TIDY TOWNS AWARDS: Fáilte Ireland have issued invitations to both local Tidy Towns groups in Windgap and Tullahought to the South East Region Tidy Towns Awards event on Thursday, November 3rd 2016. The awards are being run on behalf of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The event will take place in the Lakeside Hotel, Ballina, Co. Tipperary close to Birdhill, the winning regional centre,

HALL MEETING: Windgap Community development meeting held a meeting on Thursday evening last to progress the lease of the Hall and Grant Funding for its renovation. Updates were given on Tidy Towns, the Creamery renovations and the playground. Meetings are scheduled with Leader and the County Council in the coming week.

LOTTO: The winning numbers of 2, 12, 18, 24 and bonus number 10 brought match three cheques to Paddy Walsh and Kathleen Doyle. Next week’s prize fund is €7.300.

GALMOY WINDGAP: With both the Windgap and Galmoy adult teams out of the championship the amalgamated Galmoy Windgap underage teams play Tullougher Rosbercon in both the under fourteen replay and the under twenty one hurling championships in the coming days.

MIKE DENVER: Kilkenny GAA Supporters Club in conjunction with Langtons have Mike Denver, Gloria, Brendan Quinn and other guests in concert in Cillín Hill on Saturday 29th of October at 7.30pm. Tickets cost €25 and are available online from tickets.ie and from the local Centra and Super Valu stores

BADMINTON: Tullahought junior badminton club has resumed their activities after the AGM held on Tuesday last in Windgap Community Centre. Further details will appear in next week’s edition.

FOOTBALL FINAL: Lining out in the Tipperary under sixteen football championship with Mullinahone on Sunday were local Camogie players Mollie Walsh, Lucy White and the O’Shea sisters Cliodhana and Caoimhe. After wins over Moycarkey Borris and the Silvermines in the semi-final in recent weeks, the results will see them play Ardfinnan in the County Final. The fixture is at a time and venue to be arranged this weekend.

SUIR VALLEY AGM: The Suir Valley Environmental Group holds their Annual General Meeting on Monday 24th October at 8pm in Ballyneale Hall. The group are spearheading the opposition to the erection of Wind Turbines overlooking the Lingaun Valley and would like to see a big turnout for the AGM.

BUILT ENVIROMENT: The Tidy Towns adjudicators first stop in Windgap “was in the car park beside the pleasant lake area and we were quite impressed. This amenity area includes active and passive facilities and is accessible to the public but particularly to the students from the adjacent school. We suggest planting a hedge against the chain link fence at the basketball court to provide some screening and to reduce wind on the court. Wooden picnic tables here were very good and the little wooden bridge to the island is attractively built. Remember to keep the wood protected. The car park was very clean and the backdrop of trees added to the scene. The boulders do an efficient job but they always look temporary. A low stone wall would be a more attractive feature as a future project. New entrance piers would also enhance more than the barriers. Across the road, the old school is boarded up and no doubt you look forward to the building being in use again at some future date. The new school building looks very well. Old creamery building are not used except for the yard which is a fuel and feed business operated by Glanbia. We suggest painting windows, curtains etc., to improve the building and take the vacant look of it. Old rings on wall probably for tying horses could be an art feature. The rest of the complex is derelict and should be removed or screened. The building opposite needs painting. The Handball centre was painted but the ground outside was untidy. The GAA building looks well; the grounds are sheltered with evergreen trees on many sides. We admired the old forge entrance restoration; it is an attractive feature in a prominent location. The abandoned medical centre and the old RIC Barracks were noted also. The Land league house was in good condition and also the parochial house. The town pump with Nasturtium was noted favourably. We walked through the cemetery to the Calvary; what a wonderful location. What appears to have been the site of an old church is now a well maintained grassed terrace. Some sweeping of the path was needed here and also on the street outside. The signs for the Loop Walks are of a good standard and the access points are very appropriate. We saw the children and teacher using the loop. Finger post signs are very good and the playground is attractive”.
​
STREETSCAPE: The Tidy Towns adjudicators visit to Tullahought noted “ The village is very well presented and it is clear that everyone in the community plays their part in ensuring that their premises and also public buildings are well maintained. The church being the largest building makes a strong statement. We noted it is over a century old and well on the way for the second centenary. The adjoining graveyard looks very well as does the small adjacent building immediately beside the church. The works done on the adjacent farmyard were noted. Stone walls throughout are impressive and we admired the new stone wall and landscape feature on Windgap Road. The old Forge from the Browder Family of 1860 is also an important heritage feature. It is conserved in an appropriate and interesting manner with the anvil in the centre. The picnic area here is well placed and well maintained. The main crossroads in the village announce the importance of Tullahought by the presence of the Tidy Towns sign and by the manner in which this area is maintained. Powers Public House looked well as did other buildings in that area. The grotto looked well as did the interesting water feature on that side of the road”.

HURLERS DRAW: Tickets for the Kilkenny Senior Players Training & Holiday Fund Draw are on sale. First prize is €5,000, 2nd is a 40" LED TV and 3rd Cordless Vacuum Cleaner. 2nd and 3rd prizes are kindly sponsored by Electro City. Tickets cost €10 and will be on sale at the games in Nowlan Park each weekend between now and County Final day on October 30th. Tickets are also available from the officer in local club.

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

CIRCUS VISIT: After a break of generations when travelling shows and mobile cinemas visited the area, the Corvenieo Circus described as Irelands oldest staged an excellent show in Windgap Community Centre recently. Despite the height restrictions of the Hall in comparison to a Big Top it brought the audience much closer to some amazing skills

PIETA HOUSE: Kilkenny Federation I.C.A held Loop walk in Aid of PIETA House on Saturday last around the Loop Walk in Windgap Village. The walk commenced at the lake at 11am and travelled by the Calvary Grotto attracted a fine turnout.

UGANDAN APPRECIATION: A note of appreciation has arrived to the People of Windgap and all who supported recent fundraising from around the South East. It came from Jane Namatovu in the Kajjasi Health Centre in Uganda “thanking all for the good heart showed us when you donated the amount of two and a half million Uganda Shillings to us through Dr. Eoin Ryan from Windgap who volunteered for four weeks work this year. Jane also stated it has helped to cater for  medical camps in the rural communities where vulnerable people have managed to get free health service like  HIV, Aids testing, de-worming children and treating communicable disseises like Malaria, STD’s. The communication ended with a blessing for everyone in Kampala stating “God bless the work of your hands”.

CAMOGIE CHAMPIONS: The O’Duffy Cup and members of the All Ireland Senior Camogie Champions team led by local player Denise Gaule will visit Powers in Tullahought on this Friday evening after 9pm.

HALL MEETING: The Windgap Community development meeting is planned for Thursday evening at 8pm when the lease of the Hall, Grant Funding, Tidy Towns results and fund raising details will be discussed.

MINISTERAL VISIT:  Having become accustomed over the years to the mystical setting of the Knockroe Passage Tomb at the Sunrise and Sunset of the Winter Solstice, the historic site again radiated its splendour and mystery on a beautiful Autumnal evening when the Minister for Arts, Heritage Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys visited on Thursday week.
Encouraged by the beautiful weather a large crowd had begun to gather long before the Minister was due to arrive. With the majority of the gathering drawn from this Kilkenny/Tipperary border region there were just two topics of conversion between the growing crowds. The recent Hurling All Ireland between the two counties and the achievement of the creators of Knockroe who created the 5,000 year old tomb which today unites the two counties. On an evening where her busy schedule was stretched the Minister was escorted from Callan by John Paul Phelan TD who had previously conveyed the invitation to visit Knockroe from the Caiseal Conservation Committee.

MEET AND GREET: Waiting to greet the Minister on her arrival were Professor Muiris O'Suilleabhain who carried out the archaeological dig at Knockroe, Collette Byrne CEO Kilkenny Co. Co., Cllr Matt Doran Chairman Kilkenny Co. Co. and Councillors Pat Dunphy, Tomas Breathnach, Fidelis Doherty and Malcolm Noonan. MC on the evening was Richard Walsh who introduced the speakers, Council Chairman Matt Doran, Professor Muiris O'Suilleabhain and Minister Heather Humphreys. Councillor Doran welcomed the Minister on behalf of the Kilkenny Council and all the well-wishers present. 
Richard Walsh addressed the issues facing the Passage Tomb into the future: the need for road signage, improvements to the access road, and the threat posed to the site from a planned wind turbine development. He thanked the OPW for the care they take of the site and mentioned especially Kilkenny Co. Co. and the OPW for their plans to improve the road surface. Hopes to see the cross border area developed by  Leader in conjunction with Bord Failte's "Irelands Ancient East" were also outlined.
Professor Muiris O'Suilleabhain outlined the history and importance of the site as the only location in the country which celebrates the morning and evening winter solstice. Continuing he itemised other nationally important sites in the area, the Baunfree Passage Tomb, the Carrigadoon Hill-fort and the Slievenamon Cairn emphasising the interconnection between them. Also mentioned as treasures of the area were the nearby High Crosses of Ahenny, Kilkieran and Killamery and the old Slatequarries. 

PEACE AND TRANQUILITY: Minister Humphreys addressed the magic, beauty and tranquillity of the site, her worry as her car traversed the uneven access road and her surprise as they rounded the last bend to be greeted by such a large crowd. Mentioning that her department were involved in opposing the planned wind turbines in the area she pledged her support to the passage tomb. To round off a perfect evening at Knockroe Minister Heather Humphreys was presented with a framed photograph of the Passage Tomb taken by Local Photographer Lena Power. The Ministerial delegation were then taken to the home of Pat and Eileen Power where Eileen served a delicious high tea and the talk continued about the Passage Tomb and the success of the local equine industry. Thanks were extended to Mark Lonergan for looking after parking, Robert Duggan for the sound system and also Tom Morrissey and Pat Power for providing parking facilities. 

APPEAL; The Dutch wind company Dunoair have appealed the Tipperary Co. Co. refusal for eight wind turbines overlooking the Knockroe Passage Tomb to An Bord Pleanala. In response the Caiseal Conservation Committee and the Suir Valley Environmental Group are held a public information meeting on Thursday week in Faugheen Clubhouse to mobilise once more to ensure that this development does not go ahead after over two hundred objections were lodged to the development when it came before the Tipperary County Council planning department. Objectors included Kilkenny County Council, The Heritage Council, An Taisce, Historic Environmental and Community groups and a great number of individuals. 
​
NOTES: Contributors and Clubs are invited to email items for publication with a name and contact number to windgapnotes@gmail.com by Sunday evenings at 6pm. For all the local news and photos visit windgap.ie

Bearna na Gaoithe: Sagart Paróiste: Fearghus Ó Fearghail
An tOchtú Domhnach Fichead Saor: 8/9 Deire Fómhair 2016
​
Recent Death: Tommy Walsh, Polrone, Tullahought
John Hayes, Hillingdon, London (formerly  Kildrummy, Windgap) 
Anniversaries: Windgap: Mary O’Meara, Bawnreagh
Kay Clinch, Rossaneny Court
Tullahought: Pat Purcell, Kilmacoliver

Mass Times: Weekend: Windgap: Saturday, 7.30 pm. Tullahought: Sunday, 10 am. 
Weekdays at 9.00 a.m. (except in the event of a funeral).
Windgap: Readers: September: 17, Marie Brown; 24, Larry O’Shea; October: 1, Sean Foley; 8, Heather O’Brien.
Eucharistic Ministers: September: 24, Breda O’Shea; October: 1, Eileen O’Gorman; 8, Margaret Mackey; 15, Joan Waters; 22, Liz Jackson.
Collectors for October: Pierce Landy & Laurence Crowley.
Tullahought: Eucharistic Ministers:, September: 4, Leo Conalty; 11, Patricia Power; 18, Mary Walsh; 25, Eileen Grace; October: 1, Leo Conalty;

St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society: The Diocesan Committee of the Society, having spoken at the three Deanery meetings in April, would like to speak to anyone in the Parish who is interested in starting a branch in the parish. Contact details: President Paul Clarke -086-2523534 paulfclarke@eircom.ie; Vice President Phil Cooke – 0868333029 phil.cooke@hotmail.com; Secretary Marian Fennelly – 086-0693510 marian.fennelly@ kilkennycoco.ie.

Blessing of Pump House: The blessing of the New Pump House will take place on Thursday next at 4.00 p.m. All are welcome.

Knit and Stitch Show: Bus to Knit and Stitch Show in the RDS on Thursday, 21 October, will leave Callan at 7.30 a.m. Further enquiries to Maria Landy at 0879518384.

Juvenile Badminton: Tullahought Juvenile Badminton Club are having a registration night on Wednesday 12th October 7.30 - 8pm in Windgap community centre. 

Camogie News: Denise Gaule is bringing the All Ireland camogie cup – the Duffy cup - to Power’s public house in Tullahought on Friday Evening next.  Everyone is welcome 

Bullaun Stone, Windgap NS: In a previous number of the Nuachtlitir the Bullaun stones in Killamery were mentioned. There is also a bullaun stone in the grounds of Windgap N.S. This very large stone came from the wood in Barnabrack (Bearna Breac).  In addition to the round hole typical of such stones there is a huge crack in the stone. Seeing that it is only about a half mile from Killamery (as the crow flies) Eddie Kelly speculates that the monks were possibly forming a bullaun and had nearly completed the job when the stone split. Jim Power and Eddie Kelly (with a very young Shay Power in attendance) brought it down to the school grounds one evening after school in the late 1970s.  Canon Carrigan mentions another bullaun stone – in Mrs Carroll’s field - about 250 yards south of Killamery graveyard; “a large rough boulder with a nicely chiselled circular bowl”. Cá bhfuil an chloch sin anois? 

Voices of Hope – Reflections for October – St. Canice’s, Kilkenny. These reflections etc. are to take place on Wednesday evenings in October at 7.30. This is an initiative for the year of Mercy. All are welcome to celebrate God’s great gifts of hope, mercy and healing. Refreshments and a chat afterwards in St. Canice’s Parish Centre. 

On Wednesday, 12 October, Ms (now Senator) Joan Freeman will be speaking on the theme of mercy. Ms Freeman is a practising psychologist. She opened Pietà House in Lucan some years ago. It now has 18 branches throughout the country. On Wednesday, 19 October, Fr Desmond O’Donnell will conduct a service of Reconciliation and Healing. By establishing the Year of Mercy Pope Francis was reminding us of how abiliding and available God’s mercy is and how important it is for each one of us to experience this infinite treasure. Paraphrasing the parable of the Prodigal Son Pope Francis wrote:
The path to return home is the path of hope and new life. God awaits our returning to the journey; he awaits us with patience; he sees us when we are still a long way off; he runs to meet us; he embraces us; he kisses us; he forgives us. This is how God is. This is how our Father is. And his forgiveness cancels the past and regenerates us in love.

Knock Shrine: Restore your soul this Autumn at Knock Shrine with a new series of faith renewal events! Take time-out to lift your spirit and deepen your faith with workshops, retreats and more to reflect, discuss and engage. ‘Quiet Days for Busy People’, one-day retreats for spiritual renewal, returns on Saturday October 1st. See the full programme of Faith Renewal events at www.knockshrine.ie/faithrenewal; to book place contact faithrenewal@knockshrine.ie or phone (094) 93 88100.

Tullahought Church: On Sunday 2 August 1885 the chapel in Tullahought was consecrated by the bishop of Ossory Abraham Brownrigg. The Munster Express of 8 August 1885 describes the event: “For many years the old chapel, which was not at all adequate to the requirements of the parish, had been falling into a state of decay, and towards the end of’1882 was in a miserable condition. The Rev James Brennan the energetic and patriotic curate of the parish [from 10 Sept. 1882], took the arduous on himself of seeing that an edifice suitable to the worship of God should be erected, and his efforts met with that hearty response every given by the Irish people to any appeal for the furtherance or advantage of their religion. In the short space of two years a beautiful building has sprung up, which would do credit to far larger and wealthier parishes than that of Tullahaught, which is one of the smallest in the diocese. Father Brennan worked earnestly and indefatigably, and the success which crowned his labours is but a measure of what he deserves. On Sunday, besides the parishioners of Tullahaught, many were present from 
​Carrick-on-Suir, Newtown, Callan, Windgap, etc. The Callan choir, under the conductorship of Mr Kerwick, and with the valuable assistance of the Rev Dr Cane, Dublin, gave their valuable services on the occasion. I am informed the cost of the chapel was nearly £1,500, of which about £150 still remains due. It is to be hoped that Father Brennan will not have to wait long until the liabilities have been cleared off, and his beautiful church be wholly free of debt. The altar which is a magnificent work of art was presented by some friends in London”.
The Solemn ceremony of consecration having been performed, by his Lordship, Dr Brownrigg, High Mass was celebrated with the bishop presiding. The celebrant was Fr Carrigan CC Callan, deacon, Fr E Brennan CC Callan, Fr James Byrne, sub-deacon, Fr James Brennan, Master of Ceremonies. In the choir were Archdeacon Drea, PP Callan, Fr Coyne, PP Dunnamaggin, Fr Hoyne CC Hugginstown, Fr Purcell, PP Templeorum, Mr McKenna, student, St. Kieran’s College, Fr P. Power, CC Carrick-on-Suir. On the conclusion of Mass the bishop gave “a most eloquent and impressive address”, congratulating priests and people on the beautiful church.  The ceremony concluded with his Lordship’s benediction.