BADGERS ALIVE AND KICKING
Many people are wondering why is it there seems to be so many badgers killed on the side of the road these days. The answer must be that it's just the time of year and these new generation of badgers that are not yet aware of the dangers of our busy roads.  Happily this is not the case as regards to our own ‘Badgers’— the 30s to 40s plus age group soccer players in the community sports field — as numbers seem to be growing all the time.  On the very first Wednesday night just six people appeared, the following week, this doubled to twelve and on the books at present we have 16 players.  The soccer has been lively and people are already feeling the benefits of the fresh air and exercise, but an added bonus has been that of so many old friendships re-acquainted. Some who have not met since school days, one would not have thought the small town was so big. The invitation is still there for those who would like to play a little social soccer, come along to the community field at 19.45 each Wednesday night.

NEW CHAIRMAN AND SECRETARY
Fethard GAA Club appointed a new chairman and secretary at an extraordinary general meeting of the club held on Wednesday night 5th May. Following the recent resignations of both officers, Dick Fitzgerald was elected as chairman and Miceál McCormack elected as secretary. We wish them both well in their new positions.

SURPRISE PARTY FOR COACH ERIC

Fethard Judo Club made their annual awards presentations to members at a 'surprise' social held in the Fethard Arms on Saturday night 1st May. The event was jointly organised as a surprise birthday party for coach Eric O'Donnell who was presented with a gift from the club to mark his 20 years service to Judo in Fethard. Photographed after the presentations above are L to R: Aobh O'Shea (most improved girl for 2004), Josephine O'Donnell (coach), Eric O'Donnell (coach), D.J. Gorey (Player of the Year) and Tom Sharpe (most improved boy 2004).


Eric O'Donnell and his girlfriend Ailbhe Kinsella photographed with friends in the Fethard Arms.


Fethard Judo Club founder member Johnny Sheehan and Noel Heffernan photographed with members of the Gorey family, all who played Judo with Fethard Club. L to R: D.J. Gorey, Richard Gorey, Tony Gorey, Johnny Sheehan, Noel Heffernan, Roy Gorey and Cathal Gorey.


Judo coaches past and present L to R: Johnny Sheehan, Eric O'Donnell and Noel Heffernan.


Providing music on the night were L to R: C.J. Taylor, Mark Sullivan and Jack Kenny.

COMMUNITY LOTTO JACKPOT NOW €6,550
The numbers drawn in the Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto on Tuesday 4th May were: 4, 14, 29 and 31. There was no Jackpot winner, and no "Match 3" winner so five €30 lucky tickets were drawn:
Gary McManus, The Valley
Philip Croke 42 St. Patricks Place
Mary Hall Slievenamon Close
Jimmy Connolly, c/o Post Office
Maire Allen, 14 St. Patricks Place
Lucky dip winners of €50 each were:
Audrey Devitt, Strylea
Peggy O'Reilly, Fethard
Margaret O'Neill, Rosegreen Post Office
Next weeks Jackpot is €6,550. Jackpot sellers prize €545.

KILLUSTY NEWS

Get well wishes
Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Mrs C Byrne, Killusty, from her many friends and neighbours in the area.

Rosegreen are crowned champions
The big game in local junior soccer last Wednesday evening was the league decider of the 1st division title Killusty had the home venue against a determined Rosegreen side. A win for either side would have guaranteed the 1st Division title. Killusty have not enjoyed great success over Rosegreen this year, in their previous two games Rosegreen came out on top and this game was no different. A couple of weeks ago Killusty were in contention for winning two trophies, The Paddy Purtill Cup and the 1st Div League title. Unfortunately following defeats in two big games. The trophy cabinet remains empty. A small consolation, however, was finishing in second position in the 1st Division League. They will now be playing in the Premiership next season and we wish them well.

Under/12 Soccer Quarterfinal
Fethard and Killusty U/12 team play Tipp Town in Killusty on Wednesday May 5th at 7pm. A very young side did very well in a recent game where they defeated Mullinahone 4-1. Tipp Town are a very good side and we look forward to a big effort from our lads. Hopefully we will have a big local crowd to cheer on the boys, some were part of the recent U/13 county final indoor soccer panel who were crowned Tipperary champions recently. All panel of players are reminded to be in Killusty it 6.30 sharp. Young Tommy Sheehan will captain the team on the night.

Double bill on Sunday evening
Killusty and Fethard community games have enjoyed great success to date this year in the Community Games circles and on this coming Sunday evening, May 9th, Killusty will host the county final of the girls U/12 at 6.00pm, followed by the county U/15 final. A big attendance is expected.

Finalists are: Grangemockler v Killenaule in the girls U/l2 which kicks off at 6pm, followed by the girls U/15 between Nenagh and Killenaule at 7.15.  Co-ordinator for the games is Bernard Feery (Tipp Community Games) who can be contacted at Tel: 052-31023.

It is hoped that recent County Champions, Fethard and Killusty Boys U/13 soccer team, will be proudly displaying their recent county gold medals and trophy on the evening, so do come along and show our support for a great bunch of lads who brought the title back to Fethard and Killusty. A feast of football for all next Sunday evening, 9th May in Killusty.

Programme of events:
5.45 pm: Parade of County Champions Fethard & Killusty boys U/13 team captained by Ben Walsh
6.00 pm: County Final U/12 girls — Grangemockler v Killenaule
7.15 pm: County Final U/15 girls — Nenagh v Killenaule
8.15 pm: Presentation of Medals.

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.

Hugh Walsh sent us this photograph taken at his parents wedding, Bill Walsh to Nora White, in 1945. The photo includes several Fethard people that we all remember well:
Back Row (L to R):- Louis O'Donnell, Fethard;  Kay O'Keeffe, Barrettstown;  Michael O'Keeffe, Barrettstown;  Peg Hayes, Derryluskin;  Bill Holohan, Killusty;  Kitty McCarthy, Fethard;  Billy Kenrick, Fethard,  Mary Goldsborough, Fethard;  P. J. Holohan, Fethard;  Babs Looby,  Fethard;  Michael Britton, Cloneen;  Middle Row (L to R):- May White, Mullinahone;  Tom Walsh, Newtown;  Maureen Holohan. Fethard;  Canon Ryan, Fethard;  Bill Walsh, Baptistgrange;  Nora Walsh (nee White), Baptistgrange; Andy Holohan, Fethard;  Nora Nyhan (nee Carew), Cork & Derryluskin;  Matt White, Mullinahone;  Liz Brett, Fethard;  Front Row (Seated) Jackie White, Derryluskin;  May Britton (nee Walsh), Cloneen;  Tim Walsh, Newtown;  Agnes Barry (nee White), Ennis;  John White, Derryluskin;  Ellen White, Derryluskin

ST. RITA'S CAMOGIE CLUB
The Junior team were due to play Dromaninch in the County League last Wednesday night, but the North Tipperary team were unable to field a team. A challenge was organised against Dundrum for Wednesday night at 7pm and on this occasion Fethard emerged victorious on a scoreline of Fethard 2-7, Dundrum 2-3.  Details of further fixtures have yet to be confirmed.  Training continues in the field on Wednesday night at 7pm and Sunday morning at 11am.

Fethard GAA CLUB
In Intermediate Hurling on Tuesday last we were away to Arravale Rovers in the 3rd round of the County League and on Tuesday 10th we are at home to St Patricks at 7.30pm. On this Friday 6th May we start the South Championship in Kilsheelan when we play Carrick Davins at 7.15pm.
In the Minor 'B' Football 2nd round we play Ballyporeen in Ned Hall Park on Saturday 8th at 7.15pm.
Juvenile Fixtures
Our Under 12 footballers, on 13th May, are away to Commercials at 7.00pm.
Thanks again for your continued support in the County GAA Board Draw.
Our Lotto Jackpot of €4,000 was not won. We had one match three winner at our draw held in McCarthys. The numbers drawn were 1, 15, 16, and 23. The winner of the €150 was Mark Leahy (7 Congress Tce). The €50 Lucky Dip winner was Noel Burke (c/o Cambells Soup Thurles).

County stars inspire Fethard to another league final win over Aherlow
County Senior Football League Division 1 Final
Fethard 0-15, Aherlow 0-7
(match report - The Nationalist 1st May)

Fethard win back to back County Senior Football League titles and their third in five years - and in each final it was Aherlow who provided the opposition.

This game on Friday evening last was fixed for Cahir but moved to Ballyporeen at very short notice. Both teams were very much up for the game and 10 minutes into the second half it could have went either way. Fethard were more accurate and fitter over the hour and were deserving winners in a fast, free flowing and no nonsense game that had thrills galore. Fethard had seven players who took their chances while Aherlow had only two who did all their scoring and this was a true reflection of the game

Almost from the throw in Fethard had a point from Conor McCarthy. On the kick out Aherlow were awarded a free and Seanie Peters duly replied to level the score. For the next ten minutes we had no scores but a lot of wides and near misses from both teams with a great save on Aherlow's David Cleary by Fethard's Paul Fitzgerald.

In the 12th and 13th minutes Fethard had points from Brendan Brett and John Paul Looby. Aherlow's reply came in the 18th minute from a free. Seanie Peters added a point. Fethard had quick replies within two minutes with points from Aidan Fitzgerald and Glen Burke to leave the score after 20 minutes, Fethard 0-5, Aherlow 0-2.

From that to half time we had thrills aplenty from both teams but Fethard added two points from Ken O'Donnell and Conor McCarthy and Paul Fitzgerald made another great save, to a single Aherlow reply, a point from a free by Seanie Peters to leave the half time score, Fethard 0-7, Aherlow 03. Both teams also had five wides in this half.

In the second half Fethard were first to attack which resulted in a wide but the next ten minutes were to belong to Aherlow who came at Fethard with all guns blazing and had the score reduced to a margin of two points with Conor O'Shea 0-2 (1F) — Fethard 0-7, Aherlow 0-5. This was as close as Aherlow got to Fethard. The next ten minutes belonged to Fethard who had edged back up to a 0-10 to 0-6 lead with points from Miceál Spillane, John P Looby and a Conor McCarthy free to a lone reply from Seanie Peters.

In the last ten minutes, with subs introduced everywhere, the game swung very much Fethard's way with their county players shining on the night.

Fethard added five points from Ken O'Donnell, Brian Coen, Aidan Fitzgerald and a brace from Glen Burke (1 free) to a single Aherlow score, a point from Conor O'Shea to leave the final score Fethard 0-15 Aherlow 0-7. Best for Fethard on the night were Paul Fitzgerald, Damien Byrne, Glen Burke, Aidan Fitzgerald, Ken O'Donnell and Conor McCarthy. For Aherlow the players who tried hardest were Mark O'Shea, Derry Peters and Seanie Peters. These teams will surely meet later on in the year when the Championship gets under way.

Fethard: Paul Fitzgerald, Michael Aherne, Michael Quinlan, Alan Phelan, Tomas Keane, Damien Byrne, Glen Burke 0-3, Aidan Fitzgerald 0-2, Cian Maher. John P Looby 0-2 , Stephen O'Donnell, Ken O'Donnell 0-2 Conor McCarthy 0-3(1F), Miceál Spillane 0-1, Brendan Brett 0-1. Subs Tom Anglim, Eoin Doyle, Willie Morrissey, Brian Coen 0-1 and P.J. Aherne.

Aherlow - Mark O'Shea, Timmy Leonard, Leo Leonard, Fergal Clifford, Denis O'Shea, Mark O'Brien, Cathal O'Shea, Tommy Russell, Derry Peters, Anthony Moroney, Mark Leonard, Paddy Hennessy, Conor O'Shea 0-2 (1F), David Cleary, Seanie Peters 0-5 (4F). Subs: Ciarán Moroney, Laurence Coskeran, Lionel Leonard.

Walsh introduction spurs Fethard to victory
South MFC 'B'
Fethard 1-9, St Patricks Gaels 0-10
(match report - The Nationalist 1st May)

History was made on Wednesday 21st April when the first championship game was played at O'Sullivan Park, Ballingarry . We congratulate the club on their excellent facilities on the night, although the conditions were not so kind but a great game was served up by both teams. This match had everything that was good about the game of football with skills galore and great scores. It was played in a great sporting manner, a credit to both clubs, and a result of the narrowest of margins favouring the 'blue and white' of the Friary Town.

From the throw in St Pats Gaels were in control and by the end of the first quarter had raced into a 0-4 to 0-2 lead with points from Brian Hickey, Brian McCormack, Damien McCormack 02 (1F) to points from Fethard's Stephen O'Meara and John Leahy. St Pats were guilty of a lot of misses in this half and should have a bigger lead at the interval than 0-5 to 0-3 in front with points in the second quarter coming from St Pats Gaels Philip Britton and Fethard's Paul Kenrick. In the third quarter we were treated to a transformed team in St Pats Gaels who upped the tempo took good scores from all angles and raced into a lead of 0-10 to 0-4 with scores from Philip Britton, Robbie Ryan, Danny Gleeson, and Damien McCormack 0-2(1F), to a single point from Fethard's county player Shane Walsh who was unable to start with an injury and was introduced mid way through the second half.

This player's introduction changed the whole pattern off the game in the final quarter as the other Fethard players seemed to get a new lease off life and took up the challenge laid down by St Pats Gaels. In the final quarter both teams had goals disallowed but Fethard had the score of the match with a piledriver of a goal from Paul Kenrick who came very much into the game on the introduction of Shane Walsh who between them broke the hearts on the combination team to carve out a one point advantage at the final whistle and carry the day for Fethard.

Scores in that final quarter came from Fethard's Paul Kenrick 1-4 (4F). John Leahy (0-1), to a single point from St Pats Gaels Philip Britton to leave the final score Fethard 1-9 St Pats Gaels 0-11.

Fethard's best on the night were Glen O'Meara, Mike Kelly, P.J. Morrissey, Ronan O'Meara, Paul Kenrick, John Leahy and sub Shane Walsh. For St Patricks Gaels those who never gave up were, William Phelan, Brian McCormack, Robbie Ryan, Damien McCormack and Philip Britton.

Fethard: Glen O'Meara, Mike Kelly, Daragh Corbett, Stephen Harrington, James Smyth. Connie O'Flynn, Niall Hayes, P 3 Morrissey, William O'Brien, David O'Sullivan, Ronan O'Meara, Stephen O'Meara 0-1, Peter Gough, Paul Kenrick 1-5, John Leahy 0-2, Subs: Shane Walsh 0-1, Richard Gorey, Damien Donovan, James D'Arcy.

St Pats Gaels: John Molloy, Kevin Dempsey, Colin Murphy, Tom Burke, Dermot Molloy, W M Phelan, Tom McGrath, Brian McCormack 0-1, Danny Gleeson 0-1, Enda Fogarty, Brian Hickey 0-1, Philip Britton 0-3, Dean Madden, Damien McCormack 0-4 (2F).

COMMUNITY GAMES ATHLETICS

Some of the medallists at the Community Games Fethard Area Finals. L to R: Mark Heffernan (Ballyvaden), Kevin Hickey (Coolmoyne), David Heffernan (Ballyvaden), Jack Gleeson (Coolmore) and Brian Healy (The Green).

There was a small turn out at the area finals of the community games athletics held in Fethard Community Sportsfield on Friday May 30th.   However, those who braved the cold evening enjoyed themselves.  First and second in all of the events have qualified for the County Finals which will take place in Thurles Dog Track on Sunday, May 30th commencing at 2pm. 

If you do not wish to compete in Thurles please contact area secretary Bernard Feery, Tel: 052 31023 before Sunday May 9th as entries have to be submitted before May 15th. There is no point in entering children who do not intend to travel.  Entry fee is €2.00.

Under 8, 60 Meters:  Kate Quigley, Hannah Tobin, Molly Proudfoot, Jack Gleeson, David Heffernan, Eoghain Hurley.
Under 8, 80 Meters: Molly Proudfoot, Kayleigh Higgins, Alanna Cody, Eoghain Hurley, Kevin Hickey.
Under 10, 100 Meters: Aine Phelan, Jennifer Rice, Brian Healy, Gary Bradshaw, Vincent Lawrence.
Under 10 200 Meters: Philip Maher, Vincent Lawrence
Under 12 100 Meters: Owen Healy
Under 12 600 Meters: Radika Janacikava
Under 14 800 Meters: Bernedette Costello, Laura Rice, John Lalor
Under 16 100 Meters: Kate O’Brien, Redcity.

County Finals of Under 12 and Under 15 Girls Soccer will take place in Killusty Sportsfield on Sunday, next May 9th.   Teams involved are:  Killenaule-v-Grangemockler and Killenaule-v-Nenagh.   Enquiries to: Bernard Feery Tel: 052 31023.

Killusty Soccer Club Sponsored Walk
We could not have asked for a better day for our walk, a fine turnout of walkers from the very young to the not so young, from near, and from as far away as Bray. Thanks to all of our walkers for their time and effort, thanks to everyone who sponsored us.  A special thanks to J.L. O'Brien & Co. Clonmel, for the refreshments, they were greatly appreciated.  Plans are underway already for next year's walk, with a route from Boolagh, across the mountain to Walshbog finishing in Killusty as the likely course. Watch this space...

FETHARD BRIDGE CLUB
On Wednesday 28th April we played the third round of the Club Championship and the results were:
1st Gross: Anna Cooke and Bernie O’Meara
2nd Gross: Alice Quinn and Teresa Cummins
1st Nett: Philly Kenny and Margaret Mary McCormack
2nd Nett: Annie O’Brien and Marie Delaney

On Wednesday next 12th May we will be playing the President’s Prize and all members are requested to be present at 7pm sharp.  Our AGM will be held on the following Wednesday, 19th May also at 7pm. Anyone looking for a partner contact Annie O’Brien at Tel: 052 31862.

MAY PROCESSION
The annual May Procession takes place on this coming Sunday evening, May 9th, leaving the Parish Church at 7pm.

FETHARD ICA
The Annual General Meeting of Fethard ICA Guild will be held on 11th May.  Margaret Morrissey CDA will attend and membership will be taken on the night.  Goldie Newport will give a talk on “Memories of Times Past”.  Goldie is a past member of the Fethard Guild, so we eagerly look forward to her visit.
Some of our members attended the drama night on “Rubbish” in Halla na Feile, Cashel.  Well done to the guilds who made the effort and gave us good fun on the night. Hostesses are the Yellow Group and the competition theme is ‘May Blooms’.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
First Holy Communion Mass will be celebrated in the Parish Church on this Saturday morning, 8th May at 11am.

FIFTY FIVE YEARS A PIONEER
Members of Fethard Branch of PTAA will join in congratulating Gus Maher, Friarsgrange, who this year is 55 years a member of PTAA.  Gus is at present a patient in St. Bridget’s Hospital in Carrick-on-Suir.  We, along with his many Fethard friends wish him well and send our congratulations.

BADGER CULL
The Department of Agriculture have been engaged in a badger cull nationwide over the past few years.  A cull of a different nature has been taken place locally over the past week. Five adult badgers have been killed on a very short stretch of roadway under Coleman Hill over five days.  Coleman Hill has been the site of a very large badger sett for probably centuries. A local wild life expert is of the opinion that the Coleman badgers have been disorientated by the felling of the plantation on Coleman Hill.  Badgers use the same well-worn paths over the years and these badger motorways have been destroyed during the logging operations.  Apparently, according to our wildlife expert, the badgers are totally confused and just follow the hill fall on to the roadway with disastrous results.

The badger is one of our oldest inhabitants, so perhaps if you see one on the road at night, you might just slow down a little!

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

'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.

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.

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.

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

For your information only (not a recommendation): the nearest Tube is: Edgware; the nearest hotel (directly opposite): Premier Lodge, 435 Burnt Oak Broadway. Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 5AQ. www.premierlodge.com or Tel: 0044 (0)870 9906522. Room rate is £58.00 per room per night. There are other hotels also nearby.
This year, it would be nice to see a lot more visitors from Fethard making a special effort and coming to the reunion.