CAHIR NOTES SECOND CHANCE The Charity Fashion Show that took place last Friday night in Cahir House Hotel seems to have gone off very well. As I was ‘backstage’ for most of the time, I didn’t actually see any of the modelling. However, I had hoped to get it all done and dusted in two hours and came in slightly under that, at 1 hour 50 minutes, so I was well pleased. This included a 20-minute intermission, the auctioning of the hat and the raffle. The evening was more or less a ‘no speeches’ zone, which helped to cut down on the time people spent in their seats. The aim was to have a model on the catwalk all the time, with no hanging about between outfits, and we succeeded in this. Sixty-odd outfits were shown. An amazed observer said that if he had not known that the clothes were from Mrs Quinn’s (NCBI) and St Vincent de Paul, he could have been viewing a show from a very high class shop. Many were sold after the show was over - loads of them to the models! The final amount raised isn’t in yet, as Nellie Williams, who took care of the cash side, is still collecting from those who sold tickets. However, it looks as if about €800 was raised for each Charity. There are so many people to thank that I hardly know where to begin - though I think it must be with the Management and staff of Cahir House Hotel, who were endlessly patient and most generous. Ken, who set up the catwalk and chairs, had actually cleared away all the greenery that had decorated the area when we turned up for the final tidy-up on Saturday morning. We were so grateful! All the Spot Prizes were really great, and over €400 was raised from the Raffle alone. They were donated by Caroline Nugent; The Punters’ Rest; John Quirke Jewellers; Ross Pharmacy Morrisson’s Pharmacy; The Craft Granary; The Massage Hut; Agnieska Krym and Michael Doyle. There was one more - a gorgeous silk flower arrangement that Christine Wort had created for the occasion, but everyone thought it was too beautiful to be a spot prize and must belong to the hotel. However, having been put right on that, it sold immediately for €50. Thanks to Nellie Williams and Eleanor Morrissey for coping with the money and to Helen Quirke for coming to my rescue and doing the layout of the Programme - I ran out of time! Jackie Mullins donated to hamper that was awarded to the Lucky Ticket winner and Teresa, of course, was responsible for the amazing black and yellow Ascot hat that was auctioned, as well as the lovely creations seen on the catwalk. I am indebted to Bernie Bowles for letting us use his vacant shop window, which provided an excellent spot to display the prizes and the lovely pictures of the models taken by Brian Guidera. Glenn Grace did me a big favour and cleaned the windows for me, so that they and the display sparkled. In fact, everyone I approached to help came on board instantly, which made the whole thing a pleasure to organise. Pablo Caplice supplied the music and lighting and judged the pace and type of sound we needed to perfection. And he had rushed back from working in Dublin to do so. His wife Kath acquired the hat that was auctioned, so he will now have to take her racing, to win a ‘Best Dressed’ prize. The ladies from both Charity Shops helped behind the scenes, so that the models each had a dresser, thus ensuring that there were no awful pauses with an empty cat-walk. And of course four of the ladies, from SVP, strutted their stuff in outfits they had put together from the shop. One of the reasons I started Maureen’s Models was to provide trained models who want to support charities by modelling at their shows, and the audience last Friday had an example of what they can do. So if there are community groups or charities that wish to put on a fashion show to raise funds, you know where to comel The models were: Alison Duffy, Annette Aylward (Clonmel), Grainne O’Donnell, Laura Quirke (Clonmel) Lisa Doyle, Margaret Denmead Kinney, Marian Duffy, Megan and Leone Keating-O’Connor (Limerick Junction), Sabrina Aylward (Clonmel), Shannon and Shane Taylor and Violeta Stoglow. They range from 4 years old to the 40s and from an adult size 6 to 18, so real people can relate to them. Karen Murphy was much missed from the ranks of the models, and we have had all the family in our thoughts during Mrs Prendergast’s illness. Two shops whose support is invaluable are Interior Concepts for jewellery and accessories, as well as dressy shoes, and McMahon’s for their very wide range of shoes, bags and belts. Lorraine did the models’ hair, and Jean (Serenity) their make-up. Last and by no means least (!) is Joe Sullivan, who made a terrific job of compering the show - thank you so much Joe, and for the advertising space you gave us in South Tipp Today. Something that not many people seem to know is that Mrs Quinn’s has two Wedding Boutiques, and one of their dresses was worn by Alison in the Finale with, matching flower girls and bridesmaid. This dress had been donated, unworn, to the NCBI, with its original price tag on of €950. It is now on sale at €300. The Father of the Bride was Mattie McGrath, who came along between other engagements, and returned later to join the small party that we held for the back-room boys and girls. And he was in Cahir again on Saturday, so all the shoes and accessories were returned to the shops in the splendour of his Mattie-Van. The very first person to volunteer to help with the show was Agnieska Krym, and she was invaluable, helping in so many ways to make things run smoothly. She also donated one of her very nice paintings to the raffle. She and Tina Looby decorated the catwalk with the help of Johnny (?), which was a long job. And then they both continued to help for the rest of the day. As this was Tina’s only day off, I was not only grateful but very impressed. Maria Taylor finished off the catwalk with some nice arrangements and then helped back-stage too, and Brenda Burke was on point duty, seeing that there was someone on the catwalk at all times. Sarah Burke of Sarah’s Flower Studio created a most beautiful bouquet for the bride, that must have taken ages to put together. It was made up of small red roses, some of which had a pearl in the centre, and red rosebuds. The bunch had fine gold netting on the outside and a few gold threads across the top. The ribbon on the stems matched the wedding dress, and the whole effect was stunning. The first Bride to go out onto the catwalk was Lisa Doyle. Lisa had been trialling a brand new self-tan that is being introduced into Ireland by Über (she looked great and loved it) and there was a Consultant present to answer questions about the product. There is an Information Day coming up shortly in Cahir House where those wishing to become Über consultants, in their own time and in their own home or at parties, can find out all about it. Many thanks to all who attended Second Chance, I hope you enjoyed the evening as much as we did. And I hope that for some the supposed stigma of buying these lovely recycled clothes has been banished. COLAISTE PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION The AGM of this Association will take place next Tuesday, 21st October at 8 pm in the Colaiste. It is hoped that as many parents as possible will attend this important meeting. ANONYMOUS THANKS  I don’t usually include anonymous messages, but this one seems harmless. “Thanks to Councillor Seanie Lonergan for removed tree at Beech Park, which was a danger and eyesore. From a grateful resident”. [I presume Seanie didn’t actually cut the tree down?] “Also sympathy to Stella and all the Ryan Family, on the death of her husband Pat recently. R.I.P.” BUS SHELTERS There follows the copy of an e-mail sent to me (and Ger Byron) on 16thFebruary 2008. “Much has been written over the years about the provision of Bus Shelters in Cahir. However, in a recent request by Cllr Andy Moloney to Bus Eireann, he has been informed that Cahir will be surveyed this week with regard to the suitability of seeking planning permission for the provision of Bus Shelters in the area. “Cll Moloney has informed local activist Michael Nugent of the decision and he has also welcomed the moved. Even though the spring is approaching it would be hoped that something will be in place before next winter“.   Local T.D. Mattie McGrath met "The Tudors" actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers recently CAHIR DAY CARE CENTRE All the members are enjoying the many new activities now taking place at the Centre. The new members are well settled and have found a new lease of life, thanks to the hard-working members of staff and the friendly help given by established members of the group. The Whist results are as follows: First, with a score of 45 - Maggie Slattery; Second, Peggy O’Connell with 44 points. People who won prizes in the week ending 4th October are:  Mary O’Reilly, Maureen Cleary, Joan Waight, Mossie King, Nellie Burke and Monica Higgins. Well done to each and every one of you. CONCERN ABOUT TIPPERARY INSTITUTE’S FUTURE Labour Party Councillor Seanie Lonergan stated this week that he is concerned about the future of the Tipperary Institute. The Councillor is particularly concerned given that the Institute provides a crucial educational resource for residents in the Cahir area. Cllr Lonergan’s concern follows a Dail reply from Minister for Education Batt O’Keefe, which the Councillor describes as very worrying. The question was put to the Minister by the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Joan Bruton TD, in Dail Eireann, at the request of Cllr Lonergan. On reading the reply, Cllr Lonergan said that he felt ’very uneasy indeed’. The Councillor adds that ’it is not my intention to be alarmist or raise unnecessary fears, but I hope that the Minister is not hiding behind the veil of budgetary protocol with a view to announcing decisions later. I strongly advise the Institute and all local stakeholders to be vigilant at this time. The Institute should play a vital role in the social and economic development of Cahir and Tipperary in general. From my perspective, I hope the Institute has a long and bright future’. CAHIR ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION Here are the results of the Progressive 25 Card Game held on Friday 10th October: Joint Winners with 12 games were Margaret Quinlan & Michael Phelan; Maurice Condon & Timmy Fitzgerald. The Lucky Table - Mary Fitzgerald & Bridget Fanning; Tom Morrissey & Tom Burke. The Raffle was won by Mary English and Maureen Maher. The next game takes place this Friday, 17th October and of course all are welcome. THAT DOGGONE DOG HAS GONE AGAIN The Mullally’s lovely yellow Labrador (a very pale one) has gone missing again and although there have been sightings, they haven’t been able to catch up with him. Will anyone having any news please contact them, or me, and/or return their dog to them. CAHIR CAMOGIE CLUB At the time of writing, the U-12 Final against Toomevara has been listed to be played on Saturday morning at 11am. A venue still has not been announced, so please contact any committee member during the week for full details. The U-16 Girls travelled to Ballingarry last Saturday to take on the home side. Unfortunately, only 13 players turned up, but the game went ahead anyway. Even though the girls who travelled played their hearts out, the 15-strong side from Ballingarry came out convincing winners. But great credit is due to the Cahir girls and their management for going ahead with the game, even though the outcome was probably inevitable. READERS’ NEWS & VIEWS These are always welcome at 10 Market Yard / 086 840 5020 and to the e-mail address above, particularly if they are in good time. I try to get my copy to the paper by early afternoon on Mondays, and anything after noon on that day is likely to be too late. The Community Website seems to be over its hiccoughs, so these Notes and plenty of photographs can be viewed on www.cahirnews.cahirda.com. I am always very pleased to receive photographs from readers as, even if there is no room in the paper, they can go up on the website to be seen by a much wider audience.