Windgap Tullahought Notes August 26th 2013
MEMORIES RECALLED AND MADE: Walks Talks, Hurling, Heritage
, Craft Demonstrations and Camogie were all on the agenda that threw up some memorable gems over the past week.
KILMACOLIVER SCHOOL REUNION: The words of the Liam Lawton hit "There is a Place" sung by the Windgap parish choirs at the end of the Kilmacoliver School reunion Mass in Tullahought Church on Friday evening captured a multitude of feelings. For the former pupils who attended and looked across the road at the old seat of learning in the village, all the memories came flooding back. From there, they had set out in life along "…. a road we have travelled where sunlight has kissed " whilst still recalling their old classmates and neighbours " …..when loved ones were missed" though not forgotten from their youthful days. Closed owing to falling numbers forty years ago the former pupils had returned from as far as Australia for the event. Celebrated by Fr. Nicholas Flavin PP the readings and prayers were carried out by former pupils, Patricia Duggan, Richard Walsh, Biddy Coghlan now (Brid Finnerty), Patsy Doran, Butler, Helen Moran, Eamon Doyle, Margaret Cronin and Brighid Moore. The Offertory gifts were brought by former teachers Nora Larkin and Moira Hickey and former pupils Nickey Coghlan and Bobby Phelan. Recalled too were the oldest living pupils and nonagenarians, Bessie Barry now Wall who resides in Mooncoin and Tommy Walsh who lives in the same townsland of Poulrone that the school is built in, though not named after. Afterwards the former teachers Nora Larkin and Moira Hickey were presented with locally produced Slate Clocks at a marquee reception provided by the local ladies to mark the occasion. Later that evening a trip to Graiguenamangh brought one to the residence of a former teacher Tom Doran who is now domiciled in Canada and stays in touch with the area each Christmas. After the Mass, visitors shared the memories of another teacher Mary O'Donovan now based in her native Cork who sent her written reflections of teaching in the school and living in the area well over fifty years ago. The evening continued with a exhibition of old school photos and chat that then moved into the early hours with a session of music, song and story from the Cois Suire group and guests.
HERITAGE WEEK: The Kilmacoliver School reunion Mass was followed by a weekend of events that included a Photographic Exhibition, the unveiling of commemorative lectern at the old Kilmacoliver school, a lecture entitled ‘Political Exiles from Ireland post the 1848 rebellion, Camogie and Hurling Blitzes, a vintage car display and Traditional Craft Demonstrations that included butter making and the restoration of wrought iron gates, ongoing refreshments, a Guided tour of Knockroe Passage Tomb and traditional music sessions in the Community Centre, Powers and Delaney’s. Attracting visitors from afar it is intended to include a report on the array of activities as space permits in the coming weeks.
MEMORABLE WIN; Windgap Junior Hurlers reached their first Southern Final in six years when they defeated neighbours John Lockes in a robust game of two contrasting halves in Ballyhale on Saturday evening. Behind 1-5 to 0-0 after fifteen minutes the local side with points from Cian Ryan and the Lonergan brothers, Phillip from a free and Tommy were still well off the mark and behind 1-6 to 0-3 at the half time whistle. Playing into the Knocktopher end for the second half, the side added four hard earned points from the afore mentioned forwards at one end whilst living dangerously and conceding two Eoin McGrath ones at the village end. In a low scoring game where real scoring opportunities were scarce, a Callan shot for an empty goal, held the attendance spellbound as it sped in slow motion for a major turning point, before striking against the post and coming back into play to give the local side a welcome boost. As the game entered the final ten minutes Phillip Lonergan goaled to leave the minimum between the sides 1-8 to 1-7. As Windgap now saw a possible glimmer of a winning light at the end of the tunnel further points by Tommy Lonergan had the side ahead for the very first time before the games big play. In it sixteen year old goalkeeper Niall Walsh faced down a Lockes forward who had escaped clear of the Windgap defensive barrier and was bearing down on goal with only a match winning score for the town and parish of Callan on his mind. Having made a brave save and smothered the shot, the danger was cleared temporarily as the side had to undergo further searching tests from a close in free and two sixty fives in the final minutes and injury time. In the end a further Phillip Lonergan point saw the side gain a final appearance with a memorable 1-10 to 1-8 victory. See all the details in Barrie Henriques match report in the Sports Pages.
REPEAT TIE: In a repeat of the game at Junior B level the same sides are sure to attract a fine attendance when they contest the Southern semi-final in Hugginstown on this Tuesday evening.
LOCAL ELECTIONS: The pending retirement of most of the sitting councillors in the forthcoming local elections has brought a fine response from within the parish with very strong suggestions that the area would be best represented by an Independent Community Candidate.
JOE GRINCELL REMBERED: A sponsored walk to the summit of Slievenamon in memory of the late Joe Grincell and in support of the Carrick-on-Suir River Rescue funds turned out to be both a memorable and emotional occasion on Sunday last. Before leaving the head of the lane, over famed Kilcash village of "Cad a dhéanamíd feasta gan adhmaid" fame, a music session took place with an emotional rendering of Slievenamon. Afterwards a crowd of over two hundred followed the steps, where Joe often raced to the peak of the mountain in his running days. Amongst them were all of Joe's neighbours, friends and athletic colleagues with the smallest being carried up shoulder high and the ever young Mattie Neill, Michael Egan who brought water from Joe’s well and Merlyn Culleton being amongst their number. The event was organised in conjunction with Joe's months mind mass that was held in Grangemockler the previous evening. As the early mist, lifted spectacular views were to be seen from the iconic mountain with a bunch of heather being brought from the top to be placed on his last resting place. Over the weekend, over five thousand Euro was collected for the Carrick-on-Suir River Rescue fund between the Iverk Show and the walk with a supporting cake sale to take place in Tullahought in a couple of weeks time.
CAMOGIE SENIORS WIN: Despite having to don the colours of the local Grangemockler - Ballyneal side for this Senior Camogie Championship first round encounter, Lisdowney were quickest out of the blocks in a clear but cold Windgap on Friday evening. After they took the lead by the second minute, with a well-taken free, it was one that they were not to hold for long, however. With a brace of quick points from Annie and Niamh Phelan and a long-rage goal from Niamh Bambrick the home side quickly found their rhythm. Lisdowney responded well with a pointed free but the next score came again from Windgap, a goal finished to the net from an over-head strike by Catherine Foley. Nikki Moore and Denise Gaule then added to Windgap’s tally, leaving the score line at 2-7 to 0-2 at the break. This gap proved insurmountable for the visitors, despite their best efforts and the skills shown by the player between the Lisdowney posts. As the game progressed the red and white tide continued flowing as Bambrick and the ever-threatening Foley went on to bag another goal each whilst the Phelan sisters and Nikki Moore gained confidence, shooting twelve points between them. Elsewhere county player Denise Gaule was consistent from frees, scoring five from seven, and adding another point from play. Suzie Dunphy also got on the score sheet with an effort from distance. For the ever-trying Lisdowney side the game finished in a flourish with a late goal. Outstanding for the home side on the night were Elaine O'Shea and Clare Grace in defence, the hard working Suzie Dunphy in midfield and an abundance of opportunistic forwards such as Nikki Moore, Catherine Foley, Annie Phelan, Niamh Phelan and Niamh Bambrick. Scorers: Windgap: Niamh Phelan (0-3), Annie Phelan (0-6), Nikki Moore (0-3), Niamh Bambrick (2-0), Catherine Foley (2-0), Denise Gaule (0-6, five frees) Suzie Dunphy (0-1). The Windgap Team was: Laura Walker, Julie Walsh, Michaela Kenneally, Clare Grace, Eimear Moylan, Elaine O’Shea, Deirdre Purcell, Suzie Dunphy, Phena Heffernan, Nicola Moore, Anne-Marie Phelan, Denise Gaule, Niamh Phelan, Catherine Foley, Niamh Bambrick. Subs: Laura Moore, Sarah Grace, Terry Mackey, Aisling Cody, Gemma Long
FOOTBALL 100 YEARS AGO: Have you got picture of the County Senior Football Champions of 1913. If so it is required immediately for the Kilkenny County Senior Football final programme. In the final played a century ago in glorious summer weather with not more than a few hundred people being present in James’s Park on Sunday 25th May the Slatequarry Miners defeated Clogh by 1-0 to 0-0 to take their third title. It followed their All Ireland semi-final appearance as Leinster champions in 1900 and County champions 1907. In a great era for football in the locality their neighbours in Lamogue had captured a four in a row Senior County Titles from 1902 to 1905. Amongst those who did yeoman service for the Slatequarry Miners and Lingaun siders on that day long ago were Butcher Fitzpatrick, Doyle, Moore, Hoynes, and the O’ Neills. On the day the Slatequarry Miners were John Fitzpatrick, D. Hoynes, M. Hoyne, P. O’ Neill, N. O’ Neill, J. Hearne, J. Glendon (Goal) James Phelan, M. Lonergan. Thomas Walsh, M. Moore, J. Fitzgerald, J. Moore, F. Doyle, James Donavan. Information kindly supplied by Ned Buggy of Kilkenny County Board and Gerry O’Neills online Kilkenny GAA Bible.
PASSAGE TOMB: A crowd of up to a hundred gathered on Sunday at the Knockroe Passage Tomb, as part of the Tullahought Heritage Weekend. They came to hear a lecture by Dr. Muiris O'Sullivan and were initially disappointed to learn that Dr. O' Sullivan was unavailable. Their disappointment was short lived however as his replacement speaker Andrea Waters who worked with Muiris at Knockroe proved to be an excellent substitute. Andrea who was a studied under Dr. O'Sullivan proved to have a great knowledge of Knockroe and the surrounding area and particularly the geology of the area. The large crowd many of whom were first time visitors to the site was enthralled by the linkage of the many tombs and dolmens in the area and their relationship to Sliabh na Mban "considered to be a sacred mountain". Comparisons were drawn to Knowth, Newgrange and the sites on mainland Europe. Also discussed was the importance of the location chosen by our ancestors to build the Passage Tomb and how Sliabh na Mban, the Lingaun River and the natural geographic features of the area, influenced the location. The event proved to be a remarkable success and our thanks go to Andrea for filling in at short notice.
CAMOGIE COUNTY FINAL: Great excitement was the order of the evening when the under fourteen girls had a great win over Slieverue in the semi-final against played in Mullinavat. At the final whistle the final score was Windgap 1-8, Slieverue 2-2.
COMPLIMENTS: Thanks are expressed to the many people who supplied material to this 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 [email protected] by Sunday evenings at 6pmRegards
Jimmy Walsh
[email protected]
MEMORIES RECALLED AND MADE: Walks Talks, Hurling, Heritage
, Craft Demonstrations and Camogie were all on the agenda that threw up some memorable gems over the past week.
KILMACOLIVER SCHOOL REUNION: The words of the Liam Lawton hit "There is a Place" sung by the Windgap parish choirs at the end of the Kilmacoliver School reunion Mass in Tullahought Church on Friday evening captured a multitude of feelings. For the former pupils who attended and looked across the road at the old seat of learning in the village, all the memories came flooding back. From there, they had set out in life along "…. a road we have travelled where sunlight has kissed " whilst still recalling their old classmates and neighbours " …..when loved ones were missed" though not forgotten from their youthful days. Closed owing to falling numbers forty years ago the former pupils had returned from as far as Australia for the event. Celebrated by Fr. Nicholas Flavin PP the readings and prayers were carried out by former pupils, Patricia Duggan, Richard Walsh, Biddy Coghlan now (Brid Finnerty), Patsy Doran, Butler, Helen Moran, Eamon Doyle, Margaret Cronin and Brighid Moore. The Offertory gifts were brought by former teachers Nora Larkin and Moira Hickey and former pupils Nickey Coghlan and Bobby Phelan. Recalled too were the oldest living pupils and nonagenarians, Bessie Barry now Wall who resides in Mooncoin and Tommy Walsh who lives in the same townsland of Poulrone that the school is built in, though not named after. Afterwards the former teachers Nora Larkin and Moira Hickey were presented with locally produced Slate Clocks at a marquee reception provided by the local ladies to mark the occasion. Later that evening a trip to Graiguenamangh brought one to the residence of a former teacher Tom Doran who is now domiciled in Canada and stays in touch with the area each Christmas. After the Mass, visitors shared the memories of another teacher Mary O'Donovan now based in her native Cork who sent her written reflections of teaching in the school and living in the area well over fifty years ago. The evening continued with a exhibition of old school photos and chat that then moved into the early hours with a session of music, song and story from the Cois Suire group and guests.
HERITAGE WEEK: The Kilmacoliver School reunion Mass was followed by a weekend of events that included a Photographic Exhibition, the unveiling of commemorative lectern at the old Kilmacoliver school, a lecture entitled ‘Political Exiles from Ireland post the 1848 rebellion, Camogie and Hurling Blitzes, a vintage car display and Traditional Craft Demonstrations that included butter making and the restoration of wrought iron gates, ongoing refreshments, a Guided tour of Knockroe Passage Tomb and traditional music sessions in the Community Centre, Powers and Delaney’s. Attracting visitors from afar it is intended to include a report on the array of activities as space permits in the coming weeks.
MEMORABLE WIN; Windgap Junior Hurlers reached their first Southern Final in six years when they defeated neighbours John Lockes in a robust game of two contrasting halves in Ballyhale on Saturday evening. Behind 1-5 to 0-0 after fifteen minutes the local side with points from Cian Ryan and the Lonergan brothers, Phillip from a free and Tommy were still well off the mark and behind 1-6 to 0-3 at the half time whistle. Playing into the Knocktopher end for the second half, the side added four hard earned points from the afore mentioned forwards at one end whilst living dangerously and conceding two Eoin McGrath ones at the village end. In a low scoring game where real scoring opportunities were scarce, a Callan shot for an empty goal, held the attendance spellbound as it sped in slow motion for a major turning point, before striking against the post and coming back into play to give the local side a welcome boost. As the game entered the final ten minutes Phillip Lonergan goaled to leave the minimum between the sides 1-8 to 1-7. As Windgap now saw a possible glimmer of a winning light at the end of the tunnel further points by Tommy Lonergan had the side ahead for the very first time before the games big play. In it sixteen year old goalkeeper Niall Walsh faced down a Lockes forward who had escaped clear of the Windgap defensive barrier and was bearing down on goal with only a match winning score for the town and parish of Callan on his mind. Having made a brave save and smothered the shot, the danger was cleared temporarily as the side had to undergo further searching tests from a close in free and two sixty fives in the final minutes and injury time. In the end a further Phillip Lonergan point saw the side gain a final appearance with a memorable 1-10 to 1-8 victory. See all the details in Barrie Henriques match report in the Sports Pages.
REPEAT TIE: In a repeat of the game at Junior B level the same sides are sure to attract a fine attendance when they contest the Southern semi-final in Hugginstown on this Tuesday evening.
LOCAL ELECTIONS: The pending retirement of most of the sitting councillors in the forthcoming local elections has brought a fine response from within the parish with very strong suggestions that the area would be best represented by an Independent Community Candidate.
JOE GRINCELL REMBERED: A sponsored walk to the summit of Slievenamon in memory of the late Joe Grincell and in support of the Carrick-on-Suir River Rescue funds turned out to be both a memorable and emotional occasion on Sunday last. Before leaving the head of the lane, over famed Kilcash village of "Cad a dhéanamíd feasta gan adhmaid" fame, a music session took place with an emotional rendering of Slievenamon. Afterwards a crowd of over two hundred followed the steps, where Joe often raced to the peak of the mountain in his running days. Amongst them were all of Joe's neighbours, friends and athletic colleagues with the smallest being carried up shoulder high and the ever young Mattie Neill, Michael Egan who brought water from Joe’s well and Merlyn Culleton being amongst their number. The event was organised in conjunction with Joe's months mind mass that was held in Grangemockler the previous evening. As the early mist, lifted spectacular views were to be seen from the iconic mountain with a bunch of heather being brought from the top to be placed on his last resting place. Over the weekend, over five thousand Euro was collected for the Carrick-on-Suir River Rescue fund between the Iverk Show and the walk with a supporting cake sale to take place in Tullahought in a couple of weeks time.
CAMOGIE SENIORS WIN: Despite having to don the colours of the local Grangemockler - Ballyneal side for this Senior Camogie Championship first round encounter, Lisdowney were quickest out of the blocks in a clear but cold Windgap on Friday evening. After they took the lead by the second minute, with a well-taken free, it was one that they were not to hold for long, however. With a brace of quick points from Annie and Niamh Phelan and a long-rage goal from Niamh Bambrick the home side quickly found their rhythm. Lisdowney responded well with a pointed free but the next score came again from Windgap, a goal finished to the net from an over-head strike by Catherine Foley. Nikki Moore and Denise Gaule then added to Windgap’s tally, leaving the score line at 2-7 to 0-2 at the break. This gap proved insurmountable for the visitors, despite their best efforts and the skills shown by the player between the Lisdowney posts. As the game progressed the red and white tide continued flowing as Bambrick and the ever-threatening Foley went on to bag another goal each whilst the Phelan sisters and Nikki Moore gained confidence, shooting twelve points between them. Elsewhere county player Denise Gaule was consistent from frees, scoring five from seven, and adding another point from play. Suzie Dunphy also got on the score sheet with an effort from distance. For the ever-trying Lisdowney side the game finished in a flourish with a late goal. Outstanding for the home side on the night were Elaine O'Shea and Clare Grace in defence, the hard working Suzie Dunphy in midfield and an abundance of opportunistic forwards such as Nikki Moore, Catherine Foley, Annie Phelan, Niamh Phelan and Niamh Bambrick. Scorers: Windgap: Niamh Phelan (0-3), Annie Phelan (0-6), Nikki Moore (0-3), Niamh Bambrick (2-0), Catherine Foley (2-0), Denise Gaule (0-6, five frees) Suzie Dunphy (0-1). The Windgap Team was: Laura Walker, Julie Walsh, Michaela Kenneally, Clare Grace, Eimear Moylan, Elaine O’Shea, Deirdre Purcell, Suzie Dunphy, Phena Heffernan, Nicola Moore, Anne-Marie Phelan, Denise Gaule, Niamh Phelan, Catherine Foley, Niamh Bambrick. Subs: Laura Moore, Sarah Grace, Terry Mackey, Aisling Cody, Gemma Long
FOOTBALL 100 YEARS AGO: Have you got picture of the County Senior Football Champions of 1913. If so it is required immediately for the Kilkenny County Senior Football final programme. In the final played a century ago in glorious summer weather with not more than a few hundred people being present in James’s Park on Sunday 25th May the Slatequarry Miners defeated Clogh by 1-0 to 0-0 to take their third title. It followed their All Ireland semi-final appearance as Leinster champions in 1900 and County champions 1907. In a great era for football in the locality their neighbours in Lamogue had captured a four in a row Senior County Titles from 1902 to 1905. Amongst those who did yeoman service for the Slatequarry Miners and Lingaun siders on that day long ago were Butcher Fitzpatrick, Doyle, Moore, Hoynes, and the O’ Neills. On the day the Slatequarry Miners were John Fitzpatrick, D. Hoynes, M. Hoyne, P. O’ Neill, N. O’ Neill, J. Hearne, J. Glendon (Goal) James Phelan, M. Lonergan. Thomas Walsh, M. Moore, J. Fitzgerald, J. Moore, F. Doyle, James Donavan. Information kindly supplied by Ned Buggy of Kilkenny County Board and Gerry O’Neills online Kilkenny GAA Bible.
PASSAGE TOMB: A crowd of up to a hundred gathered on Sunday at the Knockroe Passage Tomb, as part of the Tullahought Heritage Weekend. They came to hear a lecture by Dr. Muiris O'Sullivan and were initially disappointed to learn that Dr. O' Sullivan was unavailable. Their disappointment was short lived however as his replacement speaker Andrea Waters who worked with Muiris at Knockroe proved to be an excellent substitute. Andrea who was a studied under Dr. O'Sullivan proved to have a great knowledge of Knockroe and the surrounding area and particularly the geology of the area. The large crowd many of whom were first time visitors to the site was enthralled by the linkage of the many tombs and dolmens in the area and their relationship to Sliabh na Mban "considered to be a sacred mountain". Comparisons were drawn to Knowth, Newgrange and the sites on mainland Europe. Also discussed was the importance of the location chosen by our ancestors to build the Passage Tomb and how Sliabh na Mban, the Lingaun River and the natural geographic features of the area, influenced the location. The event proved to be a remarkable success and our thanks go to Andrea for filling in at short notice.
CAMOGIE COUNTY FINAL: Great excitement was the order of the evening when the under fourteen girls had a great win over Slieverue in the semi-final against played in Mullinavat. At the final whistle the final score was Windgap 1-8, Slieverue 2-2.
COMPLIMENTS: Thanks are expressed to the many people who supplied material to this 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 [email protected] by Sunday evenings at 6pmRegards
Jimmy Walsh
[email protected]
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