ELEANOR SHANLEY CONCERT
World class Irish artist Eleanor Shanley, currently on tour with Frankie Lane and Paul Kelly, will play the Abymill Theatre in Fethard on Friday 2nd April at 8.15pm. The concert, in aid of the Fethard & Killusty Community Council's Christmas lighting fund, will commence with a cheese and wine reception at 8pm. Tickets are €25 each and can be booked at McCarthy's Hotel Tel: 052 31149 or 086 8119625.

Eleanor Shanley grew up surrounded by music. Her mother's family were all fireside singers. Upon leaving school she worked in the personnel department in FAS and studied drama at night time. Eleanor continued to sing at informal sessions and it was at one of these in Dublin pub " The Merchant " that she was discovered by famed Galway traditional band De Dannan. They asked her to go to Galway to discuss her joining the band as they had a tour of Finland lined up in two weeks time. She was to stay five years with the well travelled trad ambassadors.

She toured the world with De Dannan and recorded two critically acclaimed albums "Jacket of Batteries" and the groundbreaking " Half Set In Harlem". After five years on the road with De Dannan, Eleanor quit in December 1992 deciding that it was time to pursue a solo career.

Eleanor then began singing and performing with future Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan and Brendan Emmet. It was Charlie who introduced her to manager Mattie Fox, who secured a solo deal for her with Warners in Ireland and Grapevine in the UK.

Eleanor then began work on putting together her first solo album. She spent month sifting through tapes before finally deciding to record her first album, "Eleanor Shanley", which featured hits such as "Road To Glory" and "In The Ghetto".

After the release of her first solo album Eleanor began touring extensively in Ireland, UK and Europe, where she supported Christy Moore as well as doing solo shows. She released her second album " Desert Heart " in April 1997. "I grew up with traditional music and it's still my main love, although I've probably broken away from it slightly with some of these songs ", she says.

In the year 2000 Eleanor got together with Ronnie Drew and they completed a 16 date sell out tour in Ireland, which proved to be an outstanding success. Eleanor and Ronnie then recorded an album together" A Couple More Years".

Eleanor has just finished recording her new album ?Eleanor Shanley & Friends?. The album has many guest singers, including, you guessed it, Ronnie Drew and Eddie Reader. In Fethard, Eleanor will be accompanied by Frankie Lane and Paul Kelly with whom she has just finished a very successful tour in Austria and Denmark.

Frankie Lane (right) is one of Ireland's best-known performers and traditional musicians of international renown, Frankie was the original front man of the legendary Fleadh Cowboys. The “Fleadhs” gathered a huge fan base at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin and went on to support legendary performers such as Bob Dylan, U2, The Pogues, Emmylou Harris and B.B. King. In January 2004 Frankie was nominated for a prestigious Meteor Music Award. These awards are the Irish Music Industries highest accolade and one which Frankie is fully deserving of, given his tireless and sometimes revolutionary work in the music scene in Ireland.



Paul Kelly (above) has been at the heart of the music scene in Ireland since the early eighties. He first came to prominence as the fiddler with The Sackville String Band, a five piece bluegrass outfit who brought American Traditional music to a wider audience in Ireland. Throughout that decade he concentrated on American Music, playing with various bands such as Mick Hanly's 'Rusty Old Halo' and the Fleadh Cowboys as well as appearing on many albums as a session musician. He returned to his roots in the early nineties as a member of The Sharon Shannon Band, playing fiddle and mandolin and touring the U.S., Europe and the U.K.

"Eleanor Shanley is, without overstating the case, one of the greatest vocalists this country has ever produced." (Michael Gallagher - Roscommon Champion)

"That she has a highly distinctive voice is an incontrovertible truth; it is both how it is used and also the material on which it focuses, that tickles the tastebuds." (Hotpress)

RODEO MAN JAMES BALFE DROPS IN

The Pheasant Pluckers played a session in McCarthy's Pub on Friday night, 19th March, and among the audience was James Balfe. James was a big fan of the band up to the time he left Fethard and emigrated to Australia in 1995. James stayed an extra night when he heard the band were playing in McCarthys and later spoke of the many times he remembered the Pheasant Plucker sessions while working in Australia. The band are photographed above L to R: Fintan Rice, Johnny O'Connor, Tommy O'Brien, Phil Shee, John Shortall, Joe Kenny, Vinny Murphy and Bert Van Dommelen.

James Balfe (centre) photographed above at the session with band members Joe Kenny and Johnny O'Connor (right).

James Balfe, formerly assistant farrier to Stephen Foyle at Coolmore and a native of Co. Mayo, dropped in to the session and spoke as to how the Pheasant Pluckers influenced his life in Australia. James emigrated to Australia in 1995 and in 1999, won the Novice Steer Roping Championship title on the New South Wales rodeo circuit. When one considers that New South Wales is double the size of Ireland and that James only took up the highly skilful and very dangerous sport after emigrating, his performance is all the more meritorious.

In 2003 he caused somewhat of a sensation on the rodeo championship circuit when, competing for the first time in the senior grade, James won the Steer Roping Competition at one of the principal rodeos in New South Wales. Inquiries as to "who is he" were freely circulating as he beat some of the top professional Australian wranglers, some of whom travel to America to compete in the top rodeos in the USA.

James became a world champion in 2003 — "James Balf, First Irish World Champion Team Roper", said the large headlines in the edition of 'The Australian Horseman'. When you consider that, thought he was under hundreds of horses at his work as farrier at Coolmore, 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.

DAFFODIL DAY IN FETHARD

Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School pupils who helped with the sale of daffodils outside Fethard Post Office on Friday 19th March — National Daffodil Day in aid of Cancer Research. The pupils raised almost €1,000. L to R: Jillian O'Connell, Richard Gorey, Fintan Maher, Stephanie Fitzgerald and Suzanne Gorey.

TRIBUTES AS MSGR. LEE PASSES AWAY
by Conor Kane (from The Nationalist 20th March)


Canon Lee photographed with Parish Church altar boys in the 1960's. Back L to R: John Littleton, John Shortall, Tom Ryan, Davy Morrissey, Gus Flynn, Michael Barrett, Pat Barrett, Jeff Hanrahan. Front L to R: Richie Barrett, Andy Fox, Thomas Barrett, Canon Lee P.P., Pat O'Brien, Frank Ahearn and Jim Ryan.

Tributes have been paid this week to the late Monsignor Christopher Lee, the popular and distinguished cleric who passed away on Monday, just 10 days short of his 93rd birthday.

Monsignor Lee's remains were layed in state at the St John the Baptist Church in Cashel and was buried on Thursday 18th March in the church grounds after his funeral Mass at 3pm. He died on Monday afternoon at Bramleigh Lodge Nursing Home in Cahir, where he spent the last three years of his life.

A native of the Glen of Aherlow where both his parents were teachers, the late Monsignor Lee was strongly associated with Cashel and Rosegreen where he was Dean from 1974 and Vicar-General of the Diocese of Cashel and Emly until his retirement in 1988, and where he continued to reside until he moved to Bramleigh Lodge in 2001. He also spent a total of 19 years in the parish of Fethard and Killusty - as curate from 1942 to 1947 and parish priest and Canon from 1960 to 1974

Archbishop Dermot Clifford of Cashel and Emly was warm in his praise this week for Monsignor Lee, as a person and as a priest. "He was Vicar-General when I came here in 1986 and he couldn't have been kinder to me", Archbishop Clifford recalled. "He was a great source of help and advice to me during my time.

Monsignor Christopher Francis Lee was born in 1911 and grew up in Lisvernane, Aherlow. He attended Blackrock College, where he won an All-Ireland senior schools rugby medal in 1927, and was ordained as a priest in 1935 after studying at St Patrick's College in Thurles and St Patrick's College in Maynooth. Known for his intellect and interest in all aspects of life, he completed a doctorate in Maynooth after his ordination.

He served as Chaplain at St Vincent's Hospital in Tipperary before becoming curate at Knockaney in County Limerick. Then came his first spell in Fethard and subsequently a period in Thurles as curate to Archbishop Kinane and Director of the Holy Family Confraternity. He became Administrator at the Cathedral in Thurles before returning to Fethard in 1960 as parish priest.

Archbishop Thomas Morris appointed him parish priest and Dean of Cashel and Rosegreen and Vicar-General of the Diocese of Cashel and Emly in 1974. He retired in 1988 and celebrated his diamond jubilee in 1995. He would have been 93 on Friday, March 26.

Monsignor Lee had a huge interest in sport and a comment he made some years ago summed up his view: "all games are good, any game is better than no game, but the best of games for Irish boys and Irish girls are the Irish games". He was closely associated with the GAA in all parishes in which he served.

He also retained a deep interest in education throughout his life, influenced by the teaching positions held by both parents, and was renowned as a scholar and writer. He contributed a column, 'Thought for the Week', to The Nationalist and the Tipperary Star every week from 1946 until his death, and the last column written by him will be published in next week's editions.

"He was very, very intelligent and extremely well read and was interested in everything from hurling to theology", Archbishop Clifford told The Nationalist.

Although his sight failed him in latter years, Monsignor Lee maintained an active mind and listened to radio, particularly local radio, to stay informed of events and news. He used tape recordings for his Office and other prayers. "He was in touch right up to the end. I was down to see him about three weeks ago and I was to go down again for his birthday next week", added Archbishop Clifford. "But it wasn't to be."

He was the last surviving member of a family of 13 brothers and sisters, which included the late Fr Michael Lee who was parish priest in Ballingarry.  One of his grand-nephews is former Tipperary hurler Declan Ryan and he has two nephew priests, Fr Frank Gallagher, parish priest at Ballinahinch in North Tipperary; and Monsignor Michael Gallagher in San Diego, California.

Monsignor Lee will be buried in the grounds of St John the Baptist's Church in Cashel, next to Monsignor William Breen, his predecessor as Dean of Cashel and Rosegreen.

JACKPOT BACK OVER €5,500
The Fethard and Killusty Community Lotto Jackpot has now climbed back up to €5,550 with a sellers prize at €405.   All proceeds of the draw are used for community projects in the parish and some of those supported by the Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto to date include: Fethard Day Care Extension; Purchase of Convent Hall; Hogan Musical Society; Christmas Lights & Christmas Tree; Fethard Foróige Club; Medieval Town Wall Floodlights; Fethard Tidy Towns; Historical Society Medieval Trail; Woodvale Walk Residents Association; Senior Citizens Club; Fethard & Killusty London Reunion, Community Sports Field and Holy Trinity Church of Ireland.

If you are interested in selling tickets in your workplace or home, please contact the Community Office 052 31000. All sales big or small are really appreciated and, don't forget, if you sell the winning Jackpot ticket, you could win the Jackpot sellers prize (currently €405), or €10 for each "Match Three" ticket you sell.

The numbers drawn on Tuesday 16th March were: 11, 19, 21 and 32. There was no Jackpot winner, and one "Match 3" winners who received €150:
Tess Lawrence, 14 Fr. Tirry Park, Fethard
Lucky dip winners of €50 each were:
Rita O'Shea, Main Street, Fethard
Carol Kenny, The Green, Fethard
Karen Connolly, c/o Mc Carthys Hotel
Next weeks Jackpot €5,550. Jackpot sellers prize €405.

SOUTH UNDER-21 HURLING 'B' CHAMPIONSHIP
Kelly point gives St. Marys a narrow win
(from The Nationalist 20th March)

St. Marys 1-7; Fethard 1-6

A great second-half display by St Mary's was enough to edge out Fethard by the narrowest of margins in this competitive under-21 Hurling B championship game played in Kilsheelan on Sunday morning.

The game commenced with a heavy shower which made ground conditions a little difficult for the players but both teams knuckled down to the task on hand however and gave the small attendance something to cheer about. Fethard played against the breeze in the opening half and were very much on top in the early stages and were first to score when Ronan Maher pointed in the first minute, Eoin Doyle followed two minutes later with a pointed free.

St Mary's took some time to get to grips with the game and it took them until the eighth minute to register their first score a point by Barry Hanly. They enjoyed a good spell towards the end of the first quarter but could not register on the scoreboard. Niall Kelly took a great sideline ball which went wide of the posts while after a good passing movement Barry Hanly had a great shot saved by Paddy Cooney in the Fethard goal with Paddy taking a mud bath in the process.

Fethard lifted the siege after the first quarter and Eoin Doyle pointed a free. St Mary's replied with a similar score from Michael Power from play. Fethard's hopes got a major lift in the twenty seventh minute when after an Eoin Doyle 65 landed near the square, P.J. Morrissey got his stick to it to divert to the net. Just on the stroke of half time Niall Kelly pointed a free for St Mary's to leave just three points between the sides at half time Fethard 13 St Mary's 0-3.

Neutral observers would have put their money on Fethard to command the second half with wind advantage in their favour but a surprise was in store. St Mary's gave a determined and committed performance and never let up in their quest for victory. Fethard's Eoin Doyle was wide from a close in free in their first attack of the half and St Mary full forward Aidan Barry quickly followed this with a fine point. Brian Carroll was now dominating the game from the centre back position and he turned the tide very much in St Mary's favour.

In the tenth minute of the half a free 45 metres out from the Fethard goal from the stick of Brian Carroll went all the way to the Fethard net levelling the game and setting up a grandstand finish. Both sides tore into the game from that point to the finish with advantage swinging this way and that. Brian Carroll had a great point from play on 17 minutes to put his side two points clear Fethard however came back again and a Michael Dillon point from a free followed by a point from play by Johnny Leahy levelled the game again with five minutes on the clock.

Fethard went ahead when Eoin Doyle pointed a close in free to give Fethard the lead, this was short lived however when Niall Kelly sent one over from play with time running out. St Mary's got possession from the puck out and winning a free Niall Kelly again put them into the lead, Fethard got one more chance to send the game into extra time but Shane Walsh was just wide of the mark from a free fifty yard out.

St Mary's will be pleased with this result but will have to improve to have a chance of taking the title. Mark Tobin was sound in goal; Brian Carroll gave an outstanding display especially in the second half while Michael Power, Barry Hanly and Niall Kelly were very much to the fore all through. Fethard will be disappointed not to have taken the spoils but can take heart from their display. Paddy Cooney had a good game in goal saving his side on numerous occasions; Ian Kendrick was solid at full back as was Shane Walsh at centre. Eoin Doyle and Jamie Mc Cormack were a good midfield partnership while up front Michael Dillon, P. J. Morrissey and Johnny Leahy were best.

St Marys: P. Leahy, D. Power, P. Dempsey, C. O'Connell, B. Carroll 1-1, B. Gibbons, M. Power 0-1, M. McCarthy, B. Hanley 0-1, N. Kelly 03, P Doyle, A. Barry 0-1, D. Burke.

Fethard: P. Cooney, M. Kelly, I. Kendrick, J. Smith, P. Hackett, S. Walsh, W. Harrington, E. Doyle 0-3, J. McCormack, M. Dillon 0-I, R. Maher 0-1, J. Noonan, P. J. Morrissey 1-0, W. Doyle.

Referee: Seamus Roche, Kilsheelan.

FETHARD RUGBY CLUB NOTES
We travelled to Kilkenny on Sunday morning with our U/8, U/10 and 12's. The pitches were fairly soft after a nights rain, but we still had some great matches.

Our U/8s played a very close game which saw everyone of the Fethard players playing their part. James Mackey, Ben Murray, Padraig Hayes, Shane Cleere and James Harrington were all to the fore.

Our U/10s played two games winning one and drawing one. These lads are rucking and recycling the ball well.  Joseph Morgan, Shane Power, James Holohan and Brian Delahunty all had fine games.

The U/12s had two teams and each team played two games. The first team lost one and drew one, while the second team won one and drew their other game. The speedy Frankie Donovan scored his first try for Fethard and other top performers on the day were Michael John Murphy, Kevin Hayes, Conor Kavanagh and Jack O'Connell.  On the other team, David Walsh and Daniel Hickey did the scoring while Sam Manton, Colm Shanahan, Kieran Power and Michael Power all had fine games.

The U/13s travelled to Kilfeacle and were narrowly defeated by two points, they put up a great show and had fine performances from William Power, Paul Tierney, Joe Kelly and Colm Blackmore.  The U/13s travel to Nenagh on Saturday morning. Other fixtures to be finalised.

The club would like to wish Gregory Henry a speedy recovery.

UNDER-21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMIFINALS
(from The Nationalist, 20th March)

The two semi-finals of the under-21 'A' football championship will provide the highlights of this weekend's South Tipperary GAA programme. Both games will be played on Saturday next at 4.30 pm. Moyle Rovers face Killenaule in Fethard whilst Cahir tackle Commercials in Monroe. Two exciting tussles are predicted.

Killenaule are the holders and will put their title on the line against a strong Moyle Rovers fifteen. Having won the last two minor 'A' championships in the division the Powerstown / Lisronagh side may well be strong enough to oust the champions and advance to the decider.

The second semi-final can go either way. Commercials looked good in their opening game against Fethard and will be hard to beat but Cahir have a talented side that will give it 100%. The Clonmel side get a tentative vote to get through by a narrow margin.

FETHARD BRIDGE CLUB
On Wednesday 10th March 2004 we played the fourth round of the Player of the Year competition and the results were:
1st Gross: Betty Walsh and Brigid Gorey.
2nd Gross: Teresa Cummins and Alice Quinn.
1st Nett: Annie O'Brien and Marie Delaney.
2nd Nett: Nell Broderick and Breda O'Grady.
Anyone looking for a partner can contact Annie O'Brien. Tel: 052 31862.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day, an hour before the event in McCarthy's Hotel last night, were past friends from the Hogan Musical Society's production of 'Fiddler in the Roof', which was performed in the Abymill Theatre in 1985 and produced by Mary Cummins.
Photographed above (while the boys were getting refills) are L to R: Ann Marie O'Meara, Geraldine Treacy, Belinda McCormack, Mia Treacy and Niamh Ryan.

IN MEMORY OF JOCK
Usually it is the death of top class racehorses, stallions or international show-jumpers are recorded in the press. This week we record the death of 'Jock', probably the best-known children's pony in South Tipperary. Countless juvenile riders learned to ride on Jock. He was the ultimate child's first pony. His speciality was nervous or timid riders. He was actually, too good. The young riders, in their first efforts in the show-jumping arena, had only to point Jock in the right direction and he would complete the course on automatic pilot, clearing the small obstacles like a well-trained circus pony and leaving the young rider with nothing to do but sit on his back. On the rare occasion when a rider fell off, Jock just stood there waiting for them to get back on again.

He had reached the ripe old age of 35, which is very old for a pony. He was in great form up to quite recently but reached the end of his trail at his owner's farm at Carrigan's of Clonacody last week. Many of the riders to whom Jock taught so much are now very prominent in Tipperary equestrian circles.

FETHARD GAA CLUB
In our under-21 B hurling game, played on last Sunday in Kilsheelan, we were narrowly defeated by St. Mary's on a scoreline, Fethard 1-6, St Marys 1-7. With no time to prepare our team, we were just in hard luck on the day. We now enter the loser's section, where we are awaiting to know our opponents.

In senior football on Sunday last we had a very easy victory over Commercials in the county league on a scoreline, Fethard 1-13 (1-7), Commercials 0-4 (0-1). This win maintains our 100% record and keeps us on top the table. With a swirling wind and dry conditions, we played fast free flowing football on the day and, in so doing, got some great scores. The team was: Tommy Gahan, Michael Aherne, Nicky Murphy, Willie Morrissey, Tomas Keane, Michael Quinlan, Alan Phelan 0-1, Kenneth Byrne, Miceál Spillane, Conor McCarthy 0-2f, Stephen O'Donnell, Brian Coen 0-3, Karl Maher, Kenneth O'Donnell 0-2, Brendan Brett 1-3 (2f). Subs used were: Cian Maher 0-1, Ian Kenrick, Eoin Doyle, Brian Burke and John Noonan. We now play Galtee Rovers in the final match in this section on Sunday 28th March, in Fethard.

The 1971 Tipperary Senior Football Division 2 League winners were honoured on Saturday 13th March, in Thurles. We congratulate our two representatives on the panel, Denis Burke and Davy Fitzgerald.

The Sports Lotto Jackpot of €3,400 was not won and we had no 'match threes'. The draw took place in Grant's Bar and the numbers drawn were 12, 17, 21 and 23. The €50 Lucky dip winner was Brian Coen, Killusty and the following received €30 each: Mark Leahy (c/o Grants Main St), Con Doyle (66 Woodvale Walk), Austy Godfrey (Derryluskin), Mary McCormack (Kerry St), and Martin Cuddihy (Crampscastle).

Our sympathies are at this time with Shanahan (family) Toomevara, (Donie, county chairman's father), Cusack (family) Ballylooby (Tom, treasurer South Board's brother Jim), J. J. O'Donoghue (Tipperary) Seamus son, who all passed away recently, Go Ndeanai Trocaire Orthu.

PROGRESSIVE 25 RESULTS
Results for Progressive 25 game played on Friday 12th March.
Winners on 13 games: Hannie Leahy and Michael Holohan. Runners up on 12 games: Greta O'Donovan and Philly Kenny. Table prize: Paddy McCormack and Tom McCormack. Tickets: M. Murphy and J. St John, Michael Brown and Margaret Phelan. Rubber finals: Hannie Leahy, Michael Holohan, Sean O'Callaghan and Michael O'Brien.

The next game takes place on Friday 19th march at 8.30pm sharp in Fethard Ballroom.

SHARRONS GRAVE

Fionn McCumhaill Players, Cloneen, photographed at rehearsal of their forthcoming production of John B Keane's play, 'Sharon's Grave'. The play will be staged in Cloneen on Friday 26th, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th March. Curtain 8.15pm. Adults €10, Children under-12 and OAP's €5. Tickets available at the door. Back L to R: Eddie Duggan, Brenda Kiely, Pat O'Gorman, Liam O'Connor, Pat Williamson, Trevor Somers. Front L to R: Rosie Kearney, Eugene O'Meara, Samantha Outram, Peggy O'Brien and Ollie Power (in bed).

WILY PHEASANT
Slievenamon Golf Course, it would appear, has recently acquired a self-elected honorary life member. A magnificent cock pheasant appears each morning at the plate glass window of the dining room. He pecks at the glass and continues to do so until the obliging staff provides him with his breakfast. Without so much as a “thank you”, or “charge it to my account”, he then goes on his merry way to do whatever cock pheasants do for the rest of the day.

COMMUNITY GAMES
Following the success of our local fund raising quiz I am sure many of the competitors will be interested to hear that the county finals of the u/14 juvenile quiz will be held in the Park Avenue Hotel, Thurles, on Friday night, March 26th at 8pm. Teams of four may consist of boys, girls or mixed. Competitors must reside in the area and be under 14 on 31st July, 2004. The attractive prize for this quiz is a weekend away in Mosney to contest the National Finals of the juvenile quiz in mid May. Areas may send as many teams as they wish to Thurles, there are no qualifying rounds in the areas. Entries will be taken on the night. We hope that Fethard & Killusty area will be well represented.

Judging of the local art & model making event is currently taking place, first two in each age group will qualify for the County Finals, which will be held in Fethard Ballroom on Saturday, April 3rd.

LADIES FOOTBALL
In three weeks time, Saturday 10th April, Fethard Junior team will play away to Kilruane in their first match. Club meeting will take place on this coming Friday night, 19th March, in Grants Lounge, Main Street, at 9pm. Teams have now been entered in the under-14 and under-16 leagues. A full turnout at our training sessions will be the deciding factor as to the feasibility of these teams. Unless we are in a position to field a full team, they will be withdrawn. Training for underage players will commence on Saturday next, March 20th at 2pm in the GAA field. Assistance of parents at training sessions would be very much appreciated. All fees must be paid immediately as any players training who have not paid their fees are not covered by insurance. Enquiries to club secretary, Jennifer Keane, Tel: 052 31719. New players very welcome.

FETHARD JUVENILE GAA CLUB
Training for the Juveniles has now resumed for this year in the GAA field and times are as follows:
U/8s and U/10s — Saturday at 3pm;
U/12s — Tuesday at 6pm and Saturday at 3pm;
U/14s — Wednesday at 6.30pm and Friday at 6.15pm;
U/16s — Monday at 7pm.
These times are for football training only, hurling training will start at a later date, members will be notified. Membership fees are now due at €10 per child, membership forms have been given out and please return as soon as possible with membership fees. If you have any queries please contact club secretary, Caroline Sheehan Tel: 086 1713502.
We look forward to a successful and productive year and a welcome back to all our old members and a special welcome to any new members that may wish to join.

CYCLE TRIP TO LOURDES
Local Presentation Sister and keen cyclist, Sr Betty Cagney, St. Bernard's Group Homes, is currently in training for a 600 mile Cycle trip from Dinard to Lourdes, to raise funds for the Irish Handicapped Children's Pilgrimage Trust (IHCPT). Since the early 1980s many children have benefited from this Trust, with approximately five to ten local children travelling to Lourdes each year for a week's pilgrimage. The cyclists will cycle six hundred miles over a period of seven days. Each cyclist has to raise a minimum of £2,000. Cyclists pay their own fare and expenses so all monies raised goes directly to IHCPT to support the local pilgrimage.
This year, Sr Betty will be joined by locals John Lonergan, Stephanie Keating, Bridget Fitzpatrick and Bobby Power from Carrick-On-Suir and these will join a larger group of 80 cyclists who will travel together, leaving Shannon for Dinard in the North of France on Saturday 3rd April and cycle from there to Lourdes arriving, with a bit of luck along the way, on Good Friday.
Sr Betty and her companions are actively fundraising at present and would be grateful for any financial support small or large. The IHCPT is a registered charity and therefore any company making a donation is entitled to tax relief.

MISSING CAT
Your help is needed for a missing cat. His name is "Sooty", he is all black and about 10 months old. He is missing about 3 weeks and all the family are heartbroken since he's gone, including the other resident cat. We live in the Derrylusken area near Coolmoyne and would be grateful for any info on him. I know this a long shot! but we won't give up.
Tel: 086 0778631.

THE LATE MONSIGNOR LEE
We record the death of Right Rev. Monsignor Christopher Lee, who died on Monday 15th March, in Cashel. Monsignor Lee was ordained a priest in 1935 and was a former curate and Parish Priest in Fethard. Before he retired he was Dean and Parish Priest of Cashel and Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly.