Have you stopped off in Cashel lately? Well if it’s good enough for Queen Elizabeth II to drop in on her tour of Ireland, then why don’t you take some time to visit the local sights, have a leisurely stroll through the pretty town, take your time to peruse the many shops selling wonderful local crafts, produce, the best in fashion and footwear, and maybe even find a bargain before relaxing over a tasty snack, lunch or dinner in one of the many pubs and restaurants that are among the best in the county.

Cashel is now world-famous as home to the stunning Rock of Cashel, but there are also many other places to visit on a tour of the town - Cashel’s rich history is reflected in its built heritage, from prehistoric raths to mediaeval monasteries and fortified town houses, a Georgian Cathedral and a 21st century Library. The town can even boast the Bolton Library where you can find the smallest book in Ireland!

The people of Cashel are very proud of their town, and it’s obvious in the many community and family events that take place in the town throughout the year - most of which are free to enjoy on the Plaza. There are many fun events as part of the Arts Festival, on St Patrick’s Day with the parade, and at many other times of the year.

Eating out in Cashel is a wonderful experience. No matter what mood you are in, or what you would like to eat, you are sure to find the perfect spot. From cosy pubs where you can sit by the fire and warm up with a pot of tea after a walk on the Rock, to a sophisticated evening out with award-winning dining, Cashel offers something to appeal to every pallet!

If you are visiting for a few days or even just for a few hours, here are some of the local businesses that contribute to the vibrant community you will find in Cashel...

AIB Savings

Fancy having around €E5,000 in four years time to spend on the holiday you have always wanted, college fees for the kids or even just as a rainy day fund? This can be a reality by putting away just €E100 every month in AIB’s regular savings accounts. Saving has increased in popularity since the recession kicked in. People want to ensure that they have money put aside for an unforeseen circumstance or to treat themselves some time in the future.

AIB is aware of this and the bank has a range of savings products on offer for anybody looking to put a bit away each month.

AIB is currently offering a variable promotional rate of 4% A.E.R. variable with an underlying promise that the rate will at least match ECB+2.5% for 12 months from the date the account was opened. At the end of the 12 months the account will automatically change to earn the variable rate applicable to the product at that time.

If you want to save between €10 and €500 per month, earn a great rate of interest and withdraw your savings at any time with no penalty, then this AIB Regular Saver Account is for you.

Ursula O’ Donovan, Deposit Champion, AIB Cashel firmly believes when that rainy day comes its nice to know you’re prepared. So why not drop into AIB Cashel and talk to Ursula O’ Donovan and find out how easy saving can be.

Noel Fahy Footwear

Since Noel Fahy Footwear opened its door just over 27 years ago, Ireland has witnessed many highs and lows, but throughout this time they have always striven to provide a service which catered for the demands of the consuming public at any given time. “We would like to think that we have given the choice, value and service to our customers over this period. We pride ourselves on being a family store serving the footwear demands of ladies, gents and children.

“We have managed to provide a balance of brands to cater for such needs with names such as Clarks, Ecco, Rieker, Josef Seibel, Lotus, Naturalizer, Dubarry, Heavenly Feet and last year we broadened our focus and introduced Crocs, Converse, and Jana.”

This season Noel Fahy Footwear are expanding thier brand offering once again with the introduction of the ever popular Skechers and Equity for the wider foot. “Many reasons to visit us this season!”

KOKO

KOKO, 19 Main Street, Cashel opened it’s doors in March 2011. With almost a year in business they are delighted with the response from their customers, complementing them on their extensive range.

“At KOKO we stock a fantastic collection of ladies shoes, brands such as Hispanitas, Geox, Fly London and Mephisto, are high quality leather shoes that will take you anywhere. For that special occasion we have a fabulous range of classy leather shoes by Sachelle, Rorberto Botella, Fiona McGuinnes and Davilona.”

Having started out as a ladies and children’s shoe shop, it was decided to diverse into ladieswear, shoes and accessories for 2012. KOKO currently have a fantastic clearance sale on all children’s Startrite shoes to make way for an exciting new collection of Ladieswear for Spring Summer 2012.

“At KOKO we also carry a fantastic collection of handbags by Olga Berg, Fiorelli and Hispanitas and a beautiful range of jewellery both vintage and contemporary. We have new Spring Summer stock arriving daily. Why not drop in and take a look around, we’re sure you’ll be impressed!”

Supervalu serving people of Cashel since 1989

Supervalu nationwide purchase 750 million of Irish goods a year which supports our economy.

Morrissey’s Supervalu (established since 2006) is one of the major employers of the town supporting 56 jobs and we always strive to ensure that we deliver the best quality, value and service to our customers. We also provide a friendly and efficient environment in which to shop and a free delivery service to your door.

Morrissey’s Supervalu prides itself in supporting local products and supports the local community in many different ways through sponsorship. Morrissey’s Supervalu also plays a major part in the national Tidy Town campaign.

Paddy O’Dwyer Butcher

Paddy O’ Dwyer Butchers established in Cashel five years ago. Customers are assured of the tastiest and best quality meats as O’Dwyer’s source all their beef and lamb locally.

Paddy and Brid would like to thank all their customers for their continued and valued support over the years.

Premier Bathrooms and Tiles

Tipperary’s newest bathroom and tile showroom ‘Premier Bathrooms & Tiles’ is now open at Ashwell Business Park, Cork Rd., Cashel (Beside Lidl).

With over 30 years experience they can provide expert advice on a beautiful, diverse range of timeless bathroom suites and tiles from contemporary to traditional, all at reasonable prices.

Make your house a home whether it is a new a house or updating an existing house, Premier Bathrooms & Tiles have something to suit your budget and taste.

Campion Insurances Ltd.

Campion Insurances Ltd are delighted to be associated with the heritage town of Cashel. They take great pride in serving our local communities through our network of 10 offices nationwide.

“We are particularly happy to be able to support and provide over 140 jobs and be a major employer in County Tipperary – the biggest insurance provider in Tipperary.

“We provide market leading value for all forms of insurance from car, home and health insurance for individuals to a suite of bespoke solutions for our business customers. Our business offering can cater for all forms of small medium enterprises – engineering firms, manufacturing, retail, transport, bus operators, motor traders and farmers. We also provide life, mortgage protection, critical illness, pensions and investments. keep business local and keep locals in business!

A Cashel student put his thinking cap on and then got all his friends around to his home where he held a fundraising competition in aid of the Niall Mellon Fund, recently.

Evan Hickey, of Camas, Cashel, is a fifth year student at Cashel Community School. Every year the school sends a team to South Africa to help the Niall Mellon organisation build homes for some of the poorest people there.

Currently the school is fundraising for this year’s trip and Evan is one of the students who is hoping to be one of only six fifth year students who will be selected to travel to South Africa with the group.

Last week Evan held a table tennis competition at his home which raised E200 to contribute to The Niall Mellon Fund.

Many of Evan’s friends and neighbours entered the competition which was won by Niall Anglim. The ladies competition was won by Aoife Clancy.

The next step for Evan and the other students is to be interviewed for selection as one of the six who will travel to South Africa. Best of luck to all.

Evan’s proud dad, John, said that selected or not, we should be all proud of the young in our school.

]]> 1.3546263 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:41:33 +0000 http://www.nationalist.ie/laughter_and_tears_at_book_launch_as_conor_s_young_life_is_fondly_remembered_1_3546258

Michael Heverin

The life of a young Clonmel man whose catch phrase changed from ‘what if’ to ‘why not’ was remembered on Friday night at the launch of a new book on his travels throughout the world.

The book on Conor O’Mahony’s young life - he died in 2006 at the age of 32 - was written by his father Brendan and based on hugely popular travel articles he wrote for The Nationalist each week on his treks throughout South America, New Zealand and Australia.

And in addition to Conor’s experiences on his travels, the book contained a second section on a journey undertaken by his father - an emotional pilgrimage on the El Camino Ingles walk in Spain that Brendan took on the fourth anniversary of Conor’s death.

Clonmel’s Main Guard was packed to overflowing for the launch of the book, ‘Forever Young’, by Mayor Darren Ryan.

The proceeds from the book go to CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) and the founder of the book Michael Green and his wife Marie were also present for the launch. They also lost their son in similar circumstances to Conor’s death in 2006.

The evening before a packed attendance in the stunning surrounds of the Main Guard gallery contained both laughter and tears.

Brendan, as well as Conor’s brothers Kevin and Fintan, recalled episodes of Conor’s life.

It was Kevin who said that as a child Conor had always asked ‘what if’ - what if the car ran out of petrol, what if the teachers forgot his name in school. But later he asked ‘why not’ as he began a series of adventures that Conor crammed into 32 years but most people couldn’t manage in a hundred.

Before he left on his travels, his parents asked him not to do a bungee jump because it was too dangerous. Instead he decided to do parachute jumps, fly in a microlite plane and climb glaciers which made bungee jumping look safe.

Conor had said he had signed at least fourteen waiver forms when undertaking such adventures.

As Brendan O’Mahony thanked everyone who had been friends to Conor during his life or to those who helped him with the book, he turned to his wife Margaret, and with tears welling in both their eyes, said that without her they wouldn’t have had Conor for 32 wonderful years.

He had earlier said that he had found writing the book ‘sobering, reflective, sad in parts but mostly uplifting and enjoyable’.

“I thought at times that I should have written it when Conor was still with us but I got over that by saying I was now travelling the journey with him - through Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Cuba, Australia and finally New Zealand. His travel exploits were so remarkable”, he said.

Mr O’Mahony said he hadn’t thought about writing a book until some people had mentioned to him about the series of articles that Conor had written for The Nationalist and then he mentioned the idea to Eamonn Wynne from The Nationalist who put him in touch with Thurles archivist John O’Gorman who sourced all the material.

“Of course I had read all the articles at the time but when I read them again I was overwhelmed because it was as if Conor was talking to me. The hairs just rose on the back of my head”, he remarked.

He then told everyone he was writing the book, including the second section on his own pilgrimage in Spain, because then he would have to follow through on the project. Conor had once said to him on a car journey that the family motto should be “I won’t back down’ from the Tom Petty song.

Music was also a huge element of Conor’s life and the title of the book ‘Forever Young’ comes from a Bob Dylan song, the words of which are also inscribed on his headstone.

With proceeds of the book going to CRY, founder Michael Green said the group receives no public funding and depends on ‘ordinary people doing extraordinary things such as Brendan and Margaret O’Mahony did’ to help pay its way.

“It is a privilege to be involved with them. Brendan is an extreme example of the lengths people go to help us”, Mr Green said.

He pointed out that CRY helps both the families of those bereaved by sudden cardiac death and in the diagnosis of the condition.

“We started this because there was nothing there when our son died. Now we are in operation for ten years. But we could do so much more with more money. Four young people have died since Christmas”, he told the packed attendance.

Mayor Darren Ryan said it was totally unacceptable that CRY received no public funding for such vital work and he paid tribute to the Greens for all their marvellous effort.

He said it was coincidental that CRY started in 2002, the year that Conor O’Mahony started his travels.

Mayor Ryan said the huge attendance at the launch reflected the high esteem in which the O’Mahony family was held in Clonmel.

“Your family is dedicated to the community of Clonmel and I thank you for all you do. It was not easy for Brendan to write this book but his determination, commitment and courage saw him through and he has done a huge job in bringing Conor’s memory out. It is remarkable that Conor achieved so much in such a short life”, he stated.

The book is on sale at Clonmel Travel.

Some of the best chefs in the Tipperary region are to showcase their skills at the Knockmealdown Active ‘Demo & Dine’ event, which takes place in Cahir House Hotel on Wednesday, February 29th at 7.30pm.

The cooking demonstration and tasting evening will feature a mouth-watering menu of recipes compiled by well known local chefs Dermot Gannon from The Old Convent in Clogheen, Eileen Condon Catering in Newcastle, Noel Coady from The Hermitage in Clogheen and Peter Greene from Cahir House Hotel, as well as Failte Ireland head chef JJ Healy.

The menu will consist of a delicious homemade mushroom soup starter, a trio of main courses including game pie with venison, pigeon and duck, a beer and beef pie and a vegetable tortilla. Dessert will include a berry roulade and a lemon tart.

The Demo & Dine emphasis is on using quality local ingredients sourced from local suppliers, with guests tasting every meal served and taking home recipes from the chefs.

Tickets for the Demo & Dine cost €15 and booking is essential. To book your tickets, contact Knockmealdown Active members Kevin O’Donnell on 086 3541700 or Mark Rylands on 086 8119571.