Repairs to Ancient Altar Cloth

Photographed above L to R: Thelma Griffiths, Judy Butler and Megan Sceats, working on the altar cloth, under the guidance of Mrs Noreen Allen.

An ancient altar cloth from Holy Trinity Church, Fethard, is known to be very old and sadly in recent years the silk has been deteriorating and falling apart.  The cost of sending the cloth for repairs to the Royal School of Needlework would be enormous, so it was decided that, with the guidance of Mrs Noreen Allen, that Megan Sceats, Thelma Griffith and Judy Butler would take on the task of trying to bring the cloth back to its original state.  Part of the cloth has been sent away to help discover its age, which is believed to have a Tudor pattern design from early Victorian times, but this has yet to be confirmed.

Any further information on the altar cloth would be greatly appreciated and the ladies still looking to get a proper silk fringe which is needed to complete the work.

Fethard Local Area Plan

A meeting to discuss the preparation of a Local Area Plan for Fethard was held in the Abymill Theatre on Tuesday 15th June. Photographed at the meeting were L to R: Jimmy Connolly (Fethard & Killusty Community Council), Hugh O'Brien, (Forward Planning Section South Tipperary County Council), Clare Lee (Forward Planning Section South Tipperary County Council), Brendan McSherry (Heritage Officer South Tipperary County Council), and Gerard Manton (Fethard & Killusty Community Council).
At the initial meeting to discuss the proposed draft Local Area Plan for Fethard, organised by the Forward Planning Section of South Tipperary County Council and held in the Abymill Theatre, a large representative body of residents and business people attended the meeting.  Among those in attendance were, Hugh O’Brien (Forward Planning Section South Tipperary County Council), Clare Lee (Forward Planning), Brendan McSherry (Heritage Officer), Eddie O’Brien, Patricia Treacy, Mia Treacy, Dave Woodlock (senior), Jimmy Connolly, Gerard Manton, John Barrett, Joe Kenny, Helena O’Shea, Annette Murphy, Marie Crean, Margaret Phelan, Bobby Phelan, Ian Meagher, Brian Sheedy, Anna Henehan, Thomas Henehan, Margaret Taylor, Marie Murphy, Rosemary Ponsonby, Annie O’Brien, Nell Broderick, Sheila O’Donnell, Kay McGrath, Nuala Delaney, Cllr. John Fahey, Liam Harrington, Colm McGrath, Peter Grant, Marian Gilpin, Agnes Evans, David Woodlock, Terry Cunningham, Fr. John Meagher OSA, Laurence Kenny, Austin O’Flynn, Brud Roche, Peggy Colville, Caroline Palmer, Brian Palmer, Jenny Butler, Judy Butler, Declan Morrissey and Tim Robinson.


Photographed at the meeting were L to R: Joe Kenny (Chairperson Fethard & Killusty Community Council), Brendan McSherry (Heritage Officer South Tipperary County Council), and Peter Grant (Fethard & Killusty Community Council).

The purpose of the meeting was to define the purpose of the Local Area Plan and to discuss the development of the town over the next six years.  Those present were divided into three groups with each undertaking a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) of each of the following topics as they relate to the town: built environment, zoning/land use, heritage, environment, tourism, amenity, transport, infrastructure and economic development.  The purpose of this exercise was to gather input from local residents on important planning issues.


Photographed at the meeting were L to R: Dave Woodlock, David Woodlock, Tim Robinson, Terry Cunningham (chairperson Fethard Historical Society), Colm McGrath and Liam Harrington.

Following the above “workshop” exercise, a spokesperson from each group summarised to the rest of the meeting the issues or concerns raised by their group.  One of the main concerns raised was the preservation of Fethard’s unique heritage and that every development should complement and further that aim.  Other issues raised included the provision of more social housing and serviced sites; the continuation of ‘Phase 2’ of the paving and lighting on Lower Main Street; traffic calming on Killenaule Road; the Community Council’s Convent Hall and Riverside Development Project; the provision and maintenance of walkways around Fethard; the control of antisocial behaviour; the maintenance of the Town Hall; traffic control at the Green and the Ballroom; zoning of more area for private housing on Rocklow Road; the reopening of the Library; provision of quality business services in Fethard; promotion of tourism; and the need for a Fire Service and full time Garda presence in the town.  Submissions can still be submitted to: Kevin O’Connor, Fethard Local Area Plan, Forward Planning Section, South Tipperary County Council, Emmet Street, Clonmel.

Following this meeting, the Forward Planning Section of South Tipperary County Council shall commence the preparation of the Proposed Local Area Plan (PLAP), taking into consideration any issues or concerns raised at the meeting.  A notice shall be placed in the local press informing residents when the proposed plan will be available for inspection, which is expected to be completed by September.  The Proposed Local Area Plan will then be put on public display for a minimum period of six weeks, during which further submissions will be invited.

Puppy Show

The largest attendance in many years attended this year’s Tipperary Foxhounds Annual Puppy Show, held at the Kennels, Tullamaine, on Saturday last, June 26th.  This great support certainly speaks well for the future welfare of hunting in South Tipperary.  This year’s young entry comprised eight couple of dog hounds and thirteen half couple of bitches.  The overall quality of this year’s entry certainly made the task of judges — Mr. George Chapman and Mr John O'Shea — most difficult. 


The following were the prizewinners:
Dog Hounds:  1st Wheatland, 2nd Darby 3rd Tanker. The winner was walked by Tommy Morgan, second by Ann and Clare Carrigan and third by Edward O'Grady.
Bitches: 1st Crimson, walked by Jessica Wilkinson, 2nd Tanner, walked by Elizabeth Grant. Best Pair: Whitewash and Wheatland.

Johnny O'Shea, one of the judges, is a retired huntsman of the Cheshire Foxhounds in England.  Very highly regarded in British hunting circles both as huntsman and hound judge, he was accompanied to Tullamaine by his successor as huntsman to the Cheshire, Guy Mather.  Johnny O'Shea has very strong Fethard roots - his late father was whipper-in to Mr Burke at Grove.  Johnny says he felt it a great honour and privilege to renew the family connection with the Tipperary Foxhounds by being invited to judge this year’s show.  Both Johnny and Guy expressed themselves as very impressed by the standard and quality of the Tipperary puppies.  Pat O'Brien certainly seems to be following the right road towards producing a top class pack.

At the presentation of the prizes, Mr Peter Reilly MFH, thanked sincerely all puppy walkers and the farmers over whose land the Gallant Tipps hunt.  He paid a special tribute to kennel staff, huntsman Pat O'Brien, 1st Whip and K.H. James O'Donnell and kennel man P.J. Murphy, on the pristine condition of the kennels and surrounds and the excellent condition of the sixty-four half couple of hounds in kennel.  Mr Reilly also thanked the ladies committee for the sumptuous traditional Puppy Show tea with which a most enjoyable day concluded.

Progressive 25's Results
The results of the Progressive 25 game played on Friday 25th June are as follows: Winners (12 games): Tom Phelan and Bob Gleeson. Runners-up (11 games): Gerry and Phyllis Murray. Table Prize: Vincent and Ester Phelan. Tickets: Jackie Devitt, Davy O'Donnell, John Martin, Veronica Muldowney. Next Game takes place in Fethard Ballroom on Friday 2nd July at 8.30pm.

Fethard GAA
In the Senior Football County Championship played in Clonmel on Sunday last, we advanced to the last five, to be joined by three divisional champions if different from the five qualified, on a scoreline Fethard 1-9, Ardfinnan 0-6.  Our only concern would be the display in the second half, when leading at half time 1-8 to 0-1, having taken our foot off the pedal. A big improvement is needed in the forward line if we are to advance further in the Championship. Well done to all concerned and our next outing will be in the South Championship.

In Junior A Football on Thursday 24th we had a very easy win in Killenaule, over Ballingarry, to record a second victory on a scoreline, Fethard 3-15, Ballingarry 2-5. Full match report on Sports Page.
Minor B Hurling commenced and, having struggled to field a team, we hurled well in the first half against the wind to finish only a goal down, 2-5 to 1-5, but in the second half we lost our way and finished the game going down on a scoreline, Fethard 1-7, Cahir 3-8.

Intermediate Hurling continues this weekend when we play Skeenarinka in Clonmel ‘at 2pm on Sunday 4th July. A win would be a great advantage in our continued quest of a semifinal spot.
Our Lotto Jackpot of €4,900 was not won. We had two match three winners who received €75 each: Jack Purtill (Moyglass), Dolores Cleary (Market Hill).  The numbers drawn at the Fethard Arms were 6, 14, 19, and 24. The €50 Lucky Dip went to Kim Lonergan (Main Street).

Dick Allen who went to his eternal reward last week was regarded as the ‘Prince of Gaelic Football’ in the county in the 1930s.  He played for Munster in, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1940, 1941, and 1942.  He wore the county senior jersey from 1935 to 1942 (excluding 1939) and was the last survivor of the Munster Champions of 1935.  He played senior for his club Fethard from 1932 to 1943 (excluding 1939) winning two county senior titles in 1938 and 1942, and three divisional south titles in 1938, 1942, and 1943.  Also to his collection he added a Tipperary Mans title in London with club Cuchulain’s in the mid forties and played for London in the All-Ireland Junior Football in 1947.   Dick was honoured last year with the Cumann na Sean Ghael award, and in 1986 he won the South Tipperary Nationalist ‘Hall of Fame Award’ .We would like to thank, on behalf of the club, Tony Newport for the eloquent appraisal at the graveside of the life and times of Dick Allen.  Go Ndeanai Trocaire ar a anam.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
There was no Jackpot winner in the Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto this week.  The numbers drawn on Tuesday 29th June were 1, 5, 30 and 31.  There was no 'Match 3' winner so five tickets were drawn and each received €30:
Seamus Moloney, 7 Fr. Tirry Park, Fethard
Michael Russell, Drangan
Alice Lawrence, Woodvale Walk, Fethard
Karen Fox, Woodvale Walk, Fethard
Nora O'Meara, Cloneen, Fethard
Three €50 Lucky Dip winners were:
Matt O'Dwyer, Red City, Fethard
Eddie Sheehan, 15 St. Patricks Place, Fethard
Mary McCormack, Kerry Street, Fethard
Next weeks Jackpot is €7,750 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €665.

Irish Heart Foundation / Sli na Slainte
The Irish Heart Foundation will hold a Church Gate Collection this weekend - Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th July. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
A Public Meeting to promote a Healthy Heart Walk (Sli na Slainte) in Fethard will be held on Friday 2nd July at 8pm in the Tirry Community Centre. All are welcome.

Time to Cry Stop
What a pity that such an epic Munster final on Sunday was somewhat marred by the Cork managers criticism of the referee. He blasted the ref's decisions not to award Cork a late free which could have saved the game. These words were probably spoken in the heartbreak of a narrow defeat. Nevertheless, they follow the pattern of modern day managers in blaming referees for their team’s defeat. This, as on Sunday last, is just clutching at straws, and perhaps justifies their (the managers) existence. Cork had 35 minutes playing against a team of 14 men to win the game if capable. They lost neither caste nor honour in defeat in such an epic encounter. They lost because Waterford were the better team, not because of what the referees did or did not do. The time has come when the provincial and central councils will have to take serious action against these unwarranted attacks on referees.

Jim O'Sullivan is a much respected GAA writer in the Irish Examiner did however say in Monday's edition, “Sean McMahon can feel well pleased with a job well done in his first final. The Clareman's refereeing was sensible and balanced and his errors were minimal.” And so say all of us!

Sporting Spirit
'The short cut through the Roses is the way to Fairyland', so say the words of a well known Donegal Folksong. Via Fethard as a short cut to Semple Stadium, Thurles now seems to be very well known to many Waterford and Cork GAA supporters. From early Sunday morning a steady stream of traffic bearing Waterford and Cork colours poured through Fethard. The same was true even more so on the return journey on Sunday evening. The Waterford supporters have been busy using the route for years. The increased Cork traffic is caused by Cork supporters turning off at Kilworth to avoid the Mitchelstown and Cashel gridlocks and travelling via Ballyporeen, Ardfinnan and Clonmel.
Many supporters of both counties made a pit-stop at Fethard on the return journey. In keeping with the great GAA sporting ethos both sets of supporters mingled freely in local watering holes with nothing passing between them only friendly banter and the bit of craic. Long may it continue.

Juvenile GAA
The under-12 hurling season has now begun and the team have had a great start to their season with two great wins over St Patrick’s and Kilsheelan. They were a credit to their club and to their new trainers. We wish them the best of luck in their next matches.
Under-14 players, please note that training has now moved to Monday evenings at 6.30pm in the GAA field. Best of luck to the under/14s as they begin their season.
Training for under-10 football continues on Saturdays at 3pm in the GAA field, new members are always welcome and if you have any queries please phone Club Secretary, Caroline Sheehan Tel: 086 1713502 or 052 32005.

The Well Golf Society
Our fourth outing of the season takes place next Sunday, July 4th, at Carrick-on-Suir Golf Club. Tee off time is 11.30 am. We're now at the halfway stage in our 'Player of the Year' competition and Ray Morrissey is currently in the lead, closely followed by Joe Corbett, with the rest of the pack closing in. More news to follow!

Killusty Soccer Club
The annual general meeting of Killusty Soccer Club takes place next Friday night, July 2nd, at 8.30pm in the Tirry Centre. All players and committee members are asked to attend. New members are welcome. Our party night takes place on Saturday, July 10th, in the Fethard Arms. Tickets at €10, including buffet and disco by DJ Billy Bop, are available from committee members.

Magic Junction Roundabout

This year's Junction Festival (CLICK HERE) takes place in Clonmel from the 3rd July to the 11th July and has a variety of music, art, theatre and events for all the family.

As part of the Participation Programme, Fethard artist Patricia Looby led the 'Magic Junction Roundabout' arts project giving a dozen teenagers a chance to develop their art skills and appreciation. Using the arched structure of Coliseum as a starting point, the young people each chose a deity figure to illustrate the variety of belief and religions in this world. "We didn’t forget our own Christian civilization, so we have included a beautiful Angel!" The three-D installation is on display on the Fethard Roundabout on the bypass in Clonmel and should add a good bit of colour and vibrancy to the periphery of the town and drivers’ commuting routine.

Texaco Art

Aobh O'Shea, a pupil of Nano Nagle National School, Fethard, photographed with her Certificate of Commendation that she received for work submitted to the 50th Texaco Children's Art Competition

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 taken in Main Street shows Brid Flynn's shop and also Whyte's house before they had a shop. Any other information of those chatting on the street or date would be more than welcome.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.