CAHIR NOTES SAVE CAHIR’S CHRISTMAS LIGHTS! Over the last few weeks, several mentions have been made of the monies needed to fund the annual Christmas lights, and that receipts were falling well short of what is required. Unfortunately, this is still the case, but at least there has been some improvement. I understand that although ®€7,000 has been collected, this still a shortfall of some €5,000. And this figure does not even take into account the repayment of the initial loan that was taken out to purchase the lights. This amounts to an additional €8,700 a year. Something has to give, and I am told that unless someone can come up with a method of funding the lights, we will be facing a dark Christmas on the streets of Cahir next year – not for the first time, and it is horrible. But Cahir Development cannot continue to fund this considerable shortfall. Back to this year, previous reports have suggested that the Traders and other business-people of Cahir have not been supportive of the efforts to raise these funds. As a considerable number of businesses in Cahir have contributed, it is only appropriate that they be thanked for their contribution, and a list of all those who contributed to the fund will appear in next week’s edition of South Tipp Today.  And, hopefully, someone can come up with a way of saving our Christmas Lights for this year. Of course, the Cheltenham Challenge will be organized again this year, and if plenty of people participate in this bit of racing fun, a good some of money could be raised for the Lights.  If readers recall, the winner of the top prize of €1,000 last year was the Caplice family, and it was neck-and-neck to the last, and only a couple of points in it at the line. Great stuff!  Joe Walsh has kindly offered the front office, next to the Lazy Bean, from which we can run the Challenge, for which we are most grateful (and are hoping that it isn’t let in the meantime!) TRIP TO SCARBOROUGH Returning to the subject of booking for this super trip, and making reservations, deposits are now being taken for the flights, so that best value can be assured. This is currently being firmed up, but potential travelers can rest assured that the most it will cost is €50, based on current prices. Similarly, the best value in Hotels is being tied down, but before this is done, an accurate number of rooms to be booked is needed.  The most it will cost is €85 per person per night in the centrally based Palm Court Hotel, but there are many cheaper options. There are two choices on this trip: leaving Tuesday 25th March and returning Saturday 29th March – a four day trip that will cost a maximum of €390 per person for flight and accommodation. Or, a shorter trip leaving on Thursday 27th March and returning on Saturday 29th – a two day drip that will cost a maximum of €210 per person for flight and accommodation. All interested parties should give their names and a €100 non-refundable deposit into the Enterprise Centre as soon as possible. It is hoped that flights and hotels will be confirmed by Monday next, 21st January. ROSEMOUNT AREA RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION There will be a meeting this Wednesday (publication day) at 8pm in the Shamrock Lounge. CAHIR FLOWER & GARDEN CLUB Wednesday 23rd January – Members of the Club are asked to attend Duneske Leisure Centre at 7pm sharp for a talk and tour by Amanda Fitzgerald. Friday 25th January – The bus leaves the Castle Car Park at 6:15pm for Dinner at Inch House at 8:30pm. All monies are to be paid before 25th. Wednesday 30th January – The Annual General Meeting of the Club will take place in the Catherine McAuley Room at 8pm. All members are asked to attend. CAHIR BUSINESS & TRAINING CENTRE The Centre is now taking names for the Spring programme of computer courses from Absolute Beginners to Advanced Computing. For all details, please ring Carmel on 052 43224 to secure your place, as the courses are filling up fast. The Enterprise Centre has an office unit for rent at a very competitive rate. The unit is totally independent and has broadband facilities. The user may also wish to avail of the secretarial services available at reception. For further information, please ring Helen Quirke on 052 43224. LOURDES PILGRIMAGE The Lourdes Invalid Committee would like to invite applications for a place on this year’s Pilgrimage to Lourdes, from 6th to 11th June. Names should be handed in to the Sacristy as soon as possible. WHAT’S ON AT DUNESKE? Let them help you to shed those extra few pounds and get back into shape after the Christmas season. Their class timetable will have something for everyone, but a must this January is Yoga, so go along and join in every Thursday night at 8pm in a calm, relaxing environment, surrounded by therapeutic music. Let yourself unwind and de-stress from the hassles of our hectic lifestyles. The full class schedule has resumed, so pick up a copy or give them a call for further details. It’s full steam ahead for the kids: Boxing every Monday and Rugby every Tuesday. If you have not got a copy of Duneske’s Newsletter, it would be worth your while to pop in and get one, as inside you’ll receive a voucher for a free use of the fantastic gymnasium and a 10% discount off your membership, but hurry up, because this offer expires without fail on 31st January. Don’t forget Martin Doyle, the top class sports injury therapist, and the arrival of The Massage Hut.  All enquiries to 052 45517. CAHIR ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION Here are the results for the cards of Friday 11th January:  Winners, with 10 games – Rupert Guiry, Nellie Burke, Breeda Ryan, Rena O’Connor, Bridget Condon, Mary English.  Lucky Table (19) Betty Collins, Anne Hanrahan (20) Ellie Whelan, Mary Whelan. The next game will take place this Friday at 8pm. All are welcome to enjoy a pleasant evening out at the Catherine McAuley Room. CAHIR DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY LOTTO As there was no Jackpot winner last week, the total going on to this week’s Jackpot is €1,300. Last week’s numbers, draw witnessed by Tom Burke, were: 10, 17, 18, 23. The five Lucky Dip winners, each of whom has received €30, were:  Leon McLoughlin, Woodview; Patricia & Deirdre, c/o Quirke’s Jewellers; John Sheehan, The Square; Tom O’;Neill, The Granary, Church Street – all in Cahir. Tickets can be bought up to the last minute – noon – from the Business & Training Centre. All the profits from the Community Lotto go to the Duneske Leisure Centre. COMMUNITY GAMES NEWS Gymnastics. The County Finals of the Community Games will take place this year at the Canon Hayes Centre, Tipperary, on Monday 5th May. Classes under the stewardship of Coaches Andrea and Gillian O’Keefe will begin in Our Lady of Mercy Girls’ National School on Saturday 26th January at 1pm. Potential competitors from all areas are welcome to attend. The classes are for everyone between 7 and 16 years of age, and boys and girls are welcome to attend. ALOE VERA PRODUCTS I have long been a fan of Aloe Vera, the plant. I keep one on my kitchen windowsill and use the sap liberally on burns, cuts and grazes. It not only eases pain, but promotes healing. And now there is a representative of a company making many varying products from this “wonder plant” (my description) in the area. I am currently using their toothpaste, and it too is wonderful. Denise Murray can be contacted on 058 60930 or 087 227 3737 and does great parties. She is lovely to meet and full of an infectious enthusiasm for the products she sells. STATEMENT BY CLLR SEANIE LONERGAN Figures released recently showing that Ireland’s food and drink exports increased by 5% or €414 million in 2007, is further evidence that this Government needs to focus on nurturing our indigenous food industry, according to Labour's Seanie Lonergan M.C.C Cllr. Lonergan said: “That figure represents an incredible rate of growth given the principal destinations for Brazilian beef imports in 2007 was the UK, the Netherlands and Italy all of which represent Ireland’s largest markets for prime beef. “The figures show that a staggering €8.62 billion of food and drink was exported last year representing a further 5 per cent growth on the record growth of 10 per cent in 2006, yet the food sector is still treated by this government as the poor relation of sectors such as construction, financial services or multi-nationals,” said Cllr Lonergan. “The recently published report into the future importance of the agri-food sector by economist Jim Power, clearly identified a need for government policy to become more focused on rural economic development, and for the agri-food industry to be given far greater priority, in an economy that is undergoing a significant transformation at present.” “Agriculture is not being given the respect it deserves. In fact so much so that it continues to slip down the government’s list of priorities, which absolutely beggars belief given the phenomenal growth of the sector, “Rapid change in policy is needed if this sector to realise its full potential and I am therefore calling on the relevant ministers to act now with a view to nurturing and developing the agri-food industry in Ireland." CAHIR CAMOGIE NOTES Cahir Camogie Club celebrated the end of 2007 and  the beginning of  2008 along with last years' U12 panel and their families in a lovely get- together in the GAA dressing rooms recently.   The occasion was the presentation of County League and Championship medals which this talented team have won over the last year. Chairman of the Club Billy Coffey welcomed all present and the Manager of the U12's for 07, Mary Howard, then addressed the crowd with a detailed run- down of the team's achievements over the past year.   Local girl and talented camogie player Alison Lonergan, who was part of the victorious Cashel camogie team that won last year's All Ireland Club Championship, was on hand to present the team with their medals. Indeed on the occasion of that Fina, Alison opened the scoring for Cashel with a superb point from play.   Before presenting the girls with their medals, she gave them a few words of wisdom and also noted that in fact she herself had won the very same League plaque when she captained the Cashel U12's in 2000.   First to receive her medals was Cahir Captain Emma Corcoran and she went on to call out her panel of 23 players who made up the squad for last year. Along with receiving their two medals, each player also received a training top to mark the fantastic achievement they notched up in the past twelve months.   Manager Mary along with trainers Michael Lonergan and Anthony Corcoran can be very proud of the way this team has advanced over the last year and indeed the Club acknowledges most sincerely the work that they have put in.  Thanks to all parents who helped out in any way to make the night such a success.   Indoor training resumes next Wednesday evening January 16th.             All in the club would like to send their best wishes for a fast and  speedy recovery to their fantastic Runaí - Gerardine Hickey CAHIR U`12 COUNTY C CHAMPIONSHIP and B LEAGUE  WINNERS for 2007: Front L - R:Emer Harris, Ashling Moloney, Emma Corcoran, Emma Buckley, Rachel Brehony, Kirsty Downey,          Caoimhe Hickey. Middle L- R: Mary Howard, Alina Newmeritiskya, Ciara Lonergan, Edel Lenihan, Emer Quinlan, Ashling McCarthy, Sadhbh O Donnell, Clara O Donnell, Alison Lonergan. Back L-R: Aoife Corcoran, Carol Casey, Roisin Howard, Niamh O Brien, Roisin Costigan. Rachel O Dwyer, Joye Arbuckle, Keely Halpin, Clare Kiely, Michael Lonergan MCGRATH WELCOMES THE 2008 SPORTS CAPITAL PROGRAMME Deputy Mattie McGrath in a statement today (Sunday 13th January), is pleased to welcome the announcement of the opening of the Sports Capital Programme round of grants for 2008. Deputy McGrath stated “This Programme is the Government's main support vehicle for the building and developing of sports facilities and the purchasing of sports equipment. Since 1998 the Programme has supported over 6,700 projects countrywide through funding of some €675 million” Under the 2008 Programme, proposals from sports organisations, clubs, community groups, VECs and Local Authorities for the development of sports facilities and/or the purchase of sports equipment will be considered for funding. “Special priority will be given to the development of facilities in disadvantaged areas in line with Government policy targeted at increasing participation in sport and physical recreation across all communities”, Deputy McGrath stated. During the 2007 Sports Capital Programme well over €2m in grant aid supported over 32 projects in South Tipperary. Deputy McGrath is urging all sports organisations, clubs, community groups, VEC’s and Local Authorities in South Tipperary/West Waterford who wish to apply for this grant to either contact his office for Application forms and Guidelines or go to www.dast.gov.ie. CLLR SEAMUS HEALY Cllr. Seamus Healy wishes to thank you all for your support during his recent illness. Thankfully he is now fully recovered and can be contacted on 087 2802199 or at the Clonmel Advice Centre, 56 Queen Street, Clonmel Tel: 052 21883, Fax: 052 70860. His Cahir Advice Clinic continues at 12 noon each Tuesday at Cahir House Hotel. CLLR ANY MOLONEY CALLS ON COUNCIL TO EXTEND LIBRARY SERVICE IN CAHIR Following the recent refusal to re-establish Court Services in Cahir, Cllr Andy Moloney has called on the Council to engage in talks with the County Librarian with a view to the refurbishment of the existing Library and the extension overhead, which would include an after-school facility and associated services. In reply to Councillor Moloney's motion, he has been advised that they will commence discussions with the County Librarian in relation to the improvement of Library services in Cahir. It is hoped that progress will be made in this regard in 2008. The Director Of Services for Cahir Town intends to discuss details in relation to this venture with the Cahir Area Members at the next Cahir Area Meeting. Cllr Moloney states that while the Court Services will be a loss to traders in the area, he is also adamant having an after-school facility in the town will lead to a more steady flow of business on a daily basis, rather than just 18 days a year as was happening with the court sittings. He feels that if people have the proper means to develop their educational skills and open opportunities for themselves, then there may not be such a demand for the court services in the area. He says that Cahir is being used as a commuter town by many, and such a facility would be used. KNOCKGRAFFON OPEN COURSING CLUB Vincent Scully Cup On Sunday last the Vincent Scully Memorial Cup, presented and sponsored by the Scully family, Mr. Pat Dalton, Golden; and Mr. Jack Ronan, Clonmel was won by Kildonogue Lilly and owned by The Gormanstown Syndicate and nominated by John Corbett who received the Phil O’ Dwyer Memorial Trophy for nominators.  The runner up was Rhuta Blue owned by The Solider On Syndicate and nominated by Lar Grimes. Lonergan Inter-Club Stake The Knockgraffon Open Cup and Lonergan Inter-Club Stake sponsored by Mr. David Lonergan, Tree Top Sheds and Kennels was won by The Other Gold from Clonmel & Dist club.  The runner up was Inis Mor from Knockgraffon Open Club. Paddy O’ Dwyer Memorial Stake & Dan Fortune Memorial Cup The Paddy O’ Dwyer Memorial Trophy for 8 dogs and the Dan Fortune Memorial Cup for Nominators will be held on Sunday next, 20th January.  Meet at Rathkeevan School at 12 noon. Draw Wet Time                 V              Party Angel Specific Detail         V             Andy’s Best Maughera Flair        V           Shocking Rose Lobnamna Rooster V           Clerihan Gypsy Reserves; Mooveen Ita; Mochican Sun Photo A)Eamonn Scully presents the Vincent Scully Cup to Cryril Lambert member of the Gormanstown Syndicate who's dog Kildonogue Lilly won this stake. Also Andy O' Dwyer presents the Phil O' Dwyer Memorial Nominators Trophy to winning Nominator John Corbett.  Also include in the photo are members of the Gormanstown Syndicate.   Photo B)David Lonergan, Tree Top Sheds & Kennels presents the Knockgraffon Open Cup & Lonergan Inter-Club Stake to Tony Smith winning owner of The Other Gold.  Also in photo are members of the Smith family.   READERS’ NEWS & VIEWS I am always pleased to receive information at 10 Market Yard / 085 840 5020 or at the e-mail number above.                                                         But please include a contact number when you drop something in to me – it saves me a lot of time looking it up if I can’t read                     writing, or have any sort of query.