FETHARD'S BIG TEST AGAINST MOYLE ROVERS
(from The Nationalist Saturday 6th March)
The clash of Moyle Rovers and Fethard in the South Tipp under-21 football 'A' championship is the major game of the weekend in the division. It will be played in Kilsheelan on Sunday at 4.30. Fethard were comprehensively defeated by Commercials last weekend and face a daunting task against opponents in recent minor championships. The other game in the 'A' championship is the clash of Kilsheelan / Kilcash and Ardfinnan which is scheduled for Ned Hall park on Saturday at 4.15.
Both sides suffered defeats last weekend and will be hoping to bounce back. Little should separate the them and perhaps Ardfinnan might just he good enough to shade the issue. In the 'B' group Carrick Swans will be favourites to account for Ballingarry at Fethard on Saturday (4.15pm) whilst in an interesting clash at Cloneen on Sunday at 12 noon, Mullinahone will start marginal favourites to account for Grangemockler.
KING GIVES A ROYAL PERFORMANCE
Cashel Town 5, Killusty 1.
As the scoreline suggests this was a one-sided game and an unfortunate result for Killusty. Michael King was on fire for the home side, scoring two early goals in the first half to leave it 2-0 at the interval. Cashel dominated from there on in and King completed his hat-trick early in the second half to leave it 3-0. This was followed by a goal each from William Fitzell and Henry Flynn. William Doyle got a late consolation goal for Killusty but it was too little too late as it finished 5-1.
KILLUSTY NOTES
(from South Tipp Today)
FETHARD & KILLUSTY COMMUNITY GAMES QUIZ
Congratulations to all who took part in the Fethard and Killusty Community Games table quiz which took place in Fethard ballroom last Saturday night. Participants from throughout the county took part. A big thank you to the Fethard ballroom committee for the use of the hall and to Tony Lyons for putting the questions together. Sincere thanks also to Dr Carmel Condon, our quizmaster for the evening, who did an excellent job.
We are very lucky in the Fethard and Killusty area to have some wonderful people who are willing to give of their time to promote sporting activities for our youth. Lots of prizes were on offer on the night, a big thank you to all who helped to make the evening such an outstanding success. We hope to make this a yearly event. We had twenty-six tables.
COMMUNITY GAMES SOCCER
A big crowd turned up for our get together once again in Killusty on last Sunday evening in the sports grounds. We have entered teams this year in the U/12 indoor soccer which will begin in the next few weeks. We also have a team entered in the U/12 soccer outdoor. If your child lives in the Fethard and Killusty area, they are welcome to attend training on any Sunday evening at 4.45 training ends at 6 o'clock.
YOUTHS-SOCCER
Another disappointing result for he local youth side going down on a 5-1 scoreline to Cashel last Saturday.
JUNIORS - SOCCER
Following Killusty's most recent league win against Clonmel Celtic, their Cup game, last Sunday, due to be played against local rivals Moyglass United was postponed due to a frozen pitch. The game involving the above two teams has to be rearranged to decide who will meet St Michaels in the Paddy Purtill Cup final. St Michaels defeated Galbally 6-2 last Sunday and they now await the winner of the Killusty v Moyglass game in the final.
ATHLETICS TIPPERARY CHAMPIONS
Clonmel Athletic Club were crowned Tipperary champions in the County Novice Road Race which took place in Ballynonty last Sunday. Killusty was represented by local athlete Anthony Feery who ran a great race to help Clonmel win the county title. Anthony who has dominated cross country this season showed great ability, taking the silver, finishing second making it two for Clonmel, Pat Sullivan, Johnny Brunnock and John Walsh were other winning team winners. Congratulations to one and all on bringing the Cup back to Clonmel.
FETHARD RUGBY CLUB NOTES
We played Carrick-on-Suir on Sunday morning last at U/9 and U/10 level. Our U/9s came from two tries down to earn a draw at 3 all. It was a fast moving game, which saw some great passing movements put together also some great tackling by Charlie Manton, Adam Fitzgerald, Padraig Hayes and Shane Cleere held the Carrick lads out. In attack Tomas Keavney, James Holohan, Cian O'Connell and Luke Keating were always to the fore.
Our U/10s had a narrow 4-3 victory over a spirited Carrick team. This was a good performance with Colin Meagher, Michael Smith and Eoin Walsh having fine games in the forwards, while Shane Power, Stephen Tierney and Brian Delahunty always posed problems for the opposition. Our U/13s came up against a very strong Clonmel side on Sunday and were comprehensively beaten.
Next weekend training as usual on Saturday at 11.00am. We travel to Cashel with 8, 10 and 12 year olds on Sunday morning, while U/13 game is being arranged.
COMMERCIALS RECOVER FROM EARLY GOAL SETBACK
(from The Nationalist Saturday 6th March)
Clonmel Commercials 2-16, Fethard 2-5.
Clonmel Commercials began their South Tipperary under-21 football 'A' championship tie at Fethard on Sunday morning by conceding an early goal to the home side, before taking control to lead 2-9 to 1-0 at halftime.
After the shock of the early goal they held Fethard scoreless for 39 minutes and were leading 213 to 1-0 when corner-forward Darren O'Meara had Fethard's first point on the 43rd minute. Everything went right for Commercials in the opening thirty minutes, as Fethard failed to get their challenge off the ground and kicked eight wides to Clonmel's five.
Commercials responded with two points to the Fethard goal and took the lead when right half forward John Harney broke through to send a sliding shot into the corner of the net. He was injured in the tackle as he scored, and was replaced by Padraig Dempsey.
Full-forward Adrian Barry grabbed Commercials second goal with his first touch of the ball in the 15th minute, and while Fethard wasted a number of scoring chances they had no answer to opponents who chalked up seven points in the closing eleven minutes of the firsthalf, with Kenneth Kiely, Brian Carroll, Kevin O'Callaghan and Niall Kelly delivering the allimportant scores.
Commercials midfielder Kenneth Kiely, who landed some great long-range frees, had the first two points of the second-half, and they were sixteen points clear (2-13 to 1-0) when Fethard had their second score, a point from Darren O'Meara in the 43rd minute.
Fethard then rallied with four more points and were trailing 2-14 to 1-5 when on 53 minutes substitute Shane Aylward had their second goal, but Commercials had the final say with the last two points of the game.
Fethard's first attack saw full-forward William Doyle take a pass from John Noonan to beat the Clonmel keeper with an unstoppable shot to the corner of the net after four minutes.
Commercials responded with points from Kevin O'Callaghan and Kenneth Kiely (free) and took the lead with Harney's well earned goal in the 11th minute. They then took up a 2-2 to 1-0 lead at the end of the first quarter when Adrian Barry's piledriver bulged the Fethard net.
An improving Commercials attack piled on the agony when points from Niall Kelly, Brian Carroll (2), Kenneth Kiely (2) and Kevin O'Callaghan gave them a 2-9 to 1-0 interval lead.
Clonmel's onward march continued when play resumed with Kelly (2), Adrian Barry and wingback Kevin Harney landing points before Darren O'Meara had Fethard's first score for 39 minutes with a 43rd minute point.
They then hit three unanswered points from Johnny Leahy and P. J. Morrissey (2) before Brian Carroll had his third point for Commercials, leaving it 2-14 to 1-4. A John Noonan point and a Shane Aylward goal closed the gap for Fethard but Commercials had the last two points from Ian Kavanagh and a Brian Carroll free, leaving eleven points separating the sides at the final whistle.
The impressive Clonmel side had fine performances from Liam Murphy, Kevin Harney, Thomas O'Mahony, Declan Power, Kenneth Kiely, Niall Kelly, John Harney (until injured), Brian O'Carroll, Adrian Barry and Kevin O'Callaghan.
Best for a Fethard side, who will now have to come through the losers group to get back in contention, were Shane Walsh, Michael Dillon, Eoin Doyle, James McCormack, John Hanrahan, John Noonan, William Doyle, Darren O'Meara and P. J. Morrissey. Substitute Shane Aylward also took his goal very well.
Clonmel Commercials: Kenneth Kiely 0-5 (0-3 frees), Brian Carroll 0-4 (0-2 frees), Kevin O'Callaghan 0-3 (0-2 frees), John Harney 1-0, Aidan Barry 1-1, Kevin Harney, Niall Kelly and Ian Kavanagh 0-1 each.
Fethard: William Doyle 1-0, Shane Aylward 1-0, Shane Aylward 1-0. P. J. Morrissey 0-2, Darren O'Meara, Johnny Leahy and John Noonan 0-1 each.
Clonmel Commercials: Barry Hanley, Ciarán O'Connell, Liam Murphy, Niall Kelly, Kevin Harney, Thomas O'Mahoney, Declan Power, Kenneth Kiely, Niall Kelly, John Harney, Brian O'Carroll, Barry Gibbons, Ian Kavanagh, Aidan Barry, Kevin O'Callaghan. Sub: Padraig Dempsey for J. Harney.
Fethard: Paul Kenny, Mike Kelly, Ian Kenrick, Paul Hackett, Emmet Burke, Shane Walsh, Connie O'Flynn, Michael Dillon, Eoin Doyle, James McCormack, John Hanrahan, William Harrington, John Noonan, William Doyle, Darren O'Meara. Subs: Ronan Maher for M. Kenny, Shane Aylward for C. Flynn, P. J. Morrissey for W. Doyle and Johnny Leahy for E. Burke.
Referee: Brian White, Clonmel.
CARROLLS PUB, BURKE STREET
Carroll's Pub, originally Kennedy's Bar, was demolished on Tuesday 2nd March 2004, to make way for a new development. Many of our readers will have fond memories of the many card games, dart competitions and bag-a-tell games played when the pub was owned by the late Sadie Carroll.
This photograph was taken on Wednesday 3rd March. You also can see the new housing development on the site of Kennedy's Garage behind the site of Carrolls Pub.
New housing developments at Lower Green
FETHARD BRIDGE CLUB
On Wednesday 25th February 2004 we played the second round of the Player of the Year competition and the results were:
1st Gross: Kay St. John and Betty Walsh
2nd Gross: Brigid Gorey and Tony Hanrahan
1st Nett: Breda O’Grady and Ellen Rochford
2nd Nett: Gemma Burke and Brendan Kenny
Next Wednesday 10th March we will be playing the fourth round of the Player of the Year competition where you play with your own partner. Anyone looking for a partner can contact Annie O’Brien. Tel: 052 31862.
DON’T MISS JOHNNY AT ABYMILL
Johnny Duhan, Limerick born singer/songwriter plays the intimate Abymill Theatre in Fethard on this Friday night 5th March at 8.15pm. Tickets are €10 on the door and can also be booked at O’Flynn’s, Burke Street, Fethard Tel: 052 31254.
Johnny Duhan rates with Jimmy McCarthy and Noel Brazil as one of the best songwriters in Irish music. He captured the public imagination in the '80s when Christy Moore recorded his song, "The Voyage". Duhan has put out a number of albums in the last two decades developing his exquisite brand of songwriting.
Duhan's songwriting soon caught the attention of some of Ireland's biggest folk acts. Christy Moore popularised Duhan's song, "The Voyage" and the song became a classic of contemporary Irish music. In the last two decades, Duhan's songs have been covered by such renowned acts as The Irish Tenors, Mary Black, Christy Moore, Dolores Keane and The Dubliners.
Duhan's debut solo album, ‘Johnny Duhan’ was released in 1982. Johnny followed his debut albums with ‘Just Another Town’, documenting his Limerick childhood, ‘Don Quixote’ explores his luck with love, ‘Flame’ considers his spiritual quest and ‘Tree’, tells the story of his family history. His most recent collection, ‘The River Returning’ looks to the familiar terrain of childhood and love for themes.
Duhan's autobiography, ‘There is a Time’ is published by Bandon Books. The book tells of his childhood high jinks at a carnival, his uproarious days with Granny Intentions and his life as a songwriter. His reputation as a songwriter was sealed with the book, The Voyage - A Johnny Duhan songbook, which was published by Walton. This concert in the Abymill Theatre will be an excellent opportunity to see one of the hidden gems of Irish song writing. Don't miss it.
FETHARD & KILLUSTY COMMUNITY LOTTO
The numbers drawn on Tuesday 2nd March were: 4, 18, 24 and 27. There was no Jackpot winner, and no "Match 3" winner, Five tickets were drawn and the following received €30 each:
M.F. Croke, Tullamaine, Fethard
Terry Coady, The Valley, Fethard
Lisa Walsh, Burke Street, Fethard
John O'Brien, 8 Woodvale Walk, Fethard
Nick Stokes, Fethard.
Lucky dip winners of €50 each were:
Eleanor Roche, 22 Woodvale Walk, Fethard
David Orr, 25 St. Patricks Place, Fethard
Bernadette McManus, Burke Street, Fethard
Next weeks Jackpot €5,250. Jackpot sellers prize €375.
DISABLED INTEGRATED YOUTH CLUB
Members of Clonmel Disabled Integrated Youth Club photographed with Mayor of Clonmel, Alderman Phil Prendergast, after she presented Red Cross First Aid certificates to participants who attended the course run by Darren Ryan, Red Cross. The Mayor complemented the members and leaders on their excellent club which caters for the needs of both disabled and able-bodied youth in Clonmel and surrounding areas between the ages of 13 and 18. Meetings are held every Tuesday night from 7.30pm to 9.00pm in the Wilderness Youth and Community Centre, Clonmel, and new members are always very welcome. Contact Club Secretary, Rosaleen O'Leary at 086 8279038. Back L to R: Christopher Hogg, Michael Freiberg, Rosie Whitely, Claire Darmody, Andrew Kerr. Middle L to R: Geraldine Carey (leader), Elaine Diggins, Annemarie Carew, Niamh Lynch, Brian Pollard, Marcus McGrath, Simon Dargan, Aoife Ryan, Bernie O’Leary (leader). Front L to R: Rosaleen O’Leary (leader), Laura Kenneally, Mayor of Clonmel, Alderman Phil Prendergast, Darren Ryan (Red Cross) and Jack Kenny.
ST. RITA'S CAMOGIE CLUB
The AGM of St. Rita's Camogie Club took place in the Tirry Community Centre last Thursday night, 26th February, and despite the small number, it proved to be a very successful night.
A presentation was made to Stephen Fitzgerald in recognition of his appointment as County Camogie Chairperson, and we would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere best wishes to him for his forthcoming term of office.
Tossie Lawton was unanimously elected as the clubs Life President in recognition of her role as a player, founder and supporter of the club. We also wish to acknowledge and thank Tony Shelley for his work as trainer of the intermediate team last year. Due to commitments, Tony will not be training the team this year, and the club would like to wish him every success.
This year the club has been re-graded to Junior A and will be participating in the County Championship and League.
Training will resume on Wednesday night, 3rd March in the Barrack Field at 7pm. Membership rates have been set at €20 for adults and €10 for students.
Officers Elected were: President, Fr. Tom Breen; Life President, Tossie Lawton; Chairperson, Martha Sheehan; Secretary, Emma Fitzgerald; Treasurer, Sharon O'Meara; PRO, Ailish Sheehan. Junior A Selectors: Denis O'Meara and Stephen Fitzgerald. Trainer: To be appointed by committee.
Committee members: Martha Sheehan, Sharon O'Meara, Emma Fitzgerald. Ailish Sheehan, Stephen Fitzgerald, Denis O'Meara, Marie Holohan, Jean Morrissey, Sarah Mai Ahearne, Emma Walsh and Gussy Fitzgerald.
HUNTING NEWS
The changing year signals the end of another hunting season. The Tipperary Foxhounds will hold their ‘to finish the season’ meet at the Horse and Jockey’ on Monday 1st march.
The Ballylusky White Heather Harriers meet at Ballylusky on this coming Sunday at 12 noon and continue up to their traditional concluding day meet in Drangan on St. Patrick’s Day. The White Heathers are currently promoting their annual draw. Tickets are available from any of the committee members and followers.
MUNSTER DANCESPORT BOARD
The above Committee and members extend a grateful thanks to the people of Fethard and surrounding areas who attended our event in Fethard Ballroom on Sunday 1st February. A special thanks to the committee and members of Fethard Ballroom, they helped in every way possible to make the day as successful as it clearly was. Our next event in Fethard will be on Saturday 27th of March 2004 with the South East of Ireland Waltzing competitions. Dancing classes are also ongoing every Wednesday night in the Fethard Ballroom from 8-9pm.
FETHARD GAA CLUB
The senior football county league continued last Sunday when we played Ardfinnan in Goatenbridge and came away with the points on a scoreline, Fethard 2-12 (2-4), Ardfinnan 3-7 (2-5). It was a glorious day and both teams served up fast free flowing football with quiet a large number of players already having played a match earlier on that day. Our lineout was Paul Fitzgerald, Willie Morrissey 0-1, Nicky Murphy, Shane Walsh, Brian Coen, Michael Quinlan, Cian Maher, Kenneth Byrne, Aiden Fitzgerald 0-1, Conor McCarthy 0-1, Stephen O’Donnell, Miceál Spillane, Brendan Brett 0-7 (5f), Michael Dillon 1-1, Damien Byrne 1-1. Subs were: Ian Kenrick and Tommy Gahan. This result gives us maximum points from our outings to date. Our next match in a league game at home to Commercials on 14th March.
Our under 21 game in the A Football Championship was also played last Sunday at 12.00 in Fethard and resulted in a victory for Commercials on a scoreline, Fethard 2-5 (1-0), Commercials 2-16 (2-9). We get our second chance in this competition on Sunday 7th March in Kilsheelan at 4.15pm against Moyle Rovers.
The under 21 B hurling game against St Marys will be coming up shortly.
Our Lotto Jackpot of €3,200 was not won. We had one match three winner of €150 which goes to John Hurley (Strylea). Our €50 Lucky Dip winner was Bernie Tobin (Moyglass). The numbers drawn at McCarthys Hotel were 1, 2, 10 and 12.
Our sympathies are at this time are with Seanie Walsh and family, Rathronan, and to Richie and Thomas Walsh and family on their recent bereavements. Go nDeanai Trocaire Orthu.
PROGRESSIVE 25 RESULTS
Results for Progressive 25 game played on Friday 20th February.
Joint winners on 12 games: Alice Quinn and Vincent Cummins, Sean Spillane and Chris Maher. Table Prize: Jim Garrett and Michael Murphy. Tickets: Nora Lee and Mary Lee, Hannie Leahy and Michael Murphy. Rubber finals: Gus Neville and Bid O’Donnell, Brian O’Donnell and Seamus Maher, Paddy McCormack and Tom McCormack.
Results for Progressive 25 game played on Friday 27th February.
Winners on 10 games: Jimmy McCarthy and Chris Maher, Mr and Mrs Mulroney, Greta O’Donovan and Philly Kenny. Table Prize: Sean Spillane and partner. Tickets: Jim Garrett, Jimmy McCarthy and Mr Mulroney.
The next game takes place on Friday 5th march at 8.30pm sharp in Fethard Ballroom.
THEATRE NEWS
The actors playing the four characters in ‘The Beauty Queen of Leenane’ preformed by the Brewery Lane Drama Group from Carrick-on-Suir in the Abymill Theatre on Friday night last, more than upheld the high acting standards of the nationally known Carrick society. The full house audience were highly appreciative of their efforts.
LADIES GROUP
Forget your Monday morning blues and come and join Fethard ladies Group in the Abymill Theatre from 10.30am to noon. Courses on the agenda are, Women’s Health, Alternative Therapy, Assertiveness and Self Awareness, Computer for Beginners, which will be followed by lots of others. You are more than welcome to come along. We hope to keep it informal, have some craic and tea and coffee will be served. What better way to spend a Monday morning!
APOLOGY
Veronica and John of Barmore XL Shop on Main Street wish to apologise for the inconvenience caused to customers by the unavoidable, no proper notice of the closing of their shop on last Sunday morning.
DIED IN ENGLAND
The death has occurred in England of Mr William ‘Billy’ Mullins, formerly of Knockbrack, Fethard. Billy Mullins was a very promising cross-country runner with the newly formed Fethard NACA athletic club. Running on ninety per cent natural ability with very little training, he finished in the top 15 in fields of a hundred runners in the 1953 county novice and junior championships. He never had the opportunity, however, to develop his full potential. Like so many young Fethard men of twenty of the era, including his two brothers Michael and Jimmy, his sister Kathleen, and the late Danny and Tommy, Billy was obliged to take the emigrant ship to England in 1954.
His death took place in Buckinghamshire on 24th February. Sincere sympathy is extended to his sister Kathleen and brothers Michael, Jimmy and Christy.
FETHARD ICA MEETING
The next meeting of Fethard ICA will take place on Tuesday 9th March in the ICA Hall on Rocklow Road. Our guest speaker is Kevin Collins from Birdwatch Ireland. A lot of members may be familiar with Kevin through his weekly column on Wildlife Matters published in the Nationalist newspaper. Hostesses for the night are the Blue Group and the competition theme is ‘Vase of Flowers. New members are always welcome to come along.
FETHARD & KILLUSTY COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Fethard and Killusty Community Council will hold their annual Church Gate Collection, under the auspices of Muintir Na Tire, on weekending 13th and 14th March. The committee ask for your support at this collection and invite anyone interested in getting involved in the Community Council to come along to the next committee meeting, which takes place on Tuesday 16th March, at 8.30pm in the Tirry Community Centre.
FETHARD LADIES FOOTBALL
The annual general meeting of Fethard Ladies Football Club took place on Friday night, 20th February in Grant’s Lounge before a large attendance. Our secretary, Jennifer Keane, gave a comprehensive report on the past year. Junior training commenced on Friday, February 27th and will continue each Monday and Friday at 7.30pm.
We were delighted with the good turnout at our first training session for 2004 on Friday. New players are very welcome to join all our age categories If you have never played before why not give it a go. Juvenile training will commence shortly we would appeal to parents to assist with the juveniles. Any help we get from ladies would also be very much appreciated.
The following committee was elected: President, Rev. Fr. Tom Breen P.P.; Vice President, Bob Grant; Chairman, Joe Keane; Vice Chairperson, Geraldine McCarthy; Secretary, Jennifer Keane; Asst. Secretary, Edel Fitzgerald; Treasurer, Bob Grant; Asst Treasurer, Lisa McCormack; PROs, Geraldine McCarthy and Barbara Ryan.
Committee members: Meala Noonan, Sandra Maher, Marie Holohan, Stephanie Fitzgerald, Lisa Ryan, Gillian O’Connell and Valerie Colville. Trainers: Tom Anglim and Aiden Fitzgerald. Trainer Underage: Willie Quigley.
Sincere apologies to all for computer error when submitting notes last week. Unfortunately a saved item regarding our inaugural match was sent by mistake. Above are the up to date notes for 2004.
FETHARD & KILLUSTY COMMUNITY GAMES
Fethard & Killusty Community Games Committee would like to thank most sincerely all those who attended and supported their Open Table Quiz which took place in Fethard Ballroom on Saturday February 28th. This was a family type quiz, tables of 4 consisted of three children and one adult and we had a total of 28 tables taking part. It was a keenly contested event which was eventually won by Shirley Clooney’s team from Powerstown / Lisronagh, by the narrow margin of one point. Three teams from New Inn & Rosegreen areas tied for second place on a total of 63 points. After three tiebreakers we were down to two teams and after two further questions the teams were still level so we declared a draw.
It was wonderful to have support from Clerihan, Moyglass etc and surrounding areas for a most enjoyable and successful evening. Thanks to all those who sponsored prizes for the raffle: Superquinn, Fieldmaster, Dunnes, Discount Store (Mitchell St.), Helena O’Shea, Sean Devaney, Kenny’s Centra Foodmarket, Hogan’s Toymaster, J. F. O’Sullivan, and Carries Clonmel. Thanks also to our competent quizmaster, Dr. Carmel Condon, assisted by Tony Lyons
THE WELL GOLF SOCIETY
The wait is almost over, our first outing of the season takes place next Sunday 7th at Tipperary G.C. Tee off 11.30. The format is a three-ball scramble and to ensure the event runs smoothly, we ask all patrons to arrive well in advance of tee off.
While we are looking forward to Sunday, the day will be tinged with sadness as we remember our good friend and colleague Sean Walsh who died last week. Sean was a member of our society for many years and his unique and steady style saw him figure in the winner’s enclosure on a number of occasions. To Mary and Ronan, to his father, brothers and sisters we offer our deepest sympathies. Rest in peace Seanie, you will be always in our thoughts.
PARISH NOVENA
The Fethard Parish Church Novena will be held from March 22nd to March 30th. The Parish Novena has now replaced the traditional Parish Mission. The devotions commence each evening at 7.30pm and the following is a list of the visiting priests and the themes of their respective sermons:
Monday 22nd: Mgr. M. Olden, Tramore — ‘Religion & The People’.
Tuesday 23rd: Rev. C. Hayes, Cashel — ‘Mary Our Mother’.
Wednesday 24th: Rev. J. Delaney, Newport — ‘Hope’.
Thursday 25th: Rev. J. Egan, Lattin & Cullen — ‘Christian Marriage & Family Values’.
Friday 26th: Rev. Seamus Ryan, Walkinstown, Dublin.
Saturday 27th: Rev. Joe Walsh, Thurles — ‘Young People & Christian Principles’.
Sunday 28th: Rev. Joe Egan, Boherlahan — ‘Death and its Christian Meaning’.
Monday 29th: Rev. T. J. Breen, Holycross — ‘Forgiveness & Penitential Service’.
Tuesday 30th: Rev. G. Horan, The Abbey. Fethard.
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
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This photograph of a Fair Day in Fethard was taken c. 1900s. Many will remember the barriers erected outside shops and houses to prevent the livestock from entering your premises.
Noel Mooney, observing the poles in the above photograph, contacted us and asked if we had electricity in Fethard in the 1900s. Checking up on old Emigrants Newsletters, I found the following references:
Emigrants Newsletter 1979
Fethard was the first town in Ireland to have electricity. The scheme was started by a man named Stewart who was originally from Scotland, in the early 1900’s in the Kennels. It was later transferred to the Old Mill now the County Council Yard in the Valley and was run by Danny Hyland, John Coffey and a native of the town Mattie Higgins who lived in the Green. The supply was available from 8 am to 12 pm.
Emigrants Newsletter 1988 (Tony Newport)
The Street Lighting in Fethard has recently been replaced by a new system called Sodium lighting. The advantage of the new lights is primary that they cast their glow much more evenly, thereby eliminating the pool of light, pool of shadow of the former system and are therefore much safer for motorists and pedestrians.
The introduction of the new lights remind us that Fethard was actually one of the first towns in Ireland to have an electricity supply. Electric current was introduced to Fethard by a Mr. Frederick Richard Webb. Mr. Webb’s source of power was the Clashawley and the generators were situated in the old Mill at the ‘Kennels’. The Mill, Mill Race, Weir, etc. were held on lease from Mr. John Schofield from 1900 to 1908 at £20 per year. The late Ned Butler, Kerry Street, was one of the local men employed by Mr. Webb, and the old footbridge, which spanned the river opposite the ‘Cattle Passage’, was erected for the convenience of employees walking from the Town to the ‘Kennels’. Copper piping was the method through which houses availing of the supply were wired and this piping is still in evidence today in a number of the older houses in the Town.
Unfortunately, the Mill, bulldozed only last year, the Kennel Boreen, the Weir and Swimming Hole, are now no more, the place is actually inaccessible.
On the expiration of the Lease in 1908, in agreement with Mr. Webb and Mr. Schofield, the supply of electricity to Fethard was taken over by the Munster Electric Light Company, most of whose directors were actually English. The new Company changed from the ‘Kennels’ to the Mill at the Valley, formerly Heffernan’s Sawmill, and currently H.Q. of local Co. Council Outdoor Staff. The two men in charge of operations there were Danny Hines from Athlone, and John Coffey from Waterford. Danny Hines married “Babbie” Healy of the Green, and John Coffey married Nell Mockler of Watergate. The Munster Electric Light Company only gave supply up to midnight. Shortly before 12 the lights would flicker three times. Mrs. Browne, Congress Terrace, recalls dances and parties coming to an abrupt end, before the “light went out”. This Company was in operation until the ESB took over, and so remains to the present day.
Electricity is, of course, taken for granted. However, the next time we plug in or switch on, let us recall the pioneers in this field and remember especially Richard Frederick Webb, the man who gave Fethard electricity, before New York.
This photograph of Burke Street, Fethard, was also taken c. 1900's. O'Shea's Shop (now owned by Jimmy and Moira McInerney) still has the same original hand-carved (by women) wooden shop front today.
This photograph of The Presentation Convent, Fethard, was probably taken in the 1960's. The old school was demolished in 1994. The Convent Lodge (inside front gate), which was also demolished, can be seen on the right hand side.
Tommy Healy signed the Fethard Guestbook and referred to the above photograph: "The photograph of the Presentation Convent is, I believe, pre 1958. I notice that the Hall is missing from it. This building was, I think, opened in 1958 to mark the Centenary of the Apparition of Our Lady at Lourdes. The public examinations for 1958, Inter and Leaving were held in it for both schools that year. I took the Inter that year along with Philip Ward (RIP), Tom Burke, Lory Dineen et al. Perhaps the use of that now departed facility by both schools set in motion the events which resulted in the two secondary schools joining forces in the late '60s. By then I had long departed over here. Photographs like these set me off on bouts of quite shameless nostalgia."
