WINDGAP PARISH NEWSLETTER   21 DECEMBER 2014
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MASSES DURING THE WEEK
Monday & Friday: Dunamaggan: 9.30 a.m.; First Friday mass in Windgap at 7.30 p.m. 
Tuesday: Windgap at 9.30 a.m.
Wednesday & Thursday: mass at 12.10 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Home, Kilmoganny. 
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: Ellen & Michael Cantwell, Seskin, mass at 10.00 a.m. Sun. 21st; James Power, Slatequarries, mass at 9.00 a.m. Sun. 21st.
Sharon, Zarah & Nadia Whelan, Roscon, mass at 10.00 a.m. 25th; Kit & John Doran, Windgap & Nicholas Dempsey, mass at 10.00 a.m. 25th; Martha Murphy & L. Kealy, mass at 9.00 a.m. Sun 27th.
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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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PARISH RAFFLE: 1st, €250: Mary Butler, Inchnaglough; 2nd: €100; Brendan Walsh, The Cottage, Tullahought, 3rd; Ham: The Foley Children, Ahenue, Callan; 4th Christmas Cake: Mary Purcell, Tullahought; 5th Bottle of Brandy: Dick Hawe, Coolhill; 6th Bottle of Whiskey: Mary Egan, Tullahought.
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ADVENT is a time for preparing for Christ’s Birth at Christmas. 
(1) Prayer cards for reflection on Sunday Gospels at end of Church;
(2) Advent Text Message: contact Ossory Adult Faith Development by (a) Text at 085 8313100; (b) Email at adf@ossory.ie: or (c) phone 056 – 7753624.
(3) Thought for the Day Booklet at €2 contact Ossory Adult Faith Development at 056 – 7753624 or adf@ossory.ie
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SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN: There are 3 different leaflets at the back of the Church. Please take them.
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THANKS to all who helps, organized, attended and supported the Bazaar last Sunday.
*****************************************************************************************ST STEPHENS DAY WALK: The annual Windgap Development St. Stephens Day Walk. commences from the GAA Club rooms at 11.30a.m. Registration for walkers takes place at 11.00a.m
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CHRISTMAS DAY: Welcome and Teas in Parochial House after 10.00 a.m. mass on Christmas morning. 
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OSSORY TIMES Christmas edition is available at the back of Churches. Price €2. Please support.
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PARISH CALENDARS are available at the back of the church. Please take one.
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CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES: Tullahought Kilmoganny Windgap Dunamaggan
Christmas Eve 6.00 p.m. 7.15 p.m. 9.00 p.m.
Christmas Day 9.00 a.m. 10.00 a.m. 11.00 a.m. WINDGAP PARISH NEWSLETTER   28 DECEMBER 2014
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MASSES DURING THE WEEK
Monday & Friday: Dunamaggan: 9.30 a.m.; First Friday mass in Windgap at 7.30 p.m. 
Tuesday: Windgap at 9.30 a.m.
Wednesday & Thursday: mass at 12.10 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Home, Kilmoganny. 
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: Mollie Walsh, Poulrone and Jim Walsh, Kilmacoliver, mass at 9.00 a.m. Sun. 28th; Rev. Martin Cleere, mass at 10.00 a.m. Sun. 28th. 
Pauline Comerford, Lamogue, mass at 10.00 a.m. Sun 4th.
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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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FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY on Tuesday 6th January is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses will be at the usual weekend times. 
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PARISH CALENDARS are available at the back of the church. Please take one.
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ANNIVERSARIES: Pat, Eileen, John, Jim & Margaret Power, Tullahought, mass at 9.00 a.m. Sun 28th.

From Jimmy and Helen !

By Richard Walsh

WINTER SOLSTICE KNOCKROE PASSAGE TOMB

Eastern Chamber...Early morning at Knockroe Passage Tomb saw a crowd of 50 watching for a break in the cloud cover to allow the sun through to light the eastern chamber. Of special interest were the group of Druids who have become regular visitors to the site for the morning solstice and who paid homage with music and song.Unfortunately a low lying cloud on the horizon blocked out the sun and we will have to wait another year to witness the morning solstice.

Western Chamber...A crowd of approximately 300 people gathered to witness the evening solstice. Anticipation was high even though the sky was filled with dark grey clouds. Adding extra interest a film crew from Irish TV were interviewing visitors for a program to air in the New Year. The program is to appear on Sky 191 at 8 pm on the third Friday in January.
As the time drew near a small gap appeared in the clouds and the sun made a brief appearance. those around the chamber were disappointed when the light did not appear inside, however regular visitors over the years were able to offer reassurance as there were still a few minutes to go and the sun was still a bit over the horizon. 
As quickly as it had disappeared the gap in the clouds re-opened and this time the sun blazed through. The rays of the sun entered the chamber hitting the floor just inside the inner cill stone, lighting a thin streak across the floor to light up the decorated stone at the rear of the chamber. 
Of those close to the chamber many will have the image captured on film while the people on the fringes of the crowd will only have seen the setting sun blazing on the horizon but will know that they have witnessed a very special event. 
A big topic of discussion among the crowd was the plans of developers to erect wind turbines in the area which would appear on the skyline to destroy the tranquility and sanctity  of the site and possibly even block out the setting sun. Could this bring an end to a 6000 year old phenomenon? Visitors who had traveled long distance's were astonished to hear of the plans and could not believe that such a proposal would be even considered.

A record crowd attended the annual "Christmas cup of Tea" in the parochial house in Windgap on Christmas morning.  Refreshments and a selection of Christmas goodies were made available to all.  This free event is run by the same local bunch of volunteers for the past few years, and they deserve huge credit for their dedication to this community service.  The Ryan family from Windgap provided top rate entertainment as always, with more than a little help from the attendance. During the morning, a display of photographs from the windgap.ie competition was shown on the big(ish) screen. Competition adjudicator Lena Power was present for a final viewing, and details of winners will be published shortly.  When not judging, Lena also provided entertainment, joining the Ryan's for a few tunes.....Well done to all !

More at https://www.facebook.com/windgap.kilkenny.9/media_set?set=a.392267980940220.1073741831.100004710635853&type=1&pnref=story

In the now annual Paddy Walsh inspired - "Guess that player" competition. is running on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/windgap.kilkenny.9?fref=nf&pnref=story

We cant guarantee any big prizes, unless Paddy buys you a drink ! Quality isn't great,but neither are the hair cuts. Paddy has a few more nuggets after this one is done. so keep an eye out on Facebook as they not appear on windgap.ie

https://www.facebook.com/windgap.kilkenny.9?fref=nf&pnref=story

WINDGAP TULLAHOUGHT NOTES 15th. December 2014

HURLING AGM: Having reflected on a progressive year there was no great changes in personnel for the year ahead at the Windgap Club AGM held on Friday night. Having shown a surplus in the accounts, it marked the culmination of the latest Development era that saw the erection Hurling Wall, One Wall Handball Alleys, Spectator Facilities the new Meeting Room, Kitchen and Wheelchair Toilet and Storehouse all paid for. The achievement was mainly thanks to the generosity of the community who supported the on-going scrap collection. The result saw Eamon Doyle re-elected as Treasurer for the thirtieth year. Joining the Club Officers team are Tom Egan as PRO, Alison Walsh as Irish Officer and Aidan Mackey as Insurance Officer. Elsewhere, on the financial side membership was up and the Lotto and Co-Op draw slightly down. Repairs to the ball catchers behind the goals and the creation of a Bord na nÓg section are amongst the tasks set for the early part of the New Year.
SIXTY YEARS AGO: The Hurling Club AGM marked the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of the Club when they met in the shade of O'Shea’s Pub at the cross Road in Windgap in February 1954. On Friday night, the surroundings were more salubrious with the walls adorned with photos spanning the activities of the past sixty years. Then without a pitch or jerseys the club now has top class facilities, indoor and outdoor handball facilities and are competitive at all levels in Hurling, Camogie, Handball and Football. The link to the first days was maintained when the sole surviving founding member Dan Phelan was re-elected unanimously as Club President. 
TWENTY ONE YEARS: In his report secretary Noel Power noted a milestone that it was twenty one years since the achievement of an All-Ireland minor medal being won in the parish. This year’s achievement by Niall Walsh coming twenty one year’s after Alan Hearne’s similar honour. 
COMPLIMENTED: Thanking all involved in any way Chairman PJ Egan noted the work of Grounds man Simon Brophy and Junior Trainer Pat Walsh. He also complimented the other trainers, members and players who worked for and represented the Club during the year. PJ then extended best wishes to Ciara Smith who won a county final for Windgap in Solo Singing and was representing the Club in the Leinster Semi Finals of Scor na nÓg in Ballymore Co Westmeath at the weekend.
ALL ABOARD: Attending the clubs sixtieth AGM were PJ Egan, Noel Power, Eamon Doyle, Pat Walsh, Christy Whelan, Tom Egan, Jimmy Walsh, Aidan Mackey, Pat Moore, Michael O’Shea, PJ Barron, John McKenna and Dermot O’Shea. On conclusion a moments silence was held for all the deceased members.
ST STEPHENS DAY WALK: The annual Windgap Development St. Stephens Day Walk takes place from the Club rooms at 11.30am. After taking in the circuit of the amenity walk it hits for open country on a route to be decided by the site of the new playground which should be completed by that time.
CHRISTMAS TEA: The now annual Christmas morning refreshments in the Parochial House will take place Mass in Windgap on Christmas Day. The innovative idea organised by the local ladies has proved to be a popular place to meet and greet locals and visitors, Its sucess has established it as a highlight on the communities social calendar. 
DEVELOPMENT AGM: The Annual General Meeting of Windgap Community Development Company that is open to all members of the community takes place this Thursday 18th, December in the GAA Club Rooms at 8pm. The list of nominations for directors now reads Rachel Kirby Murray, David McCoy, Noel Smyth, Brian O’Rourke, Fr. Nicholas Flavin, PJ Barron, Ann Crowley, Shay Power, Tony Doyle, Julie O’Brien, and the founding directors are Simon Brophy, Jimmy Walsh, Nicky Hawe, Helen Walsh. The remaining founding directors  Breda O’Shea, John Ryan and Sean Power are stepping down. 
OUT AND ABOUT: Strolling along on a calm Decembers evening, a quick movement caught the eye as a disturbed rodent like creature headed for the safety of a nearby ditch. Stopping to see where it went, a burrow was spotted. Whilst observing it, one became aware of a pair of black eyes looking back from another part of the ditch. Having decided that the fallen beech nuts were the attraction the viewer withdrew a short distance in the hope the mysterious animal would re-appear and be identified as it got back to stocking his stomach. Watching the midges contrasted against the darker Ivy and Holly trees, another small and silent movement caught the eye. This time it was well above ground as a Fieldcrest skipped about a holly and sceach tree, busily picking unseen morsels off their branches. Whilst observing the busy movements one became aware of another onlooker. This time it was back in the ditch from another burrow, as my old friend was checking if the coast was clear. Now six meters from his original entrance to the ditch, one could only wonder how he got there. Was it through a warren of tunnels and how long was he watching me watching out for him. As time passed no further action was witnessed as the question of, was it a bank vole or a brown rat remains unresolved!.
ANNIVERSARY MASS: The sixth anniversary Mass for Sharon, Nadia and Zara Whelan takes place on Christmas morning in St. Nicholas Church in Windgap at 10am.
HOUSE SHARING: On frosty evenings a wren slips quietly from the garden into the House Martins nest under the West facing eve.  Here it nestles down for the night, safe from predators in nature’s own form of house sharing or seasonal recycling.
HARRIERS MEET: In a new departure Kilmoganny Harriers held their annual meet midweek when they met in Tullahought Village on Wednesday last.
PLEASANT NEWS: Gone missing for four or five days the local Pheasant made a welcome return via the vegetable patch on Friday morning. The colourful bird from a local clutch follows in the steps of a previous visitor with distinctive white bars on one wing who was known to appear on the Window Cill when action was seen in the kitchen.
BRIDGE RESULTS: Winners at the Killamery Bridge Club game held in the Olde House Killamery were: 1st Helen Lanigan and Moira Hickey. Best Gross: Stella Tenneyson and Kathleen O’Shea. 2nd. Finoula Walsh and Sarah Crowley. 
NEXT WEEK: The story of the return of Cotterstown footballers to field of play. 
CHRISTMAS BAZZAR: The annual Christmas Bazzar took place in the Community Centre in  Windgap on Sunday. The annual Parish Draw takes place in the Parochial House on Thursday at 7pm.
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 the local website windgap.ie

Winter Solstice today Sunday 21st December at Knockroe Passage Tomb. at 15.40 . Also a good opportunity for the photography competition

Updates at https://www.facebook.com/windgap.kilkenny.9/media_set?set=a.391028161064202.1073741828.100004710635853&type=3&uploaded=4
Don't forget you can keep sending in entries until December 23rd....