CAHIR NOTES “FRESH FROM THE FARMERS’ MARKET” The TV programme with the above title, which was filmed partly in our Farmers’ Market, will be televised this Wednesday evening.  Clodagh McKenna came to the Market back in the Autumn, so you can expect to see many of the stall holders and even more customers on TV. Last weekend, Minister for Food at the Department of Agriculture, Trevor Sargeant, called in when on a tour of all the Markets in Tipperary.  When he took office, he made a commitment to visit all the Farmers’ Markets in Ireland this year. He wants to meet stall holders and find out what their needs are, their relationship with local authorities, and to encourage organic and local food production. He was warmly greeted by the Cahir Farmers’ Market’s new Chairman, Pat O’Brien, and their new Secretary, Michael Peters, as well as local representatives Cllr Liam Ahearne, Deputy Mattie McGrath, Cllr Andy Moloney and our very own Ann O’Connell, who has been newly elected as President of South Tipperary ICA. [Congratulations] Minister Sargeant was impressed by the range and quality of the foods on sale and was given a presentation of a Market hamper. At the Market this and every weekend, they strive to serve you top quality local produce and one can almost do a full shop there, such is the wide selection of goods on offer. CAHIR DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION AGM It is a bit late in the day to be telling readers who is on the new Management Committee, but this page has been so full lately that I thought it could wait a while. The Chairman for the next year is Cllr Andy Moloney; the Vice-Chairman (as long as nobody thinks he is prepared to Chair the Association again!) is John Quirke, and it is great to see him back on the Committee. The Treasurer is Liam Butler; the Secretary, again a welcomed return to Committee work, is Liam Roche; and the PRO is Maria Taylor, a new face at the table. The Financial Report was both impressive and quite frightening - the Association has turned into quite a business, employing 53 people, either part- or full-time. Its premises include the Enterprise Centre, the home of Cahir Business & Training Centre, which is itself a huge success; the Duneske Leisure Centre; and the Cahir Bears Childcare facility. The Association has donated a piece of land next to the Leisure Centre to the Scouts for their new Den, and this will provide them with everything they want, plus providing the use of a Hall that has demountable seating for 500, and an area for a stage. A proper performance hall at last! There will also be two Meeting Rooms which are for the use of whoever needs them. However public the above sounds, and it will be a wonderful facility for the community, the Den will belong to the Scouts, and we will work with them. The Den will be connected to the Leisure Centre by a covered walkway. Most of the meeting was taken up with Q & A into a variety of subjects and was a most enjoyable occasion, held in the Leisure Centre. The tea/coffee, scones and cakes afterwards were much appreciated, and it was nice to have a chance to chat to the staff, who are always so welcoming. Remember, if you want to support the building of the new Den for Cahir Scouts, contact any Leader, or Tim Shanahan. There are several ways of paying: one payment of €600, or €300 this year and the same amount next year; Standing Orders of €25 a month for 2 years, or €50 a month for one year. NEW INN FESTIVAL On Sunday 1st June - that’s next Sunday - the New Inn Festival will take place. The Parade and Fancy Dress get things under way, leaving from the Community Centre at 1:30pm. In the field, there will be a display of vintage cars and machinery, a Produce Stall, Talent Competition, Bottle Stall, fun sports, an Auction and Bric-a-Brac Stall, Pets Corner, Baby Show, Pony Rides, a Pet Show and much, much more. This sounds like a great day’s entertainment, and must have taken a lot of work to set up. ERIC’S HONDA 50 RUN Well, the Honda 50 run was a success. Patsy Cunningham knew it clashed with the Hospice Tractor Run from Ardfinnan, but was the only weekend he had free for a while. 27 bikers turned up, the weather was a bit cold, but dry. All types of bikes were on display, from chopper-style Hondas to top-of-the range Hondas to Harleys to classic bikes. In case of breakdowns, local builder Seamus Byron gave his time and his van to help out, for which Patsy is most grateful. The trip started at 12:15, heading for Mitchelstown, and stopped in the Maxol garage for coffee. Thanks to the Manager, who donated to the fund-raising collection. They headed from there to Galbally, which is where the sat nav failed to work - ha! ha! After a short detour, they were in Galbally, where a photo was taken of the group, and then on to Tipp Town. At this stage they had to re-group and a big round of applause was given for their new friend Colin on his moped. Thanks to all who took part. It was a success because no one broke down, no messing took place, raised a few Euro, they met some great people and did something nice for the McEniry family. The crew were proud to do it. Best of luck to little Eric - their thoughts are with him and his family. THANKS FROM THE COUNCILLOR Cllr Michael Anglim wishes to thank Mary Condon, Chairperson, and her Committee of  the South Tipperary Autism Support Group, for securing the development of two new Pre-Schools, one each provided by Scoil Aonghusa and Scoil Chormac, Cashel. These schools are specifically for children from the age of 3 - 5 years with Autism or Aspergers, and are to be opened for pupils from next September 2008. He is delighted that South Tipperary County Council supported Mary and her Committee in their plight for services. I will continue to help Mary any way I can in her fight for A.B.A. teaching methods to be provided for all autistic children here in Tipperary. [I would like to join with Michael in congratulating Mary, in particular, as she has put in an enormous amount of work and has taken every opportunity that came her way to influence this outcome - and plenty of opportunities that she created herself.  Well done, Mary, you’re doing a fantastic job. MC] FLORA LADIES’ MARATHON Best wishes to Lena Lonergan, who is taking part in the Mini Marathon on Monday 2nd June in aid of Temple Street Children’s Hospital. Sponsorship can be handed in to Lena at the Enterprise Centre, and I know your support will be greatly appreciated. Just a few days to get your name on her Card! TIPPERARY LADIES’ SOCCER LEAGUE Division I - Sunday 25th May at Killenaule Sports Complex. Killenaule 3  Cahir Park 0. The match was played in very blustery conditions on an uneven ground. Killenaule adapted better to the conditions and created more scoring chances. The first goal was scored by their No 11 in the 29th minute. Cahir forced several corners without success. Just before the interval, in a swift attack, Killenaule scored. In an even second half, both sides went close to scoring. However, both Goalkeepers excepted. Killenaule scored their third in the 70yh minute. Cahir Park Squad: A Gordzieyczyk, J McMahon, L Carroll, S O’Donnell, D Hallinan, B Higgins, A Lonergan, E Carroll, C Peters, E Devereaux, N Armitage, N Hearne. The Player of the Match was Claire Peters. CANCER C.A.R.E. FUNDRAISER There will be a Darts Tournament in the Shamrock Lounge this Saturday. It is a fun night of Mixed Doubles, and the entry fee is €10 per person.  There will be Raffle prizes galore and all are very welcome! The Draw for this event will take place at 8:30 pm and the Tournament will start at 9 pm. Do support this fundraiser for such a great cause. CAHIR DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY LOTTO The Jackpot for this week’s draw stands at €4,150. Last week’s numbers, in the draw witnessed by Peter Fahy, were: 3, 7, 13 and 22. The five Lucky Dip winners, each of whom received €30, were Marian Hally, Kilmalogue; Tom O’Brien, The Square; Eamonn Corcoran, Knockagh; Michael Coonon, c/o Abbey Tavern; Lil O’Donnell, c/o Day Care Centre. The next draw takes place this Wednesday, and tickets can be purchased until noon on Wednesday from the Business & Training Centre. If you’re not in, you can’t win! All the profits from the Community Lotto go to the Duneske Leisure Centre. CAHIR ACTIVE RETIREMENT ASSOCIATION Portugal. Many members have signed up for the forthcoming trip, this October. Interested parties may contact Rosalyn Morrissey at Fogarty Travel, 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 will stop off for dinner on the return journey. Bowling takes place at the Cahir Park Soccer Club’s all-weather pitch on Tuesday afternoons at 2:30pm. All interested people are invited to participate. The Monthly Meeting will take place on Wednesday 4th June at 2:30pm in the Catherine McCauley Room. Visitors and prospective members are welcome. All members wishing to travel to Birr Castle Demesne should please complete the payment for the trip to the Treasure, if need be. Result of the 25 Card Game on Friday 23rd May is:  Joint Winners - Maurice Condon, Tim Fitzgerald, Rena O’Connor, Breeda Ryan, Paddy Holleran, Bob Condon. The Lucky Table – Mary English, Bridget Condon, Tom Burke, Tommy Morrissey. The Raffle was won by Peg Reidy and Margaret Quinlan. The next Game takes place this Friday at 8:00pm. Light refreshments will be served and all are welcome to enjoy a pleasant evening out. GRANT WELCOMED Deputy Mattie McGrath, in a statement, is welcoming the announcement by Mr Michael Finneran, TD, Minister for Housing, Urban Renewal and Developing Areas, of €1,343,550 to South Tipperary for the funding of Housing Adaptation for Older People and People with a Disability in private houses for 2008. Deputy McGrath said “I am delighted to welcome this level of funding for the Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme for Older People and People with a Disability. I would like to compliment the Council Housing Staff for processing the applications to date; the Occupational Therapists who call to see and assess the needs of people who require grant aid, and I do hope that the amount allocated will help to assist those who need it to stay in their own homes and in their own communities, with the dignity that they deserve”. CONGRATULATIONS …to Grangemore Landscaping on the new planting around the town - it looks gorgeous and should be nicely settled in, with the present rain, before adjudication day. And speaking of adjudication day, I am sure the residents of Woodview are very proud of their entrance to the estate, now that it has been planted up too. I sent in Before and After photos with our Tidy Towns entry, and until I got the picture out, I had forgotten how grotty it looked before.  If some of the residents can get together and have a bit of a tidy up once a week or so, this would be the icing on the cake, and Rosemount might have a fight on their hands for Most Improved Estate in the Tidy Cahir competition later in the year - which will be judged towards the end of June.  Alison Duffy, Lisava, Cahir (Miss FBD Ras), pictured above with the Yellow Jersey winner, Simon Richardson of England in Clonmel at the finish of the Skibereen - Clonmel stage of the FBD Ras – International Cycle Race. ROSEMOUNT AND GENERAL AREA RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION  Our meeting on May 14th in Shamrock Lounge was once again very well attended.  We are so pleased with the continual support and have decided to have one last meeting before we break up for the summer, the meeting will be June 24th .  The committee had a meeting with Super. Tom Duggan, Sarg. Martin O Keefe, and Garda Pat English.  We outlined our problems regarding the speeding and boy racers, and the on-going hassle with parking of heavy duty lorries.  The Garda are more than willing to help and support us, but need to have the number plates of offending motorists.  If you have a problem phone the station and report. Unfortunately there is an on-going problem with the grass cutting on the link road.  We are going to meet with the local councillors in June to outline our discontent and see if we can find a solution.  We are disappointed that we have put so much work into cleaning up the area but there is no back up from local authority. There is a mini clean up this Wed May 28th, meeting at ROSEMOUNT AVE. [7-9P.M.] Anyone interested just come along.  There are still a few houses to have the 10€ collected. POULMUCKA ROAD RACE The committee of the Poulmucka Sports and Social Club held their annual Road Race on Friday last. This race has been growing from strength to strength over the years and this year’s entry of 113 athletes surpassed all expectations.   Chairperson of the committee, Margaret Delahunty, thanked all the sponsors and stewards along with the athletes for their continued support and the Cahir Gardai who ensured that the event ran smoothly. She also paid tribute to the Ladies' committee who provided the refreshments and to Clonmel AC who were their partners in hosting the race.   On the night, Clonmel AC held their weekly Lotto draw in Moloneys Bar and a great evening was had by all. The race was won again by last year’s winner and full details can be found in the sports section of this paper. Secretary Niall O Ceallaigh along with Tommy Cahill and Kate McLoughlin intend to run further events during the summer such as walks and social outings. The Comeragh walk was a great success and a great way to pass a Sunday, and the Galtees look like the next challenge. Well done again to all concerned. Registered office:   Clonmel, Co. Tipperary FAIRTRADE Irish sales of FAIRTRADE Mark products see growth of 101% - amongst the largest in the world Launch of annual report of Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International The launch today of the latest Annual Report by Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International (FLO) indicates that growth in sales of FAIRTRADE Mark products in Ireland of 101% was more than double the global average increase of 48%. FLO is the international representative body for Fairtrade Labelling organisations around the world, and the Third World charity Fairtrade Mark Ireland, is the Irish member. The FAIRTRADE Mark can be found on a growing range of goods from Third World producers. Internationally sales of FAIRTRADE Mark products grew to over EUR2.3 billion in 2007 and sales in Ireland grew from EUR11.6 million to EUR23.3 in the same year. Commenting on the figures, Peter Gaynor, executive director with Fairtrade Mark Ireland said: ‘This is a huge increase in Ireland and internationally, and here it’s a tribute to hundreds of volunteers around the country, and to many companies for making bigger efforts to support Fairtrade. If you look at the per capita spend in Ireland of EUR5.60 in 2007 on FAIRTRADE Mark products, it is now ahead of the both the European and global averages. Obviously it still isn’t enough and Irish people and companies can do an awful lot more.’ It is estimated that over 1.5 million people in developing countries now benefit from these sales. However as the average sales by groups registered with Fairtrade in developing countries is only 20% of what they produce – they are still hoping for much bigger growth in future years. Raúl del Águila, a Peruvian coffee farmer, President of the Latin American Fairtrade Producers Network (CLAC) and a FLO Board member said: ‘I represent over one million people in Latin America who need the security of Fairtrade in order to continue living and working on their land with dignity. No other certification system but Fairtrade guarantees that small producers get a decent return for their hard work’ The growing interest in Fairtrade in Ireland was also evident is a a recent consumer survey conducted by IMS Millward Brown, in April 2008. The survey shows that 57% of Irish Adults arenow aware of the FAIRTRADE Mark, up from 16% in 2002, and also that two out of five Irish people claim to have bought a FAIRTRADE Mark product in the ‘last four weeks.’ Commenting on recent developments in Ireland and internationally, Peter Gaynor, executive director with Fairtrade Mark Ireland also said: ‘Fairtrade has always been about individuals making choices when we go shopping but its not just about consumers making choices. The Corporate Social Responsibility strategies of companies also have the potential to massively increase the number of Third World suppliers who can benefit. We are beginning to see big companies in Ireland and internationally converting whole categories of products to Fairtrade – with the right CSR strategies by Irish companies we could see a lot more of this. There’s no reason why in Ireland we can’t see the same kind of commitment from retailers as we see from more and more restaurants and coffee shop chains – or from some international retailers’ COLAISTE DUN IASCAIGH NEWS TY GRADUATION NIGHT: Transition Year Graduation Night was held in the college on Tuesday 20th May. In all 35 students graduated. A slide show of all TY activities was shown to give a flavour of all that students participated in during the year. Martin Quinn of Tipp Mid West Community presented for the Radio Broadcasting Module. Certificates were presented for the Public Access to Law Course, where Mary Murphy received the highest result of 94%. Eddie Cooney of Clonmel Civil Defense presented First Aid Certificates. Certificates were presented for Work Experience & “Choose Safety” a Health and Safety Programme outlined by the HAS and NUIG. Students received Certificates from Jim Trehy representing Cahir Fair Trade for their role on the local Cahir Fair Trade Committee. Mary Murphy, Aoife Williams, Miranda Vanderwal, Tina Zimmann and Annmarie Noonan presented Mrs. Finnegan Burke, Principal with a plaque they received for their participation in Power of One National Finals. This year we had two new additions to TY from January 8th as a result of Intercultural Learning Exchange. They were Jan Luft from Germany and Lucy McKechnie from Australia and a presentation was made to both students by Mrs. Finnegan Burke, Principal. Certificates were presented for Portfolio Assessment where Leanne Clapham received the highest result of 95%. Miss J Trehy thanked the TY Core Team for all their time & suggestions during the year. Awards were presented to Daniel O`Regan  for Best Attendance, Paul Bray for Most Improved Student and Aoife Williams for Best Contribution to the Spirit of Transition Year. TRANSITION YEAR HISTORY TRIP On Friday, May 9th, a group of twenty-seven TY students and their history teachers, Ms. Casey and Ms. Flynn left the college at 8.30 am, destination, Dail Eireann Dublin. The trip was both educational and most enjoyable for all concerned. A great deal was learned about the origins of the House and much relevant information given about the various Taoisigh, whose portraits adorn the entrance hall and corridors of the House. The layout and workings of the Dail and Senate were explained to a very interested audience. The trip to the Capital also afforded the group the opportunity to visit the nearby National Museum, where many wonderful National treasures were viewed including the Derrynaflan Hoard, which was of great local interest. An outstanding day was had by all, which was captured on camera at every opportunity and will be remembered fondly by all involved. 1ST YEAR MUNSTER FOOTBALL FINAL The first year footballers had a busy two days last week. On Tuesday, they travelled to Charleville Co. Cork to take on Abbeyfeale in the Munster Final. However they came up against an excellent team, who were physically much stronger. Although the Cahir team tried really hard right to the end, they could not overtake their opponents, who had got off to a great start, playing with a strong wind in the first half. TIPPERARY POST – PRIMARY U-14 FOOTBALL BLITZ. On Wednesday 14th, U-14`s participated in the above competition, with 20 other teams in Rockwell college. In the early rounds Cahir played Comeragh College, Carrick on Suir and Our Lady’s, Templemore. In the semi- final of the shield competition they defeated the Abbey “B” team 4-6 to 2-1. In the final they had a fiercely contested game with Ballingarry. Cahir were down 4 points at half time, but fought back well to level the match near full- time. However, with the last kick of the game, captain Eoin Doheny kicked a winning score to leave Cahir victorious by 1 point, on a score of 3-5 to 4-1. Panel: E.Doheny,Capt,C.Lambert,S.Lambert,P.O’Driscoll,G.McCarty,C.Casey,B.Hyland,G.Fitzpatrick,D.OBrien,B.Littleton,C.Ryan, S.Lowry,L.Howard,K.Hickey. The players were presented with their trophies by County Chairman, John Costigan. A BIG SUCCESS A celebration of song and dance was held in the college last Thursday night. The show opened with a procession of flags to represent the various nationalities within the college. A Polish student Kasper Krym amazed the audience with his skills on the violin. He performed “Spring” by Vivaldi. Throughout the first half we had beautiful piano playing by Annabelle Heaphy, Thomas Sampson and Patrick Conlon. Derek O’ Brien, Robert O Brien and Kim Keanneally nearly had the audience on their feet with their display of Irish Dancing. Bernadette Doverman, Michael and Marie-Claire Murphy played a selection of Irish tunes. Kate O’ Donovan, Kasper Krym and Patrick Conlon gave a moving performance Pachelbel’s    “Canon in D”. One of the highlights of the night was the extract from” West Side Story”. Fifteen girls performed” I feel pretty” and “America”. They wooed the audience with their singing, dancing and costumes. The sixth year music class performed a melody of hits from the shows culminating with “All that Jazz”. Grainne o Donnell sang “Can’t help lovin’ that man”, while Alan Hally sang ” if I can’t love her”. A special congratulation must go to Alan as he got 2nd place in the New Ross Choral Festival. Well done. Katelynn Hayes gave a haunting performance of “Strangers on the Shore “on clarinet while Nicola Gilmore played “American Patrol” on recorder. The first half came to a dramatic close with extracts from “Blood Brothers”. Outstanding drama performances were given by Graham Hally, Brendan Roche, Eoghan Murray, Shauna Peters and Riona Burke. The show concluded with the full cast performing “Joseph and his amazing Technicolor Dream coat”. The narrators Grainne O Donnell, Riona Burke, Kate O Donovan and Sarah Keating gave outstanding performances. Joseph played by Adam Keegan sang beautifully. A special word of praise must go to the German student; Jan Luft who played the part of Elvis. Elvis was truly in the building…. Other very good performances on the night were Jason Sullivan, Paul Bray, Dion Buckley and David O Donnell. Master of Ceremonies on the night was Jason Sullivan Not alone did Jason look well in his Tux but he was also very professional. The show was produced by Ms. Norma Barry Hurley and Ms. Deirdre Buckley. The Principal Mrs Mary Finnegan Burke thanked all involved in the show. A minutes silence was held in memory of a past student, the late Daniel Purtill who died tragically. May he rest in peace. SPORTS AWARDS NIGHT The Colaiste held its annual Sports Awards night on Friday 23rd May. It was held in front of a large crowd that included students, parents and members of staff. This year’s guest speaker was the Senior Tipperary Hurling Manager Mr Liam Sheedy who congratulated both players and their coaches on all their efforts and success throughout the year and to their parents for their continual support and encouragement. It was a most entertaining night and the video uplinks to Cardiff only added to the occasion. Master of ceremonies Mr Shane Ronayne thanked everyone who helped to organise the event, Mr Denny Whelan for sponsoring the awards night and the students who participated in a broad range of sports that included everything from golf to ladies football.  A great night was had by all and the proceedings finished with refreshments provided by the Colaiste. AWARDS Junior Camogie Player: Aishling Condon Senior Camogie Player: Michelle Walsh Junior ladies Footballer: Emer Myles Senior Ladies Footballer: Samantha Lambert Junior Soccer Player: Dean Lonergan Senior Soccer Player: Andrew Fitzpatrick Senior Rugby Player: John Peters Senior Gaelic Footballer: Bernard Lonergan Ladies Basketball player: Samantha Lambert Hurler of the year: Brendan Walsh Golfer of the year: Eoin Carey Horse rider of the year: Elizabeth Berry Senior Basketball player: Cian Duggan EXAMINATION TIME Best of luck to the 3rd yr,6th yr and Leaving Certificate applied Students in their pending examinations. We wish them every success and encourage them to strive for excellence. We wish to thank them for their co –operation and enthusiasm over their years in the college. We hope they had an enjoyable experience and that their memories will be cherished. A Graduation mass was held in the college on 26th of May to celebrate their completion of their second level education. READERS’ NEWS & VIEWS I am always delighted to receive information at 10 Market Yard / 086 8405020 or at the e-mail addresses: calvertmaureen@hotmail.com - particularly if e-mails arrive in fairly large type! I am developing a permanent squint.