CAHIR NOTES Wednesday 18t April TIDY TOWN? As Judgement Day approaches (any time after 1st June) I tremble for the results Cahir might get in the national competition, if its socks aren’t pulled up pretty smartly!  Some years ago, the then members of the Cahir Tidy Towns & Environment Committee (a sub-committee of Cahir Development) decided that the town should be well presented at all times, and not just given a short-back-and-sides at the end of May.  After all, the residents and business-people in this lovely town look at it all year round.   However, things do seem to have deteriorated and I am so saddened to see grass and weeds growing from the bases of homes and businesses in the centre of the town;  dead shrubs in beds;  no planting done as yet;  weedy beds;  and where beds have been cut into grass, the edges are a disgrace. And what about the lights that don’t work, the squiffy bollards and lamps and the many jobs that remain undone regardless of the promises made?  The weir has mighty, dead trees stuck on it;  the Doctor’s River needs dredging;  and the Inch Field is a disgrace, the path around it having become completely overgrown in places and the drainage work never made good either by the contractors or by the Council. Having said all this, I must add that the plan to involve estates and streets in their own upkeep and beautification has worked a treat and there are many very attractive and well-kept areas in Cahir because of this.  Well done to all these communities.  But the centre of Cahir is examined the most closely by the judges for the competition, and it is nothing to be proud of.  All the care, thought and hard work that many businesses have put into the presentation of their premises is negated by the work that is not done.  And for heavens sake, a Litter Bin is needed in the centre of the Square – the sight of the contents of the Fountain is disgusting! Please, Council and whoever else is responsible, take note – if you care. DAFODILDAY IN CAHIR -  Congratulations to all the collectors this year in Cahir NICE STORY I heard that, on Daffodil Day, a driver was stopped by a Gard for some small offense or other, and was told that if he donated to one of the Daffodil sellers, he could go away and all would be forgiven.  So he pulled up outside the AIB and put a tenner in the box.  Nice one.    Marian Duffy collecting for Daffodil Day in Cahir on Friday March 23rd TUESDAY NIGHT BINGO Congratulations to the many winners at Bingo over Easter:  several won cash, some got Easter eggs and a lucky few won lovely hampers. And if you are fed up with the same old social scene, why not try something different, with your friends.  Bingo goes on every Tuesday in Castle Court Hotel at 8:30pm.  It’s easy to play and give lots of opportunities to win.  On average, one in five people win, so why not try it this Tuesday. CAHIRTY TABLE QUIZ A Table Quiz in aid of Tipperary Special Olympics will take place this Friday, 20th April at 9pm in the Shamrock Lounge.  Note the venue and don’t automatically go to the Castle Arms! Teams of 4 will be charged €20 and the event is sponsored by Cllr Mattie McGrath.  More information from 087 668 7185. WHAT’S ON AT DUNESKE? Hip Hop can still be joined on Monday nights at 8pm. It’s fun and a great way to keep fit. Salsarobics is running on Thursday nights only from now on, starting at 9pm for an hour. Easter Egg Hunt.  Thank you to the boys and girls who took part – it was so much fun. Rugby Training has changed to Wednesdays at 3:30pm and Fridays at the same time.  A session is being added on Sunday mornings at 12 noon, starting soon. Go Games – learning to play all sorts of GAA sports. This is a brilliant way for everyone to play sports.  It’s a little different, so everyone get a GO.  There will be a fun blitz for every boy and girl from 5 to 13 years old this May Bank Holiday weekend.  There will be loads and a Crazy Bar-B-Q for everyone to enjoy.  Contact Bridget at Duneske. Tennis Membership will now be available in Duneske this Summer.  There will be loads of hours available and you pay a knock-down price.  This will be on sale from 23rd April, so contact Bridget soonest if you are interested. Boxing Club is still running every Tuesday from 3:30 to 5pm for kids from 5 to 15 years old.  The cost is €4 and fun and fitness is guaranteed for all involved. The Tag Rugby season is nearly here, with all the long warm evenings, so Duneske will be running its annual league again this year. Now is the time to start thinking about putting a team together.  Contact Mark. The All Weather Pitches still have some hours available, so give them a buzz and book in.  Duuneske is still running amazing April deals in membership, classes and much more, for one month only, to help you to get fabulous and fit for the summer.   For details on any of the above, contact them on 052 45517. LOST DOGS I was delighted to hear that the young yellow Labrador male that was taken home by a Good Samaritan, while his own home was located, is back with his delighted owners again, even before making it onto this page, thanks to Marie and Dick.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the good people who rescue and return or re-home strays, for their good deeds. However, I do wish owners would put tags on their dogs’ collars with their phone number – I am never sure if adding the animal’s name is a good idea, as it helps strangers to steal them, but a phone number is a huge help. I would also like to so thank-you to the generous souls who leave dog food at my door when I am caring for a stray myself – it is a great help and much appreciated.  Also to the veterinarians who provide such good care and also help in the re-homing:  the last little dog – the blind one – was found a wonderful place by Caroline, from Richard Fahey’s practice. CAHIR LADIES’ GAA CLUB The Intermediate League starts this Saturday at 7pm in Cahir against Upperchurch. U-16 Football  Cahir had a comprehensive victory against Ballyporeen last week. The U-12 County Championships are due to begin this week and the U-14 Championship is commencing at the beginning of May. The Club gives a warm welcome to Caroline Hosford and wishes her many years of success with the Club. The Feile competition will take place in Leitrim on the weekend of 29th June, so parents with players in the competition, please note this date as it is hoped that all parents will travel to Leitrim to support the girls. A meeting for Feile will take place on Wednesday (publication day) 18th May in Cahir House Hotel at 8:30pm.  All parents with players in the competition are asked to attend this meeting. EASTER VISITORS TO THE FARMERS MARKET   Lilly and Issabelle Brower on their recent visit to Cahir Farmers Market   Spring is Sprung at Cahir Farmers' Market SOUTH TIPP RURAL ARTS – FORTHCOMING EVENTS On Saturday 21st April South Call Back Theatre present An Evening of Secrets & Stories in Ballyporeen Community Hall at 8:30pm. This is a dramatised adaptation of works by award-winning Kerry writer Paddy Kennelly (brother of Brendan), brought to life in a most zestful and creative way.  Theatre at its best and not to be missed!  Admission €10. On Monday 23rd April Mike Browne of RTE Wild Trials fame will give a presentation of Nature / Wildlife / Landscape photographs in Bur ncourt Community Hall at 8pm. Admission is €4. In conjunction with this presentation, an Amateur Photography Competition is being held, judged by Mike Browne.  There are categories for those under 18 and over 18, one entry per person.  The photographs should be no larger than A4, the theme being Landscape or Wildlife captured in the South Tipperary Region.  Submit photographs by Saturday 21st April to the Ardfinnan Post Office;  Ballyporeen Post Office;  Clogheen Post Office or Breda Fitzgerald, Cullinaugh, Ballyporeen,  Co Tipperary.  More details from 087 696 7661. COUNCILLOR APPLAUDS WORKS Cllr Seanie Lonergan is delighted to see the works being carried outat the entrance to Avondale Court. The Labour Councillor has been fighting to have the entrance made safe for motorists and pedestrians alike.  Seanie said that this is a long time coming, but it is better late than never. CAHIR ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION The results of the Progressive 25 Card Game held on Friday 13th April are as follows:  First, with 10 Games – Ciss O’Neill, Mary Whelan;  Joint Second with 0 Games, Josie Quinlan, Joe Ahern, Mary English (Barnora), Brigid Condon, David White, William O’Neil, Maurice Condon, Timmy Fitzgerald. The Lucky Table winners were Maureen Maher, Greta Fitzgerald, Kieran O’Brien and Red Burke and the Raffle was won by Rupert Guiry, Tom McGrath. The next game will be this Friday 20th April at 8pm sharp and all are welcome in the Catherine McCauley Room at the Day Care Centre. Best wishes to all who are joining in on the trip, which I believe is any time now.  Have a great time. CAHIR DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY LOTTO As there was no Jackpot winner last week, the total has reached €4,150, which would come in very handy on anyone’s holiers!  Tickets can be bought up to the last minute – noon on Wednesday – for this week, from the Business & Training Centre. The numbers that came up last week, witnessed by Joan Loughman, were:  2, 10, 13 and 26 and the five Lucky Dip winners, each of whom received €30, were:  Eileen Quirke, Carrigeen;  Kay Ryan Ballydrehid;  Koga Judo Club, Husseytown, Cahir;  Denis Fahey, Curranstown, Clonmel;  ;Tom & Helen Barrett, Beechpark, Cahir. All the profits from the Community Lotto go to the Duneske Leisure Complex. PYJAMA DAY A HUGE SUCCESS Many congratulations to all at the Cahir Childcare Centre at Duneske, who, thanks to the generosity and hard work of the parents, raised €3,079.20 for the Make a Wish Foundation on Pyjama Day, when Carers as well as children wore their jim-jams all day – and some amazing bedroom slippers too!  I had so much fun up there taking snaps as well as posed photographs – it is an amazing facility that , as yet, gets too little recognition. Please click here for more photographs>>>   SOME THOUGHTS … A day without sunshine is like night. He who laughs last thinks slower. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory. OK, so what’s the speed of dark? HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRANCESCA Many happy returns, Francesca, from Paul, the boys, your family - and, of course, from me.  Hope you had a great time on Tuesday U/14's County Feile Champions CAHIR JUVENILE GAA Fixtures for next week; U16 Cahir vs. Moyle rovers @ 7.00 in Cahir on 23rd April U14 Cahir vs. Ballingarry @7.00 in Ballingarry on April 19th U12 Cahir vs. Commercials @ 12.00 in Clonmel on April 21st U8 Cahir vs. Clerihan in Cahir @ 11.00 Saturday April 21st football Our U10 had a good win over Clonmel og on Sunday last. It was good to see some younger players stepping up to the mark and performing so well. Training continues on Thursday night at 6.30 for U8 and U10. Our U12;s got to play some games at last. They were unfortunate to lose by one point to Swan having beaten Moyle Rovers earlier in the week. We wish Aisling McCarthy a speedy recovery after picking up a nasty injury U - 14's - Cahir u-14's had a mixed weekend. On Thursday night they had a good win over Ardfinnan in the football championship. Passing and shooting were of the highest order in the first half which saw Cahir notch up 2-13 before half time. Ardfinnan rallied somewhat at the start of the second half but Cahir finished strongly to run out easy winners. They followed this up with a good Feile win over Ballybacon Grange in u-14 hurling on Friday night. Another high scoring performance with the Cahir backs conceding precious few scores. Missing a number of key players on Sunday due to holidays and other sporting commitments, Cahir bowed out of the Feile to Kilsheelin. Training continues on Tuesday at 7 pm and Sundays at 11 am in Duneske. Next game vs.. Ballingarry in Ballingarry on Thursday 19th April at 7.00 pm. Victory would greatly enhance chances of making semi-finals. Congratulations to Michael Hickey on being selected for the county minor football panel. Micheal is still under 16 and played recently in a challenge match for Tipperary. It is good to see Micheal's talent being rewarded in this way. CAHIR RUGBY PLAYER CAPPED FOR MUNSTER V USA.   Ian Duffy (Cahir & Rockwell College) was capped for the first time by Munster at Under-19 level in a challenge game against the touring United States of America U-19 team. The game was played at Clifford Park, Limerick on Friday 30 th March and the Munster U-19s won by an impressive 35-11 score line against the U-19 World Cup finalists. Fellow Rockwell College player William Devane scored the second of Munster's five tries.   Ian has played 11 times for Munster U-18 Schools, and earlier in the season, captained the team in the 2006 Inter Provincial Tournament, which Munster lost narrowly on points difference to Leinster, and played also against Somerset, Gloucester and England Schools.  Ian Duffy (Cahir & Rockwell College) who played for Munster U-19 in their 35-11 win over U.S.A. in Limerick.     THE SHOOK BOOK Congratulations to Marie and Clodagh Niland, who opened their Second Hand “Shook Book”  last Friday, right next to Little People.  Now that I have been in there and seen what they are doing, and now that Chapter One is closed, I am even happier to welcome their initiative.  There is even a Children's Corner, with special matting, where small people can get into the whole reading thing while their parents browse.  If you buy a book from Clodagh, she will purchase it back from you when you have read it, for €1, which is a great idea.  Serious readers run out of space very fast!  And I am sure she would be grateful for any donations of books in good condition, too.   CLLR MATTIE MC GRATH HAS CALLED ON THE GENERAL PUBLIC YOUNG AND OLD TO GET INVOLVED WITH THIS YEARS NATIONAL SPRING CLEAN CAMPAIGN. Cllr Mc Grath is calling on all schools/ community groups, tidy towns etc to show leadership and get involved with an Taisce’s National Spring Clean campaign again this year which aims to make Ireland a cleaner place to live. Last year almost 341,000 people took part in clean up events around the country, with volunteers from every community in Ireland helping to collect approximately 3,400 tonnes of waste. Cllr Mc Grath is delighted that this year, 2,500 clean up events have already been registered and An Taisce expect the number of events held around the country to show a significant increase on the 2006 figures. The campaign is sponsored by Coca-cola Bottlers Ireland and the Wrigely Company, while repak supply colour coded refuse sacks for recycling the materials collected. Last year almost 1200 tonnes of waste material were collected for recycling during the campaign- a figure that represents 35% of the waste total. The campaign is also supported by all local authorities who collect the waste material after the clean up. Cllr Mc Grath states that all those that register for the National Spring Clean campaign are issued with a Free clean up kit which contains information, posters, colour coded refuse sacks for different types of waste materials, protective gloves and tabards to keep participants clean. An Taisce will also liaise with local authorities to ensure that all materials collected will be picked up without charge. Mattie would like to take this opportunity to reiterate what the Chairperson of National Spring Clean said by saying that National Spring Clean is good for communities and good for the environment. It helps make our homes and the areas surrounding them more presentable and also fosters a real community spirit right around the Country and he concludes by encouraging everyone to get involved BABY MASSAGE CLASSES ANYONE? I was fascinated to hear from Caroline Fitzgerald about the classes that are to start soon in Cahir - given enough interest.  Parents can learn special massage techniques that will, among other things, give relief from colic and improve sleep patterns - and don’t I wish this had been available when I was a mother! Increased weight gain is another benefit, and I understand that the difference this technique makes to babies has to be seen to be believed. As well as benefits to the babies, the parents get an opportunity to exchange experiences with other which is always very enlightening and helpful. Caroline’s classes are approved by BUPA VIVAS and VHI and she can be contacted on 087 972 3338 for further information.  Caroline Fitzgerald CIMI EMT DIP IMTA Reg. LOOK OUT FOR THOSE COOKIE JARS Cate, well known from the Farmers’ Market for her lovely American baking, has branched out and is now selling to selected shops and cafés as well, under the label The Cookie Jar.  So look out for them, because the cookies really are in very nice jars and she also provides delicious cakes - what I think of as “real” cheesecake” (baked) and many other good things. And of course all our friends from both the Farmers’ Market and the Country Market will be on duty this Saturday with all the good things they provide, home made, a lot of organic stuff, and much more, including fresh fish and cheeses. READERS’ NEWS AND VIEWS …are always welcome at 10 Market Yard – 086 840 5020 and at the e-mail address above. Please don’t contact me about In Memoria or Small Ads, give the office a ring on 152 27342.