CAHIR NOTES Wednesday 16th May TWIN-TOWN TRIP Many thanks to Andy Moloney for the following first-hand account: “On Friday 20th April at 6:15am, the latest excursion to Scarborough headed off.  Among the 21 on board there were eleven first-timers, who availed of a great weekend:  Friday – Monday;  flights; accommodation and all bus travel including a day trip, for €238. On arrival in Scarborough on Friday, we were greeted by Mike Manning and Cllr Ian Stubbs and his dad.  Some of the congregation attended the Scarborough / Cahir Trust Fund Social at the Spa, while others took it easy in some of the local hostelries. On Saturday, we had the opportunity to do some shopping and the male folk among us checked out the scenery.  We were invited to an informal party upstairs in the New Tavern in Fallsgrave, where a great night of song and dance was had by all, and the treats were top class.  Many thanks to the landlord who was over here osn the last trip,. He has informed me that he wants to set up a Scarborough / Cahir Golf Society and an Annual Trophy, where a home and away agreement can be met. On Sunday at 11am we headed off on a bus trip to the Heartbeat country.  Having seen the picturesque village of “Aidensfield” we headed for Captain Cook territory and the home of Dracula – the town of Whitby. From there we travelled down the coast road back to Scarborough for relaxation and an evening that finished in find song before our departure on Monday at 1oam. Many thanks to co-ordinator Tim Shanahan, who organised the lot, and to Mike Manning, Ian Stubbs and the usual suspects in Scarborough for a memorable trip”. DAFFODIL DAY BONANZA The sum raised this year on Daffodil Day was a huge €5000 more than last year, coming in at €15,181.  Thanks are due, in particular to all those who worked so hard to make this possible, especially the Daff Ladies (!)  Pictured from left to right, handing over the cheque, are Donal Burke, Tina Looby, Marian Duffy, Breeds Murnane, Margaret Walsh, Margaret O'Sullivan (Area Co0Ordinator for the Munster Region) and Eleanor Kelly.  Well done to you all!   COFFEE MORNING The Cahir Country Market is holding a Coffee Morning to benefit the Alzheimer's Society this Friday morning.  The Market is open from 9:30am and is full of good things so do your shoppi ng and then enjoy a cuppa with friends, knowing that it is in a very good cause. CAHIR MAN OWNS ENGLISH 2000 GUINEAS WINNER Congratulations to Cahir man Philip Cunningham, whose horse Cockney Rebel won the English 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.  Philly was born and reared in Abbey Terrace and went to the Cahir Boys' NS and St Jospeh's College.  This is the biggest win of his horse racing ownership and the horse is now worth megabucks. Mc GRATH CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED IN CAHIR Around 500 supporters from across the constituency of South Tipperary gathered in the Castle Court Hotel in Cahir on Sunday night 6th May, officially to launch South Tipperary Fianna Fail candidate Mattie McGrath's Electoral Campaign. The event was chaired by Andy Moloney, Cathaoirleach an Comhairle Ceanntair. The Campaign was officially launched by President of the Dail Ceanntair, Mr Con Donovan, who stated "I am deeply honoured to launch Mattie's campaign".  He has known Mattie for the past 30 years, since his and Paddy Kelly's involvement in Ogra Fianna Fail.  He also knew Mattie's late father Jamesy.  He was aware of the massive support that was behind Mattie in his campaign: 61 teams had taken part in a recent Golf Classic and almost 500 people had attended a fundraising dinner in the Hotel Minella the previous Friday night. Remember, he said, Mattie topped the Poll in South Tipperary in the 2004 elections. He topped the Poll at the Fianna Fail Selection Convention and he will top the Poll again on 24th May. Mrs Carrie Acheson spoke of her friendship with the McGrath family, and had served on the Old IRA Commemoration Committee with Mattie's father Jamesy. She stated that Fianna Fail lhad three wonderful candidates in Martin Mansergh, who had done such good work in the Northern Situation, and a lovely young candidate in Clonmel.  But in Mattie she saw a mirror image of herself. "Mattie does not ask you your affiliation, but hyour problem" she said. Following the launch and refreshments in the Castle Court Hotel, Cllr McGrath and his supporters travelled to the Glenview Lounge, Goatenbridge, Ardfinnan, to a function arranged by the local Fianna Fail Cumanns in Ardfinnan, Grance and Ballybacon, and attended by the three Fianna Fauk candidates. WHAT'S ON AT DUNESKE? Soccer League for Adults starts this week, so your very last chance to register a team will be this week. €40 to register for 6-a-side. Tag League is starting to fill up, so get your name in while you can. The Festival Weekend has been set for 7th and 8th July, to celebrate the start of the school holidays in style.  Watch out for flyers for this crazy weekend. Summer Camp dates are also available now from Duneske, so contact Amanda or Mark for more details – 052 45517. Private Tennis Lessons will be starting again soon, with our newest instructor Mary. There will be a Tennis Camp running in early July, so details can, once again, be found at the above number. Welcome to new Instructors Mary and Caroline in the Gym. Both are eagter to meet the customers of Duneske, who, they have been assured, are a fine, fit bunch. TIOBAR IOSA Vandals have caused the statuary to be removed from the Holy Well on the Tipperary Road site in Cahir.  This well has survived for hundreds of years without hindrance and now the Famine Holy Place is in danger of being desecrated by these mindless individuals. Is nothing sacred? ENDA KENNY GETS A GREAT WELCOME IN CAHIR Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny made the trip to Cahir on Sunday and despite the inclement weather, Mr. Kenny spent some time walking about the town shaking hands and meeting local people.  A large crowd showed up to support Mr. Kenny who was accompanied by local TD, Tom Hayes as well as local Fine Gael councillors. Mr. Kenny’s focus on Sunday was crime and anti-social behaviour and his party’s policies to restore law and order, including introducing 2,000 extra Gardaí. “Since he became leader of the party, Enda has made several trips to South Tipperary to meet people and get to know the issues that affect people in this part of the world.  His commitment to Tipperary was recognised by the large crowds that turned out to welcome him on Sunday   Local TD Tom Hayes welcomes Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny to Cahir on Sunday.   CAHIR AUTHOR WINS SIX FIGURE DEAL Congratulations to best-selling author Melissa Hill, who has just signed a major six-figure deal with British publishers Hodder for a new novel entitled 'Before I Forget'. The outline of her new book caused such excitement among UK publishers that a major bidding war began, to secure the rights.  The outline has also attracted considerable interest from Hollywood, and a further bidding war for film rights seems likely. Melissa has published five very successful novels. 'Never Say Never' reached the Number One spot on the best-selling list for 2005. Originally from Pearse Street, Melissa now lives in Dublin with her husband Kevin.  Her parents Nell and Noel, sisters Amanda and Sharon are justifiably very proud of Melissa's success. TABLE QUIZ Cahir Outreach Group will hold a fundraising Table Quiz, hosted by the Castle Arms, on Thursday 17th May (THIS Thursday) at 9pm.  A table of 4 will cost €20 and all the funds raised will go towards the Summer Rest and Recuperation Programme 2007. A Cahir Outreach Group will bring a number of children from the contaminated areas of Belarun to Cahir where they will stay with host families.  Please support this worthy cause. AFTER SCHOOL FACILITIES ON VIEW The wonderful and state-of-the-art Childcare Centre at Duneske is holding an After Schools Open Day – a once-off opportunity to view their after-school facilities.  All-year-round childcare is available from 2pm to 5:30pm and transport is available from the Boys’ and Girls National Schools. Full Day Care may be catered for during holidays, depending on availability.  So go along and see the Outdoor Area, the Exciting Art and Crafts activities and experience the relaxing and safe environment, on Thursday 24th May between 2:30pm and 6pm.   FAIR TRADE MEETING The public meeting on Fair Trade was held in the Butler Charteris Hall on 1st May and attracted a committed audience. Catherine Corcoran of the Tipperary Institute in Thurles explained the advantages of Fairtrade branded produces to small farmers in places like Uganda and the Caribbean, who got together to market their own produce through newly-formed co-operatives.  She then outlined how the people of Cahir could assist in improving the incomes of those producers by campaigning for the stocking of Fairtrade products by businesses in the town. Through local effort, Thurles is now designated a Fair Trade Town and it is expected that other towns in Tipperary will follow their example in the near future.  Cashel, Clonmel, Carrick and Tipperary town are now working on a plan to achieve Fairtrade status and we can now add Cahir to the list. Cllr Mattie McGrath, who was present at the meeting, agreed to propose a motion of support for the Cahir initiative at the next County Council meeting and he pledged his assistance in future efforts to achieve Fairtrade status for Cahir. The meeting agreed to convene again in three weeks to discuss the concept further and to encourage businesses, schools and factory canteens to stock Fairtrade produces where there are outlets for their use. The Cahir Farmers’ Market, which organised this meeting, had a wonderful atmosphere on the Bank Holiday weekend. There was a trailer with dozens of Mallard chicks (all well fed and cared for), a hen and her chicks and a lamb that was trotting around happily on a collar and lead!  Also a juggler and a space for other to try out their juggling skills ... and all the good things that are always on sale, too.  The plants really set off the entrance to the Market beautifully, and there was a huge range available – I got a Chocolate Mint, which smells just like the after-dinner kind, as well as several other nice things. CAHIR RIVERSIDE YOUTH CLUB REUNION The now somewhat older Junior Committee of the Cahir Riverside Youth Club has got together afrter at least 25 years to try to organise a Reunion Weekend.  It is hoped that it will take place on 28th September. If those of you who have great memories of the Club, as we do, and were involved during the late 70s  to mid-80s, are interested in getting together for a great programme of events (hopefully), or even to help organise this, please contact any of the following:  Fiona Walsh 086 374 8778;  John McGrath 087 945 6798; Patsy Cunningham 086 615 11853 (?). They would very much appreciate anyone’s help in contacting past members who are now living abroad or around the country.  Please do spread the word. MOTIONS FOR COUNCIL MEETING Cllr Seanie Lonergan has put down two motions at the full Council Meeting.  The first is to get the status of the Courthouse in Cahir sorted out as soon as possible, and the second is the Swiss Cottage bridge.  He is demanding that the OPW do the necessary repairs post haste. On the question of the raw sewage entering the river at the works in front of the Castle, he is demanding immediate attention. CAHIR DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY LOTTO Another week has passed without a Jackpot winner, so the total going on to this week’s Draw is €4,750.  Tickets can be bought up to the last  minute – noon on Wednesday – from the Business & Training Centre. The numbers that came up last week, witnessed by Catherine Coveney, were 1, 3, 4, 9 and the five Lucky Dip Winners, each of whom received €30, were:  Monsie Farrell, Mitchelstown Road; Josie Quin, Hollyford;  Sinead Hyland, Outrath;  Bernie O’Donnell, Ballydrehid;  Seamus Quinlan, Raheen. All the profits from the Community Lotto go to the Duneske Leisure Complex. NEW COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN South Tipperary County Council will shortly commence work on the Review of the existing County De velopment Plan and preparation of a New County Development Plan.  To facilitate your participation in the process, you are cordially invited to attend a public information session which will take place on Monday 28th May in Cahir House Hotel, between 7 and 9pm. ROCKWEL COLLEGE Rockwell Musical set to Become Annual Event Such were the numbers that flocked to see Rockwell College’s musical production ‘Once on this Island’ on May 9th, 10th and 11th last that the College has announced that the musical production will become an annual event.  The story written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, is set in the French Antilles where s group of peasants seeking shelter in the thunderstorm tell the story of Ti-Moune, a poor peasant girl who falls in love with a rich white grand homme, Daniel. We see ‘two different worlds..on one island’ and was the first musical production to be staged at the College’s newly developed concert hall.  Speaking this week week musical director Lene Hally claimed that ‘the musical embraces all that is good and joyful in life but it doesn’t shy away from the difficulties and sorrow that can affect this small society. The themes of nature, love, religion and race are neatly wrapped in this simple story’. She added that ‘the decision to run with the musical was made last September and once the musical was decided upon and the wheels of motion were set in place, auditions began’. She added ‘myself accompanied by Ms Cummins Ms Kelly, Ms O’Byrne and Fr Raftery saw over forty students in three days’. According to Lena ‘with a cast limit of twenty-three, difficult decisions had to be made. However Eimear Collins (Kilmoyler) from TY, quickly captured attention with her rendition of ‘Waiting for Life’, a song sung by the character of Ti-Moune, while Gavin Ryan (Rosegree) also from TY, warmed hearts with his gentle version of Daniels song ‘Some Girls’.  She added that ‘the choreography has proved to be the most exciting and innovative thanks to Therse Maher and the set in our new Concert Hall was a joy to work with’. According to Lena on the night students made their roles their own. Sarah Moloney (Clonakilty) and Zach O’Connell(Thurles) proved to be a convincing dynamic duo playing their characters with ease and are convincing as compassionate parents to Ti-Moune (Collins). Neill Farrell(Cahir) gave a humorous portrayal of agwe, god of water. Johannah Butler (Fethard) embodies all that is natural in the world as she plays Asaka, mother of the earth. Sal Molumby (Clonmel)is light and innocent as Erzulie, the goddess of love. She shows great inner strength as she partakes in fiery combat with Brendan Cullinane (Waterford), also known as Papa Ge, the sly demon of death. These fantastic four must somehow get our lovebirds, Ti Moune and Daniel together or else drive them apart to answer the definitive question which is more powerful; love or death. Other characters included Shane O’Flynn (Kilrush) as Armand, Seona O’Connor (Clonmel) as Andrea and Niamh Barry (Cork City) and Kate Ryan (Clonmel) as story tellers. Ladies Chorus Zoe Finnegan (Kilkenny), Keelin Byrne (Clonmel), Aisling Roche (Two Mile Borris) and Molly Walsh (Cahir). Men's Chorus Micheal Leahy (Clonmel), Charlie Purcell (Chlerihan), Patrick Butler (Cashel), Dermot Maher (Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny) and Paraic Ryan (Cahir).  Speaking after the concert College Principal Pat O’Sullivan praised the actors for their performances and claimed that the musical would be an annual event in the College from now on. CAHIR LADIES GAELIC Cahir beat Glenard by 5 points in the County Intermediate League played in Cahir on last Friday night.   We had girls participating with the Tipperary County Teams over the weekend.  Tipperary Junior Team qualified for the Munster Final with a comprehensive victory over Limerick at Bansha on Sunday last.  Clare Carroll had an excellent game at wing back.  Edith Carroll was a substitute.   The County U/14's participated in the an All Ireland Blitz held at Mullingar on last Saturday.  The bus left Duneske Cahir at 7:00am. and returned to Cahir at 10p.m.  They had victories over Offally, Fermanagh and Leitrim.  Wicklow beat them to the top of the Group.  Tipperary played Roscommon in a thrilling All Ireland B Semi Final in which Roscommon won by the slenderest of margins of one point on a scoreline of 2-1 to 1-3.  Roscommon went on to win the final. The Cahir Girls who participated on the day were Ruth Cummins, Aishling Higgins, Claire Harris, Aishling O'Connor, Clionagh Higgins and Orla McEniry.  They did their Club proud and are to be complimented for their efforts. Readers’ news and views are always welcome at 10 Market Yard / 086 840 5020 and at the e-mail address above.   There is seldom room for photographs on this page, but there are usually plenty on the Community Website:  www.cahirnews.cahirda.com.