SPRING HAS SPRUNG: The couple of fine soft days around the commencement of February were greeted with a wide range of wildlife activity. Like a visit to the seaside a murder of crows, black grey and jackdaws gathered on the bank of a free flowing stream as some went for a full immersion, dancing energetically in the water, whilst the gallery on the ban all looked on. It was followed by an energetic drying routine of dispersing the water on the bank before they were ready for a quick flight to a nearby tree to preen out their feathers, as the routine continued all along the stream down below them. Having succeeded in keeping a low profile over the winter months the emergence of a colourful cock pheasant with a brilliantly patterned mottled brown partner and their courting ritual along with that of the blackbirds was remarkable to be seen. Elsewhere rabbits pranced about with the joy of spring lambs as snowdrops, early daffodils and gorse blossom added colour to the well advanced grass margins and lawns. Despite the lengthening evenings and within a couple of days, snow on the Comeraghs and Slievenamon added a pinch to the air and more contrast to the landscape. For the many feathered friends of all types of tits and finches, dunnock's, robins and a tailless wagtail, bread crumbs, peanuts and the bag of “Start a Calf” have proved a welcome attraction.
CARD DRIVE: Winners at the Hurling Club Progressive twenty five card that was held in Guinans were. 1st with eleven games were John Kenny and Paddy Barron, 2nd prize was won by PJ Barron and Robbie Maher Pat Power and Brian Hickey Raffle winners were Angel Vaughan, Bridget Cotterell, Noel Ryan, Vincent Purcell The next game takes place on the general election night Friday the 26th February.
CLUB MEETING: At the first Hurling Club committee meeting of the New Year, the attendance of PJ Egan, Noel Power, PJ Barron, Simon Brophy, John McKenna, Eamon Doyle and Pat Walsh commenced the planning for the replacement of the ball catch fencing.
LEINSTER LEAGUES: The Junior side will join Bennettsbridge Carrickshock, Cloneen, St. Patrick's, and Tullaroan to play in this year’s Leinster Club Hurling Leagues. The games take place on Saturdays 27th February, 9th 5th, 19th and 26th March and the 9th of April all at 3pm.
CAMOGIE AGM: Windgap Camogie Club are holding their Annual General Meeting on Friday 19th February 2016. It will be held in the Windgap Club Rooms at 8pm and all are welcome
TIDY TOWNS: Work collecting the rubbish thrown on the surrounding roads commenced in Tullahought recently. Spotless in September cans and plastic bottles and bags are amongst the most common items.
LOTTO RESULTS: The numbers drawn this week were 13, 17, 21, 26 and Bonus number 25. Next week’s prize fund is €6,700. Tickets at €2 are available from any member of the Hurling Club.
SUIR VALLEY NEWS: An interesting evening of talks covering the efficiency and carbon emissions savings from wind energy by Dr Fred Udo, the economics of renewable energy by Colm McCarthy, and energy efficient, retrofitting and energy demand reduction by David Hughes took place in Clonmel last week. For those who couldn't make it, and for those who did who'd like to see the transcripts and videos, the link supplied by the group is https://suirvalleyconference.wordpress.com/about/talks-and-videos/
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. 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