Medieval Festival this weekend
Fethard will hold their Walled Town Medieval Festival this weekend, Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd August, as part of National Heritage Week.

Opening the Festival is the ‘Fired by Bees’ Ceramic Exhibition at 5pm in the Town Hall.  This exhibition, led by local artist Dóirín Saurus, pays homage to the Bee and in medieval times, and in Irish history in general, the Honey Bee played a huge part in the life and diet of the people.

A Medieval Town Walk led by Mary Hanrahan will start from outside the Town Hall at 6.30pm on Saturday.  All are welcome. Admission free.

At 8pm on Saturday, in the Abymill Theatre, the Launch of Michael O’Donnell’s long awaited 600 page history of Fethard will take place at 8pm.  The book entitled ‘Fethard, Co. Tipperary 1200-2000’ is the fruit of a life times work and research by former Kilnockin man, Michael O’Donnell, who now lives in Owning, Co. Kilkenny. The book will be launched by Tony Newport and all are invited to what should be a full-house gathering of the Fethard faithful from home and away. 

Music lovers will end the night with John Spillane singing about his ‘Dunnes Store Girl’ and other songs in McCarthy’s Marquee, at 10pm, beside the old Town Wall.

Sunday kicks off pretty early with the ‘Fired by Bees’ Exhibition at 11.30am in the Town Hall and local photographer Clodagh Blake exhibiting her work in Holy Trinity Church of Ireland at the same time. 

On the Square from 12.30pm we will have ‘live music’ from the ‘Fayerweather Band’ from Waterford, and members of ‘The Wobbly Circus’ will be there to entertain all present.  Their fun and entertainment is definitely worth seeing.

At 2pm the annual Fancy Dress Parade will commence from outside the Town Hall to the Valley Park with special prizes for those in best medieval attire. We especially encourage all families to make a special effort to take part in this traditional festive event. The now traditional Irish Wolfhounds will lead the parade followed by the children with their colourful medieval capes and shields make at the Medieval Cloak and Mantle children’s workshops held throughout the week by local artist, Pat Looby.  Somewhere in the middle of all this the ‘Medieval Knights and Ladies’ and a few other assorted ‘hangers-on’ in full medieval regalia will strut their stuff and psyche themselves up for the battles and skirmishes that are sure to follow in the Valley plains.

Family entertainment by the Town Wall will then commence for the afternoon which will include the Lambert Puppeteer, Falconer, Craft Stalls, Dog Show, Fun & Games, Food Stalls and of course the Medieval Re-enactors who should get into a fight or two during the afternoon. A Medieval Activity Tent aimed primarily at children will also be in operation for such things as games, colouring competition, craft making and other ‘hands-on’ type activities. Music for the afternoon will be supplied by the ever-popular ‘Lee Valley String Band’ from Cork.

At last year’s festival a special Fethard Medieval Festival Coin was struck on the day by local silversmith Rory Donohue.  The coin can only be purchased on the day of the festival, so last year’s coin is already ‘a collector’s item’.  This year the coin will be struck in Irish pewter and again the fitness of the silversmith will dictate how many coins will be struck for 2010.  As they say, “When they’re gone, they’re gone!” so get yours early!

The Church of Ireland Renovation Fund group will have a Tea and Cakes marquee in the grounds of Holy Trinity Church with access via the gate in the wall at the Pound.  This will really bring visitors into the very heart of the old medieval town.

A raffle is being run in conjunction with the festival to help raise funds. Prizes include: Lamb - suitable for deep freeze; Meal for Two and Bottle of Wine (McCarthys); €50 Voucher for Sadels Restaurant; Gift Hamper from O’Sullivan’s Chemist; Voucher for Lonergan’s Restaurant; Two Pictures from Carrolls Framing; and Voucher Mandy’s Hair Salon (wash & blow dry). Strips of five raffle tickets cost €2 for one and €5 for three, available at local shops. Draw takes place on Sunday 22nd August by Town Wall at 5pm. Winners announced on Fethard Website & here on the Fethard Page
For further information on all events visit: www.fethardfestival.com

Fethard GAA Club News
The Junior A Football quarterfinal, Fethard v Ballingarry, takes place at 12.30pm on Sunday 22nd August in Cloneen with the Intermediate Hurling South Final also coming up shortly.

Last week’s lotto numbers drawn were 1, 13, 20 and 21. We had one match three winner of €150 to Geraldine O’Donoghue (Kerry St, Fethard). The €50 Lucky Dip was won by Paul Fitzgerald (Kiltinan, Fethard).

This week’s Lotto Jackpot €3,600 was not won. The numbers drawn were 11, 20, 23 and 27. We had two match three winners of €75 each to Martha Sheehan (Garrinch Fethard), and Ailish Sheehan (Garrinch Fethard). The €50 Lucky Dip was won by Bernadette McManus (Burke St. Fethard). Thanks to Clonmel Credit Union (Fethard Branch) for supplying the tickets.

Fethard History Book Launch  
Saturday evening will see the launch of an important book ‘Fethard Co. Tipperary 1200-2000’ in the Abymill Theatre at 8pm. This large book, running over 600 pages, is the result of decades of research by Fethard man Michael O’Donnell. It is especially important because it covers the ‘ordinary’ workings of the town as well as the big political events. So such subjects as roads, water supply, schools and trades are all covered by Michael. What is even more important is that all the information is fully ‘referenced’, so if you even want to dig deeper into some particular subject you will know where to go looking.
Such a large hardback book is expensive to print and bind and the normal price will be €40 a copy, but on the night of the launch the price will be reduced to €35 which can also be signed by the author. Such a detailed history of one small town is very rare and Fethard is again quite unique in this regard.  South Tipperary Development Company (Leader) supported Michael to ensure his lifetime’s work got into print.

The honour of launching the History of Fethard will go to Tony Newport, a ‘true blue’ native of the town and who for many years recorded the weekly goings-on in the Fethard Notes in the Nationalist newspaper. The author, Michael O’Donnell, will also speak on the night and be available to sign copies of his book.
The Fethard Historical Society is very happy to host the launch and a marquee will be erected beside the Abymill Theatre where a catered reception will take place after the launch. The society invites every home to the event and, of course, all ‘outlying’ parishioners are also welcome to come and join Michael and his family on this historic night. A night to remember.

Fethard and Killusty Community Games 
Congratulations to the Boys and Girls Volleyball teams who both won bronze medals at the HSE Community Games National Finals in Athlone last weekend. The teams were a bit unlucky to be drawn against old rivals Loughrea in the semifinal who went on to win gold medals in both finals. The boys commitment clashed between Athlone, Croke Park and various other things so the team was down to six players with no subs on both days. However, they played exceptionally well and it was a fine achievement to win bronze medals beating Monaghan by 2-0.

The girls also had super games and beat Monaghan by the same margin. Team members were: Boys, Adam Fitzgerald, David Hayes, Cormac Horan, Niall Doocey, Brian Healy and Dion Butler on Saturday, while Ronan Fitzgerald just home from the US showed no sign of jet lag playing some great stuff on Sunday.

The girls team consisted of: Emma Hayes, Michelle Walsh, Aobh O’Shea, Aisling Costin, Christina Myler, Karen Hayes, Tara Horan, Lucy Butler and Kelly Keating. Managers were Denis Burke and Justin McGree. A big ‘thank you’ must go to both team managers, especially Justin, who travelled over and back from Kilkenny for training sessions and kept everybody up to date on Facebook. Thanks also to parents who travelled to support the teams and to photographer Kieran Butler.

Well done also to Zoe Stokes, who competed in U-10 Freestyle swimming event and reached the semifinal.

Paul Barrett Benefit Fund
A Table Quiz will be held in Butlers Sports Bar on Friday 27th August at 9pm sharp, proceeds in aid of the Paul Barrett Benefit Fund.  This is an opportunity for Paul’s local community to show their support for Paul and his family at this difficult time.

Table of four costs €40 and further details can be had from Dinny Burke (6131852) or Gus Fitzgerald (6131354) who are pre-selling tickets for the quiz.

Barbecue and Family Day
Moyglass United FC are holding a Barbecue and Family Day on Sunday next, 22nd August, in The Village Inn, Moyglass. Music by Sean Ryan and Bouncy Castle and other games to keep the kids entertained. Tickets are priced at Adults €10; Under 16s €5 and Under 8s are free. Food served between 6 and 7 pm. Please show your support.

Draft Fethard Local Area Plan meeting
South Tipperary County Council will hold a Draft Fethard Local Area Plan consultation meeting on this Thursday 19th August at 7pm in Fethard Youth Centre. All are invited to attend.

The Draft Local Area Plan will be available for inspection Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) from Monday 9th August to Monday 20th September inclusive, during normal office hours at the following locations: The Planning Department, County Hall, Emmet Street, Clonmel; and Fethard Area Office, Town Hall, New Street, Carrick-on-Suir. The Draft Plan can also be viewed on the County Council’s website: www.southtippcoco.ie

Submissions in writing must be received before 5pm on Monday 5th September 2010 and should include your name, address and where relevant, the body represented.

Augustinian Abbey
A Triduum in honour of St. Augustine will begin at The Augustinian Abbey on Thursday 26th August. Mass and prayers to St. Augustine will be offered each evening, Thursday to Saturday, at 7.30pm. Fr. Francis Ahearne OSA will be guest speaker each evening. The 28th August is the feast day of St. Augustine.

Church Gate Collection
The Irish Pilgrimage Trust wishes to thank all the very generous subscribers to the recent Church Gate Collection in Clonmel. There was a marvellous response , €2465.46 was collected.  Sincere thanks is also due to the many loyal collectors who help at this annual collection. A reminder that application forms for future pilgrimages to Lourdes are now available at phone 051-646074. Should you know or wish to nominate a young person with special needs please phone now for a form. This is a wonderful week in Lourdes for the young person and often a week’s respite for parents.

Slievenamon Musical Society
Slievenamon Musical Society are taking to the high seas this autumn. We're staging Gilbert & Sullivan's ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ in late November. Pirates, male and female required. Rehearsals will commence on Monday 23rd August at 8pm in Cloneen Hall and all are welcome. We would like to welcome on board our new producer, 2010 AIMS nominee, Diarmuid Vaughan. For further information please contact Pamela on 087 3283074 or any member of the society.

Fab Fitness classes
‘Fab Fitness’ is a new fitness class starting mornings in The Ballroom, Fethard, to suit people dropping children to school or playschool. These classes are designed to suit all levels of fitness and everyone works within their own range. Those who wish have the option to weigh-in and stay for a chat about healthy living with some valuable tips and sound advice. Classes start Friday 3rd September with registration at 9.30am. Cost is €49 for 7 weeks.  Contact Bridget O’Dwyer 087 6410352.

Sliabh Na Mban Holy Year Cross
This year marked the 60th anniversary of our Holy Year Cross pilgrimage and the large attendance were blessed with a beautiful sunny day. Ceremonies were, once again, led by Fr Anthony McSweeney who not only performed his religious duties but also gave us a brief geography lesson, showing us the various landmarks that were visible on this bright clear day, now that’s what I call religious education. When the walkers returned to O’Donnell’s field, Fr Anthony, assisted by Fr Martin Crean OSA, celebrated Mass and afterwards in time honoured tradition our ladies’ committee provided a greatly appreciated cup of tea and refreshments while Laurence Kenny was on hand to capture the day on camera, and these photos should now be winging their way to the four corners of the world. 

We need to say thank you to a few people as a day such as this doesn’t just happen, firstly to our clergy for giving freely of their time, to the Fethard Boy Scout troop for the use of their magnificent marquee. A big ‘thank you’ to all who helped with the preparations. Once again well done to our ladies, who made sure no one went home hungry. To all of you who travelled near and far to be with us, our visitor book showed that people came from counties Kildare, Wexford, Meath and Dagenham in Essex. Last but not least our hosts Jimmy and Eileen O’Donnell for keeping the tradition alive, we hope to see you all next year.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on 11th August were: 7, 11, 15 and 31. We had no Jackpot winner and seven ‘Match 3’ winners who received €25 each: Johnny O'Dwyer, Strylea, Fethard; Yvonne Mulvihill (on-line ticket); D. O'Meara, c/o Tom Purcell; John Kenny, The Green, Fethard; Martin Leahy, Annsgift, Fethard; Alfie Brett, Rocklow, Fethard; and Tony Maher, c/o Arthur Daly.

The three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners won €50: Dermot Darcy, St. Patricks Place, Fethard; Michael Conway, St. Patricks Place, Fethard; and Margaret Kane, The Green, Fethard.

Remember you can purchase your lotto ticket online at fethard.com. Buy seven weekly tickets and get one free! Check on the website for lots of special offers. Next week’s Jackpot continues at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1000.