The late Dick Cummins
The death has occurred today, Saturday 10th December, of Dick Cummins, Lwr Main Street, Fethard.

Dick, Life-President of Fethard GAA Club, was born on the 1st January 1914 and has lived a life dedicated to the GAA, as did his father, also Dick, elected the first Munster Chairman of the GAA in the years 1901-1902.

Remains will leave his home on Main Street at 7pm on Monday 12th December, for Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard. Requiem Mass at 11am on Tuesday followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Died in England
With regret we record the death of yet another of Fethard’s emigrants, Pat Hennessy, formerly from Derryluskin. Pat’s death occurred last week in London.

Remains left McCarthy's Funeral Parlour, Fethard, at 7.30pm on Wednesday 7th December for Lisronagh Church. Interment took place in the adjoining cemetery following 12 o'clock requiem mass on Thursday 8th December.

Community Lotto ‘Extra Christmas Prizes’
The numbers drawn on Wednesday 7th December were: 10, 15. 17, and 26. We had no Jackpot winner and two ‘Match Three’ winners who received €75 each:
Maura Fitzpatrick, Ardsallagh, Fethard.
Catriona Boland, Knockura, Drangan.

The €50 Lucky Dip winners were:
Mary O'Mahony, Tullamaine, Fethard.
John O'Connor, Main St., Fethard.
Seamus Hackett, Strylea, Fethard.

This week was the first of our Christmas Special draw for 10 extra prizes for Turkeys and Hams from local suppliers. The winners this week were as follows.
Turkey Winners:
Tommy Gahan, Cloneen,
Maura Meagher, Killenaule.
Bridget Walsh, Tullamaine, Fethard.
Mary Kenny, Drangan.
Sean Smyth, Killusty.

Christmas Ham winners:
Gerry Spillane, Killerk North, Fethard.
Sonya Cullen, c/o Bob Maher, Barrack St.
Maurice Hickey, Killusty.
Nick Stokes, Fethard.
Julie Wall, Barrettstown, Fethard.

Next weeks Jackpot remains at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1,000. Don’t forget that every ticket bought has ten extra chances to win a prize in our ‘Christmas Special’ draw. The weekly draw takes place on Wednesday mornings at 11am in Fethard Day Care Centre, Barrack Street. All are welcome to come along.

Ashley McCormack
Ashley McCormack, Monroe, Fethard, who recently received her Fetac National Skills Award in Tourism and Heritage, I.A.O.T. Diploma in International Travel Studies and Galileo (GDS) Systems Award.

Local Racing Success must be a new record
Weekending 3rd November proved something of a record week for local racehorse owners and trainers. No less than five local owners/trainers each had a winner at the Boulta Point-to-Point, hosted by West Waterford Foxhounds in Tallow on Sunday 27th November. The winners were: ‘Miss Hounak’, owned by Michael Woodlock and trained by Niall Nevin; ‘Bannaman’, trained by Thomond O’Mara; ‘Countess Trifaldi’, owned and trained by Cliff Wilkinson; ‘Carrigeen Kalmia’, owned and trained by Dick Lalor; ‘Princely Perk’, owned by John O’Dwyer.

The icing on the cake was provided on Saturday last when the remarkable mare, ‘Feathered Lady’, owned by the Bob Grant Bar Syndicate, won the Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle race at Fairyhouse. ‘Feathered Lady’, a serious racehorse so far undefeated, was recording her sixth successive win and looks destined for greater things ahead.
On Sunday last, 4th December, Nicky Stokes also had a winner with ‘Robbers Glen’ at the Ballindenisk Point-to-Point, Watergrasshill, Co. Cork. The above results has further proved, if proof was needed, that Jack Molloy certainly got it right when he stated in a TV interview at Galway Races, “I come from Fethard, the home of the racehorse.”

Community Dinner Dance Party in January
Tickets are now on sale for the Fethard & Killusty Community Council’s 30th Anniversary Dinner Dance, which will be held in Fethard Ballroom on Friday night 13th January. Music will be supplied by the big band sound of ‘Opus I’. This promises to be a great occasion for all members of the community. Tickets at €35 each are available at Newport’s Newsagency or from any member of the committee. A ticket could be the ideal ‘Christmas Present’ for someone you know!

The Community Council would like to see all local organisations support this Anniversary Dance to acknowledge the dedicated voluntary work of our Community Council members over the past thirty years.

Urban Renewal Programme short of money to complete project
The planning section of South Tipperary County Council held an Information Evening on Monday last in Fethard in relation to the Urban & Village Renewal Scheme awarded to Fethard. The consensus of those present indicated a strong willingness for the County Council to continue the renovations, started on Main Street in ‘Phase One’ of the scheme, to Lower Main Street. Ideally this would include the provision of new paving, new street lighting and the installation of underground electric cables.

Area Engineer, Jonathon Cooney, estimates that the funding of approximately €80,000 available would not cover the cost of the full project, and that a figure closer to €250,000 would be needed to finish the project similar to Upper Main Street.

Jewel Burke to appear on ‘You’re a Star’
Local singer Jewel Burke of Woodvale Walk will represent Fethard next Sunday on RTE’s ‘You’re a Star’. Maybe Fethard people will look in and give her a vote!

Santa Bear Appeal Carol Singing
The Annual Santa Bear Appeal in aid of the Central Remedial Clinic runs from 1st to 11th December and ‘Santa Bears’ are available for sale in local shops at €2 each. To supplement this appeal, ‘Carol Singing’ on the streets of Fethard will take place on Thursday 15th December, commencing at Fethard Town Hall at 7.30pm. All are welcome to come along.

Fethard Coursing Club
A meeting of the Fethard Coursing Club will take place on Friday 9th December at 8pm in the Tirry Centre. All members are requested to attend this meeting.

10-Year School Reunion
The Patrician / Presentation Secondary School Reunion for the year 1994/1995 is organised for Thursday 29th December 2005 at 8.30pm approximately in McCarthy's Hotel. Anyone who is around on the night is welcome to attend. Looking forward to catching up with some old friends and foes. Any queries on Tel: 087 9234459.


Fethard Debs group from 1995. Back L to R: Greg Walsh, Joseph Bradshaw, Raymond Condon, Michael McCormack, Thomas Burke, Mark Barrett, Brendan O'Dwyer, Tomas Keane, Michael Burke, Michael Ryan, Gary Lonergan, Liam O'Sullivan, David Fanning, 3rd Row L to R: Seamus Tynan, Noel Barry, Gabriel Horan, Deirdre O'Meara, Jimmy Butler, Paul Fitzgerald, Samantha Outram, Valerie Allen, Caroline Gahon, Christina Thompson, Annette McCarthy, Trevor Spillane, Anthony Coffey. 2nd Row L to R: Nora Cummins, Jennifer Hannigan, Treasa Doocey, Sandra White, Shonagh Coen, Joanne Clancy, Treasa Looby, Kay Spillane, Cabrina Roche, Mairead Lennon, Colette Fitzgerald, Mattew O'Shea. Front L to R: Noelle Murphy, Caroline Fitzgerald, Bernie Horan, Gwen Cooke, Elaine O'Connell, Sharon Lyons, Johanna Sheehan, Olivia Phelan, Deirdre Lawlor. Missing from picture: Jill Barrett, Kim Barrett, Lee Anne Burke, Paraic Cloonan, Keith Colville, Robert Hickey, John Hunt, Stephen Keane, Sharon Lawton, Stuart Looby, Declan Maher, Anne Marie Murphy, Michelle Nevin, Mark O'Flaherty, Eleanor Ryan, Emily Sayers, Thomas Sayers. CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTO

Badgers continue to grow
Badgers — thirty something and over soccer club — has been growing steadily stronger. This was reflected by the big turn out for our first Christmas Party, in fact some proposed having food in the field on future Wednesday nights to boost playing numbers. It was great to see the lads who played with us when we moved indoors at Monroe last winter and early spring. Sadly the slot was taken this year so we have to brave the elements of the outdoors winter and spring this year. But who knows, maybe with all the development going on in Fethard, by the County Council and other private consortiums, they might provide an indoor arena as a good will gesture and an essential amenity since we already have shops and crèches. It would probably cut down greatly on the emissions from so many cars travelling to Clonmel, Cahir and other surrounding areas never mind the stress on parents trying to get their kids to these different sporting venues. In the mean time the Badgers are still playing away every Wednesday night at 8pm in the Community Field on the Killenaule road. All are welcome and the first few games are free! Terms and conditions apply! For further information call 086 0565075 or 086 3502360.

Fethard ICA Guild
Fethard ICA will hold their Christmas party on Tuesday December 13th at 7.30pm in the Slievenamon Golf Club. We will have the usual exchange of gifts. Just a reminder for everyone to bring your dancing shoes, as we will have music after the meal.

St. Vincent de Paul Collection
The annual collection for the above takes place at all masses this coming weekend. As always, we know that the parish of Fethard & Killusty will again support this worthy cause. In spite of the ‘Celtic Tiger’, many still need our help, which really means your help. Be as generous as you can please.

Patrician Presentation Secondary School Jottings

Chernobyl Children's Project

Ms. Carol Morrissey, Chernobyl Project, receiving a cheque from 4th and 5th year students of the Patrician Presentation Secondary School. L to R: Ciara Aylward, Mike McCarthy, Carol Morrissey, Marice O'Sullivan and Niall Hayes.

On the 28th September, Ms. Carol Morrissey spoke to 4th and 5th year students of the Patrician Presentation Secondary School. Her visit concerned the Chernobyl Childrens’ Project. She showed a short and effective video concerning the harsh conditions in Chernobyl. Ms. Morrissey's visit inspired students to hold a non-uniform day. It was held on the 31st of October last. The total amount raised was €325. Ms. Morrissey returned on the 23rd of November and presented a certificate to students who organised the non-uniform day.

Science News
Work commenced in November 2005 on a long awaited renovation to the schools science laboratories at Patrician Presentation Secondary School. Science has always had a very high profile in the school, with many students going on to study science at third level. Students from 2005, Mary Gorey and Helen Frewen, are no exception to this tradition. Mary is student of science at the University of Limerick and Helen Frewen is studying Radiation Therapy In Trinity College Dublin.

It is thus relevant that long awaited renovations to the school's science laboratories began in November and they will be completed by early January. The original rooms were constructed and furnished by the Patrician Brothers in the late 1960s. The current renovations, costing €250,000 will keep up with the demands of the junior cert and leaving cert curricula

Godspell a great success
Congratulations to Ms. Marian Gilpin and to the 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th years on their very successful staging of the musical ‘Godspell’ in the Abymill Theatre. It was performed on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th December last. Their performance of Godspell, a musical based on the gospel of St. Matthew, was inspirational.


Cast of Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School's production of 'Godspell' . The cast was: Kevin Maher, Declan Doyle, Alan O'Connor, Laura Rice, Paul McCarthy, Lory Kenny, Aisling Dwyer, Chris Sheehan, Joe Fogarty, David Ryan, Ciarán Leahy, Matthew Fitzgerald, Carrie Sweeney, Sarah Hayes, Sarah Conway, Lisa Anglim, Samantha Morrissey, Chloe Gough, Emma Fleming, Jean Anglim, Jane Kenny, Katie Coen, Rebecca Fogarty, Darren Prout, Ciarán Ryan, Darragh Dwyer, Jerome Ahearne, Jonathan Fleming, Owen Prout, Adam O'Donnell, Kevin Hayes, Tommy Sheehan, Owen Healy, Padraig O'Shea. CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTO

Youth Issues Meeting well attended
Fethard & Killusty Community Council held a Public Meeting on Wednesday 30th November in the Abymill Theatre. This meeting was arranged to present the findings of the Youth Needs Report, conducted on our behalf by Tipperary Institute, to the people of Fethard. This is an impressive document; it gives a very accurate account of the opinions of young people today. It is worth noting that almost half, 116, of the young (ten to eighteen) people living in Fethard participated in the study. In addition to these contributors a substantial number of adults who are involved with young people as care providers, service deliverers or in a club or sporting context were interviewed.

The panel at this Youth Issues meeting consisted of Catherine Corcoran and Una Johnson, Tipperary Institute; Denis O’Brien, Foróige; and Philly Ryan, Community & Voluntary Forum. The meeting was facilitated by Margo Hayes, South Tipperary County Council. Joe Kenny, Chairman Fethard Community Council, commenced the meeting by means of an explanation as to why the study was undertaken. He acknowledged the contribution of the Presentation Sisters in making the Convent Hall available to the community. Joe complimented the people of Fethard for their ongoing support and remarked that the attendance at the meeting was a further indication of their interest.

The meeting proceeded with a presentation of the findings of the Youth Needs Report by Catherine Corcoran. This was supplemented with an address by Una Johnson who outlined the methodology used in conducting the study. Una informed the meeting that her co-researcher, Mary Larkin, was unable to attend and sent her apologies.

Denis O’Brien, Foróige, addressed the meeting. He indicated his delight at the good turnout and suggested that this was evidence of great interest in the community. Denis continued by explaining the origin and activities of Foróige. He outlined the benefits of engaging the services of a dedicated youth worker and stated that the results of the Youth Needs Report was evidence that there was a definite, if not urgent, need for such a person in Fethard. Denis concluded by committing himself to continue to work with the Community Council to secure funding for youth workers.

Proceedings continued with an address by Philly Ryan who explained the process to be followed when establishing a youth group and outlined the various funding sources available. Margo Hayes continued by requesting questions for the panel. The relevant speakers answered these. To conclude the meeting Margo prompted a discussion to ascertain what organisations / persons would undertake specific actions to advance the provisions for Youth in Fethard. A number of measures were identified and many of the attendants recorded their interest in being involved.

It is envisaged that this Youth Needs Report will provide a framework around which youth actions can be initiated. The availability of the Convent Hall, the existence of the Multi-Agency Network, the collaboration between Foróige and Tipperary Regional Youth Services in the Slieveardagh area and the proposed co-ordination of activities at local level will contribute greatly towards the success of such actions.

The committee and members of the Community Council would like to express our gratitude to Catherine and her staff for their work. Also to Denis, Philly and Margo for their contribution towards the success of the meeting. A meeting will be arranged in the New Year to begin the process of co-ordinating activities and to advance the situation further.

Preparing for Christmas
Advent is a time of spiritual preparation to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas. Put some time aside for prayer and personal reflection during this time by joining in an hour of prayer at the Presentation Convent at 8pm on Tuesday evenings. Encourage your family and friends to come along as well. All are welcome.

Shock rocker weds stripper in castle
(By Eamonn Wynne, The Nationalist)

As well as providing the venue for last weekend's lavish wedding ceremony of American shock rocker Marilyn Manson and his long time girlfriend Dita von Teese, Tipperary also made a major contribution to the organisation of the event. Despite the veil of secrecy and the tight security that surrounded the ceremony at the Gurteen Le Paor mansion in Kilsheelan on Saturday evening, The Nationalist has learned that three members of the same family were directly involved in the smooth running of the weekend's festivities.

Her sister Orla and brother Shane joined event manager Fiona Leahy in the organisation of the ceremony. The Leahys are the daughters and son of Kevin and Beatrice Leahy, from Ladyswell House, Cashel, who previously ran Bailey's guesthouse and restaurant in Cashel and also lived for a spell in Marlfield, Clonmel.

Chief planner Fiona was assisted by Orla, the food and drink supplier for the wedding and Shane, who organised the transport for guests.

As the celebrations continued throughout the weekend, Dita von Teese and one of the celebrity guests, Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis Presley, visited Clonmel on Monday night, when they enjoyed a drink in Phil Carroll's bar in Parnell Street.

It's also understood that Lisa Marie Presley organised for a bouquet of flowers to be placed on the grave of famous Clonmel tenor Frank Patterson, at the town's St. Patrick's. Cemetery. In the course of his illustrious career the Clonmel singer, who died five years ago, sang some of the songs made famous by Elvis Presley.

Several A-list celebrities were reported to have been among the 100 or so guests, although The Nationalist has been told that Madonna and her film producer husband Guy Ritchie were not among them. However some Hollywood film producers, as well as celebrated clothes designer Jean Paul Gaultier and other well-known names from the world of fashion were also present, while there were unconfirmed sightings of film star Johnny Depp in Kilsheelan.

A soiree of the wedding party that was planned for McCarthy's bar in Fethard on Sunday night was cancelled, when the owners reportedly refused to clear the premises for the visiting entourage. Instead the guests were treated to a performance by some Cashel musicians at the castle in Kilsheelan.

Marilyn Manson and former stripper Dita von Teese chose the Gurteen Le Paor castle at the invitation of its owner, Austrian artist Gottfried Heinwein, who is a friend of the couple. The mansion, built in 1866 and set on 16 acres overlooking the river Suir, was restored over the past number of years by the Austrian artist.

London-based Fiona Leahy is a designer to several major jewellery houses. She has worked with a host of well-known names, including Mick Jagger's daughter Jade Jagger, and was recruited by the bride to co-ordinate the wedding ceremony. Her sister Orla Leahy is the sales and marketing manager with Masterchefs, a Limerick-based catering company that is responsible for events at venues such as Bunratty Castle and Kilshane House in Tipperary.

The couple stipulated that as much food as possible would be sourced in Tipperary, and the bride visited the area for a number of tastings in the preparation of the menu. It's believed that the menu included lobster, organic cheese, monkfish, salmon, spit-roasted pig and beef, while the wedding cake was flown in from New York.

Shane Leahy, meanwhile, who ferried many of the guests to and from the airport as well as driving them around the area, has recently set up Ireland Travel Services, his own company in Tipperary, which incorporates Ireland Chauffeur Drive.

Many of the guests stayed in Kilshane House and the Cashel Palace Hotel. It's under-stood that the Cashel hotel played host to the bride and groom for two nights before the wedding.

The guests were reported to be highly impressed by their visit to the area, and the level of organisation and hospitality experienced over the weekend.

The ceremony, which was conducted at nightfall on Saturday, saw the bride, whose real name is Heather Sweet, don a Vivienne Westwood-designed gown, rumoured to have cost €100,000.

Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, wore a dark designer Victorian suit, although he still sported his trademark make-up and off-coloured eye contact lenses, as the couple exchanged vows in front of family and friends.

The weekend's festivities also included a Victorian banquet on Friday night and a hunting party on Sunday, when guests had the choice of shooting and falconry. On Sunday night guests were treated to a traditional Irish meal of hot whiskeys, roasted potatoes and steak and kidney pies.

Marilyn Manson and his band The Spooky Kids, who were also among the guests, hail from Fort Lauderdale in Florida. Promoting a trash-metal sound, they rank as one of the most successful musical acts in the United States, but have also courted controversy with his use of satanic images and violent lyrics.

It's reported that the wedding will be featured in the March edition of the American Vogue magazine.