CAHIR NOTES HAPPY NEW YEAR! This is a special message of good wishes for our Chinese friends and neighbours in Cahir, as Monday was the start of their New Year - the Year of the Ox. I am sure their celebrations were as good as always. Although I must say that at home, on the west coast of Canada, where there is a very large Chinese community, the fireworks were the high point of the occasion for everyone - I don’t think I have seen any domestic displays like that since I left. Don’t you do this any more? DUNESKE WINS NATIONAL AWARD Last Saturday, three Tipperary projects were short listed for the Zurich LAMA Awards. This is an annual event, where public representatives are able to put forward projects in their areas that they feel have benefited the locality. Cllr Moloney had entered some projects and the Craft Granary and Duneske Leisure Ltd were short listed for the final phase. The event took place at City West Hotel, Dublin, and was attended by800 guests from all over the country. It was also televised for City TV, with Miriam O’Callaghan as  presenter. There was jubilation from the Tipperary contingent when the Councillor received the Award for his entry, the Duneske Leisure Project. This project was a joint effort between Colaiste dun Iascaigh, Cahir GAA and Cahir Development Association. The entry looked good on paper as, on top of the two soccer fields and two GAA fields, plus all weather playing surfaces, Cahir Development; provides a Gym, Aerobics Room, a Relaxation Room, a Playground, a Café a;nd also on the site is the Childcare Facility which can cater for up to 80 children. In total, there are 23 people employed on the site between the various schemes. CLLR ANDY MOLONEY RECEIVING THE AWARD FOR DUNESKE Cllr Moloney was surprised at the Award, as the Complex is still in mid-Phases. He accepted the trophy on behalf of those who saw the need for the Centre and who put their money on the line for it. To be chosen for a National Award was phenomenal. He also complimented the Craft Granary, which had a great week at the Showcase event at the RDS, where many  of their suppliers won Merits and who were also shore listed for a LAMA Award. This building was saved from destruction by Cahir Development, and is now one of the major Craft Centres of the South East. NEWS FROM SCARBOROUGH I have just heard from Mike Manning that the Law Society in Scarborough has chosen the Trust Fund for Scarborough/Cahir Children as their charity this year. A group of them raise money each year for two charities, and the children’s is one of the lucky ones this year. In May, a group of people led by a solicitor are cycling from Scarborough to Cahir, raising money on the way and through sponsorship. We will give them a great reception at this end, where their accommodation has already been booked. Mike may pop over too, to greet them on their arrival. More info nearer the date. At Christmas I sent Mike one of Franchesca Sutherland’s lovely calendars with her own photos of Cahir. This has been hung in the “Cahir Corner” of Mike’s pub, where it has been much admired by one and all. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FUNDRAISER The winners of the prizes in this draw, from No to No 17, were: John McGill; M. Reidy; Ronnie Fox; Ger Hawkns; Mary Walsh; Tom Prendergast; Kathleen Moloney; Mary Holleran; Betty Collins; Eileen O’Neill; Anna Ottenheim; Alfie Phelan; Lena Lonergan; Mary Ryan; Kitty Dillon Jacinta Byron, Tom Brown. CHURCH GATE COLLECTION Our Lady of Mercy NS is holding a Church Gate Collection over this coming weekend. Please give as generously as you can to this vital cause. DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES This annual pilgrimage takes place from 6th to 11th June. Parishioners who would like to be considered for a place in the Invalid Section should hand their names in to the Sacristy as soon as possible, for selection. HUGE THANKS TO ALL VERA HARD AT WORK IN KHAYELITSHA Vera Halley would like to say a huge thank you to all who gave their generous support and donations, which allowed her the opportunity to take part in Niall Mellon’s 2008 Building Blitz in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. It was an incredible experience to be involved in this very worthy charity endeavour. Vera arrived in Khayelitsha on 26th November and during the following week joined the huge group of Irish Volunteers who built an unbelievable 253 houses and a community playground for the residents of Khayelitsha. It was heartbreaking to see the poverty and terrible conditions in which the local people live, but by the end of the week it was wonderful to witness the joy of those receiving the keys for their new homes. Despite the huge success of the Niall Mellon Township Trust in the last six years, many thousands continue to live in appalling conditions in these townships and Vera has already been allocated a place for the 2009 Blitz. She will be travelling there with her brother Eoin, who, due to an injury was unable to take part in the 2008 trip. WELL SUPPORTED PETITION Labour Party Councillor Seanie Lonergan is delighted to inform readers that over 1600 local have signed his petition to bring an Aldi to Cahir. The Councillor, who originally set a target of 1500, ;now expects to gather in excess of 2000 signatures. According to the Councillor: “I have rarely met with such an enthusiastic response from Cahir citizens for a proposal. In sometimes appalling weather conditions, locals have queued to sign the petition. I have also been inundated with supportive phone calls”. He adds that “locals are clearly aware of the broader benefits of the proposal. Given that shoppers will be staying in Cahir and spending their money in Cahir, the opportunities for local small businesses are infinite. I am confident that both direct and indirect employment opportunities would be created, should Aldi come to Cahir”. Finally, Seanie asked to give a very special thanks to all those who signed the petition, those whom phoned him to offer support and of course to all the people who lent a hand to get the petitions filled. HAVE YOU LOST A KITTEN? Some kind people have taken in a black & white kitten, which they think has strayed from Ardfinnan. It is obviously a loved and well cared for pet, and hope that its owners will contact them at 052 45681. CAHIR DIVE CLUB All the members of this Club are looking forward to the TRY A DIVE night, which takes place on Sunday evening 1st February at 8pm at the Clonmel Swimming Pool, for anyone interested. Training for new members will commence in Miarch, so that they will be qualified to come diving from May onwards. Cahir Dive Club (CDC) dives most Sundays, depending on sea conditions. Weekends away to places such as The Ballinskelligs and The Magherees will take place during the Summer months. CDC also goes on a foreign diving holiday each year. Last year, 30 people, including partners and children, went to Sharm el Sheik for a week. This year they are going to Malta. These holidays have proved to be a great experience for all divers and immense fun for all the family. For more information on the TRY A DIVE night, call 086 330 2425 or e-mail cahirdiveclub@gmail.com. HOSPITAL FUNDRAISER Just a reminder that the brilliant Duhill Drlamatic Society presents “Wake in the West” in St Paul’s Community Centre, Clogheen this Saturday, 31st January.  Tickets, if there are any left, can be acquired from Maureen Creed’s Shop in Burncourt; Ballyporeen Post Office; the Fruit & Veg Shop, Clogheen and Clogheen Post Office, as well as from the beneficiaries, St Teresa’s Hospital in Clogheen. You can also book on 087 798 4929. Tickets cost just €10 MARIA TAYLOR SENDS THE FOLLOWING: LUCKY DOG The lady who was looking for a home for her dog has asked me to say thank you to all the people who range her to enquire. A new home has indeed been found with another dog of the same breed, so there is a happy ending to this story. Unfortunately, as you can see from the story in last week’s paper, not all dogs are so lucky. DOG LITTER On the subject of dogs, it has become clear that people are either putting their dogs out on the street during the day, when they do their business anywhere they like on the street, or else when they are walking their dogs, they are not picking up after them. Consequently, there is a lot of dogs’ mess on our streets. Last week the area in front of the Bank of Ireland was quite filthy, and also outside the St V de P shop on Barrack Street. There is a hefty fine for allowing your dog to soil the streets and dogs are not permitted to wander the streets on their own. So clean up after your dog and keep our streets clean. If owners keep a few small plastic bags in their pocket, it is easy enough to deal with. MRS QUINN’S CHARITY SHOP This week is the 10th Anniversary of this shop. Everyone connected with Mrs Quinn’s would like to thank all of their loyal customers, and everyone who gave donations to the Charity for their support over the years. Please continue to support this very worthy cause. THE CRAFT GRANARY Seanie Lonergan’s exhibition of pictures taken at the turn of the 19th/20th century continues for one more week in the Craft Granary. All of the prints have been blown up and printed on canvas, and are on sale to the public. I took a look last week, and they really are stunning. Well done Sean. Ann Brennan will be exhibiting new works in oils entitled ‘Canopy of Light’ from 2nd to 26th February. This exhibition will be opened officially by Dr Niall Gregory, President of Cashel Chamber of Commerce, on Friday 6th February at 7:20pm. Ann is a self-taught artist from Ballingarry whose work has been described as atmospherically amazing. She uses light, distance and colour to achieve her breathtaking scenes. THANK YOU MARIA DATE FOR YOUR DIARY There will be an Open Meeting organised by Cahir Development on Thursday 19th February on the subject of Heritage Plan Review. I will have more information for you; nearer the date. CAHIR ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION There will be a meeting for members of Wednesday 4th February at 2:30pm in the Catherine McAuley Room. Deposits of €100 for the Spring Holiday in Spain will be accepted on the day. Music and light refreshments will be available, as usual, after the meeting. The results of the weekly Progressive 25 Drive are as follows: first with 10 games - Rena O’Connor/Breeda Ryan; second with 9 games, Keiran O’Brien/Red Burke. The Lucky Table was won by Joe Ahern, Margaret Quinlan, Paddy Holleran, Bob Condon and the Raffle was won by ;paddy Holleran/Kieran O’Brien. There is a Progressive 25 Drive each week at 8pm, when light refreshments are serve, and all are welcome. TIDY TOWNS STARTS NEW SEASON The Tidy Towns group met last Wednesday night to kick off the 2009 season. The Meeting was attended by Council officials Margo Hayes, Community Enterprise and Marie Grant, Environment Section. Cllr Andy Moloney, Chairman of Cahir Development, took charge of the discussion and briefed the new members on what had happened last year and how we need to gain marks in areas that let us down in 2008. There were new ideas from some of the new members on how to boost participation and what format our local competition should take. Areas of concern were noted and possed on to the Area Engineer, Mr Paul Mulcahy, who had been so helpful last year. Cllr Moloney paid tribute to the Outdoor Staff who were a vital cog in the wheel last year, when Cahir achieved the Most Improved Town award at the Local Authority Environmental Awards, held in December. He also thanked the Council staff who attend the meetings and looked forward to the February meeting, which will take place on Wednesday 25th. There will be an Open Meeting about the Heritage Status of the town in late February, when Ms Laoibhse McKenna, the Heritage Officer, will give a presentation and invite submissions for the current plan. There will be more news about this later, and it will surely compliment the Tidy Towns cause. Cllr Moloney said that he will be comtacting all interested parties to attend that particular meeting.. CAHIR FLOWER & GARDEN CLUB This Club will hold its monthly Committee Meeting on Wednesday 11th February at 8pm. The price of the tickets to the Banquet at Bunratty Castle is €64 and there are still some seats available. Anyone interested in going should contact Margaret Butler, 052 62105 or Mary O’Gorman, 052 41467. All monies are to be paid on or before 11th February. CAHIR DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION The Jackpot total now stands at €4,750 for this week’s Draw. The numbers drawn last week were: 5, 18, 19, 10, witnessed by Joan Loughman. The five Lucky Dip winners, each of whom received €30, were: Patgricia O’Brien, Cahir Abbey Upper; Brian Power, Ballinamona; Eileen Doyle, Clogheenafishogue, Ballylooby; Ada McLoughlin, Mountain View Drive; Attie Marsh, Ardfinnan. Tickets are available from the Business & Training Centre up tonoon on Wednesdays. The profits from the Community Lotto service community projects in Cahir. MC GRATH REPRESENTS SOUTH TIPP Local TD Mattie McGrath was among those present to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of Dáil Éireann during a special ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion House on Tuesday of last week. As well as the current members of the Dáil, previous Taoisigh and other dignitaries attended the event. The session commemorated the first sitting of the Dáil 90 years ago, when Sinn Féin TDs (prior to the party splitting), fulfilled their election promise to establish a separate Irish Parliament, away from Westminster. The Mansion House had played host to the fledgling Irish Parliament before it eventually moved to its current home in Leinster House. Speaking following the ceremony, Deputy McGrath said: “This was a great, historic occasion and it is appropriate that the current members of the Oireachtas should do something special to acknowledge the work of the people who came before us. Without their great effort and all that they sacrificed, we would not have a Republic of our own and we would not have our own democratic system. “There were only 28 members of the Irish Parliament present that day, despite Sinn Féin having won 73 seats at the 1918 General Election. The other TDs could not attend because they were either imprisoned by the British forces or on the run. Against that background, their achievement was all the more remarkable and I think that underlines why it is so important that we do not forget that first Dáil session and why the anniversary event is something everyone in the country should celebrate” Deputy McGrath concluded. The first Dáil session saw the election of Cathal Brugha as Ceann Comhairle and several documents were adopted. These were: The Dáil Constitution; The Declaration of Independence; A Message to the Free Nations of the World and The Democratic Programme. WEDDING  FAIR AT KILCORAN The Wedding Fair 2009 at the Kilcoran Lodge Hotel will be held on Sunday 22nd February from 2 to 5pm. A nice, relaxing and informative afternoon ;is to be expected in this cosy and welcoming hotel. The Compére for the day will be Phil Cawley of Today FM fame and he will coordinate the whole afternoon. There is a comprehensive list of Exhibitors and a wine reception and chocolate fountain, along with gourmet nibbles and finger food will complement the afternoon’s entertainment. All enquiries on the day that lead to Bookings will be entered in a Draw for a €2000 discount on their wedding held in the hotel, and a weekend away. CAHIR DAY CAHIR CENTRE There is great excitement as work gets under way on the refurbishment of the Hair Dressing Salon. New fittings with safety are a main priority. Last week was very special, as Maggie Slattery celebrated her 90th birthday, with all the members joining in the celebrations. Whist Results: Mary Wilkinson won, with an exceptionally high score of 64. Joint second were Lena Phelan and Maggie Slattery. Activities planned for the near future include Keep Fit Classes and of course the ever-popular Bowling, plus Jewellery Making as a creative hobby. So there is lots to look forward to for all the members of the Centre. CRUMLIN SAYS HAPPY NEW YEAR Patsy Cunningham has sent in a comprehensive list of people he wishes to thank for their help with his many fundraising activities in aid of the Children’s Hospital last year. It is so comprehensive that there simply isn’t room for it - he even included myself and Maria and South Tipp Today and Ger Byron and the Nationalist! We all know you love us, Patsy. Keep up the great work. Johnny B CD LAUNCH A GREAT SUCCESS Friday nights CD launch in Cahir House Hotel was a resounding success with a huge turnout of young and old to support Johnny B, the Chernobyl Children’s project and the South Tipperary Hospice. It was a great community occasion with so many organisations taking part. The Cahir Ceoltas group lead by Michael Harty played some terrific traditional music and young Richie Delahunty gave a fabulous rendition of Galway girl. Cork duo Stephen and Ruth played a great set as well as singer songwriter Adella Mealy. Johnny B sang his own compositions including the title track from his album ‘WRESTLE WITH THE DEVIL’, as well as “The Arms of Achilles”, accompanied by the talented singer Jenny Davis. The Cahir folk choir led by Pat O Malley Joined Johnny B with a great rendition of Hallelujah and Mike Allen played the fiddle for “The Rocky road to Dublin”. The night was rounded off by the return of “No Better Buachails” who had the entire crowd dancing. Johnny B on vocals and guitar, John Brown on lead guitar, Michael Byron on Drums and Peter Saint John on Bass. THE BUACHAILS IN ACTION!! A very successful raffle organised by Breda and Pat O Malley was held with over 40 spot prizes donated by businesses and individuals. M.C. on the night was Gerry Dufffy who did a great job and kept the show going, as well as Patsy, Vincent and Julie who were terrific on the door. A special thanks to Cahir Credit union who were the main sponsors on the night. It is impossible to thank all the businesses and individuals who contributed to this very successful fundraising event. Thanks to the Chernobyl committee members and Alice Ward of south Tipp hospice and all who sold CDs and supported the event in so many ways. Thanks to everybody who came along on the night to show their support. No Better Buachails will be playing in Gleeson’s of Clonmel on Friday 13th of February. READERS’ NEWS & VIEWS As ever, your information is gratefully received at 10 Market Yard / 086 840 5020 and at the e-mail address above. I am afraid that the community website hasn’t been updated recently, as the Business & Training Centre has been inundated with work (not a bad complaint!) but this will be rectified in the near future. There are loads of photos to go up, so keep checking www.cahirnews.cahirda.com to see everything for which there was no room in the paper.