CAHIR NOTES 22ND MARCH ST.PATRICKS DAY PARADE The recently formed committee, Promoting Cahir, last week, carried out the first of the many projects they will undertake this year. If the very successful St. Patricks Day parade was anything to go by, we are all in for a treat. The people of Cahir had a great chance to get out and soak up the spring sunshine and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere that the Parade created. It was good to see that so many local groups participated in the event, and that they all made such an effort. Promoting Cahirs other projects will include, new and extra signage from the M8 motorway, evaluation and upgrading of the town website and the creation of a new Town Brochure. Advertising for the new brochure is essential and for this reason people and businesses are invited to submit appropriate advertising to Patrick O’Donovan, Liam Roche or indeed any of the committee. As a limited number of advertising spaces will be available at very keen rates, people are advised that they are on a first come, first served basis. Closing date for advertising is Friday 3rd April. Well Done to the Committee , long may you continue. MOLONEY HAILS SUCCESS Cllr Andy Moloney has hailed the St Patrick's Day parade in Cahir as a tremendous success and a glimmer of light for the future. He made his comments following the parade that took place in Cahir last Tuesday. He stated that the low key affair turned into an exhibition of art, music and dance that had been hidden in Cahir for many years and showed the talent that this town has to offer. He said that shops, restaurants and bars enjoyed a busy trade as a result of the festivities, and it was an eye-opener for traders to get involved in the workings of the town and make things happen for the area. While it was regrettable that there were no prizes to offer as the grant received only covered the insurance, he was satisfied that the people of Cahir and surrounding areas got the chance to get out of the house on a marvellous day and meet people in their community and mix freely in the basking sunshine. Cllr Andy Moloney said that over the past few year’s people had been living in the fast lane and had forgotten about the ordinary things in life, meeting and greeting our neighbours and if nothing else, this had been achieved on St Patrick's Day. As a community and it is up to ourselve’s to make things happen. He is hopeful that the upcoming economic think tank meeting for the town will drive us forward economically in these recessionary times. As a group we must help ourselves and Lead the way, and if we can develop a "can do attitude" the town of Cahir can be a perfect town to live , work and shop in. Moloney Concludes. CAHIR CAMOGIE CLUB NOTES Many thanks to all the club members who turned out on St. Patrick’s day to take part in the towns parade. Club membership is now due, so please forward same as soon as possible to club treasurer Margaret O' Donnell. Over 16 and adult membership- €20 Under 16 -€15 UDAYAN CARE FUNDRAISING Local students, Amy Ryan and Marie Brennan, have begun raising money to fund their trip to India where they will volunteer in  Udayan Ghar in New Delhi, India. Udayan Care, their organising charity, have many institutions and programmes around India to aid the people towards a better life. The Udayan Ghars that the girls have chosen to volunteer in,are established to aid orphaned and abandoned street children in India, aiming to help the children in their education, life skills and give them a home to grow in where they feel part of a family. There will be various events in Cahir to raise money such as cookery demonstrations, bag-packing, non-uniform days in the primary schools and a fundraising event in Colaiste Dun Iascaigh.  A Credit Union account has also been opened for the public to donate to if they wish, contact Cahir Credit Union for more information.  Any help or donations in aid of their fundraising would be much appreciated and it will also go towards supporting the Udayan Ghars directly.  More information on the charity is available on www.udayancare.org. Lonergan Secures €70, 400 for Local Projects  According to Cllr. Seanie Lonergan, the Local Area Meeting of South Tipperary County Council held in Cahir recently resulted in good news for the residents of the Mountain Road namely, Ginchy Terrace. Cllr Lonergan  secured a sum of €17, 400 for road surfacing and drainage. Kilcommon residents and road users will also benefit from a road safety plan costing €53.000 following a motion put down by Cllr. Lonergan. CAHIR TIDY TOWNS Just a quick reminder that Cahir Tidy Towns will meet in the Shamrock Lounge on Wed 1st April at 7.30pm sharp. The Swiss Cottage walk is in full bloom at the moment and Cllr Andy Moloney recommends a venture down that way and avail of some photo opportunities. Unfortunately, there are always the few who avail of the Daffodils but we will probably never change that. He would like to thank the council staff for their swift action on the morning after St Patrick’s Day when the streets were cleaned before many people rose for work. Cllr Moloney says that people may have some more time on their hands over these coming months to give a hand in their own area and was very encouraged by some the  residents of the town that are prepared to lend a hand in outside their own estates in the interest of Cahir Town in general. He says that great effort has been made so far and we should not let it slip now. The council will provide bags for the litter and arrange collection points but you will have to call down to the Shamrock Lounge for your pack on 1st April or call the Cahir Area Office on 052-41322 to arrange same. Can you spare an hour a month  ? Help make Cahir the Tidy Town and the Tourist attraction it deserves to be.  Scor Na Paiste.  On Sunday March 29th next Cahir will be represented at the south finals of Scor Na Paiste in Clonmel. The venue is the GAA centre Western Road with a starting time of 6pm. Representing Cahir will be an 8 figure step dance with dancers, Roisin Howard, Katie Farrell, Carl Casey, Keeley Halpin, Emma Hally, Hilary Grogan, Roisin Howard and Lauren Enright. These girls have been tutored over the last few weeks by Paula Regan. In the recitation we have Niamh O' Brien who has been ably assisted by Aofie O' Brien, while in the quiz team we will be represented by John Casey, Brian McKenna and Darragh Howard who have been helped in their quest by Tadgh and Mary Howard. Finally we have a ballad group with Caoimhe Hickey, Joye Arbuckle, Nicole Sullivan, Roisin Costigan and Niamh O' Brien. These girls have been looked after by Maura Grogan and Gerardine Hickey. We are looking forward to a great nights entertainment and hoping the children really enjoy themselves. CAHIR ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION   Members have five more weeks on the keep fit course taking place at Duneske leisure centre each Thursday morning @ 11 am. Go for Life course will commence on completion of keep fit course at Duneske Leisure centre. Bowling to re-start next month. 1ST with 14 GAMES Ciss O'Neill & Willie O'Donnell 2ND with 11 GAMES Paschal O'Dwyer & Ml. Tobin LUCKY TABLE CAHIR DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY LOTTO There was no Jackpot winner last week, and the total now stands at €5,950.The numbers drawn were 9, 15, 18 and 24 and the draw was witnessed by Lena Phelan. The 5 lucky dip winners who receive €30 each were, Robert McGrath, Cranna, Cahir, James & Barbara Quinn, Clonmore South, Cahir, Phil Shealy, Clonmel Road, Cahir, Bernie Cody, C/o Abbey Tavern, Cahir and Ger Lonergan, C/o Shamrock Lounge, Cahir. The next draw will take place on Wednesday 25th March at 12 noon and tickets can be bought right up until the last minute, from the Business and Training Centre. The profits from the Community Lotto service community projects in Cahir. CAHIR COUNTRY MARKET The Market are hosting the annual Hospice Coffee morning, in the Community Hall, on Friday April 3rd9 -11.30am. All proceeds are in aid of South Tipperary Hospice. The Market that day will have an Easter theme, with many raffle prizes on the day. Don’t forget all the usual produce is also available from breads cakes, jams, marmalades, fresh eggs and fresh and dried flower arrangements. Lastly, the daffodil and rhubarb season is upon us and they too are available to buy The Market would like to remind everyone that during the Holy Week, the Easter Market will be held on Holy Saturday 11th April, usual time and place. Meanwhile, come along and support the Hospice Morning and enjoy a nice cup of tea and do a bit of shopping while you are at it. DIVE TRIP TO MALTA On the 5th March, ten Cahir Dive Club (CDC) divers and two non divers departed for Bugibba, to dive the Mediterranean Sea. Bugibba is a small town in Malta, situated adjacent to Qawra. Nine dives were completed with all divers observing fascinating forms of fish life and exploring several different wrecks, these being the highlight of the week.  The diving holiday to Malta was a valuable experience for all that went, as it allowed them to further develop their diving skills. Keith Mathews and Richard Burcher successfully completed their Ocean Diver and Sports Diver qualifications respectively. The two non divers Jane and Julie Ryan also had a great week enjoying the many beautiful old buildings and forts on the island of Malta. To see photographs taken by the holiday makers, please log on to www.cahirdiveclub.com. LAUNCH OF WEBSITE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Friday the 20th in the Galtee Inn Cahir saw the launch of the New Cahir Park official website. The website was officially launched by the Chairman of the Tipperary County Council Cllr Tom Ambrose. The Chairman said that he considered an honour to officiate at the launch of the website of the oldest Junior Soccer Club in the country. Other speakers on the night were Deputy McGrath and the President of the Cahir and District Lions Club Cllr Seanie Lonergan. Also present were Cllr Moloney and the Cahir Park soccer committee.The secretary Mr Anthony o Gorman stressed the importance of websites in the modern age,The Park Chairman Mr Billy Purtill said that now people worldwide can log on and keep in touch with the Parks activities.The County Organiser Mr David Lenane was praised for his contribution to the Club.Jim Buckley Commended the website creator Mr Mark Costigan on a wonderful piece of work. Pictured above at the recent launch of the Cahir Park Official Website on March 20th   THE LATE JOHN O’BRIEN The family of the late John O’Brien would like to thank everyone who has been there for them, attending both the home and the funeral. They would like to thank everyone for the kindness and generosity shown to them following their great loss. Special thanks to Fr. Sean O’Dwyer, Fr. Matt Knight and Fr. Hickey, (Bansha) for all their kind words of comfort. John was a loving and caring son and brother. He had many friends and loved to talk. He was full of laughter and loved to joke His family will miss him dearly and always hold him in their hearts May He rest in peace. McGrath urges Groups to register for National Spring Clean 2009 South Tipperary Fianna Fáil TD, Mattie McGrath has today, Wednesday 18th March, 2009 urged Community Groups/Schools to register for National Spring Clean 2009-03-18 “By registering for National Spring Clean Groups have taken the first step in working with their communities to make their areas a cleaner place. Telling people about what you plan to do will not only encourage people to join in but it also may inspire them to organise their own event,” said Deputy McGrath. “National Spring Clean is Ireland’s most popular, well recognised and successful anti-litter initiative. Now in its 11th year, the campaign encourages every sector of society to actively participate and take responsibility for litter, by actually conducting clean-ups in their own local environment. National Spring Clean traditionally takes place throughout the month of April.” Deputy McGrath concluded by adding, “The effort and enthusiasm of the National Spring Clean volunteers has ensured the campaign’s real triumph and success. As National Spring Clean has become a fixed date on the school and community calendar, this partnership can hopefully look forward to an even greater success for many years to come.” National Spring Clean is an An Taisce Programme, www.nationalspringclean.org or contact the Environment Section, South Tipperary County Council for more details. Have your Say on Heritage in your area. HERITAGE MEETING Cllr Andy Moloney is asking the various interested groups and individuals in the Cahir Electoral area to attend the Area meeting on this Wednesday 25th March at 7.30pm in the meeting room of the Shamrock Lounge. He said that a previous meeting organized was very poorly attended and he is grateful to Labhaoise McKenna, Heritage Officer for providing us with a second opportunity to have our say in the developing of the new Heritage Plan which will run from 2010-2014. Moloney states that Cahir is steeped in Heritage and in these recessionary times we should be mindful of the benefits that is has to our area. Those attending the meeting will help to identify the local needs and discuss actions to address issues. Heritage is defined as including monuments ,archaeological objects, heritage objects, flora, fauna, wildlife habitats landscapes, heritage gardens and parks and inland waterways.Cllr Moloney says that these meetings are a tool for drawing down funds to develop ideas that would otherwise be lost. The Public Participation Meeting on this Wednesday evening should receive the attention it deserves and if you can’t make it then you are welcome to make submissions before 1st May 2009 to heritage@southtippcoco.ie QUIZ NIGHT There will be a quiz in aid of Cllr. Seanie Lonergan’s Campaign, in Cahir House Hotel on Thursday 26th March at 9pm. Tables of 4- €20. The will be plenty of spot prize’s on the night. Attendance would be greatly appreciated. NEW EXHIBITION IN THE CRAFT GRANARY New and exciting exhibition by a Cahir-based local photography group called the' Graduates of the Grand Master'. Featured in this exhibition are photographs of local landscapes, some portraits and abstract works. This is the group's first exhibition in the Craft Granary, Church st ,Cahir and can be viewed from 1st to 25th April. Official Opening in the Craft Granary , Cahir at 7.30pm on the 1st of April.   CAHIR POST OFFICE Cllr Seanie Lonergan says that there is good news for Cahir Post Office. From now on the County Council Tenants will be able to pay their rent at the Post Office. The more the Post Office is used .the better its chance of survival. This means that the tenants will have a shorter walk and a greater time span in which to do business. The Cllr adds that the 24/7 stamp vending machine has been upgraded and has more functions. The Post Office will survive as long as people support it. BALLINGEARY ICA NOTES "Ballingeary ICA's next monthly meeting and A.G.M. will be held on Wednesday 1st April, 2009, at 8.00 p.m. at Ballingeary school house.  The speaker on the night will be Bernie Maher from Better By Nature. Hostesses will be May Tegerdine, Helen Haplin, Jenny Kiely and Peggy Disney.  Salsa classes are continuing on Monday nights at 8.00 p.m. with Amanda.  We would like to remind members of Federation meeting at Cahir House Hotel on Monday 30th March at 7.30 p.m.  All are welcome to our meetings." RENEWABLE ENERGY OPEN DAY Surecom Network Solutions have teamed up with Renewable Energy Systems to launch a RENEWABLE ENERGY OPEN DAY on Sunday 29th March, 10am – 5pm at Bothair Beri, Kilcoran, Cahir. The open day is being held to provide people with the opportunity to speak with experts about the various renewable energy system options that may best suit their specific needs. A fully operational wind turbine, sample solar panels and products and wood pellet burners can be viewed on site. There will be an opportunity to discuss the installation requirements, potential energy output and cost savings of the differing systems. The Open Day will also provide a great opportunity for people to network with others who either have already installed their own wind or solar systems, or those who are gathering information before they commit. Admission to the Renewable Energy Open Day is FREE and light refreshments will be available throughout the day. For further information, contact Margaret on 086 1966126 or 052 43669. READERS NEWS AND VIEWS What a week for us. Ireland beat Wales in the Rugby and two Irish boxers, Katie Taylor (, no relation !) and Bernard Dunne win their fights too, all of this after Ruby Walsh cleans up at the Cheltenham Festival. Thanks to The Hill Inn for the great atmosphere and food during the rugby match. Contact me on 086 1022014 or email me at caplicetaylor@hotmail.com by Sunday, as that is when I do the notes. Thank you.