CAHIR NOTES THE HEALER OF CORK It is likely that many Cahir people saw the fascinating Nationwide piece on Bill Parfrey recently.  So I am sure they will be as surprised as I was to hear that he has been very ill since 4th August and in hospitals and rest homes for over eight weeks.  Apparently there was a time when it was feared he was not going to make it, and is still not completely out of the woods. Bill’s good friend Bill Murphy has been keeping all the Parf’s friends in touch, and has now sent everyone on his mailing list the address that will allow you to see the programme, be it again, or for the first time:  http://www.rte.ie/news/nationwide/index.html. I was lucky enough to meet the Parf when he was in Cahir to launch his book, and we have been exchanging silly stories and jokes by e-mail ever since.  Very best wishes, Bill, all your friends are thinking of you. CAHIR ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION All roads lead to the Catherine McCauley Room in Cahir on Friday 28th September at 8pm. The regular weekly card game will once more be the focus of attention for all the card-playing fraternity of the area. All are welcome to join the friendly rivalry and banter at this popular meeting with tea and biscuits to finish the evening.  What could be better? Members will have their monthly meeting on Wednesday 3rd October at 2:30pm to which guests and prospective members are cordially invited.  The customary refreshments will be furnished and a pleasurable afternoon will be enjoyed by all. FAIR TRADE IN CAHIR I have been asked to thank all who were able to come to the meeting in Cahir Development’s Sports & Leisure Centre at Duneske.  The next meeting to build Cahir into a Fair Trade Town is on Monday 1st October at 8pm in the Conference Room of the Mercy Convent. This is an Open Meeting and it would be great to have as many as possible involved as this progress is begun.  Please go along and join in.  For further information contact Mary Teresa at 087 961 6325. CAHIR PARK LADIES’ SOCCER Tipperary Shield Division I Final, played at Tower Field, Thurles on Sunday 9th September – Kick Off 6:15pm.  Cahir Park 0 – Borris/St Kevins 2. The Park made a disastrous start, conceding a goal after 2 minutes against the holders and League Champions Borris. A spirited fight-back by Cahir came close to equalising, when a header byPatricia Hickey rebounded off the cross-bar back into play. A couple of timely saves by Goalkeeper Patricia Healy before the interval and some excellent moves kept Cahir Park in control. Playing on a sanded surface, which was energy-sapping, on a warm evening, and after some of the Cahir players had played a County GAA Semi-Final early in the afternoon, our players began to tire.  However, a battling performance by The Park contained the Borris strikers and a few substitutions rather late in the game were unsuccessful and in the closing minutes a disputed free kick was deflected to the Cahir net bgy No 8 from Borris. A few questionable decisions by the Referee did no favour to Cahir. Both teams were presented with their Medals in The Arch Bar, Thurles, that night. Here is a round-up of the season for Cahir Park Ladies:  they played 9 League games, as they received a walk-over from Sally Park, which was disappointing as it was a home fixture.  They won one game, plus the walk-over;  drew 3 and lost 5.  Goals for – 16;  against – 30. They played one Cup Ties, losing 2-1;  3 Shield games:  2 wins and lost in the Final;  6 goals for and 4 against. Cahir Park top goalscorer, Claire Carroll (5).  Players who represented The Park during the season:  Patricia Healy; Nicola Armitage; Sinead O’Donnell; Niamh Hrearne; Julie McMahon; Louise Carroll; Stephanie Elliott; Catriona Nagle, Ann Marie Noonan; Claire Carroll; Patricia Hickey; Jennifer Grant; Sinead Tobin; Ann O’Brien.; Elaine Devereaux; Alison Lonergan; Edith Carroll; Margaret O’Brien; Dominique Hallinan;  Ltynda (Conway) O’Sullivan; Natalie Pinto; Clara Fahy; Jamie Slepokova; Noelle Fitzgerald. The Management:  Eamon Elliott;  Jimmy Lonergan; Michael T. Ryan; Joe Murphy; Shane Ryan.  Committee Members:  Lena Lonergan, Betty Elliott.  Sponsorship Agent:  Joe Hally. Sponsors of the Ladies Soccer Strip:  Ladrigans/Spar, Abbey Street.  Cash donation:  Rosie O’Brien-Collins – and a special mention of all the supporters who travelled to the away games. Once more, Ger O’Brien, who keeps us informed, has left himself out – and thanks for acknowledging this paper’s support, Ger.  Best of luck for next season. SUPPORT FOR COTTAGE ANIMAL RESCUE Pat Crotty would like to thank most sincerely all the peop[le who bought tickets for the Raffle in aid of Cottage Animal Rescue, Cashel, which was held in SuperValu recently.  Thanks are also expressed to John and Carmel Dolan and the staff, and to the girls who helped in selling the tickets. The winner of the Hamper was Breda Nugent, Kilmoyler, Cahir.  The total raised amounted to €1,614.75 and a Draft for this amount was sent to Hannagh Fitzgerald, who runs the Rescue, and it will be used to ease the suffering of the many unwanted and ill-treated animals that come into their care. Please accept my congratulations, Pat, for the work you do for this excellent cause. I know you too wish that people acquired animals with a little more forethought.  It is quite easy to talk to knowledgeable people, including vets, before buying a dog, about which breed’s character would suit your situation the best.  And then please get a simple tag engraved with your phone number and make sure your dog has it on at all times. APPEAL FOR CLOTHES The Vincent de Paul Shop (First Class Seconds) in Barrack Street, is appealing for children’s winter clothes.  They also take adults’ winter clothes, toys, games, books. Bedlinen etc.  Their opening hours are 11am to 5pm (open through lunch) Tuesday to Friday.  If you need goods collected, please telephone 052 42424. MINISTER’S STATEMENT ON “SWISS” In response to an enquiry from Cllr Any Moloney, Noel Ahern TD, Minister of State, has sent the following reply: “I refer to your e-mail in relation to re-opening of the Swiss Cottage. As you are aware the Office of Public Works earlier this year advertised in the local press and informed Southern-Eastern Tourism that the site would be closed for the duration of the season which runs from mid-April to mid-October. “Progress on work on the bridge itself has been very satisfactory. The bridge can be used by pedestrians but the contractor has not full cleaned up or signed off on the congract. Landscaping work has still to be done in the public car park, and at the Cottage itself. “Thatching repairs and other decorative works to the Cottage have been completed and a programme of internal painting has been carried out. The Office however, is still in the process of installing CCTV cameras, and archaeological clearance for the necessary ducting work is still awaited. “In view of the fact that the closure of the Swiss Cottage for the full season has been widely advertised; staffing arrangements and allocations have been made on that basis; landscaping is still continuing;  CCTV cameras are being installed and that the redressing of the back lane which is being used for emergency access, has still to be done, it is not considered practicable or desirable to reopen the site now only to close again in mid-October at the end of the season. “The Swiss Cottage will re-open again in March2 2008 with a full official ceremony and all the attendant publicity, where all the stops will be pulled out to disseminate the fact that one of the heritage icons of South Tipperary is once more open to the public.” REMINDER The Free Textile Craft Workshop will take place on Saturday 6th October at the Craft Granary.  As there are limited spaces, please contact Lorraine O’Connor on 087 641 8937 or sign up at the Craft Cranary. CAHIR DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY LOTTO The Jackpot total has reached €3,250 for the draw taking place this Wednesday.  Tickets can be purchased up to the last minute (noon) from the Business & Training Centre.  Peter Fahey witnessed last week’s Draw, showing numbers 14, 15, 25 & 26.  The five Lucky Dip winners, each of whom received €30, were:  Alana & Keighley Burke, Knockagh;  Shane O’Donoghue, c/o Cahir Garda Station; Nell Ryan/Suzanne McNally, c/o AIB; Bridget Lonergan, Carrigeen Cottages; Martin Crowe, c/o O’Lougjhlin’s Pub – all in Cahir. All the profits from the Community Lotto go to the Duneske Leisure Complex. ASSISTING IN SHARED READING Have you an hour to spare, 3 days a week? The Cahir Boys’ NS is looking for volunteers to assist in shared reading with pupils from 1st to 4th class (CAPER). This has been very successful in helping pupils to read. Please leave your name in at the office, either by calling in or phoning 052 42062. COLAISTE NEWS As the new term progresses, it is important that all students, particularly those in examination classes, “hit the ground running” where study and examination preparation is concerned.  All are looking forward to a productive and enjoyable year, both inside and outside the classroom. Senior B Hurling –v- Thurles Vocational School.  Last Wednesday, 19th September Colaiste Dun Iascaigh got their Senior B Hurling campaign off to a winning start with a comprehensive victory over Thurles Vocational School at a well prepared Cashel venue on a scoreline of 5-11 to 1-6. Team: Bernard Lonergan, Kieran O’Connell, Diarmuid Ryan, Robert O’Brien, Jason Coffey, Luke Murphy, Eddie Kendrick, Shane Ryan, Eoin Walsh, Paul McGrath, Eoin McDonagh, Ciaran Maher, Danuiel Regan, Andrew Fitzpatrick, John Cooney. Subs Used: Eoin Flynn, John Caplice, Sean Taylor. Coach:  Keith Morrissey. FUNDAY RESULTS Here, at last, are the results from the Fun Dog Show held on Funday Sunday in aid of Special Olympics Ireland: Class 1 – Any Variety Puppy:  1st - Shadow, a gorgeous Golden Retriever puppy owned by the Smullens of Moyglass. 2nd – Roxie, Lisa Horan’s Boxer, from Cashel;  3 – Timmy, Zita Ahearne’s Jack Russell, from Ballymacarbry;  4 – Orla, a charming West Highland White Terrier owned by Siobhan and Niamh Nugent from Cashel. Class 2 – A V Terrier or Toy:  1st – Sooty, Eileen Murphy’s Scotty – not showing her years at all;  2nd – Elvis, Tracey Walsh’s Pug, from Kilmoyler;  3rd - `Pebbles, A Yorkshire Terrier belonging to Ellie & Jack Patterson from Clonmel; 4th – Diesel, Staffordshire Bull Terrier owned by David O’Dea from Clonmel. Class 3 – A V Sporting:  1st – Spencer, a super German Shorthaired Pointer that went on to win BIS, owned by Paul Davis from Carrick-on-Suir; 2nd – Feargal, a well grown Irish Wolfhound owned by Alison Messenger of Clogheen. This dog has really come on since he returned to his breeder and was shown here last year;  3rd – Shadow, the Golden Retriever, as before;  4th – Sooty, as before. Class 4 – A V Non-Sporting:  1st – Roxie, Lisa Horan’s Boxer, as before; 2nd – Simba, German Shepherd, owned by Mrs Tickner and Mr & Mrs Murphy from Shanbally; 3rd – Pat Ryan’s Rotweiller Bradson, Cahir; 4th – Lucky, Niamh ? Sheepdog, Ballymacadamd West. Class 5 – A V Open:  1st – Spencer, as before, closely followed by 2nd – Lorcan, Irish Wolfhound that I have seen move with more enthusiasm, owned by Alison Messenger; 3rd – Shadow, as above, just needs to firm up in movement and perhaps be shown in somewhat harder condition. Must have a great future; 4th – Roxie, as before. After a break for tea, the “Novelty” classes followed. Class 6 – Best Veteran:  1st – Trexie, and what a lovely old lady she is, a Jack Russell owned by Mary Hyland of Ballyporeen;  2nd Tiny, another Jackie in the same ownership; 3rd – was a tie between Sooty, as above, and Bobby, another terrific old-timer, who doesn’t look anything like his age. Thanks to Breeda Ryan there were enough rosettes to award to ties;  4th – Bailei, Amber Marnane’s Boxer – these were all a credit to their owners. Class 7 – Dog the Judge Would Like to Take Home:  1st – Sophie, Eileen Powers Labrador Cross;  2nd – Benson, owned by Gerard Walshe, Cahir Abbey Upper; 3rd – Buster, Anthony Allen’s Boxer, Cahir;  4th – Sam, Hilary Grogan’s Irish Setter. Class 8 – Best Fancy Dress, Judged by Cllr Andy Moloney:  1st Princess, the Tooth Fairy, with her owner Nicole Butler;  2nd – Rosie, a terrier as a Princess, with Olivia Marnane;  3rd – Nicki, another Princess, with Leigh Devereaux;  4th – Gerard Walshe’s Benson as a Tipp Supporter;  Special Award to Perry, Amy Marnane’s Dalmatian. Bansha. Class 9 – Best Child’s Pet:  1st – Princess, She Tzu, as above;  2nd – Bailei, as above; 3rd - Sooty, as above; 4th – Benson, as above; 5th – Fluffy, Melanie Devereaux’ Jack Russell. Class 10 – Rescued Dog in Best Condition:  I think I must ask Pat Crotty to Judge this class next year – she would love it!  They almost all had very sad stories with happy endings, and done was saved from being put down, which would have been pretty sad too. 1st – Cenna, a Boxer owned by Ann Copeland, Ballygarrane;  2nd – Bendy, owned by Emily O’Keeffe of Ballingaranne North;  3rd – Ruby, owned by Dolores Tobin, of Beechpark;  4th – Bobby, an old friend, as above;  5th – Benson, as above. Class 11 – the Waggiest Tail:  1st – Sophie, the Labrador X, as above; Tia, belonging to Kevin Quinn of Millenium Place; 3rd – Ruby, as above;  4th – Bobby, as above. Class 12 – Dog and Owner Race, which is a great way to end the day.  A mad dash from one tree to another and back again.  1st – Simba, as above; 2nd – Timmy, Rita Ahearne’s Jack Russell, Ballymacarbry;  3rd – Buster, as above;  4th – Princess, as above. Under 8 Cahir Football Teams  who  took part in the County Blitz held at Duneske on Sunday 22nd September     Front row - Keith Martin, Adam Lonergan, Eoin O'Neill, Nicholas Reidy,  Eoghan Heffernan, Cian Burke, Back row - Jack Moloney, Mark Casey, Jack Kelly, Tim Hickey, Sean Murphy, Kieran Lonergan. Front row - Ger Quinn, Eoin Kelly, Dylan Fitzgerald, Sean Murphy, Conor McKenna.   Back row - Darragh Conway, Cavan McKenna, Colin McEniry, Stephen Grogan, Patrick O'Donovan, Conor O'Brien    READERS’ NEWS & VIEWS Keep them coming to 10 Market Yard / 086 840 50 20 or to the e-mail address above. Apologies to those who depend on the internet to read these notes – would anyone who is in touch with disappointed readers please let them know that the site has been down for about four weeks. Quite infuriating, and everything possible is being done to sort it out.