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