CAHIR NOTES by Maureen Calvert LOST WEEKEND! I was really looking forward to all the events that took place last Friday - and then I got the ‘flu’. Luckily, Joe O’Sullivan and Joe Pryce were able to jump in and keep the bandwagon rolling - Joe O’Sullivan took pictures at the very well attended Senior Citizens’ party, and Joe Pryce was at the meeting which was held to support Mattie McGrath - his report appears elsewhere. So, apart from the fact that I am still looking forward to a meal at the new Italian restaurant at the Castle Court Hotel, pretty much everything was covered.  I am just glad that I had my ‘flu’ jab, or I would undoubtedly be feeling even worse.  Many thanks to my family and friends who have ensured that I lack for nothing.  A WALKING BUS IN CAHIR  That is the fascinating heading on a leaflet that I received last week, and it certainly ensured that I read on. Our Lady of Mercy Primary School and the Tipperary Energy Agency would like to create the first Walking Bus in County Tipperary. The aim of the Walking Bus is to reduce the number of cars in front of the schools and to encourage children to walk to school, where this is practicable. This would improve our environment and increase the safety in the school area.  Moreover, the Walking Bus is a safe, fun and healthy way to travel to school. The Walking Bus will start after the Easter holidays and will service Our Lady of Mercy Girls’ School and Cahir Boys’ School.  It will run every morning and will then be extended to mornings and evenings if the number of volunteers allows it. If you want your school to set up this new, safe and sustainable means of transport, you can be part of the project. The Walking Bus needs volunteers to walk with the children.   What is a Walking Bus?  The children walk to school in a group, along a set route, picking u p additional ‘passengers’ at specific ‘bus stops’ along the way. Each Walking Bus has an adult ‘Driver’ at the front and an adult ‘Conductor’ at the rear.  The bus runs rain or shine, and  everyone wears a reflective jacket.  Along the way, children can chat to their friends, learn valuable road safety skills and gain  some independence. There is a set ratio of adults to children - usually 1:8. The Walking Bus provides a chance for everyone to take part in regular exercise. Just a 15 minute journey to and from school can contribute to half the daily recommended exercise for children. Every journey made on foot helps to reduce the amount of traffic around schools, which will help reduce air pollution and improve our environment for everyone. If you would like to take part in the Walking Bus Project, whether to become a driver, a volunteer or to register your children, or if you want more information, don’t hesitate to contact your school or Karine Poisnel in the Tipperary Energy Agency - 052 43090. CONGRATULATIONS And best wishes to Olive Lang, née Cross, BSc, RGN RM MSc in Nursing on receiving a Master’s Degree in Midwifery at a recent conferring at University College, Cork. Olive is a past pupil of Cahir NS and the Convent of Mercy Schools.  She was a Midwife at St Finbar’s Hospital, Cork, a Teacher in the Nursing School and a Lecturer at University College Cork and is now employed in Nurse Training, Research and Development in the Southern Region of the HSE. CAHIR BOYS’ NS APPEAL The Parents’ Council and Mr Horan are writing to past pupils of the Boys’ National School, asking for donations to clear outstanding debts.  Please, if you get a letter, donate as much as you can. TIPPERARY ARSENAL SUPPORTERS’ CLUB Buoyed up by the great win over United, the Club will meet for another of their social events on Sunday 27th January at Carroll’s, Barrack Street. from 3:30 onwards.  This is to coincide with the live FA Cup tie game v Bolton Wanderers on Sky and the usual prizes will be given away on the day - a free trip and a cheque for €100. A bus will run from Clonmel and Tipperary and details can be obtained from Eddie in Clonmel on 086 315 8339 and Benny in Tipperary at 086 601 5037. MORE HAPPY ENDINGS I was delighted to hear from the owners of the black and white dog that I wrote about last week, letting me know that they had got him back from the kind people who contacted me. AND the little blind terrier that was brought to me in mid-December has gone to a loving home where his needs will be catered for.  He is a great little character and I know he will give a lot of pleasure to the kind person who has taken him. SUNDAY OPENING RE-INSTATED The River House is once more open on Sundays, which will be good news for all those who got in the habit of lunching there.  COLÁISTE NEWS   Irish Mathematical Olympiad. Six Coláiste Dún Iascaigh students have been invited to attend the training classes leading to participation in the Irish Mathematical Olympiad contest These classes are being held at the University of Limerick. At the end of the training sessions, a team of six mathematically talented Irish second level students will be selected to participate in the 2007 International Olympiad. Basketball - Coliste Students at All Ireland Play-offs. As winners of the South East Region, the Coláiste Girls u-16 Basketball team took part in the All Ireland Play-offs, which were held in the Canon Hayes Centre, Tipperary town on 12th January.  Teams from four regions took part and Presentation College, Dingle and Castleknock College, Dublin took part in the Cahir team’s section.  The first match was against Dingle. Cahir started well and were fourteen points up at half time.  The second half saw a comeback by Dingle with a change of tactics from them and too many unforced errors by Cahir.  At the final whistle Cahir held on by a point. In the second match, Cahir struggled to keep up with Castleknock, whose No 10 had an outstanding game, scoring baskets from everywhere.  At half time Cahir were 16 points down.  Terrific defending and hand work by Cahir reduced the margin to give points by the end of the third quarter. However, Cahir could not maintain this intensity and with tired legs came more mistakes. The final score was Cahir 35 points - Castleknock 45 points. Overall it was a very good season for the u-16 girls, who won 8 out of 10 matches and reached the All Ireland Quarters.   A POEM FOR JANUARY Many thanks to Bill Parfrey, who sent me the following. ‘Twas the month after Christmas and all through the house Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse. The stuffing I’d nibbled, the turkey I’d tasted The yummies I’d eaten gone straight to my waist. The wine and mince pies, The bread and the cheese I should have just said, “No thank you, please.” So as I dressed myself in my boyfriend’s old shirt, I couldn’t believe my bottom and belly - the girth! I said to myself, as only I can, “You can’t spend the year disguised as a man!” So away with the last of the sour-cream dip, Get rid of the fruitcake, every cracker and chip. Every last bit of food that I like must be banished ‘Til all the additional ounces have vanished. I won’t have a cookie, not even a lick. Instead I’ll chew on a long celery stick. I won’t have Irish coffees, or chocolates, or pie, I’ll munch on a carrot and quietly I’ll cry: I’m hungry, I’m lonesome, and life is a bore - But isn’t that was January’s for? Unable to giggle, no longer a riot, Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!   The Inch Field on a cold January day For those who are affected by this poem, you can ring the special diet helpline on the following number:  808080028 (Ate nothing, ate nothing, ate nothing, nothing to ate)! CAHIR DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY LOTTO With no winner in last week’s draw, the Jackpot is standing at €2,350 this week.  The numbers drawn, witnessed by Joan Loughman, were 12, 18, 23, 24 and the five Lucky Dip winners, each of whom received €30, were:  Michael Nugent, Castle Arms;  Michael Power, Rosemount Heights; Tim Shanahan, Ramcats Lane; P Butler, Pearse Street, Lily O’Dwyer, Mountain Road. Tickets can be purchased from the Business & Training Centre up to the last minute, which is noon on Wednesday.  All the profits from the Community Lotto go to the Duneske Leisure Complex. CAHIR ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION The results of the Progressive 25 Card Game held on Friday 19th January are as follows: 1st with 14 Games:  Breeda Ryan, Rena O’Gorman.  2nd, 13 Games:  Joe Ahern, Michael Phelan. The Lucky Table winners were Mary & Ellie Whelan, Peg Reidy and Kitty Slattery and the Raffle winners were Mary English (Barnora) and Ellie Whelan. The next game will be on Friday 26th January at 8pm and all are very welcome.  Many thanks to all for supporting this enjoyable social event. POULMUCKA & DISTRICT PLOUGHING ASSOCIATION Readers are asked to note that there is a change of venue for the Annual Dinner Dance, which will take place on Saturday 3rd February at the Clonmel Park Hotel, Poppyfields.  Dinner is at 8:30pm and tickets are available from any Committee member. Ploughing matches staqrted on Sunday 21st January at Danesfort, Kilkenny.  Three members of the Club competed - John  Casey and Mark Hally viewed the ploughing. In spite of being a showery, cold day, there was a high standard of ploughing and good results were achieved:  Gerard O’Meara  under 28 (? can’t read) 1st Place;  John O’Brien Snr, Vintage, 1st Place;  John O’Brien Jnr under 21 2nd Place. In the coming weeks ploughing matches will be taking place in Carlow, Wexford, Laois, Cork West, Kilkenny, Offaly and members are encouraged to take part. WHAT’S ON AT DUNESKE? Everyone at Duneske has had a brilliant week - they have seen so many new and eager people, ready to add well-being to their list of priorities this year. There are some amazing activities and classes to help you keep your good intentions. The Weight Management Clinic started with an information session on Monday night.  It is still not too late to join in, as you can do so at any time.  This is a new concept in weight loss.  They are there to dispel the myths you have regarding weight and losing it.  It is a motivational club that puts you in the driving seat by giving you all the information needed. A Personal Trainer Service will be offered free of charge to each member and a weekly meeting offers monitoring and support, with some amazing workouts for you at every session.  Contact Mark for more details. Salsa started, and wow! what a bevy of dancers did it turn up.  Everyone really enjoyed themselves and truly sizzled.  There are one ore two places left for this Thursday night, so contact Duneske straight away. Soccer for kids is on every Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Simply pop down if you are between 6 and 12 years and join in on a great game.  It is a terrific way to meet new friends and you can enjoy the facility for only €2 per person for the hour.  It’s like an afternoon soccer gang.  Boys and girls are all welcome between 2:30 and 3:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Remember, Duneske is your facility, to let them know if there is something you would like to have put on for you.  Telephone 052 45517 for all your enquiries and bookings. CAHIR FLOWER & GARDEN CLUB The Club will hold its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 31st January at 8 pm in the Catherine McAuley Room at the Day Care Centre. Old and new members will be most welcome.