CROKE PARK CLASSIC: Even steven at the final whistle, after a titanic struggle, in a hurling classic, will see both neighbouring sides Kilkenny and Tipperary having to meet again to decide the destination of the Liam McCarthy Cup for 2014. Played at breathless pace with a plethora of scores, the game swung too and fro as spectators in Croke Park, at home and across the world clung to their seats to the final, final seconds of nail biting injury time, when one of the rare wide's of the day meant a second outing for all involved. For one dedicated spectator who watched to his dismay, the delight of the opposition supporters greeting the last free as it apparently sailed over the bar, the world was changed when the steward at the exit just twenty steps away informed him it was a miss on Hawkeye. His delight was still apparent as he called to meet and greet the minors on Monday and he looked forward to watching and saluting his senior heroes on another day. For the non national members of the broadcasting crews of SKY led by Yann Thomas who made their hurling debut in Nowlan Park and now almost six months after they first encountered the game, still cannot come to grips with the pace, commitment, dedication and volunteerism of the players and management to their National game. Totally unaware of the hidden gem of sport they and are now delivering its speed, skills and passion to a worldwide audience that are responding with the same awestruck feedback. For the locals the dedication and efforts of the county side will always hold the prominent "pride of place" position in being part of "what we are".
MAJOR MINOR NEWS: Following the phoenix like rise of Pat Hobans Kilkenny minor hurling side who recorded just three points against Dublin in the first round and went on to win the All Ireland on Sunday it was a great occasion for Windgap club and extended panel member Niall Walsh who ran the line as one of the two hurley men on Sunday and had the privilege of climbing the Croke Park steps with his teammates when they raised the Irish Press Cup. Niall now faces three of his teammates from Bennettsbridge at junior club level on Saturday next.
ON THE FRONT LINE: The significance of the parish borders with Tipperary at All Ireland Hurling time were reflected at Nationl level during the week when RTE radio One's Cian McCormack from Morning Ireland, visited Tullahought on Wednesday morning. Greeted by a huge crowd in a flag and bunting bedecked village, he met local Tipperary and Kilkenny supporters, including Windgap GAA members and Sixth class from Windgap National School. Starring in the show were the O' Shea sisters, Orla and Clíona, representing both Tipp and Kilkenny respectively, Shem Power, Pat Walsh, Jo Jo Purcell. Also recorded were Paddy Egan, Jimmy Walsh, Thomas Kennedy, Pat Lonergan, Eamon Doyle, banner maker Dick Walsh and Joe Kennedy. After the interviewing session the group adjourned into the Community Centre for refreshments provided by the local ladies where Margaret Doyle was interviewed on the local engine oil of Black and Amber Cup Cakes. The session finished with the Rose of Mooncoin led by Therese Walsh, Margaret Doyle, Lena Power, Margaret Lowry and Patricia Power. The piece went out on Friday mornings show.
In Kilamery at the other end of the parish a feature covering Poulacapple, Grangemockler and Killamery was recorded by Damien Tiernan in Killamery and went out on RTE's Six One main evening news. The broadcast featured interviews with Paul Kelly and Denis Byrne. For all the photos and updates visit windgap.ie
GALMOY WINDGAP: The under sixteen Galmoy Windgap hurlers recorded a great win over Windgaps neighbours Piltown in the championship on Saturday afternoon.
POTTERY CLASSES: Pottery Classes for all age groups commence in the Camphill workshops in Kyle, Cuaile shortly. The Kids classes start on Tuesday, 16th of September, 6pm-7pm, running for 5 weeks, cost € 40 (all material included) Adult classes starting Wednesday, 17th of September, 7:30pm-9:30pm, running for 8 weeks, cost:€100 (all material included) for more information or to book contact Sonja on 086-3050428
SEEKING SULLIVANS: A query was sent to the local website windgap.ie from Ann Baldwin in NewYork seeks information great great granddaughter of one of one of Windgap sons, Daniel Sullivan who left Knockroe about 1849 or 1850. Ann is wondering if there are local people either in Windgap or Knockroe who I might correspond with her regarding her ancestors on annebill79@hotmail.com
CLUB NEWS: Windgap Junior Hurlers line out against championship favourites Bennettsbridge in Callan on Saturday next at a time to be confirmed.
ALL IRELAND CAMOGIE: Best wishes are extended to the Windgap club players who line out in Croke Park in the Senior and Intermediate All Ireland Camogie Finals. In them Denise Gaule will play in the All Ireland Senior Camogie Final with Catherine Foley and Laura Walker in the Intermediate one.
QUIZ TIME: The Olde House was the venue for the recent All Ireland Camogie Final KCLR Radio Quiz.
DEVELOPMENT NEWS: The final step on the long journey to build a Playground for the community is scheduled to take place this week when the Windgap Develoment Committee hope to sign an eight year lease with the Diocese of Ossory who control the parish property and lands in Windgap.
MORE MATCH TICKETS: Back on the agenda, All Ireland tickets for the Kilkenny and Tipperary replay can be ordered by contacting club officers led by Noel Power, Eamon Doyle and Simon Brophy. The tickets cost €50 for the stand, €25 for the Terrace and with €10 for juveniles in the Davin end it gives many a great opportunity for the underage players to
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 visit the parish website windgap.ie