Award winner speaks out
Plans to privatise services to people who are homeless were strongly attacked by Tipperary Person of the Year, Alice Leahy. She highlighted the dangers of relying on private companies to provide services to the homeless by pointing to the lonely and tragic death in a London Westminster hostel recently where a man remained undiscovered for over 24 hours. The Director and Co-founder of Trust warned that we were on the “slippery slope” with plans to go down the same road here. You could not deal with the homeless like a business, she cautioned. The outspoken Fethard native was addressing the Tipperary Association Dublin dinner last Friday, where she was presented with the Tipperary Person of the Year Award. READ FULL ARTICLE

TIME OUT
The ‘Time Out’ Monday club for ladies is going very well with members meeting every Monday from 10.30am to 12 noon in the Abymill Theatre.  We are still looking for more names to participate in our evening classes.  Please contact Veronica Crowe, Community Educational Facilitator, at Tel: 052 21067.

McGee Group Sponsor New Strip

Fethard Juvenile GAA Club received a new strip this week, sponsored by McGee Group Ltd. Photographed above are members of the Juvenile GAA Committee accepting the generous gift from Ann Fleming (nee McGee), representing McGee Group Ltd. L to R: Liam Hayes, Caroline Sheehan, Ann Fleming and Ian O'Connor.

'Slí na Sláinte' — WALKING FOR HEALTH
At a meeting held on Friday 23rd April in the Community Tirry Centre, Leo D'Arcy, Killusty, was appointed chairman of a new committee who will steer the Slí na Sláinte project for the Fethard area. Slí Na Sláinte provides real opportunities to combine walking for leisure while promoting people’s well-being.  As the roads become increasingly busier with traffic, the committee hope to identify not only safer walks, but more importantly, ones which are both interesting and challenging for you.  The committee welcomes new members to this healthy town initiative.  The next meeting will be held on Friday 7th May at 8.30pm in the Tirry Community Centre.

COMMUNITY JACKPOT NOW €6,400
The numbers drawn in the Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto on Tuesday 27th April were: 2, 5, 15 and 31. There was no Jackpot winner, and one "Match 3" winner who received €150:
Nora Butler, Garrinch, Fethard
Lucky dip winners of €50 each were:
Frank Mullins, 69 St. Patricks Place, Fethard
Linda O'Shea, c/o Group Homes, Fethard
Michael Kenrick, Burke Street, Fethard
Next weeks Jackpot is €6,400. Jackpot sellers prize €530.

WILL YE NO COME BACK AGAIN?
What a treat all true bluegrass music lovers had in the Abymill on Sunday night last and how nice it was to hear top class musicians play real music without the assistance of backing tracks or over amplification.  The playing and singing of their particular type of American bluegrass music of ‘Grassroots’ from England and the virtuoso playing of the guitar and mandolin by American performer, Orrin Star, was the treat of a lifetime.  All we can say is, “Will ye no come back again?”

FETHARD BRIDGE CLUB
On Wednesday 21st April we played the second round of the Club Championship and the results were:
1st Gross: Betty Walsh and Brigid Gorey
2nd Gross: Rita Kane and Kay St. John
1st Nett: Rita Holohan and Mary Delaney
2nd Nett: Carmel Condon and Brendan Kenny
Next Wednesday, 5th May we will be playing for prizes sponsored by Margaret Hackett and Berney Myles. Anyone looking for a partner contact Annie O’Brien at Tel: 052 31862. 

MARRIED IN KERRY
The wedding took place in St. Mary’s Church, Camp, Co. Kerry, recently of Senan Murray, son of Mr Tom and the late Mrs Bernadette Murray, Redcity, Fethard, to Ms Michelle O’Brien, Camp.

Senan and Michelle met in the United States at the wedding of Ray and Leslie Cummins in 1999.  Senan was best man at Ray’s wedding and, five year’s later, Ray took on best man duties when Senan and Michelle were married.  Rev Tom Breen P.P. Fethard, officiated.

ÁRD SAN AER
“McAlpine came by motor car and Wimpey came by plane”, is the opening line of a well known national anthem sung by Irish building workers in Britain.  A most unusual form of transport was witnessed by some local Grangebeg residents on Sunday night last when they observed an air balloon pass overhead.  The balloon, occupied by many people, came from the Kilmore area, over Annesfort, Milltown and College, before disappearing from their sight over Fethard town.  They had the balloon under observation for some considerable time before it left the area.

HOLY GHOST MISSIONARIES
This coming weekend, the Holy Ghost Missionaries will preach at all masses in our parish, seeking support for their missionary endeavour, with particular reference to Africa and the ongoing AIDS problem there.

FETHARD GAA CLUB
In senior football on Friday last, we brought home the Dr Clifford Cup (County League) for the 3rd time in five years and in so doing put back to back titles, on a scoreline Fethard 0-15, Aherlow 0-7. We congratulate all involved and wish them the best in the championship at the end of June.
Our Minor ‘B’ Football game was played in O’Sullivan Park, Ballingarry, where we were the first team to win a championship game in their new pitch on a scoreline, Fethard 1-9, St Patricks Gaels 0-11.

The Intermediate Hurling County League continued in Sunday last in Fethard when we went down on a scoreline, Lorrha 2-13, Fethard 1-9.  Played in splendid conditions, we were short our county football players who were on duty.  We put up a good show just running out of steam at the vital last quarter.  In the first half we outplayed the Lorrha team to race into a half-time lead of, Fethard 1-6, Lorrha 0-3.  Scores coming from Fethard’s Colin Allen 1-4 (1-3F), Ken O’Donnell and Shay Ryan to Lorrha’s Noel Hogan, Paul Madden and Brian Coen.  In the second half Lorrha upped there game and for their reward scored 2-10 to Fethard’s 0-3.  Lorrha scorers were Paul Madden 1-0, Noel Hogan 0-4 (F), Michael Coen 0-2, R O’Meara 1-0, Liam Carroll 0-2 (1F), Brian Coen 0-1, Michael Clancy 0-1, with Fethard’s scores coming from Colin Allen, all from frees (3), in the third quarter.  We play the Carrick Davins in the first round of the South Championship on Thursday 6th May in Clonmel at 7.15pm.
Our Lotto Jackpot of €4,000 was not won.  The numbers drawn at the Fethard Arms were 4, 5, 9 and 15.  We had five match threes winning €30 each: Teresa Walsh (Ballyknockane, Ballypatrick), Eileen McGrath (4 Woodvale Walk), Con Doyle (Woodvale Walk), Una Fogarty (75 Woodvale Walk), and Bernadette McManus (Burke St).  The €50 Lucky Dip winner was Josie Fitzgerald (Kiltinan).
Juvenile fixtures for under-14 football are, away to St Patricks on 6th May at 7pm and also away to Cahir on the 10th May at 7pm. In under-12 A football we are at home to Ardfinnan on the 1st May at 12 noon.
Please support our County Board Draw Promoters who are on the road presently for the May Draw commencing a ‘New Draw Year’ and thank you for your continued support to this worthy cause.
A special General Meeting of the Fethard GAA Club takes place in the Abymill Theatre on Wednesday 5th May at 8.30pm (sharp).

THIS WEEK'S - 'PIC 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.

These photographs, taken around The Green and Barrack Street (above) in the 1970s, show the area before new developments and housing dramatically changed the way be remember it.

The old Tirry Club, formerly a schoolhouse, and now the Fr. Tirry Community Centre.

Above and below are photographs of the adjoining lane between Barrack Street and The Lower Green, now the site of a new housing development.

PROGRESSIVE 25 RESULTS
The Progressive 25 game results played on 23rd April were: joint winners on 10 games: James and Veronica Muldowney, Michael Brown and Willie Kennedy.  Table prize: Bob Gleeson and Tom Phelan.  Rubber finals: Bridie Lee and Lory Byrne, Jim and Mary Garrett.  Tickets: Nora O’Donnell, Bernie Phelan, Biddy O’Donnell and Margaret Phelan.  Next game takes place on Saturday 1st May in Fethard Ballroom at 8.30 sharp.

JUVENILE GAA CLUB
Our under-12s continued their championship bid on Tuesday and Thursday evening of last week.  On Tuesday they travelled to Cahir and played a brilliant game of football in some really bad weather conditions, but came away with a great win over Cahir.  Final score was, Fethard 4-04, Cahir 1-01.

On Thursday evening last we played host to Moyle Rovers and were witness to a very exciting game that could have gone either way.  In the first half it looked as if the lads had the game in the bag and were comfortably in the lead, but in the second half Moyle Rovers came back with much determination and the game ended in a draw, the last dying minutes of the game were nail biting to watch with the Moyle Rovers back line under pressure from the Fethard forwards looking for the winning point, final score, Fethard 0-7, Moyle Rovers 2-1.  We now go on to meet Ardfinnan in their next match, best of luck to the lads and to all involved.

Training: U/8, U/10, U/12s football on Saturdays at 3pm in the GAA field, U/12s on Tuesdays at 6pm in the GAA field; U/14's on Wednesday at 6.30pm; Fridays on 6.15pm in the GAA Field; U/16s on Monday at 7pm in the GAA Field.  Hurling training for U/14s and U/16s takes place at 6.30pm in the Community Sports Field.

DAY CARE CENTRE EASTER DRAW RESULTS
The results of Fethard and District Day Care Centre Easter Draw are as follows:
1st prize Rug: Tara Hogan, Tullamaine.
2nd prize Velvet Painting: Seamus Healy T.D.
3rd prize Painting: Shane Hannigan, Cloneen.
4th prize Tapestry: Margaret Croke, Fethard.
5th prize Whiskey: Pamela Daly, Fethard.
6th prize Cushions: Caroline Neehan, St. Johnstown.
7th prize Rabbit: Mary Grant, Killerk.
8th prize Bottle of Port: Thelma Griffith, Crampscastle.
9th prize Bottle of Wine: Mary Grant, Killerk.
10th prize Bottle of Wine: Rev. George Knowd, Clonmel.
11th prize Biscuits: Margaret Fitzgerald, Cashel Road.
12th prize Biscuits: Alice Quinn, Burke Street.
13th prize Biscuits: Cliodhna McCarthy, Fethard.
Thanks to everyone who supported our Easter Draw and for making it a great success.

Community Games
ESB Community Games Judo Finals

Members of Fethard Judo Club who were succesful at the Community Games Judo Finals in Fethard on Saturday last: Natalie Kenny Fethard Gold u/30 Kg; Aobh O'Shea Fethard Gold u/25 Kg; Sade Cody, Killenaule Silver Girls Open; Sophie Meehan Killenaule Gold u/35 Kg. Aobh O'Shea also received Club Trophy for most improved girl player of the year.


Fethard under/13 boys Indoor Soccer team who are now County Champions.  Back L to R: Ciaran Ryan, Darren Connolly, Adam Lyons. Front L to R: Damien Morrissey, Ben Walsh, Jake Maher and Daniel Hickey.

ST. RITA's CAMOGIE CLUB
This year the camogie club has been regraded to facilitate the development of the team and on Friday night 16th April, the Junior A team took to the field in Rosegreen to face Cashel. Stephen McCormack has taken on the role as trainer and his experience and understanding of the game will be of great benefit to the club this year. Edel Fitzgerald was elected the club captain for the forthcoming year, and no doubt she will prove an inspiration to us all. The team has undergone a make over in the last few years and many new and young faces took to the field in the blue and white of Fethard for the first time, and their contribution to a highly entertaining and tough match must not go unnoted.

Despite losing to a strong Cashel side on the night, there was a very positive atmosphere from both players and mentors after the match that this was the start needed in order to prepare for the Junior A Championship. The team was: Jean Morrissey, Stephanie Fitzgerald, Ailish Sheehan, Emma Walsh, Sandra Maher, Marie Houlihan, Norah O' Meara, Niamh Sheehan, Jennifer Keane, Sarah Mai Ahearne, Vanessa O' Donnell, Gillian O' Connell, Majella Croke, Edel Fitzgerald, Lisha O' Connell, Eimear Gahan, Margaret Smith.
Our next match is scheduled to be played next Wednesday in the GAA field in Fethard at 7pm against Dromaninch.

NEWBRIDGE REVISITED

Swimming at Newbridge in the 1970s

Two notice boards erected on the entrance to the local swimming hole at Newbridge will be greeted with dismay and regret by local swimmers of all ages.  The notices simply states, “Sorry, No Swimming, No Insurance”.

A plaque on the upstream side of the bridge says, “Richard Burke M.F.H. 1890”.  Though now 114 years erected, it is still known as the Newbridge.  Since then, the deep hole on the down stream side of the bridge has been used as the local ‘Sandybanks’, Tramore and Clonea, all rolled into one.

Gerry Fogarty taking a rest at Newbridge in 1973

Having personally swam there annually for over 60 years, I paid a nostalgic visit to Newbridge during the week to see the notices at first hand.  As we looked from the bridge, we remembered all the happy hours spent there when, “All the world was young, and all the fields were green”.  We recalled the good and not so good swimmers of yesteryear and remembered especially the very few experts such as Dick Gough, Derek Wall and Paddy O’Sullivan, all now alas no longer with us, who were able to dive from the bridge.  This feat required the diver to clear about 12 feet of concrete from the not so high bridge, and then make a shallow dive, as the water was none to deep.

Liam Leahy hiding in the rushes at Newbridge 1973

The opening line of The Old House, “Lonely I wander through scenes of my childhood”, come very much to mind and no doubt former Newbridge swimmers, some now scattered world wide, will also have very happy memories of long lazy summer days spent near the crystal clear cool waters, fed by Mullinbawn springs.

Insurance problems have closed down many local amenities nationwide.  Mr and Mrs Ponsonby have, with great regret, been obliged to withdraw the swimming facility at Newbridge.  We feel sure the locals will respect their decision.

On behalf of all who enjoyed the privilege of swimming at Newbridge over the years, we would like to thank them sincerely for their courtesy, especially in recent years, when the privilege was more than somewhat abused by leaving litter, breaking fencing, on what, after all, is private property. (T.N.)

The Old House
by John McDermott

Lonely I wander through scenes of my childhood
They bring back to memory the happy days of yore
Gone are the old folk, the house stands deserted
No light in the window, no welcome at the door

Here’s where the children played games on the heather
Here’s where they sailed their wee boats on the burn
Where are they now? some are dead, some have wandered
No more to their home will the children return

Lonely the house now, and lonely the moorland
The children have scattered, the old folk are gone
Why stand I here, like a ghost or a shadow?
’tis time I was movin’, ‘tis time I passed on. 

FETHARD & KILLUSTY LONDON REUNION
This years Fethard & Killusty London Reunion will take place on Saturday 26th June at St. Anthony’s Parish Centre, Garratt Road, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 9AN, from 6.30pm ‘til late! Buffet food will be available, with music from 8pm onwards and all are welcome.

Cover charge on the night to help defray expenses is: adults £10.00, and children £7.00 and tickets available in advance or at the door. Further details from Paul Looby, Tel: 0044 (0)1276 459080 or paullooby@btconnect.com