EASTER MESSAGE
Serious athletes prepare diligently; professional actors rehearse painstakingly; good teachers do their homework meticulously in preparation for their task ahead. Before starting his mission, Christ went to a quiet place in the desert to prepare himself. Lent is a time of preparation for us. It is a renewal time for all of us but we must be renewed from the heart. As we approach Easter, my Easter wish for us all is that we are renewed from the heart so that we may bring peace wherever we go. May that peace and reconciliation spread throughout our troubled world. On behalf of Canon James Power and myself, Fr Tom Breen P.P., a very Happy Easter to each and everyone of you.

FETHARD & KILLUSTY LONDON REUNION DATE SET

What is it?
This is the revival of what will hopefully become an annual event once more. The chance to meet with and enjoy the company of, people now living diverse lives, but with one thing in common, the area of Fethard and Killusty. Whatever the association with the area, all are welcome.

When is it?
Saturday 7th June 2003. From 5 pm til late. £7.00 admission charge per head to help defray costs.

Where is it?
The London Scotia Bar, 98 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3UB
Arrive from 5 pm, BBQ for 6.30, Traditional band in the Pub from 8 til closing. Any musicians bring your instruments as jamming is definitely allowed. Good beers, caint, ceol agus Craic go leor.
Click here for Streetmap link
Five minutes walk from London Bridge station, which has extensive Mainline and Underground links. Car Parking available 1 minutes walk away in Crucifix Lane.
For travellers/tourists there are many nearby attractions, such as: HMS Belfast, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, London Dungeons and War Museum. Over London Bridge is the City of London with the Lloyds Building and the Monument. Nearby, Greenwich has the Cutty Sark and the Greenwich Observatory. Direct link on Tube from London Bridge.

What’s the plan?
The venue is a pub which is open all day. We will have the back section of the pub to ourselves. This consists of a large covered area with access to a large walled garden which is not overlooked. The format is informal and easy going. The outdoor area is quiet and has lots of seating. The bar serves it’s own food ‘til 6pm.

INCINERATOR PROJECT ENDED BY DIVISIONS
by Tim O'Brien (from the Irish Times Saturday 19 April)
The Ronan family, which this week agreed to withdraw its application for a meat and bonemeal incinerator in Co Tipperary, has said concern at community divisions on the issue was behind the family's decision to abandon the project.
In a statement yesterday the family said it was "concerned about the serious divisions which have arisen in the local community, where five generations of the Ronan family have lived and worked".
The statement continued that it was "for this reason" that it had now "decided reluctantly to discontinue the project".
The withdrawal of the application was welcomed by Mr Seamus Hayes of the South Tipperary Anti-Incinerator Campaign.
He said the members of the campaign were "absolutely thrilled that National By-Products (the Ronan family company) has listened to the community's concerns".
However, Mr Aidan O'Brien, speaking on behalf of Ballydoyle Racing Stables, Coolmore & Castlehyde Stud farms, said: "We are sorry if the Ronan family felt personally targeted during a campaign which was intense and at times heated." Mr O'Brien said the family was to be congratulated on its decision.
A separate legal action against National By-Products for nuisance, unconnected to the incinerator proposal, is to be withdrawn.

FETHARD BRIDGE CLUB
On Wednesday 9th April we played for Easter prizes sponsored by Kenny's Centra, Fethard and the winners were:
1st Gross: Kay St. John and Rita Kane
2nd Gross: Brigid Gorey and Betty Walsh
3rd Gross: Frances Burke and Breda Walsh
1st Nett: Nora Lawrence and Madeleine O'Donnell
2nd Nett: Tony Hanrahan and David O'Meara
3rd Nett: Annie O'Brien and Marie Delaney
Anyone looking for a partner contact Annie O'Brien at 31862.

WELL DONE CONOR
His many local friends, especially those in racing and hunting circles, were delighted to see Conor O’Donnell doing so well on last Saturday nights ‘Winning Streak’ television programme. Conor, who proved a most popular competitor with both the compère and studio audience, was the lucky winner of a car worth €33,000 and cash prizes worth €17,250. He was most unlucky not to be chosen to ‘Spin the Wheel’ for an additional minimum prize of €10,000. Conor, needing ‘three wheels’ out of a possible six to win, had only three chances to ‘pick a wheel’, he was successful in his first two choices picking numbers 4 and 5, but was out of luck with his third choice, number 3.
We understand that Conor choose to take the cash value rather than the car so his total winnings therefore were in the region of €50,000 — not a bad nights work by any means!

WELCOME VISITORS
Several reports were made that the swallows have made their return trip to Tipp, first seen on April 4th. We also have a very reliable report of a cuckoo been heard in the locality on April 11th. The earliest record of the cuckoo recorded in Ireland is April 2nd. A report in a national paper says one was heard this year in County Cork on April 3rd. The Fethard cuckoo was heard last year on April 18th. This bird did not stay but headed on to other parts. The herald of summer has been very scarce in the locality in recent years that only resident birds have been reported during this period from the lower slopes of Slievenamon in the Kyleavalla and Kyleathea districts.

PARISH NEWS IS BACK
Welcome back to the Parish Newsletter revived by the Fethard Parish Community Employment Scheme. The last edition of the Parish News was published in May 2001. It is presently planned to publish the Parish Newsletter on a bimonthly basis and distribute it free of charge at the local masses on the first Sunday of the relevant month. The success or failure of any publication depends on its contents and the interest of its readers. This is not our newsletter. It is yours - the people of the Parish - and if it is to be a success it will depend on you to provide the information that parishioners want to know and the stories they want to read. We for our part will put the information together and make it available.
If you have a story that you would like to tell or information you wish to provide, do not hesitate to contact us. You can leave articles for inclusion in the Parish Newsletter to the Project Office at St Patrick's Boys National School. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss anything or need more information, contact Christine in the Project Office at (052) 31925 or Liam at 086 3616882. We look forward to working with you and hope that with your help and co-operation this Parish Newsletter will be both successful and worthwhile. Remember next issue 1st June 2003.

PROPOSED WORKS TO ABBEY
The proposed works to the Augustinian Abbey in Fethard may be divided into two broad areas:

(1) Repair and conservation of the fabric of the building.

(2) Alterations which include the measures necessary to bring the largely disused Chapter House back into use, and introducing weekday use of the side chapel for Mass.

Generally works under the first heading will not require planning permission and works under the second will. Preliminary proposals have been discussed in outline with the committee and are being developed at present for further discussion. The approach is one of simplicity and nothing will be done which is not necessary. It is hoped that the programme of repair and conservation will begin after Easter 2003 and that planning permission will be sought early next year following agreement on the proposals. Proposals will be costed following the next meeting and a budget prepared for the works. The intention will be to keep costs as close as possible to the amount raised. Applications for grant aid will be made to the appropriate state agencies although the chances of substantial funding are slight.

PARISH SURVEY
Joe Nixon, Community Services Officer FÁS, is conducting a survey of the three government interventions that were conducted in Fethard since 1977. The first intervention was the Community Youth Training programme through which the Tirry Community Centre and the Abymill Theatre were restored. The restoration of Fethard Town Walls by the Friends of Fethard was made possible through the Social Employment Scheme.
Currently there are three Community Employment Scheme projects operating in Fethard: the Fethard Parish Community Employment Scheme which is based at the Parochial House; the Fethard & Killusty Community project based at the Tirry Community Centre; and the Tipperary Community Games activity for the whole of South Tipperary. The Fethard Parish CES supports St Bernard's Group Homes and looks after the parish cemetery and church in both Fethard and Killusty. It also supports the Abbey and Abymill. The Fethard & Killusty Community Scheme administers the Day Care Centre; Meals on Wheels and Community Office. It also supports the Tidy Towns, GAA and Tourist Information Point at the Tirry Centre.
If anyone has any interesting news or views regarding Community Employment in the Parish, please contact Liam Cloonan at the Fethard Parish CES office, c/o St. Patrick’s National School, Rocklow Road, Fethard, in order that we can pass the information on to Joe Nixon.

FETHARD & KILLUSTY COMMUNITY LOTTO
The numbers drawn in the Fethard and Killusty Community Lotto on Tuesday 15th April were: 3, 14, 16 and 22. There was no Jackpot Winner and two 'Match 3' winners who received €75:
Nellie Heffernan, Barrack Street, Fethard.
Martin Bolger, Drumdeel, Fethard.
The three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners of €50 were:
Greta O'Dwyer, Red City, Fethard.
Siobhán Lonergan, Castleblake, Rosegreen, Cashel.
Eimear Gahan, 6 Cedar Grove, Strylea, Fethard
The Jackpot remains at €10,000 and next weeks Jackpot sellers prize is €980.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
Families that may need help with this year’s First Communion expenses are asked to contact any member of the Fethard St. Vincent de Paul committee.

HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY

Happy 90th Birthday to Jimmy Hayes, Lower Main Street, Fethard, who celebrated the oncoming event with family and friends at a surprise party held at Slievenamon Golf Course last Saturday night. Jimmy is photographed above at the party with his wife Bridget and their children Gabrielle, Michael, Mary and Frances.

THE WELL GOLF SOCIETY
Our next outing is on Sunday, April 27th, to Ballykisteen. Once again patrons are asked to arrive in advance of 9.45am tee off. As usual, new members are most welcome. Our annual Easter draw takes place next Sunday night, 27th April, in The Well. Please do come along for a night of music and craic. A reminder to our ticket sellers, please return your cards this week to Danny Mullins, Michael Kenrick or hand them in at The Well.

PROGRESSIVE 25 DRIVE
Results for Progressive 25 Drive held on Friday 11th April. First on 12 games: Seamus Maher and Brian O'Donnell; Second on 11 games: Gay Horan and Jack Fleming, Sean Walsh and Chris Colville. Table prize: Paddy McCormack and Tom McCormack. Other Winners: Jim and Mary Garrett, Lory Byrne and Jack Fleming. Tickets: Lory Byrne, Seamus Lawrence and Paddy Butler.
A €10 game, which includes raffle tickets, will take place in Fethard Ballroom on Good Friday night April 18th. Commencing at 9pm sharp.

FETHARD YOUTH CLUB
Fethard Youth Club was open as usual on Saturday night last and was well attended. The ‘Coping On’ project continued in its third week. The fourth session will take place next Saturday night, 19th April, as planned. Thanks to Noelle O'Dwyer the rural outreach worker who facilitates the programme.
Not too much news this week as we are all winding down from the dizzy heights of being winners of the regional senior soccer tournament. Things will continue on a quieter note with our usual activities. Club will be open on the 19th but will be closed on the 26th April.

FETHARD COMMUNITY SPORTSFIELD
Fethard Community Sportsfield Committee will hold an open meeting on Tuesday, April 29th. It is hoped that a representative from all organisations in the town and district will attend. Plans are now being finalised to apply for a capital grant to develop this field which has tremendous potential. Fund raising will be one of the main points on the agenda for this meeting as the community will have to provide a certain amount of funding in order to qualify for the grant. This field will be of huge benefit to everybody in the locality. Mr and Mrs Magnier, Coolmore Stud, who has supported so many ventures in Fethard, have come up trumps again in providing the facility. It is now up to members of community to show their appreciation and make their contribution. Local carpenters and farmers are presently doing voluntary work. At the moment the services of a plumber is badly needed! Any volunteers please ring (052) 31906. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Further details of this meeting will follow next week.

COMMUNITY GAMES

Coolmore Stud opened its gates to fifteen children from areas within approximately ten miles of Fethard on Wednesday evening last 9th April. The occasion was the presentation of the new set of tracksuits for County Tipperary Community Games to our chairperson Anne Williamson. Front Row L to R: Jane Butler (St Mary's Clonmel), Daniel Hickey (Fethard), Neil Butler (St Mary’s), Emer Lyons (Clerihan), William Dunne (Ballylooby), Gregory Dunne (Ballylooby), Kevin Quigley (Killenaule), Eanna O’Gorman (Cahir). Back Row L to R: Jonathan Doyle (New Inn), Tom Woodlock (Powerstown / Lisronagh), Sean Brizay (New Inn), Mary Gleeson (Drangan), Yvonne Maher (Kilsheelan), Mr Jerome Casey (Coolmore Stud), Ms Anne Williamson (Chairperson of Co. Tipperary Community Game), Mr Christy Grassick (Coolmore Stud), Clara Maher (Kilsheelan), Stephanie Lawrence (Clerihan), and Holly Williamson (Mullinahone).
The children involved represented a number of the activities on the community games programme. Fethard’s representative was Daniel Hickey, Woodvale Walk who certainly is an example of what the games are all about. Daniel has participated in Art, Athletics, Judo, Swimming, Soccer, Rugby and GAA. He was a member of the under-10 GAA team who won the County Final and reached the Munster Finals last year. All were very impressed with the new tracksuits. Mr Jerome Casey and Mr Christy Grassick were equally impressed by the achievements of the games and offered to take the County qualifiers on a tour of Coolmore Stud as a special treat during the summer.

FETHARD RUGBY CLUB
We played three matches against Thurles in Fethard on Sunday morning last. Our under-18s had a fine win in what was a very competitive game. Some great runs by Luke Keating, Cian O’Connell and Gavin Delaney set up tries for Philip Maher, Keith Bergin and Joss Murray. In defence we had great tackling by Eoin Walsh, Philip Walton, Jack Devaney and James Mackey.
The under-10s played a very fast and flowing game with some great passing movements by both sides, we eventually ran out winners in what was a very close game. The forwards all played well especially Kevin Hayes, Matt O’Sullivan and Johnny Grassick. They set up some fine balls for the backs who ran in some great scores especially Daniel Hickey, Jack O’Connell and William Power. In defence Andrew Kelly, David Bergin and Luke Mulcahy had fine games.
Our under-12s played very well and were unlucky to be beaten by four tries to three in what was a very entertaining game. We started very and led by three tries at half time, Josh Halley running from his own half to score, with the impressive Adrian Lawrence and Paddy Teehan also touching down. In the second half we let in some simple scores but were unlucky not to equalise before the final whistle. Colm Blackmore, Sam Manton, Chris McGrath and Dave Gorey all had good games.
Training continues on Thursday evenings at 6.15pm for under-10s and under-12s. On Good Friday we have the under-10 blitz in Clonmel at 10.30am and on Saturday the under-12 plate in Clonmel. No training on Saturday and no matches on Sunday.

SCOUT NOTES
On Saturday 12th April we held our Investiture Ceremony in Grove Wood. Congratulations to Kieran O'Connell (Curley) on being invested to the scout section. Congratulations to the following also on being invested to the cub scout pack: Orla Lawrence, Niamh McGrath, Gareth Lawrence, Ted Barrett, Eugene Walshe, Noel O'Brien, Andrew Maher and David Burke.
Many thanks to Joan Casey, ARC for Scouts, for her attendance. All enjoyed a fine feast of rashers and sausages afterwards, expertly cooked by John (Nugget) Noonan, and nothing better than a brisk run around the wood to work off the excess! Leaders in attendance were Bobby Phelan (Unit Leader), John Cloonan (Cubs Section Leader), Philip O'Donnell (Scouts Section Leader) and the aforementioned John Noonan.
Contact details are as follows:
Unit Leader: Robert Phelan Strylea, Fethard, Co. Tipperary. Tel: (086) 2446085 Email: scouts@iol.ie
Scouts Section Leader: Philip O'Donnell Market Hill, Fethard, Co. Tipperary. Tel: - (087) 8124548 Email: philodonnell@eircom.net
Cubs Section Leader: John Cloonan 45 Ashgrove Lawn, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Tel: (086) 8190569 Email: cubscout@iol.ie

HOLY WEEK CEREMONIES
Augustinian Abbey
Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7.30pm.
Good Friday: Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3pm and Stations of the Cross at 7.30pm.
Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil at 9pm.
Easter Sunday: Masses at 9.30am and 11.30am.
Parish Church
Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 8pm.
Good Friday: Stations of the Cross at 3pm and Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 8pm.
Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil at 8pm.
Easter Sunday: Masses at 8.30am and 11am.
Killusty Church
Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 8pm.
Good Friday: Stations of the Cross at 3pm and Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 8pm.
Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil at 8pm.
Easter Sunday: Mass at 10am.

CONFESSIONS
Confessions will be available from 12 noon in the Augustinian Abbey on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Saturday. Confessions will be available in the Parish church after the ceremonies each day and after the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.

FETHARD ATHLETIC CLUB
Primary schools track and field competition

Athletes from St. Patrick's Boys School Fethard photographed at the Primary schools track and field competition in Clonmel.
Congratulations to Drangan, Killusty, Moyglass and Fethard schools who took part with great success in the second running of this event. Drangan won the best small schools prize for both boys and girls as Moyglass took the honours in the girls medium schools competition while Fethard boys retained the perpetual shield for the best large school.

Athletes from Nano Nagle School Fethard photographed at the Primary schools track and field competition in Clonmel.

County indoor championships
Fethard juveniles completed another successful day of racing, throwing and jumping in Nenagh last Sunday. Medal winners on the day were Darragh Dwyer who won bronze in both the under-13 600m and the long jump, Michelle Ryall who took silver in the under-13 60m, John Lalor who was third in the boys under-13 shot and Ciara O’Connor who won a well deserved bronze medal in the girls under-13 600m. The boys under-13 relay team of Darragh Dwyer, Michael Costello, Kevin Quigley and Conor Prendergast combined well to win bronze medals despite being badly hampered by an opposing team at the first changeover. Veteran stalwart Miceál McCormack had a good run in the over-55 60m to finish in second place.
Seniors
Fethard seniors were to the fore at the recent inter-firms road races in Clonmel as Fintan Rice took 3rd place on the first night’s racing, while the following week Pat Heffernan dominated the proceedings to win comfortably in a time of 23 min 40 sec as Fintan Rice finished in 5th position with a time of 24 min 04 sec. The club received a further boost as top class track and field athlete, Jacqui Stokes, indicated her intention to transfer from Ferrybank to Fethard A.C.
Training
The Monday session has been cancelled for Easter Monday 21st April but training will continue as usual on Wednesday and Saturday.

FETHARD GAA CLUB
Our under-21 season came to an end in Kilsheelan on Saturday 12th April when our hurlers came unstuck on a scoreline, Fethard 1-8 (1-4) to Moyle Rovers 1-14 (0-4). This was a spirited performance from a team who had not caught a hurley until the night of the match also coupled by the fact we were missing two of our best players Glen and Diarmuid Burke (injured). From Paddy Cooney to Shane Aylward (sub) they gave us good entertainment, with Owen Doyle, John Noonan getting points, Jamie McCormack with a brace of points, Michael Dillon obtaining three points (1 free) and Brian Coen with a goal and a point making a total off 1-8. We thank the players and selectors for their input and the enjoyment provided at under 21 level.
Our senior footballers travelled to Lisvernane on Sunday the 13th April and we were successful again under difficult conditions for football on a scoreline, Fethard 2-6 (2-5) to Aherlow 2-5 (2-1). The team was: Paul Fitzgerald, Nicky Murphy, Michael Aherne, Alan Phelan, Tom Anglim, Cian Maher, Stephen O’Donnell, Kenneth Byrne, P. J. Aherne, Karl Maher 0-2 (f), Miceál Spillane 0-1, Willie Morrissey, Conor McCarthy 0-3, Brian Coen 1-0, and Michael Dillon 1-0. Subs used: Philly Croke, Owen Doyle, and Tommy Gahan. Our next game in the county league is against Ardfinnan in Fethard on the weekend of the 27th April. Check fixtures in local paper for Easter Weekend.
Our Community Sports Lotto Jackpot of €8,200 was not won. We had six match threes who received €25 each: Stephen O’Brien (Rosegreen), Nicola Thompson (St Patricks Place), Joan Dunphy (c/o Bob Fitzgeralds), Patrick Sheehan (Killusty), Garreth Byrne (Killusty), and Paul Hackett (Strylea). The €50 Lucky Dip winner was Dicky Dunne (35 Rice Park, Callan).
Best off luck to all those doing third level exams in the coming weeks.

O’BRIEN INFORMATION REQUIRED
The following request was received from Mary O'Dwyer (email: maryod58@hotmail.com) from Liverpool.
I discovered your site while searching for information about my maternal grandparents. Fethard Barracks interested me in particular because my grandfather, Francis Carthy (McCarthy) was in the 5th Royal Irish Lancers and I think was posted there. He was married to my grandmother, Johanna O'Brien, who was from Fethard, July 4th 1922, in the Roman Catholic Church of Fethard by Father Patrick C. Ryan. According to the marriage certificate she lived at Crampscastle in Fethard. Her father was James O'Brien, labourer, and as far as I know had just one brother, Thomas. My grandparents had two or three children, Francis, Johanna and possibly Philomena. Johanna died as an infant. By 1929 the family had moved to Melton Mowbray in Leicester where my grandfather continued to work for the army with the horses.
If you can help me to throw any light on this, or point me in the right direction I would be really grateful. Best wishes, Mary O'Dwyer, 5 Burgundy Close, Aigburth, Liverpool, L17 5DD England.

JUVENILE GAA CLUB
Our under-12s played host to Clonmel Og on Thursday 10th April to begin their championship league, this game proved to be a real nail biter and when the boys seemed beaten by a strong Clonmel Og team, they were thrown a lifeline with a much needed goal scored by Gavin Fitzgerald which put the teams level. With just minutes to go, which seemed liked hours, Eoin Fitzgerald put the ball over the bar to put the boys in the winning position.
They then travelled to Monroe on Saturday, 12th, for the second game and were beaten by Moyle Rovers, after the performance of our last match lads, we are sure you will do better next time. We play Cahir in the next round, good luck to all the lads.
Our under-10s begin their Community Games campaign and will be playing Carrick in their first round, best of luck to these young players, they have enjoyed great achievements in previous years.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING
The next meeting of Fethard & Killusty Community Council will take place on Tuesday night 22nd April at 8.30pm in the Tirry Community Centre.
The committee would like to thank all who supported their Open Day in aid of the Special Olympic ‘Fund and Athlete’ Campaign last Sunday. A total of €555 was raised which will go towards the fund. The Community Council would like to encourage other fundraising efforts in the town and to put all amounts short of the required €1,000 together as a total community effort to maximise the amount of athletes funded by our community. More details at the Community Office, telephone: 052 31000.

THIS WEEK'S - 'PICS OF THE PAST'
If you have an old photograph of interest to our readers why not email it to us and we will include it on next week's 'Pic of the Past'
Bill O’Sullivan, Perryville, Fethard, photographed with his late wife Shiela and family at Fethard Festival (July 1982).

DANCE FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS
A dance will take place on Sunday night April 27th in the Ballroom in support of the Special Olympic’s Support an Athlete’ project. Music will be provided by Chequers and admission is €5. Your support would be gratefully appreciated.