CAHIR NOTES  CAHIR LIONS FASHION SHOW The third annual Fashion Show organized by Cahir Lions, in aid of local charities and Children At Risk in Ireland (CARI), took place last Thursday in Cahir House Hotel.  The fundraiser was held in association with Tipperary Mineral Water and South Tipp Today. The well-attended show started with a Champagne Reception, and featured many local fashion outlets, that showed their clothing, footwear and accessories. The models, male and female, were also locals, several of them treading t he catwalk for the first time. As well as the show, there was a good display of stalls from local businesses in the Garden Room.  These included Seanie Lonergan’s beautiful photographs printed on canvas.  It was sad that there was no stand from Interior Concepts, and I join with all the Prendergast’s friends in wishing Mrs Prendergast a return to good health. The MC for the night was Lions member Gerry Duffy, who thanked the models and Goldstar Productions, who provided the stage, sound and lighting and music, and in particular Don Andrews for providing his professional commentary. It was a fast-moving show, with displays of casual, evening and bridal wear, and even night attire!  There were many glamorous ladies and gentlemen to be seen, including Andy Moloney, who modeled for Sheehan’s, and Mattie McGrath TD – as father-of-the-bride? Anyway, it was all great fun, and the very young models wearing bridesmaid dresses are to be congratulated, as they were highly professional. The Best Dressed Lady was won by Aileen Cashman, and the runner-up was Marcella Sheehy, both of whom were presented with items of jewellery by Jacqueline Mullen. The proceeds from the night will go towards Lions projects, including the annual Senior Citizens Holiday, and donations will go to CARI, Cahir Outreach (Chernobyl) Group, Cahir Meals on Wheels and the South Tipperary Hospice.  Anne Byrnes of CARI outlined the work of the organization in helping victims of child abuse in this country. Jacqueline Mullen, President of Cahir & District Lions, wishes to thank the management and staff of Cahir House Hotel for providing the venue and for their assistance on the night.  Thanks also to all of the exhibitors and advertisers, and to all of the models for giving their time so freely.  Special thanks to all Lions members and volunteers for making the fashion show such a huge success. The next main fundraiser put on by the Lions will be a special Dinner Theatre next February, also in Cahir House Hotel.  The monthly meeting of Cahir Lions will be on Monday 10th December at 8:30pm – again, in Cahir House. On a personal note, I would like to thank Jackie for the very nice necklace with which she presented me, for coaching some of the models.  Also, I was complimented on my outfit that night, several people saying that I should have been selected as the Best Dressed Lady.  Although I don’t agree with this, the two-piece is very nice, and I think it should be known that I got it for a very small sum of money from Mrs Quinn’s! FAIR PLAY, NOT CHARITY On Monday 5th November a joint  meeting took place in the Convent in Cahir of towns in South Tipperary that are hoping to become Fairtrade towns.  There were members from the flourishing Thurles Fairtrade Committee present, who were able to share their expertise and enthusiasm with people from Cahir, Carrick-on-Suir, Cashel, Clonmel and Tipperary.  The ensuing brainstorming was found to be most helpful by everyone present. It is very much hoped that by the time Fairtrade Fortnight comes around again – from 25th February to 9th March – Cahir will be an official Fairtrade Town.  If not, it won’t be for want of trying. It was interesting to learn from the joint meeting that both Bewlays and Nescafe sell Fairtrade products, so the general public can make an immediate impact by asking for these instead of the more usually available items. As was pointed out on the night, the producers of Fairtrade products are looking for fair play, not charity. WORLD PREMIER This week, from Thursday 15th to Saturday 17th November, the World Premier of John McCarthy’s play “Mulcahy Park” can be seen at the Main Guard in Clonmel.  John teaches English and Irish at the Colaiste Dun Iascaigh and one of the actors in the piece is from Cahir – Marie Morrissey. All the tickets for Thursday night have  been sold, but it is still possible to get in on Friday or Saturday. Tickets are available from Marian’s in Clonmel or at the door. Best wishes John – I’m one of the lucky ones who will be there on Thursday to cheer you on. NATIONAL PRIDE OF PLACE AWARDS The National Pride of Place Awards took place in Westport at the weekend and South Tipperary County Council had entered Cahir Development Association in a category for a Town with a population of 2000 - 5000. This competition is all about acknowledging, in a meaningful manner, the fantastic, selfless work being done by people in communities all over the island of Ireland.  It is in recognition of the work being done to create communities for tomorrow while respecting the heritage and culture of the past. Chairman of the Cahir Development Association, Andy Moloney, represented the group at the awards said that it is in recognition of the work being done to create caring,viable,vibrant and visible communities. It is also about giving local authorities an opportunity to participate in the heart of their communities because they recognise they have a responsibility to do so, in addition to providing essential services,to build communities. Cahir Development was nominated by the local authority for its achievements in building the Childcare Centre, which offers full day care for 84 children; providing IT training to all in its Business & Training Centre; by offering incubation space to to new businesses and a variety of other environmental projects such as the Sensory and Mobility Garden and their involvement in the Duneske Sports & Leisure Centre, in partnership with Cahir GAA and local Colaiste dun Iascaigh. Mr Moloney said that he was honoured to have the Association nominated but was disapointed not to have picked up an award, especially for the huge numbers of people who had put time and money into many of these projects. He said that Cahir Development  had reached new heights by its nomination in this competition, which, incidently, was won by Westport, and vowed that now,with a staff number of 50, they would be back next year to try claim the top spot. While wearing his Councillors hat, Cllr Moloney congratulated Emly on winning the areas with 500-1000 category and the award was collected by Sharon Heffernan plus a cheque of EUR500 and also to Spafield Family Resource Centre, Cashel who won a special award for Social Inclusion. County Chairman Mr John Fahey was also on hand to accept the awards for the communities and the council to boot. HEALING SERVICE Janice Corrig of RTE’s “Would You Believe” will hold a Service of Healing in Clogheen Church on Sunday 18th November at 3pm.  Please tell your friends and neighbours, who may be interested in attending. TUESDAY NIGHT BRIDGE CLUB The results for 30th October are as follows:  1st – Kay Fox & Patty Gavin;  2nd Monica Murphy & Breid Roycroft; 3rd Bride Kennedy & Danny Condon. MRS QUINN’S CHRISTMAS RAFFLE This generous and very popular annual Raffle is now “on”.  Prizes are still rolling in, but I can say that the very generous First Prize is 2 Nights B&B and an Evening Meal for Two at the Ballykisteen Hotel and Golf Resort, Limerick Junction. When a full list of prizes is available, I will let readers know. WELCOME TO THE MASSAGE HUT It was very interesting to meet John Campbell, who is one of the partners in this intriguingly- named business.  First of all, that name:  it has come about because the partners in The Massage Hut have built a log cabin in their lovely garden, where clients will be treated in a very relaxing and soothing atmosphere.  However, John also goes to clients’ homes if required, taking his special table with him. The Massage Hut offers Holistic Massage that sets out to relieve those nagging aches, pains and tensions of modern life via Full Body massage;  Back Massage;  Head & Neck Massage; Foot Massage and/or Reflexology. Talking to John about how one’s posture can affect one’s health and well-being, I realised that he has an in-depth understanding of how the human body works and the stresses that one puts upon it.  This business, located in Tubrid, will be a great addition to our lives.  Telephone 085 769 7211 for more information, to book a talk (Clubs please note) or to make an appointment. WHERE HAVE ALL THE WILD SWANS GONE? I have just (Monday afternoon) had a telephone call about the disappearance of the Swan family that lived in the lake by Lakeview Drive.  There was an adult pair and seven cygnets. However, in the last few days the female and the cygnets have vanished completely, and the male was left looking for them. As I am sure most readers know, swans mate for life. Now the male is gone too, and people in the area are afraid that they have all been caught and eaten, although of course there is no proof. I understand that there are those who bait a hook with bread and catch them that way – which is an exceptionally nasty thought. I do hope that I am wrong. KNOCKGRAFFON OPEN COURSING CLUB – QUIRKE CUP The KOCC will begin the Coursing Season with the running of the Quirke Cup, presented and sponsored by the Quirke family in honour of their father, the late Jimmy Quirke. This will be an 8-dog Stake, and entries should go to the Secretary, Seamus Quirke on 052 35231 or 086 212 6849. The Draw will take place in Ballingeary School on Friday 23rd November at 9pm. Mass for deceased members of the Club will be held in S5t Michael’s Church, Clerihan, on Friday 7th December at 7:30pm.  All are welcome. EUROSTAR Another fantastic night’s entertainment was enjoyed by a big crowd at The Hill Bar last Saturday.  New on the scene were Cahir’s new boy band South Light and a take on Riverdance from Mattie McGrath. As yet I haven’t received the names of those who go on to the Final, which will take place this coming Saturday.  Anyway, it is obviously not a night to be missed!  Well done to the Carrolls. CAHIR ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION  There was a large attendance at the Association’s AGM that was held in the Catherine McAuley Room on Wednesday 7th November. A vote of thanks was extended to all the Committee members and all who were returned to the Committee.  New member Lexie Sheehan was welcomed. The year 2008 will be an exciting year for the Association. Plans are now being hatched for holiday breaks and outings for the year. A holiday abroad has been carefully considered and members are looking at various fascinating destinations. On Wednesday 5th December, the Annual Christmas Lunch will take place art 2pm followed by music and dancing, providing an opportunity to meet friends and enjoy the festivities. The results of the card games for Friday 9th November are as follows: 1st, with 9 games – Anne Hanrahan and partner; Joint 2nd with 8 games – Kieran O’Brien, Red Burke, Tim Fitzgerald, Mary English, Breeda Ryan, Rena O’Connor.  The Lucky Table was won by Kitty Slattery, Peg Reidy, Dave White and Willie O’Neil, and the Raffle by Kitty Slattery and Kieran O’Brien. The Next game will take place this Fri8day and as always, all are welcome to enjoy this friendly gathering, followed by refreshments. CHECK THEIR BAGS! This is a plea from the Colaiste, as the Newsletter will be going home in students’ school bags soon, and could well remain there if parents don’t check! CAHIR & DISTRICT LADIES’ CLUBS The ladies will be meeting at the Duneske Leisure Centre at 8:30 on Monday 19th November, where they will be having a tour and a talk about the facilities and classes available there. Will members please take €25 with them to pay for the annual insurance. This has increased, due to the small numbers of people now attending the Club.  If anyone has not paid their deposit for the Christmas Shopping trip to Blanchardstown on 9th December, please bring this as well.  The Committee will also collect the regular €4 to get some funds into the Club.  Anyone interested in going on the Shopping Trip who has not been attending, please contact Trishs Brunnick so that she can add you to the list. MISSING & MUCH MISSED Toby, a lovely Dalmatian cross, has been missing from his home in the Kilmoyler area for eight days now.  His owners have done everything possible to trace him and no one has seen hide nor hair of Toby in this time.  He is ten years old, is nervous and barks a lot, but is a very friendly family pet. A REWARD IS OFFERED. Even if someone has seen his body, his owners would like to know. Being left in the dark is the worst. Please contact Emily on 087 640 8826 or 052 41378. CAHIR CHORAL SOCIETY I am happy to report that practices are now well-attended and, as always, very enjoyable. However, we still need more Tenors, Basses and Altos. Cahir Choral is taking part in the Joint Choirs celebration of Christmas in Clogheen in December, when it is expected that there will be about 100 voices, conducted by Sister Josephine.  She was with us in New Haven last week and it is always interesting to get another individual’s “take” on different pieces of music. So if you want to add an extra something to your Christmas, come along to New Haven for the next practice this Friday night at 8pm. You can telephone our Musical Director, Maureen Ahern, for more information if you wish:  052 41508. As well as the commitment in Clogheen, we will be singing in Brown Thomas in Limerick to raise funds for charity; and on the afternoon of the first Sunday after Christmas (New Year’s Eve) we will give the usual free concert in St Mary’s here in Cahir, which is gaining in popularity all the time.  I have no doubt that Maureen has other plans up her sleeve, which will add to the seasonal spirit. New members will be made most welcome! P.E. IS  CRUCIAL Physical Education must be given the prominence it serves in our Primary School, Labour Party Councillor Seanie Lonergan has said. “According to figures reported in the media recently, the amount of time children in Irish primary schools spend on PE is unacceptable low when compared to the rest of Europe. What’s more, we know from previous reports that in some primary schools PE is not taught at all, primarily because of the lack of facilities.  “When is Minister Mary Hanafin, in particular, going to wake up to this major problem? Lack of time, resources and a culture of placing sport and fitness outside the general curriculum all contribute to Irish schools allocating much less time to PE than other European countries.” According to Cllr Lonergan, “Physical Education has become the poor relation in many schools. In recent years the Department of Education has advised schools to convert sports halls into classrooms. That attitude simply has to end”. CAHIR DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY LOTTO The Jackpot total for this week has reached €4,300. The five Lucky Dip winners last week, each of whom received €30, were:  Michael Farrell, c/o0 Tom O’Donnell’s; Ann Marie Grant, Beechpark; Denny Whelan, Birchdale; Mary Moloney, c/o Moloney’s, Poulmucka;  Pat English, Council Offices, Cahir. The numbers drawn, witnessed by Peter Fahey, were:  4, 54, 21 and 22. Tickets are on sale up to noon (the last minute) on Wednesdays, and all profits go to the Duneske Leisure Complex. POULMUCKA SPORTS & LEISURE CLUB Members wish to extend their sympathy to the family of the late Frank Curran of Elm Park, Clonmel. Bhi uaisleacht meoin agus aigne pearsantacht sheimh agus cneastacht croi ag baint le Frank. Ar dheis De go raibh an anam. READERS’ NEWS & VIEWS I am always glad to hear from readers, either at 10 Market Drive, on 086 850 4020 or at the e-mail address above.