tournament with Windgap playing Ballyhale Shamrocks in the Semi Final and Piltown in the final. The Team was led out by their Captain Denise Foley was Orlal O'Shea Ali Kennedy, Victoria O'Brien, Emer Barron, Sarah Cullen, Nathania Jackson, Emer Smith Jenny Saunders, Sarah Culleton, Ava O'Brien and Megan Kenneally. The side played really well in tough conditions with the rain spoiling things a little. Denise was presented with the cup and thanked team trainer Mick O'Shea, Dave Jackson and Michelle O'Brien and to all the parents for driving. and she thanked Kilmacow for having the tournament run so well. Pictures and more details can be found on windgap.ie

CAMOGIE NEWS: Windgap Seniors played a return challenge against Mooncoin in Dunnamaggin with most of the players back, the sides next game is scheduled for the 19th July against Muckalee.

GRAVEYARD MASSES: The annual cemetery masses take place in the Slatequarries on Thursday on 21st of July on Wednesday 3rd August in Killamery, Thursday 4th of August in Tullahought and Friday 5th of August in Windgap all at 7.30pm. With preparations on-going at all venues it is hoped that following a kind offer to have the marble statue of St. Bernadette at the Grotto repaired and restored before the annual community remembrance event.

TIDY TOWNS: Tidy Towns work continued in Windgap on the Grotto during the week. The forge work involved a team of John McKenna, Nicky Hawe and Pat Walsh collecting stones from a generous farmer for the final push by the stone masons under Seamus Davis to complete the forge feature. The work takes place over the next two Saturdays and it is hoped to have an additional surprise feature in situ for the official opening. Thanks are extended from the group to all who donated plants for flower beds in the Grotto and the floating flower beds and water lilies in the lake.

CLUB NEWS: The junior’s travelled to Graiguenamanagh for the fourth round of the League Championship game on Saturday evening. Played in excellent conditions the home side started short three of the selected side with the visitors short four which included the entire full forward line. Playing against the strong wind Windgap were led by 1-10 to 0-4 at the break. Having added 1-3 without reply in the first ten minutes of the new half, the progress continued with just two points (1-12 to 1-10) remaining between the sides with ten minutes to go. The team performance was led by the young players in David Doyle, James Culleton, Darren Walsh and goal scoring debutant Pat Grace whilst senior player James Murray had an exceptionally busy time in goal.  The side play Piltown in the final round on Sunday morning 14th of August. See Sports pages for the match report.

LOTTO: The winning numbers in this week’s Lotto draw were 5, 12, 17, 20, and bonus number 18. Next week’s prize fund is €7,400.
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP: Following a successful workshop held in Faugheen a second one is being held in the Nano Nagle Centre in Carrick on Suir on Thursday next 14th of July from four to seven o’clock. Its aim is to assist Residents, communities, historical groups who promote the area and other interested parties facing the possibility of eight Giant Wind Turbines being erected on the hills overlooking their homes and amenities on both the Kilkenny and Tipperary border. Latest news on the proposals will see major entrance works at Newtown School and major road works from Newtown School via Faugheen Village and Ballinurra to Ballydine. The third applicaltion in recent years is being facilitated by a landowner who lives outside the area after previous attempts failed because the developers were unable to gain access to the site from local landowners. Concern is also being expressed for autistic children who live or attend the local schools in the flicker and acoustic range of the proposed turbines. Objections to the planning application are to be lodged with Tipperary County Council by the 18th July and will cost €20.  people to.

NUACHLITIR: Notices for the weekend Masses can be emailed to [email protected] or (085) 8830756dropped into the Parochial House by Thursday evening.

​NOTES: Contributors and Clubs are invited to email items for publication with a name and contact number to [email protected] by Sunday evenings at 6pm. For all the local news and photos visit windgap.ie

WINDGAP GROTTO
​On a gentle little hilltop above the village fair.
You will see a lovely Grotto bedecked with flowers rare.
It’s the handwork of people who once graced this peaceful scene,
And left their mark upon it which forever remains green
​
With dedicated labour both the parson and his flock
Did raise this lovely structure from virgin earth and rock.
And as you tread those shady walks where the birdies chirrup and sing,
You sense their tireless labour to honour Christ our King.
And as they trod the pilgrim’s path the road we all must tread,
​They left behind that lovely shrine

POLISHED GEM: One of the hidden gems of the area has been rejuvenated and polished off by a hard working dedicated team of volunteers in recent weeks. Set high over Windgap Village the Calvary Walk and Grotto, that is accessible through the graveyard has received tons of “Tender Loving Care” that would be greatly appreciated by its creators of a century ago. Rejuvenated for the Gathering three years ago, its most recent upgrading follows on its inclusion on the recently opened Historical Walk of the village. A stroll over the contrasting white quartz and laurel hedge lined route that displays majestic external views as it circles the peak of the hill also offers internal surprises at every corner. Trimmed, strimmed, swept, wed and planted in recent weeks Carrera Marble statues in alcoves hewn into the hill, mosaics and almost one hundred yards of flower beds and colour add to the peaceful silence and intrigue of the place. On the route the multi shades of green in the area are contrasted with the red laurel berries, foxgloves, fushica, blackberry and elder flowers that also provide its unique scents and the bright colours of the Lupins, African Marigolds, lobelia and carnations. On the way bags of decorative stones are lined up for the next evenings work schedule.  Exiting the Grotto down the steps under the giant beech trees whose brown leaves of last season still provide visible layers of their golden colour, the shells of its fruits carpet the surface of a number of the older graves in their shade. A glance at the headstone inscriptions in the fading light starts a story for another day on the people and the history of the area!

CAMOGIE NEWS: The under tens travelled to James Stephens on Saturday morning to play in their 3rd blitz against Young Irelands, St Brigid’s and home club. In the games Windgap played their hearts out and had a great day. The under sixteens have a match in Windgap this Evening Wednesday 6th July at 7.30pm against Kilmacow and all support is welcome. On Wednesday last the under twelve’s travelled to Tom Walsh Park in Skeoghvosteen to play St Fiachras. The sides were level at half time before St Fiachras got an early second half goal as Windgap fought back well as the goal remained the difference between the sides. The team was Denise Foley, Sara Gleeson, Ali Kennedy, Victoria O'Brien, Emer Barron, Sarah O'Shea, Eimear Smith, Megan Kenneally, Laura Walsh, Sarah Culleton, and Nathania Jackson. Thanks are extended to the trainers and parents involved. The senior’s travelled to Glenmore to play a challenge match where they defeated the home side. Thanks are extended to everyone who contributed to the clubs recent clothes collection

POPE JOHN PAUL AWARD: Fr Fergus O'Farrell presented Alanna Dunphy and Margaret Foley with their Silver Certificate for completing tasks in both the church and the community. The Pope John Paul II Award was created to commemorate the late Pope John Paul II who was committed to young people and who had such belief and confidence in the youth. Through the Award young people will be enabled to take part in the life of their church, community and society and to become more aware of the teaching and role of the Catholic Church.

GRAVEYARD MASSES: The annual cemetery masses take place on Wednesday 3rd August in Killamery, Thursday 4th of August in Tullahought and Friday 5th of August in Windgap all at 7.30pm. With preparations taking place at all of the venues it is hoped to have the marble statue of a kneeling St. Bernadette at the Grotto repaired and restored before the annual community remembrance event.

SUMMER COLOUR: Tidy Towns work continued in both Windgap and Tullahought with the erection of Hanging Baskets and the installation of window boxes in abundance in both villages. In addition a new floral display at the Forge in Windgap and a floating follower arrangement on the lake shows huge promise of great Summer colour. Thanks are extended from the group to all who donated plants for flower beds in Grotto, and the floating flower beds and water lilies in the lake that has helped to transform the area.

CLUB NEWS: The junior’s short holiday makers in Greece and the players in the United States for the Summer played Kilsheelin on Tuesday and St. Mollerans on Thursday evening in preparation for the fourth round League Championship game in Graiguenamanagh on Saturday evening at 7.30pm.
CROKE PARK VISIT: Excitement is rising with the booked of the bus for the end of the month visit of the under eights to Croke park.

LOTTO: Two draws took place on Tuesday last. The winning numbers for the deferred draw of the 21st were 2, 3, 9, 20, and bonus number 7. The winning numbers drawn for the draw of Tuesday 28th June were 3, 16, 20, 21 and bonus number 28. Next week’s prize fund is €7,050. Tickets at €2 are available from any club member.

HURLERS CO-OP DRAW: Congrats to former Full Forward: Eamon Cronin, Mealoughmore on winning €600 3rd Prize in the 2nd Hurlers Co-Op Draw. 3rd Draw 12th July.

DEVELOPMENT NEWS: A meeting of the Windgap Community Development Committee takes place on Tuesday evening   in the club rooms at 8.30 pm. The Agenda includes Tennis Court and Tennis Camps, Amenity Grants, Tidy Towns, Updates on Hall redevelopment and Community Shop, Leader AGM and Funding application, Finances, preparation end of year accounts, Appointment of the full complement of directors, fundraising.

COMMUNITY WORKSHOP: Communities on both sides of the Lingaun River dividing Kilkenny and Tipperary that are facing the possibility for a third time of Giant Wind Turbines being erected on the hills overlooking their homes Knockroe Passage Tomb and the High Crosses of Western Ossory have rallied together. As a result a workshop to help people to make an objection and provide further information was held in Newtown National School on Saturday last 2nd of July with a further workshop held in Faugheen Hall on Sunday morning 3rd of July. Organised by the Suir Valley Environmental Group this series of workshops has seen  large number of objections prepared  by concerned residents who are determined to protect their homes, landscape and heritage. It follows previous attempts to lodge the planning application failed because the developers were unable to gain access to the site from local residents and landowners. Residents, communities, historical groups and other interested parties must lodge their objections to the planning application with Tipperary County Council by the 18th July. Objections to the planning application will cost €20.

BRIDGE RESULTS: Winners at the weekly Killamery Bridge Club game players in the Olde House on Monday were; 1st Rita Houlihan and Pat Arrigan Best Gross: Peggy Vaughan and Kathleen O'Shea. 2nd: Rita Townsend and Maureen Cantwell. 3rd: Catherine Burke and Elizabeth Murray. 4th. Noreen Kenealley and Noreen Hayes. 5th Mary Joy and Kitty Meagher, 6th Helen Lanigan and Mary Lonergan.

NUACHLITIR: Notices for the weekend Masses can be emailed to [email protected] or (085) 8830756dropped into the Parochial House by Thursday evening.

NOTES: Contributors and Clubs are invited to email items for publication with a name and contact number to [email protected] by Sunday evenings at 6pm. For all the local news and photos visit windgap.ie

FUN RUN AND WALK: The postponed Hurling and Camogie Club fun run took place on Sunday morning week. Leaving the Land League House on another, not as wet day, the 5km route led downhill to Robinsons Cross before heading left towards Killamery via Rossenaney and Butlerswood. Passing on the sheltered side of the hill, the route took the first left off the main road to the Bearna Breac. Here it travelled upwards, twisting and turning as the narrow road climbed sharply to the peak at the entrance to the Loop Walk. Like the Gap of Mamore on a wet day, the expected breath-taking views were obliterated by low cloud and rain. Over the top they went at racing, walking and conversational speeds as all partook and benefitted from a quick breather. With the tough climb behind them, they headed down the long straight to turn left for home at the T junction marked by a series of six bar gates. The group was led by Adrian Landy followed by the Young brothers Oscar and Kallie. Next along and keeping the inter county rivalry and International aspect going were Curasilla and Tilpperarys Dean Madden and Paidi Bacon who is just home from Korea. Oblivious to the runners and walkers, a watchful eye was kept on them by a bull and a herd of Suckler cows and calves that were sheltering inside one of the gates with their backs to the wind that prevailed from an unseen cloud covered Slievenamon. As the participants passed by, they included some current Hurlers and Camogie players, retired player’s family groups, club officers and enthusiastic young stars of the future. Well protected and travelling in style was the youngest participant not yet two year old Thomas Griffin of Kells with his cousins and Aunt Mary Culleton. Bringing up the rear with their high viz jackets were race sweepers Pat Walsh, John Ryan and Concepta Moore as they ensured all got safely around the route. As they headed through the sycamore lined, sheltered dip in the road in Oldcastle, their thoughts changed to the awaiting hot teas and refreshments in the local Hall.

CAMOGIE NEWS: In the All County League the seniors went down to neighbours Piltown in Piltown on Friday evening. Playing against the wind the side was 2-9 to 0-2 behind at the break after two injury time goals. On the resumption the sides shared twelve points as the home side ran out 2-15 to 0-8 winners with Ann Marie Phelan getting some fine long range points. Following a social get together on Saturday training for the team resumed in Windgap on Sunday morning. The club held their Annual Clothes Collection on Saturday morning

SCHOOLS CAMOGIE: The Schools Camogie team that qualified for the Shield Final recently was Sontae Jackson (Captain), Abby Dunne, Nathania Jackson, Orlaith O'Shea, Sarah Cullen, Sarah Dowling Culleton, Victoria O Brien, Eimear Smith, Emer Barron, Ali Kennedy, Sarah McCoy, Eleanor Hayes, Ciara O Shea, Niamh Enright, Jenny Saunders, Ava Obrien, Alannah Holden

WINNING SCHOOL TEAM: The members of the Cumann na mBunscoil Roinn D Final Winners in Nowlan Park were Eoin O'Shea, Eoin Freaney, Shane Houlihan, Jack O Shea, Karl McCoy, Killian Doyle, Killian Enright, Sontae Jackson, James Purcell, Niall O Brien, Michael Freaney, Zac Kennedy, Cian Horgan, Ronan O Brien, Nathania Jackson, Liam Conalty, Evan Doyle, Orlaith O Shea, Shane Lomax, Noah O Shea, Conor Doyle, George Culleton, Matej Dullard, Darragh Doyle, Cian O Rourke. The Captain was, Zac Kennedy whilst Simon Brophy, Tony Doyle and Jimmy Purcell looked after the side.

TIDY TOWNS; With the first round of judging carried out both Tullahought and Windgap villages hopes are high that the continued improvement works made a sufficient impression for both to have a second round of judging. In Windgap work continued with hedge and grass cutting around the village with another great turnout at the Calvary Grotto and walk on Tuesday. Plans are in place to extend the levelling and reseeding of the grass margins and the upgrading of the unoccupied buildings on the Carrick Road and hopes are high that the pier at the church entrance will be repaired or removed. In Tullahought the painting of a number of residences and farmyard sheds in the village have made a huge improvement. In addition the tidying up of back street areas and planting has added colour.

LOTTO: Two draws will take place on this Tuesday 28th June Next week’s prize fund is €6,900. Tickets at €2 are available from any club member.

FINALISTS: Only losing three players for next year the Windgap Cumann na mBunscoil Top Oil Roinn C, Under 11 County Finalists who gave a great performance against Ballyragget was Eoin O Shea, Noah O Shea, Darragh Doyle, Evan Doyle, Jack O Shea(c), Shane Lomax, James Purcell, Conor Doyle, Michael Freaney, George Culleton, Ronan O Brien, Cian O Rourke, and Matej Dullard.

GRAVEYARD MASSES: The annual cemetery masses take place on Wednesday 3rd August in Killamery, Thursday 4th of August in Tullahought and Friday 5th of August in Windgap all at 7.30pm

SOS SLIABHNAMBAN: Local action groups along the Lingaun Valley have been campaigning since 2006 to protect the area from the threat of wind turbines. To date these groups have been relying on the generosity of the local communities who supported numerous fund raising initiatives. These action groups drawn from the communities of Ballyneale, Kilcash, Killurney, Carrick-on-Suir, Ahenny, Grangemockler, Tullahought, Windgap and the Caiseal Conservation Committee have united under the umbrella Suir Valley Environmental Group to oppose the Dunoair plans for Giant Wind Turbines. In order to prepare a comprehensive rebuttal to the Dunoair plans that were re-submitted during the week the Suir Valley Environmental Group have engaged a professional consultant to examine the proposals. An online fund raising campaign SOS SLIABHNAMBAN has been launched to help cover the costs. To donate log on to https://www.ifundraise.ie/2532_sos-sliabhnamban.html to help the committee protect the Heritage and Landscape of Sliabhnamban and the Lingaun Valley.

BRIDGE RESULTS: Winners at the weekly Killamery Bridge Club game played in the Olde House on Monday were; 1st Mary Lonergan and Josie O'Gorman. Best Gross: Stella Tenneyson and Noreen Hayes. 2nd: Elizabeth Lanigan and Sarah Crowley. 3rd: Helen Lanigan and Catherine Burke.

LINGAUN VALLEY: If you wish to be part of a committee to look at developing the Lingaun Valley contact Fergus Horgan,  Harry Everard or Christine Walshe at Kilkenny LEADER Partnership, 8 Patrick’s Court, Kilkenny by calling 056 7752111 or by emailing [email protected].

NUACHLITIR: Notices for the weekend Masses can be emailed to [email protected] or (085) 8830756dropped into the Parochial House by Thursday evening.

NOTES: Contributors and Clubs are invited to email items for publication with a name and contact number to [email protected] by Sunday evenings at 6pm. For all the local news and photos visit windgap.ie

DEFRIBILATOR SALE: We are holding our Annual Cake and Home Produce Sale on Friday, 5th August, after the Cemetery Mass in Windgap.
We would greatly appreciate if you could support this very important event; by bringing cakes, home produce (jams, flowers, vegetables, eggs etc.) or by making a donation to the fund.  Items for the sale can be left in to the tented area in the village on Friday from 6pm onwards. 
Raffle tickets for a Hamper and other prizes will be sold at the Cake Sale and the draw will take place after Mass.
​We will also hold a similar raffle after the Cemetery Mass in Tullahought on Thursday, 4th August. All support would be gratefully appreciated as the fund is providing training for a new group at present and 48 operators will need to do refresher courses before the end of 2016.  Three of our Defibrillators are due to be serviced and pads will need to be replaced.  We also intend to purchase a 5th Defibrillator shortly for the Killamery area. 

​For further details please contact Joan O’ Gorman 086-1024892, Richie Walsh 087-9963355, Helen Hawe 086-8834042, Miriam Barron 087-7773233 or any member of the committee.

​Mass Times:       
Weekend: Windgap: Saturday, 7.30 pm. Tullahought: Sunday, 10 am.
Weekdays: Masses at usual times (except in the event of a funeral).
Windgap:

Readers: July: 2, Marie Browne; 9, Larry O’Shea; 16, Ann Foley; 23, Heather O’Brien; 30, Sylvia Culleton.

Eucharistic Ministers: July: 2, Joan Waters; 9, Liz Jackson; 16, Bridget Comerford; 23, Catherine Meagher; 30, Ann O’Shea; August: 6, Breda O’Shea.
Collectors for July: Richie Barry, Billy Brophy.
Tullahought: Eucharistic Ministers: July: 3, Eileen Grace; 10, Leo Conalty; 17, Patricia Power.

Youth 2000 Summer Festival: Cistercian College, Roscrea, 7-10 July - a 4 day celebration of faith for young people aged 16-35 with a programme of talks, workshops, testimonies, prayer, music, drama & much more.  The festival is donation only.  Free buses available from all around Ireland.  To book online, see www.youth2000.ie or phone 01 6753690.
World Youth Day 2016: Krakow, 25-31 July. Young people over the age of 18, wishing to take part with Pope Francis in this pilgrimage  to the homeland of Pope John Paul II should contact Fr. Richard Scriven [087 2420033 or [email protected] or [email protected] or [email protected]] or Derek Dooley (087 938 4242).
Callan Heritage Society bus outing, Saturday 9th of July, to Curraghmore House and Gardens, Portlaw.  Lunch will be served at the Granville Hotel, Waterford. Tour of Copper Coast.  Bus leaves from outside Parish Church at 8.30 AM. A further bus tour to Kilmainham Jail, Dublin is being organised for Saturday, 10th of September.
Mount Carmel, Callan, appeals for support for the annual draw (€20 for full year for 12 draws). Mount Carmel is seeking a promoter in Windgap who would be willing to lend a hand. If you feel you can help, please call Mount Carmel (0567725301) or Elaine in Callan Post Office (056772523).
Fraochán Sunday on Tory Hill: The South Kilkenny Historical Society will join local and others on Sunday 10 July (Fraochán Sunday) on the summit of Tory Hill. Meeting time and place is 1.45pm at Mullinavat church car park. Climbing Tory Hill on Fraochán Sunday is an ancient tradition associated with the ancient festival of Lughnasa. Some light refreshments will be served and it is hoped that the tradition of picking fraocháns will also take place. Canon Carrigan, in The History and Antiquities of the Diocese of Ossory describes Fraochán Sunday on Tory Hill as 'an assemblage of the youth of the neighbourhood to pull the whorts or frocchans, and otherwise amuse themselves'.
June Collection: Many thanks for the June envelopes for the support of the clergy.
Cathedral Restoration Fund – Fr John Lalor, PP Camross, is having a ‘dog-night’ in Kilkenny greyhound track on 12 August in aid of St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Curates of Windgap: Andrew Walsh was a native of Kilminick, Thomastown, born in 1813.  He was a student of Burrell’s Hall from 1832 to 1838 and studied in the seminary in Birchfield from 1838 probably to 1843 or 1844 when he was ordained priest. His first appointment was as CC Mooncoin, 1844-45 where he was the third priest in the parish and was assisting the curate. He served as curate in Windgap from June 1845 to August 1850. Towards the end of his time in Windgap the Callan Tenant Protection Society was formed in Callan with the aims of reducing rents or obtaining fair rents, securing tenant rights, including compensation for improvements, and the creation of employment for labourers. The Society held a meeting in Windgap two months later in December 1849. Windgap was chosen because it could bring together tenant farmers from Waterford, Tipperary and Kilkenny and enrol new members. The Nation newspaper reported that between 15,000 & 20,000 were present, amongst whom was a large number of ladies who filled the windows of the street facing the place of meeting. The chair was taken by Richard Murray.
Fr Walsh proposed the first resolution: "Resolved: That the high rental of this country, founded upon war prices, and hitherto maintained by protective duties and the unnatural competition for land arising from the extinction of all other menus of subsistence, is now, with protection abolished and the capital of the farmer exhausted by a series of adverse seasons, excessive and intolerable, and if upheld must speedily eventuate in the ruin of proprietor and occupier by the discouragement of employment and the consequent impoverishment, of the soil, the entire of which will be absorbed in the maintenance of the unemployed poor, leaving nothing to landlord or tenant." Mr. Patrick Cody, T.C., seconded the resolution. A resolution was also moved by the parish priest of Windgap, Fr Thomas Moylan.  The Callan curates Matthew Keeffe and Tom O’Shea, the founders of the Callan Tenant Protection Society, also spoke at the meeting, the latter giving a rousing speech in which he appealed to all the tenant farmers to join the Society  (The Nation, 22 Dec. 1849).
Fr Walsh was appointed curate in Dunnamaggin in August 1850 and was appointed to Muckalee in 1854, living in Ballyfoyle (1854 – 1870). While in Ballyfoyle he began the building of the present chapel about 1861. Mass was first celebrated in the chapel five years later.  Fr Walsh retired from the parish in 1870 after a gun wound to the hand and died on 16 April 1873 aged 60 years. He is buried in the churchyard in Thomastown where there is a monument in his memory.


Mass in Slatequarries                                                   21 July 7.30
Mass in Killamery Cemetery                                          3 August 7.30
Mass in Tullahought Graveyard                                     4 August 7.30
Mass in Windgap Graveyard                                          5 August 7.30