CAHIR NOTES 27TH MAY DONKEY DERBY THIS BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 1st JUNE 2009 at 2pm SHARP. This bank holiday weekend sees huge activity for Special Olympics Ireland, on Saturday 30th June along with the Cahir Farmers Market, Special Olympics are holding a barbeque in the Square in Cahir. The Farmers market will provide music and face painting and it will be a fantastic morning. Special Olympics Ireland would like to thank the Farmers Market for their help in raising funds for Special Olympics Ireland, we envisage the barbeque will raise much needed funds for Special Olympics Ireland. Come along to the Cahir Farmers Market in the Square on Saturday 30th May from 9.30-1.30 and buy from our fantastic range of Barbequed foods, compliments of the Farmers Market Cahir. On Monday 1st June is our Donkey Derby sponsored by Dolans Supervalu, Cahir, thank you to Dolans our Sponsors, it is fantastic that a local business has been involved in sponsoring a family event in Cahir, without the help of our sponsor this event would not happen in Cahir, it is encouraging to see such a support towards Special Olympics Ireland. Thank you to John Quirke Jewellers, John sponsored our medals and trophies for the day and a special thank you to John for all his help and support throughout the campaign. It is such a pleasure dealing with businesses in Cahir their support and contribution towards Special Olympics Ireland has been outstanding. Seamus Hennessey will be providing our entertainment from 2-4pm, word has it that Seamus Hennessey (hailing from Ballyporeen) is an extremely talented musician. Our donkey derby will include, tug of war, sports day, water raft competition (design your own raft and race it on the day) barbeque, music, dog show and much much more. Special Olympics Ireland have done amazing well in achieving the target, in fact in South Tipperary we have overachieved the target set for us by Special Olympics Ireland, thank you to my fantastic board, Joe O’Sullivan (Chairperson) Fran Curry (Tipp FM-PRO), Jim Lynch (Secretary) and to Carmel Condon (Administrator), massive thank you to my team of co-ordinators and to my fantastic administrators Kevin Lynch and Katie Walsh. For further information, please contact Noreen Condon Tobin on 085 1640632 or call to our office in Market Place, Clonmel (beside Superquinn) DOG SHOW The Dog Show that is being held as part of the Special Olympics Fun Day will be taking entries on the field from 1pm, with judging promptly at 2.30pm. There will be five Classes for Purebred dogs, seven Fun Classes for All comers, including Best Fancy Dress, Best Children’s Pet and Classes for Veterans (over 7) and Rescue dogs. Fun classes will not start before 4pm, and entries will be taken then. Rosettes up to 4th Place, in all Classes. INCH BRIDGE Cllr Seanie Lonergan wishes to sincerely thank the local outdoor staff of South Tipperary County Council for promptly repairing the timber bridge to the Inch Field. The bridge is frequently used particularly during summer months. The reason for such prompt action was to facilitate the Special Olympics Fun Day Event, ensuring the safety of those crossing the bridge to participate. (Thank you to Seanie as well, this really was prompt action, I only asked him about the bridge on a Tuesday and the work was carried out 4 days later. Good work). Tobar Iosa Complaints have been made about the pollution of Tobar Iosa Holy Well and surrounding streams. Cllr Seanie Lonergan believes that this problem would be best alleviated by extending the town sewerage scheme to all mountain houses. The Cllr intends lodging a notice of motion to South Tipperary County Council. At Cahir Railway Station Seeing off the senior citizens,last Sunday on their annual holiday to Carlow, are Cahir Lions Club President Seanie Lonergan, Liz Lynham,  Cashel Lions President Dan Dillon and Gerry Duffy of Cahir Lions.   CAHIR ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCAITION Our week in Spain needless to report turned out to be an outstanding success. Many thanks indeed to our secretary Bob Condon for his constant attentiveness to detail thus enabling a stress free holiday. Sincere thanks to you Bob. Davy Ryan gave steady support to many members on this trip, giving assistance with luggage and directions, all of the members benefiting from his actions. Members fortunate enough to be in the company of Chi Chi Caplice, a fluent Spanish language speaker, were able to benefit using their basic Spanish phrases, and when ordering a meal were able to rely on her to ensure we all received an excellent repast. A special treat was a visit to a local Tapas bar and we all tasted many traditional varieties of Tapas (small portions of food). Muchas Gracias Chi Chi. Results of Card Game held on Friday 22nd May. 1st with 11 Games, Rena O Connor, Breeda Ryan. Joint second with 10 Games, Tim Fitzgerald, Maurice Condon. Bob Condon, Paddy Holleran. Lucky Table, Ted Dillon, Lexie Sheehan, Teresa Duggan, Anne Lonergan. Raffle, Tom Burke, Mary Whelan. Next Game Friday 29th May Many thanks to all for their support each week. The ever popular trip to Cork Greyhound Track will take place on Saturday Night 13th June All are welcome interested people may contact the secretary or any member of the committee. Fees for this trip will be due at the next meeting. Member’s monthly meeting will take place on Wednesday 3rd June in the Catharine McAuley room, Cahir, prospective members welcome. V T O S EXHIBITION The Craft Granary Church St, Cahir is pleased to announce an exhibition by the V.T.O.S Cahir. The exhibition will feature the work the students have produced during the year,  including drawings, in 3d & 2d work and also mixed media pieces. Dates for exhibition 1st to 20th June. CAHIR TODDLER GROUP TODDLE FOR CHARITY    On Thursday 21st May the children at Cahir Toddler Group made their way through the town in fancy dress as they took part in the Annual Sponsored 'Danone Big Toddle "   for Barnardos' and helped other children in Ireland.  Fun was had by all and each child received a Certificate for their part. Toddler Group will be closed on Thursday 28th May and will re open on Thursday 4th June. CAHIR DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY LOTTO There was no Jackpot winner for the draw on 13th May, witnessed by Tom Morrissey. The numbers drawn were, 6, 16, 18 and 25. The 5 Lucky Dip winners who each received €30 were, Denny Whelan, Birchdale, Cahir, William McCarthy, Upper Cahir Abbey, Cahir, Martin Quinlan, Kilcommon, Cahir, Tom & Mary Fitzgerald, Lisava, Cahir and Christy Barrett, Ardfinnan, Clonmel. That left the Jackpot at €7,150 and once again the Jackpot was not won this week either. The numbers drawn were 5, 19, 20 and 26. The draw was witnessed by Joan Loughman. The 5 lucky Dip winners who each receive €30 are, Brian Power, Ballinamona, Cahir, Sinead Hyland, Outrath, Cahir, Seamus Martin, Ballydrehid, Cahir, Johnny Maher, C/o Moloneys, Poulmucka and Mai Lonergan, 2 Beechpark, Cahir. The next draw will take place on Wednesday 27th May at 12 noon. The Jackpot now stands at €7,300. Don’t forget you can buy your Tickets right up to the last minute from the Business and Training Centre. Profits from the lotto service community projects in Cahir. FIANNA FAIL LAUNCEHES 3 CANDIDATES FOR THE LOCAL ELECTIONS There was a large attendance in Cahir House Hotel on Friday 15th May where Cahir Comhairle Ceanntair held a launch night for its three candidates in the forthcoming local elections to be held on June 5th. MC for the night was vice- chairman, Martin Lonergan who was joined on the platform by the three candidates, Clr Michael Anglim, Tommy Meehan and Clr Andy Moloney, European election candidates, Brian Crowley MEP, Ned O'Keefe, along with Mattie McGrath TD and special guest, Minister Labour Affair, Mr Dara Calleary, TD. The launch was opened by Liam Simpson who outlined the huge contributions of Fianna Fail down through the years. The meeting was then addressed in turn by the three local candidates, MEP Brian Crowley and euro hopeful Ned O'Keefe. Then it was the turn of Dara Calleary TD with Mattie McGrath TD wrapping up proceedings. A lovely piece of local pottery was presented to the Minster before the meeting was brought to a close by a fine rendition of "Slievenamon" sung by Brian Crowley MEP. Earlier Gerry Looney sang " The West Awake" before being joined by Liam Simpson in a rousing version of "Soldiers of the Rear Guard". A great finish to a good night. AN EXTERIOR CONCEPT Having a chat with Karen Murphy last week, I was interested to hear that she recently installed a Spray Tan system upstairs over Interior Concepts. Made by Aviva, this is an entirely new idea, providing Light, Medium or Dark tans. The huge plus point about this make is that one can dress immediately afterwards without staining clothes at all. There is also an Express Tan, this can be removed after 1 to 3 days if wished, with the same properties as the ones already described. The Express Tan is somewhat more expensive that the other. Prices start at €25 for a full body tan and enquiries can be made at Interior Concepts (opposite the Post Office) or by telephone to 052 43003. Don’t get the idea from this that Karen is giving up the day job - she is still busy with her Interior Design business, and her skills as a Shopper were used recently for a family outing to prepare for Confirmation, which was much enjoyed by all. There are also some outstanding Nearly New outfits on her premises, which are also for sale. She takes only the best, and works on a percentage basis. Never a dull moment here! CAHIR BINGO The lucky number at bingo last night was€610. Wouldn't it be nice to win that plus the €70 for the full panel. There is also a cash raffle next Tuesday for the first Tuesday of the month. Did you know we have 37 winners every night we have bingo. That's about a 1-in-4 chance of winning. We believe in sharing the luck too and were delighted to donate €1000 to the recent tractor run for South Tipp Hospice. Why not come along to the Community hall any Tuesday night at 8.30pm and support us and maybe win some money for yourself too. See you there. CAHIR CAMOGIE CLUB NOTES Many thanks to all who contributed so generously to our Church gate collection which was held last weekend. Congratulations to the Community games Camogie team from Cahir who have qualified for the County finals on Monday June 1st at Semple Stadium Thurles. We have received the fixtures for the U12 A Championships and look forward to meeting Toomevara, Drom, Kilruane and Dharma in the coming weeks. BLOOM 2009 Once again I completely forgot about what I consider to be the Irish equivalent of the Chelsea Flower Show. Bloom 2009, Ireland’s biggest family gardening event kicks off its five day run in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, on Thursday 28th May. Hopefully it gets some TV coverage. BARNORA RESIDENTS The winner of raffle on 22/05/09 was Sylvia McCormack, 50 Barnora Crescent. CAHIR FLOWER AND GARDEN CLUB The club are holding the monthly meeting in Cahir House Hotel on Wednesday 27th May at 8pm. Work night; please bring containers and flowers for arrangement. All welcome. BRIQ A BRAC SALE There will be a Cake/Plant and Bric a Brac Sale in the Charteris Hall, Church Street, Cahir on Sunday 31st May at 2 -4pm. The Sale is in aid of St. Pauls Restoration Fund. Come along for a visit and leave with lots of lovely goodies. (I love going to these sales) SHOWTIME Colaiste Dun Iascaigh had their annual show called Showtime on Wednesday last 20th May. As usual the show was outstanding with plenty of Drama, Dance and Music on the night. The cast were a mixture of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Transition year, 5th and 6th year music students, who gave fantastic performances by all accounts. Credit is due to the Musical Director Ms. Jennifer Williams and to Producer Mrs. Deirdre Buckley who put tremendous work and dedication into the show. Also, well done to the presenters, Monika Garciaz and David O’Connell. PURCHASE SCHEME MEETING On 20th May an information meeting was held in Cahir House Hotel to discuss a new Incremental Purchase scheme that is being made available to Social Housing tenants and households eligible for social housing. The scheme is a demonstration project, and therefore it is being confined to eligible persons within Cahir Town. These houses consist of 19 dwellings at Sraid Na gCuach, Upper Abbey Street, Cahir (across from Avondale Court). Present at the meeting were Ger Walsh, Senior Executive Housing Officer and Liz McGuire, Loans Officer, who gave a short presentation about this opportunity to become a home owner. This was followed by a questions and answers session. This was important as people wished to ask questions on eligibility and how the purchase scheme actually works. I think that everyone’s questions were answered and I hope that this will encourage people to become first time buyers, as this seems to be a very affordable housing scheme tailored to individual incomes. For more information email info@southtippcoco.ie or phone the Housing Department on 052 34455. IRISH HEART FOUNDATION The Irish Heart Foundation would like to thank everyone who contributed to Happy Hearts Weekend recently, thanks also to Miss Trehy who teaches the transition year students and to all of the students of Colaiste Dun Iascaigh who worked hard selling the happy hearts. Although I do not have an exact figure of what was raised, I believe that they did very well. Thank you to Kevin Brunnick for sending me this piece. CAHIR DIVE CLUB NOTES A fantastic job was done by Mary Hunter in organising a delightful weekend of diving at Bere Island, which is situated off the coast of Castletownbere, Co. Cork. All divers arrived safely on the island on Friday evening (22nd May) with thanks to Mr. Murphy’s ferry service. The designated tour guide for the weekend, Aidan Webster took the CDC members to “Lone Hort Bay” on Saturday morning for the first dive of the weekend. Sea life at this bay was bountiful. Sea urchins, sea cucumbers, dog fish, star fish, clams and much more were on display twenty metres underwater for all to see. The second dive of the day was at Greenanne Rock. Cahir Dive Club members entered a kelp forest underwater, but still managed to see lobsters, spider-crabs, pollock and wrasse. That evening hungry divers enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the head chef Ciara and Michelle. The third dive site of the weekend was the on Sunday to The Zorro Zaurre. This wreck is a Spanish Trawler which foundered on Christmas Day 2000. This wreck lies off the east end of Bere Island between Roancarrigbeg and Roancarrigbeg Rocks. Colourful soft coral, a school of pollock, sea urchins and masses of baby jellyfish were observed on this final dive of the weekend. All in all everyone had a brilliant time and all but the tough skinned Aidan O’Connor came back a little bit sun burned. Cahir Dive Club would like to thank Donny Keating of Cahir Motors for supplying them with a jeep to tow the boat, and of course Garrit for getting it there and back safely. To see pictures of the CDC’s trip to Bere Island log onto www.cahirdiveclub.com BIRTHDAY PARTIES Wondering what to do for your daughter’s birthday? Look no further! We have a mobile fun beauty party to entertain your child and her friends. With mini manicures, pretty pedicures, hair extensions and glitter & bling bling galore. Prices start at €8 per princess. Call 086 371 3421 or 052 45420 for details. (My granddaughter would so love this). FUNDED COURSES AVAILABLE  Cahir Business and Training Centre have just informed me they have once again been successful in their funding application to the Department of Communications & Marine. This special privilege allows the centre to run funded classes at a cost of just €20.00 per person, normal price for the same courses would be over €100.00 pp. The courses are aimed at the following target groups; Senior Members of Society can avail of the Digital Photography and Basic Computer courses with Internet and E-mail. Parents/Guardians with school going children; Your Child on the Internet, do you know what they are watching? Job Seekers; for Basic computing with CV Preparation and Job Searching Skills. Each time a funded course is run in the Centre there has been a great response to fill the limited places available. As they operate on a first come first served basic, contact Jennifer or Helen on 052 43224, as soon as possible for further information and registration. SUMMER COURSES.  The first in Tipperary South to offer this service it provides students with the opportunity of gaining their ECDL Certificate over three weeks rather than committing to a long term course. It would especially suit students who want to update their computer skills before starting college or university, students who have stared ECDL and now wish to complete all 7 modules, or people who just don’t want to commit their time long term to a course. Once again for more information contact Business & Training Centre on 43224 or 42616 CAHIR TO BECOME A TOWN OF EXCELLECE FOR TROUT FISHING  On Tuesday last the 19th of May, Local Election Candidate Dan Costigan invited local Businesses and residents to attend a meeting in Cahir House Hotel. The primary aim of this meeting was to improve business in the Cahir area as well as taking on board local residents views on issues concerning them. The meeting was very productive with talks from Paddy O’Flaherty of the Nationalist and Sandra O’ Keeffe of Tipp Fm, they both spoke about the importance of advertising for local businesses, while Dan himself promised the businesses if he was elected he would keep free parking in Cahir as a priority. Out of the meeting a number of important points were raised such as the current level of rates that business must pay, Dan agreed that the current level of rates is too high and that he will do his utmost to reduce these if elected. The importance of introducing loyalty cards to customers was highlighted by Brian Dolan and Mr Gleeson explained how petrol vouchers were vital in improving his business and he thanked Dolan’s Supervalu, Cahir for coming up with the initiative. It was also pointed out that it was vital that businesses become involved in projects that are happening to improve Cahir, we were also informed that Cahir was to become a town of excellence for Trout fishing, which will be a massive achievement for the people of Cahir and surrounding areas. Some other issues that Dan has come across while canvassing are, the poor state of our roads, high rubbish charges and the quality of our drinking water. Dan will do his utmost to address these issues if elected on the 5th June. MIND AT RISK PLAYING IN IRWINS MIND AT RISK (ex Wildwings) are an original rock band formed in 2006 and consist of four members, Alan Pyke: Lead vocals/lead guitar, Brian "Squeak" Power: Rhythm Guitar/Backing Vocals, Ben McGuire: Bass and Thomas "Cozzy" Cosgrave: Drums/Backing Vocals. Combined with their own originality and raw energy they have all the ingredients of a classic rock band which bring that modern freshness to ear. In 2007 they recorded an E.P. called 'Bad Blood' in Clay Castle studios in Co Cork and the title track reached no 6 in the Irish independent download chart. Now MIND AT RISK plan to release a new E.P., which was recently recorded and produced in France, and plan to tour and promote  it extensively. They play Irwin's Yard in Cahir on Sunday 31st May 2009 from 6pm and plan to play great rock music. The MIND AT RISK experience is an experience best witnessed live, as any true rock band should be!!! I have always been a fan of live music and I look forward to hearing these guys. MATHS GRINDS Rob O'Dwyer is offering to teach grinds in leaving cert pass maths, over the summer holidays. His number is 085-1677515.please contact him for further information. Tommy Meehan Welcomes New Investment for AIBP Cahir. Local Fianna Fail Candidate Tommy Meehan has just learned that the Taoiseach Brian Cowen, TD has announced The Beef and Sheepmeat Investment Fund, which allow a total investment of €69 million in 15 projects around the country.  It includes a grant of €6.777 in AIBP in Cahir and a total Investment of €19.64 million.  This is a major boast for both the farming sector, the employees of the factory and the Cahir Area The investment will enable AIBP to bring the total number of jobs for AIBP from 416 to 456 and “will enable the company to deliver higher value added products in a highly efficient manor specifically tailored to suit consumer requirements”. As a local self-employed businessman himself Tommy Meehan warmly welcomes this new investment and is hopeful that more companies will follow suit and create more jobs within the Cahir Area. If elected to South Tipperary County Council Mr Meehan said that he intends to be proactive in working with the various Government bodies and the Local Authority to secure the jobs we have locally and to implement policies that will create more employment opportunities within local communities in the Cahir Area. MISSING A golden Labrador has been missing from his home in Cahir since last week. His owners are anxious to find him. He is 5 years old, very friendly, wearing a brown collar and answers to the name Mondo. He has been seen on the Swiss Cottage walk. Please call 087 2842288 if you see him. Thank you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY&CONGRATULATIONS Wishing a very happy birthday to Josephine Hyland, who will be 87 years young on 2nd June. Jo will also be presented with a Benedictine medal for her services to the Church and local community in Newcastle on the same date. Also Congratulations to Josephine’s Granddaughter Caitlin and Great grandson Tommy on receiving their First Communion last week. Best wishes from Michael and Martina and all your family and many friends. Congratulations also to Rory Tuohy from Willow Park, Clonmel who also made his first Communion, from Nanny Marty and Uncle Mick. NEW ARRIVAL Congratulations to Karen and Richard Caplice on the birth of their son Lennon born on 20th May, weighing in at 7lb 8oz. Welcome to the world Lennon. Congratulations also to first time grandparents Carmel and John Haide, to first time great grandmother Cathy O’Brien and also to Chichi Caplice on this the birth of her 17th grandchild.(and my newest nephew!) THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK. Find something you like to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life. READERS NEWS & VIEWS If you have any news, views or notes for the Cahir page you can contact me on 086 1022014 or email me on caplicetaylor@hotmail.com. By Sunday of course, because that is when I do the notes. Thank you to everyone for being so cooperative and nice about it too.