DEVELOPMENT NEWS: Good news emanated on a number of fronts at the Windgap Community Development Committee that took place on Tuesday evening. After a long planning and consultation process an application for Windgap's new Community Centre will be submitted to Kilkenny County Council shortly. At the playground a new tennis net was installed and repairs are planned for the hole in the surrounding fence. The work of the Tidy Towns group in its second year was lauded as were the plans to complete the forge. The appointment of a new director to complete the full complement for the next funding application has been put in train. Updates were given on the planned improvements at the creamery, the old National School and proposed ones in the areas around the hall and playground. Maps are to be provided for the entrance to the School, Playground and GAA Club with a view to having the area tarred.
EVENING STROLL: One of the hidden gems of the area has been rejuvenated by a hard working dedicated team of volunteers in recent weeks. Trimmed, strimmed, swept, wed and planted in recent weeks, a stroll through the Calvary Grotto over the contrasting white quartz and laurel hedge lined pathways displays majestic external panoramic views as it circles the peak of the hill. It also offers internal surprises at every corner with Carrera Marble statues set in alcoves hewn into the hill, with pathway mosaics adding intrigue to the peaceful silence of the place. On the route the multi shades of green are contrasted with the red berries on the laurel hedges, foxgloves, fuchsia, blackberry and elder flowers that also provide their unique scent to the evening air. Added are the bright colours of the Lupins, African Marigolds, lobelia and carnations in almost one hundred yards of flower beds. On the way bags of decorative stones are lined up for the next evenings work schedule. Exiting the Grotto via the steps under the giant beech trees whose brown autumnal leaves of the past season still provide visible layers of their golden colour. Nearby the shells and husks of its fruits carpet the surface of a number of the older graves in their shade. A glance at the headstone inscriptions in the fading light starts a story for another day on the people and the history of those buried in the lee of the Grotto. THE UNTOLD STORY: The tragedy of the disappearance of six year Mary Boyle in our childhood days in 1977 has remained unresolved and has reached Government Chambers in Dublin, Westminster, Brussels, Stormont and Washington without resolution. In recent times a TV documentary, The Untold Story written and directed by Gemma O'Doherty, tells the story about the case of Ireland's youngest missing person. Mary vanished on her grandparents' remote farm near Ballyshannon County Donegal. Having attracted over seventy thousand viewers since it was launched on line a week ago it can be seen on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vGORoCbpXw&feature=youtu.be GREAT WIN: The under twevlve Camogie side won the Jerry Kenneally Memorial Tournament in Kilmacow. The teams were marched around the pitch and then the band played Amhrán Na bhFiann. In all four teams took part in the tournament with Windgap playing Ballyhale Shamrocks in the Semi Final and Piltown in the final. The Team was led out by their Captain Denise Foley was Orlal O'Shea Ali Kennedy, Victoria O'Brien, Emer Barron, Sarah Cullen, Nathania Jackson, Emer Smith Jenny Saunders, Sarah Culleton, Ava O'Brien and Megan Kenneally. The side played really well in tough conditions with the rain spoiling things a little. Denise was presented with the cup and thanked team trainer Mick O'Shea, Dave Jackson and Michelle O'Brien and to all the parents for driving. and she thanked Kilmacow for having the tournament run so well. Pictures and more details can be found on windgap.ie CAMOGIE NEWS: Windgap Seniors played a return challenge against Mooncoin in Dunnamaggin with most of the players back, the sides next game is scheduled for the 19th July against Muckalee. GRAVEYARD MASSES: The annual cemetery masses take place in the Slatequarries on Thursday on 21st of July on Wednesday 3rd August in Killamery, Thursday 4th of August in Tullahought and Friday 5th of August in Windgap all at 7.30pm. With preparations on-going at all venues it is hoped that following a kind offer to have the marble statue of St. Bernadette at the Grotto repaired and restored before the annual community remembrance event. TIDY TOWNS: Tidy Towns work continued in Windgap on the Grotto during the week. The forge work involved a team of John McKenna, Nicky Hawe and Pat Walsh collecting stones from a generous farmer for the final push by the stone masons under Seamus Davis to complete the forge feature. The work takes place over the next two Saturdays and it is hoped to have an additional surprise feature in situ for the official opening. Thanks are extended from the group to all who donated plants for flower beds in the Grotto and the floating flower beds and water lilies in the lake. CLUB NEWS: The junior’s travelled to Graiguenamanagh for the fourth round of the League Championship game on Saturday evening. Played in excellent conditions the home side started short three of the selected side with the visitors short four which included the entire full forward line. Playing against the strong wind Windgap were led by 1-10 to 0-4 at the break. Having added 1-3 without reply in the first ten minutes of the new half, the progress continued with just two points (1-12 to 1-10) remaining between the sides with ten minutes to go. The team performance was led by the young players in David Doyle, James Culleton, Darren Walsh and goal scoring debutant Pat Grace whilst senior player James Murray had an exceptionally busy time in goal. The side play Piltown in the final round on Sunday morning 14th of August. See Sports pages for the match report. LOTTO: The winning numbers in this week’s Lotto draw were 5, 12, 17, 20, and bonus number 18. Next week’s prize fund is €7,400. COMMUNITY WORKSHOP: Following a successful workshop held in Faugheen a second one is being held in the Nano Nagle Centre in Carrick on Suir on Thursday next 14th of July from four to seven o’clock. Its aim is to assist Residents, communities, historical groups who promote the area and other interested parties facing the possibility of eight Giant Wind Turbines being erected on the hills overlooking their homes and amenities on both the Kilkenny and Tipperary border. Latest news on the proposals will see major entrance works at Newtown School and major road works from Newtown School via Faugheen Village and Ballinurra to Ballydine. The third applicaltion in recent years is being facilitated by a landowner who lives outside the area after previous attempts failed because the developers were unable to gain access to the site from local landowners. Concern is also being expressed for autistic children who live or attend the local schools in the flicker and acoustic range of the proposed turbines. Objections to the planning application are to be lodged with Tipperary County Council by the 18th July and will cost €20. people to. NUACHLITIR: Notices for the weekend Masses can be emailed to fearghus.ofearghail@dcu.ie or (085) 8830756dropped into the Parochial House by Thursday evening. 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 WINDGAP GROTTO On a gentle little hilltop above the village fair. You will see a lovely Grotto bedecked with flowers rare. It’s the handwork of people who once graced this peaceful scene, And left their mark upon it which forever remains green With dedicated labour both the parson and his flock Did raise this lovely structure from virgin earth and rock. And as you tread those shady walks where the birdies chirrup and sing, You sense their tireless labour to honour Christ our King. And as they trod the pilgrim’s path the road we all must tread, They left behind that lovely shrine Dai Walshs Groto Verse and Photo compliments of windgap.ie POLISHED GEM: One of the hidden gems of the area has been rejuvenated and polished off by a hard working dedicated team of volunteers in recent weeks. Set high over Windgap Village the Calvary Walk and Grotto, that is accessible through the graveyard has received tons of “Tender Loving Care” that would be greatly appreciated by its creators of a century ago. Rejuvenated for the Gathering three years ago, its most recent upgrading follows on its inclusion on the recently opened Historical Walk of the village. A stroll over the contrasting white quartz and laurel hedge lined route that displays majestic external views as it circles the peak of the hill also offers internal surprises at every corner. Trimmed, strimmed, swept, wed and planted in recent weeks Carrera Marble statues in alcoves hewn into the hill, mosaics and almost one hundred yards of flower beds and colour add to the peaceful silence and intrigue of the place. On the route the multi shades of green in the area are contrasted with the red laurel berries, foxgloves, fushica, blackberry and elder flowers that also provide its unique scents and the bright colours of the Lupins, African Marigolds, lobelia and carnations. On the way bags of decorative stones are lined up for the next evenings work schedule. Exiting the Grotto down the steps under the giant beech trees whose brown leaves of last season still provide visible layers of their golden colour, the shells of its fruits carpet the surface of a number of the older graves in their shade. A glance at the headstone inscriptions in the fading light starts a story for another day on the people and the history of the area!
CAMOGIE NEWS: The under tens travelled to James Stephens on Saturday morning to play in their 3rd blitz against Young Irelands, St Brigid’s and home club. In the games Windgap played their hearts out and had a great day. The under sixteens have a match in Windgap this Evening Wednesday 6th July at 7.30pm against Kilmacow and all support is welcome. On Wednesday last the under twelve’s travelled to Tom Walsh Park in Skeoghvosteen to play St Fiachras. The sides were level at half time before St Fiachras got an early second half goal as Windgap fought back well as the goal remained the difference between the sides. The team was Denise Foley, Sara Gleeson, Ali Kennedy, Victoria O'Brien, Emer Barron, Sarah O'Shea, Eimear Smith, Megan Kenneally, Laura Walsh, Sarah Culleton, and Nathania Jackson. Thanks are extended to the trainers and parents involved. The senior’s travelled to Glenmore to play a challenge match where they defeated the home side. Thanks are extended to everyone who contributed to the clubs recent clothes collection POPE JOHN PAUL AWARD: Fr Fergus O'Farrell presented Alanna Dunphy and Margaret Foley with their Silver Certificate for completing tasks in both the church and the community. The Pope John Paul II Award was created to commemorate the late Pope John Paul II who was committed to young people and who had such belief and confidence in the youth. Through the Award young people will be enabled to take part in the life of their church, community and society and to become more aware of the teaching and role of the Catholic Church. GRAVEYARD MASSES: The annual cemetery masses take place on Wednesday 3rd August in Killamery, Thursday 4th of August in Tullahought and Friday 5th of August in Windgap all at 7.30pm. With preparations taking place at all of the venues it is hoped to have the marble statue of a kneeling St. Bernadette at the Grotto repaired and restored before the annual community remembrance event. SUMMER COLOUR: Tidy Towns work continued in both Windgap and Tullahought with the erection of Hanging Baskets and the installation of window boxes in abundance in both villages. In addition a new floral display at the Forge in Windgap and a floating follower arrangement on the lake shows huge promise of great Summer colour. Thanks are extended from the group to all who donated plants for flower beds in Grotto, and the floating flower beds and water lilies in the lake that has helped to transform the area. CLUB NEWS: The junior’s short holiday makers in Greece and the players in the United States for the Summer played Kilsheelin on Tuesday and St. Mollerans on Thursday evening in preparation for the fourth round League Championship game in Graiguenamanagh on Saturday evening at 7.30pm. CROKE PARK VISIT: Excitement is rising with the booked of the bus for the end of the month visit of the under eights to Croke park. LOTTO: Two draws took place on Tuesday last. The winning numbers for the deferred draw of the 21st were 2, 3, 9, 20, and bonus number 7. The winning numbers drawn for the draw of Tuesday 28th June were 3, 16, 20, 21 and bonus number 28. Next week’s prize fund is €7,050. Tickets at €2 are available from any club member. HURLERS CO-OP DRAW: Congrats to former Full Forward: Eamon Cronin, Mealoughmore on winning €600 3rd Prize in the 2nd Hurlers Co-Op Draw. 3rd Draw 12th July. DEVELOPMENT NEWS: A meeting of the Windgap Community Development Committee takes place on Tuesday evening in the club rooms at 8.30 pm. The Agenda includes Tennis Court and Tennis Camps, Amenity Grants, Tidy Towns, Updates on Hall redevelopment and Community Shop, Leader AGM and Funding application, Finances, preparation end of year accounts, Appointment of the full complement of directors, fundraising. COMMUNITY WORKSHOP: Communities on both sides of the Lingaun River dividing Kilkenny and Tipperary that are facing the possibility for a third time of Giant Wind Turbines being erected on the hills overlooking their homes Knockroe Passage Tomb and the High Crosses of Western Ossory have rallied together. As a result a workshop to help people to make an objection and provide further information was held in Newtown National School on Saturday last 2nd of July with a further workshop held in Faugheen Hall on Sunday morning 3rd of July. Organised by the Suir Valley Environmental Group this series of workshops has seen large number of objections prepared by concerned residents who are determined to protect their homes, landscape and heritage. It follows previous attempts to lodge the planning application failed because the developers were unable to gain access to the site from local residents and landowners. Residents, communities, historical groups and other interested parties must lodge their objections to the planning application with Tipperary County Council by the 18th July. Objections to the planning application will cost €20. BRIDGE RESULTS: Winners at the weekly Killamery Bridge Club game players in the Olde House on Monday were; 1st Rita Houlihan and Pat Arrigan Best Gross: Peggy Vaughan and Kathleen O'Shea. 2nd: Rita Townsend and Maureen Cantwell. 3rd: Catherine Burke and Elizabeth Murray. 4th. Noreen Kenealley and Noreen Hayes. 5th Mary Joy and Kitty Meagher, 6th Helen Lanigan and Mary Lonergan. NUACHLITIR: Notices for the weekend Masses can be emailed to fearghus.ofearghail@dcu.ie or (085) 8830756dropped into the Parochial House by Thursday evening. 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 Adrian Landy, John Ryan, Concepta Moore and Pat Walsh "Leading the way" and "ensuring all get back safely" at the Local Walk FUN RUN AND WALK: The postponed Hurling and Camogie Club fun run took place on Sunday morning week. Leaving the Land League House on another, not as wet day, the 5km route led downhill to Robinsons Cross before heading left towards Killamery via Rossenaney and Butlerswood. Passing on the sheltered side of the hill, the route took the first left off the main road to the Bearna Breac. Here it travelled upwards, twisting and turning as the narrow road climbed sharply to the peak at the entrance to the Loop Walk. Like the Gap of Mamore on a wet day, the expected breath-taking views were obliterated by low cloud and rain. Over the top they went at racing, walking and conversational speeds as all partook and benefitted from a quick breather. With the tough climb behind them, they headed down the long straight to turn left for home at the T junction marked by a series of six bar gates. The group was led by Adrian Landy followed by the Young brothers Oscar and Kallie. Next along and keeping the inter county rivalry and International aspect going were Curasilla and Tilpperarys Dean Madden and Paidi Bacon who is just home from Korea. Oblivious to the runners and walkers, a watchful eye was kept on them by a bull and a herd of Suckler cows and calves that were sheltering inside one of the gates with their backs to the wind that prevailed from an unseen cloud covered Slievenamon. As the participants passed by, they included some current Hurlers and Camogie players, retired player’s family groups, club officers and enthusiastic young stars of the future. Well protected and travelling in style was the youngest participant not yet two year old Thomas Griffin of Kells with his cousins and Aunt Mary Culleton. Bringing up the rear with their high viz jackets were race sweepers Pat Walsh, John Ryan and Concepta Moore as they ensured all got safely around the route. As they headed through the sycamore lined, sheltered dip in the road in Oldcastle, their thoughts changed to the awaiting hot teas and refreshments in the local Hall.
CAMOGIE NEWS: In the All County League the seniors went down to neighbours Piltown in Piltown on Friday evening. Playing against the wind the side was 2-9 to 0-2 behind at the break after two injury time goals. On the resumption the sides shared twelve points as the home side ran out 2-15 to 0-8 winners with Ann Marie Phelan getting some fine long range points. Following a social get together on Saturday training for the team resumed in Windgap on Sunday morning. The club held their Annual Clothes Collection on Saturday morning SCHOOLS CAMOGIE: The Schools Camogie team that qualified for the Shield Final recently was Sontae Jackson (Captain), Abby Dunne, Nathania Jackson, Orlaith O'Shea, Sarah Cullen, Sarah Dowling Culleton, Victoria O Brien, Eimear Smith, Emer Barron, Ali Kennedy, Sarah McCoy, Eleanor Hayes, Ciara O Shea, Niamh Enright, Jenny Saunders, Ava Obrien, Alannah Holden WINNING SCHOOL TEAM: The members of the Cumann na mBunscoil Roinn D Final Winners in Nowlan Park were Eoin O'Shea, Eoin Freaney, Shane Houlihan, Jack O Shea, Karl McCoy, Killian Doyle, Killian Enright, Sontae Jackson, James Purcell, Niall O Brien, Michael Freaney, Zac Kennedy, Cian Horgan, Ronan O Brien, Nathania Jackson, Liam Conalty, Evan Doyle, Orlaith O Shea, Shane Lomax, Noah O Shea, Conor Doyle, George Culleton, Matej Dullard, Darragh Doyle, Cian O Rourke. The Captain was, Zac Kennedy whilst Simon Brophy, Tony Doyle and Jimmy Purcell looked after the side. TIDY TOWNS; With the first round of judging carried out both Tullahought and Windgap villages hopes are high that the continued improvement works made a sufficient impression for both to have a second round of judging. In Windgap work continued with hedge and grass cutting around the village with another great turnout at the Calvary Grotto and walk on Tuesday. Plans are in place to extend the levelling and reseeding of the grass margins and the upgrading of the unoccupied buildings on the Carrick Road and hopes are high that the pier at the church entrance will be repaired or removed. In Tullahought the painting of a number of residences and farmyard sheds in the village have made a huge improvement. In addition the tidying up of back street areas and planting has added colour. LOTTO: Two draws will take place on this Tuesday 28th June Next week’s prize fund is €6,900. Tickets at €2 are available from any club member. FINALISTS: Only losing three players for next year the Windgap Cumann na mBunscoil Top Oil Roinn C, Under 11 County Finalists who gave a great performance against Ballyragget was Eoin O Shea, Noah O Shea, Darragh Doyle, Evan Doyle, Jack O Shea(c), Shane Lomax, James Purcell, Conor Doyle, Michael Freaney, George Culleton, Ronan O Brien, Cian O Rourke, and Matej Dullard. GRAVEYARD MASSES: The annual cemetery masses take place on Wednesday 3rd August in Killamery, Thursday 4th of August in Tullahought and Friday 5th of August in Windgap all at 7.30pm SOS SLIABHNAMBAN: Local action groups along the Lingaun Valley have been campaigning since 2006 to protect the area from the threat of wind turbines. To date these groups have been relying on the generosity of the local communities who supported numerous fund raising initiatives. These action groups drawn from the communities of Ballyneale, Kilcash, Killurney, Carrick-on-Suir, Ahenny, Grangemockler, Tullahought, Windgap and the Caiseal Conservation Committee have united under the umbrella Suir Valley Environmental Group to oppose the Dunoair plans for Giant Wind Turbines. In order to prepare a comprehensive rebuttal to the Dunoair plans that were re-submitted during the week the Suir Valley Environmental Group have engaged a professional consultant to examine the proposals. An online fund raising campaign SOS SLIABHNAMBAN has been launched to help cover the costs. To donate log on to https://www.ifundraise.ie/2532_sos-sliabhnamban.html to help the committee protect the Heritage and Landscape of Sliabhnamban and the Lingaun Valley. BRIDGE RESULTS: Winners at the weekly Killamery Bridge Club game played in the Olde House on Monday were; 1st Mary Lonergan and Josie O'Gorman. Best Gross: Stella Tenneyson and Noreen Hayes. 2nd: Elizabeth Lanigan and Sarah Crowley. 3rd: Helen Lanigan and Catherine Burke. LINGAUN VALLEY: If you wish to be part of a committee to look at developing the Lingaun Valley contact Fergus Horgan, Harry Everard or Christine Walshe at Kilkenny LEADER Partnership, 8 Patrick’s Court, Kilkenny by calling 056 7752111 or by emailing info@cklp.ie. NUACHLITIR: Notices for the weekend Masses can be emailed to fearghus.ofearghail@dcu.ie or (085) 8830756dropped into the Parochial House by Thursday evening. 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 DEFRIBILATOR SALE: We are holding our Annual Cake and Home Produce Sale on Friday, 5th August, after the Cemetery Mass in Windgap.
We would greatly appreciate if you could support this very important event; by bringing cakes, home produce (jams, flowers, vegetables, eggs etc.) or by making a donation to the fund. Items for the sale can be left in to the tented area in the village on Friday from 6pm onwards. Raffle tickets for a Hamper and other prizes will be sold at the Cake Sale and the draw will take place after Mass. We will also hold a similar raffle after the Cemetery Mass in Tullahought on Thursday, 4th August. All support would be gratefully appreciated as the fund is providing training for a new group at present and 48 operators will need to do refresher courses before the end of 2016. Three of our Defibrillators are due to be serviced and pads will need to be replaced. We also intend to purchase a 5th Defibrillator shortly for the Killamery area. For further details please contact Joan O’ Gorman 086-1024892, Richie Walsh 087-9963355, Helen Hawe 086-8834042, Miriam Barron 087-7773233 or any member of the committee. Mass Times:
Weekend: Windgap: Saturday, 7.30 pm. Tullahought: Sunday, 10 am. Weekdays: Masses at usual times (except in the event of a funeral). Windgap: Readers: July: 2, Marie Browne; 9, Larry O’Shea; 16, Ann Foley; 23, Heather O’Brien; 30, Sylvia Culleton. Eucharistic Ministers: July: 2, Joan Waters; 9, Liz Jackson; 16, Bridget Comerford; 23, Catherine Meagher; 30, Ann O’Shea; August: 6, Breda O’Shea. Collectors for July: Richie Barry, Billy Brophy. Tullahought: Eucharistic Ministers: July: 3, Eileen Grace; 10, Leo Conalty; 17, Patricia Power. Youth 2000 Summer Festival: Cistercian College, Roscrea, 7-10 July - a 4 day celebration of faith for young people aged 16-35 with a programme of talks, workshops, testimonies, prayer, music, drama & much more. The festival is donation only. Free buses available from all around Ireland. To book online, see www.youth2000.ie or phone 01 6753690. World Youth Day 2016: Krakow, 25-31 July. Young people over the age of 18, wishing to take part with Pope Francis in this pilgrimage to the homeland of Pope John Paul II should contact Fr. Richard Scriven [087 2420033 or inistioge@ossory.ie or wyd@ossory.ie or rscriven2009@gmail.com] or Derek Dooley (087 938 4242). Callan Heritage Society bus outing, Saturday 9th of July, to Curraghmore House and Gardens, Portlaw. Lunch will be served at the Granville Hotel, Waterford. Tour of Copper Coast. Bus leaves from outside Parish Church at 8.30 AM. A further bus tour to Kilmainham Jail, Dublin is being organised for Saturday, 10th of September. Mount Carmel, Callan, appeals for support for the annual draw (€20 for full year for 12 draws). Mount Carmel is seeking a promoter in Windgap who would be willing to lend a hand. If you feel you can help, please call Mount Carmel (0567725301) or Elaine in Callan Post Office (056772523). Fraochán Sunday on Tory Hill: The South Kilkenny Historical Society will join local and others on Sunday 10 July (Fraochán Sunday) on the summit of Tory Hill. Meeting time and place is 1.45pm at Mullinavat church car park. Climbing Tory Hill on Fraochán Sunday is an ancient tradition associated with the ancient festival of Lughnasa. Some light refreshments will be served and it is hoped that the tradition of picking fraocháns will also take place. Canon Carrigan, in The History and Antiquities of the Diocese of Ossory describes Fraochán Sunday on Tory Hill as 'an assemblage of the youth of the neighbourhood to pull the whorts or frocchans, and otherwise amuse themselves'. June Collection: Many thanks for the June envelopes for the support of the clergy. Cathedral Restoration Fund – Fr John Lalor, PP Camross, is having a ‘dog-night’ in Kilkenny greyhound track on 12 August in aid of St. Mary’s Cathedral. Curates of Windgap: Andrew Walsh was a native of Kilminick, Thomastown, born in 1813. He was a student of Burrell’s Hall from 1832 to 1838 and studied in the seminary in Birchfield from 1838 probably to 1843 or 1844 when he was ordained priest. His first appointment was as CC Mooncoin, 1844-45 where he was the third priest in the parish and was assisting the curate. He served as curate in Windgap from June 1845 to August 1850. Towards the end of his time in Windgap the Callan Tenant Protection Society was formed in Callan with the aims of reducing rents or obtaining fair rents, securing tenant rights, including compensation for improvements, and the creation of employment for labourers. The Society held a meeting in Windgap two months later in December 1849. Windgap was chosen because it could bring together tenant farmers from Waterford, Tipperary and Kilkenny and enrol new members. The Nation newspaper reported that between 15,000 & 20,000 were present, amongst whom was a large number of ladies who filled the windows of the street facing the place of meeting. The chair was taken by Richard Murray. Fr Walsh proposed the first resolution: "Resolved: That the high rental of this country, founded upon war prices, and hitherto maintained by protective duties and the unnatural competition for land arising from the extinction of all other menus of subsistence, is now, with protection abolished and the capital of the farmer exhausted by a series of adverse seasons, excessive and intolerable, and if upheld must speedily eventuate in the ruin of proprietor and occupier by the discouragement of employment and the consequent impoverishment, of the soil, the entire of which will be absorbed in the maintenance of the unemployed poor, leaving nothing to landlord or tenant." Mr. Patrick Cody, T.C., seconded the resolution. A resolution was also moved by the parish priest of Windgap, Fr Thomas Moylan. The Callan curates Matthew Keeffe and Tom O’Shea, the founders of the Callan Tenant Protection Society, also spoke at the meeting, the latter giving a rousing speech in which he appealed to all the tenant farmers to join the Society (The Nation, 22 Dec. 1849). Fr Walsh was appointed curate in Dunnamaggin in August 1850 and was appointed to Muckalee in 1854, living in Ballyfoyle (1854 – 1870). While in Ballyfoyle he began the building of the present chapel about 1861. Mass was first celebrated in the chapel five years later. Fr Walsh retired from the parish in 1870 after a gun wound to the hand and died on 16 April 1873 aged 60 years. He is buried in the churchyard in Thomastown where there is a monument in his memory. Mass in Slatequarries 21 July 7.30 Mass in Killamery Cemetery 3 August 7.30 Mass in Tullahought Graveyard 4 August 7.30 Mass in Windgap Graveyard 5 August 7.30 FÉILE CHAMPIONS: For the first time in the history of local handball, the Club won the Division 1 Féile when they defeated Monaghan Harps in the final in Nenagh on Saturday. In the earlier round of the three team competition they overcame their sister club Galmoy. The victorious side was Jack Doyle, Padraig Foley, Eoin O' Brien and Sean Barron. In addition team member Jack Doyle got 3rd place in the Skills competition. On the occasion when the Club had four entrants the girl’s team of Roisín Foley, Cliodhana O’Shea, Sontae Jackson, Emer Dunphy and Heather O’Brien were beaten by just two points in the Shield Final in Division two in Ballinahinch. The other sides were, Sean Purcell, Mark McCoy, Adam O’Shea and Niall O’Brien who participated in division 3 in Carrick-on –Suir where Sean Purcell won 1st place in the Skills Final. In Division 6 Killian Doyle, Jamie Joy, Zak Kennedy and Blade O’Gorman lined out in An Rinn. JERSEY PRESENTATION: In preparation for the Handball Féile local Glanbia Branch Manager Damien Sheehy made a presentation of Glanbia Jerseys to the Handball club and the players for the event. TIDY TOWNS; Rain failed, to stop play on Tuesday evening when two well-known volunteers braved the elements and carried out a huge amount of strimming at the Grotto in Windgap. With work continuing on weeding, planting and hedge cutting on most evenings, Tuesday evening has become a social meitheal at the iconic site attracting an ever growing band of volunteers from over a wide area. The work that has transformed the Grotto area has attracted many positive comments from visitors and supplements the grass maintenance being carried out in the adjacent churchyard by the Fás team. In addition Richie Cashin and Tommy Murphy keep the growth momentum of the new plants going with watering on dry days. At the lake, Amenity Area, GAA Pitch and Playground George Watters and Michael Micklas keep the grass areas in perfect shape. In between both areas at the highest and lowest points of the village, work is scheduled to re-commence on the building of the boundary walls at the forge. The arrival of the sand cement and stone has reinvigorated the team of stone masons led by Seamus Davis and Dermot Houlihan to get the project and landscaping completed. COMMEMORATING 1916: A crowd of over seventy people, locals and visitors attended the opening of the 1916 Tullahought Garden of Remembrance on Friday evening last. The garden which is located between the Wildlife Lake and Tullahought Village is comprised of a granite monument inscribed with the 1916 Proclamation, seven trees to represent each of the signatories of the Proclamation and a flagpole bearing the Tricolour. The attendance was welcomed by the Development Committee Secretary Mary Egan before the garden was blessed by An tAthair Fearghus O'Fearghail P.P. Windgap. Following the reading of the 1916 Proclamation by Thomas Egan the Tricolor was raised by Richard Walsh and the attendance were led in the singing of the national anthem by Alan Hearne. The event concluded with a very informative oration by Michael Moroney detailing the events of the 1916 rising and the subsequent war of independence before the crowd retired to the nearby Community Centre to avail of welcome refreshments. Those gathered to celebrate the event on an overcast but fine evening were able to see in the background the famed mountain of Slievenamon and the closer hill of Carraigadoon. Carraigadoon Hill was one of the first places where the Tricolour was erected by Thomas Francis Meagher in 1748 when his forces held the hill for several weeks in defiance of the British troops garrisoned in Carrick-on-Suir. Thanks are extended to all involved in organizing a fantastic evening of commemoration and to all those who attended. And a big Thanks to all involved in developing the Tullahought Garden of Remembrance. SOS SLIABHNAMBAN: Local action groups along the Lingaun Valley have been campaigning since 2006 to protect the area from the threat of wind turbines. To date these groups have been relying on the generosity of the local communities who supported numerous fund raising initiatives. These action groups drawn from the communities of Ballyneale, Kilcash, Killurney, Carrick-on-Suir, Ahenny, Grangemockler, Tullahought, Windgap and the Caiseal Conservation Committee have united under the umbrella Suir Valley Environmental Group to oppose the Dunoair plans for Giant Wind Turbines. In order to prepare a comprehensive rebuttal to the Dunoair plans that were re-submitted during the week the Suir Valley Environmental Group have engaged a professional consultant to examine the proposals. An online fund raising campaign SOS SLIABHNAMBAN has been launched to help cover the costs. To donate log on to https://www.ifundraise.ie/2532_sos-sliabhnamban.html to help the committee protect the Heritage and Landscape of Sliabhnamban and the Lingaun Valley. HURLING DRAW WINNERS: Local winners in the Hurlers Co-Op Draw were 8th Prize George Smyth €400. 9th Prize 2 nights Waterford Castle Bobby O’Keeffe Callan. Thanks are extended to all Sellers and Supporters of the draw and club. CAMOGIE NEWS: The Club would like to extend our Best Wishes and a speedy recovery to Club Player Aine Dunne who is making great progress after her recent accident. The Seniors are playing in Piltown against Piltown on this coming Friday evening in the Senior All County League, all support welcome. Training for all under age continues on Monday's and Seniors/Minors on Wednesday's. The club have their Annual Clothes Collection on Saturday 2nd July @ 9.30am. If you have any full bags please leave them into the G.A.A. dressing rooms any evening your support would be most appreciated. RED BULL: The local Camogie Club participated in the longest days games in Kilkenny Castle on Saturday last. The local side was Phena Heffernan, Julie Walsh, Ciara Molloy, Aisling Cody, Catherine Foley, Amanda Power, Eimear Moylan, Claire Kirwan, Deirdre Purcell, and Margaret Purcell with Denise Foley as team manager. Also participating with eventual Hurling finalists Matt the Millers was local player Niall Walsh. In the Final they went down to Mullinavat. LOTTO: Numbers 4, 7, 15, 28 and bonus number 24. Next week’s prize fund is €6,900. Tickets at €2 are available from any club member. BRIDGE RESULTS: Winners at the weekly Killamery Bridge Club game played in the Olde House on Monday were; 1st Sarah Crowley and Elizabeth Lanigan. Best Gross: Pat Arrigan and Margaret Comerford.2nd: Moira Hickey and Peggy Vaughan. 3rd: Kathleen O'Shea and Elizabeth Murray LINGAUN VALLEY: If you wish to be part of a committee to look at developing the Lingaun Valley contact Fergus Horgan, Harry Everard or Christine Walshe at Kilkenny LEADER Partnership, 8 Patrick’s Court, Kilkenny by calling 056 7752111 or by emailing info@cklp.ie. NUACHLITIR: Notices for the weekend Masses can be emailed to fearghus.ofearghail@dcu.ie or (085) 8830756dropped into the Parochial House by Thursday evening. 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 Team Photo from the Schools Hurling Final Verses St. Canices B in Nowlan Park FÉILE NEWS: For the first time in the history of the local handball four teams will represent Windgap Handball Club in the National Féile competition that takes place in Tipperary and Waterford on this Saturday 18th of June. The Club entrants consists of three boys teams and one girls team that play in Nenagh, Carrick on Suir, An Rinn and Ballinahinch. They play in Divisions one, three and six respectively with the girls playing in Division two. Also representing Kilkenny is the sides sister Club Galmoy who they meet in Division one. The Galmoy side is led by Billy Drennan who lines out with the Galmoy Windgap under fourteen hurlers and who won the prestigious National Féile Hurling Skills title in Abbotstown on Saturday last. The remaining local clubs include debutants Glenmore, along with Kells, Clogh, Kilfane and Talbots Inch. The occasion matches the achievements of the 2007 Féile hosted in Kilkenny when the local Clubs had hurling, Camogie and Boys and Girls Handball teams entered, with the Hurling side going on to win the Hurling Title.
Branch Manager Damien Sheehy makes the Glanbia Jersey Presentaion to the Féile Handball Teams BALL CATCHING: A mecca of activity for all ages, users of the hurling field in Windgap for Hurling, Camogie, Football, One Wall Handball, school activities, car parking, walks, sports, social get togethers, meetings and external on field activities are invited to support the maintenance and development of facilities by purchasing a ticket for the annual Hurlers Draw over the coming weekend. Proceeds from this year’s draw will help replace the current ball catch fencing that was erected after its predecessor fell foul to Hurricane Charlie in 1986: Finished on the day of the Leinster Senior Final it saw volunteers stay at home to finish erecting the wire and remove the scaffolding. In the interim it has served numerous generations of teams and players well over the past thirty years. The prize fund of €110,000 includes four cars is on offer for the annual Hurlers Co-Op Draw. Tickets cost €50 and can be purchased by anyone from anywhere by contacting any committee member or player or by purchasing online from at home or abroad on kilkennygaa.ie and by selecting Windgap as the benefitting club.
A TWIST IN THE TALE. The on-going saga regarding the Dunoair plans for eight wind turbines on the hills overlooking the Knockroe Passage Tomb took another turn last week when the Tipperary County Council planners decided not to verify the application due to misleading information and lack of clarity. This is the second occasion in the past year when the plans submitted by the developer have been deemed invalid by the Council much to the relief of local residents. It is feared however that it is not the end of these plans and a fresh application could be made at any time. Residents are asked to be vigilant in looking out for new site notices which would signal the lodging of a third application by the developers. In the interim the closing date for objections to Tipperary Co. Co. on the proposal is deferred. FOOTBALL: Club member James Mackey lined out at corner back for Kilkenny against London in the British Junior Football championship in Nowlan Park on Saturday evening. Played before the Dublin verses Laois Leinster Senior Football Championship tie that attracted over seventeen thousand spectators the side found the visitors too strong. As holders of the Sam Maguire British Junior Championship Cup the Club was represented on the winning occasion by Gerard Purcell. The side travel to defend their title in Sundon Park Luton to play Hertfordsshire on Staurday with extra time to be played if required. HOMECOMING: A link from the past 1860 in the locality was recreated when the Liston, Family retraced their O' Dwyer’s and Moore Family Roots from Breagaun and Birchwood to Kansas and Alaska and back, thanks to the windgap.ie Website FUN RUN: The Hurling and Camogie Clubs 5KM Fun Run has been re-arranged for Sun 19th June. Further details to follow. COMMUNITY ALERT The Community Alert Committee is reminding members on the text alert system that the ten euro annual subscription is now due for 2016. You can pay the subscription to any committee member. The committee would like to thank those who have already paid for 2016. BRIDGE RESULTS: Winners at the weekly Killamery Bridge Club game played in the Olde House on Monday were; 1st Moira Hickey and Peggy Vaughan. Best Gross: Kitty Meagher and Rita Houlihan. 2nd. Helen Lanigan and Catherine Burke. 3rd: Stella Tenneyson and Rita Townsend. LINGAUN VALLEY: Thanks are extended by Leader to all who attended the meeting in Tullahought Community Hall on the 13th April. The next step is to form a committee for the region and to include representatives from both counties on the committee. It will be run by KLP who have identified the development of the Lingaun Valley as one of their flagship plans. If you wish to be part of a committee for the region contact Fergus Horgan, Harry Everard or Christine Walshe at Kilkenny LEADER Partnership, 8 Patrick’s Court, Kilkenny by calling 056 7752111 or by emailing info@cklp.ie. CAMOGIE NEWS: Bad news has seen a hand injury to Lisa Phelan one of the gladiators of the local club. Having recently returned from Australia the injury occurred in the final minutes of the game against Dicksboro in Dunnamaggin on Sunday week. TIDY TOWNS; As judging date is imminent weeding continued with growing numbers at the Grotto in Windgap and the awarding of a €1500 amenity grant from Kilkenny County Council whilst hedge planting continued in Tullahought. County Heritage Officer and ecologist Janice Fuller will make a short presentation outlining practical activities community groups can undertake to assist local wildlife with special reference to the National Pollinator Plan in Inistioge in the coming weeks. To attend ring 056-7794487. LOTTO: Numbers 1, 2, 15, 22 and bonus number 27. Next week’s prize fund is €6,000. Tickets at €2 are available from any club member. NUACHLITIR: Notices for the weekend Masses can be emailed to fearghus.ofearghail@dcu.ie or dropped into the Parochial House by Thursday evening. Fr. Fergal’s Mobile number is (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 |
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