WINDGAP TULLAHOUGHT NOTES Kilkenny People on 10th. April 2016

ONE SWALLOW: The sight of a lone swallow at eventide on Friday last unleashed a tide of joy as the news spread on the local airways of the arrival of one of the most reliable first signs of Summer. With one eye on the weather  forecast, the organisers of the Windgap Hurling and Camogie Clubs 5Km fun run and walk on Sunday, changed the route to a leveller and more sheltered route via Robinsons Hill, Roscon and Seskin. However the incessant rainfall and high winds that was in full sway at the starting time of 11am saw the walk deferred for another day. It is to be arranged when the main body of swallows and house martin arrives.  Also falling foul was the Junior B sides game with Piltown when both venues were washed out.

Swallows return to Build cup-shaped nests out of mud and straw inside barns and buildings.

House Martins return to Build enclosed nests out of mud under the eaves of buildings.

Swallows and House Martins both have glossy blue-black backs. A swallow has a longer forked tail, black head and red chin. whist a house martin has a purely white underneath and a white rump. Their nests, eggs and chicks are protected under Wildlife and European legislation.

SPRING CLEAN: A huge crowd turned out for the annual clean-up of the village in Windgap and its approach roads with other groups working in the Coolhill, Meallaghmore and Garryricken areas on Saturday morning.  The group were shocked at the amount of rubbish that included tyres, batteries, garden furniture, old seats, flower pots, car parts dumped and the ordinary rubbish of paper wrappings bottles and cans that were thrown from passing cars. The worst area was identified by the stream between the village and the glen. Situated on the twisting main road it gives cover at night time for a quick stop to throw the rubbish over the ditch. Afterwards over eighty bags and bulkier objects were gathered for collection by the County Council. As tea, cakes and tarts were provided for the workers, amongst the many ideas discussed to battle the dumping was the requirement of a Bottle Bank in the village.

FIVE ALL IRELANDS: Five local players travelled to a mythological place in song and story on Saturday to compete with the Kilkenny under 12, 13, 14 and 15 handball teams in the All Ireland semi-finals. Made famous by Eileen Donahy who extolled visitors to Ireland “If you ever go to Ireland I'm sure you will agree. To take the road from Dublin town way down to Doonaree. On Saturday after taking the route to the Cavan town of Kingscourt a victory saw Sean Purcell, Sean Barron, Padhraic Foley, Eoin O'Brien and Jack Doyle go the whole way to with their team mates to All Ireland glory as they won their semi-finals and finals. First heard by the writer as Mick Shea of Birchwood, well over six feet in height hummed it as he piked the highest and slimmest tram cocks of hay on summer evenings in the Mill Field or sat down in the kitchen in the front of the open fire for a quick haircut. Reflecting the era of his youth when hard work, emigration and the First World War were his and the words went……
“Oh to be in Doonaree with the sweetheart I once knew
To stroll in the shade of the leafy glade where the rhododendrons grew
To sit with my love on the bridge above the rippling waterfall
But to go back home never more to roam is my dearest wish of all”.

HURLERS WIN: In Windgap on Saturday evening Windgap Junior Hurlers collected two league points with a win over Naomh Eoin of Carlow in the All County League, Ahead by 1–6 to 0-4 at the break as they played towards the Seskin goal they eventually ran out 3-9 to 0-7 winners. The side was James Murray, Peter Landy, Sean Foley, Adrian Landy, James Mackey, Phillip Lonergan, William Phelan, Darragh O’Shea, David Doyle, Peter Hennessey, Emmet Landy, Cian Ryan, Gary Lyons, Niall Walsh, Eoin Cody, Subs Paraic Walsh, Ger. Purcell, Paraic Bacon. On Monday evening the under fourteen Galmoy Windgap side had a good win over Clara. Reports by Simon Brophy.

COMMERATION OF 1916: A 1916 commemorative exhibition takes place in The League House in Windgap on May Day Sunday 1st. To make it a memorable event the organisers wish invite everybody to contribute by lending any memorabilia, photos, stories or artefacts you may have about the Easter Rising. The event celebrates our history and they plan on collating all this information. It will include the outstanding efforts of the pupils of Windgap School coached by their teachers and families. For further information, please contact Noreen Hayes or Kate Moloney.

HALL DEVEOLPOMENT: The final design plans for the hall redevelopment will be displayed, to the community and groups on Wednesday 20 April at 8 pm in the hall in Windgap.  The preparation meeting in the Club Rooms on Wednesday 13th April at 8pm has been deferred.

LINGAUN VALLEY: Kilkenny LEADER Partnership is organising a meeting to explore the potential of developing the Lingaun Valley as a community tourism region utilizing the rich history, archaeology and natural resources. The meeting will take place in Tullahought Community Hall on Wednesday 13th April at 8.00pm. All local groups, residents and interested parties are welcome to attend. For further information please contact Fergus Horgan, Development Officer at 086-8528884.

CAMOGIE NEWS: In the opening league game at senior level the side suffered a defeat against Mullinavat on Saturday evening. The side was Caitlin Moore, Margaret Purcell, Elaine O'Shea, Phena Heffernan, Deirdre Purcell, Catherine Foley, Eimear Moylan, Denise Gaule, Lisa Phelan, Annie Phelan, Niamh Phelan, Caoimhe O'Shea, Jane Walker, Niamh Bambrick, Laura Hennessy. Subs: Terri Mackey, Ciara Molloy, Julie Walsh, Aisling Cody, Eimear Moylan, Aisling Foley, Kathy Long and Claire Kirwan. Team supplied by Julie Walsh.  If you would like to be a Social Member of the Camogie Club Please contact any member.

LOTTO RESULTS: Numbers 5, 13, 15, 18 and bonus number 27 were drawn. Next week’s prize fund is €9,400. 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