CAHIR NOTES CAHIR DEVELOPMENT AGM The Annual General Meeting of Cahir Development Association was well attended, with several new faces making a welcome appearance. This year’s meeting was held in the Duneske Leisure Centre, which is owned by the Association. It was mentioned that, during the past year, three important matters had been brought to a successful end:  the question of the P.O. ownership;  the Sensory Garden open and much appreciated (between the ‘Old Tech’ and St Paul’s Church); and the Childcare Centre, that is up and running. Of course, the Christmas Lights provide an on-going struggle, with a large sum outstanding to be paid off over the next few years.  Gratitude was expressed to the people and businesses that donated funds while not benefiting directly from the Lights.  However, I am sure that everyone appreciates the atmosphere created by the lovely and professional display. The impressive Financial Report was presented by the Association’s new Auditors, Fitzgerald Fleming of Carrick-on-Suir. The change of Auditors was necessitated by the ever-increasing size of Cahir Development, which has outgrown the capabilities of Liam Butler’s small firm.  However, I am glad to say that Liam is now on the Management Committee as Treasurer and Financial Advisor.  He is definitely too good to be allowed to escape. The election of Officers did not produce any surprises, with Cllr Andy Moloney continuing as Chairman, Janette Kennedy as Secretary, plus Eleanor Morrisey, with Liam Butler as Treasurer.  A new development, to streamline the organisation of sub-Committees, was the election of two individuals to represent each sub-Committee at the monthly meetings.  For Cahir Leisure, Jim Halpin and Larry Queeney were the obvious choices, being heavily involved already. Tim Shanahan will continue to represent the interests of Duneske Leisure with Jim Halpin alongside.  I am sure there is a good reason for two people from Cahir Childcare not being nominated – maybe their Committee must make the choice – anyway, I made no note.  The Business & Training Centre / Enterprise Centre fall to Helen Quirke and Denis Fahey (welcome back!)  Tidy Towns & Environment has Cllr Seanie Lonergan and ... me!  I could have sworn I said ‘NO’...  Pat O’Brien and either Jim Trehy or Breeda Houlihan will be present for the Farmers’ Market, and the resurrected Twinning Committee will choose two to represent them. It was heartening to hear Anthony O’Halloran, of Ardfinnan, who is well known at the Business & Training Centre and most appreciative of the services provided, say that although he knew the Association did a lot, he found the actuality “incredible”.    Ian Duffy of Lissava Cahir, was on the Munster U-19 (Clubs) rugby team that won the Inter-Provincial Tournament at Stormont Rugby Grounds in Belfast last Saturday. Ian, who is playing for Cork Constitution this season, played in all three games in the tournament,  which Munster won this season, beating Leinster 12-10, Connacht 36-0, and defeating Ulster U-19 by 23 -13 to claim the title. COLAISTE DUN IASCAIGH NEWS  I would like to join with the staff at the College in sending congratulations to the students who took their Junior Certificate exams last term.  The management and staff say: “What fantastic results for excellent performances!  The students of Junior Certificate in Col;aiste Dun Iascaigh exceeded even our high expectations for them with A and B Honour grades strewn like confetti around the corridors!  There was no need to hide their joy and we congratulate all from those who obtained 9 and 10 A Grades to those who exceeded their own potential”. CAHIR FARMERS’ MARKET The Hospice will be holding a Fairtrade Coffee Morning on Saturday 22nd September in conjunction with Cahir Farmers’ Market.  Do go along, support this worthy cause, and enjoy some Fairtrade coffee. SAVE SHANNON/HEATHROW LINK Labour Party Representative Cllr Seanie Lonergan has called on all of the Government’s TDs in Tipperary to support the forthcoming Dail Motion calling on the Government to take every action necessary to retain the Shannon / Heathrow air link. According to the Councillor, “It has become apparent from public statements from the Taoiseach and the Minister for Transport that they do not intend to interfere with the Aer Lingus decision to stop this link.  This hand-washing position has been taken despite the assurances given in the Dail at the time of privatisation that the purpose of retaining the 25% equity was to protect the national interest, including the Heathrow connectivity to Shannon and, crucially from South Tipperary’s economic perspective, Cork. “It is clear to me now that the Dail floor is the only place where this decision can be changed.  If we, as a nation, allow this so-called ‘commercial decision’ to go ahead, there is nothing to stop Aer Lingus from transferring the new Cork slots to Frankfurt, Paris or anywhere further afield. “The Government, on behalf of the Irish people, cannot be allowed to treat Aer Lingus’ decision as if it had nothing to do with it:  a 25% share-holder”. FREE WORKSHOP! People from any and all age groups who are interested in creating a piece of textile work, can have a go on Saturday 6th October in the Craft Granary..  The free Textile Workshop is being taken by Lorraine O’Connor, winner of a recent award, and runs from 10am to 4pm.  As there are limited spaces, please contact Lorraine on 087 641 8937 or sign up at the Craft Granary a.s.a.p.  This should be great fun. A VERY SPECIAL WELCOME ...to baby Rian Martin Lafford on his arrival from Russia to join his proud parents, Caroline and Paul Lafford. HOSPICE COFFEE MORNING Maybe I will get it right next year! The Lazy Bean’s super Coffee Morning, that is now an annual event, takes place this THURSDAY, 20th September.  All the other details remain the same, and I am looking forward to another great day for a great cause. CAHIR & DISTRICT LADIES’ CLUB The Ladies forgot to mark in their diaries that the Club was back on Monday 10th September.  The next meeting will take place on Monday 24th at 9pm, so another successful year can be started.  The Committee is looking forward to seeing everyone back. SPECIAL OLYMPICS IRELAND I understand that the Calendars showing the “Calendar Girls” are now ready for purchase, and this can be done by contacting the Abbey Tavern on 052 41326 – and forking out €10.  Can’t wait to see mine! Maria Shine has asked me to thank Pat O’Malley, on her behalf, for organising a fundraising Sports Day at Our Lady of Mercy JS.  I am happy to say that she exceeded her target amount, which is good going – this is a cause that can use every penny it gets. CAHIR DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY LOTTO The Jackpot total has now reached €3,100 for this week’s draw.  Tickets can be bought up to noon on Wednesday from the Business & Training Centre. Peter Fahey witnessed last week’s Draw, producing numbers 6, 16, 19 and 23.  The five Lucky Dip winners were:  Ger & Marie O’Connor & E Hayes, Ballyglass;  maria Lalor, Mayfly Lodge, Grangebeg;  Rebecca Quinn, Knockagh;  Leon McLoughlin, Woodview;  Patricia O’Brien, Cahir Abbey Upper. All the profits from the Community Lotto go to the Duneske Leisure Complex. CONTROVERSIAL CLOSURE Fine Gael Td Tom Hayes is greatly disappointed at the lack of action on the Cahir Courthouse situation (it has not had Court sittings since July 2006) by the Courts Service.  He has requested that the Minister receive a deputation on this subject.  The Court was closed due to concerns about lack of air conditioning, noise pollution, and lack of accessibility for people with disabilities.  Subsequently, the Court sittings were relocated to Clonmel, which is surely hugely inaccessible to those without private transportation. “The Court Service indicated in April that they were happy to use an alternative venue in Cahir, but the former Library Building has been offered for lease to the Courts Service by the Council. However, the Courts Service have said that they are happy for Clonmel to provide the facilities for Cahir ‘on an ongoing basis’, and so are not pursuing this offer. “An estimated 100 people attend the Court, up to three times a month, bringing considerable revenue to the town.  It has a population of almost 3000, with the rural catchment’s population bringing that to 5000.  The building also houses the Clogheen Court.  Towns of similar and even smaller size, such as Cashel and Thurles are not only retaining their Courts, but even having them renovated.  Lismore, in Co Waterford, has a population of under 1,000, but still has monthly sittings.  Local solicitors are at a loss to think of another similarly sized town without its Court. “District Courts deal with traffic and criminal offences and it is imperative that we deal with these locally, as facing local people and press is an important deterrent to these types of offences.  They also deal with family law in connection with barring orders and child maintenance. It seems cruel and unusual punishment to expect victims of personal and distressing circumstances to organise special transport to go to Court to deal with painful situations. “The rural transport system is sorely lacking in South Tipperary and paying for taxis / arranging transport is difficult and costly for everyone. When the Court moves to Clonmel, the number of police in the town is drastically reduced each time the Court convenes, which is the last this Cahir wants. The town and its inhabitants deserve more from their government”. FOR ENTERPRISING CRAFTSPEOPLE… As part of The Spirit of Enterprise Week, the Craft Granary will be hosting a session entitled “Accessing the Craft Market”. This is aimed at craftspeople (or those interested in getting into the Craft Industry) tohelp them sell their produces sucvcessfully.  A representative of the Crafts Co0uncil of Ireland will present the latest findings from consumer research.  Award winning potter, Mandy Parslow, will also be on hand to give advice. This will all be going on from 11:30am to 1pm on Monday 1st October. EVENING ON FAIR TRADE I was very sorry not to be able to attend the recent meeting on Fair Trade, owing to a last-minute interruption to my plans.  Thanks to Ted Clarke for sending in some notes on the event. The main points of the Meeting highlighted how World Fair Trade affects the quality of life in various ways:  Fair Trade = Quality of Life;  food safety, fair wages … the list goes on and on.  Everyday activities like doing our shopping can have a profound effect on the lives of people thousands of miles away. The next meeting will take place in the Convent in Cahir at 8pm (but I have no date).  A Committee will be formed and will be set the task of making Cahir into a recognised World Fair Trade town.  For more information see www.fairtrade.net. CAHIR ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION The regular slot for passionate card players will take place on Friday 28th September at 8pm, once again. This ever-popular e vent will, as usual, be held each week.  All are welcome to enjoy this trendy pastime. Saturdaym, 10th November has been set aside for an evening at the Cork Greyhound Track.  Members and guests are advised to contact the Secretary, Bob Condon, to secure a place for this excellent evening out. NEEDLE FELTING CLASSES Emma Allott is starting up her evening classes in Needle Felting again, this Thursday, 20th September. Anyone wishing to take part should contact her on 052 42875;  086 303 2397 or emmaallott@eircom.net.  I can definitely recommend these classes – in one day I made a recognisable frog, when Emma did a workshop at the Craft Granary, and it was the most fun!  POUL MUCKA PLOUGHING ASSOCIATION One again, it is time for the All Ireland Ploughing Championships, which are taking place in Annaharney, Tullamore, Co Offaly, this year. As preparations gear up for this, competitors are busy getting tractor and ploughs ready, practicing splits and middles here and there in fields around South Tipperary.  The :Poulmucka competitors are: Intermediate – Larry Bergin;  Under 28 – Paul O’Connor;  Under 21 – John  O’Brien Jnr;  30Furrow Match Plough – Noel Hawley;  Vintage 2 Furrow Mounted – John O’Brien Snr;  Under 28 Reversible – Gerard O’Meara;  Senior Reversible – John Casey;  Junior:  Noel O’Connor;  3 Furrow Standard Reversible – Pat Shine,  Ballylooby. AS THE EVENT DRAWS CLOSER, FINE WEATHER, GOOD PLOUGHING CONDITIONS AND WISH ALL COMPETITORS THE VERY BEST OF LUCK. WHAT’S ON AT DUNESKE? There is a variety of activities coming up at the weekends to keep all those young and active kids on their toes:  starting with Saturday 22nd September, Duneske can caught Rugby Fever, so boys and girls from 6 to 12 years old  can go along at noon until 3pm. So You Think You Can Dance starts at 11am until 12:30 for 5 – 8 year olds and 12:45 to 2:15pm for 9 to 11 year olds. The Duneske Soccer Street League runs over the first and second weekend of October, so there’s plenty of time to get your team together and registered.  For more information on the weekend activities, just ring or call in to Duneske. Every Wednesday night they have Teen Salsa and Kick Boxing for 10 to 15 year olds. A full schedule of classes can be acquired at Reception. Here are a few reminders for you:  if there’s a birthday girl or boy out there that wishes to have a fun-filled party at Duneske, no matter how far away that special day is, please ring to book, as spaces are very limited.  So book today, and avoid disappointment – and all that cleaning up afterwards. All-Weather Pitch users, get those last few remaining places booked and remember that Saturday and Sunday are off-peak, so a reduced rate applies.  The state-of-the-art Aerobic Studio can be rented out, so if you’re looking for a comfy place, we can organise the space.  For information on any of the above, or if you wish to book a fitness assessment to get you started in the gym, and be a healthy new you, just call 052 45517. CALLING ALL CRAFTSPEOPLE The Sources Art Centre in Thurles announces an open call to craftspeople for inclusion in an Exhibition running from December 2007 to the end of January 2008 at The Source Gallery.  If you would like to take part, please contact Dermot O’Reilly on 0504 90340. The Source is a fabulous venue if you have not already had the pleasure of visiting it.  More info on www.thesourceartscentre.ie/call_to_artists.php. The Under 16 Cahir Camogie Team with their new jersey's which were kindly sponsored by Peter and Sandra Forristal of P.F. Tarmac, Cahir Back Left to right: Anne-Marie O'Gorman, Donna Casey, Aishling O'Connor, Shauna O'Donnell, Shauna Walsh, Claire O'Dwyer, Nicola Armitage, Freda Casey, Niamh Breedy, Aishling Higgins, Clionagh Higgins, Aoife O'Gorman.    Front Left to Right: Molly Walsh, Aoife Burke, Leanne Hickey, jane O'Donnell, Geraldine O'Donnell, Bronagh Higgins, Aoife Casey, Marian O'Donnell, Marie Clare McCarthy. READERS’ NEWS & VIEWS These are always welcome at 10 Market Yard / 086 840 5020 and at the e-mail address above.  If you know someone who doesn’t get the paper through their letter-box, but does have a computer, they can have a read on www.cahirnews.cahirda.com, where back pages can also be found, thanks to this paper.