Anniversaries: 
Very Rev. Martin Cleere, PP Windgap/
Mass Times (weekend):       
Readers: December: 26, Sean Foley; January: 2, Ann Foley; 9, Rita Phelan; 16, Caoimhe O’Shea; 23, Martin O’Shea; 30, Michelle O’Brien..
Windgap Eucharistic Ministers: December; 26. Joan Watters; January: 2, Liz Jackson
Tullahought:  Eucharistic Ministers: Leo Conalty; Patricia Power; Mary Walsh; Eileen Grace.
Windgap Loop Walks: The opening of Windgap Loop Walks (both accredited by National National Trials of Ireland) took place today (St. Stephen’s Day), with many walkers setting off at an early hour in adverse conditions. Our thanks to all who made the day so enjoyable with music etc, in the hall after the walk to refresh tired limbs.
Bazaar and Raffle: Sincere thanks and congratulations to those who spent many hours preparing and organising the Bazaar and raffle and to those who gave them their wholehearted support.  Both were very successful, netting about €6,000 for the parish.
Raffle Winners: The winners of the raffle were: 1st prize, Terri Mackey, Rossnaneny; 2nd, Ruth Landy, Butlerswood; 3rd, Jo Jo Purcell, Lamogue; 4th, Catherine Phelan, Bawnreigh; 5th, Mary Butler, Inchnagloch; 6th, Sean Barron, Rossnaneny.
Vocations: Jesus grew in wisdom, age and grace in the midst of his family.  How is your family growing in the midst of these challenging times?  Seek out God’s grace. (Luke f2:41-52) If you think God is calling you to priesthood, call Fr. Willie Purcell Ossory Vocations Director. 056 7770261 or email ossoryvocdir@gmail.com.  www.ossory/vocations
World Youth Day 2016, Kracow, Poland, July 2016. Pope Francis will attend. Ossory Diocese is inviting young people (over 18 years) to attend; contact wyd@ossory.ie or Fr Richard Scriven (rscriven2009@gmail.com / 087 2420033) or Derek Dooley (087 938 4242).
Jubilee Year of Mercy: As he was inaugurating the Jubilee Year of Mercy Pope Francis reminded us that
We need constantly to contemplate the mystery of God’s mercy. Mercy: the bridge that connects God and [humankind], opening our hearts to a hope of being loved forever. It is a wellspring of joy, serenity and peace. Mercy: the ultimate and supreme act by which God comes to meet us. Mercy: the fundamental law that dwells in the heart of every person who looks sincerely into the eyes of his brothers and sisters on the path of life’.
As we begin this Year of Mercy we pray that we may open our hearts and our lives to God’s Mercy.  We pray that we may be steeped in the love of God who consoles, pardons and instils hope.  May this love and mercy enable us to open our hearts to others. And we pray:
God of tenderness and love, in this year of grace, pour out your mercy on us like the morning dew. Change our hearts and our lives so that we may become more compassionate and recognise your voice in the cries of our brothers and sisters.
And at this time of Christmas let us not forget the words of Jesus in the gospel: “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy”.
Priests of Windgap: William Hayden was born in Caherleske, Dunnamaggin, in 1811, the son of William Hayden. His mother was sister of Dr O’Neill, PP Carrick-on-Suir.  William Tighe , in his survey of Kilkenny published in 1801, reported that P. Hayden, Caherlesk, had 3528 ash trees, 320 chesnut and 410 other trees. The trees registered in the county between 1767 and 1799 included 20,296 ash, 11,243 beech, 15,199, elm, 29,134 oak, 12,747 sycamore and 212 walnut.
William studied classics in Carrick-on-Suir and Burrell’s Hall in Kilkenny and entered Birchfield seminary in September 1832 to study for the priesthood. The following year he was sent to Maynooth by Bishop Kinsella to continue his studies. He was ordained priest on Pentecost Sunday 1837.  He presumably lived for the next year or so in Caherleske. His first appointment was as curate in Rathdowney in 1839.  After about six months there he was transferred to Castlecomer (April 1840).  Here he had a major role in the building of the present parish church.  On 16 August 1844 the foundation stone of the church of Castlecomer was laid and through Fr Hayden’s exertions the building was already far advanced when in November 1847 he was transferred to St. Mary’s, Kilkenny, to supervise the building of the Cathedral which had begun two years earlier. The building was then scarcely about its foundations. Bishop Kinsella who had begun the project had died (12 December 1845) but the new bishop Edward Walsh a native of Luffany in Mooncoin continued the project. Fr Hayden was brought in from Castlecomer, where he had worked with the Cathedral architect, William Deane Butler, and for the next nine years he supervised the building.  He administrator of the Cathedral parish from 1851 to 1857 when he was promoted too the pastoral charge of Windgap in place of of Fr Moylan. In St. Mary’s he was also the first spiritual director of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, a branch of which had been established in the parish in February 1848 – the first branch in the diocese of Ossory.
The completion of the Cathedral delayed his move to Windgap. Before he left he had the satisfaction of seeing the last stone placed on its massive tower. A few months later the Cathedral was solemnly consecrated. The Dunnamaggin man’s stay in Windgap was brief – less than two years. When St. Patrick’s parish in Kilkenny became vacant he was transferred there towards the end of 1858 or the beginning of 1859.  In 1870 he was appointed Canon of Kilmanagh, Vicar General of the diocese in 1872, and Archdeacon of Ossory in 1883.  His last public appearance was at the laying of the foundation stone of the projected new parish church of St. Patrick’s in 1884.  (The site of the church was changed after Abraham Brownrigg became bishop of the diocese in 1884.  Fr Hayden died on 28th October 1884.  Fr Tom O’Shea (one of the famous Callan Curates) published an obituary of Archdeacon Hayden in the Kilkenny Journal of Wednesday, 29th October, 1884, which was full of praise for one whom he described as “a pattern to his flock; a model to his brethren in the ministry”. \He was buried in Foulkstown where a splendid monument was erected to his memory.
Placenames: Ballynalinagh is Baile na Laighneach (the town of the Leinstermen), Corragaun (Reade/Morris) - An Carragán meaning “rocky ground”; Curraghnadimpaun  - Curragh na dTiompán – moor of the round stones.  “This townland contains a small village of the name of Curragh ...in the centre of which is a standing stone”
Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoíbh go léir/Felice anno nuovo /Ich wünsche allen ein gesegnetes neues Jahr/I wish all our parishioners a blessed and prosperous New Year.

Thomas Moylan was born in Skart, near Dungarvan, parish of Gowran. He studied in Birchfield from 1818 to 1824 and was ordained on Pentecost Sunday 1824. He worked at first in the diocese of Kildare and Leighlin as there was no vacancy in Ossory. On his return he was appointed curate in Slieverue (1829-31).  He later worked in Rathdowney (1831-34), Freshford (1834-1845) and in the united parishes of Galmoy and Johnstown (1845-46) when he was appointed parish priest of Windgap. He was PP for ten years right through black ’47 and its aftermath.  He died in August 1856.  According to the monument that was placed over his grave in Windgap chapel “this good, gentle, zealous pastor” was beloved by all. “He was ever anxious to promote the spiritual and temporal welfare of the people. The schools of this parish to which he gave liberal donations were established by his exertions. To the poor he was a father and kind benefactor”.
FJ, 28 August 1856
Death of the Rev. Thomas Moylan, P.P. Windgap.—On Saturday, tbe 23d instant, the lamented clergyman whoso name heads our notice breathed his last. For some months previous his death had been expected, as his illness was of such a nature as to afford little or no hopes of a recovery. _Among the people of the different parishes in which he laboured, he has left behind the character of on _unassuming, a hard-working, and an exemplary priest , while those who enjoyed the pleasure of his intimate acquaintance, the amiable simplicity and engaging cordiality of his manners, together with the unmistakable goodness of his heart, made his friendship a treasure, and shall ever render his memory dear. On Monday_, after the termination of the _requicm office, wbich was attended by several of the Waterford clergy, and by a very largo number of the priests of his own diocese, his remains were _consigned lo the earth, in the chapel of Windgap, amid tbe tears of a _densely crowded congregation of his sorrowing flock, who mourned him as their good and holy pastor, and faithful and devoted friend.  Kilkenny Journal.
 
After the death of Thomas Moylan in August 1856 Windgap seems to have been without a parish priest for over six months.  In February 1857 William Hayden was appointed PP of Windgap.
 
William Hayden was born in Caherleske, Dunnamaggin, in 1811, the son of William Hayden. His mother was sister of Dr O’Neill, PP Carrick-on-Suir.  He studied classics in Carrick-on-Suir and Burrell’s Hall in Kilkenny and entered Birchfield seminary in September 1832 to study for the priesthood. The following year he was sent to Maynooth by Bishop Kinsella to continue his studies and was ordained priest, Pentecost 1837.  He presumably lived for the next year or so in Caherleske before being appointed curate in Rathdowney in 1839.  After about six months there he was transferred to Castlecomer in April 1840.  Here he had a major role in the building of the present parish church.  On 16 August 1844 the foundation stone of the church of Castlecomer was laid and through Fr Hayden’s exertions the building was already far advanced when in November 1847 he was transferred to St. Mary’s, Kilkenny, to supervise the building of the Cathedral which had begun two years earlier. The building was then scarcely about its foundations. Bishop Kinsella who had begun the project had died (12 December 1845) but the new bishop Edward Walsh a native of Luffany in Mooncoin \(appointed in the face of much opposition from various quarters) continued the project. Fr Hayden was brought in from Castlecomer (where he had worked with the same architect, William Deane Butler) and for the next nine years he supervised the building.  In St. Mary’s he was also the first spiritual director of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, a branch of which had been found in the parish in February 1848 – the first branch in the diocese of Ossory.
It was probably the completion of the Cathedral that delayed his move to Windgap. Before he left for Windgap he had the honour of seeing the last stone placed on its massive tower.  A few months later the Cathedral was solemnly consecrated. Fr Hayden’s stay in Windgap (next door to his native parish of Dunnamaggin) was brief – less than two years. When St. Patrick’s parish in Kilkenny became vacant he was transferred there towards the end of 1858 or the beginning of 1859.  In 1870 he was appointed Canon of Kilmanagh, Vicar General of the diocese in 1872, and Archdeacon of Ossory in 1883.  His last public appearance was at the laying of the foundation stone of the projected new parish church of St. Patrick’s in 1884.  (The site of the church was changed after Abrham Brownrigg became bishop of the diocese in 1884\0.  He died on 28th October 1884.  Fr Tom O’Shea (one of the famous Callan Curates) published an obituary of Archdeacon Hayden in the Kilkenny Journal of Wednesday, 29th October, 1884, which was full of praise for one whom he described as “a pattern to his flock; a model to his brethren in the ministry”. \He was buried in Foulkstown where a splendid monument was erected to his memory.
 
 
John Lyng was born in Tintine, in the parish of Inistioge  in 1801.  The Lyngs were originally a Wexford family who had moved into Kilkenny. John studied for the priesthood in Birchfield, beginning in 1828, and was ordained prist in 1833. In February 1834 he was appointed CC in Windgap and he was to remain curate there for the next eleven years. He was transferred to Mooncoin in 1845 and about 1 October 1854 was appointed PP of Clara. In January 1859, on the transfer of Fr Hayden to St. Patrick’s, he was able to return to the scene of his former labours as parish priest. His pastorate in Windgap was brief – just over four years. He died on Monday, 5 January 1863, after a protracted illness.  In his obituary in the Kilkennny Journal describes him as “most zealous in the discharge of his sacred duties, as gentle and considerate, particularly to the poor, and most attentive to the education of the young, and was greatly esteemed by his brother priests.  He was buried in the cemetery adjacent to the chapel in Windgap – the first to be buried outside?????
 
William Maher was born in Blackmill St., in Kilkenny, and baptised in St. Canice’s church on 16 April 1811, the youngest, it seems, in a family of six boys. His parents were William Maher & Elizabeth Brian (married 23 June 1797 in St. Mary’s Cathedral). He studied classics in nearby Burrell’s Hall and in September 1833 began to study for the priesthood in Birchfield. After his ordination by Bishop Kinsella in 1838 he was CC Urlingford (Oct. 1838-April 1840), Aghaboe (April 1840-Oct. 1840), Clough (1840-42), Comeris (1842-43), Castletown (1843-47), Muckalee (1847-54) and Callan (1854-Oct. 1862) when he was appointed PP Tullaroan. In March 1863 he was transferred to Windgap where he was to spend the next twenty-three years. In 1883 he was appointed Canon of Killamery.  It was during his pastorate that the chapel of Tullahought was built, replacing an earlier chapel.  In this he was greatly assisted by the curate James Brennan about whom more anon.  Fr Maher died after an illness of a few days on 24 April 1886. He is buried in the church of Tullahought.
 
Patrick Phelan was a native of Sralee, Ballyragget, born there about January 1841. He was the son of Michael Phelan and Mary Keoghan. His brother Richard became bishop of Pittsburg and Allegheny in the United States. Fr Phelan studied in St. Kyran’s (1861-2) and afterwards read Philosoophy and Theology in Carlow College (1863-67).  In these years the seminary in St. Kyran’s was not functioning.  He was ordained on 15 June 1867 (along with his classmate John McGrath). Windgap was Fr Phelan’s first curacy, from August 1867 to the end of 1872. He was CC Gowran, 1872-76, chaplain in Kilkenny Workhouse, 1876-79, Adm of St. Mary’s, 8 September 1879 to 12 June 1886 when he was appointed PP of Windgap. On 17 February he was made Canon of Blackrath and early in 1893 Canon Theologian. In 1892 he was a member of the Bishops’ Council. His brother Richard visited him twice in Windgap. The newspaper reported that he visited the schools in Windgap during his stay. He was translated to Slieverue in January 1898 and was succeeded by Peter Doyle. He died as PP Slieverue on 26 July 1915.
 
Doyle, Peter was a native of New House, Kilfane /New Ross, Wexford. He studied in St. Kyran's, from 1860-67 and was then sent to the Irish College in Rome where he was a student form March 1867 to March 1874.  He studied in Propaganda Fide.   He was ordained deacon in Rome in 1873 and priest in March 1874. He was appointed to the staff of St. Kieran's in June 1874 by Bishop Moran who had succeeded Bishop Walsh as bishop of Ossory in 1872.  Peter was CC St. Mary's, 24 Aug.1874 - 30 July 1877, CC Dunnamaggan, 30 July 1877 - 6 June 1880, CC Kilmacow 6 June 1880 - 1 Oct.1883, CC Callan, 1 Oct.1883 - 12 Dec.1889, CC Thomastown, 12/13 Dec.1889 - 1 Febr.1898. On 1 February 1898 he was appointed PP Windgap. He was parish priest in Windgap for ten years during which the extension to the parochial house was completed. He became PP Mooncoin 20 July 1908 and retired 27 Aug.1943. He was appointed Canon, 7 Dec.1910.  He died on 26 February 1944. 
 
James Brennan was a native of Muckalee. He studied in St.Kieran's & Maynooth and was ordained priest on 24 June 1882. Windgap was his first curacy. He came to Windgap on 10 September 1882 as curate to William Maher.  He spent five years in Windgap, during which he had a major part in the building of Tullahought church.  He worked as curate in Temnpleorum (21 June 1887 – 22 December 1889), Slieverue (12 December 1889-11 January 1904) Mooncoin (11 Jan. 1904-20 July 1908) when he returned as PP to Windgap.  He was to serve as PP Windgap for thirty-seven years – from July 1908 to his death on 29 December 1945. He is buried in Windgap.
 
PAROCHIAL HOUSE, WINDGAP, CO. KILKENNY
ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 1946
At 12 oclock SHARP (OLD TIME) HOUSE FURNITURE:
Hall—Mahogany grandfather clock (in good order) by Mosley, Waterford; hall stand, barometer, field glasses, 30 yards Wilton stairs carpeting, 27 ins., beige ground; 24 stair rods, rubber mat, dozen floor mats, etc.
Dining room—Beautiful mahogany sideboard, mahogany dining table, 12 dining chairs, carving chairs, armchairs, mahogany Davenport, folding mahogany side table, couch, marble 8-day clock, brass fender and fire irons. Axminster carpct, 13 ft. x 11 ft.; hearth rug, plush window curtains, lace curtains, decanters, champagne, claret, sherry and wine glasses; punch tumblers, fruit service, celery bowls, butter dishes, ornaments, and large quantities of table linen, etc.
Sittingroom—Mahogany telescope dining table, mahogany side table; 12 mahogany chairs, armchairs, roll-top desk, bureau and bookcase combined and books by good authors; writing desk, side tables, Radio battery set, oak frame clock, silver mounted epergne, card tables, brass fender and fire irons, brass-mounted fire screen, brass-mounted coal scuttle, plush window curtains, lace curtains, Axminstcr carpet, 15 tt. x 12 ft.
Breakfast room—Tables, chairs, double dinner service (80 pieces), china tea set, breakfast set, cake stand, plates, etc.
Contents of Three Bedrooms—Mahogany wardrobes, dressing tables, marble-top washstands and ware, towel rails, brass bedsteads, Odearest mattresses,  curled hair mattresses, eight pairs of lace curtains, large quantity of bed clothes, bed linen, eiderdowns, carpets linoleum, etc.
CONTENTS OF _HOUSEKEEPER'S BEDROOM:
Kitchen utensils and Equipment—Tables, chairs, six range pots, 15 saucepans (iron and aluminium), assorted  sizes, dish covers, steamers, enamel dishes, basins, buckets, kettles, teapots, Tuscan china, delph, cutlery, meat safe, etc.
Outside Effects—Three prime dairy cows (early calvers), 2 yearlings, pony, trap and harness, creamery churn, Root pulper, wheelbarrow, garden roller, garden seats, flower tubs and pots and plants; also six tons of good quality hay, three tons mangolds, quantity of timber, sprongs, shovel, pickaxe, hedge shears, slashers, hatchets, handsaws, scythe, rake, lawn mower
A charge of 2/- each will be made at the Door to prevent overcrowding. Proceeds of collection will be handed over "to Windgap Church Building Fund.
SHEE & HAWE, M.I.A.A, 716 CARRICK-ON-SUIR.
 
PASSING OF VERY REV. . JAMES BRENNAN_, P.P., WINDGAP
"With very deep regret we announce the death of the Very Rev James Brennan, P.P. Windgap, which occurred at the Parochial House, Windgp, on Saturday last. He had been in failing health for some short time prior to his death and took a turn for the worst on Christmas Day from which he did not recover. He would have been 92 on New Year's Day.
The late Father Brennan was a native of Muckalee parish and spent his early school days with his uncle, the late Very Rev. Canon Daniel Kennedy. P.P. Kilmacow. He later went to St. Kieran's College and thence to Maynooth, where he was ordained on June 24, 1882. He was first appointed to the curacy of Windgap and after serving successively as curate at Templeorum, Slieverue and Mooncom, he returned to "Windgap  as Parish Priest in 1908. From that until the time of his death—a period of 37 years—he served as Parish Priest of Windgap. 
 One outstanding characteristic of Fr Brennan was his sincerity both for the spiritual and temporal well-being of the people amongst whom he ministered. During the stirring days of the Land League movement Father Brennan was a staunch and uncompromising advocate of the rights of the Irish peasantry and was unflinching in his efforts to remove disabilities under which the tenant farmers suffered at the hands of unscrupulous landlords. He never missed an opportunity of voicing strong denunciation of the iniquitous system which reduced people to the level of serfdom. He took a prominent part in politics. A sincere admirer of Mr John E. Redmond's policy. He was chairman for several years of the South Kilkenny Executive of the United Irish League and presided at conventions for the selection of candidates as members of Parliament for that constituency. Under his leadership that organisation flourished in South Kilkenny and he had the privilege of seeing returned as M P.'s _three who predeceased him Mr. James O'Meara, of Limerick, Mr. Nicholas J Murphy, Ballyhale, and Mr. Matt Keating, of London. Whatever task Father Brennan undertook he entered into it with a thoroughness that was greatly admired, even by those who differed from him in the political sphere and who always regarded him as a worthy opponent.
As a Churchman Father Brennan displayed a keen sense of appreciation of the spiritual needs of his parishioners and his many fine priestly qualities enabled him admirably to fill the dignified post be held for so long a period. He was a man of the people in the best sense of the term and the happy and friendly relations that existed between him and his people testify to his inestimable qualities and his devotion to his sacred calling.
He devoted all his energies to the welfare of the people, and the beautiful grotto, interspersed with well laid-out walks situated near the church at Windgap will bear lasting testimony to his untiring zeal. During his period as Parish Priest Father Brennan also had the church at Windgap reconstructed and renovated in 1914, while he had also had a new church and schools erected at Kilmacoliver Church. Some years ago a new- bell, the gift of Father Brennan's brother, who has since died, was also erected at Kilmacoliver chunch.
Some years ago Father Brennan spent a prolonged holiday in Australia and on his return he was met at Kilkenny railway station by a cavalcade of motor cars conveying parishioners and other friends who escorted him to the Parochial House at Windgap, There he was made a presentation of n purse of sovereigns and an address of welcome. His death, although coming in the fullness of years and at the end of a life of unswerving devotion to his sacred duties, removes from our midst the oldest and one of the most beloved priests in the Diocese. To his relative and to his parishioners, especially the poor who also have good cause to mourn the loss of a faithful friend, we tender sincere sympathy.
The remains were removed from the Parochial House to Windgap Parish Church on Sunday evening, and despite the inclement weather there was a very large and representative cortege  On arrival at the church the remains were received by Rev. L. Murphy, C.C. Windgap, and Rev. W. Daly, C C , do. A large _congregation joined in tbe recitation of the Rosary in the church for the repose of the soul of the deceased Pastor. The clergy present included:— Very Rev. Canon O'Keeffe, PP., Dunnamaggin, Very Rev. J _itiec, i'P_, Danesfort; Rev T Greene, CC, Callan; Rev. P. Conwav, CC, do, Rev 1\ Nolan. CC i IloiboKon; Rev. Fathei _ICiiluom_, 0 F Af. Cap., Tlie FIMI _.V, Kilkenny l{cv. P Madigan. CC, _Tpinplcoiiim Rev. J _ileaiij, 0 C , do , Rev _K Pin cell, CC, _Casllccomer ,Rev. C Sherin, Diocesan director of Sacred Music Right Rev Monsignor Doyle C'._iv.iim_^h P.P, V.G., St. Canice’s, presided at the Requiem Office and Solemn High Mass in Windgap Church on Monday morning. As on the previous evening the little Church was filled to capacity for the oh _sptpucs Veiy Rev .7 Rice, I' P. Danesfoil, was (clclnaiit of the Mass: Uov. W. Muiphy, L'.C , Moneeiuoe, dea con; Rev P N'ol.tii, CC, Ruslieicon sill) deacon; Re\ R Lowiv, Do m. St
Kiel aii's College, ma'stei of _leieinoiiies
_Tlic cli_.iiitcis wcie Rev. I*. Iloldiwi, ('(/'. St. Maiy's, and Rev. ¦/ Malone, _Di*>- cesan Inspectoi. In the clion weie —Von, Aichde.uoii Dicniiaii, 1' I'_, Tulliiheiiii; Veiy _L_'ev, 1/ C'oghlan, VI', _RoslitMcon, V< 1 _\
Uov. N. Dunphv, PP., Cairick-oii Sun ;
Veiy Rev Ii. _Aylwaid, 1' p , Diniow, Veiy Rev. C.MIOII MOOIC, P.P, Clogh_, Veiy Rev C' ._inoii _Ityan, I'_lesulenl, Si Kieiim_'s College, Veiy Rev Canon Hunt, PP, (iowian, Veiy llev. Canon McNamaia, P.P., Castlecomri ; _Veiy Rev. Cnuon Bicininn, PP, Shevoiiic_, Veiy Rev Canon _O'Keeffc, P.P., Duniiamaggm; Voiy Rev Canon Comcifuicl, P.P., 1_'iltown; Voiy Rev. L IIOVJIC , P.P., Tullnioan; Veiy Rev. J. Biiuly, P.P., ('on.ihy; Veiy Rev. P. _Ifollancl, PP., Fieshloid; Veiy Rov. J. PIIDI.III , P.P., Muckalee; _Veiy Rnv. C Kennedy, PP., Mullina\.it, Veiy Rev. P. _Macltoy, P.P., _Agliavillci ; Veiy Rev J Lougbi v, PP., Johnstown, Veiy Rev. A. _IJIIWIV P.IJ ., Imsliogc, Veiy Rev J Rowc P.P, Lisdowney; Vwy Rev M DHM PP., _Tliomastown; _Vciy Rev N lien ncssy, P.P., Kilmacow; Veiy Rev. J. Comeifoid, P.P., B.illyiagget;' Veiy Rev, M. Filzputrick_, P.P., UalMiale; " Von Rov M Dojlo, D.D , PP, Cillan_"; Voiy Uov M. Dieii, P I', _Mooiii'oin; Voiy Rev. Di. M. Bienan, .Mnvnoolli College. Rov. J. Byrne, Adm., St John's; Rev. K. Joyco, Adm , St Maiy's _j Rpv J. Bennett, CC , Giaiguenamanngb; Rev P. Holdcn, CC, St. Mniy_'s; _Rov. E. Leahy, CO., Casllccomei ; Rov. P Pollnid, C.C., Tullaionn; RPV. P. Coicniim_, CC _, nallyli.do, l?cv. M _Comcifoid, Diocesan Societalv; Rev. W. _O'Keeffo. CC, St. John's; Rev. P . _Stiiunton, CC. Tboniastown; Kov. A. 0'Dwyer, CC, Jo.; Rev. T. Bowdcn, CC, Durrow;
 

.
John Walsh's Forge was officially  re-opened earlier tonight in Windgap Village.  A beautiful moonlit frosty night set a perfect scene. The children of the parish and Windgap church choir opened with various beautifully performed Christmas carols, accompanied by a fleet of guitarists. 
​John Ryan payed tribute to Nicky Hawe whose idea it was for the forge project as well as the first ever outdoor crib in Windgap.
​Fr Fergus Farrell said prayers and blessed the forge, followed by the Ár nAthair.  The evening was concluded with a rendition of Silent Night.

​Well done to all !

​WINDGAP TULLAHOUGHT NOTES Dec. 21st.  2015

A DIFFERENT WORLD: Walk openings, Award Ceremonies, Solstice Celebrations and Village Developments all added to emigrants returns, trad sessions in the local hostelries in making the Christmas and New Year seasonal events extra special in the locality.

AWARD FOR DAN: Windgap Club Founder Dan Phelan, former hurler, footballer, handballer, referee and lifelong GAA supporter will be the recipient of a Maurice Davin Award in the Carraig Hotel Carrick on Suir on Sunday 27th of December. The event will feature personalities of the past, current senior inter county stars and players of the future from the three counties of Kilkenny, Tipperary and Waterford that surround the town on the Suir. The event is open to the public commences at 3pm sharp and all are welcome.

BLESSING FORGE CRIB: The blessing of the Forge Crib will take place on Thursday night, Christmas Eve at 8.45pm just before the 9pm Vigil Mass at the other end of the village street. Christmas Carols will take place at the event if weather permits. Its location is on the site of John Walsh’s village forge with the iconic cut stone horse shoe shaped door. It follows the restoration of the forge frontage over recent weeks by a team of volunteer stone masons with Dermot Houlihan, Seamus Davis, Pat Walsh, Nicholas Hawe, Pat Cooke, John Lanigan, Shay Power and John Ryan being amongst the crew that added the latest enhancement.

WINTER SOLTICE: The Winter Solstice celebrated on Monday last the 21st of December at the Knockroe Passage Tomb known locally as "The Caiseal" attracted a large crowd on Sunday just twenty four hours its Morning and Evening Solstice. They arrived as the weeks of grey blanket clouds accompanied by unseasonably mild temperatures driven by southern and westerly winds moved away to give clearer skies. With the morning Solstice occurring around 8.40 am and the evening event one around 3.40 pm it gave an opportunity to visitors to fit in a visit to the unique site on their day off. Growing in popularity over the past thirty years the sites protection and promotion through local resident Johnny Maher, Professor Muiris O’Sullivan the local residents and the Board of Works has seen it transformed. Weather permitting it was hoped to have Muiris or Robert Duggan give an overview of the high amenity designated area and its history that is again under threat from proposed wind farm developments in the area.

WALKS OPENING: The opening of the two new “National Trails accredited Loop walks will take place on St Stephens Day in Windgap. With registration at eleven o’clock the walks roll out at 11.30. Part of the celebration of the opening of the walks will be refreshments in the Community Hall from 12.30 to 3pm. The fees are €10 for adults and €25 for families to cover the Walk signage and construction. Read on ….

HISTORICAL VILLAGE WALK: The Historical Village walk leaves the Lake and loops through the woodland, amenity area hurling pitch and church grounds. Skirting the Land League house built in Michael Davits time, the house is once again topical with evictions and mass population migrations worldwide. It then crosses the street in the village by the site of the former Dick Walsh’s pub and enters the new cemetery. It then travels via the unique Calvary Grotto with stunning views and pathways before returning by the old rolling cemetery to the village street. Swinging right out the front gate it returns by the newly restored forge. It takes about thirty minutes.

BEARNA BREAC WALK: The longer six kilometre walk leaves the village at the forge and goes by the old RIC Barrack ruins. Passing the village pump it goes up the Barrack Height and travels along the looping and rolling roadway through Oldcastle. With its extensive scenery to the left, in front and behind rising to the top of Blackbog, Kilmacoliver and Beatin, and then away to the high peaks of the Comeraghs and Slievenamon one trod along the foothills of Sliabh Díle where Fionn MacCumhaill hunted deer in mythical times as every bend then and now gave a new perspective. Lined at one stage with an avenue of winter bare sycamores, an array of gates, stone walls and gate posts catch the eye. On the way a grey crow stands sentinel like facing into the wind on one of an ivy clad line of old communication poles. Selecting one with steps, spindles and arms laden with pairs of insulators that once hummed like a guitar as the wind swept through its multiple differently tensioned copper wires. Looking down on the base of Slievenamon, the route takes a sharp right to the wooded Bearna Breac as it passes between sheltered bracken coloured ditches straight to the break in the forestry lined skyline. Promoting a more relaxed pace with grass along the middle of the roadway, the division between the plantations and grassland is pronounced with sturdy stone walls.

COILLTE LOOP: Swinging left off road by the stile the route follows a motorway style woodland path “into the West” where numerous log jumps set on tyres traverse the route and walkers are told they can only encounter horses riding by permit. With the views through the trees giving glimpses of the house bedecked plains stretching away to the North Kilkenny Plateau. The walk quiet and silent bar the wind in the trees, gives a glimpse of Callan town as it passes varying species of deciduous and coniferous trees of varying shapes and colour hues. Of varying ages sizes, one stand had taken the brunt of the westerly winds as they leaned over, were completely tumbled exposing the root masses or snapped like match sticks.

FAR FROM HAWKEYE: Looking up the straight trunks, one recalled the time before steel or aluminium goalposts were invented, when a good well trained eye was required to see the straight line to the very top of the canopy to select a pair for goalposts for the sports field.  Cut, trimmed and shouldered away by a team of volunteers, the poles required skinning and a couple of coats of whitewash before they could be erected to decide the legality of a score by an old brown waxed hemp stitched ball. Lacking a net and often sporting a rope crossbar after over exuberance snapped a lighter pole it added to fare and excitement at the many adhoc evenings games in various fields. Along the Redstone roadway wildlife trails entered and exited left and right as young ferns, bluebell plants and mushrooms of all sizes shapes and colours could be seen.   

HISTORY AND HERITAGE: Just as one could almost touch Tipperary and the famed slopes from Carraigmoclear that lie across the main road from Grangemockler to Killamery a sharp hairpin swept to the right taking the lower route back Eastwards. Down below many of the victims of the failed uprising in 1798 are buried in the grounds of the Church ruins near the high cross also noted for the Killamery Brooch. The new route featured increased birdsong, berried holly, colourful wild rose hips, and purple and pink spring flowers. Also to be seen were clumps of Shamrock, furze in flower, and blackberry blossom on autumnal speckled leaves as the roadway trunking turned grey with patches of white quartz. Picking out the mountains of Leinster the road swept right above the timber stack as the white gable of PJ’s House at the top of the road to Coolagh came into view.  Along the way the communications mast, visible from both trails was the only artificial structure on an almost perfectly spotless trail as the loop was completed and the paths joined just inside the forestry gate.

HOMEWARD BOUND: Back on the road the downhill slope gives new perspectives on the landscape as the one, two to or three hours on the trail has changed the lighting, cloud formations and the views so many, that were missed on the outward trip. On St. Stephens Day refreshments music and song will greet all the participants in the Community Centre. See you there!

WREN BOYS and MOVIES: For the younger members there will be a Treasure Hunt and Movies for all in the Handball Alley from 2pm.

DEVELOPMENT MEETING: Great progress was made at the recent meeting of Windgap Community Development that took place on Tuesday evening week in the Club Rooms. The highlight was the presentation of extensive plans to upgrade the Parish Hall.

CARDS: The next Hurling Club Progressive 25 Card Drive will be held in Guinans on Friday night 1st. January and all are welcome.
BOUNDARY COMMISSION: Thanks are extended to all who were supportive of the submissions for the Boundary Commission on the Waterford border with Kilkenny. Additional ones can be delivered to any committee member of the local club before Jan. 13th.

CHRRISTMAS MASSES: The Christmas Masses will take place on Christmas Eve in Tullahought at 6pm and in Windgap at 9pm. On Christmas Day they will take place in Tullahought at 10am and in Windgap at 11am.

LOTTO RESULTS:  The numbers drawn were 7, 11, 15, 20 and bonus number 21. The draw takes a break for two weeks when the prize fund is €4,950
YEAR BOOK: The Kilkenny GAA Year Book containing photos of the local hurlers, handballers, handball and footballers is now on sale in the local shops.

BRIDGE RESULTS: Winners at the Killamery Bridge Club game held in the Olde House recently were 1st. Maureen Cantwell, Peggy Vaughan. 2nd Noreen Kenneally, Annette Meagher. 3rd. Kitty Meagher and Noreen Kinsella. Best Gross Rita Houlihan, Kitty Meagher.

ANNIVERSARY MASS: The anniversary Mass for Sharon, Nadia and Zara Whelan takes place on Christmas morning in St. Nicholas Church in Windgap at 11am.

OUT AND ABOUT: As soon as the Christmas lights were erected and switched on, a pair of robins arrived instantly looking at the individual lights. After a few minutes deciphering the interruption, they set off flitting around the unlit parts of the hedge. In the prolonged wet spell the well maintained Road Margins in the Tullahought Tidy Towns area have been massacred by vehicles driving on them. A wet fox passing by foraging for snails in the grass would see anyone offer a home in the now so rare henhouse. In the stillness on Saturday evening the birdsong was only interrupted by footsteps in the sodden landscape as the sound of a fast running stream running strong and clear after the heights of the recent floods could be heard. Passing under the oak tree it turned white as it faced and tumbled over the vertical veins in its bed of the local slate formation. A regular haunt for the local pheasant family that had four chicks for the second year in a row, only the hen was present as the evening turned towards roosting time.

WELCOME HOME: A week before Christmas day the first arrivals from across the world arrived home

NUACHTLITIR: Information for the weekly Parish Bulletin at weekend Masses can be emailed to fearghus.ofearghail@dcu.ie or dropped into the Parochial House by Thursday evening. Mobile number (085) 8830756.
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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

WINTER SOLTICE: The Winter Solstice will be celebrated on Monday the 21st December with a large crowd expected to visit the Knockroe Passage Tomb. Knockroe known locally as "The Caiseal" is the only Passage Tomb with both a Morning and Evening Solstice. The morning Solstice occurs around 8.40 am while the evening event occurs around 3.40 pm. 

BRING YOUR WELLIES: If you are visiting the Solstice remember to allow time for parking and walking in to the site and bring along your wellies. The Suir Valley Environmental Group encompassing the local villages in vogue since 2012 are working with the Caiseal Conservation Committee founded in 2007 to make the Evening Solstice an even more enjoyable occasion for visitors. Refreshments will be available on the day and information on the site will also be provided.

CROSS BORDER CO-OPERATION: The group will hold a raffle for a Christmas Hamper and it is hoped to have a guest speaker on the day. Knockroe is situated on the Kilkenny side of the Lingaun River which is the border between Kilkenny and Tipperary. It is seen as an area with many historical treasures which transcends borders and which should be promoted on a Regional rather than County basis.
thoughts now turn to next year’s competition and the hope of going one better.

WALKS OPENING: The opening of the two new “National Trails accredited Loop walks will take place on St Stephens Day in Windgap. With registration at eleven o’clock the walks roll out at 11.30. The Historical Village walk leaves the Lake and loops through the amenity area hurling pitch, church, League House. It the crosses the street in the village and travels through the Grotto before returning to the start by the forge and school. It takes about thirty minutes. The longer six kilometre walk travels via Oldcastle and its extensive scenery to the wooded Bearna Breac. It takes one, two to three hours. The fees are €10 for adults and €25 for families.

WREN BOYS and MOVIES: Part of the celebration of the opening of the walks will be refreshments in the community Hall from 12.30 to 3pm with a Treasure Hunt and Movies for Juveniles in the Handball Alley from 2pm.

DEVELOPMENT MEETING: A meeting of Windgap Community Development will take place on Tuesday evening to review progress since the recent Annual General Meeting. With the forge frontage completed it is hoped to use its horseshoe arched doorway as a feature for the Christmas season.

CARDS: The next Hurling Club Progressive 25 Card Drive will be held in Guinans on Friday night 1st. January and all are welcome.

TIDY TOWNS: Representatives from the Tullahought Tidy Towns group travelled to Clonegall Co. Carlow recently to attend the Regional awards presentation. Hosted by the Regional winners Clonegall in association with Fáilte Ireland the event was well attended and a huge success. Other Kilkenny representatives on the night included Callan, Inistioge and the Keep Kilkenny Beautiful Group representing Kilkenny city. With Environment Minister Alan Kelly on hand to present the awards Eileen Norris collected the Commended Award for Tullahought while Eamon Doyle was presented with the Bronze Medal, the villages fourth Bronze in a row. With the village missing out on a silver medal by just a single point

BOUNDARY COMMISSION: Following a public meeting on the potential effects of the Boundary Commission on the Waterford border with Kilkenny in the RHU GLEN recently the collection of submissions continues in the area. The campaign is being organised in the locality by the local club. To be included contact any member of the committee of the local hurling club.

CHRRISTMAS MASSES: The Christmas Masses will take place on Christmas Eve in Tullahought at 6pm and in Windgap at 9pm. On Christmas Day they will take place in Tullahought at 10am and in Windgap at 11am.

BIRD SURVEY: Tullahought Tidy Towns in conjunction with the school children of the locality are carrying out a Bird Watch Ireland survey of the variety of birds to be seen in local gardens. Ranging from Buzzards to Fieldcrest’s it will include native and migratory species.

LOTTO RESULTS:  The numbers drawn were 5, 7, 9, 13 and bonus number 3. They brought a match three cheque to Tommy Walsh. Next week’s prize fund is €6,950

YEAR BOOK: The Kilkenny GAA Year Book containing photos of the local hurlers, handballers, handball and footballers is now on sale in the local shops.

CLUB NEWS: Attending the recent conventions on behalf of the Club were, Football Aidan Mackey, Coiste na nÓg, Pat Walsh, Southern Board John McKenna and PJ Egan, Handball Michael O’Shea, County Board Eamon Doyle, Pat Moore, Jimmy Walsh and PJ Egan.

NUACHTLITIR: Information for the weekly Parish Bulletin at weekend Masses can be emailed to fearghus.ofearghail@dcu.ie or dropped into the Parochial House by Thursday evening. Mobile number (085) 8830756.

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

Nuachtlitir/Newsletter 1.22

Recent Death: Jim Kenny, Ballinalina, Tullahought
Anniversaries: Windgap: Eamonn and Nora Horgan, Coolhill
 
Bearna na Gaoithe: Sagart Paróiste: Fearghus Ó Fearghail
An Triú Domhnach den Aidbhint: 12/13 Mí na Nollag 2015

Mass Times: Windgap: Saturday, 7.30 p.m. Tullahought: Sunday, 10 a.m.  Windgap, Tuesday, 9.30 [Carol Service, Friday, 12.00 pm]
Christmas Mass Times: Christmas Eve, Tullahought, 6 p.m.; Windgap, 9 p.m. Christmas Day, Tullahought 10 a.m.; Windgap 11 a.m.
Windgap:      

Readers: December: 12, Thomas O’Callaghan; 19, Sylvia Culleton; 24, Tom Mackey; 25, Emer O’Shea; 26, Sean Foley; January: 2, Ann Foley; 9, Rita Phelan; 16, Caoimhe O’Shea; 23, Martin O’Shea; 30, Michelle O’Brien.
Eucharistic Ministers: December, 12, Ann O’Shea; 19, Breda O’Shea; 24 & 25, Margaret Mackey; 26. Joan Watters; January: 2, Liz Jackson.
Tullahought:  Eucharistic Ministers: Leo Conalty; Patricia Power; Mary Walsh; Eileen Grace.

Windgap Annual Bazaar - Sunday, 13th December, Windgap Community Hall, starting at 2 pm.  Wheel of Fortune; Christmas cakes, Vegetables, home baking, hams, valuable prizes, Waterford Crystal, a large hamper, and a beautiful door prize.  Please return tickets for the Raffle before Friday, 18th December. Draw will take place after Mass on Sat. Evening, 19th December, in Windgap.

Windgap School Carol Service: Scoil San Nioclás will hold their annual carol service in the church in Windgap on Friday, 18th December, at 1.30 p.m.  All are welcome.
Winter Solstice at Knockroe: South Kilkenny Historical Society invites you to join the South Kilkenny Historical Society for the Winter Solstice sunset at Knockroe Passage Tomb on Monday, 21 December, 2015. The group will meet at 2.30 pm at Owning church. All welcome.
Windgap Loop Walks: The opening of Windgap Loop Walks (both accredited by National National Trials of Ireland) will take place ar Lá an Dreoilín (St. Stephen’s Day), starting at 11.30am sharp; registration at lake, 11 00 a.m. Refreshments in the hall 12.30-3.00 pm for walkers & non-walkers; entertainment with wren boys from 2 pm; treasure hunt and movies for Juniors at 2.00 pm. Entry: €10 per person, €25 per family. Join in the fun & come in wren boy costume (prize for best effort). Your support will be much appreciated.
Jubilee Year of Mercy: Pope Francis will open the holy door in St. John Lateran in Rome on Sun., 13th Dec., at 9.30 am. On the same day ‘Holy Doors’ will be opened in cathedrals and sanctuaries throughout the world, marking the beginning of the year of Mercy. Bishop Freeman will inaugurate the Jubilee Year of Mercy in Ossory with the opening of the Holy Door in St. Mary’s Cathedral at 5.30 p.m. Priests, religious and lay people are invited to gather at 5.15 pm at the Cathedral. This will be followed by Mass in the Cathedral. The first Jubilee year took place in 1300 under Boniface VIII; there have been 27 since then, not counting this present Jubilee.
Westcourt News: The monthly Mass to pray for the intercession of Blessed Edmund Rice in our lives and for his canonisation will take place in Westcourt, Monday, 14 December 2015, at 7.30 pm, organised by St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society. All are welcome (Br Damian).
Vocations: Thought for the Third Sunday of Advent: “what ought we to do?”  Let joy and gladness show forth in you.  You are called to be the presence of Jesus (Luke 3:10-18) If you think God is calling you to priesthood, call Fr. Willie Purcell Ossory Vocations Director. 056 7770261 or email ossoryvocdir@gmail.com.
Special Collection: Many thanks for your support for the Special Collection.
Youth 2000 Christmas Retreat, for 16-35 year-olds, Frid. 18-Sun 20 Dec. at Newbridge College, Kildare; parental consent required for u-18s. Meals provided, accommodation on site. Just bring a donation & sleeping bag. Free buses from around the country, see www.Youth 2000.ie or Youth2000 Ireland Facebook or tel. 01-675690. The exciting weekend usually attracts over 600 young people from all over Ireland for a weekend of excellent speakers, inspiring talks & workshops, prayer, youth Masses, adoration, healing & time to meet new people.
Callan Christmas Bingo, Sunday 20 Dec.. Free raffles etc. and all kinds of prizes. Come along for the fun.  Callan parish will also have a Christmas Special Whist Drive in the parish hall on Wed. 23 Dec. All are welcome.
World Youth Day 2016, Kracow, Poland, July 2016. Pope Francis will attend. Ossory Diocese is inviting young people (over 18 years) to attend; contact wyd@ossory.ie or Fr Richard Scriven (rscriven2009@gmail.com / 087 2420033) or Derek Dooley (087 938 4242).
Coolagh Cards & Raffle: Pre-Christmas card games for hams and hampers each Thursday night until Christmas.
Priests of Windgap: Thomas Brenan was born in Rathcurby, Mooncoin, and baptised on 12 February 1790, the son of John Brenan and Else Grant. He had two brothers priests – Walter and Richard and was uncle of Edward Aylward, the well-known PP of Castlecomer. He entered the seminary in Maudlin St., Kilkenny, in September 1812, and commenced Theology the following year. He was probably ordained in 1818 or 1819 but probably had to wait a year or two for a vacancy in a parish.  During this time he would probably have lived at home. His first appointment was as CC St. Canice’s (1820-22). He was subsequently CC Ballyhale (1822-29), Templeorum (1829-31), Urlingford (1831-34), Kilmanagh (1834-40) and the Rower (1840-43) before becoming PP Windgap in 1843. While in Windgap he witnessed the failure of the potato crop in the Autumn of 1845. People in Ireland planted even more potatoes the following Spring hoping to avert famine but the crop was a total failure. He died on 6 Oct. 1846 aged 55 years as the ravages of the famine were really beginning to bite.  His monument in the old chapel in Windgap has the inscription:
Here lie the mortal remains of the Rev. Thomas Brenan Parish Priest of Windgap who died October 6th 1846 Aged 55 years. He was meek and humble of heart, simple in mind, endowed with great prudence in bringing the sinner to the ways of God.  He fed the hungry and clothed the naked. And dying he made the poor his heirs.  Requiescat in Pace.
Windgap Creamery: In his diary Horace Plunkett tells of a visit to Windgap creamery on 26 February 1894. He & Robert Anderson set out from Clonmel: “The usual difficulty of an early start ... Off at last with a wagonette & pair, a wild Irish coachman who didn’t know his way ... Mullinahone met Committee & general meeting. Good talk - apparent effect. RAA [Anderson] stayed behind to continue & I go off to Wind Gap (Co Kilkenny). Canon Phelan good priest. Made an impression at good meeting. Both these places creamery built & at work. Very hopeful. Rejoin RAA at Mullinahone where the ‘committee’ are all drunk & drive off to Kilcooley”. Plunkett’s good impression of Windgap was confirmed in June 1894 when the creamery received two “very highly commended” for butter at the Limerick Horse Show, & again in Oct. 1894 when its butter was “highly commended” by the Limerick Dairy Association