CAHIR NOTES BACK TO SCHOOL! As if you could forget! The pupils at Our Lady of Mercy National School and of Cahir Boys’ National School are due back on Thursday 30th August at 9:20am.  What’s the betting that that is when the sun comes out again? CAHIR DEVELOPMENT AGM The Annual General Meeting of Cahir Development will take place on Monday 17th September at 8pm in the Duneske Leisure Centre. It should be noted that any nominations that members have for the Election of Officers for the coming year and/or any resolutions that you may wish to propose, should be posted on the Sheet which is on the Notice Board in the reception area of the Enterprise Centre.  If you are not a member, and think that you could make a difference, why not join now?  There is plenty to be done in a variety of areas. LIFEBOATS’ CHURCH GATE RESULTS Once again, a goodly sum has been raised for the RNLI in the local Church Gate Collections.  In Cahir itself, €651 was raised, the total for the whole area being €1,859 so far. My apologies for missing the notice out – don’t know how it happened, and by the time I realised what I had done, this page had gone to print.  However, Tony Butler was kind enough to include it on his page. Well done to all who helped over the weekend, and all who donated. PHENOMINAL DEMAND Draiocht, which has been showing twice weekly in the Community Hall in Clogheen, has been such a success that two additional shows are being put on, on Tuesday 28th August and Thursday 30th.  This week’s shows are sold out.  You can call the ticket hotline on 086 224 3323. Each Tuesday and Thursday night, the Community Centre has been transformed, due to the hard work and commitment of the performers’ parents. Driocht is directed and choreographed by Michael Ryan.  It is a very fast-moving show that provides a platform for the fantastic local talent, including the surrounding areas. FOSTER PARENTING HSE Social Workers will attend Cahir Farmers’ Market next Saturday, 25th August, to meet people who may be interested in being Foster Parents.  The many host families in the area have provided great help to the children, and the HSE wishes to promote the service. The Market operates from 9am to 1pm every Saturday. The Market is also holding a Special Market the following Saturday, 1st September, with fun and games for the children, face painting, music, many food samples and so on, and as usual a fantastic morning is assured.  Details next week … FREE EVENT! For Heritage Week, that is.  It has been brought to my attention that there will be a Nature Evening Talk in The Craft Granary on Monday 27th August at 7pm. This comprises three talks on topics including ~Biodiversity, Nature Around Cahir and The Irish Yew Woodland in Cahir Park. COLAISTE DUN IASCAIGH NEWS Even the sun made an appearance to celebrate the wonderful results of the Leaving Certificate students of the College 2007. The early nervous tension was broken by whoops and shrieks of delight by the students and there was much hugging and congratulating. The Staff, Management and Parents wish all the graduates well, and hope they are happy with their achievements. FAIR TRADE FOR CAHIR For all our technological and scientific advances of the past fifty years, 2 billion people go hungry;  children are forced into slavery and we have no time to open our ears to the cry of the earth, stripped of its natural resources. Fair Trade is a worldwide movement which aims to reduce the injustice of the imbalance between rich and poor. It enables disadvantaged producers from economically poor countries to receive a better deal for their produce, while ensuring improved working conditions for labourers;  decent wages and access to good housing. You can play a vital role in lessening poverty and the demand on earth’s natural resources.  Come to a meeting that will be held in Duneske Sports & Leisure Centre on Tuesday 10th September at 7:30pm.  Let us work together to Build Cahir Into a Fair Trade Town. For more information contact Mary Teresa at 087 961 6325 or e-mail corpde@gmail.com. THE LATE PADDY SULLIVAN Taken from us recently, Paddy Sullivan was one of the most popular people to come to Cahir in a long time.  Paddy was born in Carrick on Suir in 1926.  Initially coming from a family of the times, his father fought with Dan Breen and his grandfather fought in the Boer War. Paddy himself joined the army, but not before he ran away with the circus when he was only fourteen.  A boy soprano, Paddy kept his singing voice right to the end. Like many others, he was reared in hard times and when he finished the army, things were no better. Shortly after the army, he met his future wife Aggie, who was a member of a touring show, and they settled into the life of the travelling shows. Paddy, as a younger many, was super fit and became a trapeze artist as well as an accomplished horseman. He was also a champion boxer, I n the days before television.  Paddy and Aggie then started their own amusement, or Fit Up, as it was called.  They travelled the thirty-two counties, going to all of the small towns and villages.  Then he added another string to his bow, starting a mobile cinema as a way to put bread on the table. Even he kept his hand in to no small degree, he and Aggie came to Cahir and lived out the rest of their lives here.  He gave twenty-seven years in the town of Cahir and enjoyed every minute of it. The Cahir Day Care Centre will not be the same without Paddy and his singing. You did not have to ask him twice to sing.  Paddy’s family is very grateful to Rathkeevan Nursing Home for the kindness they showed in his last hours. Showmen from all over the country attended the interment in Cahir Churchyard and the Showman’s Prayer was recited by the Chairman of the Guild.  The request was made for a last round of applause and the large crowd responded with Paddy’s Last Hurrah. The funeral mass was celebrated by Fr Knight and Fr O’Dwyer.  Paddy is survived by sons Desmond and Kevin and daughters Pat and Yvonne, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  To his family the people of Cahir wish their deepest sympathy. ALL IRELAND TITLE FOR GIRLS This weekend, the Cahir Girls Community Games team headed for Mosney, Co Meath. Cahir had previously won their Munster Final in Killarney and this weekend they won the All Ireland Final. Cllr Andy Moloney would like to congratulate all involved with the success in bringing pride and honour to the town and community.  While it was a great occasion for mentors and children and their families involved, a special mention must be made of those who helped them on their road to success over the years.  Also a man who has kept the Community Games alive in the area for a number of years – that is Martin O’Keefe.  Martin was a proud man to represent Munster and the County Board last Sunday evening when his own parish took the honours.  Well done to all concerned. CAHIR DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY LOTTO Sharon Tyrrell witnessed the draw last week, in which there was no Jackpot winner.  The numbers drawn were 8, 9, 13 & 21 and the five Lucky Dip winners, each of whom received €30, were:  Patricia & Deirdre, c/o John Quirke’s;  Bernie & Rhys Long, Barnora;  Sinead Hyland, Outrath;  Maria Barrett, Beechpark;  and Breda Lonergan, Church Street. The Jackpot for the draw that takes place this Wednesday stands at €2,500 and tickets can be bought from the Business & Training Centre up to noon on the day.  All profits from the Community Lotto go to Duneske Leisure Complex. CAHIR Y0UTH CLUB Many congratulations to past and present members on their recent exams.  The Club will re-open in September, and details will follow nearer the date. FUNDRAISING FOR MS There will be a terrific night’s entertainment on Friday 24th August at 9pm in the Function Room at the Castle Court Hotel.  For just €10, payable at the door, you will be treated to a Band (Acquiesce) , a DJ, Food, Spot Prizes and a great Raffle. Don’t miss it. “LADIES WHO LUNCH” Just a reminder to get your tickets for this glamorous and prestigious event as soon as possible, as they are flying out the door.  Tickets at €75 are available from the shops concerned:  Golden Threads, Cashel;  Stakelums Fashion, Thurles;  Footsteps, Tipperary Town and Thurles; Scalazell Fashion Shoes & Accessories, Cashel;  Opera on The Square, Fethard;  and Klassy Lady and Shoe Heaven, Cahir.  Tickets can also be purchased from Dundrum House Hotel. I visited the hotel last week and was most impressed with the arrangements that have been made, with every consideration given to comfort as well as to the more obvious matters such as good food and the general convenience of the venue, a large part of which has been given over to “The Ladies”. There are fantastic gifts on offer:  a Goodie Bag for each guest;  beautiful earrings for the first 100 ladies in;  and an amazing raffle.  Would you believe, one of the prizes is an exclusive evening dress by Kate (of Exclusive Bridal Wear).  And so much more! I believe that Opera on The Square in Fethard is the only boutique in the area that stocks Philip Treacy hats – so we are all in for many treats. Admission is by ticket only, and the numbers are limited, so don’t miss out.  Don’t forget that any profit and all the proceeds from the Raffle go to Children at Risk in Ireland (CARI) MOLONEY WELCOMES EXTENSION OF SERVICE It was only twelve months ago that we had a crisis in Cahir, when the pupils of the Primary Schools were left without a bus service.  This problem was solved when local man Dinny Whelan made his buses available for hire to take up the run. This was a great relief to the many parents who were left without transport on wet and dreary mornings and evenings.  Cllr Moloney is pleased to announce that after consultation, Dinny Whelan has agreed to extend this service to the Colaiste Dun Iascaigh secondary school.  With the town growing at the rate it is, and further lands rezoned lately for industrial development, further population growth is sure to follow, and this is a service that will be used. Cllr Moloney, who is also Chair of Cahir Development Association, has asked Mr Whelan to extend his service to cover the after-school facility that is available in the Childcare Centre in Duneske.  A limited number of after-care places are provided there, as well as the 60 toddlers who are catered for on a daily basis.  This would allow parents working out of town to have their children collected after school and dropped to the Centre for collection en route home from work in the evening. Cllr Moloney welcomes Mr Whelan’s commitment to continuing and extending this vital service to the town of Cahir and the hinterland.  He recommends that it would be advisable to book your place with Dinny on 087 266 3823 or 052 41700 and make sure your child gets to and returns safely from school each day. CAHIR PARK LADIES’ SOCCER (Sponsored by Ladrigans / Spar) Tipperary First Division League, Tuesday 14th August at Convent Road Ground. Cahir Park 0, Borris-St Kevins 6. In the first half, The Park contested well. Borris scored 2 goals mid-way through. The League Champions proved too experienced for a youthful Cahir team and were on target 4 more times. Player of the Match:  Jennifer Grant – most impressive throughout. Sunday 19th August at the By-Pass Complex, Clonmel Tipperary Cup Quarter Final Clonmel Celtic 4, Cahir Park 1. Cahir created several scoring chances in the first half.  However, Clonmel went ahead in the 14th minute. In the 17th minute a great passing movement involving Sinead Tobin and Ann Marie Noonan set up The Park No 8 for a brilliant goal.  Within five minutes of the restart Celtic struck 2 goals. Cahir set up numerous chances, with one volley re-bounding off the crossbar. Clonmel got their 4th goal in the 70th minutes for a decisive victory. Player of the match:  Patricia Healy (Goalkeeper) who had an outstanding game, making numerous courageous saves. READERS’ NEWS & VIEWS I am always happy to hear from readers, either at home:  10 Market Yard;   by phone: 086 840 5020; or at the e-mail address above Don’t forget the Funday on Sundahy 2nd Septembe!  The posters are now out and if you have any queries or want to offer help,  do give me a ring.