PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Congratulations are extended to local Camogie player Denise Gaule who was rewarded for her performances when she collected the Clubs first All Star and the Camogie Association and Women’s Gaelic Players Association Players’ Player of the Year award in the City West Hotel on Saturday night. Daughter of Dinny and Joan Gaule and sister to Lorraine, the awards follow on the first All-Ireland Senior Camogie medal Deniese brought to the club in September. In a year of an inter-county double at senior and intermediate level her tem-mates Emma Kavanagh, Collette Dormer, Anne Dalton, Meighan Farrell, Miriam Walsh and Julie Ann Malone also won All Stars with Jenny Clifford and Ciara Holden receiving Intermediate Soaring Star awards. In addition the Manager of the Year was Ann Downey with Ciara Holden receiving the Intermediate Players’ Player of the award
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AWARDS ON THE DOUBLE: Both villages from the Parish were represented at the SuperValu Tidy Towns awards for the South East region on Thursday evening last. The awards ceremony was held in the Lakeview Hotel, Ballina, Co Tipperary following the success of the neighbouring village Birdhill who won the title of Ireland’s Tidiest Village. 
Tullahought collected their first Silver Medal in the competition when Paddy Egan was presented with the much coveted award. The village also won the commended award for County Kilkenny which was presented to Mary Egan, joining them on the night were fellow committee members Kathleen Duggan and Dick Walsh.
Windgap who made fantastic gains in just their second year in the competition in recent years won the Endeavour award for the County and Noreen Hayes and Kate Maloney were on hand to collect the award.  Representing County Kilkenny in his official capacity on the night was another Windgap man Cllr. Matt Doran, Chairman of Kilkenny County Council.
The SuperValu TidyTowns winners were presented with their awards by Mr. Michael Ring, Minister for Regional Economic Development, and Niall O’Callaghan, SuperValu Community and Sponsorship Manager, proud sponsors of the competition. Also joining the Minister on stage was Hilary Creedon of Fáilte Ireland.
Speaking at the awards ceremony Minister Ring said:  “It is fantastic to have the opportunity this evening to meet TidyTowns groups across this region.  These awards are just a small reward for the efforts of so many volunteers who take pride in their home town and work tirelessly to make it a better place now and for future generations. 
Following a successful year in the competition for the Parish the committees of both villages look forward to building on their success in 2017. Report supplied by Dick Walsh.

UNDER TWENTY ONE: The under twenty one hurlers play Tullougher Rosbercon in the Championship in Tullougher on Saturday afternoon with the under twenty one Camogie Players also lining out at the weekend at a time and place to be arranged.

DEVELOPMENT NEWS: A meeting of the Windgap Community development company takes place on Wednesday evening in the GAA club rooms at eight o’clock. All are welcome to attend. The Agenda will cover options on grant funding from Kilkenny Leader grants, County Council, Community & Cultural Facilities Capital Scheme and Sports Capital grants. Also the Community Cooperative ( SHOP), Fundraising, Glanbia Building and setting the AGM. On the Hall there will be Planning permission updates, discussions on the contents on the Lease of the Hall including Duration, Cost, Day to day management and usage. Other items include the inclusion of the new Directors Julie Walsh and Michelle O’Brien and updates from the Tidy Towns Awards ceremony and distribution of the reports

CARD GAME: The next Progressive 25 Card Drive takes place in Guinans on this Friday 11th of November at 9pm sharp and all are welcome.

FULL HOUSE: It was a full house, in the Olde House in Killamery on Saturday afternoon when thanks were extended to the organisers and huge amount of supporters of the afternoon tea party organised to help with the medical expenses for Bridget Cahill.

FAMILY FUN DAY: A Festive Family Fun Day including a Santa’s Grotto is planned for the people of Windgap and the surrounding areas on Sunday 4th December.

PARISH BAZAAR: The annual Bazaar takes place on Sunday 11th of December in the Parish Hall at 2pm. The highlight will be the wheel of fortune, Christmas cakes and Santa. 

TRACTOR RUN: The Annual Tractor Run organised for the School takes place on Saturday 26th of November.

PIONEER SOCIAL: The annual South Ossory Pioneer social takes place in the Rhu Glen on week the Friday 11th of November with music by Pat Hayes. For further details contact Eamon Doyle.

SUN, MOON, STARS: It  had it all A low sun rising in the South East brought a warm feeling as the countryside looked resplendent for miles under clear blue skies with only one fluffy cloud to be seen sitting on the peak of Slievenamon. With the countryside in a sleepy mode on a Sunday morning the only sign of life was the trails of wildlife and animals in the heavy morning due. Under the with a crescent new moon to be seen high to the South west the church bell pealed announcing Sunday morning Mass in Tullahought. It was soon followed by the voice of an sagart Paróiste being audible from a mile away on the light north easterly breeze. Down the lane a cock pheasant basked in the sunshine on the top bar of a galvanised gate oblivious in life to the dangers of the imminent shooting season. Further on the sight of golden brown chestnuts that had fallen and cracked open was enhanced by golden autumnal colours with a highlight for the early walkers who met being the contrast of green leaves and crimson red berries against the blue sky.

BRIDGE RESULTS: Winners at the Killamery Bridge club game played in The Olde House I Killamery were 1st Rita Townsend, Peggy Vaughan. Best Gross Alice Lanigan, Rita Houlihan. 2nd Finoula Walsh, Maureen Cantwell. 3rd. Margaret Comerford, Pat Arrigan. 4th Sarah Crowley and Elizabeth Lanigan

GREAT RESPONSE: A big thank you to everyone who supported the recent cake sale in Faugheen which raised funds to assist the local communities in their campaign to prevent wind turbines being erected along the Lingaun Valley. Thanks also to those who contributed cakes and raffle prizes and to all those who helped out in any way, €780 was raised on the day. Following the refusal of planning permission by Tipperary County Council for the eight giant Wind Turbines the case has now been appealed to An Bord Pleanala. A decision on whether or not an Oral Hearing will be conducted on the planning appeal is expected in the coming weeks. A provisional date of mid-January 2017 has been set by An Bord Pleanala for the conclusion of the appeal. The Suir Valley Environmental Groups online fundraiser for this appeal is continuing on www.ifundraise.ie/2532_sos-sliabhnamban.html .
LOTTO: The winning numbers of 2, 6, 22, 26 and bonus number 27. Next week’s prize fund is €9.150.

DAY CARE EVENTS: The Village Day Centre in Kilkenny City is open Monday-Friday and provides an opportunity for people with Alzheimer's disease dementia to socialise and get involved in some of the dementia specific activities. The activities held in the day centre include; art, playing cards, bingo, exercise programmes, walks, day trips, music, dance & singing. A hot meal, snacks and transport are also provided in this warm and homely atmosphere. To avail of the service or for more information call 056 7771230.

DAY CARE: “A Festive Christmas” Flower Demonstration by Margaret Collins (A.O.I.F.A Demonstrator) takes place In Ionad Dara, Goresbridge on Tuesday 15th November 2016 At 8pm in aid of Carlow Kilkenny Home Care All flower arrangements will be raffled on the night! Mulled Wine and Mince Pies, admission €10 available on the night, Door Prize

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
 

A Race Night will be held in Powers Tullahought, on December 3rd as a fund raiser to replace the ball netting at both ends of Windgap GAA grounds. 

HURRICANE CHARLEY: At the well-attended Hurling Club Committee meeting on Thursday evening it was decided to host a Race Night on 3rd of December to replace the ball netting at both ends of the ground. In place since the original ones were damaged by Hurricane Charley that caused widespread flooding and damage mainly on the East coast of the country in August 1986. During its lifetime it has served the local hurling, camogie and footballers players well from school going age to adult level. Its replacement will be stronger and higher than its predecessors.

CARD RESULTS: Winners at the first Card Drive of the Year held in Langtons were Peter and Jimmy Landy with eleven games. Second prize was shared with nine games by Eamon and Laurence Doyle and Anne Marie and Eddie Hawe. The 20th game prize went to Dick Gahan and Wattie Dunphy. Other prize winners were Pa Moore, Sean Foley, Pat Cooke, Michael Cunningham, and Wattie Dunphy. The next Progressive 25 Card Drive takes place in Guinans on Friday week 11th of November at 9pm sharp.

HANDBALL AGM: The Annual General Meeting of the Handball Club took place in the Handball Alley on Friday evening 28th October at 8pm. The years highlight amongst a long list of victories at all levels was the winning of the Clubs first Division 1 National Féile title. Despite the record levels playing, the attendance on the night was very small and has resulted in a meeting of all club coaches being called on Thursday evening next in the alley at 8pm to see if there is enough coaches for the same level of activity to continue. At the meeting the reports by the outgoing officers Chairperson Jimmy Purcell, secretary Michael O’Shea and treasurer Michael Grace were adopted. An increase in membership fees to Croke Park, External maintenance works, electricity costs and purchasing a stock of Club jerseys were on the expenditure side whilst sponsorship by Glanbia and Richie White, were most welcome. The officers elected were Chairperson Sean Foley, Vice Chairperson John Ryan, Secretary Michael O’Shea, Treasurer Michael Grace, joint PRO’s Jimmy Walsh, Sean Foley,

FAMILY FUN DAY: A Festive Family Fun Day is planned for the people of Windgap and the surrounding areas on Sunday 4th December. More details to follow

TEA PARTY: An afternoon tea party takes place in the Olde House in Killamery on this Saturday afternoon. Admission is €10 with the proceeds going to help with the medical expenses for Bridget Cahill. For further details call Marie Landy on 087 9518384

​TRACTOR RUN: The Annual Tractor Run organised for the School takes place on Saturday 26th of November.
PIONEER SOCIAL: The annual South Ossory Pioneer social takes place in the Rhu Glen on week the Friday 11th of November with music by Pat Hayes. For further details contact Eamon Doyle.
TIDY TOWNS AWARDS: Fáilte Irelands South East Region Tidy Towns Awards will see both local Tidy Towns groups in Windgap and Tullahought collect awards on this Thursday, November 3rd 2016. The event is being run by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and takes place in the Lakeside Hotel, Ballina, Co. Tipperary. Part of the trip is a must see visit to nearby Birdhill, the winning regional centre. The event will see Tullahought collect its first Silver medal after four successive bronze medals, having being entered for the first time by Fr. Robert Raftisce in 1991. After a slow start the baton was taken on by the Card Committee and the rest is history. The event will also see Windgap collect the Endeavour Award in their second year in the competition after a fourteen year break when Mai Phelan now in her ninety seventh year led the community group.
FOOTBALL NEWS: In the Allianz Cumann na mBunscoil schools football Windgap had a good win over Goresbridge - Paulstown on Friday evening in Windgap.  The team was Shane Lomax, Noah O'Shea, Darragh Doyle, Alex Culleton, Evan Doyle, Michael Freaney, Conor Doyle, Killian Enright, Jack O'Shea, Ronan O'Brien, James Purcell, Eoin O'Shea George Culleton, Cian O'Rourke, Zac Kennedy; The Substitutes were Padraig Egan and Sam Maloney with the team being led by Simon Brophy and Tony Doyle
​ GALMOY WINDGAP: Windgap and Galmoy played Tullougher Rosbercon in the under fourteen replay in St Johns Park at 4pm on Saturday afternoon. The game attracted a huge crowd for the grade and saw Tullougher open with an early goal and with a hungrier will to win recorded nine wide’s and lead by 2-5 to 0-3 at the break. On the restart tow early Galmoy Windgap points reduced the lead before an additional 2-2 by a rampant side that dove straight for goal at every opportunity to lead by 4-7 to 0-4. With the game looking well out of reach the Galmoy Windgap side struck a rich vein of belief and led by Jack Doyle who took on the opposition defence at every opportunity in a spell that saw a total of 2-5 being added to leave the final scoreline at 4-9 to 2-9.  The side plays the same opposition in the under twenty one hurling championships at a later date.
CLUB NEWS: Thanks are extended to all who supported the County Hurlers Holiday Fund Draw that took place in Nowlan Park on Sunday. The winners list that appears on kilkennygaa.ie were from Tullaroan, Slieverue and Mullinavat.
LOTTO: The winning numbers of 8, 20, 24, 25 and bonus number 11. Next week’s prize fund is €8.450.
FUNDRAISER: The communities of Ahenny and Faugheen are also holding an online fundraiser to go towards paying the debts incurred by the cross border groups opposing the planned wind turbines overlooking the Lingaun Valley. the link www.ifundraise.ie/2532_sos-sliabhnamban.html 
DAY CARE EVENTS: The Village Day Centre in Kilkenny City is open Monday-Friday and provides an opportunity for people with Alzheimer's disease dementia to socialise and get involved in some of the dementia specific activities. The activities held in the day centre include; art, playing cards, bingo, exercise programmes, walks, day trips, music, dance & singing. A hot meal, snacks and transport are also provided in this warm and homely atmosphere. To avail of the service or for more information call 056 7771230.
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

​AWARDS ON THE DOUBLE: Both villages from the Parish were represented at the SuperValu Tidy Towns awards for the South East region on Thursday evening last. The awards ceremony was held in the Lakeview Hotel, Ballina, Co Tipperary following the success of the neighbouring village Birdhill who won the title of Ireland’s Tidiest Village. 
Tullahought collected their first Silver Medal in the competition when Paddy Egan was presented with the much coveted award. The village also won the commended award for County Kilkenny which was presented to Mary Egan, joining them on the night were fellow committee members Kathleen Duggan and Dick Walsh.
Windgap who made fantastic gains in just their second year in the competition in recent years won the Endeavour award for the County and Noreen Hayes and Kate Maloney were on hand to collect the award.  Representing County Kilkenny in his official capacity on the night was another Windgap man Cllr. Matt Doran, Chairman of Kilkenny County Council.
The SuperValu TidyTowns winners were presented with their awards by Mr. Michael Ring, Minister for Regional Economic Development, and Niall O’Callaghan, SuperValu Community and Sponsorship Manager, proud sponsors of the competition. Also joining the Minister on stage was Hilary Creedon of Fáilte Ireland.
Speaking at the awards ceremony Minister Ring said:  “It is fantastic to have the opportunity this evening to meet TidyTowns groups across this region.  These awards are just a small reward for the efforts of so many volunteers who take pride in their home town and work tirelessly to make it a better place now and for future generations. 
Following a successful year in the competition for the Parish the committees of both villages look forward to building on their success in 2017. Report supplied by Dick Walsh.

HANDBALL AGM: The Annual General Meeting of the Handball Club takes place in the Handball Alley on Friday evening 28th October at 8pm where the highlight of the review will be the winning of the first Division 1 National Féile title where four local teams participated.

​DEVELOPMENT NEWS: Bríd Hynes from Kilkenny County Council visited the hall in Windgap on Thursday evening to meet members of the Development Committee to discuss their plans for the hall. The committee have received an amenity grant from Kilkenny Co Council of €1500 for the tidy towns work carried out during the summer. 

CARD GAME: The first Progressive 25 Card Drive of the season takes place in Guinans on Friday next 28th of October at 9pm sharp. All are welcome to enjoy the traditional game and social occasion.

CLUB NEWS: The Hurling Club Committee meet on this Thursday evening at 8pm in club meeting room. The Agenda includes, Ball netting repair, U14 and U21 championships, Fundraising etc. All committee members are asked to please try and attend.

NEW ARRIVALS: The arrival of breeding Buzzards to the skies of the area in recent years has been followed by the sighting of a family of wild deer in the early hours and late evenings.

UNSOCIABLE BEHAVIOUR: As recent weeks have seen the robbery of diesel, farm equipment and the break in to a commercial premises residents and property owners are asked to be on the alert.

CAKE SALE: The communities of Ahenny and Faugheen are holding a Halloween Cake Sale and Raffle in the Faugheen Clubhouse on Sunday October 30 after 10am Mass. The proceeds of the sale go towards paying the debts incurred by the cross border groups opposing the planned wind turbines overlooking the Lingaun Valley. There will be plenty of naughty but nice treats for all tastes and all donations would be appreciated including such as Cakes, buns and jams to sell! Donations of prizes for the raffle, any item large or small will help greatly. People to come along and buy the cakes! So please support and spread the word! Donations can be dropped to Eileen Butler’s house, 8 Churchview, Faugheen, or to any committee member.

ONLINE FUNDRAISER: The communities of Ahenny and Faugheen are also holding an online fundraiser for this appeal and ask all to remember to share the link www.ifundraise.ie/2532_sos-sliabhnamban.html  with friends and family by email, snail

LOTTO: The winning numbers of 2, 16, 22, 26 and bonus number 15. Next week’s prize fund is €8.400.

GALMOY WINDGAP: Windgap and Galmoy play Tullougher Rosbercon in the under fourteen replay in St Johns Park at 4pm on Saturday afternoon. The side plays the same opposition in the under twenty one hurling championships at a later date.

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.

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.

CARERS: Kilkenny Carer's Support Group, Tuesday 1st November 2016, 3.00-4.30pm at The Village Day Centre (behind the Village Inn Pub). Information and support for past/present carers of people with Alzheimer's/Dementia. Everyone welcome. Drop in to group or for more information call 056 7771230.

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 any officer in the local club.

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”.
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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