Fethard and Killusty Community Games
The Community Games Annual U14 Juvenile Table Quiz took place on Thursday, February 17, in the comfortable surrounding of Fethard Youth Centre. This was a very closely contested competition where all teams gave a very account of themselves resulting in a narrow margin on the final score sheet.

Gold medals were presented by Ms Patricia Treacy to Table 10 whose team members were: Emma Hatton, Mark Heffernan, Jack Dolan, Matthew Lynch and Lucy O’Hagan (sub).

In joint second place were Tables 6 and 7. Medals were presented by Ms Rita Kenny and Ms Frances Harrington. Table 6 team: Farah Cummins Doyle, Jack Ward, Jack Spillane, Liam Quigley, Harry Butler. Table 7 team: Connie Coen, Andrew Phelan, Ross McCormack and Luke Brastock.

Ms Rose Heffernan presented third place medals to Table No 2 consisting of: Aisling Gorey, Roisín McDonnell, Jessie McCormack and Mark Hayde.

Special thanks to Mrs Mary Healy our excellent quiz mistress, to Aine Doocey-Tyrell, Patricia Treacy, Rita Kenny, Rose Heffernan and Frances Harrington – all local teachers who prepared the children and gave up their time to come and help. Thanks also to parents who transported the children, to Joe Kenny, photographer, Tom Tobin and Fethard Ballroom for loan of tables and last but not least to Fethard Youth Centre for the use of their wonderful facilities.
The county final of this quiz will take place in the Presentation Secondary School, Thurles on Friday, March 4, commencing at 7.30pm.

Entry is €1.50 per child. There is no restriction on entry for the final. All of the above mentioned teams may go and indeed any of the other teams are welcome to compete if they wish. Just remember any child who wish to compete must be under 14 years old on July 31, 2011.
The Community Games committee would be grateful if any teams who intend to compete would let them know before Wednesday, March 2, in order to give the organisers an idea of numbers to expect. Tel (052) 6131906 or 086 8110768.

Results of the Art Competition will be announced next week.

Community Allotments
Deirdre Brady, well known in Fethard for her charity work, has received funding to the tune of €700 through the Local Agenda 21 Project to help set up a community allotment scheme in Fethard.
Deirdre will be running the allotment project in association with Fethard Tidy Towns and they now need to find a suitable site of between a half-acre and a one-acre site reasonably close to the town. If possible it would be great to get local schools involved too, which would mean trying to find a suitable site that the schools could also access. The organisers are willing to pay a nominal rent and insurance although it would be great if they could get a site for free!
So if you would like a chance to grow your own potatoes, cabbage, carrots, onions and lettuce etc. now is the time to get involved. The allotments will be available on a first come basis for a nominal fee and charged according to the size of plot required, plus insurance.
For further details and enquiries, Deirdre can be contacted at 086 6006283 or (052) 6132277; and Joe Keane (Tidy Towns) on 086 2050727.

National awards for Grove Horse Trials
Grove Horse Trials, established in 2001 in running competitions for Eventing Ireland, has been honoured with two awards in the last ten days. First they were awarded the Presidents Award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Sport’ and this weekend they were voted, via Horse Board Ireland, to win the award for ‘The Best National Event in 2010’, which is a great achievement as it usually goes to a Northern fixture.

The Ponsonby family consider the events here each year as a major team effort, mobilising around one-hundred local volunteers in the construction, safety features, ground preparation and actual running of the days’ events, and are very grateful of all this help.

In spite of the recession, over three-hundred horses and ponies competed at each of the major fixtures in July 2009 and 2010. A get-together to celebrate is on the drawing board!

Fethard Tidy Towns
The next meeting of Fethard Tidy Towns will take place on Tuesday, March 8, in the Tirry Community Centre at 8.30pm. All are welcome. The committee are also looking for volunteers to help with picking up litter on Sunday mornings. Please contact Joe Keane, Tel: 6131719, or any of the committee members for further details.

Mr Kevin Collins will make a return visit to Fethard at the annual general meeting of Fethard & Killusty Community Council on Tuesday, March 15, in the Tirry Centre, and give his very interesting talk and presentation on his Wildlife Survey in Fethard, featuring the river Clashawley. The presentation will take place following the AGM, which starts at 8.30pm. All are welcome.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on February 16, were: 7, 12, 28 and 31. We had no Jackpot winner and one ‘Match 3’ winners who received €150: Kenneth Byrne, Killusty, Fethard (online customer).
The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners won €50 each: Alice Quinn, Burke Street, Fethard; Sr. Maria, c/o Kitty O'Donnell; and Dermot Darcy, St. Patrick’s Place, Fethard.

Remember you can purchase your lotto ticket online at www.fethard.com. Buy seven weekly tickets and get one free! Check on the website for lots of special offers including a chance to win a full set of jerseys for your sport’s club. Next week’s Jackpot continues at €5,100 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €510. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

Hunting News
Tuesday, February 17, from Ballylusky provided the best hunt of the week and probably the best of the season. Finding in McCormack’s above Clancy’s hounds crossed the Ballylusky – Killenaule road. Turning right-handed to the glen they ran through here, crossed the road above the quarry, through Whelan’s they hunted almost to Drangan village, left-handed here crossing the Drangan – Crohane road to Knockcura. Left to the Crohane road, swinging right they hunted through Moonverrin to Wilford to Barry’s and down to the Lismolin – Ballingarry road.

Right-handed here they went down to Lismolin where, still hunting on, they were stopped as they were running into Mullinahone country which had been hunted recently. This was a real flier of fifty minutes without a check, with over a three-mile point. Opinions are divided over how far hounds actually ran. When one considers that top class international runners cover six miles in under thirty minutes it’s a safe bet that hounds covered at least that distance, and probably more, with scarcely a check in this top class run.

Fethard & Killusty Community Council AGM
The Annual General Meeting of Fethard & Killusty Community Council will take place on Tuesday, March 15, in the Tirry Community Centre at 8.30pm. We invite individuals and representatives from local groups and organisations to come along and get involved in whatever area their interests are. This year we hope to restructure how the organisation works to reflect current needs and commitments. We would love to see a good turnout. Following the AGM there will be a presentation by Kevin Collins on ‘Fethard’s Wildlife on the Clashawley’, which includes very interesting information found by Kevin on his recent wildlife survey in Fethard.

Racing Success
Congratulations to Rachael Blackmore, Mortlestown, who rode her first winner under rules at Thurles recently. A member of a very prominent Tipperary Foxhounds hunting family Rachael commenced her riding career with the Tipperary Hunt’s Pony Club with which she represented Tipperary successfully in national and international competition. Rachael, who has ridden in thirty point-to-points was having her second ride on the track when winning the Tipperary Ladies Handicap at Thurles. Her winner Stowaway Pearl is trained by Shark Hanlon. The trainer stated that he was struggling to get a competent rider when Rachael was recommended to him by Davy Russell, one of Ireland’s top National Hunt riders. Wishing Rachael every success in her future riding career, here’s hoping her Thurles winner is the first of many.

Fethard Bridge Club
On February 16, we played the third round of the Player of the Year competition, which was a change of partner, and the results were:
1st Gross, Alice Quinn and Ellen Rochford; 2nd Gross, Anna Cooke and Eileen Frewen; 3rd Gross, Kay St. John and Noreen Evans.
1st Nett, Eileen Ryan and Bernie O'Meara; 2nd Nett, Nell Broderick and Philly Kenny; 3rd Nett, Carol Kenny and Anne Connolly
Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 6132038.

Happy 90th Birthday Jimmy
Congratulations to Jimmy Walsh, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday at his home in Kilconnell. Local postman, John Fogarty, who is also a good friend of Jimmy, called on the morning to deliver his mail. John is also a talented writer and published an article, ‘A man of the soil’, in this year’s Fethard Annual Newsletter. The article features Jimmy and tells the story of his farming life at Kilconnell since he first arrived there in 1942.

“Jimmy is the quintessential, quiet-spoken countryman, dressed in flat cap and body coat. He is quietly dignified and represents a solidity, an approach to life, an inherent honesty and decentness, that all but vanished in the Celtic Tiger years and is sorely missed following its demise. His life has been spent jousting with nature, making a living off the land in harmony with the seasonal cycles of the natural world. Spring for planting, summer for growing, autumn harvesting – and winter, well winter is all about waiting patiently for the sure and certain return of spring.”

With the White Heathers
The Ballylusky White Heathers coped very well with a scarcity of foxes and atrocious weather at Kilvemnon on Sunday last. Finding on the covert on the left of the Kylotlea Road they ran a good circle before the fox left for Slievenamon. Hunting well they ran straight into Kylotlea Wood. Hounds hunted well here but had to be called off as this vast forest is just a bit too much to handle. Drawing on they drew back by Gunn’s Stables to Mullinahone.

Despite persevering for one-and-a-half-hours in pouring rain they failed to find again. Wet through the huntsman and followers vanned the hounds back to Kilvemnon. Proving once again that good sportsmen do not mind the weather Donie drew the covert on the right of Kyleotlea Road. Finding again they hunted back to the first draw. Losing him for a while they were again away. This Charlie was once again heading towards Slievenamon and the forest when they were wisely stopped at a check at 4.30pm, with the hardy souls still out truly wet by now.

Incidentally, a portrait of the Ballylusky White Heathers, with hounds, huntsman and a few long-time followers, painted by Liam Clancy, realised top price of €550 at the auction held at the Tipperary Foxhounds Hunt Ball, at Hotel Minella, on Saturday night last.

Cancer Screening Service
The National Cancer Screening Service is pleased to confirm that BreastCheck – The National Breast Screening Programme has returned to Clonmel. Approximately 1,400 women aged 50 to 64 living in areas including Ballyclerihan, Clonmel, Fethard, Kilcash, Kilsheelan, Kiltinan, Lisronagh and Peppardstown will be among the first to be invited for their free mammogram. A BreastCheck mobile digital screening unit is now on location at the rear of South Tipperary General Hospital.

BreastCheck advises all women aged 50 to 64 to make sure their name is on the BreastCheck register by calling Freephone 1800 454555 or checking online at www.breastcheck.ie.

Learning through the Seasons
Clonacody House, in partnership with SilverWood, have organised a programme of Courses and Events for Gardeners and Smallholders running from 26th February to 29th October. Learning events include Basic Pruning, Potato Planting, Seed Sowing, Planting, Market, Workshops, Flowers, Soft Fruit, Food Fayre and lots more. For full details and brochure contact Helen Carrigan at 087 1689167 or email helen@clonacodyhouse.com

U21s March on to the semi-final
After much change and confusion in relation to time and venue, our U21s finally took the field in the 2nd round of the championship against Ballingarry in Cahir on Sunday, February 20.
The teams were evenly matched for the opening exchanges and we had to wait ten minutes for the opening score when Cathal Hurley converted a long range free from over 40m. Shortly before that, Ballingarry’s centre forward's shot for goal was brilliantly saved by Fethard goalkeeper J.P. McGrath.

Fethard had a great chance of a first half goal when full forward Aaron O'Donovan jumped high to latch onto a floating ball just outside the small square, but his punch was denied by the underside of the cross bar. Fethard were now getting on top in the middle of the field with Tom O'Connell and Dylan Fitzgerald playing well.

Wing forward Ciaran Ryan contributed two fine points in as many minutes as Fethard stretched the lead to three points. Fethard defence was very much dominant with Eoin Dillon at full back and Gavin Fitzgerald at centre back controlling proceedings and managed to keep a clean sheet for 26 minutes until Ballingarry opened their account with a close-in free. This was Ballingarry’s only score of the first half and Fethard responded with two more points before half time – Eoin Fitzgerald from well outside the 45 and the second from centre forward Cathal Hurley to leave the score 0-5 to 0-1.

In the second half Eoin Fitzgerald ran aggressively at the Ballingarry defence to win a 4th minute free, which was converted by Cathal Hurley. Ballingarry responded with a point in the 7th minute but were then held by Fethard’s full back line of Ger Maher, Eoin Dillon and Ciaran ‘Curly’ O'Connell. Ballingarry didn't give up, however, and were rewarded with another point in the 17th minute.

Fethard introduced substitute Jonathon Fleming for corner forward Tommy Sheehan with 10 minutes to go and his fresh legs were needed in the heavy conditions. Hurley tacked on a point from another free and Eoin Dillon made a great goal line save on 27 minutes.

Ballingarry scored a goal a minute later to set up an exciting finish as Fethard led 0-7 to 1-3, with Fethard's dominance just enough to hold on for a one point victory.

Team: J.P. McGrath, Ger Maher, Eoin Dillon, Ciaran O'Connell, Brian Delahunty, Gavin Fitzgerald, Ciaran O'Meara, Dylan Fitzgerald, Tom O'Connell, Eoin Fitzgerald (0-1), Cathal Hurley (0-4 frees), Ciaran Ryan (0-2), Tommy Sheehan, Aaron O'Donovan and Chris Sheehan. Sub: Jonathan Fleming for Tommy Sheehan (50 mins).
Training for both seniors and juveniles continues and Mini GAA will be back at end of February.

Cúl Camp registration, limited to 75 places this year, is being taken now, please contact Ann on 086 8963925 for more details.

Please help us to keep our GAA Park a safe place for all to enjoy and report any suspicious behaviour or damage immediately.

The Lotto Numbers drawn this week were 13, 17, 18 and 21. We had no jackpot winner and one ‘match three’ winner: Michael Sheehan, St Patrick's Place.

The €50 Lucky Dip went to Mark Hayde, Saucestown, Fethard. Next week’s draw take place in Gaules Bar.

South Tipperary Military History Society
On Tuesday, March 22, South Tipperary Military History Society will hold their first Annual General Meeting in Slievenamon Golf Club at 8pm. All members and intending members are asked to attend. Annual Subscriptions will be taken on the night. We are always looking for new members who have an interest in any aspect of Military History, be it Ancient to Modern, Irish or anywhere in the world. If you would like to come along, our membership fee is €25 annually and €2 per lecture, or just come along to the lectures and pay €5 without being a member.

For more details of coming events contact Kay Neagle on 086-0655428 or by email kayneagle@eircom.net

Fethard & District Juvenile Rugby
Fethard Mini’s were at home to Nenagh on Sunday for a great morning's rugby. The U9 team played an enjoyable game to watch with Angus MacDonald both tackling well throughout. Matthew Burke, Matthew Gleeson and Eoin Walsh put all their skills into practise. Ian Harrington and Lucy Murphy ably assisted their teammates with great ball carrying while Jack Hassett and Darragh O'Connell also played well.

The U10 team put up a solid performance against Nenagh. It was a closely contested game. The tackles improved as the game went on but praise must be given to Will Ruttle, Richard Anglim, Ben Purcell and David Ivors. These players showed great support with their recycling of the ball to set up some great tries from Sean Ryan and Evan Looby along with Connor Vaughan and Peter Wall.

Huge thanks to all the Fethard mothers for kindly organising the refreshments laid on after the games, this hospitality is greatly appreciated in the new club house.

Training continues every Friday evening at 6.45pm to 8pm for ages 6 to 13 years. New members are always welcome. Don’t forget club jerseys are now in stock and to order contact Kieran Butler on 0876824340.

Fethard U7/8s played a tough Nenagh side. With the numbers turned up Fethard where able to field two teams. Some fine tries were scored by Michael Scully, Conor Neville, Josh Ronan, Cathal Foley, Conor Walsh, Oisín Smullen, Robert Wall and Michael Long. We saw excellent performances from the two Neville brothers, Shane and Conor, with Oisín Smullen making great ground when he got ball in hand. Cathal Foley and Aidan Fitzgerald put in excellent tackles and Michael Scully and Conor Walsh putting in great performances. Training continues Friday at 6.45 pm.

Our U12s showed great displays of tackling and mauling, taking the lead at half time. Nenagh came back in the second half very strong scoring a well worked try, this seemed to spur the Fethard team into gear and replied with two very fine tries finishing the game three tries clear of Nenagh in what was a tough physical game.