Windgap Notes 21st September

AUTUMUNAL DAYS: The sound of the pack of Kilmoganny harriers based in Castletown on a light southerly breeze  on Saturday morning was another mark of the march of the seasons. As if in anticipation of their forthcoming days of cub and fox hunting they sang in unison of the freedom to join the chase. Elsewhere a brace of combines worked late on the high ground over Lamogue as the patch work of richly coloured cornfields was being converted to stubble lined with rows of thrashed straw. Around them the linear hedgerows, were slowly turning from luscious green, to slight hues of yellow and amber as they started on their way to their autumnal blaze of glory. Under the harvest moon and cooler evenings their journey to their stark barren look of winter had begun in earnest. Along them finches were travelling in flocks making a colourful and song filled sight as they delicately, balanced and fed on the seed heads of the many plants. On the ground a clutch of young still flightless pheasants scurried for the cover of the nearest ditch when disturbed. Over the weekend as the plentifulness of the harvest was celebrated by displays in the Churches, the sports fields saw the business end of the Club Season in all disciplines get into full swing. All across the country, teams honed their skills for the long awaited knock out, sudden death, winner only to progress games. With the All-Ireland Senor Hurling title safely secured by the magnificent county squad and management team, spectators travelled from venue to venue to watch the current stars, whilst keeping one eye out for new ones for the future.

SENIOR CAMOGIES WIN: In a cracker of a Senior Camogie quarter final played in Piltown on Sunday morning, Windgap played the home side. The sides were level on seven occasions between as the locals tested their mettle with the reigning Al Ireland Intermediate Champions. Having opened the scoring Windgap led on five occasions as Piltown took the initiative twice the first three minutes into the second half and more importantly at the crucial spell just three minutes from time. In the end Windgap with two late points recorded a last minute win and with it qualification for a semi-final place. With both sides short a number of key players through emigration, injury and other sporting commitments the sides were tied at 0-5 each at the break. Having opened the second half well with two points the side was rocked back when Katie Power set up the Piltown number sixteen corner forward Chloe Holden for the games first and only goal. After Windgap rallied and went on to opened up a three point lead for the first Piltown’s dual platform of Kellyann Doyle and Katie Power had their side back ahead 1-11 to 0-13 as time ran out. In the end two late points by Ann Marie Phelan put her side ahead when referee Gavin Quilty called time. For all of the score updates from the game go to  https://twitter.com/WindgapGAA The Windgap side was Amanda Power, Phena Heffernan, Catherine Foley, Caoimhe O'Shea, Deirdre Purcell, Elaine O'Shea, Eimear Moylan, Susie Dunphy, Denise Gaule, Annie Phelan, Niamh Bambrick, Áine Dunne, Nikki Moore, Michaela Kenneally, Jane walker. Subs: Niamh Phelan, Terri Mackey, Julie Walsh, Ali Bergin, Elaine power, Cathy long, Claire Korean, Roisin Byrne, Ciara Byrne, Margaret Purcell, The Piltown side from the team sheet was Aoife Norris, Elaine Kenny, Jennifer Norris, Ellen Commins, Kelly Anne Doyle, Carol McCarthy, Lauren Norris, Alice Talbot, Lorraine Long, Katie Power, Edel Long, Katie McCarthy, Georgina Culleton, Chloe Holden, Niamh Culleton , Niamh Dermody, Jean Power Heather Phelan, Nicola Phelan, Debbie Phelan, Antonia Power, Chloe Blackmore, Siobhan Dermody, Sinead McCarthy, Katelyn Phelan, Aine Power, Fiona Long and Stacy O’Brien.

YOUTH CLUB NEWS: Windgap Youth Club is starting back on Friday 2nd of October. Registration for the Youth Club takes place on this Thursday 24th September in Windgap Hall from 7.30 to 8.30. The registration fee for the year is €20.

PLAYGROUND NEWS: Following the recent maintenance visit to the zip wire the success story of the Summer in the area continues. SENIOR SEMI FINAL: Mullinavat provide the opposition in the Camogie Semi Final on Sunday next at a time and venue to be decided. The not to be missed game on the weekends local sporting calendar sees them face the 2012 and 2013 County Champions.

OFF TO TULLAROAN: In the final round of the Junior Hurling League played in Slieverue on Sunday evening week Windgap went down to the home side by three points. Behind by 0-17 to 0-6 at the three quarter stage the side rallied to finish with a final score line of 0-22 to 3-10. The result sees the side face sister club table toppers Galmoy in the first round of the championship in Tullaroan on Saturday afternoon at 2pm. Working together the combined Galmoy Windgap minor side went down by a single to the Fenians in Freshford on Sunday evening.

TRAD FOR TROCAIRE: At a time when all aid agencies are desperate for funding Guinans Bar in Windgap will hold Trad for Trocaire night on Saturday week the 26th September. The event starts at 9.30pm with Ceoil, caint, sceal agus craic. All are welcome to came along and support the notable cause.

CLUB NEWS: This Week’s Winning Lotto Numbers were 2, 16, 20, 26 and Bonus number 11 brought a match three cheque to Padraig Brophy.  Recent Match Three winners were Shane Walsh and Sadie Bacon.

TIDY TOWNS: By the time of the next week’s edition of the Kilkenny People the announcement of the Super Valu Tidy Towns Results will have been made at the Helix Theatre in Dublin. In advance of the announcements thanks are paid to all who have worked in maintaining the work to date and making major improvements to having both Windgap and Tullahought villages looking so well in the past year.

PARISH BULLETIN: Information for the parish bulletin at Sunday Masses can be emailed to fearghus.ofearghail@dcu.ie or dropped into the Parochial House by Thursday evening. Mobile 086 0782066 or his new 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 the local website windgap.ie