CAHIR NOTES WELCOME! The children from Scarborough are in Cahir for their Autumn break, and are very welcome. I understand that Alistair, from Specsavers Scarborough, and his wife, are with them this time, and I look forward to meeting them again. Alistair is a major sponsor for the Scarborough/Cahir Children’s Trust. RDS NATIONAL CRAFTS COMPETITION The winning works in this prestigious competition can be seen at the Craft Granary for the next month.  If the overall winner alone was on display, it would be worth making a visit.  It is a hand- and machine-embroidered and beaded book – I won’t even try to say any more, as it defies description.  The creator of this wonderful thing is Aileen Johnston, from Glenealy in Co Wicklow, and The Book of Hours is not for sale, although some of the other pieces are.  Most of the exhibits are in the Gallery above the shop, but there are three big wooden creations in the Basement. The Opening Evening was a very pleasant and well-attended occasion, and I congratulate the staff on the ‘nibbles’, which were very freshly made and quite delicious.  The Exhibition was opened by Cllr Michael Anglim, who gave a short history of the Craft Granary – a little too short for me as, if he had gone back one more step, he would have mentioned that it was the Cahir Development Association that saved the then derelict building from being demolished to make way for a car park. The Association kept the ball rolling, with assistance from local businessmen, until the Council was in a position to take over. All that aside, I highly recommend a visit to see the best of Irish crafts, in such a delightful setting. TELETHON AT BINGO Cahir Community Bingo will hold a Raffle next Tuesday for hampers.  All proceeds will go to Telethon, which in turn comes back into the local  community.  So go along and support them.  You get a night’s entertainment and the chance to win a few bob. Local charities get a boost too. Bingo goes on at 8:30pm in the Community Hall on Tuesdays. There is no access to the Hall before 8:10 as other community members are using it until then.  All are very welcome. While on the subject of the Telethon, John Quirke has Entry Forms in his shop, if anyone wants to call in and collect one.  He is not going to participate this year, which is a pity, as one of my earliest memories of Cahir is of a ‘Bank Raid’ on The Square – very dramatic and realistic it was, too.  And then there was the murder on the parapet of the Castle ... DEEPEST SYMPATHY ... to Tom Breanach on the recent passing of his sister Margaret Enright.  May she rest in peace. LORRY PARKING IN ROSEMOUNT I have received an anonymous letter from a resident of Rosemount, and while I never include such missives, the point was made that articulated lorries and trucks are being parked in housing estates or at the Bus Only area at the School.  There is a 3 ton limit sign at both the Cashel Road and the Clonmel Road entrances. CAHIR MOTHER & TODDLER GROUP Tbhe AGM took place on Thursday 11th October.  It was well attended and the following Committee elected:  Chairperson & Assistant Chairperson – Geraldine Conway and Joanne Noonan; Treasurer for another year is Rebecca Cagney and the Secretary is Marie Davis/ Meetings are held every Thursday morning from 10:30 at the Community Hall, and all are welcome. CAHIR AUTHOR SUPPORTS CHARITY Last Thursday 11th October, Cahir author Susanne O’Leary gave a Talk and held a Signing in Knocklofty House, in aid of ‘Independent Age’. This very worthy charity provides assistance for elderly people (over 65) to enable them to retain their independence and not to have to rely on their relatives for help. It was a pleasure to arrive at Knocklofty and find that it is in the throes of redecoration and restoration.  The morning coffee was set out in the Library, which was a very suitable and attractive setting. Then we moved to a lovely, light room which soon filled with the ladies attending the event. Susanne, who is Swedish, spoke about how her upbringing, background and life of travelling with her Irish diplomat husband, fed into her writing.  She then read the first chapter of her most recently published book, her fourth:  Finding Margo. The audience had quite a few questions, which were followed by the Signing of both Soft Powder and Finding Margo. Susanne has recently completed a new book, which is with her new Agent at the Frankfurt Book Fair (fingers crossed!) and is at work on her sixth novel, while Finding Margo is to be re-printed. All this was followed by sandwiches and coffee back in the Library, or out on the terrace if wished – it was a beautiful day to enjoy a glorious view.  Best wishes to Susanne for her new book/s. ‘Independent Age’ can be contacted via independentage@hotmail.com. The beautiful German Shorthaired Pointer that was Best in Show at the Funday Sunday. TUESDAY BRIDGE CLUB The results for Tuesday 2nd October are as follows:  1st – Monica Murphy & Peter Humphries;  2nd – Nancy Downey & Patty Gavin;  3rd – John Roycroft & Eamon Murphy. REUNION A great night was had by everyone at the reunion of Cahir Riverside Youth Club in Cahir.  I have been asked to include the following: “It was great to meet everyone – it felt like we were back in time. We would especially like to thank Fiona Walsh and, of course, Patsy Cunningham, be cause only for them, this night would never have happened. They put a lot of time and effort into organising this night. Hopefully we will get together again in the near future”. On the same subject, Cahir Youth Club has asked for their thanks to be expressed for the presentation of €200 for the Club – again, special thanks to Fiona Walsh and Patsy Cunningham. MORE DISABLED PARKING REQUESTED Cllr Andy Moloney has asked the Area Manager to consider putting a Disabled Parking bay close to the Sensory Garden when they review the parking bays, that are a shambles at present. These areas need to painted with the bright blue colour, as used in other towns. The Councillor says that while the Sensory and Mobility Garden is there for all to enjoy and an excellent job is being done with the maintenance of it, it is the whole aspect of the disability and mobility features that make it special. A disability parking bay as close as possible to the Garden would be very beneficial to those using the area – apart from which it is common sense. The Sensory and Mobility Garden was opened last year, with the help of the Cahir Development Association and opens daily, free of charge to the public.  It is ideal for those who have been laid up for a period of time and can get used to the various surfaces and smells by visiting the Garden, which is on Church Street, Cahir, beside the Old VEC. SPOOKY DISPLAY Patricia Keating writes:  “Just a small note to say how very impressed I was that Hallowe’en has come in such a SPOOKY manner to Tom Hallinan’s Butchers Shop on Bridge Street. It has obviously taken thought and effort.  Well done Tom, it certainly put a smile on my face, especially THE HAND in the spuds and the SWORD.” Of course, I now have to go and have a look – it is great when special care is taken for special occasions. A.G.M. The AGM of the Parents’ Association of Our Lady of Mercy Primary School is being held in the School on Thursday 18th October at 8pm.  All parents are urged to attend. HALLOWE’EN MARKET Lots are happening at the Marked on 27th October.  Clodagh McKenna and an RTE film crew will be there. A researcher from her show “Fresh from the Farmers Market” called in at the Market last week and was very impressed with the stall, with all the goodies on offer and with the atmosphere.  Clodagh’s visit coincides with the special Hallowe’en Market on that day.  There will also be live music, and face painting for the kids. The Cookie Jar stall is having a FREE cookie decorating area. Here the kids can choose a Hallowe’en themed cookie and decorate it themselves with icing and sweets and, best of all, eat it there and then or take it home. The Market is also having an Apple Tart Competition. Customers of the Market can enter this and it is sponsored by Con Traas. Application Forms are available at the Market and also at the Apple Farm. With the application form you will also get some free apples to help you make your tart. Bring your apple tart back to the Market on Saturday 27th for judging by our special guest.  So there are lots happening on this Bank Holiday Weekend. CAHIR & DISTRICT LADIES’ CLUB After Pat Coffey from The Honey Pot in Clonmel had cured members of all our illnesses, their AGM was held on Monday 8th October.  After 6 years as Treasurer, Catheri ne Walsh stood down.  She is wished all the best and everyone hopes she will continue as a member of the Club. She was excellent and it will be hard to follow her.  Ann O’Connell was elected as the new Treasurer, and the Committee Members are looking forward to working with her. The Chairperson, Trisha Brunnick, was asked to stay, as she has had a great first year, as was Sharon Cagney saying as Secretary.  Their next meeting is on Monday 22nd October, when they will be able to buy lovely things. The Galtee Inn has been booked for a meal at 7:30 on Friday 26th October. WHAT’S ON AT DUNESKE? That all-important mid-term break Schedule has been put together, and there is something for all ages.  There is a 3-day Rugby Camp for boys and girls from 8 to 13 years of age, on Tuesday 30th   October to Thursday 1st November from 11am to 2pm. The fab Hallowe’en Fancy Dress Party takes place on Hallowe’en Night 31st October from 5:30 to 7:30pm.  Two hours of fun, food, games and plenty of prizes to be won for 5 to 12 year old boys and girls. Finally, their Multi Activity Day Camp starts bright and early:  10am to 1pm on Friday 2nd November fore the fit boys and girls aged between 6 and 12.  It’s all go down at Duneske… Back by popular demand is our after-school Rugby and Boxing trainin g. Starting with Boxing at 3:30pm on November 5th for 7-13 year olds and Rugby at 3:30pm  on Tuesday 6th for 7-13 year olds.  Both will run every week, same day and time. Mary T O’Callaghan, in association with Duneske, is holding a 6-week Pamper Morning, beginning on 25th October at 11am. A fun-filled morning of pampering and relaxation. For further information contact Mary O’Callaghan on 087 832 1916. Interested in any of their mid-term break activities, booking an all-weather pitch or getting started in the gym? Then give them a ring on 052 45517 – they’d be delighted to help.  Remember, October is coming to a close, so to get a membership deal on selected memberships, please get in contact today. HSE EMBARGO BITES Councillor Seanie Lonergan has issued the following statement: The shortage of Occupational Therapists (OTs) in parts of the country is now so severe that people with mobility problems, seeking assistance, are having to wait for almost a year before their needs are even assessed. Bad and all as this is, there are already signs that the situation is now worsening because of the HSE embargo on the recruitment and replacement of staff. There was a national recruitment campaign for occupational therapists in the early part of this year. More than 180 applicants were interviewed and a panel of 150 was established. Most of these posts have never been appointed and are now on hold because of the recruitment embargo. His is the reality of the HSE recruitment embargo. Minister Harney can give endless interviews to Pat Kenny, saying that everything is fine and that patient care will not be affected by the embargo. The reality on the ground is very different. The reality is needless pain and suffering for elderly people and others with mobility problems. It is time that Minister Harney, the Taoiseach and the HSE recognise the impact that this embargo is having and that a review is ordered before any more suffering is caused. CAHIR MACRA This is a busy time at Cahir Macra:  they were Public Speaking last Friday 12th October, all the way in Boherlahan. Unfortunately, Cahir was pipped at the post once again this year, coming second. Well done to Ger, Leah and Thomas for another great effort this year. The Club is organising a number of events over the next few weeks:  they are heading into Clonmel bowling later this month;  the annual Macra Rally is being held in the Clonmel Park Hotel on the Bank Holiday weekend – much craic agus ceoil will be had over the weekend, with a casino night planned on the Friday, Lightening Strikes playing on the Saturday and a Banquet on the Sunday night; along with a number of trips and day events planned, members are gearing themselves up already for this mammoth weekend. If you fancy giving Cahir Macra a whirl and would like to find out more, contact 087 798 1213, CAMOGIE NOTES We have been traveling the highways and byways with the U 10 panel over the past few weeks and fortunately we have been blessed with unseasonably good weather for all our outings. We traveled to Drom in North Tipperary where our opponents were a formidable Burges team and while we were beaten on the day, it was very encouraging to see how the team played together and battled hard right up to the final whistle. A very kind invitation from the Annacarthy club to a Blitz they were hosting turned out to be a lovely morning with our girls playing against the home team, Moycarkey and HolyCross and coming away victorious in all games. We traveled to Drom once again last Saturday to take on the home team in another friendly game and the Cahir girls showed off their skill and ability to perfection with another victory. Some of our U9 girls also traveled with us on the day and played a fantastic game with Sophie Sheehan, Emma Quirke, Rebeka O Dwyer, Orla Cashman, Torie Downey, Jessica Coffey, Roisin McCarthy and Emily O Donovan along with a  little help from Emma O Donnell and Rachel Hennessey that saw them come away with a well deserved  draw after a fine goal from Emily. Again none of these games could go ahead without the help of the parents and  we are indebted for all your assistance  along the way. The U10 panel was as follows: Keeley Halpin, Caoimhe Hickey, Eadaoin O Gorman, Ciara Quinlan, Eileen Flannery, Sara Carroll, Katie Farrell, Roisin Howard, Roisin Costigan, Roisin O Donnell, Rachel Hennessey, Ashling Moloney, Siobhan Lonergan, Derbhla Buckley, Kirsty Arbuckle, Alina Newmeritisky, Aofie Corcoran, Laura Casey, Carl Casey, Grainne Quirke, Emma O Donnell, Megan Ward, Nicky Scrobat. The U14 panell were in NewInn on Sunday morning to play the home side. This team has not had many outings over the year but even so they put up a brave fight against a much stronger home side. And while they were being well beaten in the first half they held up their heads and scored a magnificent goal and point superbly taken by Aoife O Gorman in the second half. However this was not to be enough to out do New Inn, but they battled well and no more could be asked of any team. Four club members attended an indoor coaching session in Monroe on Thursday night last. This course was hosted by Moyle Rovers and was facilitated by Deirdre Murphy (Munster Camogie Development Co-ordinator) and Dinny Cahill of the GAA. We got some new ideas for training and are thankfull to Paudie Everard and all at Moyle Rovers for their kind invitation. CAHIR ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION The AGM for the Association will take place in the Catharine McAuley Room at 2:30pm on Wednesday 7th November. All members and interested people are welcome. Go For Life.  On Tuesday 9th Octobler, two members began the eight-week workshop for Physical Activity Leaders (PALs) at Cahir House Hotel. Sponsored by The National Programe for Sport and Physical Activity for Other People, this course will have immense value for all members.. [I have just noticed that PAL also stands for Prolongs Active Life. MC] CAHIR DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY LOTTO The Jackpot now stands at €3,700, as there was no winner last week. The five Lucky Dip winners were Monica Costigan, Mortlestown; Willie Delahunty, Loughloher; Olive Heffernan, Kilcommon Cross;  Hugh O’Donoghue, Shamrock Lounge; K O’Donoghue, Mountain View – all in Cagir. Tickets can be bought up to noon on Wednesdays from the Business & Training Centre. All the profits from the Community Lotto go to the Duneske Leisure Centre THE SQUARE Congratulations to all the business people around the Square, where the premises are looking great.  Irwin’s, in particular, with the old signage renewed and back in place, is a treat.  But where have all the litter bins gone? Perhaps the fountain would be less filthy if the bin was replaced there, as well as all the others that have been removed. READERS’ NEWS & VIEWS Keep them coming, please, to 10 Market Yard / 086 840 5020 or to the e-mail address above.  I would be grateful if those who send e-mails would increase the size of the type they use – you are giving me eye-strain!