CAHIR NOTES PHOTOS & MEMORABILIA REQUESTED Most readers will be aware of the site below the Texaco Garage on the Mitchelstown Road that is being developed by Morrison BMW. Apparently this site was once the location of a Tennis and Bowls Lawn in the 60s, and Gary Morrison would very much like to be loaned any memorabilia/photos that are available. Photos will be copied and returned and so, I presume, will the memorabilia, unless the present owner/s would be prepared to give them to Morrisons. Nice that the history of the site is being remembered. CHURCH GATE COLLECTION / HEART FOUNDATION Congratulations to all concerned on the excellent sum of €932.85 that was donated at the weekend’s Church Gate Collection in aid of the Heart Foundation. I have been asked to extend the thanks of the Committee to all the generous donors and to those who helped over the weekend. CAHIR GAA SUMMER CAMP This will take place next week, from Monday 14th to Friday 18th July (and I really do hope the weather is more appropriate for the time of year, as this is a great week for all who attend). It is open to children fromm 6 to 16 years old, and runs from 10am to 1pm each day. The cost is €40 for one child, €70 for two and €90 for three or more children from the same family. Some Registration Forms will be available on the counter in Duneske, but children can also be registered on the day. It would save a little time on the first day if the forems were filled in beforehand. U-8 training continues this Thursday night, from 6:45 to 7pm. The U-10 squad has a hurling match against Boherlahan this Thursday night in Duneske. Meet there at 6:30pm. Well done to the Cahir U-14 Ladies Footballers, who reached the all-Ireland Final of the Peil na n-Og competition, which was held in Cavan last weekend. Although the girls were defeated in the Final, everyone in Cahir GAA is very proud of their achievement in getting there. MCGRATH WELCOMES THE RECREATION AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND AMENITIES SCHEME ALLOCATIONS FOR THE CAHIR AREA Deputy Mattie McGrath in a statement today, Monday 7th July, has welcomed the allocation of grants under South Tipperary County Council Recreation and Community Facilities and Amenities Scheme allocations. Deputy McGrath said, “These 52 grants have a total grant figure of €1,699,267, against a conservatively estimated income of €1,600,000 until June 2009. These grants, added to the €7,168,237 already granted in 2003-2007, will make a total of €8,867,504 granted under the Scheme in six years.” Concluding Deputy McGrath said, “I would sincerely like to congratulate and wish well to all of the Community groups who applied for funding under this scheme and thank them for their hard work in compiling their application’s and submitting them to the County Council. I would also like to wish them well in their work that lies ahead.”     MAJOR UNEMPLOYMENT CRISIS FOR CAHIR Local Labour Party Councillor Seanie Lonergan has described the latest unemployment figures for Cahir as “shocking” and “a disaster for local families”. Figures released by the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Joan Burton TD, show that unemployment in Cahir has increased by a massive 72.58% during the period from May -’07 to June ‘08. This is the second highest percentage increase in all of Munster. Only Macroom in County Cork has suffered a higher percentage increase than Cahir. There are currently 623 individuals on the live register in Cahir, which is up by 262 on the previous twelve months. Cllr Lonergan says “I am shocked that out of Munster’s six counties, Cahir has suffered the second highest percentage increase in unemployment. The real story in the figures is therefore the shocking rate of increase. Cahir and its surrounding villages are now facing an unemployment crisis. It is time that our rudderless and incompetent government dealt with the problems facing the country. I am shocked that the government continues to be in denial about the new economic realities. Ministers need a wake-up call and should stop burying their heads in the sand. I am calling on the two government TDs for South Tipperary  to put urgent measures in place to address this crisis’. DRAIOCHT NA FEILLE DEIRGE IS BACK! What a success this traditional music, song and dance show was last Summer in Clogheen. Audiences arrived from far and near. Word spread like wildfire about what an exciting, energetic and vibrant show this was, even comparing it favourably to Riverdance. Tickets where in such demand that additional shows were put on, and still there was disappointment for some. Well, Draiocht is back, rehearsals are in progress and the wonderful setting of St Paul’s Community Centre is a hive of activity. Draiocht opens on Tuesday 8th July and continues every Tuesday and Thursday in July and August. Tickets cost €15 for Adults, Students and OAPs are €12 and Primary School Children get in for €10. Family Tickets are available, and there is a Group Rate for parties of 10 or more. Contact 086 2243 323 - and don’t leave it too late. Tell everyone - don’t miss this super show! ATTENTION CLASSES OF ‘88! A Class Reunion is being organised for the Class of ‘88 from all three schools in Cahir at the time: Scoil Christ Ri, Vocational School and St Joseph’s. The Reunion will be held in Cahir House Hotel on Saturday 20th September at 9pm. There will be food, a DJ and Bar on the night. Tickets cost €40 and Annette Carroll can be contacted for further details. You can e-mail her at a.carroll@live.ie or ring her on 087 389 1005. KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOUR WEEKEND This weekend will run, for the third time, on the weekend of July 12 and 13th. Deputy Mattie McGrath, in a statement, is extending his good wishes to Macra na Feirme and all involved in this year’s Know Your Neighbour Weekend. Deputy McGrath said: “I was delighted to have been able to attend the Launch of the third Know Your Neighbour Weekend, which took place in the Mansion House in Dublin on 17th June. This Weekend, organised by Macra na Feirme, recognises that as the pace of the world increases relentlessly, there is a growing realisation of the importance of community and the support which we can all give to one another. Many aspects of modern life make the cementing of community difficult to maintain. “The purpose of this initiative is to open a window of opportunity - over a specific weekend - whereby people will be inspired to make a small effort to mingle in a neighbourly way with people living nearby“. Concluding, Deputy McGrath said “I congratulate all concerned with the initiative, and encourage all community groups, Community Alert, Residents’ Associations, Community Development Associations and indeed everybody to take part in this year’s ‘Know Your Neighbour Weekend’.” ANOTHER NEW EATERY It was so nice to be taken to lunch at The Hill Bar recently, where Marie and Tom Carroll have re-vamped the space available and are now providing some very enjoyable food. As Marie said, they have kept it simple but the quality is excellent. There are so many new businesses on the Clogheen Road, to say nothing of elsewhere, that I am sure they will find many very happy customers. I loved the Smoked Salmon on Brown Bread, and the Quiche with Salad. At first I was a little disappointed that the Roulade with Fresh Fruit was off, but cheered up considerably when offered Strawberry Pavlova. The menu has the usual wraps, sandwiches and salads, and I look forward to finding out what they serve in the winter. Congratulations and best of luck to Marie and Tom. CAHIR DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY LOTTO The Jackpot now tops €5,000 but €50 for the draw that takes place this Wednesday. Tickets can be bought up to noon on Wednesday from the Business & Training Centre. The five Lucky Dip Winners, each of whom received €30, were: Eileen Murphy, Moorestown; Julie Conrant, Woodview; Caroline Sullivan, Kilcommon, Noreen O’Gorman, carrow, Ardfinnan, and The Hanly Family, Knockgraffon. The numbers drawn last week, witnessed by Mary Wilkinson, were: 2, 6, 12 and 15. The Profit from the Community Lotto go towards servicing the purchase of the land on which the Duneske Leisure Centre is built and a contribution to the Christmas Lights Loan. CAHIR WINDOW CLEANING SERVICES Glenn Grace (son of Stefan) has been living in Cahir for some 15 years, and is currently starting up the above business. First of all, Glenn would like to thanks all those who have given his new endeavour such great support. He finds that many people prefer to have someone they know - “a local lad” as he puts it - around their homes, and I am sure he is right. If you wish to contact Glenn, you can call him on 087 275 2416. WHAT’S ON AT DUNESKE? Somehow the Duneske news has slipped through the net recently and the Multi-Activity/Sports Camp, the Six-a-Side and the Rugby Camp have been and gone. However, “Mix & Match” isn’t until Tuesday 5th to Friday 8th August.  On the Tuesday there will be a Soccer Blitz; on Wednesday it’s Arts & Crafts; Thursday and Friday will feature Multi Games. The prices are €20 per child per day, with a family of two costing €35 and a family of five, €50 a day. There are Application Forms on the counter at Duneske or you can phone 052 45517 for more info. And of course, parents should remember how much better it is to let someone else do all the work for their child’s Birthday Party! These celebrations are now well established at Duneske, and fun for all ages can be organised, from time in the free Playground to use of an All Weather Pitch. The friendly staff organise everything: fun activities, yummy birthday lunch to follow, then come the goodies! Theme parties can be organised, and at the end of a day your child will remember as the best party ever, you don’t have any cleaning/tidying up to do! And all for only €12. So give them a ring on 052 45517 or pop in and speak to Jackie. ENZO AT ‘GENOA’ Just to remind you that Enzo is still providing excellent take-aways at Genoa, and has added Pizzas-by-the-Slice and Kebabs to his menu. The undeniable quality of Enzo’s food is accounted for by the fact that he uses fresh fish and fresh chicken. The shop is open from noon until midnight from Mondays to Saturdays, and from 4pm to midnight on Sundays. SEANNAD EIREANN SUPPORT FOR FAIRTRADE A recent debate on Fairtrade in Seanad Eireann brought up a number of key issues and extended a note of support to the Fairtrade campaign. The session began with the statement that sub-Saharan Africa attracts less than 3% of global foreign direct investment. The least developed countries’ share in global exports has fallen steadily from 3% in the 1950s to the current level of 0.5%. Increased trade is central to sustained economic growth in these least developed countries. It is important to note that Africa has the potential to earn from trade, many times more than it obtains in official development assistance. Ireland must be, and is to a certain extent, to the forefront in providing assistance to enhance these countries’ capacity to produce, deliver and sell goods. Developing countries are more vulnerable and need more protection and, in world trade talks, we must ensure always that this protection is afforded to these countries throughout the world. It is essential that the poorest and weakest countries are not overwhelmed and marginalized. The principles of the Fairtrade movement are ones which any Irish Government should continue to support. They include creating economic opportunities; capacity building; a fair-pricing structure; gender equality; safe and healthy working conditions and the protection of the environment. Researchers have found that Fairtrade has significant impacts on the lives of local producers, including greater economic stability, decreased child mortality, increased food consumption and increased educational attainment. In particular, the Seanad wished to pay tribute to the staff and volunteers in the 26 towns and cities throughout this country which have already achieved Fairtrade status. Their work is extremely important in reminding us that we must use every means at our disposal to prevent exploitation of weaker and poorer nations. By purchasing Fairtrade products we, as individuals, are helping in some small way. YOUR FAVOURITE SUMMER CLASSICS IN BURNCOURT The South Tipperary Arts Group presents an Evening of Your Favourite Summer Classics with Iain King and Friends on Monday 14th July at 8pm in Burncourt Church, beginning at 8pm. This is a return visit to Burncourt by this classical Quartet and their varied repertoire continues to enthral audiences. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear a very talented group of musicians who perform at the highest level internationally. The Recital will be preceded by a Cheese and Wine Reception in Burncourt Community Hall, starting at 7pm. Tickets cost €20 and are available from Rural Arts members, from Maureen Creed’s Shop in Burncourt or by contacting 087 632 0899. A TREASURE-TROVE! As I was in Barrack Street on Monday, I called in to Teresa at her Hat Hire Service to discuss accessorising a Fashion Show which I am organising in October. I have often visited Teresa before, but never fail to be blown away by the amazing selection of hats and feathers that she has there. Not only that, but there are always the most up-to-date styles too, in every imaginable colour. For instance, the really exotic feathery creations that she showed me were featured on “Open House”. People from all over the South East end up in Barrack Street, having tried everywhere else they could think of to find exactly what they want for that special occasion. We are very lucky to have this fantastic range to choose from and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Teresa for her generosity in always supporting fundraisers so readily. NEW MENU AT THE BELL When my son and I had dinner at The Bell recently, we had a chat with chef Michael Real (‘Real Cuisine’) about the menu and how difficult it was to change it, as anything that he proposed to take off aroused a storm of protest from everyone who loved that particular dish. I suggested that he might have a ‘Special’ each day, and just clip the details onto the menus. I now have the new menu in front of me, and it makes interesting reading. I nearly had a fit when I saw that there were no more Golden Fried Pieces of Brie (I am just as bad as everyone else when it comes to my favourites) but, lo and behold, there is a Pastry Tartlet instead - filled with Brie cheese, red onion & cranberry marmalade. That should do the trick. Also new in this section are Potato Gnocchi & Tomato Sauce; and Nachos, topped with a sweet chilli sauce, jalapeno peppers & cheddar cheese.  (No more pork spare ribs - could be dangerous!) The selection of burgers remains the same-ish, with Hot & Spicy in place of the Classic. The pasta dishes are unchanged, and Salads have been added.  In the Main Courses, the 8oz Irish Sirloin Steak has an added baked potato, and the Side Orders have been removed, which is probably a good move. The steak plus the spud actually costs less than previously with the potato as a side order. Added to the Main Courses are Traditionally Made Irish Stew, Baked Fillet of Salmon and Pork Schnitzel. Altogether, this is a great menu. I am told that there will be daily Specials, too - I sincerely hope that  this will be Mike’s gorgeous Lamb Shanks occasionally, which are to die for. (I hope to be told when this is on, in case I miss it).   READERS’ NEWS AND VIEWS Please keep them coming to 10 Market Yard / 086 840 5020 and to the e-mail address above - in a LARGE TYPE-FACE PLEASE.