CAHIR NOTES SILVER JUBILEE FOR AISÉIRÍ In a busy week in Cahir, the outstanding event took place last Friday, when Aiséirí celebrated its 25th anniversary, having opened in Cahir in 1983. Congratulations to all involved - and particularly to Sister Eileen who, although she is retired, is still involved in a different way. In a really nice coincidence of events, Aiséirí had just won First Prize in the Tidy Cahir Competition’s Best Business Frontage category. The previous night in the Castle Gus, who looks after the grounds, had stepped up to receive the award. (Other results below). When I arrived at Aiséirí I hadn’t the least idea of what to expect. During the twenty years that I’ve lived here, there have been occasions when someone has whispered behind their hand that so-and-so was there. Quite honestly, I can’t imagine anywhere that I would rather be if I was a client - or a member of his/her family. The place is so peaceful and the people so caring and understanding, that I was not at all surprised by the high success rate that was reported. Not only the clients but their families receive support and guidance in a truly holistic approach. There were wonderful speeches and I could hardly believe how long I had been there when time for lunch was announced. Each speaker approached the subject in a different way, and each was enthralling. And what an excellent lunch it was. I am sure many of the salad ingredients had been grown on the spot, and the nasturtium on top was a lovely touch. A point made in one of the speeches was the need to re-introduce the clients to proper, regular eating habits with good, healthy food, and with food like that, it surely can’t be too difficult.          Above left to right: Sr Eileen Fahy,  Founder of Aiseiri, Marilyn Brissett, Minnesota, USA and John Lonergan, Governor of Mountjoy Jail Right Back- Willie Collins Director Aiseiri,  Detective Superintendent Barry O’ Brien Chairman National Drug  Strategy Team. Front: - Sr. Liz Murphy Superior of the Mercy Sisters.  Mr. John Murphy Chairman of theRegional Drugs Task Force, and  Sr. Eileen Fahey                                                                                         Best wishes to everyone connected with this wonderful place and long may you prosper. MATTIE MC GRATH SAYS: 1. The Deputy has congratulated Aiseiri on their 25th Anniversary. He said “I am honoured to have been invited to celebrate Aiseiri’s 25th Anniversary. My collelague, John Curran TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for Drugs Strategy & Community Affairs at the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs also attended. (Immediately after his visit to Aiseiri, the Minister paid a flying visit to the Cahir Youth Resource Centre). “From Aiseiri’s foundation in 1983 by Sr Eileen Fahey RSM it has been providing quality treatment in a therapeutic environment for alcoholics, other chemically dependent people and gamblers. At all times, councillors and staff promote ethical and professional standards in the field of addiction and have been a source of inspiration, help and understanding for people in need of help”. 2. The theme of this year’s literacy awareness week, launched by Sean Haughty TD, was welcomed by Deputy McGrath: “Education, and in particular literacy, plays a vital role in social cohesion, intercultural understanding and respect for diversity and human rights. Participation in education should be all-embracing and should lead to participation at all levels of life. “The importance of further, continuing and adult education is particularly evident during these challenging economic times. The need to reskill and up skill our workforce, and the need to ensure the best quality education for our population, is vital. WORLD HEART DAY Sunday 5th October has been designated World Heart Day and the Irish Heart Foundation encourages everybody to enjoy some physical activity on that date. In Cahir, a family fun walk will take place from the Castle Car Park to the Swiss Cottage, starting at 2pm. All are welcome. SECOND CHANCE Second Chance is a Charity Fashion Show giving the audience their first chance to see some of the lovely clothes from St Vincent de Paul’s shop and Mrs Quinn’s (National Council for the Blind of Ireland), shown by trained models - and some smaller models who haven’t been trained yet, but are very good little people. This show will take place on Friday 10th October at 7:30pm in Cahir House Hotel, with tickets costing just €10 each.  Even before I started looking for Spot Prizes these were being offered to me, so there will be a wonderful Raffle, as well as a Door Prize for a lucky ticket-holder. And ladies, you had better bring some extra cash, as Teresa has given us one of her amazing hats, which I have decided to Auction on the night. So don’t miss out, you will be amazed at what is on offer - and all the garments can be purchased at the usual extraordinarily low prices immediately after the Show. If the models haven’t bagged them all, that is. The accessories are from Interior Concepts/Shoe Heaven and from McMahon’s. The Management of the Hotel has been most supportive and helpful, even giving us the use of a big bedroom for three weeks to store the clothes, fit them on the models and so on. Only 200 seats are available, so buy your tickets early, from the Hotel; the Heritage; both Charity Shops or the Business & Training Centre. There may be one or two available on the night, but don’t depend on it - you may find there is standing room only. BIRTHDAYS IN CAHIR Marian and Gerry Duffy have both had birthdays recently - very many happy returns to you both from all your friends. Gerry, I hope you are feeling much better and will return from hospital soon. Rachel Downey’s 5th birthday is on publication day - 1st October, so have a very happy birthday, Rachel - from all the friends you meet in the Lazy Bean and all your family. Charlotte Chamberlain was 15 on 30th September - hope you had a great party. With love from all your family and friends. TIDY CAHIR RESULTS First of all I would like to congratulate Andy Moloney, who is Chairman of Cahir Development Association as well as being a Councillor, on taking hold of Tidy Towns and shaking new life into it. As well as energising a lot of new people, which has to be good news, Andy raised €1,500 to pay for the lovely trophies that were awarded to the Tidy Cahir winners, as well as Vouchers! These were mainly for gardening, but where this was not appropriate, vouchers from the Craft Granary were awarded. Here are the results: Best Small Front Garden - 1st Tony Fitzpatrick, 1 Market Yard (Yeah!); 2nd 3 Nash Place; Joint 3rd Kathleen Egan and No 8 College Court. Best Large Front Garden - 1st The Looby’s, Church Street; 2 Imelda Burke; 3 Brenda Burke.  Best Business Frontage - 1 Aiseiri; 2 Morrissey’s Pub; 3 Our Lady of Mercy NS. Most Improved Estate - 1st Rosemount; 2nd Woodview. The Judge said that if there had been a little less litter at Woodview, the results might have been reversed. Best Estate: - 1 Nash Place; 2 Birchdale; 3 College Court. The immaculate presentation of the whole of Nash Place was commented upon. Best Shop Frontage - 1 SuperValu; 2 Lazy Bean; 3 Genoa. When Enzo went up to collect his prize, the roof nearly came down. This was clearly the most popular award of the evening. Best Commercial Boxes & Baskets - 1 Supervalu (well deserved!) 2 Carrigeen Castle; 3 Cahir House Hotel. Best Private Boxes/Baskets - 1 Nancy Simpson, Tipperary Road; 2 Hannah Lynch, Mitchelstown Road; 3 No 8 Mullaney Gardens. Special Achievement Awards went to the Cahir Area, collected by John Cummins for himself and “his gang” who put in so much great work, and to Niall Grogan for the incredible effort that his company, Grangemore, had made in landscaping the town and creating lovely floral displays. And not a penny had been asked for! We are very lucky to have him in our town.     Carmel Dolan presemting Best Small Front Garden Award to Anthony Fitzpatrick, Market Yard, Cahir   Carmel Dolan presenting the Best Large Front Garden Award to Terry Looby, Garden Grove, Ardfinnan Rd, Cahir   Carmel Dolan presenting the Most Improved Estate Award to Jackie Kelleher and Rita Condon of Rosemounts Residents  Association   Carmel Dolan and Deputy Mattie McGrath presenting John Cummins with a Special Achievement Award for his team on the County Council for their hard work   Carmel Dolan presenting the Best Business Frontage Award 1st place to Gus forAiseiri , Cahir   Sinead Carr of Tidy Towns presenting John Dolan with one of two Awards won by Super Valu, Cahir   Carmel Dolan presenting the Best Business Front 2nd place Award to Brian Costigan of Morrissey's Pub, Castle Street, Cahir   Sinead Carr (Town Manager) giving a speech to the recipients of the Tidy Towns Awards The happy group with their Awards After the presentations there were speeches from Deputy Mattie McGrath, Sinead Carr (Town Manager) who expressed her gratitude to the huge effort made by Andy Moloney and to the South Tipperary Volunteers. This group brought workers to the town from other areas, which is really amazing. I hope Cahir volunteers will reciprocate. John and Carmel Dolan sponsored the trophies, as always, and Carmel actually managed to convince John that he should make a speech! Those who have known them both since they came to Cahir will realise that this is a first. Munster Proteins were substantial sponsors, enabling the Vouchers to be awarded, for which all the recipients were most grateful. Here’s to even more success next year. Many thanks to the ladies in Andy’s family, who made some really delicious bits and pieces that were enjoyed after the presentations had been made, and to the ladies of the ICA who served us. It really was a great night. PIONEER NEWS The Annual Diocesan Dinner Dance will take place in the Clonea Strand Hotel on Friday 24th October at 8:30pm. The Music will be supplied by Johnny Barrett. For tickets, please right 052 41929. All are welcome. CAHIR PARENT & TODDLER GROUP The Group recently held its Church Gate Collection, which raised €418.50. They wish to express their thanks to all who gave to the collection. The Group gathers every Thursday morning between 10:30am and 12:30pm in the Community Hall and all parents, carers and pre-school children are welcome. LONERGAN GETS QUESTION ASKED IN DAIL At the request of Cllr Seanie Lonergan, the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Joan Burton TD, asked a question in Dail Eireann last week about the future of the Moy Isover Plant in Ardfinnan. The question was put to An Tanaiste Mary Coughlan TD. Cllr Lonergan wishes to repeat that he is 100% supportive of the workers in this situation. The plant has employed many workers from Cahir throughout the decades. The Councillor thanks Deputy Burton for raising this important issue with An Tanaiste in Dail Eireann. Question To ask the Tainaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment the steps she had taken to ensure that a plant (details supplied) in County Tipperary remains open in view of the fact that the plant is economically viable and that forty four jobs are directly at stake, and if she will make a statement on the matter. Reply The company in question is a client of Enterprise Ireland. The agency has been working with the company, particularly over the last three years. However, in the middle of August this year, the company informed its staff and then publicly announced that it intended to close as of 31 October 2008. Enterprise Ireland will continue to work with the company to assist in whatever way possible. I am aware that opportunities for alternative work for the staff are already being explored within the parent company. CAHIR CAMOGIE CLUB The u-12 team ;is looking forward to another County Final next Saturday, when they take on Toomevara in the “A-B” Final. The venue has yet to be decided, so please contact any Committee Member during the week, when they will know the exact time and place. Outdoor training on Wednesday evenings will come to an end for this team, now that the days are getting shorter and the daylight is disappearing fast. NEW EXHIBITION STARTING From 2nd to 23rd October, you will be able to see the paintings of Liana Lovie. This exhibition will consist of landscape, animal and abstract paintings. CHURCH GATE COLLECTION The Annual collection for the Cahir Day Care Centre will be held this weekend, 4th and 5th October, at churches in Cahir, New Inn, Knockgraffon and Ballylooby. All the proceeds will go towards maintaining the excellent service for the elderly in the Centre in Cahir. Thanks to everyone for their ongoing support. CAHIR FARMERS’ MARKET The good weather has brought out many customers, and there have been some good Markets recently. To add to this, there is a new stallholder joining this week - Emma Ryan - who will have a savour stall so that you can stock up on some quiches etc for the weekend. Gerardine and Jimmy Lonergan from Rochestown, Ardfinnan, were the lucky winners of the Tipp FM Hamper recently and we hope they enjoyed the hamper, packed with goodies from the Market. O’Brien’s Farm Shop made a welcome return last week, with potatoes and veg and Stamm and Kurt, who travel from Co Clare, returned too, with their potted plants and herbs. They will be back again most weeks now, so keep an eye out for them. David O’Donnell has free range eggs and will also have winter bedding plants in due course. And of course all the regulars are there too. POULMUCKA FIANNA FAIL CUMANN The Cumman would like to express their sincere sympathy to their Secretary Michael Barrett and the Barrett family on the recent death of their mother Mai Barrett. They would also like to express their sincere sympathy to the Quirke family on the death of their mother Lena. May they rest in peace. CAHIR OUTREACH GROUP The Annual General Meeting of the Cahir Outreach Group took place on Tuesday 23rd September. The following Officers were elected for the coming year: Group Leader - Brid O’Malley; Joint Secretaries - Senga Arbuckle and Sara Carroll; Treasurer - Anne Burke; Committee - Geraldine Byron. The Cahir Outreach Group for the Chernobyl Children’s Project urgently needs families to host children from Belarus for two weeks in June/July of Summer 09 The Group has hosted children from the contaminated areas of Belarus over the past 12 years. The children stay with families as part of a Rest & Recuperation programme. By providing the children with respite from their radioactive-contaminated environment, it helps to strengthen and build up their damaged immune system. The children benefit physically from our clean environment, fresh air and healthy diet and from the loving family care the children receive while being here. If you are interested in hosting children next Summer, please contact Brid O’Malley on 052 41759. ST KIERAN’S F.C. St Keiran’s continued their League campaign on Sunday with a 1-1 draw against Ballingary FC. Ray Allen was brought down in the penalty area after a great run and Kevin McGuire scored the resulting penalty. It was a tight game and with 20 minutes left Ballingary equalised. St Kieran’s kick off their Munster Junior Cup campaign next week against Cashel Town at Duneske. CAHIR ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION After two highly successful holiday breaks, one to Portugal for a week and the other to Galway for three days, members can now relax and plan for the next break. The Committee wishes to thank all the members for their help and efforts in making these trips so enjoyable. A special ‘thank you’ goes to Rosaleen Morrissey of Fogarty Travel for her contribution to the planning of the trip to Portugal. Many members took time out and made the trip to Fatima. Ideas are welcomed from all the members of the Association at any of their meetings. The next Monthly Meeting will be held in the Catherine McAuley Room this Wednesday, 1st October at 2:30pm promptly. After the meeting, those present will enjoy the tea and biscuits provided by the dedicated and cheerful members. Please ensure that the full cost of the trip to Punchestown on 29th October is paid to the Treasurer at this meeting. The results of the Progressive 25 Card game held on 26th September is as follows: First with 11 games - Chi Chi Caplice and Sadie Caplice; second with 9 games - Lexie Sheehan and Teddy Dillon. The Lucky Table: Maurice Condon, Timmy Fitzgerald, Michael Phelan and Margaret Quinland. The Raffle was won by Anne Lonergan and Tom O’Mahoney. The weekly card game takes place every Friday at 8pm prompt. CAHIR DAY CARE CENTRE To start with, I need to clarify the telephone number of the Centre, which is 052 45480 and not what was printed last week, for which many apologies. Everyone has great fun at the Centre now, with everyone back into the routine. Tuesday’s Bowls were won by Pat Kinsella and Lil Davis and the determination of Frank Hogan, but Michael Burke took the honour from them on Thursday. The Whist results for the week ending 19th September are: 1st Tom Morrissey and 2nd Ellen Morrissey. For the week ending 26th September, Tom Morrissey was first and Mary Wilkinson was second. Welcome on board to Anne Marie Davis with her Beauty Nest to enhance even further the luxury of this wonderful Centre. At a recent Fundraising event, Larry Hopkins took part in a Head Shave, the proceeds amounting to 543. Well done Larry. Your deed is well appreciated by all members and staff of the Cahir Day Care Centre. May your hair grow long and luxuriant in the near future (?) In the meantime, please do not catch a cold. Once again, many thanks. YOGA CLASSES REMINDER Drop In Morning Yoga Classes start on Wednesday 29th October at 11am. Enquiries to 086 359 3024. CHARTERED PHYSIOTHERAPIST COMES TO CAHIR It was really interesting to meet Karen Coughlan, who is leasing the lower ground floor from the Craft Granary for her Physio practice. (That puts the entrance next to Folke’s Veterinary practice.) Karen, who is from Mitchelstown, will be the first Chartered Physiotherapist in Cahir. Not only that, but she heads the Physio team that looks after the Irish Hockey Association’s Women’s Team, so sports people will know they are in good hands. Karen went to UCD in 2002, then worked in a hospital for 18 months before going to Australia to take her Masters. Since returning, she has been in private practice in Cork as well as looking after the Women’s Hockey Team. She works with doctors, with Olympic Sports people, with hospitals and with Health Centres. The problems that are taken to Karen include Back and Neck Pain, Osteoporosis and Arthritis. For the last two, there is evidence-based proof that Physiotherapy relieves pain, although it is accepted that it is not a cure. Karen’s Top Three recommendations are Manual Therapy, Exercise and Education. I am sure she will be given a great welcome here. Anyone wishing to contact her can do so on -87 9322 373. READERS’ NEWS & VIEWS Always welcome, particularly if they are in good time, at 10 Market Yard / 086 840 5020 and at the e-mail address above.