CAHIR NOTES HAVE A HAPPY HEART! The Irish Heart Foundation’s Happy Heart Weekend runs over 15th to 17th May. The students of Colaiste Dun Iascaigh and members of Cahir Active Retirement Association will be out at various stands in town, so please give generously. All the money that is collected will go to research and education. Approximately 10,000 people die each year from Cardiovascular Disease. THANKS TO ALL FROM DOUGIE STUBBS Dougie celebrated his 90th birthday while the Cahir group was in Scarborough, and a big surprise party was thrown for him. John and Margaret Quirke recently received a letter from Dougie, which I include below: “May I take this belated attempt to thank you all sincerely for coming over to attend my 90th. “To walk in and see so many of my friends from Cahir was the surprise of a (90 year) lifetime.  IT APPEARS IT WAS A BETTER KEPT SECRET THAN  THE LANDING AT NORMANY BEACHES ON D-DAY “I am sorry if I appeared speechless, as words could not express my pleasant shock to see such a turnout, and I thank you all for the beautiful presents I received. I have broken in the pipe and also the lighter; the flask will be tested on 1st May, as in the words of John Wayne, I’ll be taking in a ‘stretch of the legs’. “I would like it if you were able to pass my thanks to all the local hostelries I visit during our stays, for their excellent service provided. “I am greatly indebted to Mike and Ian for introducing me to Cahir and all the many friends I have met in the seven years coming over. God Bless. Yours ever - Dougie” CAHIR YOUTH CLUB The Summer Outing to Kilfinale Activity Centre will take place on Saturday 24th May. Members can ring 086 267 1646 to book their places and to get Permission Slips. There are limited places available, so get in there now. A LOT DONE & STILL AT IT Cllr Andy Moloney would like to remind businesses and traders in the town who intend to paint their premises for the Summer that the Tidy Towns Adjudicator will probably be making the first visit to Cahir in the first two weeks of June. While the Tidy Towns Committee has been doing a very find job over the past few months, Cllr Moloney also says that a mention must be given to the FAS workers, Council Staff and Officials who have contributed enormously to the whole visual aspect of the town. This year, shop fronts and buildings will be judged as usual, and it would be nice to have the areas looking well and show the general public that Cahir is an attractive place to work, live, shop and above all to visit this Summer. With over 75,000 expected to visit the Castle and a further 20,000 at the Swiss Cottage, it is important that the town can benefit from this type of business. Now that Cahir is set to become a Brown Trout Fishing Centre of Excellence, it will be an even busier spot for the foreseeable future. All in all, between the efforts of the Council, Cahir Development Association, Grangemore Landscaping and the many voluntary groups around the town, Cllr Moloney says that we can take satisfaction in bringing Cahir back in line with other towns of similar status and compete for our share of the spoils. HOMES NEEDED FOR STUDENTS As I wrote a few weeks ago, Susan Phelan is looking for host homes for foreign students. She has not had a great response and hopes that this may be second time lucky. If you want to know more about the scheme, please telephone her on 052 21352. ROSEMOUNT RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION Their next monthly meeting is on Wednesday 14th May at 8pm in The Shamrock Lounge, Castle Street. CAHIR DAY CARE CENTRE Lawn Bowls started this week at the Cahir Park All Weather Pitch, under the guidance of Claude Bartlett. This sport is available to people of all ages and interested people are welcome to join in. Interested? Call Lil on 052 45840. Whist results:  Kitty Saunders is on a roll this week - she won with 51 points and also won the Bingo Jackpot. Nice one, Kitty! The Runners up in the Whist Drive, with 50 points, were May O’Brien and Lena Phelan, Places on the trip to Dail Eireann on 18th June are getting scarce and people are advised to get their names on the list as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. KNOCKGRAFFON ART GROUP Ted Clarke very kindly sent in this note when he found that I was not able to attend the opening. On Tuesday 6th May, the public of Cahir and the surrounding districts were invited to view a splendid exhibition of creative art by members of the Knockgraffon Art Group, at the opening in The Craft Granary. This Group is small and dedicated to learning the basic principles of drawing and painting. Gill Bikerstaff (Williamson) teaches the Group where she and her husband Lawrie Williamson have lived for the last seven years. They are both keen anglers and have been inspired by the River Suit and its surrounding landscape. The forty-one pieces of work on show were by artists who include Christine Cooney, Mary Beston, Jan Waurike, Diane Geddie, Bernie O’Mera and Mary Neville.  The Exhibition was opened by well-known artist Lawrie Williamson and will be open to the public for the next two weeks. Why not plan a visit to the Granary and peruse the exhibition at your leisure? You never know, you might even take this wonderful opportunity to purchase an original piece of work to love and treasure for years to come. PLANT HEAVEN It was great to visit the Farmers’ Market on 3rd, after a long break on my part, and to find new faces with new stalls plus all my ‘old’ friends - and a fantastic display of plants from our friends from Clare. There were more than ever, arranged in a most user-friendly manner with shade-loving plants together, moisture-loving ditto, and so on.  I was only fairly strong-minded and know that I will have to go back for more when they are next in town, which will be Saturday 24th May. There are also bedding plants on another stall, so go along and enjoy. [Having read over the above, it sounds as if I hadn’t gone home laden with good things to eat - and of course I did! Loads of pates, cheeses, sinful things from Cate and lovely bread too, as well as the makings of a gorgeous fish pie. Plus Johnny Jump Up!]. S, TIPPERARY AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP The Group is holding its next meeting on Tuesday 20th May at 7:30 sharp at the Clonmel Resource Centre, Kickham Street, beside the Oakville Shopping Centre. The Guest Speaker will be Carol Moore of the HSE, who will deal with questions regarding Medical Cards, Respite etc. All parents / carers / siblings, as well as teachers, SNAs of Autistic Children are welcome, as well as new members. The next meeting after the Summer will take place on Tuesday 16th September at 7:30pm at the same venue. DON’T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOTE FOR THIS HARD-WORKING COMMITTEE AND BENEFIT THE CHILDREN. SEE SEPARATE ARTICLE. CAHIR FLOWER & GARDEN CLUB The Club’s outing this year is to flower gardens in Carlow. The names and deposits from those who wish to attend should be given as soon as possible to Margaret Butler - 052 62105, or to Mary O’Gorman - 052 41467. The Deposit is €15. CAHIR DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY LOTTO The Jackpot total has reached €3,850. Last week’s numbers, in the draw witnessed by Peter Fahy, were: 11, 12, 14 and 19. The five Lucky Dip winners, each of whom have received €30, were: Michael Nugent c/o Castle Arms; Eamonn O’Donnell, Rosemount View; John O’Brien, Tipperary Road; Michelle O’Brien, Abbey Crescent and Ber Forde, Tincurry, all in Cahir. Tickets can be purchased up to noon on Wednesday, when the Draw takes place, from the Business & Trading Centre. All the profits from the Community Lotto go to the Duneske Leisure Centre. CAHIR PARK LADIES’ SOCCER F.A.I. Junior Cup, first round - Munster Area - Sunday 11th May at Cahir Park FC - Cahir Park 6, Sallypark 0. A very impressive team performance throughout the 90 minutes, played under a blazing sun on an excellent playing surface. In the opening half, Cahir’s excellent passing created numerous scoring chances. In midfield, Stephanie Elliott, Bronagh Higgins and Catriona Nagle combined with speedy wingers Alison Lonergan and Edith Carroll to set up goals in the 10th minute from Alison and a 15th minute strike by Edith. Goals I the 20th minute by Alison Lonergan and a power drive from Elaine Defraud (C.F.) gave Cahir a 4 - 0 interval lead. The Park’s defence dealt capably wit the Sallypark attack and goalkeeper Ania Gordzieyczyk, the back-four: Dominique Hallinan, Julie McMahon, Sinead O’Donnell and Louise Carroll remained in control.  Ann O’Brien replaced Stephanie Elliott in the 60th minute.  A powerful free from 30 metres by Catriona Nagle in the 68th minute and (Player of the Match) Alison Lonergan completed her hat-trick in the 75th minute. The referee was Bernard Feery (Fethard). A special mention must be made of their loyal supporters and Management: Eamon Elliott, Lynda Sullivan, Joe Murphy and Joe Hally. HONDA 50, 70, 90 RUN ON SUNDAY This from Patsy Cunningham:   “A family in Cahir needs our help. Simon and Emma McEniry and their little son Eric are going through what can only be described as hell on earth. We wish them all the luck in the world. I think that under the circumstances, and even with this short notice, we can help them and it would be nice to do something for them. “What I need is people to turn up in Cahir Castle Car Park  with their bikes. Now this is not a day for drinking and then trying to drive the bikes. This is a day to help people worse off than ourselves. A short run of 50 miles is on the cards. NO PUB STOPS, NO BEER AT ALL, OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT WILL IMPAIR YOUR DRIVING. Have your bike in good running order and insured please. Wear a high visibility vest if you have one. The Gardai will be helping out on the trip. I don’t want any messing to go on, this will be a fun day for us, but a serious day for the family. IF YOU CAN’T STICK TO THE RULES STAY AWAY PLEASE. “Meet in the Castle Car Park at 11am on Sunday 18th May to sign in, leaving at 12 sharp. Fill bikes with petrol and make sure you have enough oil, and check tyre pressure to avoid bread down. €20 admission fee. If you want to donate more you are welcome to do so and it will be greatly appreciated. All proceeds to go to the McEniry family. If you want to help in any way please contact me - Pasty Cunninghan on 086 151 1853“. FAI SUMMER SCHOOLS Numbers for this year’s week-long Summer Camp at Cahir Park AFC are filling up fast. This year it is on 18th - 22nd August (Monday to Friday) and for those willing to avail of free personalisation, this is available until Thursday 15th May. This is a week-long Summer Camp for boys and girls between 7 and 15 years of age and includes an Umbro kit: ball, water bottle and a rucksack. Family discounts are available and with an emphasis on fun, children of all ages and abilities can show their skills. From a safety point of view, all Coaches are qualified and Garda vetted. If any parents have any questions about the week, Chris Richards can be contacted on 085 703 3509. To book, log on to www.fai.ie and follow the link or call 1890 653 653 and you can book over the phone (the call centre is in Cork. CONGRATS TO MOSNEY QUALIFIERS Well done to the children who represented Cahir and Ballylooby in the Gymnastics Community Games County Competition in Canon Hayes Sports Complex in Tipperary Town on Monday 5th May. It was a very busy competition with around 150 competing in total. Congratulations to Sinead Kennedy who won the Gold Medal in U-14 and Conor O’Brien who won a Gold Medal in u-10 Boys and will be going to Mosney in the Summer representing their County.  Congratulations also to Elysia Cagney from Cahir who won a Silver Medal in u-10 Girls and Amy Tobin from Ballylooby who also won a Silver Medal in u-12 Girls. Many thanks are expressed to Andrea and Gillian O’Keefe for all their hard work in training these young gymnasts. It takes a lot of time and dedication, but as you can see, it pays off, when Cahir has some winners among to many competing. Here’s to next year. And thanks to Sharon Cagney for sending this  news in. CAHIR & DISTRICT LADIES’ CLUB Please can anyone interested on going on the Day Out to Killarney, who did not pay their €10 deposit at the meeting on 28th April, get in touch with Tricia or Sharon regarding the details. CAHIR ACTIVE RETIREMENT GROUP The monthly meeting held on 7th May was well attended and proved to be a busy time for the Secretary and Chairperson. However, they managed the packed Agenda with ease. A hearty welcome was extended to the new members. May they enjoy the many activities provided for all members. Music was provided by the ever-popular Stefan Grace, followed by refreshments provided by the cheerful volunteers. Portugal. Many members have signed up for the forthcoming trip this October, and interested parties can contact Rosalie Morrissey at Fogarty Travel, in Cahir. Birr Castle Demesne and the world-famous telescope. A day-trip to the castle, grounds and telescope, plus a visit to the Clonmacnoise & West Offaly Railway has been planned for 11th June. The group wll stop off for dinner on the return journey. Dublin Mini Marathon. Mary E Fitzgerald, Loughloher, will run the Dublin Mini Marathon on 2nd June to raise funds for her brother, Fr David Fitzgerald’s building project of new classrooms in Kenya. Members gave their wholehearted support to this worthy cause. People wishing to give their support may contact Mary or any member of the Committee. Irish Heart Foundation. A member of this organisation called in and requested volunteer collectors. He was rewarded with more than enough willing ladies to participate. The collection will take place in Cahir shortly. Bowling now takes place at Cahir Park Soccer’s All Weather Pitch on Tuesday afternoons at 2:30pm. All who are interested are invited to participate. The Results of the Twenty-Five Card Game played on Friday 9th May are as follows: the winners, with 13 games, were Paddy Holleran, Bob Condon. Second, with 9 games, were Josie Quinlan and Joe Ahern. The Lucky Table winners were Maureen Maher, Anne Hanrahan, Breeda Ryan and Rena O’Connor. The Raffle was won by Maurice Condon and Ted Clarke. The next game will take place this Friday, 16th May and 8pm.  All are welcome. POULMUCKA 8K ROAD RACE This race will be held agin this year on Friday 23rd May at 7:30pm. This year there is an added bonus for the female runners, as the winner will receive €200 in both the male and female sections. The Clonmel AC, in association with Poulmucka Sports & Social Club, have been promoting this race for some years now, and this year’s Committee look forward to a record number of entries, as they passed the 100 mark last year. It is part of the Tipperary series of races where all athletes participating in the full series will receive a must-have T-Shirt. There has been a good reaction to sponsoring the race and many top class spot prizes. Refreshments, as usual, are provided at Moloney’s Bar  afterwards, and Chairperson Margaret Delahunty is hoping that the weather will be favourable for the event. Further information can be had from Secretary Niall O’Ceallaigh on 086 853 9775 or from Committee members Tom Cahill and Kate McLoughlin. While there is an element of competition at the top level of the race, with 7 different nationalities participating, there are also plenty of spot prizes for the not-so-fit who would like to take on the challenge of completing the course. SHAMROCK LOUNGE DARTS  There is a Committee meeting in The Shamrock this Friday at 9pm. All are asked to attend. GET READY - STEADY - TODDLE! The Danone Big Toddle for Barnardo’s is Ireland’s largest fundraising event for young children and Cahir Parent & Toddler Group is warming up for their sponsored half-mile Toddles. The toddlers will be lining up on Thursday 29th May for their walk through the Square, to raise vital funds for Barnodo’s, Ireland’s leading children’s charity. Cahir Parent & Toddler Group will remain open on Thursday mornings until the end of June, from 10:30am to 12:30pm in the local Community Hall. All parents and carers are welcome to attend. CAHIR CAMOGIE CLUB The U12 team got their championship off to winning ways on Wednesday evening last in Duneske with a comprehensive victory against their opponents Clonoulty. It was a lovely summers evening and great to see so many parents staying on to see these young girls in action. With a panel of over twenty five players each fighting for a place it is no easy task for the manager and selectors to decide on the starting fifteen. With some girls out through injury and along with the initial starting line out, we had seven substitutes on the side line. Camogie rules only allow us to use five subs in any game so unfortunately two girls did not get a chance to play. But these girls are every bit as important as any one out of the field and be assured they will get their chance in the next game. On Wednesday evening next we will have two challenge games against an U10 and an U13 team who will travel up to Cahir from Mitchelstown. The next U12 Championship game will take place on Thursday evening at Duneske when our opponents will be Thurles. This promises to be an exciting game and again your support will be appreciated. Outstanding membership fees can be given as soon as possible to treasurer Jo Burke or to the various team managers. CAHIR PARK U/12 U12s return from Germany with heads held high. Despite losing their first game of the tournament, the boys had 6 wins in 7 games and played some wonderful football scoring 20 goal and conceding only 2. They finished joint top of their group stage and only lost out on a place in the semi-finals on goal difference, the top three were seperated +14, +12, & +11, and we had beaten the side who went through on +12 by 1-0, a brave headed goal by Gerry Cronin which cost him a trip to Hospital for an Xray on his cheek, thankfully nothing was broken and Gerry was able to take part in the last two games in the placement stages.  The disappointment of missing out on the semi's was lessend however by the excitement of attending the teams Disco on the first night. The entertainment in the evenings and facilities in general at the tournament were top class with plenty opportunities to sample the local cuisine and of course a little Germany Beer for the grown ups!!. A special word of thanks to all the parents who travelled and helped to make this trip a safe and enjoyable experience for the boys and a very big well done to the boys themselves who behaved so well both on and off the field through out the trip. In fact I was personally taken aside by an elderly lady in Frankfurt Airport who was on our flight to tell me she had never seen such a well behaved group of young men before!  Thanks also to all who supported the boys in their fundraising efforts and to Dolans Super Value where the Bag Pack was a great success.   The squad (goals in brackets), Bartosz Operha(1pen) Keelan Hickey(C) Tom Kirwan, Joshua Keane, Niall McKenna, Ian Flannery(1), Jamie Fitzgerald(3), Gerry Cronin(1), David Finnane(4), Liam Casey(6), Kieran Davis(4), Cormac Looby, Dion Buckley, Arron Murphy, Kevin Griffin, James Walsh & Keelan Looby.   Having played and beaten teams from Germany, Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands the young boys from Cahir Park AFC can be very proud of themselves and are looking forward to getting back to League and Cup domestic action, where a double/double is still a real possibitly. Finally well done to the U16s, not only were the a wonderful example to the younger players on the field with their attitude to the game and of course by Winning their Tournament but they also had great fun with them off the field as well. FF Cahir Comhairle Ceanntair Pictured recently in the Shamrock Longe, Cahir was Eileen Bell being presented with a framed letter from An Tao;iseach Bertie Ahern by members of Cahir Comhairle Ceanntair, to show their appreciation of her work on the book about Cahir Comhairle Ceanntair over the last 80 years.   Pictured left to right, Gerry Bell (chairman Cahir CC), Mattie McGrath TD, her grandson Cian O'Donnell, Eileen Bell, Andy Moloney MCC, Michael Anglim MCC and Paddy Kellly (sec of Cahir CC). THE CAHIR DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION AGM TOOK PLACE ON MONDAY NIGHT, AND THE PREVIOUS FRIDAY EVENING THE SCOUNTS AND CDA HAD AN OPEN MEETING IN CAHIR HOUSE HOTEL REGARDING THE NEW SCOUTS’ DEN. TOO MUCH NEWS THIS WEEK TO INCLUDE PROPER REPORTS, SO WATCH THIS SPACE. GREAT NEWS! READERS’ NEWS & VIEWS Always welcome at 10 Market Yard / 086 840 5020 or at the e-mail address above, but please get your information to me before the weekends if at all possible, as I should really be sending my Notes in to the paper on Monday mornings, but this is becoming impossible. See the Community Website for current Notes and back-editions: www.cahirnews.cahirda.com.