London Reunion a great success
This year’s Fethard & Killusty London Reunion was held in St. Anthony's Parish Centre, Garratt Road, Edgeware, London, and was attended by approximately 80 emigrants from the parish now living in England.  St. Anthony's Parish Centre was an ideal venue for the reunion, and with the proprietors, Paddy and Mary (Smith) Hennessy, also having Fethard connections, everyone was made feel at home.  Actually, it was even better than home, as one could watch the Tipperary v Limerick hurling qualifier live on the ‘big screen’ on Satanta TV Channel from the comfort of the Lounge Bar downstairs.


Watching the Munster hurling qualifier game live on the big screen at the reunion in London were Limerick and Tipperary rival supporters, Dermot Kelly and Tracy Smith.

Paul Looby did a fine job organising this year’s event again and it was great to get to talk to emigrants from the Fethard area, such as Sean Noonan, who recalled many funny incidents with Brother Albert while he was working in the Patrician Brother’s House in Burke Street, now owned by the Hayes family. Bridie Synnott, a sister of Jimmy Roche, Ballinard, also spoke very fondly of her visits to Fethard over the years


Photographed at the Fethard & Killusty London Reunion held at St. Anthony's Parish Centre, Garratt Road, Edgeware, London, are L to R: Sean Noonan, Bridie Synnott (formerly Bridie Roche, Rathkenny, Fethard) and her son Chris Synnott.

Pat Shine and Paddy Ryan, two stalwart supporters of the reunion since they started in the 1960s, where still in great form on the night, both on the dance floor and on the band stand, where Pat received many encores for his beautiful rendition of old favourites.

Members of the Sheehan family originally from Killusty L to R: Josie (Sheehan) Whitney, Colin Mann, Debbie Mann, Bridget (Sheehan) Mann and Pat Sheehan

Killusty families were also well represented at the reunion with gatherings of the Sheehans, Byrnes and Ryans very prominent around the hall.  The Fitzgerald family were out in force and we believe Mary and Mickey from Crampscastle haven’t returned to Fethard yet

Great credit to Michael Cummins, a son of the late ‘Cautious’ Cummins, Kerry Street, who travelled all the way down from Yorkshire to attend the reunion. Ena (Curran) Griffin, Helen and Timmy Curran sent greetings home to family members as did Tony Flanagan, formerly from Tullamaine, and a now a partner with the Wilton Group in Mayfair, London.  This was Tony’s first time attending a reunion


L to R: Kevin Noonan, Paul Looby (reunion organiser), Ray Looby, Patricia and John Looby.

Special thanks to the Looby family and the Hennessy family for all their effort and help in organising the event, to their guest local Parish Priest, Fr. Pat Salmon, and to all who made the effort to travel to attend the event.  Well done!  We look forward to next year.

L to R: Fr Pat Salmon, Caroline Duffey, Kitty O'Connor, June Hennessy, Mary Hennessy and Micky Hennessy.

Bigger and Better
Congratulations and very well done, to the organising committee and promoters of the Pony Show held in the showground field at Claremore, Killusty, on Saturday last 3rd July.  The best yet, was how one supporter who has attended every show since its inception, described last Saturday’s event. 

The problem now seems to be is the show to become a victim of its success and nationwide popularity.  Never, such minor positive problems will present no problem to the show committee.  The show rings are scarcely large enough to accommodate the large number of entries in each class; the field barely able to contain the number of boxes and trailers attending. Yet, it is hard to realise that such a hugely successful event is organised and run by the voluntary efforts of a very dedicated committee. 

Shows such as Killusty are the roots of the high prestige in which Ireland holds internationally in the equestrian world.  As long as it produces enthusiasts like those behind the Killusty Pony Show it will continue to do so.

A typical example of the help forthcoming was shown at the show’s conclusion.  An appeal was made over the public address for helpers to dismantle the posts, rails, fences etc used during the day.  Such was the number of volunteers, that within forty-five minutes, it was hard to realise that a show had ever taken place.  Long may it continue.

Kiss fit for a Lord or a Councillor
At a special party held at Guinan's Pub, Ballylusky, to celebrate the election of Michael O'Brien to South Tipperary County Council, there was a large crowd and a wee bit of music ready to join in, but things only started swinging when Mr Councilor himself finally decided to sing a few songs.


One of the guests performed a song specially written for the occasion after which Michael promised, "I will look after you all." Propriotor Kathleen Guinan presented Michael with a photograph of himself, with the text, "Congratulations Michael, well done! (But don't let being a busy VIP keep you away from the craic in Guinan's".


Michael did not say if he would follow this advice or not, but most people who know him think he probably will. Especially after being kissed by the landlady, a rare privilege. (Photos supplied by Janneke)

Well done to competitors from Fethard/Killusty area who did so well at the ESB Community Games Munster Finals held in the University of Limerick on Saturday last. Padraig O’Shea, Cathal Gorey, Natalie Cahill, Lorraine and Samantha Feery all won their respective categories in the Judo event.  Other winners, who are all members of the Fethard Judo Club, were Stephanie Lawrence, Clerihan, Michelle and Alan Brannigan, and Alan Sutcliffe, all from Peter & Paul's area Clonmel.  Runners up were Niall O’Donnell, Robert Guiry, and in 3rd place, Aobh O’Shea and Sophie Meehan.

A brilliant win for the under/16 boys Volleyball team: Christopher Sheehan, Declan Doyle, Darren Prout, David Gorey, Aaron O’Donovan, J.P. McGrath, Alan O’Connor and Cathal Gorey, who defeated Limerick in the final.

Fire at Burke Street

A fire in the early hours of Sunday morning, 11th July, caused extensive damage to Breens' house (formerly owned by Denis Looby) in Burke Street, Fethard. The house was currently being renovated and fortunately no one was in residence at the time of the fire.

Celebrating 94th Birthday

Congratulations to Mrs Alice Keane, No 8 Tirry Park, and formerly of Knockelly, Fethard,  who celebrated her 94th Birthday last week. Alice is photographed above with four generations of her family: Front Row: Maureen (daughter) Joe (son). Middle Row: great grandchildren Eoin and Eric Quigley, and Alanna Cody. Back Row: Jennifer Keane (granddaughter), Alice Keane, Dorothy Keane (granddaughter), Kevin and Aaron Quigley (great grandsons), Anne Keane (daughter-in-law) Linda Quigley (granddaughter).
Alice has a family of nine children Sean, Tom and Paddy who are all living in the USA; Peg and Theresa both in England, and Michael and Jim in Knockelly. The remaining two, Joe and Maureen are included in the above photograph.

Married in Lisronagh
The wedding took place on 2nd July 2004, at Lisronagh Church, of Kevin, son of Joan and Johnny Barrett, Market Hill, Fethard, to Ashley Johnston from Baltimore, Washington, USA.

The couple held their wedding reception at Chez Hans, Cashel.

'On Your Toes' Concert

Taking part in the 'On Your Toes' show in the Abymill Theatre Fethard are L to R: Lesley Looby, Aimee Smyth, Cliodhna McCarthy and Niamh Fanning.


Girls about to perform their 'Re-Mix' dance routine at the 'On Your Toes' show in the Abymill Theatre Fethard.


Taking part in the 'On Your Toes' show in the Abymill Theatre Fethard are L to R: Laura Mullins, Jane Kenny, Jean Anglim, Danielle Breen and Amy Grant.


Photographed at the 'On Your Toes' concert in the Abymill Theatre Fethard are L to R: Amy Lyons, Orla Lawrence, Aisha Tobin and Kelly Fox.

Official Opening of Ballingarry Famine Warhouse 1848

The Office of Public Works invite all to the official opening of the Famine Warhouse 1848 - at Ballingarry on Wednesday, 21 July 2004 at 3pm.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
There was no Jackpot winner in the Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto this week.  The numbers drawn on Tuesday 6th July were 10, 15, 21 and 32.  There was one 'Match 3' winner who received €150:
Anna Wyse, Knockbordan, Grove Road, Fethard.
Three €50 Lucky Dip winners were:
Anne Marie Connolly, Main Street, Fethard
Theresa Cummins, Burke Street, Fethard
Anne Needham, 35 Glenview Close, Clonmel.
Next weeks Jackpot is €7,900 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €680.

Silver medal winner in World Championships
Congratulations to Fethard Judo Club member, Josephine O’Donnell, who competed in the World Masters Judo Championships in Vienna last weekend.  Josephine, a coach with the Fethard club, fought very well and was delighted to finish second in a field of top world class athletes.  We congratulate her on this ‘once in a lifetime’ achievement.  Well done Joe.

The Munster Community Games Judo finals are being held in Limerick this Saturday.  The Fethard club have fifteen members competing in the finals.  Any child looking for a lift to Limerick on Saturday morning are asked to be outside the Town Hall at 8.30am.  Best of luck to all players from Fethard Judo Club.

Community Games
Fethard and Killusty area will be represented in boys under-13 indoor soccer, judo and boys’ and girls’ volleyball at the Munster Finals of the ESB Community Games which will take place in University of Limerick on this Saturday, 10th July.

A bus will leave the Post Office to transport the volleyball teams on Saturday morning at 9.20 am. Return fare is €7.50.  We wish everybody the best of luck.  Thanks to Denis Burke, Eric O’Donnell and Bernard Feery who put in so much hard work coaching the volleyball, judo and indoor soccer teams.  Indeed, Bernard Feery, who is area secretary, county games director and Munster delegate, certainly had his hands full this year as in addition to all above duties he co-ordinated all the indoor and outdoor soccer events this year and then coached the indoor team.  People may not realise how much background work goes on to give the children the opportunity to participate in sport.  Well done to all concerned.

The Councillor and the Clergyman
Rev Fr. John Meagher OSA on meeting Michael O’Brien, congratulated him on his recent election to South Tipperary County Council.  “Michael”, he said, “you did remarkably well in your first time seeking election.  Do you know, if I was wearing a hat I’d take it off to you.”
Michael, as ever not to be outdone replied, “You can bow to me instead Father, that will do just as well.”  Noblesse Oblige.

Recent weddings
The wedding took place at Killusty Church on Friday 25th June of Siobhán (photographed on the right), daughter of Mr Willie and Mrs Catherine Ryan, Rocksprings, Cashel Road, Fethard, to Richard, son of Mr Joe and Mrs Mossie Hayes, Rathcoole House, Fethard.

The wedding took place at Fethard Parish Church on Saturday 3rd July, of Mary, daughter of Mr Eugene and Mrs Arabella Walsh, Kilnockin, to Mr Robert Costello, Ballincollig, Cork.

South Tipperary Hospice Collection
The annual church gate collection in aid of South Tipperary Hospice will take place next weekend, 10th and 11th July, in Fethard and Moyglass.  Please support this wonderful service generously.

Monroe Walk cleared

For a nice change in your walking route, who not try the Monroe walk to Rocklow, turning right just before you come to the Fethard Folk Museum on the Cashel Road.  The pathway has now been cleared thanks to Johnny Burke, Redcity, and Jimmy O’Shea, Burke Street, and is a delightful walk taking you up by ‘Breens' Bridge’ and out at Rocklow, where you can return to Fethard by the Rocklow Road, or if you prefer, carry on for another mile by the laneway to Rathcoole Cemetery and exit two miles from Fethard on the Cashel Road.

Final Four visit Fethard

Another treat for young music fans on Saturday 24th July when boyband ‘Final Four’, with special guest Michael Leonard, perform in the Abymill Theatre at 8pm. Final Four, not long back from their Eurovision experience, are currently undertaking a tour of Ireland.  The four lads have been busy working on their vocals and are looking forward to playing the intimate Abymill Theatre.  Tickets are €10 and are available from Kenny’s Centra Supermarket, The Green, Fethard.

Irish Heart Foundation
The Irish Heart Foundation would like to thank everyone who supported their Church Gate Collection last weekend.  The sum of €965 was raised for which they are most grateful.

Slí na Sláinte on the move
The next meeting of the Slí na Sláinte group will be held in the Tirry Community Centre on this Thursday 10th July at 8pm. All are welcome to attend.  The committee would like to see all those interested in walking and developing walking routes in Fethard, attend this meeting.  This stage in developing the ‘Path to Health’ is very important and the cooperation of the South Tipperary County Council is crucial if the project is to succeed.

We can all benefit from being a little more active in our lives. Being active gives you more time for living, because physical activity relieves stress and increases productivity, you'll find that it actually adds hours to your day. All it takes is about 30 minutes of aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, or dancing, most days, to stay in shape.   This is your chance to start with walking!

Kennedy Brothers

Many Fethard people will remember the four Kennedy brothers, Mattie, Sean, Pat and Michael who are photographed above in this St. Mary's Junior Hurling team of 1945. We sadly report that Sean Kennedy died on Friday 2nd July 2004 in Malahide, Dublin. Burial took place on Tuesday 6th July in Dublin.

Fethard GAA Club
In our Intermediate Hurling game played on Sunday last we had a hard earned victory in Clonmel on a scoreline, Fethard 2-11, Skeheenarinka 3-6.  Full match report on sports page.  This now gives us 8 points out off a possible 10, with three games still to be played against, Ballybacon, Fr Sheehys and Kilsheelan.

The Minor Hurling B second round continues with a game in Marlfield on Wednesday 14th July against Ballybacon /Grange at 8pm.
Thomas F Kiely (Ballyneale), was honoured last week in Clonmel with a fitting memorial for a great achievement of winning an Olympic Gold in 1904 in St Louis Canada to add to his 20 years of achievement of GAA Championship Medals from 1888/1908.  As he was born and laid to rest at the foot of Slievenamon we are all very proud of the honour he brought to Ireland and Tipperary.  To his grandchildren we offer our congratulations and to Tony Kiely (Clonmel) who delivered a very eloquent resume of his character, both in Clonmel and in Carrick On Suir over last weekend.  Thanks to the South Board who organized a fitting tribute to such a great Gael.

Juvenile Fixtures: Under 12 B Hurling continues with Fethard v Mullinahone on Monday 12th July in Mullinahone at 7pm.  In Under 14 B Hurling we are away this Thursday 8th July to Ballybacon /Grange at 7pm, and on the 15thh July we are at home to Clonmel Og at 7pm.

Our Lotto Jackpot of €5,000 was not won. This week’s draw was held at McCarthys Hotel, Main Street, and we had two match three winners who received €75 each: John Phelan (Butlerstown, Kilsheelan), and Ger Manton (Main Street).  The €50 Lucky Dip winner was Con Doyle (Woodvale Walk). The numbers drawn were 7, 9, 12 and 18.

Juvenile GAA Club
Our under-14 hurlers played away to Killenaule on Friday evening last in the start of their championship bid and came away with a great win - the boys were in great form on the night.  Every section of the field was well covered and Gavin Fitzgerald, Eoin O'Connell, Dean Tobin, Christopher Sheehan, Adrian Lawrence, and Aaron O'Donovan were reliable and solid throughout.  The final score stood at Fethard 3-8, Killenaule 1-3.  They are away to Ballybacon in their next match and we wish them the very best of luck.

Uunder-14 and under-16 hurlers please note that training times have now moved to Monday evening at 6.30pm in the GAA field.

On a final note the Club would like to say a special thanks to John Leahy who came to the under/14 and under/16 hurling training session on Thursday of last week to give a hand and share a few tips, a great training session followed.

Training continues for under-8 and under-10 football every Saturday afternoon at 3pm in the GAA field.  If you have any queries please contact club secretary: Caroline Sheehan Tel: 086 1713502 or 052 32005.  New members are always welcome.

Hunting news
The Tipperary Foxhounds were once again amongst the prizewinners at the Irish Master of Foxhounds Association Show held at Stradbally, Co. Laoise, on Sunday last.  They took 1st Prize in the Best Unentered Dog Hound Class with ‘Tanker’, and second in the Best Couple of Unentered Bitches Class with ‘Crimson’ and ‘Whitewash’.  ‘Crimson’ also took second prize in the Best Unentered Bitch Class.

The Tipperary successes in the young unentered hounds classes, competing against the very best of Ireland’s puppies, speaks very well for the overall quality of the season’s Tipperary Foxhounds young entry and no doubt they will hunt as well as they look.

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.

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