GRAND MARSHALL — SR. PHILOMENA O'BRIEN Sr. Philomena O'Brien, formerly from The Green, Fethard, has been chosen to be Grand Marshall of the Blue Point / Bayport St. Patricks Day Parade in New York. The committee held a dinner on Tuesday night to mark the occasion and to honor her work in the community over the years. Sr. Philomena (photographed above) was presented with a Declaration by Steve Levy, Suffolk Legislator, on behalf of the 1.4 million residents of Suffolk County. It was a great night for all present. This year's parade will be held on the 14th March.
FETHARD & KILLUSTY COMMUNITY LOTTO The numbers drawn on Tuesday 20th January were: 5, 12, 18 and 29. There was no Jackpot winner, and four "Match 3" winners who received €40 each: Trehy children, Mobarnane
Eileen Ryan, Friarsgrange, Fethard
Patsy Lawrence, Woodvale Walk, Fethard
Mary Grant, Killerk, Fethard Lucky dip winners of €50 each were: Paddy Lawrence, Fr. Tirry Park, Fethard
Helen Morrissey, 48 St. Patricks Place, Fethard
Mary Myler, 66 St. Patricks Place, Fethard Next weeks Jackpot is €4,350 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €285.
THE WELL GOLF SOCIETY The following officers were elected at our recent AGM: Pat Woodlock (captain); Michael Kenrick (vice captain); Kevin Ryan (secretary); Willie Morrissey (assistant secretary); Danny Mullins (treasurer); Michael Kenrick (assistant treasurer). Handicap committee: Kevin Ryan, Willie Morrissey and Brian Higgins. Committee: Sean Aylward, Michael Leahy and David Simmons. Director of Golf: David Lawton.
This season we are re-introducing the Player of the Year award, and also a Young Golfer of the Year. Details about these later. Membership fee is the same as last season. We have an introductory offer for new members who join with a present member. Single Membership: €25. Old and new member: €40. Juniors: free. Fees to be paid on or before first outing.
We have six outings planned for this season, with our first outing on Sunday March 7th at Tipperary Golf Club.
ROTARY CLUB ASSISTS FETHARD PROJECT St. Bernards Group Homes in Fethard was recently the recipient of a cheque for one thousand euro from the Rotary Club of Clonmel. Presenting the cheque to Sister Betty Cagney, the Manager of "Avila", a home for children with special needs, the Reverend George Knowd, President of the Rotary Club of Clonmel said that Rotary was delighted to assist the work of Sister Betty and her highly trained staff in order to make life more interesting and useful for the people in their care.
Sister Betty thanked the Rotarians of Clonmel for their generosity and gave a brief outline of the work which is proposed on the grounds of "Avila". She explained that the area surrounding the house, about half an acre, is not presently accessible to the residents. By constructing a circular roadway, the area would be made accessible. The addition of some raised vegetable beds and a poultry run which would have access from the proposed roadway would provide a much more interesting environment for the people who live in the residence and indeed would also help to provide a supply of fresh vegetables and eggs for the house.
The whole project will take upwards of one year to complete and the overall cost will be in the region of twelve thousand euro. Sister Betty said the cheque from the Rotary Club of Clonmel is a very welcome and significant addition to the targeted cost.
FETHARD JUVENILES PLAY AT HEINEKEN CUP MATCH Photographed above are Fethard & District Juvenile Rugby Club under-12 members who had the honour of displaying their skills during half time at last Saturday's exciting Round 4 Heineken Cup match between Munster and Gloucester played at Thomond Park, Limerick. The team also featured in the match programme which included a full page write-up about rugby in Fethard.
DEATH OF CENTENARIAN The death has occurred on 15th January, in her 103rd year, of Ms Kathy Guinan, Coolbawn, and formerly of Coolquill, Killenaule. Interment took place at the Church of the Assumption Cemetery in Ballingarry. Photograph above shows Fr Conor Hayes presenting the late Cathy Guinan with a cheque for £2,000 on behalf of the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, on the occasion of her 100th birthday celebrated in Killenaule on Wednesday 8th August 2001.
MEAN THEFT The grocery and Newsagency business of Peter and Bernadette McManus, Burke Street, was subject of a very mean type of theft last week. A group of seven to eight non-nationals entered the shop and created confusion and distraction by all wanting to be served at the same time. Having created the distraction, a number of the party succeeded in entering a door to her adjoining dwelling house and stole a considerable amount of cash. The same group, it is understood, carried out a similar type of robbery in Templemore.
DIED IN LONDON The death has occurred in London of Mrs Bridget Thomas, formerly Bridget O’Grady of Rathsallagh, Fethard.
SLIEVENAMON 'PLAYER OF THE YEAR'
Photographed recently at Slievenamon Golf Club are L to R: Denis O'Sullivan (Captain 2004), Denis Burke, Redcity, winner of the Player of the Year 2003, Mary Quirke presenting Denis with the P.F. Quirke, Auctioneers, perpetual trophy, and Des Delahunty (Captain 2003). This was Des Delahunty's last official function as Club Captain before handing over to Denis O'Sullivan.
NEW BUSINESS - MICHAEL QUINLAN HEATING & PLUMBING
Best of luck to Michael Quinlan, Tullamaine, Fethard, who has recently started his own heating and plumbing business. Michael can be contacted at Tel: 086-1743733 or 052-31360 (after 6pm).
TIPPERARIANA BOOK FAIR This year’s Tipperariana Book Fair will take place on Sunday 8th February. As usual, the Fethard Historical Society are looking for unwanted books that can be sold at their second-hand book stall to raise funds for the society. If you have books to donate, please contact Terry Cunningham, Tel: 052 23402; or Dóirín Saurus, Tel: 052 31936; and we will arrange to have them collected.
BIG BAND VISIT Austin O’Flynn is once again providing a rare treat for music lovers when he promotes the twenty piece Premier Swing Band in the Abymill on 13th February (day before Valentine’s Day). The visit of this band will give old time dancers and music lovers a chance to take a trip down memory lane to the pre-showband days to what was known in dancing circles as the big band era of the forties and fifties. Ten and twelve piece dance bands were the norm. Bands such as Mick Delahunty (Clonmel), Maurice Mulcahy (Mitchelstown), Phil Murtagh (Dublin), Denis Cronin (Tralee) and Brose Walsh (Castlebar) were some of the better known bands playing the Irish ballroom circuit. The big English bands such as Joe Loss, Oscar Rabin, Victor Sylvester and Roy Fox also did regular Irish tours. The Abymill visit will also give the younger disco generation an opportunity to hear what a real live band sounds like. Tickets may be booked from O’Flynn’s, Burke Street, Fethard. Tel: 052 31254 or 087 1338961.
DANCE BANDS Incidentally, it is great to notice that the Brose Walsh Orchestra is still going strong. Now managed by the founder’s sons, they make regular visits to the ballroom dancing venues in Dublin and elsewhere. We remember them playing for a Fethard Tennis Club dress dance in the old Town Hall way back in the nineteen fifties, and more recently in Fethard Ballroom.
FETHARD JUDO CLUB The Munster championships were held in Douglas, Co. Cork, last weekend. We had 28 competing, coming home with 10 gold medals, 9 silver and 12 bronze.
Three of our gold medals came from Richard Gorey, who won at his own level and senior levels. The rest of our gold medal winners were Lorraine Feery, Padraig O'Shea, Orla O'Donnell, Jake Walsh (great to see Jake winning gold, he has been unlucky of late). D. J. Gorey and Stephanie Lawrence winning two gold medals, one in her own age group and the other in youths. Stephanie also got a silver medal, winning in the senior event. This is a great achievement for someone so young.
Our other silver medal winners were Samantha Feery, Niall O'Donnell, Alan Sutcliffe, Sade Cody, Liam Halley, Martin O'Donnell winning two silver medals, one in youths and one in senior. Our coach Eric O'Donnell was also competing for the first time in over a year and was delighted to get second place.
Our bronze medal winners were Gary Bradshaw, Laura Britton, Grace Maher, Alan Brannigan, Cormac Britton, Tom Woodlock, Aobh O'Shea, Hanna Stapleton, Robert Guiry, Rory Guiry, Samantha Feery winning her second medal of the day. This was her first time competing in youths and having beaten the silver medal winner to be beaten into third place because of time differences was disappointing. Also getting bronze was Josephine O'Donnell who had some great fights. We had Jack Stapleton and Jason Lyons finishing fourth. Hard luck to Tony Gorey who injured himself.
Thanks to the parents who drove down to Cork. We had a very long day, but well worth it in the end. The all-Ireland takes place in a couple of weeks. Keep up the training!
RUGBY CLUB We travelled to Waterpark on Sunday morning and despite the inclement weather conditions, we had five great games of rugby. The under-8s had a great win in a very free flowing game. Some of the new players, like Joseph O'Hagan and David Morgan, were outstanding and were well backed up by James Harrington, Ben Murray, Cian O'Connell, James Mackey and man of the match Shane Cleere.
The under-9s played a 2-all draw in what was a great game. Joss Murray, William Morgan, Keith Bergin and Jack Devaney played well.
The under-10s gave a great account of themselves in a narrow victory of three tries to two. Eoin Walsh, James Houlihan, Michael Smith, Ger Meagher, Brian Delahunty played major roles.
We played two under-12 games. In the first we were beaten by four tries to one. David Walsh gave an exhibition of tackling in this game and was well assisted by Tommy Sheehan and Ben Walsh. William Power got the Fethard try. In the second game we had a good win, with Damien Morrissey, Joe O'Dwyer, Kevin Hayes, Colm Shanahan and Daniel Hickey to the fore.
Next weekend training as usual and a blitz for 8, 10, 12s in Cashel on Sunday.
KILLUSTY NOTES As we look back on a wonderful year for Killusty in sporting circles let us reflect on some excellent achievements. Staring with pride of place to our Youths Soccer Team who were crowned Tipperary 2nd Division League champions for 2003. They travelled to Peterborough in England and won a tournament much to the delight of the travelling party.
While our junior team may not have enjoyed such success they secured their place in the 1st Division with a mid-table position.
On a team point of view Killusty Youths were our stars, while on an individual point of view our Judo stars were to the fore. Lorraine Feery crowned Irish Champion on two occasions and winning gold in Mosney. Her sister Samantha enjoyed great success also winning County and Munster gold. Katie Coen, in her first year, was excellent winning a Gold Medal at County level and silver at Munster level.
IN ATHLETICS The year belonged to another member of the Feery family when Anthony was crowned County U-23 Champion, Munster Defence Force's Champion and was a leading member of the Southern Command, Collins Barracks, Cork, who were crowned All-Ireland Champions just a few short weeks ago.
SOCCER As we look back on last year's success it was back to local soccer fixtures in the domestic scene for 04. Killusty Youths played St. Michael's last weekend in an away fixture, and came away with a 3-3 draw. While Killusty may feel they could have won this one its a step in the right direction as we wish them well for the remainder of the season in their quest to remain in top flight football.
JUNIORS Our Juniors have been doing well this season under the management of Chris Coen who is doing a great job. In the past few weeks they have secured two wins beating Bansha Celtic 5-1, in an away fixture and last Sunday beating Vee Rovers 2-1 in a home fixture where the underfoot conditions made it very difficult. However, this win keeps Killusty top of the table, and we wish them well as they try to emulate the success story of the Youth team last season. It was interesting to note last Sunday that four youths from last season, some featuring in the present youth team, played a part in last Sunday's success. This has to be welcomed.
JUDO - MUNSTER CHAMPIONSHIPS The year started off for our judo stars last weekend in Douglas, County Cork, where the Feery sisters, Lorraine and Samantha, began the season as they finished last season with excellent results. Lorraine taking gold in her category and Samantha taking silver and bronze in two separate competitions.
FETHARD & KILLUSTY COMMUNITY LOTTO The numbers drawn on Tuesday 13th January were: 1, 21, 24 and 27. There was no Jackpot winner, and no "Match 3" winners. Five tickets were drawn and the following received €30 each: Martin Bolger, Drumdeel, Fethard
Audrey Sheehan, Derryluskin, Fethard
John Fahey, Graystown, Fethard
Sarah Mullins, Patricks Place, Fethard
Ger McCarthy, Kerry St., Fethard Lucky dip winners of €50 each were: Ned O'Shea, Woodvale Walk, Fethard
Michael Russell, Drangan, Thurles
Seamus Harvey, Woodvale Walk, Fethard Next weeks Jackpot is €4,200 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €270.
HUNTING NEWS Tipperary Foxhounds had their biggest turn-out of the season for their meet at Thomastown on last Saturday. Three great runs were enjoyed over the long fields on both sides of the Golden – Cashel road where hounds were given every opportunity to show their paces in good scenting conditions. The large number of followers still out had quite enough when Pat blew for home in the sandpits beyond Kilfeacle at 4pm.
Ballylusky White Heather Harriers meet at Clonacody on this Sunday 10th January and at Loughcopple on the following Sunday, 25th January at 12 noon.
PROGRESSIVE 25 DRIVE RESULTS Results for the Progressive 25 Drive held in Fethard Ballroom on January 9th are: winners on 11 games, Tom Phelan and Bob Gleeson; runners up on 10 games, Greta and Sheila O’Donovan; table prize, Sean Walsh and Chris Colville. Tickets: Richie Nevin, Jackie Devitt, Margaret Phelan, Sean Callaghan. Rubber finals: Mrs Gorey and Liam Kelly; Brian O’Donnell and Seamus Maher.
FETHARD BRIDGE CLUB Bridge results for Wednesday 7th January 2004. We played for prizes sponsored by P. F. Quirke & Co. and the results are:
1st Gross: Brigid Gorey and Betty Walsh;
2nd Gross: Margaret Hackett and Berney Myles; 1st Nett: Anna Cooke and Bernie O’Meara; 2nd Nett: Alice Quinn and Kathleen O’Connell. Anyone looking for a partner contact Annie O’Brien at Tel: 052 31862.
SANTA BEAR APPEAL We would like all who supported and those who came Carol Singing with the Pheasant Pluckers to raise funds in aid of the Central Remedial Clinic’s ‘Santa Bear Appeal. The total raised this year, which also includes proceeds from the Christmas Hat Party, was €918.
REDCITY GRAVEYARD We have been approached by a few members of old Fethard families, whose family burial plots are in the old Redcity graveyard and are having great difficulty in gaining access to the burial grounds. The only means of entry, for both the living and the dead, are the two ancient styles, which have served the purpose for over 300 years. The graveyard with probably the oldest style in regular use, is now proving very difficult or even impossible for the not so young or so nimble, to enter when they wish to visit family graves. On their behalf, Councillor John Fahey, will raise the matter with South Tipperary County Council at their next meeting.
FETHARD CONNECTION IN TIPPERARY CUP FINAL Fethard will be well represented in the ladies rugby Tipperary Cup final to be played in Clanwilliam next Sunday, January 18th. Clonmel ladies rugby team, who went into the Christmas break on top of the All-Ireland League Div II table, have qualified to play Clanwilliam in the final and no fewer than seven of the team are from Fethard. Ladies rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, and the Clonmel team have players from many parts of the county playing with them.
Valerie Colville, Catherine Kenny, Lisa McCormack and Mary Gorey (a Munster U/19 Inter-Provincial player 2003/2004), play in the forwards for Clonmel. They are joined by, Jennifer Fogarty, Aisling Kenny and Jacqui Freyne (a Connacht Senior Inter-Provincial player 2003/2004) in the Backs.
With the Fethard Juvenile Rugby Club enjoying great success at the moment, it looks as if rugby is making something of a comeback in Fethard!
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH OF IRELAND The essential renovations to the historic tower at Holy Trinity Church of Ireland are still taking place. We would like to acknowledge the financial support received from the Heritage Council and the South East Regional Department of the Department of the Environment, Urban and Rural Development Scheme. Without their help the present crucial preservation work could not be achieved.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL The next meeting of Fethard & Killusty Community Council will take place on Tuesday night 20th January at 8.30pm in the Fr. Tirry Community Centre. We send our best wishes to our treasurer, Jimmy Connolly, who is presently making a good recovery following a serious operation.
ATHLETES SUCCESS Congratulations and well done to Kay O’Riordan, Fethard, who was winner of the ladies O/35 High Jump event at the Munster Masters Indoor Athletics Championship at Nenagh on January 3rd. Home for a Christmas visit, Kay was prevailed upon to take part by who else but her former mentor, Miceál McCormack. A leading juvenile athlete with the old NACA Club in Fethard, Kay’s victory is all the more noteworthy when considering she has not competed since her juvenile successes some 20 years ago. Kay cleared 1.45m without knocking the bar to win at Nenagh.
HAT PARTY RESULTS The 5th Annual Christmas Hat Party in aid of the CRC Santa Bear Appeal took place in the very popular venue, Burke’s Bar, Main Street, on Saturday 27th December. As usual, it was a fantastic success, thanks to everyone who participated in the event. Primarily we would like to thank Martin Burke, who provided great food and spot prizes for the occasion. Many thanks to Austin O’Flynn, our prestigious judge, ably assisted by Marian Gilpin. Thanks also to Philomena Shee who provided gourmet delights, as she also has on many previous events. We very much appreciate and thank sincerely all those who made donations for the appeal and to our special sponsor of a beautiful piece of crystal for 1st Prize. The entries for this year’s competition were exceptional. The theme was, “Christmas carols and Christmas Songs”, with a special prize for the best hat title. Results were as follows: 1st Prize, Lydia Newport Kelly’s, ‘C Amid the Winter’s Snow’; 2nd Prize, Bruno Staehelin’s, ‘Fairy Tale of New York’; 3rd Prize, Dóirín Saurus with ‘Beneath the Star of Bethlehem’. The winner of the hat with the best title was, Bert van Dommelen’s ‘Hark the Herald Angel’. Johnny O’Connor was highly commended for his entry, “I can’t Bear Christmas’ (with 24 bears). Another unusual entry was, ‘The Only Man in Fethard to Wear Two Hats’ — one from Canada and one from th e USA. Other entries included, ‘I Saw Three Ships come Sailing In’, ‘Christmas Carol with Lights’, ‘Oh Christmas Tree’, ‘Stuff the Turkey (with Holly)’, ‘Holly and Ivy’, ‘Good King’, ‘Frosty the Snowman’, ‘Jingle Bells’, ‘O Holy Night’, ‘Banzibar’, ‘Cowboy Christmas’, ‘Deck the Halls’, ‘Mammas Little Helper’, ‘Mad Dog’, ‘Santa Clause’, ‘Ma Hat Ma Gazzi (subtitled Shepherds Watch)’, ‘Pa Rup Pa Pum Pum’, ‘Looking Out’, ‘Starry Starry Christmas Night’, ‘Wise Man with Gold’, ‘Santa Clause id Coming to Town’, ‘Ba Humbug’, ‘Driving Home for Christmas’, ‘Rudolf the Red Nose’, ‘O Christmas Tree’, and ‘The Three Wise Men’. Well done to Anthony Flynn who looked very cool working behind the bar in Mrs Burke’s creation and to Bill O’Sullivan who spent hours and hours creating his hat in the “Cork Colours”, or were they ‘Tipperary Colours!” In conclusion a very special thank you to all who helped in any way the make this year’s party a great success. We’re looking forward to next year and a different theme when we can put on our thinking caps to create Christmas hats — all for a great cause!
THE WELL GOLF SOCIETY The Well Golf Society will hold a committee meeting this coming Friday, 16th January, at 8pm in The Well Bar. All members are asked to attend.
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