CAHIR NOTES 9th DECEMBER MINISTER O'CUIV VISITS On Saturday 21st November, Cahir Business & Training Centre received a visit from the Minister for the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Minister Eamon O’Cuiv. The Minister, accompanied by Mattie McGrath TD., were welcomed by Cahir Development Association Chairman, Patrick Caplice and shown a presentation by General Manager Tim Shanahan, of the community projects undertaken by Cahir Development Association, including Duneske Leisure Centre, Care Bears Childcare Centre and the Enterprise Centre to name but a few. All guests present were surprised by the wide range of associated community partners, both at a local and national level that are engaged with Cahir Development Association. The organisation has an employee base of over forty people, which is equivalent to a medium enterprise. Cahir Business & Training Centre is partially funded through the Minister’s department and Helen Quirke, Manager of the Centre, also gave a presentation on the Centre’s activities and how they are part of the support system to the organisation of C.D.A. In his address Mr. O’Cuiv expressed his department’s commitment to community focused projects such as C.D.A, especially in light of the current economic situation. He agreed that it is vital to support as many people as possible involved in community services, consequently he confirmed funding would continue for Cahir Development Association through 2010. Minister O’Cuiv was then called upon by Sgt Peter Butler, Cahir, to officially launch the new local “Community Alert” website, www.cahircashelalert.com .This webpage is a project undertaken by Cahir Garda District Community Alert Groups which involves 18 Community Alerts and 11 Neighbourhood Watches. The website was developed with the help of The Business & Training Centre and their webdesign tutor Alan Joyce. Present for the launch were Martin Quinn President of Muintir Na Tire, Liam Kelly, National Coordinator of Community Alert, Sgt Peter Butler Cahir, Garda Pat English, and Bill Coffey of Cahir Community Alert along with two transition year student’s from Colaiste Dun Iascaigh. Finally, Helen Quirke made a presentation to the minister on behalf of Cahir Development Association. It is fantastic to hear that funding has been secured for 2010 for C.D.A as it is vital for our community to survive the current economic situation. Well done to all involved. The recent visit of Minister Eamon O'Cuiv to Cahir Development Association L to R Tim Shanahan General Manager CDA, Helen Quirke, Manager Cahir Business & Training Centre, Minister Eamon O'Cuiv and Patrick Caplice chairman of CDA.     The recent visit of Minister Eamon O'Cuiv to Cahir Development  Association L to R back row Mattie McGrath TD, Majella Sullivan, Tim  Shanahan, Helen Quirke, Minister O'Cuiv, Patrick Caplice, John Quirke,  Andy Moloney. L to R front row Susan Sanders, Lena Lonergan and  Jennifer Thompson along with young Mr. Moloney COLÁISTE DÚN IASCAIGH MUSICAL SUCCESS Colaiste Dún Iascaigh has done it again. Their production of ‘Kiss Me, Kate’ played to a packed school hall for four consecutive nights. Deirdre Buckley and Norma Barry brought Cole Porter’s classic to life with their customary verve and attention to detail. It is the story of a play within a play and this element makes it a very difficult play to pull off successfully. However, the Coláiste’s team stood up to this task. The play portrays Fred Graham, a serious actor/director, who attempts a production of Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew’. Needless to say, things don’t go to plan. A diva/ex wife leading lady, Lilly, who still harbours feelings for Fred, a flirty second lead, a dodgy gambling actor who signs Fred’s name to an IOU, some vicious gangsters, bumbling actors and backstage crew all combine to make Fred’s plans impossible. Adam Keegan who plays Fred, captures his ego and heightened opinion of himself expertly, with a very strong singing voice and harmony for his duets. His paramour Lilly is played by Sarah Keating. Her energy in everything she does and her singing are faultless. Leanne Hickey is the flirtatious Lois. She sings with great zest and pours herself into the part. Barry Rogers is excellent as the ‘too cool for school’, Bill. He also shows that he can sing and play a mean double bass. David O’ Donnell and Craig O’ Meara play the inept gangsters. Their version of ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare’ is show-stealing and has the audience in stitches. Michaela Maher opens the show as Hattie, Lilly’s assistant, and her strong singing voice marks her out as a definite star of future Musicals. Eoin Murray sings the ice cool jazz number ‘Too Darn Hot’ and suffice to say, he is. Eoin and his troop of dancers enact a superbly choreographed segment. We must not forget the Shakespearian element of the show. The lead actors together with Maurice Casey as Gremio, Michael Tobin as Hortensio and Niall Maguire as Baptista prove themselves to be most notable Thespians. This production has over one hundred participants between, cast chorus, musicians, back stage crew, dancers and choir. Deirdre Buckley co-ordinates and choreographs the show with exquisite precision. It has been said of Cole Porter that his music has more key changes than the Governor of Fort Knox. Norma Barry gets the optimum out of her musicians and singers and the orchestra play with great passion. Special mention has to go to the string section of Anna Kulish and Kacper Krym. There are just too many elements to mention individually, from set, costumes, make up, stage management and others that go into making this one of the best, not only in terms of school productions but of Musical productions by any group that you will see. The parents of all of the very talented cast and chorus should be very proud. Bravo. CAHIR POST OFFICE Cllr. Seanie Lonergan extends his congratulations to Henry Reidy and his staff for the improvements that have been carried out recently to Cahir Post Office. Henry has added an extra service point at the Post Office counter; this will enable transactions to be carried out with the optimum of speed. The improvements had to be carried out to deal with the extra business and will mean shorter queuing time for the Post Office customers. The Cllr added that it is inconceivable to think that only a short time ago, the powers that be wanted to close down this essential Postal service in Cahir. LIONS CLUB DRAW? Lions Club President Cllr. Seanie Lonergan and all other Lions Club member’s, have placed fireplace Santa’s in several shops in Cahir and surrounding villages. This fundraising is for all local charities and the lines for the draw are only €2 to enter. The members are hoping that all of the cards will be completed by the 14th December. Seanie and all the Cahir Lions Club Members would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a happy new year. DARTS COMPETITION The Shamrock Lounge will be holding a Darts Competition on Sunday 13th December at 4.30pm. Entry €10.00. For more information call Hughie on 7441423.    CAHIR FARMERS' SPECIAL CHRISTMAS MARKET. Santa is coming this Saturday to Cahir Farmers' Market. Come along and join the Cahir Choral Singers who will be celebrating the festive season with Christmas Carols.  There will be hot, mulled apple juice to warm the heart and plenty of samples available at the stalls.  Remember to place your orders for Christmas and there will be a special midweek market on   Wednesday 22nd December for collections and last minute shopping. REST AREAS NEEDED Cllr. Seanie Lonergan is appealing to major supermarkets to provide sit-down rest areas within their stores for elderly and ill customers. A number of senior citizens have contacted Seanie recently on this issue. One customer in particular became ill recently and not as much as a single chair was available for him to rest upon within the particular supermarket. Cllr. Lonergan states that this is not acceptable. Ideally, supermarkets should combine a rest area and first aid station in one area. The Cllr. will continue to highlight this issue during the coming months. This is indeed an important issue and warrants further highlighting. CAHIR ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION  Results of the Progressive "25" card Game held at the McAuley Room on Friday 4th December, 2009 were; 1st with 12 Games, Tim Fitzgerald & Maurice Condon. 2nd with 10 Games were, Chi-Chi Caplice & Sadie Caplice. On the Lucky Table were, Joe Ahern & Josie Quinlan, Rupert Guirey & Nellie Burke. Raffle;  Phyllis Lonergan and Mary Whelan. The next game will take place on Friday 11th December at 8 pm in The Catharine McAuley room. All are welcome to come and enjoy this very popular gathering and also join us for refreshments after. Many thanks to all card players supporting this weekly rendezvous. The Monthly Meeting held on Wednesday 2nd December at 2.30 pm in The Catharine McAuley Room was well attended and proved to be most interesting. Ciss O Neil took her place as Chairperson and kept the meeting moving quickly. She received a warm welcome from all members. The retiring Chairperson, Sadie Caplice was thanked and a vote of appreciation was expressed from the members. Important Notice! All members are requested to submit a list of suggested Dates & Destinations for our holidays and Day excursions, Courses, Speakers and Musicians for the year 2010. Please have your list of suggestions ready for the next monthly meeting in January 2010. This list will enable the committee to plan early for next year.   Information regarding Cahir Active Retirement Association may be obtained by contacting The Secretary at cahiractiveretirement@gmail.com or by phone on 052 74 441892. CAHIR BEARS CHILDCARE CENTRE Cahir Bears Childcare Centre is based in the Duneske Leisure Centre complex and provides childcare for preschool children. At the moment there are two FREE Pre-School childcare places available from 5th January 2010. So, if your child was born between the 2nd February 2005 and 30th June 2006 he/she is eligible for FREE childcare from 2.00pm-5.00pm, 5 days a week. For more information please call Diane on 052 74 43385. FORMER ROCKWELL  STUDENT AWARDED BURSARY TO TRINITY Former Rockwell student Peter Hannigan (19)  was recently awarded a bursary by Trinity College in Dublin in recognition of his fantastic results at the 2009 Leaving Certificate. LAUNCH OF CAHIR G.A.A. HISTORY A history of the G.A.A. in Cahir over the past 124 years , entitled “Memories and Achievements” compiled by Colm O’Flaherty and Mattie Hussey, will be officially launched on Friday night next , December 11th at 7.30 in Cahir House Hotel.  The launch will be performed by Sean Kelly M.E.P for Munster and former G.A.A. President.  The launch night is sponsored by Ger Enright of Eurospar Dungarvan The book consists of approx 300 pages and over 300 photographs, from the oldest photo of 1896 up to the present.  Most championship winning teams at underage and adult level are featured, as well as many other team photographs.  There are also photographs of other events in the club’s history, including A.G.M ‘’s, parish leagues and presentations.  In the text, taken from newspaper reports and secretaries’ reports, accounts of each year’s activities are outlined.  Where possible teams that featured in the various hurling and football competitions are listed.  Cahir’s involvement in Inter County Activities is also outlined e.g. Bloody Sunday 1920, and Tipperary’s last football title in 1920, through Jimmy McNamara part in these historic events.  Many other inter-county teams that featured Cahir players are also contained in the book 20 former Captains of County Winning teams have all written personal recollections of their era.  Some pupils from 6th class in the Boys National School have also written pieces on the subject “What the G.A.A. means to me “Extracts from these pieces are also in the book.  Cahir G.A.A. would like to welcome everyone to this important and historic evening.  It is hoped that everyone who has or whose family have had an involvement in the G.A.A locally will come along on Friday night and make this event, a night of re-union and reminiscence.  Indeed anyone with an interest in local events and history will find the book interesting and as only a limited number of copies have been printed, people who would like a copy should come on the night.  The book will not be available to buy in the shops. We all look forward to a great night OUR LADY OF MERCY PRIMARY SCHOOL PARENTS ASSOCIATION Our Lady of Mercy Primary school will hold a Coffee Morning along with a Cake and Toy sale in the schools GP Hall next Friday morning December 11th. Starting at around 9.30am, we will have lots of delicious tasty treats for sale. There will also be a raffle with some great prizes to be won. Tickets will be on sale each morning this week in the main hall of the school as well as on Friday morning during the Cake and Toy sale. Your support would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks to all the parents who gave of their free time helping out with the bag pack last weekend and our thanks to the management and staff of Dunne’s Stores, Oakville, Clonmel. CAHIR SCHOOL LINKS UP WITH EUROPE Our Lady of Mercy School in Cahir is to link up with schools in Wales, Spain and the Czech Republic as part of an EU scheme to create partnerships across Europe and improve education standards. Representatives from Our Lady of Mercy School will visit their partners and work on joint projects over the next two years through the Comenius programme, which is funded by the European Commission and managed in the UK by the British Council. The programme provides funding and professional development to enable students and teachers across Europe to work together and learn about each other’s culture and education methods. Our Lady of Mercy School will be working with Aberaeron, Prerov and Cadiz schools in Wales, Czech Republic and Spain respectively. They will be working together on projects including ‘Our Pupils Voice’. The programme aims to develop knowledge and understanding of different European cultures and languages, and help young people gain skills for their future lives and careers. As well as learning about their partners’ society, the programme also helps young people learn more about their own culture and build links within their local community. For more information please contact Ann Carroll on 052 7441950 or cahirgirls@eircom.net CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP There will be a Children's Art & Craft Christmas Workshop in The Craft Granary, Church Street, Cahir on 12th December 2009. Time 10.00am to 11.30am. Age: 6 - 10 years. Cost €10.00 per child. Limited place’s available. For booking please contact the Craft Granary, Church St., Cahir on 052-7441473. CAHIR DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY LOTTO There was no Jackpot winner of the numbers drawn on the 2nd December. The draw was witnessed by Joan Loughman. The numbers drawn were 4, 8, 14 and 15. The 5 Lucky Dips winners who each received €30 were; Lena Phelan, Day Care Centre, Cahir, Kay Hickey, Plover Hall, Moorestown, Cahir, Maebh O Neill, 5 Gleann Na Suire, Ardfinnan, Linda Conway, Knockagh, Cahir and Joanne O Brien, Cahir Abbey Upper, Cahir. The next draw will take place on Wednesday the 9th December 2009, at 12 noon. The Jackpot will be a fantastic €5,050. Tickets can be bought right up to the last minute from The Enterprise Centre, Cahir. The Jackpot would be a lovely Christmas surprise for someone, so enter the lotto and be in with a chance. Profit’s servicing community projects in Cahir. CHRISTMAS TOY APPEAL Calling all Boys & Girls. Why don’t you help make another child happy this Christmas. If you would donate all your old Toys, Games & Books (that are in good condition). So, do come along and give them to Santa Claus on Sunday 13th December in Kilcoran Lodge Hotel, from 1pm – 5pm. In Association with Cahir & District Lions Club Santa will Not be giving out Christmas presents to the children on this date, but he will be accepting all of Your Christmas Letters to take back to the North Pole to add to his list A Big Thank You from Santa, Ho, Ho, Ho! CRUMLIN CALENDAR Thanks to Pat Cunningham for the following piece; Thanks to everyone who came over for a chat at the Craft Fair in Cahir House Hotel. The calendar was a hit there and the other stall holders were very helpful. Thanks to all who purchased a calendar and those who made a donation. The staff were very friendly and made a donation, I'd like to thank them very much. This calendar is beautiful and a real collector’s item. The staff at Crumlin Children's Hospital said the finish and quality were better than they'd ever seen before. Copies can be obtained from New Age Photography, Liam Wall Barbers shop and Hilda O’Connor at Ross Pharmacy in the square of Cahir. Like the ad says when they are gone they are gone. Happy Christmas to one and all. AN EVENING OF ELEGANCE On Friday 11th December there will be a special viewing of a stunning display of Costume Jewellery in the snug of Cahir House Hotel. Julie and Caroline will be your hosts for the evening and in the cosy surrounds will show you their extensive range, along with many statement pieces of Jewellery. These would make exquisite gifts for your loved ones and with the new season’s colours, enhance every outfit. The ladies will be there from 7pm on the night and look forward to meeting you. If you would like to host an evening of elegance in your home, or for more details, please contact Julie or Caroline on 087 226529. I must say that after viewing the collection, I know what I want for Christmas! CAHIR COUNTRY MARKET The Market hosted its Annual Hospice Morning on Friday 4th December last. All proceeds were in aid of South Tipperary Hospice. The support from the local community was brilliant as usual and is greatly appreciated. The winners of the raffle are as follows; Marie O’Donnell, Wally Costigan, Lena Phelan, Ann O’Connor, Jimmy White, Danny Condon, Joan Hyland, Mary Davis, William Lonergan, Sean Lonergan, Kate Byrne, Eamon Lonergan, Peg Butler, Liam O’Dwyer, Lil O’Dwyer, John Lonergan, Mary Murphy, May O’Brien, Sarah Fennel and Joe Lonergan. Congratulations to you all and well done to all that were involved in the Hospice Morning. Friday 4th December was also the first of the Christmas Markets. The 11th, 18th and 23rd December will also be Christmas Markets.  The market starts at 9am and finishes at 11am, every Friday morning in the Community Hall in Cahir. Available at Cahir Country Market are handmade home crafts, aprons, card’s, gifts, accessories; jewellery and Franchesca’s Calendars for 2010 are available now too, as well as homemade breads, pies, cakes, scones, buns and biscuits. Also available are fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh and dried flowers and winter bedding plants and Beautiful pots filled to order. Place your orders for Christmas now for all your Christmas needs. Definitely worth a visit! SANTA TO VISIT POULMUCKA The Poulmucka Sports & Social Club will bring Santa Claus to the Cross on Sunday 20th December at 3.30pm sharp. Once again, all children are welcome to visit him in Moloneys Lounge following his arrival. The Christmas walk will be held on Monday 28th December and we will meet at Poulmucka at 12.30pm. This will not be a difficult walk and will last about 2 hours. It will be followed by a BBQ and Refreshments back at Poulmucka and a Christmas Sing-a-long. The Club is also exploring the possibility of hosting one of the county races next year as well as our Annual Race. It is also our intention to include some runners from the Club to compete in the Scarborough 10km in October. Deposits will be taken for this Trip on a weekly basis to ease the pain of paying. The Treasurer, Tom Walsh will collect subscriptions from €5 upwards from anyone interested and surplus monies will be handed back for the trip nearer the time of travel. This is also a great chance for anyone to visit the Yorkshire Moors and Heartbeat country as well as Whitby (the home of Dracula and Captain Cook). Details of any of the above can be obtained from Tom Walsh or Mags Delahunty on 085-7896583. Deposits for the Trip can be left into Moloney’s Pub for collection by Treasurer. It is also been suggested that the same weekly payment arrangement be made for those who wish to travel to Scarborough and that live in Cahir. Watch this space for more details. NEWCASTLE VINTAGE CLUB Newcastle Vintage Club will hold their Annual P.J Hyland Road Run on 26th December, St. Stephens Day, in aid of The Women’s Refuge. All tractors welcome. Meeting at Nugent’s at 10.30am. Entry fee €20 per tractor. Contact 086 8984511 for more details. FOGARTY TRAVEL I received this email from Fogarty Travel and it is with sadness that I include it in my notes. Fogarty Travel has ceased trading. Rosaleen would like to thank all her customers for their support over the years. Also, thanks to her family, staff and to Lisa for her help, especially over the past few weeks. Best wishes and the best of luck to all those who worked in Fogarty Travel, you will be missed. CRAFT FAIR There was certainly plenty of choice at this year’s Christmas Craft Fair with the hall of Cahir House Hotel filled to bursting point with tables of beautiful Christmas goodies and gifts. Mary Jenkins organised this year’s event and it certainly was a credit to her. I spent a very enjoyable couple of hours wandering round the tables and admiring the fantastic, colourful arrangements set out on every table. Such work went into the making of some of the items displayed that it was hard to credit and the immense talent that is needed to produce such intricate pieces was obvious. It is lovely to see the faces of children light up as they enjoy the Craft Fair as much as I do. THE BELL There was an Opening Night in The Bell last Friday 4th December to celebrate with the new owners, Tim and Loretta Shanahan. It was also the night to mark Tom Shanahan’s retirement. Eoin Kelly was the guest of honour present to officially open The Bell on the night. The music was provided by the very talented Paul Lafford and there was also a delicious buffet. With so much family, friends and even another guest appearance by none other than Tipperary’s own Louise Morrissey, needless to say a great night was had by all. Congratulations to Tim and Loretta in their new venture and Good Luck to Tom too, although I think you are far too young to retire! 39TH ANNUAL ECUMENICAL CAROLS The 39th Annual Ecumenical Festival of Nine Carols and Lessons will be held at St Paul's Church, Cahir, on this coming Sunday, December 13th, at 7.30pm, featuring Cahir Choral Society and guest soloists from the Suirvale School of Music. The service will be followed by refreshments in the adjoining Butler-Charteris Schoolhouse. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS APPEAL There will be a church gate collection in Cahir aid of the Christmas Lights on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th December. Your Support is greatly appreciated. CAHIR BOY’S NATIONAL SCHOOL PARENTS COUNCIL. On Friday 11th December from 5 – 7pm, a Christmas Disco will take place at Cahir House Hotel. The entrance fee is €5 per child and €10 per family. Refreshments are available. BEECHPARK RESIDENTS The winners for the 50/50 draw were Jane Fanning, Seamus Grant, Michael Hickey and Tara Spencer. There will be 3 draws for Christmas 2x €50 and 1 hamper. We would like to thank all the residents who have given towards the draw every month. The results of the Christmas draw will be after Christmas. We would also like to wish all the residents a Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2010. QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Life is like a hot bath. It feels good while you’re in it, but the longer you stay in, the more wrinkled you get.” Author Unknown READERS NEWS AND 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, because that is when I do the notes. Thank you.