CAHIR CHRISTMAS SPECIAL SPECIAL BOOKS MAKE SPECIAL PRESENTS Just to end any possible confusion, two local people have got reprints, in one case, and a new soft-back edition, on the other, on the market for Christmas.  Both of them would make wonderful presents. Paul Buckley’s lovely collection of old photographs, with his own pithy prose, is available once more in hardback at Sampsons.  This book is called “Cahir – A Photographic Introduction”. I gave a copy to my son last year, as he loves the town, and he was really thrilled with it. Dr David Butler’s acclaimed “South Tipperary, 1570 – 1841” is available now in paperback at all good book shops, for €27.50. This was the “2005 Tipperariana Book of the Year. CONGRATULATIONS, JOHN I was lucky enough to be invited to the World Premiere of John McCarthy’s “Mulcahy Park”, which took place in the Old Guard, Clonmel on 15th November. John teaches English and Irish at the Colaiste Dun Iascaigh, and I hope many of his students saw this production, which was so very good. In essence, there were six monologues, preceded and closed with superb sean nos singing by Fiona George.  However, the monologues were so colourful that, with occasional comments coming from “off stage”, there seemed to be a host of characters involved. The six characters were:  a recently bereaved widow; a returning emigrant; an abused woman; a mother who has lost her son to suicide; a young man who has killed his father and a young pregnant girl. Some of these, obviously, were quite dark. The abused woman, for instance, is now a winner, having dealt with what happened and moved on, stronger and happy.  The young pregnant girl, so well brought to life by Cahir’s Marie Morrissey, was unbelievably touching and tender – what a lucky child to have such a mother, even if it is going to be sent to a Gael Scoil! The whole cast was outstanding, and had obviously rehearsed very hard.  I do hope there will be another chance for local audiences to see this play.  Many thanks to the Clonmel Theatre Guild for the opportunity. For those of you who like the idea of Christmas Pudding, but don’t like or eat suet, here is a recipe my son uses, which makes a lovely pud, not too heavy and rich. Ingredients: 4 oz sultanas,  4 oz raisins,  4 oz dates,  2 oz dried apricots, chopped,  2 oz dried figs, chopped,  4 oz finely grated carrots, 2 oz split almonds, chopped,  Grated rind of one lemon, 4 oz wholemeal breadcrumbs, 2 tsp mixed spice, 1 tbsp molasses, 2 free range eggs, 1 tbsp brandy, rum or orange juice.  ¼ pint skimmed milk. Method: Grease a 2lb pudding basin. Place the dried fruit, chopped nuts, carrot, lemon rind, breadcrumbs and spice in a large mixing bowl and mix well. Beat together the molasses, eggs, milk and brandy and stir together into the dry ingredients. Mix well and pile into the prepared basin. Press down well and smooth the top. Cover securely and either steam for 6 hours or cook in a pressure cooker by steaming for 30 minutes and then cooking under 15lb pressure for 2 ¼ hours.  The pudding will keep well and to reheat, steam for 2 hours or microwave for 4 minutes, leaving to stand for 5 minutes.   TRANSITION YEAR 07/08, Colaiste Due Iascaigh By Erin Grant and Kate Flynn This year started with a group of students who honestly didn’t ‘click’ as one group. They stuck with the groups in which they felt secure and backed away from others, or gave the occasional awkward smile.  Little did they know, that (situated miles away from civilisation!), a stressful row around a huge lake bond this group into one. This was the Transition Year trip to Russagh Mill Adventure Centre, in Skibereen, Co Cork on Thursday 11th October. This challenging experience contained many unusual and interesting activities such as Archer, Abseiling, Rock Climbing, Kayaking and Raft Building. That night the students walked into the local town to the shops to gather a huge feast. On return, they sang songs in the dark and stayed up talking for most of the night, only to be dragged up at 8am on Friday morning to row around the lake! The trip was an amazing experience with loads of lovely memories that will last a lifetime. The Transition Year students in the Colaiste have participated in and will participate in many other events and outings. On Thursday 4th Octoboer, Mr Ronan Mugan, a practicing barrister, came to the school for the day and covered different aspects of law. He gave the students the opportunity to stage their own mock trial in the classroom. It is planned that this will be followed up with a visit to the Four Courts and entry into the National Mock Trial Competition. The students are learning to speak out and state their opinions in public, with the Youth Leadership Programme. This is led by Sgt Peter Butler and aims to get each student involved in public speaking which, in the future, will be very useful. Following this, the TY class will hold their own Youth Awards Evening early next year. Colaiste Dun Iasciagh is, like most secondary schools, always busy. The introduction of CDI News, our newsletter, is a massive help to students, teachers and staff and also to the people of the local community. Now we know all the up and coming events and all the achievements associated with the College. The first issue was produced by Sarah Keating, Erin Gr;ant, Kate Flynn and Shauna Peters. It was an excellent success, thanks to the guidance of Mr John McCarthy. The school is becoming involved in Fair Trade, as a result of Mr Jim Trehy’s visit to the class. Kate Cosgrave and Aoife Willia ms volunteered to attend the local meetings on behalf of the school. Maureen Calvert, a local journalist, visited the school on Thursday 15th November and gave an excellent talk on a career in journalism. This was enjoyed by all. On Friday 26th October, Rachel Burke, Kate Flynn, Erin Grant and Mary Murphy traveled to Ballykisteen Hotel, Tipperary, for the launch of the new Community Alert Prgranne by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr Brian Lenihan TD.  The Minister was very happy to see the Colaiste’s pupils attending the talk and he took time out to meet with and speak to each student. The TY Class also received an invitation to the Dail. Rod safety is a major issue today and last year’s TY and LCA students designed a wonderful sign which h can be seen all over South Tipperary roads. This year we are designing a signs relating to driver fatigue. Another activity is Ballroom Dancing. Honestly, at first everyone cringed at the idea, but once they had participated it became an event to which everyone looked forward each week. Mai Murphy was the dance teacher and she did an excellent job! Colaiste Dun Iascaigh is becoming involved in the task of earning a Green Flag. This movement is led by Mr S O’Brien and the TY students.  It is a hard tasks, but with everyone’s co-operation the school should, hopefully, receive it in the future. One of our English teachers, Mr J McCarthy, brought in two actors from his play “Mulcahy Park” to perform their pieces for us. It was very interesting and well written and we thank Mr McCarthy for giving us the chance to experience this work of art. On Thursday 13th December, the TY class will be learning about how to establish their own small enterprises for Market Day. They will participate in the selling and making of new items. We hope it will be a success because the class is working very hard at it. Also the group instructed by Mr Martin Quinn will be producing their own radio programme, which will be aired in the week before Christmas. We are learning useful self defense skills from a kick boxing teacher in Duneske. This was organized by Ms M Delaney and Mr S Ronayne. Our Home Economics teachers, Ms MJ O’Shea and Mrs M O’Mahoney, took our TY class and other senior students to the Ideal Home Exhibition in the RDS on Thursday 25th Octotober. It was a long day, but we all enjoyed ourselves, especially our time shopping, beforehand, in Dundrum Shopping Centre! Our class has been fundraising for numerous charities this year and we are all very happy to do it. On 27th September, some students collected outside the Lazy Bean Café , The Square, Cahir, for the Rape Crisis Centre. On 28th October some of our class-mates packed bags in SuperValu in aid of Chernobyl.  On that same day, other students collected for the Telethon People in Need, by collecting money from passing motorists. These students were very dedicated to the job, as they stood there through the wind and rain, collecting money from the sympathetic driver.. Then on 16th November we collected for the Irish Wheelchair Association by selling Angel Face badges in the school and in numerous places throughout the town.  On 22nd and 23rd there will be a collection for the Rehab Foundation and we hope to make just as much money as other successful fundraisers. Besides collecting for charity, our class will be participating in some interesting competitions. Ms M O’Shea and Mrs M O’Mahoney have arranged that we will be taking part in Agri Aware’s “Our Food – Your Way” Healthy Eating Challenge supported by Bord Bia. We will be hoping to leave this competition with a new knowledge of Home Economics. Our class is also taking part in the “Power of One” campaign to encourage people to become aware of the small changes they can make to reduce the energy they use and their impact on the environment. On Friday 9th November we received a visit from a representative of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to talk to us about this campaign. Also, another competition in which we expect to take part is the Student Investment Challenge, hopefully after Christmas. Another event to which our class is looking forward this year is the Joint TY Walk in which we will get to meet other TY students in the area. We expect it to be a good experience and hopefully we will leave it with new friends from other schools. But Transition Year isn’t all fun and making friends. It is also a chance to think about our futures. TY gives us the chance to go on work experience to help us in our career decisions. We will be goi ng this from 25th February to 7th March. Two students in our class, John O’Reilly and Jason Sullivan, will be doing their work experience in RTE, which is a fantastic opportunity for them. We wish them the best of luck. Already this year we have taken part in numerous activities and we have many more planned for the New Year. Some of these include First Aid, Self Defense, Drama, Safe Pass and some more trips (which we are always happy to go on!) We are learning so much as we are all having a great time, which is a bonus! Our whole class is very grateful to Miss J Trehy, our TY Co-ordinator) for putting so much hard work into organising everything for our class. We have enjoyed our year so far and we look forward to our year ahead. U.15 CHAMPIONSHIP COLAISTE DUN IASCAIGH V's NEWPORT An impressive first half display ensured that Colaiste progressed to the semi-final stage of this competition. Led by captain Tommy Sweeney, Colaiste lead at the half-time interval by 2-4 to 0-0. This was due to some fine individual scores from Sweeney at centre forward and full forward Owen Lambert. In defense with the half back line of Oisin Flynn, Owen Donaghy and Ciaran Nugent in dominant mood their opponents were kept scoreless for the first half. The second half saw Newport score two goals in quick succession, but were limited only a single point for the whole half. Colaiste responded quickly with points from Sweeney and Lambert. But the finest score of the match was taken by Dara O'Brien who, with the keeper baring down on him, scooped the ball over his head with the ball trickling over the line. In the end, despite two soft goals being conceded in the last five minutes, the final score saw Colaiste victorious on a scoreline of 4-9 to 4-1.   Team: Shane Reilly, Conor Casey, Brendan Walsh, Thomas Sampson, Oisin Flynn, Eoin Donaghy, Ciaran Nugent, Shane O'Donnell, Danny Morgan, Adam Finn, Thomas Sweeney, Sean Flynn, Gary Condon, Dara O'Brien. BOYS BASKETBALL Two teams travelled to Wexford town on Thursday 15th November to play the last game in their pool for the league. The first game started at 12.30 with the U.16 team first on the court. It was a tough game from the very beginning but the boys never gave up. Cahir fought hard during all four quarters but unfortunately it was not to be their day. Scorers for the team on the day were Eoin Lambert, Gareth Saunders, Michael Tobin, Jason Duggan and Cian Conlon Smith.   The U.19 team took to the court at 1.30 and it was a completely different game from the start. The team settled in very quickly and it wasn't long before Felix Finke scored the first basket. Cahir's defense was excellent from the very beginning and they kept the opposition off the scoreboard for two whole quarters. The boys worked really well together to pull off a fantastic victory. The final score was 52 to 15. Cahir scorers on the day were Felix Finke, Jim Costigan, Eric Rees, Cian Duggan, Brian Costigan and Shane Murphy. This win for the U.19's mean they have been undefeated so far in the season. Congratulations to the boys and well done to both teams for all the hard work that they have put in.   ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS NIGHT The annual Academic Achievement Awards night was held in Colaiste Dun Iascaigh on Friday 23rd November. Mr. Paul Butler, Vice-Principal, welcomed the students, parents, staff and special guests. The guest speaker for the evening was Mr. Brian Crowley M.E.P. Mrs. Finnegan Burke, College Principal, congratulated the students, parents and their teachers. The students were applauded for their academic achievements and the Principal expressed her pride in these students and also in those who have gone on to third level, PLC courses, and those who are pursuing apprenticeships. Ms. Marie O'Donnell, Chairperson of the Parents Council congratulated all the students. Mr. Liam Ahearne MCC, Chairperson of the Board of Management, congratulated the students, parents and teachers and applauded the striving for excellence in so many areas which is so much part of Colaiste Dun Iascaigh. He also paid tribute to Brian Crowley and spoke of his great contribution to Ireland and the E.U. Mr. Brian Crowley presented the awards. The award of Excellence in the Leaving Certificate 2007 went to Niamh McConigley. The award for Excellence in the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme went to Brian O'Dwyer. The award for best Overall Junior Certificate Result - Straight A's - went to Claire Keating. The Excellence in Junior Certificate awards went to Sean Myles, Mary Theresa Murphy and Joshua O'Brien. A number of awards were very kindly sponsored by teachers who have given years of service to education in Cahir: The Dan Green Pepetual Shield for excellence in History went to Nora Peters. Nora also received the Sisters of Mercy Award for best contribution to College life. The Gerry Grufferty Perpetual Shield award for excellence in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics & Physics went to Edmund Burke. The Sr. Cecilia Perpetual Shield for excellence in Music went to Marie Costigan, Cliona Keating, Alex Hayes and Ciaran Wootten. The Arthur O'Donnell Perpetual Shield for excellence in Engineering went to Eoin Casey. Awards for excellence in Technical Drawing Construction went to Aidan Saunders, Kevin McGrath, David Caplice, Amelia English and Shane Crowe. Awards for excellence in a Foreign Language/Languages went to Lelia Arndt. Award for excellence in Biology and Home Economics (Social and Scientific) went to Sinead Cronin. Awards were also given for the best students in each subject in First Year, Second Year and Fifth Year. The student who achieved outstanding results are: FIRST YEAR: Dean Buckley, Laura Ryan, Graham Hally, Maurice Casey,Aisling Kenny and David O'Donnell.   SECOND YEAR:Thomas Sampson, Aishling Condon, Michael Tobin, Sean Conlon Smith, Dean McGrath, David Glavin, William Hally, David Murphy, Adrian White.   FIFTH YEAR: Lisa Maire Dillon, Bernadette Doverman, John Murphy, Robert Sweeney. Mr Brian Crowley MEP gave the students very worthwhile and practical advice on using their gifts and encouraged them in the service of others. He highlighted their privileged position in receiving a good education, which gave them a voice in the world. He spoke of the richness and the diversity of their gifts and outlined the wonder of the world into which they are emerging.   The winners of the Dolores McGrath poetry competition and short story competitions Jamie Cleary, Lorraine McCormack, Caroline Keating and Katie Tobin were awarded their certificates.   Mr. Paul Butler closed the proceedings by thanking all those involved in the co-ordination of this very important occasion.  Pictures of some of the fantastic gowns shown at the recent Cahir Lions Club Fashion Show and a famous gentleman showing us he could have a new career!!!!                                                   Maureen Calvert’s PASSION FOR FASHION When I first arrived in Cahir there were three fashion shops, all in or near the Square. Others have come and gone, but these three remain, although Burke’s Fashions was bought by Patricia Ward in 1994 and is now Klassy Lady.  Of these three, the oldest is Sheehan’s, which is currently in the hands of the third generation of the family, represented by Johnny Sheehan. And then there is Rich Rags, around the corner in Castle Street, which Terry Leahy has owned for the last 30 years. Terry is renowned for her “Special Occasion” outfits, particularly for mothers of the brides, and people come to her from all over the South East and even further. Most of her stock is sourced in Germany. However, I have always particularly liked her classy and understated casual wear, which should appeal to a wide range of ages - say a sophisticated 20-something upwards.  Wonderful for racing, for instance, as many of  these outfits are my idea of what really is smart race-wear. Some of the Best Dressed Ladies I have seen would frighten the horses! Klassy Lady did not set out  to get a name for outfitting everyone for weddings, but somehow this seems to have happened. Again, the more casual outfits and the outstanding range of separates, shirts and sweaters should not be overlooked.  I am always attracted to their lovely coats, that manage to combine style with comfort - and look good for years. Not being a fashion victim, this is important to me. For Spring, Terry is buying in younger, still exclusive, ranges and Klassy Lady will be the only shop to have styles by Italian label Bagatelle. The windows here also display co-ordinated accessories from Interior Concepts, which helps buyers to imagine how the pieces they buy can be dressed up or down, according to their needs. The last of the trio is Sheehan’s, which supplies both men and women - at this time it is the only purveyor of men’s clothes in Cahir. Conservative ladies know that they can always find what they want there, but Sheehan’s does a lot more besides. There are always snappy outfits to be found, in interesting materials and colour-ways. The only drawback is that one has to keep an eye on what is coming in, as it goes out again almost as quickly.  Johnny Sheehan goes up to Dublin very regularly and comes back with a few nice pieces every time, so buyers be prepared!  At the recent Fashion Extravaganza put on by Cahir Lions, people in the audience expressed their surprise at the style and elegance that is available from Sheehans, alongside the warm and practical that is needed so badly in this neck of the woods. The most recently opened fashion boutique in town is Urban, across the bridge on the Tipperary Road. This is the only place in Cahir where girls and young women can find some of the things they crave, like wonderfully baggy trousers and all that goes with them. Teresa Flynn (who owns both this shop and the neighbouring Bia Blasta) provides much more besides, and finds that women of almost all ages are now her customers. Their colourful display on the catwalk at the recent Fashion Extravaganza proved to be very popular with the audience. Urban has lots of party gear and great casual wear, and most of their stock is sourced and made in Ireland. Deliveries come in weekly, so you can always find something new for the weekend. Also on show at the Fashion Extravaganza were the beautiful bridal bouquets by Sarah, of Sarah’s Flower Studio.  There has been a fashion sea-change as far as wedding flowers are concerned, and Sarah’s work typified all that is modern ... and suitable. But how things in Cahir have changed over the past twenty years or so. The fact that the town’s population has grown so spectacularly in recent years has encouraged new ventures and, thank heavens, there is now a shoe shop.  This is McMahon’s, in Castle Street, where shoes for all ages, all occasions and both sexes are to be found in abundance. The shop has already expanded once, and is about to do so again, so that their terrific range can be displayed to the best advantage. Of course, and particularly at this party time of year, accessories are very important, and I could almost say we are spoilt for choice.  As well as the obvious visits to Jewelers, and the range to be found in at least one Chemist, there is the wonderful Interior Concepts. Here are some gorgeous and inspiring accessories, lovely shoes and truly mad feathery concoctions. Luckily, customers are encouraged to browse as long as they like, as there really is a lot to take in. And on the way to Shoe Heaven, which has its own light and comfortable space at the back of the premises, you can pick up some amazing presents, many of which come as a pleasant surprise, price-wise. Almost opposite Interior Concepts is the beautiful Craft Granary, where you can find some lovely jewellery and wraps, all made in the South East, as well as superb knitwear. And, of course, all the other crafts that give the Granary its name. Without thinking about and working on one’s figure and complexion, the most beautiful clothes in the world would be wasted, and in most towns in Ireland, and certainly here in Cahir, help is on hand.  Starting with the Leisure Centre at Duneske, where state of the art equipment is allied to professional guidance, it is made as easy as possible, and as affordable as possible, to keep in shape. The Health & Beauty Spa at Cahir House Hotel has some wonderfully relaxing and reviving treatments (my favourite has to be the Hydro Bath), plus a small gym and a wide range of beauty treatments. Anne Downey Fitness is, I am sure, having a huge effect on the health and well-being of Cahir ladies - and others - and now we have The Massage Hut too, to ease aches and pains, increase vitality and improve posture. Elsewhere in Cahir, Lorna’s,. in Abbey Street, provides gorgeous facials and make-up and is the only Cahir business to use and sell Collin products. These are among my favourites, as they seem to keep ageing skin looking pretty good. Of course, they have a range for young skins, too. This is a great place to drop in and have a relaxing facial or a Hot Stone Massage. New kid on the block is Jean Flynn, who is opening “Serenity” in Barrack Street soon.  She will be giving facials and doing make-up using Laneche products and will have a St Tropez tanning booth.  Jean will also be giving Therapy Massages. Another new business, that focuses on the mental approach to weight loss, as well as the actual slimming process, is “Mind & Body Transformation”, run by Margaret Denmeade and Karen Murphy. Their mantra is “What matters is how you feel about yourself”. This Clinic provides individually tailored programmes, going into an individual’s eating habits, and what makes them feel comfortable..  After five sessions, clients will be able to understand themselves and what makes them tick, all of which will make actual weight loss so much easier. Low self-esteem is a factor that often has to be dealt with and this is where Margaret and Karen will be of great help. Cahir has two excellent Charity Shops:  Mrs. Quinn’s, on The Square and the St Vincent de Paul shop First Class Seconds, currently located in Barrack Street. However, I understand they are on the move to more spacious premises in the near future, which is richly deserved. As well as what I think of as basic clothing: trousers, skirts, sweaters and shirts, plus warm jackets and coats, both shops are well worth watching for some outstanding buys with designer labels. I am proud of the very smart outfits from both places that I have put together. The only sphere affecting the way we look that I have not touched upon is Hairdressing, as the choices are too many to cover here.  However, I will concentrate on cuts, styles and treatments in a later issue. My own nice haircut is achieved by a Polish friend.  Just think of the money I save, now that my hair is a presentable grey and no longer horrid salt-and-pepper, needing a fortune spent on it in colouring. In fact, colour is now the thing for all ages and can give one an enormous lift, and even a new personality. You have to love it. From time to time I will be visiting other towns in the area covered by South Tipp Today, doing an in-depth report on what is and is not available.  (What is not available in Cahir is a good range of ladies’ lingerie.  Help!)  Depending on what is seen on the catwalks of Europe, and any other factors that affect us all (the weather, for instance) I will cover seasonal fashions, sales, and new looks in beauty, among other things.  In fact, I plan to be self-indulgent and will see how the spirit moves me. I hope readers will enjoy the journey around the area and I would be delighted to hear from anyone with comments and/or information. Maureen Calvert can be contacted on 086 840 5020 or e-mailed to calvertmaureen@hotmail.com.