CAHIR NOTES JACKPOT PROVIDES A HAPPY CHRISTMAS! The last Draw of 2007 for the Cahir Development Community Lotto, with a Jackpot totaling €5,050, was won by Maureen Davis of Cahir and Mary Pyne of Ballylooby, witnessed by Leanne Clapham.  Anne Cunningham, who sold the winning ticket, won 65. The lucky numbers were 6, 11, 13 and 24. As there was no Jackpot winner in the Draw that took place on Wednesday 2nd January, witnessed by June Moloney, the Lucky Dip was brought into play. The five winners, each of whom won €30, were:  Paula Flynn, Main Street, Clogheen; Newcastle Construction, Upper Croan, Newcastle; Michael & Joan Kelly, Knockgraffon, Cahir; John Barrett c/o Aibp Cahir and Catherine Bray, Carrigeen, Cahir. The next draw will take place this Wednesday 9th January, and tickets can be purchased up to noon on the day from the Business & Training Centre. The Jackpot total going on to this draw is €1,150 and all the profits go to the Duneske Leisure Complex. SENIOR CITIZENS’ PARTY TIME The marvelous party organized by Cahir Gardai in conjunction  with Cahir Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch will take place on Friday 18th January at 5pm in Cahir House Hotel. Light refreshments will be served, and as usual there will be dozens of Spot Prizes and dancing too. It is hoped that as many Senior Citizens as possible will be able to attend this event, which has been such a great success over the years. If anyone requires transport, please ring Cahir Garda Station on 052 45630 and leave your name, address and phone number for Sergeant Butler, Garda Pat English or Gda Paschal O’Dwyer, and they will try to arrange transport for you between 4 and 5pm on the evening. They are all looking forward to seeing you there. RETURN OF THE WANDERER I ran into Mike Real the other day and he was telling me all about his three months away in distant (Eastern) parts. What he had, and in addition to being a wonderful, once-in-a-lifetime holiday, he also invested time in expanding his knowledge of dishes from that part of the world. Well, he is back now and will return to work in the kitchen, in The Bell from Tuesday 8th January. He tells me all that all the old favourites will still be available on his menu, and from time to time we can expect some other special and exotic dishes to tempt our palates. In Mike’s absence, Norma Condon was a wonderful replacement and I am delighted to report that Normal will be staying on as ‘Real Cuisine at The Bell’ extends to include weekday lunches as well. More good news is that Sunday lunches are making a return, and evening meals will be served on seven nights a week. The Bell has recently ventured into catering for Christenings and Funeral Parties and are now adding other parties, such as family re-unions, to the list of services that they offer. So, it looks like a busy New Year for ‘Real Cuisine at The Bell, and I look forward, as always, to sampling the fare. WHAT’S ON AT DUNESKE? The staff are looking forward to helping you shed those extra few pounds and to get back into shape after the Christmas season.  Their class time-table will have something for everybody, but a must this January is Yoga. So come and join them every Thursday night at 8pm in the calm, relaxing environment of Duneske, surrounded by therapeutic music. Let yourself unwind and de-stress from the hassles of our hectic lifestyles… The full class schedule resumes on 14th January, so pick up a copy or give them a call for further details. It is full steam ahead for the kids:  boxing every Monday and Rugby every Tuesday. If you have not got a copy of their Newsletter, it would be worth your while to pop up, as you will receive a voucher inside it for free use of our fantastic gymnasium and a 10% discount on your membership. Hurry up, because this offer definitely expires on 31st January. Martin Doyle, a top class sports injury therapist, is welcomes on board. He will ease all those injuries and speed up rehabilitation. Massage heaven has also arrived in the shape of The Massage Hut, so why not add relaxation to your New Year’s Resolution and treat yourself? You may have seen The Massage Hut’s fortnight of ‘Getting to Know You’, when they were temporarily based next door to The Lazy Bean. The original Massage Hut is in Tubrid, and you can also be treated in your own home. CAHIR ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION The first meeting of 2008 proved to be electrifying and pleasurable. Plans for the forthcoming year were discussed at length, with many educational courses, evenings and day outings, plus weekends away.  A sun holiday may well be on the cards for Spring or Autumn. The ‘Go For Life’ programme will be starting in the near future… Entertainment was provided by the ever-popular Stefan Grace, taking everyone down Memory Lane with many well loved songs. Moving on to ever-popular dance and song, interspaced with his own special brand of dialogue, Stefan once more demonstrated his song-writing skills with his new version of the “Twelve Days of Christmas”, the lyrice proving topical and amusing. Next month, Stefan will give a lecture entitled “My Journey from Light to Darkness”. This will be accompanied by a number of interesting slides. The next Card Game will take place on Friday 11th January at 8pm and as usual, all are welcome. Hopefully, I will have room for the results from now on. HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE A South Tipperary group will leave on a 13-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land on Easter Monday 24th March, returning on Saturday 5th April. It is an unforgettable experience to visit the sites where Jesus was born, lived, preached, healed, died and rose again. Indeed, during this trip the pilgrims will visit every site of the twenty mysteries of the Rosary – except Heaven! This time is chosen because all Lent and Holy Week are wonderful spiritual preparations for the Holy Land. During the stay, there will be four nights in Galilee, three nights in Bethlehem and five nights in Jerusalem. There will be time to relax at all three locations. The Spiritual Director will be Fr Peter Cullen of Cahir and Sheffield. To secure a place on this trip, it is advisable to contact Maureen Ahern without delay, as demand is expected to be high. Transport to and from the airport will be available. The Christians in the Holy Land are eager for the return of the pilgrims. Make this your special trip of a lifetime. For more information telephone Maureen at 087 231 9639 or 052 41508. NEW YEAR'S EVE BALL RAISES FUNDS FOR THE HOSPICE SUPPORT GROUP Pictures from top left;  Mattie & Margaret McGrath, Rachel Burke, Liz English, & Alision Duffy, Second Row; Julia Finke & David Conway The South Tipp Cancer Support Group (C.A.R.E.) benefited from the successful New Years Eve Ball held in Cahir House Hotel. The sold out event attracted a large attendance that rang in the New Year in the magnificent setting of the Hotel Ballroom. The M.C. for the night was Gerry Duffy, who thanked the attendance for supporting the black tie event which would raise much needed funds for the cancer support group in the area. He also thanked the management of Cahir House for providing the venue and their support in organising the fundraiser. The guest speaker was Alice Ward, one of the organising committee, who spoke on the work of the South Tipp Cancer Support Group, who rely entirely on fundraisers such as the Ball, and voluntary contributions to provide support and aftercare for cancer patients in South Tipperary. She added that the aim of the CARE centre is to provide the most appropriate support to individuals and their loved ones in coping with the journey of cancer. The uniqueness of each person and their individual needs are acknowledged at all times. CARE strives to provide this support in a warm, welcoming, and safe environment. All of the services are offered in complement to the person's medical care and done in consultation with the medical teams. Direct communication is continuous with The Irish Cancer Society and all the local and regional medical teams, primary care teams, and the Hospice team as needed.   Presently an average of 70 to 80 people are using the services each month. All services are provided free of charge and are open to anyone in the South Tipperary region affected by a cancer diagnosis. CARE is a registered charity and its funding is voluntarily raised by the public with various fundraisers throughout the year. The organisers wish to thank the Management & Staff of Cahir House Hotel. and the following  for sponsoring the bumper raffle on the night: Southern 4 x 4 Sales Cahir, Darren Ward Jewellers, Interior Concepts, Lorna's Beauty Salon, Casey's Tiles & Carpets, John Quirke Jewellers, Galtee Inn, Super Valu (Cahir), Cahir Co-op Stores, Melissa Hill, David Walsh (Cahir House Hotel), Bay leaf Restaurant Clonmel, River House Restaurant, Robert Scannell (Cahir House Hotel), Cahir House Hotel Beauty & Health Spa, John Cummins Insurances, Mount Juliet Golf Club, Mount Wolseley Spa & Country Club Carlow, Muskerry Arms Blarney,    Paul O'Connell (Munster & Ireland Rugby). The South Tipp Cancer Support Group wish to thank the organisers, Colette O'Dwyer, Alice Ward, David Walsh, Robert Scannell, Brendan Kehoe, the M.C. Gerry Duffy and all who contributed to the success of the event MEET THE TWIN! Cllr Andy Moloney has announced details of this years trip to Scarborough which will give you two options of either flying out of Shannon on either Tuesday 25th March or Thursday 27th March with both groups returning together on Saturday 29th. These trips are proving to be very enjoyable and most of all affordable with Flights at the moment priced at EUR45 return.   Cllr Moloney, who is Chairman of the Cahir Development Association, states that it is vital that the relationship between the towns is maintained.  As he says, on no fewer than 3 occassions last Autum, we had tours from that region visiting the Town.   A new dimension to the arrangement has been the visit of a group of Golfers and Anglers and it is the intention of the newly formed Tourism Committee to progress with this end of the relationship. With the latest Landscaping Plan launched for the Town, he says that Cahir will be a very attractive Town to visit on a bigger scale in the years to come.   In his final year as Chairman of Cahir Development, he hopes that this trip will be fully booked and will be used as a platform to generate more buisness in this area, in what can otherwise be a quiet time of year. Scarborough has a population of over 50,000 people and the Town of Cahir has more to benefit from this type of exercise than our twin.   In the past, we have had groups from Cahir visit Scarborough and this year will have a full entertainment package lined up again. The last trip included a visit to Heartbeat Country, the Yorkshire Moors and Whitby, where Captain Cook sailed from, and famous for its Fish and Chips, and this trip will have similar entertainment.   Chairman Andy Moloney says that more details can got from himself on 086-3609110 or Tim at the Entreprise Centre and deposits of EUR100 will have to be paid before Friday 11th to avail of the special offers. Cllr Moloney says that in the interest of our Town and our Twinning arrangement we should get involved. With children off school that week, we should make a special effort to travel. This offer is open to all and he states that 50% of each Trip is first timers. There is masses for children to do in Scarborough, and Mike Manning has it all at his fingertips. CONGRATULATIONS TO JACINTA KELLY, BRIDGE STREET, CAHIR who was recently conferred with the award of Faculty Fellowship in Nursing and Midwifery at teh Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin   YOGA IN  CAHIR “Taster” Yoga Classes are being organized so that people can drop in and find out what it is all about. These start on Wednesday 16th January in the Community Hall, at 11am. Classes are open to all age groups and levels. Feel free to drop in for a session on a casual basis or to participate in the full six-week course.  For further information call Mary on 086 359 3024. THANKS Hilary and Arthur Carter wish to thank all those who supported and helped at the Cake Sale held early in December in aid of the St Paul’s Church Restoration Fund.  €860 was raised. CAHIR DAY CARE CENTRE The Centre re-opened on Monday 7th January, and the staff was looking forward to meeting their clients as usual, with the treats in store for all. The Management Committee wishes to thank the staff and members of the public for the help and support given over the last year. CAHIR FLOWER & GARDEN CLUB Club members and friends are having a Dinner at Inch House Hotel on Friday 25th January at 7pm. The bus will be leaving the Castle Car Park at 6:15pm for the Hotel. CAHIR DIVE CLUB Much reminiscing on the past year was done at the Club Christmas Night Out in the Galtee Inn. There were many reminders of the antics over the weekend in Jule in Kilkee and the fantastic trip to Bere Island in September. There were also many mentions of the training sessions for which the die-hard members had to miss out on Desperate Housewives to attend.  But many could not resist the opportunity to talk about their up-and-coming trip to the Red Sea in March. A great night was had by all. Congrats to Johnny, who recently won the raffle for the week of diving in the Red Sea, worth around €250! (The Draw was witnessed by committee members at a meeting on 3rd January). Do you want to know what it feels like to breathe under water? Been diving before and want to join a Club and improve your skills? To find out more about diving with Cahir Dive Club and to experience the dream, why not go to their “Try A Dive Night” on Sunday 3rd February at 8pm in Clonmel Swimming Pool – only €10 for equipment. For further details contact John on 086 330 2425. PIONEER NEWS The Annual Pioneer Church Gate Collection will take place this weekend, 12th and 13th January. Your support would be greatly appreciated. Any member of the Pioneer Association who joined over 25 years or 50 years ago and would like to receive a Silver or Gold Badge, should contact 052 42145 or 052 41929, or any member of the Council. CASHEL AMNESTY This Group will have its first meeting of 2008 on Monday night, 14th January, at 830pm in Mikey Ryan’s pub in Cashel. All will be made very welcome. Congratulations to Patrick Kirby, Mountain Road, Cahir, who was the winner of the Christmas Cake Raffle. For further information about Cashel Amnesty, please ring Nuala on 052 62987. CAHIR SOCIAL SERVICES The results of the Christmas Draw for Meals on Wheels are as follows:  1st – Hamper sponsored by the Shamrock Loungwe – Mr Eamonn Keating, Clogheen;  2 – Christmas Cake - ;mr De nnis Meany, Main Street, Ballyporeen; 3rd – Hamper – Mr Jim Conway, Bourncourt; 4th – Whiskey Set – Mr Andy O’Donnell, Priest’s Road, Cahir;  5 – Baileys – Mr James Reidy, c/o Morrissey’s Bar.  The 6th to 10th prizes, bottles of wine, went to:  Kay Hickey, Cahir;  Brigid Burke, Ballyporeen; Sarah O’Farrell, c/o Brazil’s; Dr O’Farrell, Cahir; Jimmy Fitzgerald, Beechpark, Cahir The members of the Committee wish to thank all those who helped in any way during the last year; the sponsors of the Draw; individuals or business people who made donations; the organizers of Euro Star; the Pony Club who did the sponsored ride and to the dedicated volunteers and kitchen staff who produce and deliver the meals, week after week. In conclusion, you are all wishes a Happy and Prosperous New Year. POULMUCKA PLOUGHING ASSOCIATION The Annual General Meeting of the Association was held in December and was well attended. The outgoing Chairman, Mark Hally, congratulated all competitors who competed at the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore, Co Offaly, also all compeptitors who took part in Ploughing Matches at various Clubs throughout the country. The Chairman also gave a special word of thanks to members of the Club who helped in any way possible to make our local Ploughing Match the success it was. The Secretary, Sean Hickey, gave a detailed account of the year’s activities. The National Director, , Mr Eelehi Hardy, informed everyone how successful the National Ploughing Championships were and thank both competitors and anyone else who traveled to Tullamore to make the event the success it was. The following Officers were elected:  Chairman – Garry Prendergast;  Secretary – Sean Hickey; Treasurer – John G Casey; PRO – John O’Brien. Refreshments were served at the close of the Meeting by Bridge5t Moloney, and enjoyed by all.  The County Ploughing AGM will be held in Moloney’s Poulmucka on Thursday 17th January at 8 o’clock. All are welcome. “THE CAHIR CORNER” This is the name of one bay in the pub now owned by Mike Manning in Scarborough. He tells me that people come from all over to ‘read the wall’. He is so looking forward to the group that is traveling to Scarborough in March, particularly as the dates include Dougie’s 90th birthday. Everyone will have a ball in the pub! Mike says:  “Please give my love and best wishes to all and I hope to see you again soon.”   KNOCKGRAFFON OPEN COURSING CLUB McCarthy Cup The McCarthy Cup presented and sponsored by John McCarthy, Lavally Engineering Co., Springmount, Clonmel was concluded on Sunday last.  The winner was Owen Treadgold’s Donie Rosco (Droopy’s Vieri – Springmount Doll) who defeated M. Grimes & L. McCarthy’s Flanker’s Cool (Cool Blues – Dunlace Lorna) in the final ( see above picture) Vincent Scully Memorial Cup The 22nd Vincent Scully Memorial Cup and Phil O’ Dwyer Nominator Trophy will be held on Sunday next 13th January. Meet at Whitelands Cross (2 miles from New Inn on the Clonmel Road) at 9 am. First brace in slips at 9.30am sharp. Knockgraffon Open Cup and Lonergan Inter-Club Stake The Knockgraffon Open Cup and Lonergan Stake kindly sponsored by David Lonergan, Tree Top Sheds and Kennels will complete the programme.  Paddy O’ Dwyer Stake On Sunday 20th January, the Paddy O’ Dwyer Stake will be held.  The Stake presented and sponsored by John O’ Dwyer, Ballyclerihan House is in memory of his father, the late Paddy O’ Dwyer.  It is an 8 dog stake and the Secretary is now accepting entries, tel 052 35231 or 086 2126849.  Draw on Saturday, 12th January at 8.30 pm. Dan Fortune Memorial Cup The Dan Fortune Memorial Cup presented and sponsored by Mrs. Pat Fortune and family Clerihan in memory of her husband, the late Dan Fortune.  This cup is a Nominator event and will be run in conjunction with the Paddy O’ Dwyer Memorial Trophy.   READERS’ NEWS & VIEWS Please keep them coming to 10 Market Yard / 086 8940 5020 or to the e-mail address above. But please, please do remember to include a contact number in case I need to get in touch about something. Happy New Year to all.