CAHIR NOTES AN BORD PLENEALA TO DECIDE An Appeal against the Planning Consent, granted by the County Council for the development of  Devereaux’s Yard in Abbey Street, has been launched on behalf of John Dolan-, who own the local SuperValu. The long-running plan to bring an Aldi outlet to Cahir has recently become uppermost in the minds and the conversations of Cahir people. It seems that the vast majority of the residents of the town are very positive in their approval of the development. To emphasise this point, Cllr Seannie Lonergan is hoping to get at least 1,500 signatures on a petition to this effect by the end of this week. The reasons given by Messrs Spatial Planning Solutions, of Cork, on behalf Dolan’s Appeal are:   1. The scale and design of the property is out of character to the streetscape of Abbey Street 2. It would cause a significant traffic hazard on the street and cause traffic congestion 3. The site is outside Cahir’s core retail centre   4. Providing one retail unit in this area would detract from the town centre strategy of providing a variety of commercial and retail businesses 5. The zoning for the site indicated a mixed use development including residential and other commercial units was most appropriate.   It is difficult to see where the comment regarding the scale and design of the property comes from, as no overall design plan exists in this area. The proposed building, with its frontage on Abbey street, is just one storey high, with a two-storey retail outlet being provided beside it. The site includes parking for 95 cars, which will be no more of a hazard here than anywhere else on this road. As to the possibility of flooding, I understand that in the 45 years of its present ownership, this has never occurred. After all, the development stops very well clear of the river. In referring to Cahir’s “core retail centre”, I presume that this refers to The Square. If Cahir is to develop and provide adequate facilities for residents in the ever-expanding housing stock on the western side of the town, it is essential that developments such as these are encouraged. The point that all competition is healthy could also be made. Dolan’s SuperValu provides, in very many ways, a great service that no multiple could equal, and I am sure that I am not the only one who will continue to support them. But I will also visit Aldi’s for the goods in which they specialise. What is particularly disturbing in the current economic climate is that people are being denied, for even longer, the opportunity to access low-cost foodstuffs locally. Let alone the work that the actual building of the development will provide, in a sphere that has been hit so hard by the economic down-turn. One way and another, both during the building process, in eventual employment, and in bringing people into the town to shop, Cahir needs this development. At this point, one can only hope that the Appeal process does not drag on too long. PARENTS’ COUNCIL, CAHIR BOYS’ N .S. The members of this group would like to thank everyone who supported them in the last year. Between the Golf Classic, Book Fair and Christmas Draw, they are now able to supply a computer for each classroom, furthering their children’s education. Once, again, thank you - they are looking forward to your continuing support. TRIONA MC GRATH ATTENDING PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION Local student Triona McGrath joined other university students from around the world to take part in the Inauguration Ceremony of the 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Obama. Triona, the daughter of Deputy Mattie and Margaret McGrath, travelled to Washington on Saturday to join the University Presidential Inaugural Conference (UPIC). During the five-day programme, the conference provided students with a deeper understanding of the history behind the electoral process and the rich traditions surrounding the Presidential Inauguration. Triona, 21, is currently studying a for a BA (Hons) in Public Management part time, while working, also part time, as Parliamentary Assistant to Deputy McGrath. What an opportunity! “The University Presidential Inaugural Conference will provide students with an opportunity to take part in historic events that coincide with the Inauguration of the President of the United States,” said Marguerite Regan, Dean of Academic Affairs for UPIC. “Something that is really wonderful about so many young people gathering in Washington, D.C. for this event is that it will provide them a chance to become more familiar with and attuned to the president who will govern the United States over the next four years. We certainly hope this will inspire the next generation of leaders.” Triona and the other students will have the opportunity to interact with a major presidential candidate, White House officials, congressional staff members, political experts and other VIPs, such as former Secretary of State, General Colin L. Powell and former Vice President Al Gore. After witnessing the inauguration, they will view the inaugural parade, as the president, vice president and their families make their way down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol Building to the White House. To further celebrate Inauguration Day, students will attend a Black Tie Gala Inaugural Ball. In addition to participating in inaugural events and festivities, Triona will have the opportunity to explore the historic sites and monuments in Washington D.C., as well as engage in panel discussions and political debates with political experts and commentators, such as James Carville, Mary Matalin, Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson. Triona will also take part in a seminar on the Economy where they will discuss the current economic crisis in America and the World. In a letter to inform her parents– Deputy Mattie and Margaret McGrath- of the invitation, Donna J. Snyder, Managing Director of Education, University Presidential Inaugural Conference wrote that Triona was “personally selected to attend the UPIC in Washington D.C. celebrating the Inauguration of the President and Vice President of the United States based on leadership skills she demonstrated at the Global Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C” which she attended in 2005. Triona and fellow student Fiona Little were selected to attend the Global Young Leaders Conference during her Leaving Certificate Year in 2005 by the Principal of Loreto Secondary School, Sr. Bridie Mullins. Both girls participated in this conference in Washington which also involved a private tour and Summit simulation at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Following her success at this Conference, Triona was subsequently invited to attend the Global Young Leaders Summit in China in 2006. During this trip Triona visited Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai where she took part in Leadership group meetings and scholar led leadership workshops while also experiencing the Chinese Culture. Speaking about the conference Triona said she was really excited about the wonderful opportunity she has been given to attend this historic occasion; the inauguration of the first African- American President especially given the new Presidents Tipperary roots. She is also very excited about meeting up with old friends that she met in Washington and China. Triona (age 21) is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts (Honors Degree) in Public Management part time while also working part time as Parliamentary Assistant to Deputy Mattie McGrath. For additional information on the University Presidential Inaugural Conference, visit us at www.inauguralscholar.org. FUNDRAISER FOR ST TERESA’S HOSPITAL Duhill Dramatic Society presents “Wake in the West” in St Paul’s Community Centre, Clogheen, on Saturday 31st January. The play, directed by Michael Pollard, tells the story of a “wake” which takes place in the 1960s and is like no other wake, where even the corpse (guess who’s the corpse?) gets into the comedy. This hilarious play will help you forget all the doom and gloom that surrounds us. All the proceeds will go to St Teresa’s Hospital, Clogheen and tickets are available from Creed’s Shop, Burncourt; Ballyporeen Post Office; Fruit & Veg shop, Clogheen; the Hospital and Clogheen Post Office. Alternatively, you can telephone 087 798 4929. Curtain Up at 8:15pm. The tickets cost €10 and it is advisable to buy your early, in order to avoid disappointment.     [This is one of the funniest plays I have ever seen - a long time ago - and I am really looking forward to seeing it again. Last time I was literally crying with laughter. MC] CAHIR FLOWER & GARDEN CLUB First of all, a reminder that the Club’s AGM is being held this Wedneswday, 14th January in the Catherine McAuley Room at 8pm. Particulars of the Clubws outing will be discussed as well. The February Committee Meeting will take place on Wednesday 11th February at 9pm. The trip to Bunratty Castle on February 21st costs €64, and some seats are still available. If you are interested, please contact Margaret Butler on 052 62105 or Mary O’Gorman on 052 41464. All monies are to be paid on or before 11th February. WEDDING  FAYRE EXTRAVAGANZA All those planning a wedding, this year or next, should make a special note of the date for the 2009 Wedding Fayre Extravaganza that will take place in the beautiful Cahir House Hotel on Sunday 15th February. Every possible wedding requirement and wish of the Bride (and Groom) will be catered for, and they may even get some new ideas. The Fashion  Show that closes the event will be compéred, as ever, by Derek Davis, who is an entertainment all on his own. This unique event is a must-see for all interested parties. BEECH PARK RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION The Association’s 50/50 Draw takes place every Sunday. The following are their winners up to 11th January: John O’Donoghue; Richard Whitney, Willie Barrett, Jimmy Fitzgerald, Pat Cleary, ChiChi Caplice. Their Christmas Hamper was won by Mary Brewster. As the result of a bonfire being lit on the football pitch at Hallowe’en, the pitch was left in an appalling condition, with rubbish and debris from the fire, not to mention the damage to the pitch itself. This is a football pitch and play area and is for these purposes only. The pitch will now have to be reseeded and for health and safety reasons no more bonfires can be allowed in the future. Thanks are expressed to the prompt response of the lads from the Council, who arrived with digger and truck and did a big clean-up. The Association hopes to have a general litter clean-up in the near future and the date will appear in their Notes. They will be looking for volunteers - bags and gloves will be provided. CAHIR ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION There is an update on the Spanish holiday, which will now have a Sunday departure, returning the following Sunday at mid-day. The details can be had from Rosaleen Morrissey at Fogarty Travel, Cahir. The results of the weekly Progressive 25 are as follows: 1st, with 13 games - Nora Lee/Margaret Quinlan; 2nd, with 12 games - Maurice Condon/Tim Fitzgerald. The Lucky Table was won by Mary Whelan, Billy Tarrant, Maisy O’Grady, John Whelan, and the Raffle by Mary Whelan and Tom O’Mahony. The Progressive 25 game takes place each week in the Catherine McAuley Room in Cahir at 8pm, and all are welcome. Light refreshments are available. AFTER SCHOOL SOCCER After School Soccer at Duneske All-Weather pitches is commencing on Friday 30th January between 3-30 and 5-30 for Primary School Children.  A Registration Day is to be held this Friday (the 23rd) at Duneske between 3-00 and 4-30 pm. Numbers are limited to 20 per group for each of the 4 groups. I have received a number of calls already and if any parent has any questions I can be contacted on 085 7033509. All Primary School children (Grange, Ballylooby, Ardfinnan, Clogheen, Burncourt etc.) are welcome. At 4 Euro per week, this is a great chance for any child that enjoys soccer to come along and have some healthy outdoor fun. Chris Richards. (The Soccer Station) MARIA TAYLOR SENDS; OLDER PERSONS’ PARTY Last Friday evening, I decided I would go along to Cahir House Hotel to see what ther Older Persons’ Party was like, after hearing a lot about it last year. I can honestly say I was really glad I did. The Cahir Garda District Division  did a fantastic job. Superintendent Tom Duggan drew the first Spot Prize, while Sgt Peter Butler, Garda Pat English, Garda Paschal O’Dwyer, with the help of Mr Billy Coffey and students from Colaiste dun Iascaigh’s Transition Year held the draw for the rest of the Spot Prizes. Not only did all of the above-mentioned Gardai dance all evening with every lady in the hall, but they also chatted to everybody and consequently added to the overall fun on the night. (I would say they were exhausted the following day). There was an exhibition of Irish Dancing from the Clogheen Dancers and the very popular and very entertaining Sheehan Brothers’ Band provided the music for the generals dancing. I am ashamed to say that I didn’t have half the stamina of those who dancing. Family, friends and neighbours were also invited to enjoy the evening and enjoy it they did. The band was supposed to finish at 10pm but it went on until 11. Well done to everyone who was involved in any way in organising this event. It really went well and I will be going next year. [Isn’t it good to get a fresh view-point on this very popular event?  MC] CAHIR COUNTRY MARKET Don’t forget to pay a visit to the Market on Friday mornings between 9 and 11am for all your homemade, handmade and home-grown produce. BIRTHDAYS Belated Happy Birthday to Catherine Caplice. Best wishes from Paul and the girls, family and friends. Happy Birthday also to Kashya Chamberlain, who celebrates her 21st birthday on 23rd, with love from Ellie, Mum and Dad, sisters and brother and all your extended family and friends. HOME FOR A DOG? I have been contacted by a family which, unfortunately, has to find a new home for their much-loved 2 year-old white Jack Russell female. This is due to a sudden severe allergic reaction to the dog by their baby. This little dog has a very good temperament and is also very good with children. Please phone 087 742 6385 and leave your name and number. EXHIBITION If you get the chance, you should go along to the Craft Granary this week and have a look at the Exhibition of pictures of Cahir taken at the turn of the 19th/20th century. It has been launched as a unique fundraising event for next summer’s local elections.  Cllr Seanie Lonergan is hosting the two-week event, which is sure to be of interest to local people. Among the scenes that are on display are the old British Army Barracks and long-gone Shanbally Castle and Mitchelstown Castle. All the prints have been blown up and printed on canvass, and are on sale to the public. THANKS, MARIA THREAT TO OUR WATER SUPPLY One of the biggest challenges facing us in the coming years is an inadequate supply of drinking water from our natural resources. Cllr Andy Moloney states that in the year 2000, the European Union Water Directive was adopted and it requires governments to manage all of their waters: rivers, canals, lakes, groundwater, and protected areas including wetlands. Member states should ensure that they achieve at least a good standard by 2015 and also that their status doesn’t deteriorate. Cllr Moloney says that the fact that Cahir has become a Brown Trout Fishing Centre of Excellence emphasises the need to be mindful of the quality of our river and also that of the surrounding tributaries. The whole area will benefit from the spin-off from visiting anglers, wanting to experience the local waters. The Tourist Trade is an area that Cahir and its surrounding areas should aim to benefit from, and our rivers are a natural asset. He says that some 400 river basins in Ireland have been grouped and assigned to a total of 8 River Basins and one of those Basins covering this area is the Shannon River Basin District. We are currently ;asked to have our say on the Draft Plans before 22nd June of this year. More information on this can be found on www.wfdireland.ie If you think that there is something too strict or something excluded that might make a difference to our future water quality, then you are asked to comment. The quality of the rivers and canals of the Shannon Basin is broken into five categories. The following results were found as follows: High 8%; Good 38%; Moderate 30%; Poor 16% and Bad 8%. As a nation, we are required to have 50% of waters above the Good standard by 2015 and this can be achieved by basic management. It is not a great position to have only 46% above Good and we need to be aware of these statistics. However, our groundwaters rate 81% Good and 19% Bad. Moloney says that those using our rivers, who are concerned about the future of our status as a Centre of Excellence, should log on and make comment if they feel this will add to the plans going forward. CAHIR CAMOGIE CLUB This Club, along with Cahir Ladies’ Football Club, will host a joint presentation for the u-12 and u-14 teams on Thursday 22nd January in Cahir House Hotel. It is hoped to get proceedings under way around 7:30pm and parents and families of the girls are most welcome. Indoor Camogie continues each Wednesday evening at the Colaiste, with big numbers in attendance. CAHIR DIVE CLUB Due to adverse weather conditions, the Club has not been able to dive in the sea. A pre-Try-A-Dive training session was held on Sunday 18th January at Clonmel Swimming Pool for all CDC members. Basic diving skills, including buoyancy, testing of new kit and rescue scenarios were reviewed. There are a number of Diving Courses being run by the Club at the moment, including the Sports Diver, Dive Leader and Advanced Diver Courses. These will be completed by members of the Cahir Dive Club before the annual trip abroad, to Malta. There will also be a Boat Handling Course run in April for all new members. The Ocean Diver Courser will be run in March for all new members who join the Club after the Try-A-Dive on 1st February at Clonmel Swimming Pool, starting at 8pm. For details, please call 086 330 2425 or e-mail cahirdiveclub@gmail.com. KNOCKGRAFFON CARDS Cards have resumed in the Old School, Knockgraffon, after the Christmas break. Winners from the previous week were Maurice Condon/Paudie Hartigan on 12 games and in second place were Angela Barrett/Eileen Howley on a close 11 games. Last week’s winners, on join first were Tony Keating/Mary Anne Healy, Kitty Byrne/Cathy O’Gorman and Kevin Moore/Bernie Farrell. A great night is always had by all, and all are welcome. SCOR Scor is a competition run by the GAA, which involves Irish music, song, dance, quizzes etc - in other words, something for everyone. This year is the 40th Anniversary of the competition, so those in Cahir have decided to see if there is anyone with any interest in taking part. To start off with, the initial aim would be to take part in Scor na Paiste, which is limited to National School children. As well as competitors, people who would be3 willing to give of their time to help out in getting this enjoyable event up and running are needed. For more information, please contact Ger Hickey on 086 382 1953 or Pattie Costigan on 086 383 9544. You can also e-mail Pattie at costiganfunerals@eircom.net. DON’T FORGET JOHNNY B’S CD LAUNCH! This takes place this Friday in Cahir House Hotel. Live music from Johnny B and local legends No Better Buachaills, and is in aid of S. T. Hospice and Chernobyl Children’s Project. KNOCKGRAFFON OPEN COURSING CLUB Due to the inclemency of the weather, the annual Quirke Cup (presented and sponsored by the Quirke family, Poulmucka in memory of their father, the late Jimmy Quirke) was postponed last Sunday. The 8-dog Stake will take place next Sunday, 26th January. Meet at Ballingeary School at 12 noon sharp. The Draw is as follows:  Clerihan Gypsy v Chevler Dance  Shocking Rose v Madra Beag  Brenda’s Field v Miss Mazdozza  Ballingeary Aero v Fitzy Special. The Reserves are Rosehill Wonder and Smokey View. READERS’ NEWS & VIEWS As usual I am always pleased to hear from you either at 10 Market Yard, on 086 840 5020 or at the e-mail address above. Remember that all these Notes and all the photos that are taken or sent in can been seen on www.cahirnews.cahirda.com, even if there hasn’t been room in the paper for them all. The archive dates from the inception of the website, so you can always check up on past information. This is possible because of the kind cooperation of South Tipp Today.