CAHIR NOTES FAIR TRADE FORTNIGHT IN CAHIR The town of Cahir is well on the way to becoming a Fair Trade Town and, in order to explain further the benefits of buying Fair Trade coffee, the Fair Trade Committee in Cahir will host a visit from a Ugandan coffee producer on the afternoon of Friday 29th February. Nimrod Wambette comes from the Mount Elgon area of Uganda, an area which has always been famous for the quality of Arabica coffee produced there. He is a member of his local co-operative society of growers and is also a committee member of the umbrella co-operative which sells the bulk coffee to large wholesalers. So that he can explain more fully the benefits of Fair Trade branding for himself and his family and fellow producers, Nimrod will be present at the Cahir House Hotel from 3pm to 5pm on the afternoon of 29th February. All who are interested to meet Nimrod and to learn more about the advantages of buying Fair Trade products from the primary producers are most welcome to come along. There will, of course, be cups of (Fair Trade!) coffee available for all, too. 80s DISCO FOR CRUMLIN The response to the 80s Disco that is being organised by by the O’Connells has been so great that they have decided to sell tickets before the event. This will make it easier to get in to Cahir House Hotel on the night of 15th March. If you would like you purchase your tickets in advance, you can contact:  Fiona Walsh, Cahir, on 086 374 8778; Anne Marie O;Connell, Ardfinnan - 087 763 0917; Patsy Cunningham - 086 151 1853 and Abbe Cunningham, Cahir; Angela Shaw, Poulmucka. Your support for this worthy cause is greatly appreciated. Patsy sends his thanks to all the great Bingo players for their support. It was a great night, and the Hampers went down well, too. BUS SHELTERS Much has been written, over the years, about the provision of Bus Shelters in Cahir. However, after a recent request by Cllr Andy Moloney to Bus Eireann, he has been informed that Cahir will be surveyed this week, with regard to the suitability of seeking planning permission for the provision of Bus Shelters in the area. Cllr Moloney has informed local activist Micheál Nugent of the decision, and he too has welcomed the move. Even though Spring is approaching, it is to be hoped that something will be in place before next winter. ROSEMOUNT & AREA RESIDENTS’ MEETING The next meeting of this active group will take place this Wednesday, 20th February, at 8pm.  All are very welcome. WEDDING FAYRE EXTRAVAGANZA Congratulations to Cahir House Hotel and Jackie Mullins on the really extravagant Wedding Fayre that was held on Sunday. (I am hoping there will be photos for this issue, but if not, it won’t be long). I was able to have a look around some of the stands, but was busy myself, with the models. It was great to have so many really good local craftspeople displaying their wares. Sarah, who has her Flower Studio in Old Church Street, provided bouquets for the brides, which were lovely and looked so simple, although I know an awful lot of work goes into them. I had a chance to have a good look at the buttonhole she made for Jackie, which was of white freesias, and tucked in with them were a few fine wires with crystals on them. This looked stunning without being “bling”. I am sure Theresa Callaghan won’t mind if I call her an ‘old faithful,’ and her hats were as stunning as ever. She seems to be able to match any colour. When I visited her premises in Barrack Street, some years ago, it felt as if I had walked into hat-lovers heaven. The McMahons were there from Ballyporeen, and there are some little McMahons who will be ready for the cat-walk very soon, which will be fun. The family’s  presentation of their work was very professional, which came as no surprise, and I am looking forward to meeting up with them again soon, as I really do need a new head shot for the top of this column. It was great to talk to Una, who is now based in Clonmel, but started off with her Elite Cakes in the ‘Blind Street’ here in Cahir. She really does some lovely work. John Quirke’s Jewellery and gifts were beautifully displayed and there was a lot of interest in everything available from him. Sheehan’s models wore some lovely pieces of his jewellery, too, along with gorgeous little hair pieces from Interior Concepts. I really must mention Eddie Golden, whose Golden Sounds play for weddings, balls and so on. The poor man was cornered by three determined women (myself, Jackie and Colette O’Dwyer) and practically frog-marched up to Fitzgerald’s Menswear, whose model had called in sick at the last minute. So Eddie ended up strutting his stuff on the cat-walk - and very well he did it too, looking very tasty in the up-to-the-minute fashions from this shop. Mr Mister, from Mitchelstown, was present and very correct and as usual their wedding attire was gorgeous and most professionally shown on their stand and on the cat-walk. Many thanks to Joe for easing Eddie into modelling with a few well-chosen bits of advice. No better man. Here too, there were wedding suits with a modern twist and they showed off the girls in their gowns beautifully. The other locals showing were Brendan Kerins with his Premier Video Productions; Jennifer Grace - ‘Jen’s Makeup Specialist’; Once Upon a Lifetime Wedding Stationery, from Ardfinnan; Angela’s Hair Care - she ‘did’ the models’ hair too, and some of them were so delighted with the result that they refused point blank to put on hats and spoil it! The models’ make-up was finished by Emma, from Cahir House Spa. This is so important, as everyday make-up looks bleached out under the bright lights, and she did a lovely job. It is a pity I haven’t room to write about all the exhibitors, as they helped to make the afternoon the resounding success that it was. However, the shops that showed their fashions on the catwalk cannot be overlooked. Particularly as there was some mouth-wateringly beautiful dresses to covet. There is nowhere in the County other than Opera on the Square in Fethard that can supply Lulu Guinness handbags and Philip Treacy Hats as well as the delectable big-name outfits that Bernie stocks there. Stakelums of Thurles too showed some lovely things (and they stock large sizes too, up to 26,which makes life so much easier for some mothers-of-the-bride); Golden Threads of Cashel, as always, sent out lovely clothes that the models really enjoyed showing. But it was the wedding dresses, of course, that stole the show. They were from Exclusive Bridal Wear of Tipperary & Mitchelstown; My Dress Bridal Wear from Carrick-on-Suir and Lorraine’s The Bridal Suite from Cashel. Although Jackie Mullins, whose business Weddings by Jacqueline is much in demand, counts Derek Davis among her friends, and frequently calls on him for occasions like this, I believe it was the first time that he had compered the Cahir House show. He was, of course, outstanding. Over my long modelling career, I don’t think I have heard the job done better. He was amazingly well informed about ladies’ fashion and very amusing, the only problem being, he had so much to say that the timetable had to be thrown out the window. A small thing compared to his entertainment-value. Many congratulations to all the models, and particularly the first-timers who worked so hard and so well. I am told that I have started what may well be the world’s first amateur model agency. That’s quite a nice thought. By the way, the new Irish Wedding Stamp, value 55 cent, is really beautiful and brides can purchase them all this year from:  www.irishstamps.ie; by calling 01 705 7400; from the Philatelic Shop, GPO, Dublin 1 and from selected Post Offices. This is a lovely finishing touch when sending out the invitations. There will be a new Wedding Stamp issued next January. TABLE QUIZ Cllr Seanie Lonergan informs me that there will be a Table Quiz to help fund the Famine Children’s Monument that is being placed at Tincurry in the near future - date and time to follow. The Quiz is being held in the Castle Arms this Thursday at 9pm sharp. This is a great venue - a lot of money has been raised for good causes in “The Arms” over the years. CAHIR PARK F.C. RACE NIGHT Just a quick reminder that this fun event is being held this Friday, 22nd February, in Cahir House Hotel. To add interest, the racing will be followed by a Disco. Sounds great. WHAT’S NEW AT DUNESKE’ ‘Stand Up’ sunbeds are what’s new. Two of them will be going in on Thursday, and the charge for their use will be the usual €1 per minute, and of course there will be offers for block bookings. SUPERVALU KIDS IN ACTION On this Friday, 22nd February, there will be a Nutrionist attending at Dolan’s SuperValu between 10am and 2pm, who is there to provide advice and information on all matters pertaining to nutrition. This is part of SuperValu’s Kids in Action initiative. CHILDREN’S CRAFT CLASS The Craft Granary is organising Craft Classes for Children for St Patrick’s Day and Easter.  They are aimed at to 5/10 age group and the cost is €7.50 per child. The date of this great class is Saturday 8th March, from 11am to 12:30pm.  The maximum number of children who can be catered for is 12, so telephone 052 41473 as soon as possible to book places. WONDERFUL RESPONSE The Motor Neuron Disease Society raised a terrific €928 at their recent Church Gate Collections and the local organisers have asked me to thank all the generous donors and also all who helped out.  Well done to  you all - that is a huge sum of money. CAHIR FLOWER & GARDEN CLUB The Club is holding its Monthly Meeting in the Catherine McAuley Room on Wednesday 27th February at 8pm.  The guest speaker is Hans Voss, who will give a talk on gardening. All old and new members will be made most welcome. JIM O’CALLAGHAN BRIDGE CLUB The results for 5th February are as follows: 1st - Von Coffey & John Roycroft; 2nd - Pattie Gavin & Nancy Downey; 3rd - Graham Scott & Peter Humphrey. MUNSTER DANCESPORT The indefatigable Mai Murphy tells me that the Annual General Meeting of this go-ahead club will take place on Friday 22nd February at 8:30pm in Cahir House Hotel. All items for the Agenda had to be in by today (publication day). CAHIR DAY CARE CENTRE The results of last week’s Whist Game are as follows:  1st, Peggy O’Connell with 53 points; 2nd, Ellen Morrissey. The Raffles were won by: ;Clock - Bridget Heney; Watch - Joan Waite; Tablecloth, Angela White. On Wednesday 12th March at 8pm there will be a special fundraising event for the Centre in Cahir House Hotel.  A fun show is planned to promote local food, crafts and businesses, that will include a wine reception, cookery demonstration, display stands, spot prizes and a huge Raffle! Tickets at €10 can be bought at the Day Care Centre or from various outlets in the town. Offers of raffle prizes will, of course, be gratefully received. YOGA CLASSES These classes are now happening on a regular basis in the Community Hall every Wednesday at 11am. All levels are welcome, and readers are invited to feel free to drop by or call Mary on 086 359 3024. SOUTH TIPPERARY AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP This is a voluntary, parent-led group. Members are committed to supporting children and adults with Autism / Aspergers to claim their rightful place as valued citizens in our communities. These people should have the same rights as everyone else, as well as the right to have their special needs addressed. Inclusion is a fundamental principle that underlies what this support group strives to address. If parents / carers do not fight for their children, who will? They are calling on all parents, carers, brothers and sisters to attend their support meetings. A united front is needed to give these children and adults a voice. This is a very vibrant group, striving to influence government, health boards and societies with an understanding of Autism and its associated disorders, thereby ensuring the rights, through legislation, of people (and their families) with a disability. The Support Group can be found in Room 4, Clonmel Resource Centre, Kickham Street, Clonmel, from Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 12:30pm. The telephone number is 062 29529. The next meeting of the Group will take place on Tuesday 26th February at 7:30pm. The Speaker will be the Mayor of Clonmel, Cllr Richie Molloy, Carers’ Association Manager, who will discuss entitlements, Home Respite, Carers’ Allowance etc. If you have recently had your child diagnosed or haven’t attended a meeting in a while, please go along - all are welcome. CAHIR ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION The results for the Progressive 25s played on 15th February are as follows: Winners, with 11 games - Tome Burke & Tom Morrissey. Joint Second - Rena O’Connor, Breeda Ryan, Chichi Caplice Sadie Caplice. The Lucky Table was Red Burke, Bob Condon, Michael Whelan, Margaret Quirke. The Raffle was won by Maurice Condon & Margaret Quirk. The next game takes place this Friday, 22nd February at 8pm. Members attended the ever-popular computer course in the Cahir Business Centre on Monday at 10:30am. The course is very well tailored to the needs of members of the Association. A special thank-you indeed to the course tutor Mary Quinlan. Her enthusiasm and sense of humour makes the course enjoyable, thus ensuring all students make rapid progress. Here is a correction to last week’s notes. The ‘Go For Life’ course will now start on Wednesday 27th February at 11:30am. This will be a four-week introductory course and should be both educational and enjoyable. READERS’ NEWS & VIEWS I am delighted to say that the community website, that was down for quite some time, has been restored and is once more available to all on www.cahirnews.cahirda.com. Our friends in Scarborough are so pleased to be back in touch with what is happening here! Many thanks to this paper for permitting the publication of the Cahir Notes on the site. If you have any information you wish to impart, or comments to make, I will be very happy to hear from you on 086 840 5020 / at 10 Market Yard and at the e-mail address above.