CAHIR NOTES CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION NIGHT The new training year at Cahir Business & Training Centre started with a bang, when a special group of over 100 students celebrated their hard-earned ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) certification. The celebration night, held in Cahir House Hotel on 8th October, involved students from a variety of backgrounds, including a FÁS scheme and people employed in local businesses. Special congratulations must go to the group from Abbott Vascular, who are the first students from the Centre to achieve all four Advanced ECDL modules and go on to qualify for the prestigious ECDL Expert Certificate. Speaking first, Helen Quirke, Manager of Cahir Business & Training Centre, explained how valuable an ECDL qualification is and how each student’s motivation for starting a course is different. Some want to improve their skills, either to return to the workplace or to try for job promotion. Others want to be able to use a computer for more personal reasons, such as keeping in contact via e-mail with loved ones abroad. Whatever a student’s motivation, Helen was proud to point out that the Centre has a proven track record in helping and supporting people to achieve their goals. She went on to explain that the community-based Centre has a not-for-profit ethos. This places it in a unique position to offer students the use of the facilities, outside of course time, as no extra cost.  It is also able to offer students the facility of phone and one-to-one tuition, also at no extra cost. Helen went on to congratulate everyone on their hard work, effort and motivation, with a special thank-you to the Tutors, without whom these achievements wouldn’t be possible. The floor was then handed over to Deputy Mattie McGrath, who again congratulated all the students, reiterating how a qualification in computing could aid people in finding employment. He applauded the Cahir Business & Training Centre for becoming only one of sixteen centres (out of thousands) in the whole of Ireland to achieve the status of “Certified Training Centre”, which is awarded by Irish Computer Skills (ICS). He pointed out that this status is only awarded to centres which have implemented quality measures in their training practices, ensuring that only training of the highest possible calibre is offered to students. Also that the Centre is only one of a handful in Ireland to be in a position to offer all four advanced modules, thereby enabling them to go on to achieve the highly acclaimed Expert Certification. Cahir Business & Training Centre is currently starting new courses, from Beginners right up to Advanced and ECDL Expert. Please ring Helen or Jennifer on 052 42616 or pop in for a chat if you have any queries or wish for further information. Also, they’ve introduced a special loyalty discount for students who are continuing their education at the Centre. CAHIR CRAFT FAIR The first sign that Christmas really is coming is Ned Lonergan contacting me with the date of the Craft Fair that he has organised for so long. This year it will be held on Sunday 7th December, from 11am to 5pm, giving everyone a great opportunity to buy Christmas presents and order goodies for the holiday period. All the usual local crafts and Christmas gifts will be on display and for sale. Some places are still available, and for details you can ring Ned at 086 830 9365 or e-mail him at nedlonergan@hotmail.com. CAHIR PARK LADIES’ SOCCER CLUB Here is a round-up of the season’s activities. Ger Hawkins never mentions himself, so I am left to congratulate him on what he does and has done over the years for  young people. Well done, Ger, for all your work, which includes keeping readers up to date with the Club’s activities. Tipperary First Division League: Cahir Park Ladies played 7 games with 2 wins, 1 draw and lost 5. The Park played in FAI Umbro Junior Cup: won 1 lost 1. Tipperary Cup: lost in first round. Shiled: Won 1, lost in semi-final. Total goals scored 18. Players involved throughout the season were: Ania Gurdzieyczyk (Goalkeeper; Ann Marie Noonan; Aine O’Mahoney; Ann O’Brien; Alison Lonergan; Aoife Casey; Catrina Nagle; Claire Peters; Eilish Hennessy; Edith Carroll; Elaine Devereaux; Julie McMahon (Captain); Natalie Pinto; Niamh Hearne; Nicola Armitage; Jennifer Grant; Louise Carroll; Margaret O’Brien; Patrice Ryan; Sinead O’Donnell; Sinead Tobin; Stephanie Elliott; Patricia Hickey; Vicky Shealy. Five of the squad were on the victorious Tipperary Intermediate All-Ireland team. A special mentions must be made of Team Manager Eamonn Elliott and Coach Joe Murphy; Secretary Lynda (Conway) O’Sullivan; Committee Members Lena Lonergan and Betty Elliott and Joe Hally, the Sponsorship Agent. Many thanks are expressed to the loyal supporters and sponsors. Player of the Year Trophy went to Ania Gurdzieyczyk; the Top Goal Scorer, Alison Lonergan (6 goals); Training Merit Medal Claudia (u-14). Congratulations to Sinead Tobin on receiving her Leaving Certificate at Colaiste Dun Iascaigh. ROSEMOUNT & GENERAL AREA RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION The meeting held in the Shamrock Lounge on Wednesday 29th October was well attended. Thanks are expressed to all who went out on such a terrible evening. It was decided that the Mini-Monthly Clean-up would not go ahead on the last Thursday during the Winter. Residents are asked to go tr to get out on the last Saturday of every month and spend a little time in their own area, picking up litter. The time decided upon is 10:30am on Saturday mornings, meeting at the Rock in Rosemount Place. Residents can arrange just to do their own areas - all it takes is 15/20 minutes. The Committee is meeting with Grangemore next week regarding getting something done with the wall opposite Rosemount Avenue and is hoping to plan for further planting in the area. Thank are expressed to Margaret and Hughie was so kindly allow the Association the use of The Shamrock Lounge for their meetings. FUNKY HEADPIECES!!! FREE! Workshop for 14-20 year olds FREE! Turn heads with a funky headpiece This one day workshop is aimed at young people between the ages of 14 to 20. It will provide you with a made to measure headpiece that you design and create yourself suitable for a formal occasion. The workshop will provide you with an overview of what will look great on you, basic sewing skills, design concepts and an insight into fashion. The workshop will consist of: o Introduction and general overview of accessories o What suits each individual o Covering a hairband, making trims to create the finished product. Each head piece will be photographed, tissued and packaged in a gift bag. All materials, tissue and gift bags will be supplied. Feel free to bring additional materials to use during the day. Workshop will be held in The Craft Granary, Church St., Cahir on Saturday November 8th from 10 am to 5.30pm. This workshop is free and is sponsored by South Tipperary County Council Arts Service. Spaces are limited so call the Craft Granary on 052 43873 to book a space. A sample of what you could create at the Craft Granary Workshop, HAPPY HALLOWE’EN! There were ghosts and witches, pirates and princesses, vampires and skeletons, and some of the scariest looking teeth on the planet, but not a spell was cast! With Hallowe’n games and plenty of music, the Kids’ Disco organised by the Parents’ Council of Our Lady of Mercy Primary School, turned out to be a huge success. The organisers send a sincere thank you to all who made the evening go without a hitch; to Cahir House Hotel for the use of the Night Club; to their two DJs who made sure the dance floor was full all evening long; to Garda Pat English who stayed during all the noise; to all on the Parents’ Council who gave of their time to organise the event, and indeed to all the parents of the children who stayed and helped out in any way. Most of all, a big thank-you is sent to all the children who dressed up in the most fantastic costumes and really turned the Hallowe’en Party into a night to remember. I braved the noise to take the pictures , so here are some little warlocks and witches to scare you and some not so little ones too !!     HAS ANYONE SEEN THE ‘SPOTTY DOG’? This time last year, readers may remember that a ‘spotty dog’ was among those missing from home. The owners are still distraught, as no news is so very much worse than knowing that an animal is dead. Perhaps this may job people’s memories - did you see this dog, or have you seen him since? Please phone me if so and I will pass on the news to the owners, who do not wish to publish their number again as they had so many crank calls. SUICIDE IN THE NEW IRELAND More people in Ireland die by suicide each year than in road traffic accidents, and our youth suicide rates are the fifth highest in Europe. The suicide rate among older people has risen significantly over the last five years, and Cllr Andy Moloney says that local representatives and community organisers are ideally placed to watch out for people who may become socially isolated. Cllr Moloney, in his capacity as the Chairman of Cahir Development Association, has organised a Seminar on Friday 14th November at 7:45pm in Cahir House Hotel to provide guidance to those who serve our community in the area of suicide awareness and prevention. Speakers on the night  will include Dr Ella Arensnan of the National Suicide Research Foundation; Senator Mary White, spokesperson on Mental Health; John Leahy (ex Tipp hurler and Addicition Counsellor) and Deputy Matty McGrath TD, Muintir na Tire. Cllr Moloney says that the Cahir Electoral Area has as many suicides and attempted cases as anywhere in Ireland and that everyone should be as aware as possible of the symptoms. With the economic downturn and Christmas approaching fast, this is a time of year when people are particularly vulnerable. There will be  PowerPoint displays and a Question and Answer session, and as the event is free of charge, the Councillor is encouraging as many as possible to come along. If anybody is getting a lift to the event, he says that it is hoped to finish off the evening with some refreshments around 9:30 pm. Of course, all are most welcome. SUCCESSFUL GIG FOR CRUMLIN Here, in his inimitable style, is Patsy Cunningham’s account of the fundraiser for Crumlin Children’s Hospital that he organised last week. “The Haloween gig for Crumlin Children;s Hospital was a great success, on a night when a lot of house parties and bonfires were taking place in Cahir. Fair Exchange played to a crowd of about 100. The people were there to have a good time and danced to the top-notch music performed by the band. There were a lot of good dancers there, but two girls stood out from the crowd with moves you would be hard pressed to see in High School Musical. “Special Guest guitarist Oozy “the Declan” Ozbourne was awesome on the lead guitar and Johnny “Head” Casey on bass showed how he got the name “Head Casey”. Some man to rock it out. Joe Shine on drums bet the drums to within an inch of their lives and Cahrlie O’Neill on acoustic guitar and great vocals of all the hits of the 70s and 60s. “Derek Roche took over about 1am and kept the crack going til 2am. Thanks to Never Heard of ‘EM for lending us the PA system and to Martin Taylor the sound engineer. Thanks to Fair Exchange for playing the gig and to Derek Roche our DJ, for giving up their time to help the hospital.  Also thanks to the crowd who turned up and had a great time. As always, I would have liked a bigger crowd, but maybe next time. Thanks to Cahir House Hotel and the staff, who were very helpful. “Well, that’s it for now - no more gigs til after Christmas. Time for a little rest for Anne and myself. Finally, thanks to everyone who helped in any way, from us and from Crumlin Hospital”. ST KIERAN’S F.C. St Kieran’s played Killenaule Rovers in Killenaule on Sunday 2nd November, and they were unlucky to come away with a draw. The game was dominated by St Kieran’s and it wasn’t until a penalty decision against them in the first half, that the game got going. Killenaule got a soft penalty 30 minutes into the game, which was brilliantly saved by Brian Enright. Two minutes into the second half, St Kieran’s had a Sean Lonergan goal disallowed for a questionable offside. However, three minutes later there was no question, when Tom Darcy scored from a corner. Killenaule equalised with 25 minutes left to play, but St Kieran’s upped their game and were unlucky not to win with several late chances. The game finished 1 - 1, a result which leaves St Kieran’s second in the table. On Sunday 9th November, the team plays Clonmel Celtic B in Duneske. CAHIR ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION Last Wednesday, the Cahir members joined members of the Association from all parts of the country at the races at Powerstown. For many members it was their first visit to the track, but they were soon up at the Tote counter, busy placing bets of a modest nature. Bags of goodies were sponsored  by “Seniors’ Money”. The bags were very useful for carrying the winnings home. Our local Travel Agent can expect an increase in the number of sun holidays being booked shortly. Members finished the day with a meal in the new Osprey Hotel in Nass. The hotel was designed by the well-known architect Sean Condon, the son of Marcus and Bridget Condon. Maurice and Bridget have been active members of the Association since its foundation some years ago. The Christmas Party is being held in Cahir House Hotel on Wednesday 10th December at 2pm. Tickets are now available, and all are welcome. The results of the Progressive 25s Card Gam held on Friday 31st October are as follows: 1st, with 13 games - Maurice Condon, Tim Fitzgerald; 2nd with 11 games - Michael Phelan, Ciss O’Neill, Rene O’Connor, Breeda Ryan. The Lucky Table was won by Tom Mahoney, Tom McGrath, Dave White, Willie O’Neill and the Raffle by Mary Whelan. The weekly card game takes place in the Catherine McAuley Room each Friday, promptly at 8pm. CAHIR CAMOGIE NEWS County U12 Replay, Toomevara 2-6 Cahir 3-2 Sometimes the re-play of a thrilling first game can often disappoint, but we had no such complaint in Borrisoleigh last Sunday morning when Cahir and Toomevara took to the pitch in the U12 A/B decider.   Toome were first to settle and indeed after only 5 minutes had their opening score from a free. This point was followed by 3 more points, one from a 45, one from a free and one from play, before Cahir opened  scoring with a 45 accurately sent over the bar from the stick of Ashling Moloney.   While Cahir were really working hard at all angles of the field Toome seemed to be having the upper hand with their first touch much quicker than ours. After scoring a great goal again from a free, Toome seemed to be on roller-coaster ride. Then a foul committed against Cahir saw Ashling Moloney drive a high ball towards the right hand corner of the Toomevara goal. Roisin Howard rose like the Phoenix from the Ashes and with her hurley, met the sliothar in the air and beat the Toome goalie with a score that had the substantial crowd of supporters in the stand on their feet in apprecation.   With Toome again opening the scoring in the second half with a point from a 45 and a goal minutes later, Cahir seemed to be in for somewhat of a thrashing. But true to form this team, as they have done all year long, found more ammunition with another fine point from Ashling Moloney. With another goal from Roisin Howard which again was followed by a point from Toome we were only 4 points behind. The work rate of the Cahir team had to be seen to be believed, right from Keeley our goalie through to the subs who  each and every one gave their all. With another goal in the back of the Toome net we were only 1 point down and both sets of supporters were on their feet with excitement when the Referee blew the full time whistle.   Although disappointed, the Cahir team could not have  done more, they were as always a joy to watch and again great credit to their trainer Mary and selectors Jane and Martin. Again thanks to the parents who have journeyed with this team during the run of the championship, your support does not go un-noticed. READERS’ NEWS & VIEWS I am, once more, having trouble with the size of the text in some of the e-mails that are sent to me. Some time ago a kind reader reminded me how to enlarge the type on receipt of e-mails, but this week it didn’t work. Only the address and subject area were enlarged. And yes, I did highlight the text before trying to enlarge, but to no avail. So will my correspondents please, please increase the size of their typefaces? I am developing a permanent squint. I swear that the worse offender (who will be hearing from me direct!) has his set on 8 point. This may be gobbledygook to a few, but believe me it makes a great difference. Many thanks to the people who print out their text in a really easily readable size - it is much appreciated. I can be contacted at 087 840 50 20 or 10 Market Yard and at the e-mail address above.