The Windgap kids of first to sixth class won a prestigious award today Wednesday. Earning third spot in the Kilkenny Eco-factor winning €300 for the school, all under the direction of Miss Malone.

The song featured on Radio Kilkenny at 1.30 pm today and was greeted with such enthusiasm across the Windgap classrooms today, prompting one person to remark that she thought that "One Direction" had arrived to Windgap school.   

https://www.facebook.com/kkcocoenvironment?ref=stream

Kilkenny Local Authorities launched the song competition for primary schools called Eco-Factor last September. It was an opportunity for primary schools to create a song to remind Kilkenny people how to live in an environmentally friendly way. The competition is sponsored by Kilkenny County Council, KCLR96fm and Broderick's Music Shop, Kilkenny City.

Cllr Andrew McGuinness and Cllr Malcolm Noonan backed the competition by becoming competition ambassadors and acted as lead judges with Monica Hayes from KCLR96FM. Judging took place last Monday and snippets of shortlisted songs are played on the "Lunch with John Keane" KCLR96FM each day next week at approx 1.15pm before the bingo slot. On Friday, the winning song will be announced and played in full before the Bingo.

One song will receive a prize of €300 for being Commended, one song will receive a prize of €400 for being Highly Commended and the winning song will win €800 with time in a professional studio to record the winning song which is sponsored by Rory Broderick of Broderick's Music Shop, Kilkenny City.

If you can't tune in daily next week, keep up to date by visiting the newly created facebook page ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS KILKENNY COCO, as there will be competition updates posted on this facebook page throughout the week.

 

WINDGAP PARISH NEWSLETTER     *

MASSES DURING THE WEEK
Monday & Friday in Dunamaggan at 9.30 a.m. First Friday mass in Windgap at 7.30 p.m.  
Wednesday & Thursday in St. Joseph’s Home, Kilmoganny at 12.10 p.m.
Tuesday in Windgap at 9.30 a.m.
Saturday:  Kilmoganny at 7.00 p.m.; 
Sunday: Tullahought at 9.00 a.m.; Windgap at 10.00 a.m.; Dunamaggan at 11.00 a.m.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Nicholas’s Church, Windgap each Monday from 10.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.
Holy Hour each Wednesday from 3.00 - 4.00 p.m. St. Leonard’s Church, Dunamaggan. 
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ANNIVERSARIES: Walter & Josie O’Shea, Coolhill, mass at 10.00 a.m. Sun 24th.
Month’s Mind mass for Shem Phelan, Windgap at 10.00 a.m. Sun 1st December.
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PARISH FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT: (1) Thanks were expressed to all who have contributed to the various Church Collection and to the Special Collection for the repairs to the Parochial House and the Flat roof of Windgap Church. The repairs to both were essential so as to avoid major costs in the future. (2) The Christmas Bazaar will take place on Sunday 8th December at 2.00 p.m. in the Community Centre, Windgap. Your support is very welcome and appreciated. The tickets for the annual draw are being circulated. (3) The changes to the Tax Rebate Scheme were discussed and information will be circulated to households in the future. (4) The discussion re the Windgap Community Centre and Playground were reported. (5) New members would be very welcome on the committee. If you would be willing to serve on it or know of anyone who is suitable, please contact Rev. Nicholas Flavin. 
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WINDGAP CAMOGIE A.G.M. will take place in the Windgap G.A.A. Rooms on Friday 6th December at 8.00 p.m. All who are interested are invited to attend.
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MASS FOR CHILDREN who will receive their First Holy Communion next May will be celebrated in St. Nicholas’ Church, Tullahought on this Sunday next 24th November. Children are asked to bring dead leaves to mass as symbols of deceased relatives and friends.
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SPECIAL COLLEC TIONS: (1) Contributions to the Trocaire Collection for Syria & the Philippines were €1,076.55. Thanks to all who contributed. (2) the Collection for retired Priests in the Diocese will take place on this Sunday 24th November. It will be a second collections.
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SHRUGHAWADDA PLAYERS staging of A Wake in the West will take place from Tuesday 26th – Friday 29th November in St. Eoghan’s Centre, Kilmoganny at 8.30 p.m. sharp. For tickets contact Kilmoganny P.O.  Jackie Kenneally 087 – 9953532 or Alycia Kearney at 051 – 648118, Pete Moran’s Shop and Dunphy’s Pub.
**************************************************************************************** ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZZAR will be held in Windgap Community Centre on Sunday 8th December at 2.00p.m..Wheel of fortune with usual prizes of Hams, Christmas Cakes etc. etc.  Auction of various items, raffles Christmas Hamper, Waterford Crystal, various games and Santa visit to Windgap at about 3.00p.m.. An appeal is being made as in previous years for donations of Christmas Cakes and any new ideas to enhance the event will be appreciated and also more volunteers for the various stalls would be acceptable. Usual raffle tickets will be distributed during the week.
**************************************************************************************** L’Arche are holding their Annual Christmas Fair on Sunday 1st December in the L’Arche Workshop, Green Lane, Callan from 12.00 – 5.00 p.m.. On Sale will be Weaving, Pottery, Cards, Books, Cakes, Tea & Coffee, Garden Products, and much much more. Come along and support. There is something for all the family. 
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Praying through bereavement and loss in Song, Prayer and Reflection, led by Fr. Willie Purcell and the Kilkenny Gospel Choir, will take place in St. Mary’s Cathedral, on Tuesday, 26th November at 7.30pm. All welcome.
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AGM of Windgap Group Water Scheme will be held in the League House on Tuesday next 26th November at 7.30pm.
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LADIES GUILD meeting in Tullahought Community Centre on Tuesday 26th November at 8.00p.m.

As work on the school extension nears completion, it is great to see how our calves are thriving. Evan's calf looks like he is definitely enjoying his stay in Curragh! Thanks again to all the farmers who are helping us to raise funds to pay for the new extension.  

Dear Eco Factor Entrants,
 
Many thanks for your entry, 15 songs were submitted and the judges met and listened to each song.  The judging process was difficult as the entries were of a very high standard and it proved that Kilkenny has a great number of songwriters. .
 
Due to the high number of entries and the high standard of the songs, the judges decided that it would be fitting to have more than 1 prize, so out of the 5 songs played on air next week, one song will receive a prize of €400 for being Highly Commended and one song will receive a prize of €300 for being Commended as well as the outright winner winning €800 with time in a professional studio to record the winning song which is sponsored by Rory Broderick of Broderick’s Music Shop, Kilkenny City.

Next Monday (25th), Kclr will play a snippet of one of the short-listed songs before the bingo slot at 1.20pm, another short-listed song snippet will be played Tuesday at 1.20pm.  On Wednesday, the Commended Song snippet will be played at 1.20pm, on Thursday the Highly commended song snippet will be played. On Friday, the winning song will be played in full before the Bingo Slot.  All songs will be showcased before the Bingo Slot, so I would advise you to tune in daily around 1.15-1.20pm to see if you made the shortlist or won a prize.
 
If you miss any of the days, you can keep up to date by my new facebook page ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS KILKENNY COCO, as I will keep competition updates on this page throughout next week.  This page will keep you up to date of local environmental events throughout the year and I recommend a website/youtube environmental clip on a weekly basis
Tune in next week to KCLR96FM @ 1.20pm and fingers crossed you hear your song!
 
Regards
 
Bernadette Moloney

Eco Factor Competition Co-ordinator
Environment Section
Kilkenny County Council

https://www.housing.ie/CMSPages/GetFile.aspx?guid=5a5062ab-1c42-4fc5-b668-ef33f6e9de39

All pupils from 3rd-6th class enjoyed playing the Guzzler Energy Challenge last week. This floor-sized board game, which we borrowed from Kilkenny County Council,  tested our knowledge of making environmentally sound choices. It was a team game in which each member had a role to play. if you landed on an 'Environmental Guzzler' square, your team was sent to The Dump! If you landed on the 'Energy Challenge' square, the whole team had to do something really energetic! We enjoyed the challenge & learned a little bit along the way too!

Windgap Tullahought Notes Nov. 18th

TIDY TOWNS BRONZE: The Tullahought Tidy Towns Group collected their second consecutive Bronze Medal at the South East Region Awards held in the Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle on Monday night 4th November. The event was hosted by the Kilkenny City Tidy Towns group who took the overall award for the South East, and they used the event to showcase the tourist attractions of the city. Tullahought Tidy Towns Mary Egan, Eamonn Doyle and Richard Walsh were in attendance to accept the Bronze Medal and Commended Award on behalf of the local community. Following the presentations refreshments were served in the Kilkenny Design Centre where the participants were able to meet and chat with other groups in the region.
K2 CORRIDOR: The border communities of Kilkenny and Tipperary were united on Wednesday evening last when opponents of the Eirgrid Gridlink Project held an information night in Newtown School overlooking the Lingaun Valley. Of greatest concern on the night was the proposed K2 corridor the route of which includes the local villages of Owning and Faugheen. 
The large gathering voiced concerns with regard's to health effects on local residents, the devaluation of property prices, disruption to farming activities, the potential threat to endangered species of wildlife and the detrimental effect which a power line would cause to the landscape.
While all present vowed to do everything in their power to protect their community it was felt that a much better option would be to put the proposed power line underground. This would eliminate the threat to wildlife; protect the landscape and property prices while eliminating health risks and all with minimal disruption to the farming community.
Submissions on the Grid Link Project must reach Eirgrid by Tuesday 26th November.
GALMOY WINDGAP: The under sixteen hurlers captured the league title when they defeated Young Irelands in Bennetsbridge on Saturday last. In the game where the evenly balanced sides had shared the victories in their previous games the combination side put in an excellenbt performance to take the spoils 
CHRISTMAS CARDS: A reprint of local Christmas Cards was ordered by the Gathering Committee during the week after an unexpected sales run. The cards contain the winning photos taking by the children of St. Nicholas National School at the time of the Gathering and the funds will go to the local school building fund. In recent weeks the cards and calendars were on sale after the weekend masses. For further details contact Kate Moloney or any member of the Gathering Committee or email noreenburkehayes@gmail.com, 
HURLING CARD RESULTS: Winners at the Progressive Twenty Five Card Drive held in Guinans on Friday were 1st with thirteen games Angela and PJ Barron. Second was shared between Christy, Pat Power and John Kenny and Paddy Barron with ten Games. The table prize was won by Grace and Nicky Landy. Other prizewinners were Ben Denny, Matthew Enright, Adrian Landy, Niall Lanigan, PJ Barron, and Dean Madden. The next game takes place on Friday 6th of December.
CLUB NEWS: At the Hurling Club committee meeting on Wednesday evening concern was expressed on the future of the club at adult level owing to the small number of players coming through national school that has resulted in six years of amalgamated sides from under fourteen to twenty one with Galmoy. The subsequent ongoing emigrations and a very small drop off has seen the age span of the players on the adult team stretch considerably. The fear is that the loss of further players through retirement or injury could tip the balance to a loss of Parish identity. 
LOTTO: Numbers 3, 4, 18, 28 and bonus 26 were drawn last week, Next weeks prize fund is €7,3000
BAZZAR: The Annual Christmas Bazaar will be held in Windgap Community Centre on Sunday 8th December at 2.00p.m. The event will include a wheel of fortune with prizes of Hams and Christmas Cakes. On the day a number of auctions and raffles will take place. The items include Christmas Hamper and Waterford Crystal. Events will also take place for the younger visitors through various games and a visit of Santa to Windgap at about 3.00p.m.
STEPHENS DAY: The Annual Fun and Family Walk on December 26th commences from the GAA Club Rooms. Route and time details to follow.
SCRAP COLLECTION: Windgap Hurling Club is running a Scrap Collection over the next three weeks. The proceeds will assist the repairing of the Ball Stop netting behind the goals. For more details contact Club Chairman PJ Egan or any member of the committee. All donations of scrap greatly appreciated.
WALKING: The walking groups continue each Saturday morning where they meet at the lake in Windgap at 9.30am. and also at the Community Centre in Tullahought on Mondays and Thursdays at 7.30pm. All are welcome to take part at any place or time.
PIONEERS: Over one hundred people were in attendance at the annual South Ossory Pioneer Social in the Rhu Glen on Friday evening last. 
GOLF: Kilmoganny Golf Society's final outing of the year on Saturday, 16th November, to Bunclody Golf Club. Tee off times start at 10.30am. Society members should contact Dermot O’Shea on (087)4193229 or Peter Moran in Moran's Shop.
COMPLIMENTS: Thanks go to the many people who supplied material to these weeks’ notes and have helped to record the ongoing activities of the community. 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, photographs go to Noel Smiths website windgap.ie

U-16 Roinn C League  Shield  Final                              16-11-13

With Gerry Drennan  Galmoy/Windgap 4-10 and             Young Irelands Gowran 0-8

The ability to hit goals at crucial times saw Galmoy/Windgap finish their year on a winning note when they overcame Young Irelands Gowran in this U-16 League Shield final at Bennettsbridge on Saturday November 16th 2013.Sean Carey was in flying form early on for Young Irelands and d hit two early points to put his side in front.The Gowran lads seemed to be operating off a ‘feed Carey’ policy as they were sending in some quality low ball.In the 10th minute Galmoy/Windgap got off the mark when Jack Delaney send in a long delivery.Niall Walsh gathered,beat two men and batted to the net past the advancing Jamie Mahoney.Over the next ten minutes both Walsh and Carey exchanged three points each from play and placed balls to leave the winners ahead 1-3 to 0-5 after twenty minutes of play.Then some beautiful interplay between Niall Walsh and Oisín Phelan saw the latter send a cracker to the Gowran net.Phelan added a point almost immediately following a Brandan Phelan pass.Sean Carey gathered a Geoff Brennan delivery and replied before he was fouled himself and converted.In the 27th minute Galmoy/Windgap finished their half in style when Oisín Phelan caught a Brandan Phelan cross,side stepped two defenders and netted.Ted Drea pulled one back for Gowran with a great point from the right wing on the stroke of half time.Little did we know,but this was to be Young Irelands’  last score of the day as Galmoy/Windgap led at the break 3-4 to 0-8.

The second half belonged to the winners as they turned on a very stylish performance.With David Doyle policing the ever dangerous Carey,Conor Grace in fine form at wing back,and midfielders Jack Delaney and Patrick Grace working their socks off they dominated.Niall Walsh put over some nice points and Conor Drennan also weighed in with a brace before Walsh closed the deal with a goal from a 20 metre free.

The Young Irelands lads tried hard with Sean Roche, and Geoff Brennan doing most to support Sean Carey, but this was not to be their day.Joe Pyke,on behalf of Bord na nÓg, presented the shield to joint captains Kieran Phelan and Niall Walsh.

The winning panel received their medals from Brian Cody at a function in Galmoy Parish Hall on that same Saturday night.

Galmoy/Windgap: James Culleton,Ryan Murphy,David Doyle,Sean Phelan,Conor Grace,Kieran Phelan,Robert White,Jack Delaney(0-1),Patrick Grace,Conor Drennan(0-2),Niall Walsh(2-5,1-3fs),Josh Price,Oisín Phelan(2-1),Brandan Phelan(0-1),Cathal Phelan.

Sub: Patrick Doyle for Cathal Phelan 48 mins.

Young Irelands:Jamie Mahoney,Tyler Lennon,Jamie Bryan,Jeremy Farrell,Michael Carey,Sean Roche,Kevin Brennan,Philip O Donnell,Tommy Byrne,Ted Drea(0-1),Geoff Brennan,Daniel O Connor,Robert Dunne,Sean Carey(0-8,0-2fs),Adrian Nolan.

Sub:Shane Nolan for Ted Drea 47mins.

Referee: Eamonn Larkin (James Stephens)

Windgap Camogie and GAA Clubs come together to mark the achievements of both hurling and camogie at under 14 level this year. A Family Fun Table Quiz takes place on Friday 6 December in Windgap Community Centre at 8pm. All are welcome and donations of buns and/or spot prizes would be greatly appreciated by both clubs. Table of 4 cost 20 euro.Medal presentation to all under 14 hurling and camogie stars.Any queries contact Helen Walsh, Ann Foley or Mary Byrne

 WINDGAP PARISH NEWSLETTER     17 NOVEMBER 2013

MASSES DURING THE WEEK
Monday & Friday in Dunamaggan at 9.30 a.m. First Friday mass in Windgap at 7.30 p.m.  
Wednesday & Thursday in St. Joseph’s Home, Kilmoganny at 12.10 p.m.
Tuesday in Windgap at 9.30 a.m.
Saturday:  Kilmoganny at 7.00 p.m.; 
Sunday: Tullahought at 9.00 a.m.; Windgap at 10.00 a.m.; Dunamaggan at 11.00 a.m.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in St. Nicholas’s Church, Windgap each Monday from 10.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m.
Holy Hour each Wednesday from 3.00 - 4.00 p.m. St. Leonard’s Church, Dunamaggan. 
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MONTH’S MIND: Pat Purcell, Kilmacoliver, mass at 9.00 p.m. Sun. 17th;
ANNIVERSARIES: Peter Hennessy & Joan Hennessy, Seskin, mass at 10.00 a.m. Sun. 17th; Josie O’Shea, Coolhill, mass at 10.00 a.m. Sun 24th.
Walter & Josie O’Shea, Coolhill, mass at 10.00 a.m. Sun 24th.
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ANNIVERSARY MASSES: When more than one anniversary is included at a weekend mass, those prayed for will be included in masses during the following week.
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A NOVENA OF MASSES (nine masses) are celebrated during the month of November for those included on the November lists of deceased.
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A PARISH FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING will take place in the Presbytery on this Monday 18th November at 8.00 p.m.
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BLOOD DONATION CLINIC will be in the Parochial Hall, Callan on Thursday 21st November from 4.30 p.m. – 8.00 p.m.
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OSSORY TIMES: Issue 3 is available at the back of the church for €2. It has lots of useful information and articles. Your support is very welcome.
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MASS FOR CHILDREN who will receive their First Holy Communion next May will be celebrated in St. Nicholas’ Church, Tullahought on Sunday next 24th November. Children are asked to bring dead leaves to mass as symbols of deceased relatives and friends.
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KILMOGANNY POST OFFICE will reopen on tomorrow Monday 18th November at 11.00 a.m. in St. Eoghan‘s Centre front room.
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SPECIAL COLLEC TIONS: (1) Trocaire Collection for Syria & the Philippines will take place on this Sunday 17th November and (2) the Collection for retired Priests in the Diocese will take place on next Sunday 24th November. Both will be second collections.
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THE MONTHLY MASS to pray for the intercession of Blessed Edmund Rice in our lives and for his canonisation will take place in Westcourt on Monday 11th November 2013 at 7.30 p.m. Please note the change of date. The liturgy for this mass will be prepared by the Callan Co-Operative Society. The mass will be offered for the repose of the soul of the late Br. Phil O Reilly. All are welcome.
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SHRUGHAWADDA PLAYERS staging of A Wake in the West will take place from Tuesday 26th – Friday 29th November in St. Eoghan’s Centre, Kilmoganny at 8.30 p.m. sharp. For tickets contact Kilmoganny P.O.  Jackie Kenneally 087 – 9953532 or Alycia Kearney at 051 – 648118, Pete Moran’s Shop and Dunphy’s Pub.
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 ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZZAR will be held in Windgap Community Centre on Sunday 8th December at 2.00p.m..Wheel of fortune with usual prizes of Hams, Christmas Cakes etc. etc.  Auction of various items, raffles Christmas Hamper, Waterford Crystal, various games and Santa visit to Windgap at about 3.00p.m..
An appeal is being made as in previous years for donations of Christmas Cakes and any new ideas to enhance the event will be appreciated and also more volunteers for the various stalls would be acceptable.
Usual raffle tickets will be distributed during the week.

CHRISTMAS CARDS: Another surprise by the Gathering Committee saw a range of Christmas cards with local themes arrive hot off the shelves to join the 2014 Windgap Calendar at the Bring and Buy sale in the Community Centre on Saturday. The cards contain the winning photos taking by the children of St. Nicholas National School at the time of the Gathering and the funds will go to the local school building fund. On the day sales surpassed all expectations as stocks were under threat of running out. To purchase cards or calendars contact Kate Moloney or any member of the Gathering Committee or email noreenburkehayes@gmail.com, 
CARD DRIVE: The next Hurling Club Progressive Twenty Five Card Drive will take place in Guinans on Friday 15th at 9pm sharp. All are welcome.
HURLERS PRESENTATION: On Saturday evening the Galmoy Windgap minors will be presented with their County League medals in Galmoy Hall. The event will take place after 8pm Mass in the village and the guest presenter will be Kilkenny Senior team manager Brian Cody.
TRACTOR RUN: It was described as being like a gathering for the Spring Show or a Ploughing match as groups of tractors arrived from all corners of the parish for the Windgap National School Parents Association tractor run in support of the school building fund. With almost fifty tractors of all vintages, the colourful cavalcade ran from Windgap via Cuaile, Kilmoganny, and Tullahought before arriving back in Windgap. It was accompanied by a highly successful sale of work.
CLUB NEWS: The Hurling Club is holding a committee meeting on Wednesday evening in the Club Rooms at 8pm.
HIDDEN KILKENNY: Sean Keanes new book of the hidden gems of Kilkenny includes a number of places near and dear to the area. Launched in the Set Theatre on Thursday evening it includes stories of his visit to the Leac and Scail Dolmen, Castletown Cox known locally as Castletown House and the Coshel nearby in Knockroe. Added to his visit to Knockroe was his meeting with local resident the late Sean Power. The book contains stories from thirty nine locations across the county whose history delves back thousands of years. At the launch Gerry Moran related his life and times with Clara's Freestone Hill where the winning team brought the county Senior Hurling Trophy as part of their recent celebrations. For all interested the question was loud and clear, “what do you know of the hidden gems on your doorstep”. If nothing is the answer, the details are in the new publication and are easy to read and then easy to find. The guaranteed result for all will be amazement and appreciation of the people who created them and their ancestors who protected and preserved them down to the present day.
A HALLS LAST STAND: After fifteen months of activities, events and meetings the community of Windgap parish re grouped in general conclave on Tuesday night to review the progress and preview its future plans.
Having being rated the highest item on the agenda, at the largest public meeting in a generation, the upgrading of the parish hall had been surpassed by a huge range of social and infrastructural activities that had also generated from it
In its time, it has been known in various era’s as O'Sheas Hall, The Road House Cabaret Room, The Parish Hall, The Community Centre, Disco night spot, Badminton Hall, Meeting venue and Indoor Hurling Centre. An integral part of the history and even folklore of the area it was now back again centre stage. Wearing its best face for a generation, after the first public meeting saw volunteers give it a complete internal and external faceover last December. Its interior was now presented in warm lively coluors with detailed decoration whilst its Flagship Banner over the front door was changed to the Ballroom of Romance. Having warmed the hearts of generations through ceillis, shows, big band sounds, sports activities, bazaars, discos and functions where patrons were regularly “sent home sweating”, it was now facing a future to be determined by the attendance and rolling, high tech power point presentations.
As if it could sense its potential demise, or damage to its pedigree or to be humbled by unseen and unpublished Diocesan reports, of its crumbling state that promoted its demolition and replacement, it struck back with memorable force. On the first hard November evening of the year, it left its mark on all present with a fervour that chilled everyone present to the bone.
On the night, when even the smell of heat from the modern central heating system was non existent, the debate became labored, as some quietly recalled having to take off their coats to bear the heat whilst sharing a communal cup of tea in memory of local village resident Shem Phelan just three days previously.
Outlining the achievements carried out by individuals, groups and sub committees since the first meeting Fr. Nicholas Flavin’s long list had been well led and driven by a new innovative generation of organizers. On the night the required reflection on their benefits to the community life and their use and the experience of their organizers as a foundation, that the next projects would be built off was all too quickly swept over, as the temperature of the venue had set the agenda, to move on fast and get home to the fire.
So too the presentation of the new playground plans by Marie O’Shea and Barbra Kelly suffered, as the planning on the biggest infrastructural project since the creation of the Amenity Area and Hurling Club developments was not greatly acknowledged with questions or comments. Three years behind its original timeline, after the task of getting the ducks of Diocesan and Parish leases in line to compliment the ground done by the volunteers, the project may have well missed the funding bus that left in February. This was especially poignant as the parish’s first attempt for a community playground was commenced over thirty years ago and the school was turned down for funding for one, on at least three occasions by the Department of Education.
Like a set piece in Dail Eireann or County Chambers some of the big ticket items and contributions that were expected were skipped as the main topic was awaited like a budget or state of the nation address.  Whilst they sat and waited the heart warming after glow and latent heat generated by the three day gathering that had done more for community life and spirit since the week long carnivals a half a century earlier was all that was required. Still vividly fresh were the recollections of the numerous exhibitions, street stalls, sports activities, music sessions, dances and church and school events and the memories of the many relations and friends who visited the area for the public events.
As the show stopping item "Our New Hall" presentation danced in high definition around the walls of the Hall, showing its various angle, elevations, internal and external layouts the backround and outline of the greatest proposed construction since the Church was built was explained and the debate commenced. Most prominent amongst the sounds were the shuffling of chairs as groups huddled together as much for heat, as for group discussions as the cold air clipped the clarity of the contributions from the edges of the group.
Like the forum in Rome or the Dail in Kildare Street the debate waged to and fro, as size and cost mattered more than expected. In it funding was discussed, percentages were quoted, unseen development fees, grants, legal costs and input from the stakeholders were included as the dreaded bank interest costs was almost airbrushed out. With the Yeah's out polling the Nay's as in a Commons debate, the night’s only unanimous decision was for more details, costings and revenue plans. It also included the requirement for more inclusion, integration and consultations with all parishioners particularly those without intranet access.
As the crowd dispersed rapidly a comment uttered on exit that it was "warmer outside" was re-called the following day as the Hall stood proud and inviting in the bright warm sunshine. Unable to give its own opinions on its potential future and not knowing the cost of, or possibility of a refurbishment, an extension, or a New Build through a more voluntary basis it was as ever ready to give of its facilities and warmth to the indoor hurlers, badminton players and the visitors to the Christmas fundraising Bazaar in the coming weeks.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE: The next meeting takes place in the Clubrooms on Tuesday 19th in the GAA Clubrooms at 8pm. Amongst the items outstanding is the timeline for renovations to the local creamery building.
PIONEERS: The annual South Ossory Pioneer Social takes place on November 15th in the Rhu Glen. Music is by Twice Shy. 
COMPLIMENTS: Thanks go to the many people who supplied material to these weeks’ notes and have helped to record the ongoing activities of the community. 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, photographs go to Noel Smiths website windgap.ie