Fethard ‘Festive Day’ this Friday
On Friday 9th December Fethard will hold a Festive Day supporting local business and community groups. The Tipp FM roadcaster will be on The Square in the afternoon. There will be promotions happening all day in all the businesses and shops with discounts, free gifts, special offers and great deals. There will be tasty bites of food and lots of fun for everyone. A ‘Pop Up Craft Market’ will be held on Main Street with local crafts people selling their wares.

Santa will arrive at 3.30pm on The Square and turn on the Christmas lights. Santa will then be available to meet children in his grotto. We encourage you to bring a gift for Santa helping other children who might not be so fortunate this Christmas. A carol service will finish off the day at 8pm in the Parish Church. So please ‘Think Fethard First’ this Christmas and support our community

Santa visits Fethard
Santa will be in Fethard this Friday, December 9, at 4pm in the shop across from the mart on the corner of St Patricks Place and Barrack Street. Come along to meet him and bring your Santa letters, post them in the chimney and you will receive a personal reply from Santa in the post. For mum and dad there will be tea, coffee and mince pies to enjoy as they have a look around the ‘Pop Up Craft Market’. For any further information please contact any member of staff in Kenny's Centra.

Extra Christmas Prizes in Community Lotto
Fethard Community Lotto will have extra draws for Christmas turkeys and hams on December 7, 14 and 21. So get your ticket in good time for a chance to win.

The numbers drawn on November 30, were: 1, 10, 25 and 27. We had no Jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: Linda Aherne, Prospect, Fethard.

The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners also won €50 each: Irene Sharp, The Castle, Fethard; John Whyte, Main Street, Fethard; and Rose c/o Diana Stokes.

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. Next week’s Jackpot commences at €6,800 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €680. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

St. Vincent De Paul astounded with collection
This year’s annual church gate collection for the society of St. Vincent De Paul exceeded all expectations with a total of €4,085 being donated. The committee were astounded with the generosity of the people of the parish, especially in these recessionary times and stated the money will be put to good use to improve the lives of those less fortunate living in our parish. St. Vincent de Paul is deeply grateful for your kind generous support and wish all a peaceful and happy Christmas.

Another All-Ireland Volleyball Final for Patrician Presentation
Having played two matches previously in Loughrea against St. Raphael’s and St Brigid’s Vocational Schools, Fethard senior boys volleyball team travelled on Wednesday, November 23, to University of Limerick where they faced Davis College, Mallow in the last 16 of the competition. Managed by former Fethard student, Glen Bourke, the Mallow team were well prepared and begun strongly, taking the first set 25-18. However, the Fethard boys rallied in the second set and went on to win not only this set but the tiebreaker also, in what was, at all times, a very close game.

As winners, our boys progressed on to meet a second team from St. Brigid’s, Loughrea, who had qualified from the Connaught group. Again slow to start, the Fethard team went a set down early on but again fought bravely in the second set to win by the smallest of margins to force another tie-breaker. Strengthened by their win and now settled into their game, Fethard took the last set comfortably and progressed to the All-Ireland semi-finals.

If the Fethard team could be accused of being slow to settle, once they find their form they are very tough to beat. Having had such close calls in early qualifiers and in the final 16 phase, the semi-final was a display of calm and focussed play on their part. Despite some long rallies and tough opposition, they saw off St. Louis Community School from Kiltimagh in two straight sets 25-18 and 25-17.

MVP on the day was Niall Doocey, although brilliant displays were seen from all our boys including Tony Myler, Cathal and Eoghan Hurley, Andrew Maher, and Gerry Horan. Substitutions were vital in what was an extremely long day of matches in the last 16 qualifiers – among which were Michael McCarthy, Sean Whyte and Thomas Channon. On the day the team was ably captained by Dion Butler who led by example and kept morale and motivation going on the court throughout the games. Absent from the squad on the day through injury (but returning for the finals) was Ronan Fitzgerald whose return will bring a huge boost to the team.

The senior boys now face a team from Coláiste Naofa, Dungarvan, in the final to be held in UCD on Thursday, December 8.

On behalf of the school and the people of Fethard we wish them every luck and hope that they perform to their best on the day. For at least three of this team, it is the second All-Ireland schools final in which they find themselves; Tony, Sean and Andrew having all won Junior National medals previously in 2007.

With the White Heathers
Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers had a welcome change of fortune from their Clonacody meet on Sunday last. Finding close to Tommy and Pamela Griffin’s residence at Rathdrum they hunted to Jack Moclair’s at Ballinlough, then right-handed to White’s and Walsh’s and to ground in the plantation. Fresh finding here they ran to the big cover in Ballyhomeen. From Jos Mockler’s they had a nice run back to Ballinlough Bogs, right handed here to the Moyle at John Ryan’s where they lost him. Drawing back they found in Ballinlough Bogs, ran to Grant’s in Killerk and to ground. The White Heathers finished a good day with a circle from Clonacody.

The Ballylusky White Heather wish to thank sincerely Tommy and Pamela Griffin for the lavish hospitality dispensed prior to move off. They meet on Sunday next, December 11, Lawn Meet at Fethard Rectory; Sunday December 18, at Rocklow; Monday 26, St. Stephen’s Day, Drangan, and Sunday January 1, an invitation meet at Peppardstown House.

Winners in the members and friends November Draw were 1st Prize €200, John Lennon, c/o Donie Slattery, and Second Prize €100, Pat O’Brien, Lowesgreen.

Fethard Ballroom Christmas Party
Tickets are now available from any committee member for Fethard Ballroom Annual Christmas Party which will take place at 7pm sharp on Sunday, December 11. Music by Gerry Walsh.

November Rosary attendance largely improved
The organisers of the November Rosaries in our local graveyards were very pleased to see a large improvement in attendance this year. Not alone were local families in attendance but many visitors from the adjoining parishes, noticed particularly at the more rural graveyards that are situated outside Fethard. Thanks to all who attended the recited the Rosary in remembrance of their family and friends who have now passed on.

Fethard GAA News Presentation
Fethard GAA will hold their U16 South and County Football Champions medal presentation on Saturday, December 10, in Fethard Youth Centre from 4pm to 6pm. All Fethard GAA are welcome along as we congratulate our U16 Football team of 2011. We are asking that parents bring refreshments along with them, i.e. plate of sandwiches, crisps or soft drinks.

The senior club held their AGM on Friday last. The attendance was on the small side, but the meeting was very constructive and honest. The rúnaí gave a full and comprehensive report on the year’s happening. The finances are improved but we are still are in a shade of red. All the executive posts were filled and one new officer appointed to the post of PRO, Miceál McCormack.

The matter of appointing managers and selectors was deferred and will be dealt at the adjourned convention which will be held on Sunday next at 2pm in the Tirry Centre (side entrance). All players and those who wish to be involved would be advised to attend this very important meeting, as the roles of the managers and coaches will be presented, as well as confirmation of the competitions and grades that Fethard will enter. A full list of officers, committee members, plus our new selection committee will be posted here next week.

Time and time again we hear of the pride that many people have in our Fethard GAA and some really good ideas that many have as to how to improve the quality of training and attitude of teams and players. Now is your chance to be part of this and part of our 125th anniversary year. So with the greatest respect to all, lets stop the chat and start the action.

New Tipperary Rangers Social
There are still a few tickets left for the Horse and Hound in Dualla for Friday night next for the New Tipperary Rangers social occasion. Proceed will go towards erecting a suitable monument to all those players and families that gave so much pleasure to that area from 1945 to 1961. So come along and bring a friend, you wouldn’t know who you might meet. Eamon O’Dwyer from ‘Down Your Way’ will record an hour’s coverage for Tipp FM on the night. Finger food will be served, all for €5. For further information contact 087 9775096.

Fethard Macra
All eyes will be on Rathkeevin hall this Friday night, December 9, as Fethard debating team take on Clonoulty/Rossmore in what is promised to be a spirited encounter. All are welcome to attend on the night.

The annual rugby trip took place two weeks ago as several South Tipp Macra members headed to Limerick for the night. After enjoying the Edinburgh v Munster game in Thomond Park, everyone headed out on the town before straggling back to their hotel in the wee hours after a very enjoyable night out. Well done to Michael Moclair for organising the trip.

A charity comedy night will be hosted this Friday, December 9, in Lar Corbett's bar, Thurles, in aid of Oxfam Ireland for third world aid. Acts include Willie White and Tommy Nicholson. For more information contact the organiser, our own club member, Laurann O'Reilly on 085 7337432.

Now that autumn is here again and the nights are drawing in, volleyball has begun again on a weekly basis. All South Tipp members are invited to attend. Games take place every Thursday night in Clerihan hall. See you there!

Here at the club we are on a recruitment drive for new members so if you think you would like to join why not come along to one of the many Macra events or to a meeting. There is something for everyone whether it be sport, drama or anything else. For more information phone our chairperson, Liam Cleary on 086 3998711

Fethard & District Rugby Club
What a wonderful turnout, despite the cold and sometimes wet conditions, for our Fethard group who travelled to Clanwilliam, where we always receive a warm and extremely hospitable welcome. The U7s acquitted themselves very well against a well versed Clanwilliam tag team. Luke Ryan, Michael James Phelan and Louis Ryan were a great force together resulting in many tries from good passing skills. Clodagh Foley, David McCormack and Luke Fitzgerald pulled plenty of tags and turned the advantage into tries. Great back up by Mark Neville and Tom Smyth gave the Fethard team good defence. Great work once again from this young team.

The U8s met a strong team in Clanwilliam but upped their game with yet another solid performance in play from Ben Ruttle, Michael Long and Connor Neville constantly to the fore. Great speed and quick hands from Johnny Gleeson, James Ryan and Charlie Cummins put in plenty of tackles and good determined runs. James McCormack with Michael Ryan were very good rucking over and gave great support to their team. It was an even game with plenty of tries by both sides.
The U10 team of Mathew Burke, Darragh Fitzgerald, Aoife Fitzgerald, Mathew Gleeson, David Gunn, Ian Harrington, Jack Hassett, Courtney Jade, Angus MacDonald, Richard Robinson, Andrew Slattery and Eoin Walsh stood toe to toe with a strong Clanwilliam side in Tipp Town last Sunday. In a long and hard fought contest these young players showed their strength and maturity causing their hosts all sorts of problems. With the match declared a draw our players came home satisfied that the scoreline was no reflection of the efforts made on the pitch.

Fethard U12 scored a narrow victory over Clanwilliam in what was their best performance of the season so far. The forward of Jack Cleere, Harry Cummins, Barry McGrath, David McCormack and Danny Gleeson worked hard for every ball and the backs ran in some great tries, with Joe Carroll, Darragh Lynch, Gavin Ryan, Padraig Harrington and Patrick Scully having great games. This team continue to improve with training continuing every Fri at 6:45. New members always welcome.

On Sunday last the U13s travelled to Thurles for the semi-final of the league. The day started out cold and crisp but the conditions quickly turned very nasty. The Thurles team, taller than the Fethard side, were well matched around the field. Thurles seemed to be getting the upper hand when the referee blew the match up some 6 minutes early much to the annoyance to both sides. The match will be replayed as soon as possible, giving Fethard a second bite at the cherry! Fethard have certainly some improvement to do. Looking forward to training on Friday at 6.45pm. New players always welcome.

The under 15s played Dungarvan at home on Sunday morning. Conditions were poor with the pitch quite wet from this week’s rain leaving the ground quite soft. However, there was nothing soft about this game as both teams battled up to the end. Adam Fitzgerald got a great individual try breaking off a ruck and running a straight line without being caught. Dungarvan fought back hard and as Fethard tried to put it wide, Jason Ryan and Killian O’Dwyer were put under huge pressure from the Dungarvan backs. With the soft ground it was difficult to get the ball moving but by determination, Jody Sheehan and Harry Tobin combined to put Darren Prout in for a try at the corner. Dungarvan got a try and converted so the game was close. The two packs took charge as they scrummaged. Dungarvan had the bigger forwards but the sheer heart of Bill Phelan, Michael Gaynor and Griffin Ivors fronted up and held firm. Mark Collins and captain, Matthew Walshe, cleaned out the opposition from a ruck in the middle of the pitch. Gary Kavanagh got the ball away to Adam Fitzgerald who hoisted the ball cross field for Darren to chase and with support from Ben Murray, Jack Gleeson and Paul Moloney, got him over the line to lead 15-7.

The second half was energy-sapping with the whole team digging deep to defend their lead. The rain came down to add to the challenge. With ten minutes remaining Dungarvan breached the Fethard defence to get within three points. Fethard cleared their lines and Dungarvan came back throwing everything they had. Fethard soaked it up, tackle after tackle, stealing ball from counter rucking and putting themselves on the line to hold that lead up to the final whistle.

Our U17s played Galbally in Fethard on Sunday. Conditions did not allow our speedy backs to get going. William Ryan and Thomas MacGabhann carried a lot of ball with Cathal O'Donnell and Adam Keeley doing very well in the lineouts with Robert Horan and Joey Purtill lifting. Our backs put in some great tackles in very mucky conditions. Fethard won by 6 points from the boot of Paul Butler. All our players played very well showing the hard work at training is paying off.

Fethard J2s continued their good run in the Gleeson League with a narrow victory over Newcastle West in Fethard on Sunday evening. This was an overall good team performance with David Kelly, Nigel O'Connell and Emmet Sheridan carrying some great ball, while Rob Hall, Nicko Hoynes and Kieran Power were strong in open play. Brian Murphy, Philip Ivors and Trevor Ivors were to the fore in the backs while Mathew Fitzgerald scored a great try while Mark Ronan and Conor Kavanagh made positive impacts were introduced. This was a good team performance against a team who had beaten them earlier in the year. Training continues Tuesday and Fridays.

The Club has tables at the Moyglass Christmas Party and anyone wishing to attend please contact Paul on 086 838820, three course meal, bar extension and music for €20. Great night assured.

If you can remember at all each week please put the "INAC Fethard" as a prefix to all you jpgs.