CAHIR NOTES MEMORIES I am sure readers can imagine how delighted I was to get the following e-mail - I know that these Notes are read on the website (www.cahirnews.cahirda.com) all over the world, and I am always delighted to hear from these readers.  “Hello from Symington, South Ayrshire in Scotland, where I am the parish Minister (Church of Scotland). “I was just surfing the net when I came across your website ‘Calvert’s News’. I was so excited to find it, as my husband and I visit Cahir as often as we can. It’s great to browse your website and see all that is going on, although we were deeply shocked and saddened to see the damage done to St Paul’s Church. “My father-in-law Robert Francis Keating was born 1919 on the Mountain Road. He went to Rockwell College with John O’Brien who still lives at 30 Mountain Road (they were both very poor scholarship boys). “Keep up the good work on the website, we think it is just wonderful. Browsing, we found pictures on the Day Care section of an Agnes Cunningham (nee Keating) who was my grandfather-in-law’s niece. Her grandaughter is here in Scotland and visits us often. It is really a small world. “A big part of our hearts will always be in Cahir. God bless you. Yours sincerely, Glenda and Robert Keating”. Thank you so much for writing, Glenda and Robert, and next time you are in Cahir, please do give me a ring so we can get together. I am sure you would like to meet the great team at the Business & Training Centre who look after the website. RNLI  CHURCH GATE COLLECTION This will take place this weekend, 2nd and 3rd August in Cahir and the surrounding area. Please give generously to this wonderful organisation. I sincerely hope the Dive Club (see next piece) never need them! MICHAEL LOCKER, RIP An e-mail arrived today (Monday) from Mike Manning, in Scarborough. “It is with sadness that I have to tell my friends in Cahir of the recent death of Michael Locker. Michael drove the coach to Cahir on most journeys with the children and with the adult tours. He stayed with Liam Roach or with Liam Simpson, sometimes accompanied with his wife Diane. “Our Scarborough group will miss Michael very much and I am sure you will all be saddened to here of his sudden death”. This is indeed a sad and sudden loss, and our sympathies go out to Michael’s widow, Diane. CAHIR DIVE CLUB GOES TO BALLINSKELLIGS Johnny Sheehan couldn’t have picked a nicer weekend to organise a trip to Ballinskelligs. It was rumoured that he contacted Met Eireann a few weeks ago to check with them what they thought the weather might be like! Eager beavers Garrit Fogarty, Diarmaid Healy, Mary Hunter, Jimmy Duffy and, of course, Johnny himself, arrived down early on the Friday evening to get a lovely dive in a kelp forest. Then it was back to the Skellig Hostel to greet the rest of the divers, cook the first of the mountain of steaks and brief everyone on the plan for the following day. The 7am start didn’t deter anybody, so after a quick cornflake-and-coffee breakfast, it was down to the pier to load up for the first of the training dives. Johnny took Richard Burcher and Aidan O’Connor down for an eventful dive. Between Aidan losing his mask and weight belt and Johnny misplacing his computer for a minute, it was certainly one way of proving that all the exercises learned in training, monotonous though they may seem at the time, are perfected for a very good reason. Mary and Jimmy managed to avoid any dramatics on this particular dive, as did John Ryan and Mairead Cronin, who enjoyed studying the different types of kelp in the forest. Diarmuid’s team of Kevin O’Keefe and Vasily Neumerzhitskiy had great fun getting tangled up in lines and losing weight belts. On returning to the pier, Ciara Cronin, one of the crew, managed to fall in, getting her dry suit all wet. She then had to dash back to the hostel for a quick change (and re-application of waterproof mascara!) before getting back on the boat for the ‘perfect storm’ journey across the seas to the next bay. Under the careful driving of Garrit (aka Miss Daisy) the local tour guide was only kept waiting about half an hour. While the second round of divers enjoyed their dive, the others were tucking into a lovely fry, brilliantly done by Jane Ryan, who got many warm rounds of applause throughout the weekend for all the meals. After the bottles were recharged and some people enjoyed a nap (Ciara!), all the troops headed down to Gleann pier for the final dive of the day. Stuart and Eric Rees did a short dive from the pier to test out Eric’s dry suit, undere the watchful eye of Maureen, while the others took it in turns to dive around Puffin Island. Johnny drove the boat for the second wave of divers and had great fun trying to work the ‘touch screen’ GPS system on the boat. Aidan managed to lose a fin on this dive; he really wasn’t having much luck with his equipment this weekend - must have been the shock of the cold water after the warm waters of Thailand. Kevin learned a new trick for tying on his weight belt, so that it wouldn’t fall off again. On the journey back to the pier, everyone forgot their seasickness and started dreaming of eating the three Pollock and one Mackerel which Richard had caught with Stuart’s fishing rod. They had to settle for ‘all the steak you can eat’ instead. With the sun blazing on Sunday morning, everyone packed up and headed to Gleann pier for one last dive. It was almost like Sharm-el-Sheik with the all the divers. After much discussion with Willie, the local expert, it was decided to err on the side of caution and leave ‘diving the Skelligs’ for a calmer day. Something to look forward to for the next trip to Ballinskelligs. [Many thanks for these terrific notes - hopefully the camera won’t be left at home next time!] AT THE CAHIR GAA SUMMER CAMP Under 10's with Robbie Costigan and Barry Grogan also included are John Murphy and his team of coaches CAHIR CAMOGIE NOTES CAHIR TEAM IN COUNTY FINAL After a  few quiet weeks on the competition front it was full speed ahead last Friday night to Drombane. The convoy left Cahir at around 5.30pm and drove through some lovely countryside and scenic villages to  reach our destination finally.   Our opponents for this "A" County semi-final were Burges and both teams were out on the field at 7.15pm when the Ref threw in the sliothar and the game was on. Within the first minute of the game Burges gave away a free for overcarrying the ball and Ashling Moloney made no mistake in her accuracy with a fine point from around 25m out the field. From that puck out, the sliothar found its way into the magic hands of Roisin Howard and again she pointed another lovely score from play. That same little magician scored a beautiful goal shortly after her point and another point from the stick of Ashling McCarthy had another score on the board before Burges even had time to settle.    During the next five or so minutes of play Burges got a fine point from a free but this was to be their only score in the first half. While there seemed to be a scrum in the middle of the field with two players from Cahir and two from Burges working like terriers to get the ball, the poacher herself, Ashling Moloney, waited patiently on the outskirts of the melé. When she got the chance she had the sliothar up on her hurl and was over to the left hand side of the pitch, striking the ball low and hard, and from about 25 meters out left the Burges goalie stunned as the sliothar went whizzing by her and landed in the back of the net. Another fine goal by Roisin Howard and a superb pull on the ground resulting in  another goal from the stick of Eadaoin O Gorman, left the score at half time Cahir 4-4 to Burges 0-1.   It takes a full team of players, each contributing in their own way, to win a match and this was certainly the case in Drombane. From gaolie Keely Halpin who saved a certain goal only for her diligence, right the way down to our substitutes, who, when they came on, played with confidence and skill to help Cahir to go on and win this game.   Another  super goal from Roisin O' Donnell was answered by a point from Burges and another fine goal from Roisin Howard saw the final score of Cahir 6-4 to Burges 0-2. We must mention the excellent perfromance of full back Carl Casey who caught balls out of the sky and cleared right down the middle of the field. The rest of the defenders Ciara Quinlan, Roisin Costigan , Clara O' Donnell and Heather Lambert, all worked with great efficiency in blocking and clearing the ball. Centre back Emma Buckley had another superb game even if it meant loosing her skirt during the game!. She took an excellent side line cut that could easily match any of the senior players in the game.    Ashling McCarthy again gave a fantastic display of skill while another player working like a trogon was wing forward Aoife Corcoran who seemed to be all over the pitch winning ball and passing some lovely ball in around the forward line. Also up in the forwards, two players who have come on in great style were Katie Farrell and Grainne Quirke, who was particularly unlucky not to get a score with a lovely pass just skimming the outside of the post.   The second half also saw the introduction of Laura Casey, Claire Kiely, Joye Arbuckle, Rachel O' Dwyer and Siobhan Lonergan who each did what was asked of them ensuring Cahir's qualification for a County "A" final in the coming weeks. The management of the team would like to express their thanks to all the parents who travelled with us to Drombane on Friday evening your support does not go unnoticed and as a club we are so indebted to parents who take the time and interest in their children to travel with us to the away games. Training continues in Duneske for all levels each Wednesday evening from 7pm. CAHIR DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY LOTTO As there was no Jackpot winner last week, five Luck Dip winners were drawn, witnessed by Joan Loughman. The holders of each of the winning tickets received €30:  Jo Murphy, Burgess Mansion, Ballylooby; Mariann Hally; Kilmalogue; Joe Considine, Dawson Villas, Tipperary; Loretta Shanahan/Mike Read, The Bell, Cahir; Rena Hayes, Bengurragh. Tickets for this week’s draw, with the Jackpot standing at €1,150, can be bought up to the last minute - noon on Wednesdays - from the Business & Training Centre. The profit from the Community Lotto goes to servicing community projects in Cahir. CAHIR PARK LADIES’ SOCCER AT DUNESKE Tipperary League Division 1 Cahir Park 3, Killenaule 4. In a very competitive game, The Park lost to a late goal. Cahir goalscorers were Alison Lonergan, Jennifer Grant and Clarie Carroll. The Player of the Match was Claire Carroll. The Player of the Month for May was Sinead O’Donnell and for June was Catrina Nagle. League Division I  Friday July 18th at Duneske Sports Complex. Cahir Park 1, Clonmel Celtic 2. After conceding an own goal after 11 minutes, The Park improved their workrate and were close to equalising. However, the Celtic keeper dealt with on-target shots. Mid-way through the half, Celtic were awarded a penalty. Ania Gordzieczk, the Cahir goalkeeper, made a brilliant diving save and three other outstanding saves in the first half. The interval score was 1-0 to Celtic. In the 62nd minute, Alison Lonergan equalised for Cahir with an angled drive. The Chair goalkeeper made some excellent, acrobatic saves. However, in a swift attack, Clonmel’s No 11 scored. Cahir were unlucky when a shot hit the post. A good performance by The Park. The Player of the Match was Ania Gordzieyczk for her courageous and outstanding performance. CAHIR DAY CARE CENTRE The results of the weekly Whist games for the week ending 18th July are as follows: 1st, Lena Phelan with 65 points, 2nd Mary O’Brien with 62 points. Participants are pleased to report that the standard of bowling is improving. May the weather keep improving, so that they can enjoy the sport and companionship! A few places are available for people wishing to join in this September. A correction to the Notes of 16th July - Tom & Eileen met two years ago on the trip to Killarney. Everyone wishes them both a very happy future. ROSEMOUNT & AREA RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Many congratulations to this go-ahead Association, who are the winners of the ‘Litter Black Spot Competition’ that was launched by the South Tipperary County Council back in April. There was a major clean-up in the area, followed by minor clean-ups monthly. The results speak for themselves. The prize money will be spent on further plants and shrubs for the area. Needless to say the members of the Association are very excited by their win, and want to say a big ‘Thank You’ to all the residents who came out and took part. The hard work paid off. And here is a reminder:  there is a mini clean-up on Thursday 31st July at 7:30pm at Rosemount Avenue. “Please come out and support us”. CAHIR BUSINESS & TRAINING CENTRE As Maria Taylor is now PRO for Cahir Development, she has sent in the following: “I always enjoy dropping in to the Cahir Business & Training Centre to have a chat with Helen Quirk, the Manager, and the girls. I usually have some problem with my computer /internet and no matter how busy they are, I always leave there with a little bit more computer knowledge, after plenty of friendly chat. This time I had a chance to catch up on what’s been happening at the Centre. “Helen tells me that, since the completion of all the Training Courses at the beginning of the “summer”, they have been busy planning the next lot of courses. Already, there is an ECDL Course starting on 12th August, for which there are a few places left, and another ECDL Course will be starting in early September for which the dates will be announced shortly. “There are also the very popular and usually fully booked (but not yet) Absolute Beginners Computer Course and Beginners Plus Computer Course coming up in the next few weeks. Once again, the dates are to be announced. “While I was there I had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer Thompson, the new Training Co-Ordinator, a very capable, friendly lady who will be on hand to answer any queries on the courses mentioned. The numbers for Helen or Jennifer are 052 42616 / 43224, or you can e-mail info@cahirda.com. By the way, welcome, Jennifer. “I also noticed that the Centre now stocks all sorts of stationary, from envelopes, paper and pens right through to re-writable CDs. . As there are many more facilities and services available at Cahir Business & Training Centre, I will be updating you in full in a couple of weeks.”      A bit of fine tuning before the start  Eddie, Dutch National Champion Tractor Puller in action TRACTOR PULLING CHAMPION I am sure regular readers will remember the piece I wrote about Cahir man Eric (whose surname I can’t remember), who is very much into Tractor Pulling. Well, he  is now Dutch National Champion - congratulations, Eric. Needless to say, his parents are bursting with pride.  I have been given the following information on Tractor Pulling, which I think should be started here. Sounds great fun - perhaps that go-ahead bunch in Poulmucka will give it a try? In the 1860s, farm machinery was pulled by horses. Farmers would boast about having the most powerful horse. They challenged one another to contest to prove who would own the strongest. A barn door was removed and laid flat, the horse was then hitched to it and the farmer would move it on. As the horse took off, one by one farmers jumped onto the door until the horse could no longer drag it. The strength of the horse was judged by the distance pulled. This is the same principle used in tractor pulling today. Today, tractor pulling is also known as power pulling, and is a competition using tractors to pull a heavy sled along a track, and is very popular in rural areas. Usually, the sled offers progressively greater resistance as it is pulled. I can be a great spectacle and although the vehicle produces a great deal of noise and smoke, and throws dirt everywhere, it doesn’t actually travel very far. There are many different classes, from ‘factory’ tractors to custom-built vehicles with multiple engines. There is more information, about the sleds, which is more technical, but I am sure you get the idea. Perhaps Eric would give us a demo when he is home? More wonderful action shots of Eric from the Dutch National Championship TIDY CAHIR COMPETITION This competition is being re-instated this year, and will be judged in the near future by a Mystery Judge who is an expert in his/her field of gardening. The following categories will be covered: Best Estate - sponsored in full by Dolan’s SuperValu Most Improved Estate - sponsor to be announced Best Shop Front - sponsored by Andy Moloney Best Business Frontage - sponsor to be announced Best Small Front Garden Best Large Front Garden Best Window Boxes/Hanging Baskets (private) Best Window Boxes/Hanging Baskets (business. It is intended that Vouchers will be awarded to the winners in each category, so that they can be of benefit for the future. The plan is to have the awards ceremony on 25th September, venue to be announced. By this time, we will have the results of the National competition, so hopefully will also have something to celebrate. DRAIOCHT PERFORMS TO FULL HOUSES As I said last week, there are shows every Tuesday and Thursday throughout August, in the beautiful setting of St Paul’s Community Centre, Clogheen. This is definitely a show not to be missed, so contact 086 224 3323 for tickets as soon as possible, or you won’t get in. The doors open at 8:15, allowing time to enjoy the tea or coffee, scones and cake, and a chat, before the show starts at 9pm. NEW EXHIBITION IN THE CRAFT GRANARY First of all, many congratulations to Helen Sheehan, the very able Manager, and all her staff for the excellent piece that appeared on Nationwide last week. I was beginning to wonder if anything would bring Michael to Cahir! “Ait Cruinnithe” (Meeting Point) is the title of the new exhibition by Roscrea-based sculptor Werner Groll in the Craft Granary, which opens to the public on Saturday 2nd August. The twelve sculptures in this exhibition are carved from ten different timbers, to show the beauty and colour of the grains of each indigenous tree. “Ait Cruinnithe”, the title for this exhibition, was derived from Werner’s belief that meeting points are not necessarily just places; they can also be similar meetings that all humans experience in their lives that influence them. These can be a chance meeting with their future loved one, as symbolised by his sculpture “Eve”, or their first kiss, as show in “Courtship”. The exhibition is open daily, from Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm; Saturday from 9am to 5pm and on Sunday from 1 to 5pm, and runs until 26th August. CAHIR "Cahir Bears" CHILDCARE CENTRE, Cahir Bears Waddle Toddle took place on  Friday 20th June, all the babies from Babies, Junior and Senior Toddlers, Pre-school and After -school took part.  Cahir Beras raised €3872.70 for Barnardos and 25% goes to Cahir Bears for new equipment. Well done, everyone. PLANNING APPLICATION It was great to hear that the owners of Cahir House Hotel have put in a Planning Application to restore the chimneys of their lovely Georgian building. It is totally out of sync with the architecture for them to be absent and I don’t know how the previous owners got away with removing them. The chimneys will probably be for decorative purposes only, as I don’t think there are any real fireplaces left - but what a difference it will make. THANKS, SUPERVALU I would like to take this opportunity to thank Carmel and John Dolan for the excellent service they supply at their SuperValu. Particularly since I became unable to carry heavy bags home, I have been grateful for their prompt and friendly delivery service - and how cross my dogs get if Sean calls at a different house in Market Yard and not at mine! He is a great favourite of theirs. Now I have another reason to thanks them - it may be a small thing, but their SuperValu Supreme Yoghourts are absolutely gorgeous, and I order six at a time. So thanks a lot, Carmel and John - don’t know what I would do without you. READERS’ NEWS & VIEWS Keep your information coming, it is always good to hear from you. Monday at noon is the cut-off point, I am afraid, so try to contact me as early as possible at 10 Market Yard / 086 840 5020 or at the e-mail address above.