Make Fethard a heart-safe community
Fethard & Killusty Community Council have plans to help make Fethard a heart-safe community. Committee member, Liam Hayes, who has qualified with the Irish Heart Foundation, is ready to begin training, subject to the Tirry Community Centre training being allowed to affiliate to the Clonmel training site.

The Community Council estimates we will need five AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillators) to initially service the town of Fethard. AED Defibrillators, are small, lightweight devices that can be used to treat sudden cardiac arrest by trained operators. AEDs are designed to be used by lay rescuers or "first responders", placed strategically around the Town, so that the lay responder can react within the 3-4 minutes required after an incident.  Fethard will need fifty volunteers from the community to train in the use of the AED and in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) to make our town heart-safe. Fethard & Killusty Community Council will organise training in the Tirry Centre initially and then roll out the training to cover the entire town.

Each defibrillator costs approximately €3,000, and our aim is to have five available in Fethard to have our town a heart-safe community by 1st May. We would encourage local business people to get involved in this project by making a contribution to the Community Council or by purchasing a defibrillator. Volunteers and businesses who are interested in being involved please contact: Joan O'Donohoe, Community Office, Barrack Street, Fethard, Tel: (052) 31000.

Mr John Walsh, Fleming Medical Healthcare Sales Manager, is photographed above giving a demonstration of equipment at the Tirry Community Centre, Fethard. L to R: Joan O'Donohoe, Supervisor Fethard Community Employment Scheme; John Walsh, Fleming Medical; Geraldine McCarthy, Supervisor Fethard & District Day Care Centre; Liam hates, Fethard & Killusty Community Council; and Patricia Fitzgerald, First Steps Playgroup.

Fethard Open Coursing presentation of trophies
Sunday last was the conclusion of Fethard Coursing Club’s season and the winners of the various stakes throughout the year were presented to the winners. The Dick Burke Perpetual Trophy was won by Helen O’Gorman, Killenaule; the Cormack perpetual Trophy was won by Peter O’Sullivan and Pat Cormack, Lowesgreen; and the O’Donovan Perpetual Cup, in memory of our late chairman, John O’Donovan, was won by Andréa Carroll, Derryluskin.

Fethard Open Coursing Club would like to thank all our beaters for their hard work, the landowners who make their land available to us, and our generous sponsors. We look forward to seeing you all again next year, please God.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on, Thursday 9th February, of Nicholas ‘Nick’ Harrington, Garrinch, Fethard, who died at St. Laurence's Nursing Home, Mocklershill, Fethard. Interment took place in Calvary Cemetery.

Tipperariana 2006 — Bookworms Galore
Sunday last saw the now annual migration of ‘bookworms’ to the Tipperariana Bookfair in the Fethard Ballroom.  Now in its eleventh year, the Fethard Bookfair is regarded by book-dealers as the best fair of its type in Ireland, confirmed by thirty-one dealers from the four corners of the country, all reporting good business. One dealer from Armagh said, “You have the formula and the book-loving people”, another’s parting words were, “My family can eat to-night!”

The Fethard Historical Society would very much like to thank all the people who donated books for sale on the Society’s own book stall. This is a great source of funds for the society and is a great attraction to the dealers and punters alike as people always hope to find their ‘wanted’ book in amongst the hundreds of books on display. As most of the books were given in without an attached name, the Society cannot send a ‘thank you letter’, but let it be known that the generosity and effort is much appreciated.

Another feature of the fair is the presence of authors of Tipperary interest books that were published in the preceding year, in this case, 2005. Ten authors were present, including David Butler of Cahir with the Tipperariana Book of the Year — ‘South Tipperary, 1570-1841: Religion land and Rivalry. Present also, signing and selling their books, were Tom Ryan, Thurles, ‘Cherry Blossoms Poems of a simple life’; Mary Ryder, ‘Slieve na mBan’; Pat Maher, ‘Ardmayle a resting place full of memories’; Margot Cullen, ‘The life and Work of Fashion Designer Cyril Cullen’; Kevin Griffin, ‘The Renihan Diaries 1882-1925’; Maurice O’Keeffe, ‘Irish life and Lore Tipperary Collection’; Elaine Fitzpatrick, ‘Tipperary People over a century of familiar faces’; Brendan Treacy, ‘Looking Back, a Pictorial History of Nenagh’; Una Darcy, ‘A Voice in the Community’. Two other authors could not make it, but their books were there, ‘Knocknagow to Brussels’, the fifty year history of South Tipperary I.F.A. by William J. Hayes, and ‘Kilcooley: Land and People in Tipperary’, by W.G. Neely (1983), which was revised and very handsomely republished last year.

Tipperariana Bookfair is now established as the unofficial meeting place for those with a special interest in Tipperary and its history and also people interested in books of Munster and Irish interest in particular. In fact, the dealers are gathering up all their ‘Tipperary’ books in the knowledge they will find a buyer for such a book in Fethard on the second Sunday in February. What began eleven years ago as a local fundraising event for the Fethard Historical Society, has now grown to become a bit of an ‘institution’. The work that goes into organising the event and the facilities made available in the Ballroom are all genuinely appreciated by the hundreds of visitors who come each year. At this stage there may be a big problem if it ever stopped, but for the foreseeable time there is little fear of that.

Hunting News
The popularity of hunting and its continued support in Tipperary and Kilkenny was certainly shown at the joint meet of the Tipperary Foxhounds and the Kilmoganny Harriers in Rosegreen on Thursday last. A huge crowd turned out for the occasion. A field of 120 mounted followers and at least an equal number of car followers left the village to follow the joint packs.

The meet was also quite a historic occasion as the huntsman for the day was Pat O’Brien, huntsman of the Tipperary Foxhounds, assisted by his son Paul, huntsman of the Kilmoganny Harriers. We have to go back over sixty years to the early days of Mrs Masters mastership for the last occasion of a father and son combination — Tommy Ryan senior and Tommy Ryan junior — known to all as ‘Old Tommy’ and ‘Young Tommy’. We wonder how many in Rosegreen on Thursday last remember?

Followers enjoyed a good days sport in glorious weather and it truly can be said, a very enjoyable day was had by all.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on Wednesday 8th February were: 1, 2, 22 and 24. There was no Jackpot winner and two ‘Match 3’ winners who received €75 each:
Alice Quinn, Burke Street, Fethard;
Patrick Sheehan, Killusty, Fethard.

The three €50 Lucky Dip winners were:

Ann Darcy, Killusty, Fethard;
Monica O'Shea, Woodvale Walk, Fethard;
Louis Ryan, East Lodge, Coolenure, Fethard.

Next weeks Jackpot remains at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1,000.

Tony’s battle with cancer ends
The death has occurred, on Friday 10th February, of Tony Sheehan, Ballycarron, and formerly of St. Patrick's Place, Fethard. Former national and international clay pigeon shooting star, Tony, son of Johnny and Peg Sheehan of St. Patrick's Place, returned home from University Hospital Cork, in December after being told that doctors could do no more to stop his cancer from spreading. Local people rallied around and raised the necessary funds to help the Sheehan family pay for alternative treatment in Mexico. However, this was not to be as Tony was too ill to undertake the journey abroad and his battle ended on Friday 10th February at the young age of fifty. The local committee will now keep the funds collected in a special account to assist similar cases in the future.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to Tony’s wife Margaret, their children, his parents Johnny and Peg, and his sisters. Interment took place in Killusty.

Fethard Bridge Club results
On Wednesday 8th February we played the second round of the Club Championship and the results were:
1st Gross: Alice Quinn and Berney Myles;
1st Nett: Olive Looby and Nora Ahearne;
2nd Gross: Anna Cooke and Bernie O'Meara;
2nd Nett: Anne & Sean O'Dea.

On Wednesday next, 22nd February, our game will be sponsored by FBD Investments. Anyone looking for a partner contact Annie O'Brien at Tel: 052 31862.

With the White Heathers
The Ballylusky White Heathers, from Cloneen on Sunday, had quite a good day. Rathkenny covert held at least two brace. One went to ground in the covert and unfortunately before hounds could be laid on one of the others, the fox was too long gone and hounds could not hold the line.

Ballinard held a brace and a half. Hounds had a fox quickly away through Martin Cuddihy’s land at Friarsgrange. Crossing the Fethard-Cloneen road at Tierney’s, they hunted towards the Killusty-Cloneen road. Swinging right-handed again, they ran through Bannixtown and Byrnskill to Tullow, crossing the Killusty-Fethard road below the nursing home. Straight down to the Carraigeen, they hunted almost to Loughcopple, where they checked and lost him.

Gathering hounds, Donie and Richard made the long trip back to Byrnes Rock. Finding here, they ran across the road to Carrolls and from here, right down through Thomas Ronan’s to the bottom of Bannixtown Hill, where they re-crossed the road. They slowed somewhat here but crossed the line across the Killusty-Cloneen road to the bank of the Anner, where they had to give a good fox best.

The White Heather Harriers will meet on Sunday next 19th February, at Cappagh Cross, and at Priestown on Sunday 26th February, both at 11am.

Fethard Patrician/Presentation Secondary School Jottings
Open Evening — The school’s ‘Open Evening’ on Tuesday 7th February, was a great success. Senior primary school pupils from Fethard and the surrounding areas attended with their parents. They participated in the ‘Fact Finding Quiz’ and enjoyed the many displays and demonstrations around the school. The Principal, Mr Ernan Britton, and the management of the school, wish to thank the teaching staff, the ancillary staff and the school’s very active Parents’ Association, for their help with the venture. Enrolment forms for September 2006 can be acquired at anytime in the school’s office.

Science Lab — The newly refurbished Science Labs will be operational after the mid-term break.

Youth Mass — Pupils from the school will participate in a ‘Youth Mass’ to mark the 700 Anniversary of the founding of the Augustinian Abbey in Fethard. A past-pupil of the school, Fr. Joe Walsh, will be the principal celebrant of the Mass which will take place on Saturday 25th February in the Augustinian Abbey at 7.30pm.

Mock Exams — The school’s Pre-Junior Cert and Pre-Leaving Cert exams will commence after the mid-term break, on Monday 20th February. The pupils are wished well in their exams.

All-Ireland Volleyball Champions
Patrician Presentation Secondary School added to their All-Ireland junior title of last year, when the won the All-Ireland Boys’ Cadette B Volleyball title in UCD Sports Complex on Thursday 9th February. In a pulsating final set, Fethard held their nerve to edge out St. Michael’s School, Listowel, Co. Kerry, in a two set victory.

This is the school’s 4th All-Ireland title — two boys’ and two girls’ titles — under coach, Bernie O’Connor, in eight years. The team was Declan Doyle (captain), Chris Sheehan, Alan O’Connor, Darragh Dwyer, J.P. McGrath and Adrian Lawrence.

‘Loudest Whisper’ lead a weekend of music
This weekend has another feast of music lined up for all music lovers at Butlers Bar. ‘Loudest Whisper’ will play on Friday night, 17th February. The band is long established as one of Ireland's foremost contemporary originals, with their unique blend of folk/rock music. Like fine vintage, the Loudest Whisper sound has been fermenting since 1973 when Brian O’Reilly first wrote his acclaimed Celtic musical " The Children of Lir". Over the years, members have come and gone, each adding his or her unique flavour to classic albums like " The Children of Lir" (1975), "Loudest Whisper" (1980), "Hard Times" (1982), and "The Collection" (1991). Little wonder, then that rare originals of these albums command anything up to €1,016 (£800) among diehard collectors.

On Saturday night, at the same venue, ‘Dom and Elaine’ will perform their own individual set and on Sunday night, Philip Donnelly will return by popular demand. Admission is free to all events

Fethard GAA Club News
On Sunday last in Fethard we were well beaten on our first county league outing of the season, with a mixture of seasoned and young players on view. The final scoreline was: Fethard 1-4, JK Brackens 3-11. The team was: Glen O’Meara 1-0, Connie O’Flynn, Ian Kenrick, James Smyth, Mike Kelly, Alan Burke, Darren O’Meara, Glen Burke 0-2 (1f), Jamie McCormack, John Leahy 0-1, Michael Dillon 0-1, William O’Brien, Shane Aylward, Shane Walsh, Paul Kenrick. Subs used: Paul Kenny, Ronan O’Meara, P J Morrissey and Brian Burke. Hard Luck on the Tipp team on Saturday last in Thurles going down to Westmeath, 0-12 to 0-9.

The Lotto Jackpot €4,900 was not won. The numbers drawn in The Well were 5, 7, 11 and 21. We had 10 ‘match threes’ who received €20 each: Sean Kelly (c/o Rita Doyle), John Spillane (c/o Rita Doyle), Chris Coen (Strylea), K. O’Riordan (Cloran), Cora McGarry (Woodvale Walk), Martin Burke (Main Street), Miceál Spillane (Tullamaine), Cian Morrissey (Tullamaine), Maggie Thompson (Woodvale Walk), and Tom Ryan (46 St Pats Plc). The €50 lucky dip was won by Margaret Bradshaw (Woodvale Walk). Thanks to Dawn Fresh Foods for sponsored tickets.

The previous weeks Lotto numbers drawn in The Castle were 4, 9, 12 and 28. We had two match three winners who received €75 each: Willie Fitzpatrick (Kilmoganny), and Paddy O Flynn (Burke Street). The €50 Lucky Dip was won by Brud Roche (Woodvale Walk).

Our condolences at this time are with the Sheehan Family (25 St Patrick’s Place) with the passing away of Tony Sheehan (Golden), and also the Harrington Family (Garrinch) on the death of Nick. Go ndeanai Dhia Trocaire ar an ainmeachta.

Abbey Jubilee 700 Celebrations come to an end
This month marks the beginning of the end of our year of celebrations, with a series of events commemorating Blessed William Tirry. On Saturday 25th February at 7.30pm, we will hold a ‘Youth Mass’ in the Abbey, Fethard, celebrated by Fr Joe Walsh. On Wednesday 1st March at 8pm, Fethard Historical Society will host ‘Fethard through the Ages’ in the Abymill Theatre. On Sunday 5th March, the closing of the Jubilee and unveiling of statue will take place in the Abbey at 11.30am Mass. Please put these dates in your diary.