Badgers 30 Plus Soccer Club
Numbers are on a slow but steady `badger style' increase with the last couple of matches being good seven-a-sides.  As good as this has been we still aim for perfection and hope that one day it will reach the full eleven-a-side and play the full pitch.  So come along and bring a friend every Wednesday night at 7.45pm.  But of course, there is always the exception, and that is next Wednesday when the Athletic Club are having there sports night.  So take note: next Wednesday 23rd we will not start until 9pm, have you got that Mick?

Sunday 27th at 3pm will be the first weekend day of soccer, especially organised for those of you who have been unable to make the Wednesday nights due to work etc.  It’s a great way to pass those lazy Sunday afternoons so we hope to see you at the community sports field!

Art Exhibition

Fethard artists, Sue Perry, Judy Butler and Rosemary Ponsonby, are holding an art exhibition in the Excel Craft Centre, Tipperary Town, which officially opens at 6pm on Saturday, June 26th and will run for four weeks up to July 23rd. Sue works in oils on canvas, Judy works mostly in watercolours, and Rosemary works in both mediums. The pictures are quite varied which makes for a choice. All are welcome, and refreshments will be served. The Excel Gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm.

Death of Mary Mackey
With regret we record the death of Mrs Mary Mackey, Farranaleen, which occurred on June 16th.  The late Mrs Mary Mackey was just two months short of her 99th birthday and was the parish’s oldest resident.  The Mackey residence could be described as the social centre of the district.  Widely known for her hospitality and as a good neighbour, the Mackey’s house was certainly the last of the old country rambling houses.  Here Mrs Mackey ran a very much appreciated country shop.  A great boon in an era when people could only just go to town occasionally, it was here the locals met in wintertime to play cards and in the summer to play skittles and ‘pitch and toss’ on the roadway outside, or handball against the gable end of the store at the nearby Farranaleen Station House.

Mary Mackey was pre-deceased by her devoted husband of over sixty years, Jim, some three years ago.  Jim was also a great personality in his own right.  Mary and Jim are now once again united in Moyglass Churchyard and certainly in the gardens of heaven above.

Sincere sympathy is extended to her daughter Ella, son Jim and extended family.

Primary Movement

Kate Horan (centre), chairperson Parents' Council, Nano Nagle National School, Fethard, making a donation of €500 to Sr. Maureen (right), Principal and Patricia Treacy, Vice-Principal, towards the cost of further training in Primary Movement. The Primary Movement programme was devised to help overcome learning difficulties (e.g. Dyslexia, Dyspraxia etc.) and other problems, which have been linked to the retention of primary reflexes from the womb. The programme has been taught in the school for the past fifteen months and some of the children have shown remarkable improvement. Sincere thanks go to John and Sue Magnier, Coolmore Stud, who also made a very generous contribution.

50 Years in Existence
Fethard Athletic Club is now 50 years in existence and athletics are now well organised and promoted in Fethard.  Time was, in the early years when it was, if not a one-man effort, it certainly was quite close to it.  “The Little Black Bag” however, kept the show on the road when times were bad.  Special memories too of the late Pat Ryan, a stalwart member and great committee man in the early years.

To mark the golden jubilee of Fethard Athletic Club, they will promote a four-mile road race in Fethard on this Thursday, 24th June, at 8pm.

Speaking of Fethard AC, best wishes for a long and happy retirement to a former leading member of the club, Garda Thomas McCarthy, son of the late Paddy and Josie McCarthy, St. Patrick’s Place, Fethard, who retired from the force recently.  A large number of friends and Garda colleagues joined Thomas and family at a memorable retirement party at the Walter Raleigh Hotel Youghal.  Garda McCarthy spent his 32 years service entirely in Co. Cork, six years in Rathgormack and twenty-six years in Youghal.

‘Murphy’ Rides into Town

Sean Hanrahan welcoming Steven O'Connor and his steed 'Murphy' to Fethard, one of his stops in his ‘Four Corners' Pilgrimage’ trek around Ireland on horseback. The trek which started in Rosslare on Saturday, 11th June, will take him to the four corners of Ireland on horse back. Raising awareness of mental health is an important goal for this journey. Steven, originally from Kiltinan, was also met by his sisters, Patricia Clear and Elma Khareghani, along with many of his old friends who wished him well and coxed him to spend the weekend in the Killusty area before setting off on the remainder of his journey.  You can keep up to date with his progress by visiting his website www.pilgrimhorse.info

Fethard & Killusty Community Council
The next meeting of Fethard and Killusty Community Council takes place on Tuesday 13th July at 8.30pm in the Tirry Community Centre.

The Natives are Restless
We have written here previously on how the most abiding citizens, the motorists, are being harassed.  Parking meter charges, fines for not obeying same, and on the spot fines they pay without dissent.  The car testing charges and re-test charges seem to be the straw that has finally broken the camel’s back.

Protest marches have been held in Limerick and Clare protesting against the absurd nature of cars failing to pass the test on the most trivial points.  Another sore point is that the NCT Company that tests the cars is not government owned but foreign controlled.  The people who took part in the marches are not your everyday protesters, they have been described as, only ever in their lives having marched to mass.  They now have decided, fair dues to them, enough is enough and show that if you kick a dog often enough he will eventually bite you.

The common people of Ireland are now on the march and no doubt about it, they will win eventually if sufficient support is forthcoming.  A large protest march is being organised for Limerick in September, join it if you can.  Limerick is a bit too far distant for many, so how about some idealistic few organising one locally!

Just Married
The wedding took place at Holy Trinity Church Fethard on Saturday 19th June of Rhona, daughter of Mrs Bernadette and Mr Peter McManus, Burke Street, Fethard, to Mr Michael Morrissey, Newtownshandrum, Co. Cork.  The reception was held at Hotel Minella, Clonmel.

Sympathy
Sincere sympathy is extended to the Colville family, Grove Road, on the tragic death, following an accident on Friday last, of Mrs Saline Kennedy, née Colville, Carrick-on-Suir.  Saline was a brother of the late Pat Colville, Spittlefield.

Jordan Car

Vincent Murphy photographed with the Jordan Formula 1 Car on show at McCarthy's Hotel in aid of the Self-Help Ethiopian Appeal Fund. The Jordan EJ 12 €11,000,000 plus racing machine, winner of the Brazilian Grand Prix 2003, is powered by a Ford Cosworth Engine DV 850 BHP and is capable of 220 mph, and from 0-100 mph in four seconds. The car and the following barbecue and music gig raised over €10,000 for the Self-Help Ethiopian Appeal Fund.

DIED RECENTLY
The death has occurred on Monday 21st June of Dick Allen, Killusty South. Remains were reposed at McCarthy's Funeral Parlour from 4pm on Tuesday 22nd June and left at 7.30pm for the Church of the Sacred Heart Killusty. Requiem Mass at 11am on Wednesday followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

The death has occurred on Sunday 20th June of Peter Murphy, Cashel Road. Remains left McCarthy's Funeral Parlour for Holy Trinity Parish Church at 7pm on Monday 21st June. Requiem Mass took place at 11am on Tuesday followed by burial in Cavalry Cemetery.

The death has occurred recently in Dublin of Br Declan OFM (Paddy Holohan), formerly from Burke Street, Fethard. Interment took place in Dublin.

TENNIS CAMP
This year's Tennis Camp will take place at Fethard Sports Centre from 12th to 16th July. The coach is Tony McCarthy and the camp will cater for children from age 7 to 15. All are welcome to participate and names should be given to Jimmy or Fionnuala O'Sullivan, Main Street.

FUN SPORTS DAY
This annual Fun Sports Day takes place on Wednesday the 23rd June in Fethard Community Sports Field at 6.30pm. There will be fun and competitive races to cater for all age groups and all we are welcome to participate.

FETHARD A.C.
The Munster Juvenile Track and Field Championships took place last weekend in Castleisland. Both Hannah Trehy and Michelle Ryall brought home medals from this competitive and prestigious event. Hannah won an impressive silver in the girls U13 high jump, while Michelle took bronze in the girls U13 long jump. This qualifies both girls to compete in the National Track and Field Championship. Hannah Trehy also qualifies for the National 80m hurdles having come 4th in the final and she claimed a respectable fifth position in the long jump.

At the recent Community Games County finals in Thurles Fethard A.C. athletes were also to the fore with two individuals and one team taking gold medals, earning the trip to Mosney in August. The individual winners were: Elaine Kennedy in the 1500m (U16) and the in-form Hannah Trehy in the 80m hurdles. The 4x100m team of Aoife O’Gorman, Jennifer O’Donnell, Rebecca Ryan and Elaine Kennedy took gold medals in the girlsU16 Relay event. Other athletes to perform well were Hannah Tobin who won silver in the U8 80m and Kate Quigley who took bronze in the U8 80m and Kate Quigley who took bronze in the U8 60m.

Affiliation Fees are now over due, please pay same to Mary immediately. The sum of €20 per individual or €50 per family entitles members to train and compete for the entire 2004 season. It is essential, for insurance purposes, that all children who attend our training sessions are affiliated.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
There was no Jackpot winner in the Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto this week.  The numbers drawn on Tuesday 15th June were 14, 16, 22 and 32.  There was one ‘Match 3’ winner who received €150:
Brian O'Donnell, Garrinch, Fethard
Three €50 Lucky Dip winners were:
Hannie Leahy, Annsgift, Fethard
Nora Butler, Garrinch, Fethard
Mary Kenny, Drangan
Next weeks Jackpot is €7,450 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €635.

New Arrival for Ted and Colette

Congratulations to Ted Connolly and his wife Colette on the birth of their first child (photographed above) on Monday 7th June at 1:02pm and weighing in at 7lbs 9oz. Ted insists that baby Aidan is named after Colette’s dad and not a certain 'Mr. Ward'!
As soon as Ted and Colette get used to the wake-up calls at 4am they'll make the first family “Trip to Tipp” to visit friends and of course, proud grandparents, Jimmy and Anne Connolly, Main Street.

Tom's 'Guitar Chord Building Manual'
Talented guitarist Tom O'Connell, formerly from Burke Street, Fethard, has just published a new book 'Guitar Chord Building Manual' written mainly for relative beginners who wish to break from the mould of ‘memorizing’ a few chords and for more accomplished guitar players who would like to dramatically improve their knowledge. Tom wrote this manual to consolidate his own knowledge of chord construction and would like to pass on this experience to other guitarists who are likewise inclined.

Tom can be contacted by mail: Tom O’Connell, 5 Davitt Avenue, Clonmel, County Tipperary. Telephone: 052-23377, or 086-8184507, email motoconnell@eircom.net or if you would like more information on his book visit his HOMEPAGE

Fethard Local Area Plan to 2010
The Council's Forward Planning Section has begun work on the Fethard Local Area Plan. The Community and Enterprise Section are working with Forward Planning to articulate and facilitate the views of the community and agencies represented on the Community Development Board.

This Local Area Plan sets out the Council’s proposals for the development and use of land within the town of Fethard up to 2010. The Plan will be used to: guide the day to day activities of the Council in terms of service provision; provide a policy framework for development over the life of the Plan and beyond; and provide guidelines in relation to the policy objectives and development control standards of the Planning Authority.

In other words what we are attempting to do is identify and possibly prioritise the objectives of relevant community and resident groups, the Local Authority and other relevant bodies and under the policy sections of  housing, enterprise and employment, transport and accessibility, public services, town centre strategy, conservation and recreation/amenity, set out a policy document and land use plan to be adopted by the Elected Members to guide the development of Fethard until 2010.

Community and Enterprise would be very grateful if you could let us know your plans for Fethard. Specifically, between now and 2010; What services do you intent to maintain there? What new services do you intend to provide there? What developments/services do you think should be available there? and any other information/actions or comments which would be of use to us

We will use the information to assist in the development of the Plan and also possibly, an action plan.  With thanks, Pat Holland CEDO, South Tipperary County Council / County Development Board, County Hall, Emmet Street, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Email: pat.holland@southtippcoco.ie  Tel: 087 2333496.

Lost Gold Signet Ring
A gold signet ring with great sentimental value was lost at the Coolmore Family Day on Saturday last 12th June.  If anyone found same the owner would really appreciate if it could be handed in to reception at Coolmore.  Or contact Coolmore Stud Farm at telephone 052 31400 and let them know where it can be collected.

Local County Councillors
Heartiest congratulations to our two local South Tipperary County Council candidates, John Fahey F.G. (outgoing) and Michael O’Brien F.G. on their respective election to South Tipperary County Council in last Friday’s election.  A special well done to Michael on his success in his first venture into local politics, which was a nerve-wracking experience due to his winning by just one vote after the ninth count.

Killusty Pony Show

Killusty Pony Show committee members, Betsy O'Connor (secretary) and Noel Byrne (chairman) photographed with the original 'Killusty Pony Show Perpetual Cup' for the Ridden Pony Championship, on the grounds at Claremore where this years show will take place on Saturday 3rd July. The 'Killusty Pony Show Perpetual Cup' was first won at the very first Killusty Show in 1962 by Philippa Mansergh's 'Forget-me-not'.

On 3rd July at Claremore, Killusty, the forty-first Killusty Pony Show is scheduled to take place.  From very small beginnings, the Killusty Show has burgeoned to six rings and seventy classes. Generous sponsors have seen to it that this year the format will remain much the same as for last year, which was so very successful.

Killusty is a ‘double points’ Show in the Irish Pony Society points qualification system.  Qualifiers for all IPS Championships will be staged, the finals of which will be held in Cavan in August.  It is also a qualifying show for the British Show Pony Society Championship Show at Peterborough.  The class list has only changed with the division of two Connemara classes to allow for qualification in both divisions of the ‘Gowla Its Kool’ Championship both Ridden and Working Hunter.  The final for these Championships is held at Oughterard Show on 28th August.  The Connemara Broodmare Class is now also a qualifier for the Midland Connemara Broodmare championship of €500 to be held at their Show at Annaharvey on 25th July. 

After last year’s successful introduction of the South Tipperary Open Working Hunter League, points can be earned in all Open Working Hunter Classes toward the finals at Clonmel Show (4th July).  Killusty is also a designated Show for the very exciting ‘IPS Breeders Committee Inter-area Youngstock League’ with a Prize Fund of €1,500.  With such a varied list of classes, it is hoped to surpass the entry of 220 ponies at the 2003 Show. Some of those were in as many as five classes

Schedules are now available for the Show from Betsy O’Connor, Knockelly, Fethard, Tel: 052-31130.  All classes must be pre-entered except those for Performance Working Hunter and Equitation for which entries will be taken on the day.  The entries close finally on 27th June.  It is not necessary to be a member of the Irish Pony Society to take part as there is a day registration system in operation, which allows non-members to be covered by insurance for the day.

As usual the very colourful Fancy Dress competition and the Pet Dog Show will also be held.  There is no entry required for the Fancy Dress and the Dog Show can be entered on the day.  The committee hope that you will come even if you don’t have entries as it is a lovely way to spend a day in some of the most beautiful surroundings in Tipperary at the foot of Slievenamon.

Fethard & Killusty London Reunion
Best wishes to all who will attend this year’s Fethard & Killusty London Reunion which takes place on Saturday 26th June at St. Anthony’s Parish Centre, Garratt Road, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 9AN, from 6.30pm ‘til late! Tickets are still available in advance or at the door from Paul Looby Tel: +44 (0)1276 459080, Mobile +44 (0)7967 648244 or email: loobs@londonirish.org

Ladies Football
Fethard ladies football team were runners up in the Clonmel Og Ladies Football Tournament played in Clonmel Og on Sunday last. Fethard defeated Clonmel Og in the first game by 2 -5 to 0-0 and then played Moyle Rovers in the second game which they won by 3-2 to 2-0 this brought them into final against Ardfinnan where they were narrowly defeated by a 2 point margin.  This was an excellent performance by the Fethard team.  Player of the tournament went to Amy Hopkins, Fethard.  Team members were: Sharon Lawton, Jenny Fogarty, Jacqui Freyne, Amy Hopkins, Valerie Colville, Melia and Ollie Noonan, Vanessa O’Donnell, Helen Frewen, Barbara Ryan, Marie Holohan, Edel Fitzgerald, Sandra Maher, Lisa McCormack, Nora O’Meara, and Carol Murphy.

Killusty Soccer Club
Due to circumstances beyond our control we have been forced to cancel our party night, which had been fixed for next Saturday at Slievenamon Golf Club.  We now have a new date and venue.  The new date is Saturday July 10th and the venue is The Fethard Arms. Tickets at €10, which include buffet and disco by Billy Bop, are available from committee members. Our AGM takes place on Friday July 2nd at 8.30pm in the Tirry Centre. All are welcome.

Sliabh na mBan Holy Year Cross
A number of people have asked what restoration work is being carried out. The old wooden cross at the hill wall, which is the traditional starting point for our August 15th pilgrimage, is in a bad state of repair and is being replaced. Anyone who wishes to contribute to the funding of this project may do so by leaving a donation with Christie Williams, Kevin Ryan or Jimmy O'Donnell.

Death of ‘Hegney’ Gunne

The late Jack Gunne, photographed at his blacksmith's forge at The Green, Fethard, in the early seventies.

The death has occurred in England during the past week of Gusty ‘Hegney’ Gunne.  The late ‘Hegney’ Gunne was the last surviving member of his generation of the Gunne family of The Green, one of Fethard’s oldest and most respected families.  Members of the Gunne family, over many generations, were very prominent blacksmiths and farriers in Fethard.  The late Jack Gunne, who operated the family forge on the Lower Green up to his retirement in the early seventies, was the last old time blacksmith and farrier operating in the Fethard district. 

The Gunne family were also widely known in Fethard and Tipperary GAA circles.  ‘Hegney’ Gunne with his brothers Jack, and Mikie of Fethard, Tipperary and New York, were leading playing members of Fethard and Tipperary football teams of their era.  Their prowess and skill on the football field is still spoken of in Fethard by their old-time team-mates and contemporaries.

Sincere sympathy is extended to his family, and near relatives in Fethard and Clonmel, Kathleen (Gunne) Connolly, The Valley, Sean and Pat Gunne, Clonmel, and the Sayers family, Fethard.  Interment took place in England.

Kay Retires
Best wishes for a long and happy retirement to Kay McGrath who has retired from business and closed her ladies drapery shop on Main Street.  Kay came to Fethard from her native Co. Carlow over fifty years ago. Having first worked with her aunt Miss Doyle at Annie Lonergans Drapery, The Square, then at Landers, Main Street, and the Jack O’Shea’s Shoe Shop also on Main Street, she started her own successful ladies general drapery on Main Street.

The closure of Kay McGrath’s Drapery will now mean that Fethard has joined Carrick-on-Suir and Callan in not having a small ladies drapery retail store.  Ladies, that is if modern young ladies require such items, will have to travel further afield for sewing material, elastic, buttons, needles, stockings, children’s wear etc.  To ask for some of the above items in a modern superstore, so they tell us, they would look at you as if you had come from another planet.

Time was when Fethard had five such well-stocked shops — O’Shea’s, Lonergan’s, Mrs Murphy’s, Mrs O’Mahoney’s and Kay McGrath’s — now there are none.  The old order certainly changeth!  Indeed, in the time Kay has been in business in Fethard, in the block from Rocklow Road corner to Chapel Lane corner, ten businesses have closed and two have opened.

On a personal note, Kay will be sadly missed.  We have campaigned side-by-side in the fifty years plus she has worked on Main Street.  We have particular fond memories of the cups of hot tea on the cold winter mornings of open shop doors and no heating.  Thanks for the memories Kay. (T.N.)

World War II Information
In response to our request for further information on soldiers who fought in World War II, we received the following from Margaret (Kenrick) White from New Jersey, USA.

“On August 15, 1944, my brother James Joseph Kenrick made the supreme sacrifice with nine others in Italy.  They were blown to bits — 500 feet in the air — and not identifiable.  Because the remains were unidentifiable, two years after the war, they were brought back to the United States and interred in Jefferson City, Missouri.  The US Government arranged their interment so that each family had only 1,000 miles to travel to the gravesite.  They were known as the unidentifiable war dead of World War II.

My older brother Edward James Kenrick was injured one night on manoeuvres in North Carolina.  He went by ambulance to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington DC.  When his group moved on, he was then transferred to Fort Devin, Massachusetts, again by ambulance.  When he was discharged, he went to the Veteran’s Hospital in New York City where he had three-quarters of his stomach removed.

I do not know how my mother survived all the tragedy, except that she was a daily communicant in our Parish Church St. Pauls.  She was a widow — a fantastic example for my sister Mary and myself.  All the men who made the supreme sacrifice surely went straight to the Lord.

The late Gus Kenrick’s father from Fethard and my father, James Joseph Kenrick, were brothers.”

FETHARD NEWS WANTED
With our increased allocation of space on the Nationalist every week, we ask all club secretaries and other relevant parties to send us their news reports for inclusion in the weekly Fethard Notes by email to news@fethard.com or by hand to Tony Newport, Main Street, or Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road. Typed if possible.

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.

This photograph supplied by Sheila (nee Browne) Williams from Surrey, England, was taken at Fethard Tennis Court in 1953. A lot of familiar faces but can someone tell us all the names please?