FETHARD & KILLUSTY LONDON REUNION
Best wishes to all who will attend this years Fethard & Killusty London Reunion which takes place on Saturday 7th June at the The London Scotia Bar, 98 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3UB. Reception from 5pm, and a Barbecue timed for 6.30pm. Traditional band will provide music in the Pub from 8 till closing. Car Parking is available only one minute walk away in Crucifix Lane. The reunion has being organised in London by Paul Looby (Tel: +44 (0) 1276 509926 or email: plooby@ntlworld.com). There is a £7 admission charge per head to help defray costs.
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 its own food ‘til 6pm.
The reunion will provide a great chance to meet with and enjoy the company of, people with one thing in common, the area of Fethard and Killusty. Whatever the association with the area, all are welcome!

BIRD SONG
A lady resident in the Coleman area, rushing to answer the phone, was surprised many times recently to find there was no one on the other end! Thinking she was hearing things, the problem was solved on Friday of last week. Sitting in her garden the phone rang once again. Realising it was much closer than the house, on looking around she was amazed to see a starling perched on a nearby bush mimicking the ring of the telephone perfectly.
The starling is the natural mimic of the bird world. We have heard one repeat the beautiful notes of the song thrush and also have authentic information on one that could make a fair attempt to mimic the bark of a farm dog!

NANO NAGLE SCHOOL CONCERT
Congratulations to the girls and boys of Nano Nagle Primary School on their performances in this years School Concert. Due to the large number of pupils, the producers gave all the children a chance to perform by having two separate casts who performed two shows each. The pupils from Junior Infants to 2nd Class performed ‘The King’s Magic Cloaks’ and the senior pupils, from 3rd class to 6th class performed ‘Beauty and the Beast’.
Each performance in the Abymill Theatre was greeted with an appreciative response from a full audience. The continuation of Fethard’s great reputation in drama is ensured for generations to come after the performances viewed in all these shows. Well done to all concerned!

IN THE SWIM
Memories came flooding back when we saw two boys swimming in the Clashawley just below the pipe on The Valley. The 1st June was the traditional start of the swimming year a generation ago on the local river. Whatever the weather, if you could not answer in the affirmative to the question, “Have you been in yet?”, in the first week of June, you were considered to be ‘chicken’ and showing the ‘white feather’. Breen’s Bridge, The Kennels, and Whelan’s Bog were the traditional swimming holes. Newbridge, fed by the famed Mullinbawn Springs, was considered much to cold early in the year. In later years, The Rectory was also a popular swimming place.
The swimming season was governed by the old jingle, “April, May keep away from the sea (bay); June, August, July, swim ‘til you die; Go in in September, you're sure to remember!”
The local swimming holes, considering their size and depth, produced some very good swimmers in the ore-swimming pool era. Many of them are alas, now no longer with us, while others, now in London, Leicester, Dublin, New York and San Francisco will read this, and, “With fond memory bring the light, of other days around them,” and remember when, “All the world was young and all the fields were green”.

AWARENESS GROUP
A general meeting of Fethard Local Awareness Group will be held in the Abymill Theatre on Monday 9th June at 8.30pm. Local councillors and members of the Oireachtas will attend. All interested are very welcome and a good attendance is expected.

SPORTS CENTRE
With great moves afoot to further develop the Community Sportsfield on Kilnockin, we must ask, “What about the excellent Sports Centre already fully developed in the GAA sportsfield, to see such a wonderful amenity almost permanently padlocked is really a poor show!”
What is the reason? What is the solution? A way out of the problem must be found and the facilities for tennis, racquetball, handball, be made available for the local youth, especially during the school holidays.

WORLD CHAMPION
“James Balf, First Irish World Champion Team Roper”, said the large headlines in the current edition of ‘The Australian Horseman”. James, a native of Co. Mayo, is a former employee of Coolmore and emigrated to Australia in 1995. Fascinated by the expertise of the competitors in Australian Rodeos, James decided that was the sport for him. When you consider that at this stage, thought he was under hundreds of horses at his work, he had never ridden one. His rise to the top in his chosen sport is nothing short of phenomenal. The sport of steer roping requires competitors to be excellent riders, skilled with a lasso and have great physical strength to get the steer on its back and hog-tie its legs.
The competitors are allowed and assistant, hence the term, team roping. When James started he won his first pay-cheque when finishing in fifth place in 24 seconds. His time to throw and rope a steer in winning the World Champion Novice Team Rope Title was under six seconds. Less that six seconds to lasso, throw and rope a steer — try it some time!
Well done to the ‘Coolmore Cowboy’, whose father, brother and sister travelled to the finals at Tamworth Rodeo to see James compete. We look forward to his progress as he moves up from the novice grade to compete against the top professionals in a sport where courage and strength are the names of the game.

WITH THE TIPPS
the Tipperary Foxhounds had a very successful trip to the Foxhounds Association Show held in conjunction with the National Country Alliance Game Fair at Birr Castle last weekend. They won two of the four foxhound classes, winning the ‘Best Couple Entered Doghound Class’ with ‘Rambo’ and ‘Ballagh’. They won the Stallion Hound Class with ‘Portman Hamish’. Congratulations to Pat and James and best of luck in the National Championship Hound Show to be held in Stradbally in July.

RICHARD FOR OLYMPICS IN PARIS
Richard Gorey from the Fethard Judo Club has been selected to represent Ireland in the 2003 European Youth Olympics, which are to be staged in Paris, France at the end of July.
Richard son of Richard and Rose Gorey of Moanbeg, Fethard is the only representative from Co. Tipperary and one of four Judo Olympians to be attending the games. At only 14 years of age this is a wonderful achievement.
Since joining the club almost seven years ago, Richard has always been to the forefront of Irish Judo. He already has numerous Munster and All-Ireland titles to his name as well as gold medals in International events such as the Irish and Galway Opens.
This year Richard has achieved success beyond all recognition, winning bronze at both the Scottish and Welsh Opens. These wins with his success in Ireland easily put Richard to the top of the Irish Judo Associations ranking list, which won him his place in the Irish Olympic team. This is also another success for the Fethard Judo Club.
Richard is the second Youth Olympian to come from the Club, Kenneth O’Donnell travelled to Lisbon, Portugal in 1997. There is no greater accolade for a young Judo player to achieve, than to represent his country, as this is Judo at its highest level. Under the guidance and tuition of his coach Eric O’Donnell who is a former International player Richard is definitely in safe hands. On behalf of the Club members, family and friends Eric would like to wish Richard all the best in Paris.

PATRICIAN PRESENTATION SECONDARY SCHOOL
Holiday and examination time have arrived after a very short summer term, but, as always, are filled with activity. After the May Bank Holiday our transition year went to Killary Activity, Centre and on May 14th to Dublin on a historical art trip to finish off the year.
On Monday 26th May, the transition year evening took place with mass celebrated by Fr. Gerry Horan OSA, followed by a wonderful display of art work, mini-company products, show memorabilia, Daffodil Day, Day Care Centre activities and everything that made transition year such a success.
On May 22nd our Leaving Cert class travelled to Glendalough on a Celtic Pilgrimage conducted by Fr. Michael Rodgers, followed that same evening by their Graduation mass celebrated by Fr. Tom Breen P.P. The accompanist for the mass was Kevin Hickey, assisted by John Birmingham, with beautiful, if poignant, music and singing.
The weather did not look kindly on our sports day; nevertheless, it was an activity packed afternoon, with 5th years victorious in the volleyball challenge. Richard Gorey, 3rd year, has qualified for the Junior Olympics in Judo and Shane Aylward, 5th year, received the Youths Soccer Player of the Year Division 2 Award.
Our good wishes are extended to Mrs Margaret Prendergast who goes to Templemore to lecture the Gardaí in Irish, and to Justin McGree of the English and Geography Department, who will tie the know with his girlfriend Sinéad in August. And as 6/04 looms on the horizon, all that remains is to wish all our Leaving Certs and Junior Certs the very best of luck in the certificate exams, and all students a happy and safe holiday.

FETHARD GAA CLUB
The Intermediate Hurling County League commenced for Fethard on Tuesday 27th May, away to Gortnahoe, and it turned out to be one off the finest hurling games, clean , skills galore, competitive, with scores in abundance. The only downside on the night was losing by 3 points on a score line, Fethard 0-15 (0-9), Gortnahoe 0-18 (0-8). The team was: Paul Fitzgerald, Shay Ryan, Michael Ryan, Philly Croke, Ian Kenrick, Stephen O’Donnell, Michael Aherne, Miceál Spillane 0-4 (2F), Jamie McCormack 0-1, Cian Maher, Aiden Fitzgerald 0-5, Brian Coen 0-3, Johnny Neville, Garreth Byrne, Kevin O’Donnell 0-1. Subs used were: Shane Walsh 0-1, P. J. Aherne, and Michael Carroll. Our next outing in this competition is on Tuesday 10th June in Fethard against Ballybacon Grange at 8pm. On Saturday 7th June we play Cahir in the South Championship in Clonmel at 8pm.
Our Lotto Jackpot of €1,200 was not won. We had two match three winners who received €75 each: Rita Doyle (Woodvale Walk), and Bee Gould (Killusty). The €50 Lucky Dip winner was Bill Bradshaw (24 St Patricks Place).
Our Juvenile fixtures are on Monday 9th June in Fethard at 7pm when our ybder-14s play Killenaule in the ‘A’ football and on Thursday 12th June we play Ballybacon Grange in under-12 hurling in Fethard.

COMMUNITY GAMES
Well done to the Fethard under-13 hurling team who contested the Community Games County Final in Thurles on Bank Holiday Monday and won silver medals. It was a great achievement to get to the final. The lads will benefit from the experience and are sure to be back next year.
Well done also to Kevin Hayes, Redcity who was our only representative at the County Swimming Finals in Nenagh on Saturday last. Kevin put up a fine performance and qualified in his heat to reach the finals.
Congratulations to Denis Burke and the girls and boys volleyball teams who will both now contest the Munster Finals in Limerick on July 12th. Full report on all of the above on the sports page. All winners must submit their birth certificates to Bernard Feery (Tel: 052 31023) before Tuesday June 10th, otherwise they will not be registered and will forfeit their place.
Our sincere sympathy to the Hayes family, Redcity, on the death of Joan’s dad, Larry Dargan.

FETHARD COMMUNITY SPORTS FIELD LTD.
The committee would encourage people to commence selling their sponsorship cards for the community walk on June 27th as soon as possible. Time is passing very quickly and this is a major undertaking. It was nice to see that St. Rita’s Camogie Club have planned their Barbecue for the same evening in Lonergans Pub. We will have a further attraction to direct our hungry bodies to be ‘Fed and Watered’ at the end of the evening. We look forward to being joined by the fit young ladies from the camogie club on our walk at 6.30pm. This may be a true example of ‘community networking’.

PROGRESSIVE 25 RESULTS
Results of the Progressive 25 game held on Friday 30th May. Winners on 10 games: Mickey Phelan and Hannie Leahy, Dinny Gahan and Gus Neville, Mary and Patricia Lee, Brigid Hayes and Teresa Cummins, John Martin and Bridie Lee, Mary and Jim Garrett. Table prize: Tess Maher and Paddy Butler. Rubber Finals Winners: J. J. and Willie O'Connor, Paddy and Tom McCormack, Brigid Hayes and Teresa Cummins. Tickets: Fr. Tom Breen, Paddy McCormack, Jackie Devitt and Pat Horan. Next game Friday 6th June at 8.45 sharp.

FETHARD ATHLETIC CLUB
Club chairman, Miceál Mc Cormack had a most successful outing to the recent Munster championships in Castleisland where he added another medal to his collection by capturing silver in the M55 100 m race.
Our annual sports evening will take place on Wednesday 11th June in the new Fethard Community Field. The event will cater for pre-school children up to under-16 with a sprint, middle distance and the hugely popular sack-race in each category. There will be a mixed relay (2 boys, 2 girls) for the under-10s, under-12s and under-14s and a mothers and fathers race. This is a great opportunity for the people of Fethard to see this marvellous new facility in use, so please come along and enjoy what promises to be a most entertaining evening. Start time is 6.30pm sharp and entry fee is €2 per child.

FETHARD JUVENILE CLUB
It was a great week for the under-13 Community Games hurling team who made it through to the County Final on Bank Holiday Monday. They played host to St Mary's on Tuesday last and came away with a convincing win. There were some great scores: Kieran Ryan 3-2, Seamie O’Keeffe 2-2, Eoin O'Connell 0-3, and a great goal scored by Philip Doyle. There was some great defending from Matthew Fitzgerald in the half back line, and Adrian Lawrence was outstanding in the full back line, making sure St Mary's were not able to break through. The team was as follows: Jonathan Fleming, Seamie O’Keeffe, Padraig O'Shea, Matthew Fitzgerald, Kieran Ryan, Adrian Lawrence, Philip Doyle, Ben Walsh, James Kelly Kevin Hayes, Adam Lyons, Kieran O'Connell, Tom O'Connell, Eoin O'Connell, Tommy Sheehan, Owen Dillon, Darren Prout and Damien Morrissey.
This is a wonderful achievement for these young hurlers as it is the first time that a Fethard hurling team have made it through to a County Final at this young age. We wish them all the very best and well done and congratulations to Liam, Ian, Martin and Jim, for all the hard work and dedication that they have put into this team.
Training continues for under-12 football on Tuesday evenings at 6pm in the Barrack Field.
Under 10 hurling training is on Saturdays at 2pm in the Barrack Field followed straight after by football training at 3.30pm. Please note that the Tuesday training session has been cancelled until further notice. Training takes place on Saturdays instead. Our under-10s and under-7s are playing host to Clonmel Commercials on Saturday in a mini-blitz in the Barrack Field. We wish them well and would love to see some of the parents there for support.
If you are interested in taking part in any of the training sessions or have any queries, please phone Club Secretary, Caroline Sheehan Tel: 052 32005.

FETHARD BRIDGE CLUB
At our President’s Prize lunch held in Hotel Minella on Sunday 25th May the following prizes were presented:
President’s Prize: Gemma Burke and Carol Kenny.
Committee Prize: Margaret Hackett and Berney Myles.
Player of the Year, for which the O’Flynn Trophy is presented: Kay St. John.
Club Champions, for which the Hayes Trophy is presented: Kay St. John and Rita Kane.
The results of the game following our AGM on Wednesday 28th May are:
1st Gross: Rita Kane and Kay St. John
2nd Gross: Margaret Hackett and Berney Myles
1st Nett: Mary Quirke and Fr. J. Meagher
2nd Nett: Frances Burke and Breda Walsh
Bridge in Fethard has now finished for the summer and will resume on Wednesday 10th September.

FETHARD & KILLUSTY COMMUNITY LOTTO
The numbers drawn in the Fethard and Killusty Community Lotto on Tuesday 3rd June were: 11, 21, 23 and 31. There was no Jackpot Winner and Four 'Match 3' winners who received €40 each:
Johnny Murphy, Kilnockin Road, Fethard
Sim Murphy, c/o G. O'Donovan, Fethard
Marie Murphy, Colman, Fethard
Aiden Kenny, Barrack Street, Fethard
The three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners of €50 were:
Esther McCormack, The Green, Fethard
Alan Whyte, Gortnahellis, Dualla, Cashel
Anne McGarry, 29 Woodvale Walk, Fethard
The Jackpot remains at €10,000 and next weeks Jackpot sellers prize is €1,000.

COMMUNITY GAMES
Well done to the Fethard under-13 hurling team who contested the Community Games County Final in Thurles on Bank Holiday Monday and won silver medals. It was a great achievement to get to the final. The lads will benefit from the experience and are sure to be back next year.
Well done also to Kevin Hayes, Redcity who was our only representative at the Co. Swimming Finals in Nenagh on Saturday last. Kevin put up a fine performance. He qualified in his heat and reached the finals.
Congrats to Denis Burke and the girls and boys Volleyball Teams who will both now contest the Munster Finals in Limerick on July 12th. All winners must submit their Birth Certs to Bernard Feery 052/31023 before Tuesday next June 10th. Otherwise they will not be registered and will forfeit their place.
Sincere sympathy to the Hayes Family, Redcity on the death of Joan’s Dad, Larry Dargan

FETHARD COMMUNITY SPORTS FIELD LTD.
The committee would encourage people to commence selling their sponsorship cards for the community walk on June 27th as soon as possible. Time is passing very quickly and this is a major undertaking. It was nice to see that St. Rita’s Camogie Club have planned their Barbecue for the same evening in Lonergans Pub. We will have a further attraction to direct our hungry bodies to be “Fed and Watered” at the end of the evening. We look forward to being joined by the fit young ladies from the camogie club on our walk at 6.30 pm This may be a true example of community “networking”

THE HALF CENTURY

Best wishes to John Shortall, The Valley, who recently reached the half-century. John, proprietor of Shortall Pianos, The Valley, is a very talented musician. Master of the fiddle, mandolin, tin whistle and concert flute, he plays with the local popular bluegrass band ‘The Pheasant Pluckers’.
John was joined by many of his family, friends and neighbours, at his ‘birthday bash’ of good food and music organised at his home at The Valley on last Saturday night.

DIED RECENTLY
We record the death of Larry Dargan, Redcity, who died on 28th May. Remains left McCarthy's Funeral Parlour at 7pm on Thursday for Holy Trinity Church Fethard. Burial took place in Calvary Cemetery following 11am Mass on Friday 30th May.