Mary Morrissey and her Band
Mary Morrissey, originally from St. Patrick's Place and now living in England, played with her band in the Fethard Arms on Sunday night, 6th August. Admission is €5. A great night's entertainment was had by all. Mary is also booked to play at this year's Fethard/ London Reunion later in the year.

Bishop Matthew Ndagoso

Photographed with Bishop Mathew M. Ndagos at the Augustinian Abbey Fethard are local priests L to R: Fr Timmy Walsh OSA, Fr Gerry Horan OSA, Bishop Mathew M. Ndagoso, Fr. Peter Haughey OSA and Fr John Meagher OSA

Dr. Matthew Ndagoso is the bishop of Maiduguri in north-eastern Nigeria, an area committed to the Irish Augustinians in the early nineteen fifties.  He is the first bishop there who is not an Augustinian.  In the demonstrations by Muslims last February against the infamous Danish cartoons of the prophet Mohammed, four Catholic parish churches in the state capital were burnt down, along with the bishops’ house, classrooms, parish offices and social centres.  Most of these had originally been built with money collected by mission helpers in Ireland.  Worst of all, a priest in one parish was assaulted and burnt.

Irish Augustinians because of their long association with Maiduguri, organised appeals last June in all their churches to help Bishop Matthew in his efforts to rebuild the burnt-down churches and schools.  There was a heart-warming response, which exceeded all expectations.  The bishop has been visiting the Augustinian churches here to thank the people personally for the generous help.

Fethard Connection
Another Fethard connection with Ireland's top gaelic football players can be seen on Saturday 5th August when Michael Prout, grandson of Christopher Prout, Killusty, lines out for Cork in their All-Ireland senior football semifinal against Donegal. Michael lives in Ringaskiddy and plays with the Shamrocks club in East Cork.

Readers Wanted for Ned Kelly Play
Brenda Addie, the Australian co-author of a new play, based mainly on the lives of the Kelly women, is coming to Ireland and will direct a Stage Reading of  ‘Quilting the Armour’ in the Abymill Theatre at 8pm on Friday 11th. August.  For the first time on stage, the Ned Kelly saga is seen through the eyes of the Kelly women, especially Ned’s mother, Ellen and his sisters Maggie and Kate.

Ms Addie is in these parts for the Edinburgh Festival and is coming to Fethard to work with the Fethard Historical Society in putting on a Reading of the play in the home county of the Kellys.

So any actor, or would be actor, from Fethard, Moyglass, Cloneen and surrounding areas is invited to get ‘in on the act’, as there are many parts.  Practice readings will take place on the evenings leading up to the eleventh.  Brenda assures us that all will be well on the night as she has done this before in Australia.  Potential readers can contact any member of the Historical Society or phone 052 23402 or 31936 and leave your name and phone number before Monday 7th August.

The play will be followed by a short audience discussion with the playwright and then light refreshments will be available to everyone.  There is no need to book, tickets will be available at the door and entrance fee is €4.

Fethard to Fethard Sponsored Cycle

L to R: Liam Hayes (Fethard & Killusty Community Council Heartsafe Programme Instructor), Kate O'Flaherty, (Resuscitation Unit, South Tipperary General Hospital), and Seamus Moore (Local Health Manager, South Tipperary Health Services Executive) pictured following the official launch of the Fethard Heart-Safe Programme.

Saturday 29th July dawned a wet and murky day for our Fethard to Fethard Sponsored Cycle.  Twenty-two cyclists turned up in Fethard-on-Sea at 9.30am.  John Pollard unloaded the bikes from Gerry Purcell’s potato lorry.  Liam Hayes unloaded the bananas and Lucozade Sport from the back of his van.  Jim Keane unloaded the cyclists from the Day Care Centre Minibus.  As the support vehicles were being prepared with orange flashing lights and signs, courtesy of Sign Design, there was a great hub-bub among the group.


Twenty-three senior cyclists ready to leave Fethard-on-Sea.


Vincent Cummins enjoying the rest while on the ferry at Passage-East.

At 10.15am we left Fethard-on-Sea amid a sprinkling of rain.  After careful navigation from co-pilot, Eoin Whyte, Vincent Woodlock missed the first turn-off, adding an extra 1.5 miles to our journey.  Through Arthurstown and into Passage-East for the ferry saw our first four minutes rest.  A quick check on the ferry to tyres and wheel nuts saw the group climb from Passage on to Waterford.  The rain was getting steadily heavier as we approached the Munster Bar.  Here, Peter and Caitriona Fitzgerald put on a fabulous spread of sandwiches, soup and pasta.  Reluctantly, we left the Munster Bar and out into heavy rain we cycled up the Quays, over the bridge towards Newrath and on in the direction of Mooncoin.  By now the rain was incessant and the best of rain gear was rendered useless. 


It's all right! Bi.Ke. knows the way.

After an hour and a half, twenty-two very wet cyclists stopped on the Pill road at the Esso station.  While waiting for Tipp FM the cyclists were getting cold so, ahead of schedule, we continued to Kilsheelan.  After some very skill-full marshalling by Grace and Anita Pollard, the group passed the village and the Ormond Stores. T’was here we saw our first sign-post for Fethard – a welcome sign indeed.


Fintan Rice and Kari Laaksonen (masseuse)

At Kiltinan Barracks we rendezvoused with the junior cyclists and a very welcoming bunch of adults.  Toby Purcell seemed to have forgotten his ‘gate’ though.  Donning our ‘Heart-Safe’ Sponsored T-Shirts a group of about fifty cyclists headed for Killusty and onto the back road to Fethard.  After some more ‘expert’ marshalling at Whelan’s Cross we cycled into Fethard.  A huge crowd had gathered in the Square to welcome us back.  To a rapturous applause we arrived in the Square safe and sound, with only one fall on the whole journey, which was expertly attended to by Matt Peters and his assistant of the Civil Defence. 


The cyclists who participated in the event photographed on arrival to Fethard: (Seniors) Kathleen Anglim, Tom Anglim, Noel Blake, Paddy Boyle, Joe Burke, Sr. Betty Cagney, Kevin Coffey, Vincent Cummins, Jerry Dargan, Ruth Dargan, Seamie Hickey, Ger Houlihan, John Hurley, Bill Kennedy, John McLean, John Neville, Michael Nevin, Michael O’Gorman, Erica Purcell, Tom Quinn, Fintan Rice, Paul Shanahan, Eugene Walsh and (Juniors) Lucy Butler, Jack Devaney, Kevin Hayes, Ruby Kennedy, Isobel Kennedy, William Morgan, Jack O’Connell, Richard O’Gorman and Matt O’Sullivan.

Jimmy O’Sullivan did a great job of welcoming us all home and the conclusion of the launch of Slí na Sláinte, there was plenty of refreshments supplied by Thelma Griffith and her assistants.  The cyclists disbanded to freshen-up and regroup in McCarthy’s at 5pm for a meal and a few drinks.


Members of the Kennedy family L to R: Honora, Ellie, John, Bill and Peggy.

May I take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the day, particularly those I mentioned above and more especially those who I may have forgotten to mention.  To all our sponsors, we thank you from the bottom of your pockets!  Finally to the cyclists themselves – well done to each and every one of you.  Ye put in a lot of effort, gave up your time for this very worthy cause.  It’s a far cry from our first night of group training when Noel Blake nearly fell into the graveyard . . . and that was only at the start!  Well Done All.
—(Bi.Ke.)


Eugene Walsh photographed with family members after completing the cycle


Michael Nevin photographed with family members after completing the cycle.


Photographed after the return home of the Fethard-to-Fethard cyclists are L to R: Janet Blake, Cllr John Fahey, Deputy Tom Hayes, Paddy Boyle, Noel Blake. In front are children Anastasia and Robin Blake.


Cyclist Eugene Walsh photographed with his mother Breda.

Launch of Fethard Heartsafe Programme

Pictured unveiling the Map Board for the Slí na Sláinte Walking Route are Jimmy Connolly, Fethard & Killusty Community Council; Tanya Comber-Rait, Irish Heart Foundation and Leo D'Arcy, Education Officer, An Bord Altranais.

On Saturday last, 29th July, a large crowd attended the launch of the Fethard Heartsafe Programme at The Square, Fethard.  The Fethard Heart-Safe Programme is an initiative undertaken by Fethard & Killusty Community Council, in conjunction with the Irish Heart Foundation.


Rev. J Power AP, Tanya Comber-Rait, Leo D'Arcy and Jimmy Connolly pictured at the Square following the launch of the Sli na Sláinte designated Walking Route.

The highlight of the afternoons proceedings was the welcoming home of the cyclists from the Fethard-to-Fethard Sponsored Cycle.  Twenty-three senior cyclists and nine junior participants, who had joined in at Kiltinan Barracks, arrived home to rapturous applause.  The cyclists who participated in the event were: (Seniors) Kathleen Anglim, Tom Anglim, Noel Blake, Paddy Boyle, Joe Burke, Sr. Betty Cagney, Kevin Coffey, Vincent Cummins, Jerry Dargan, Ruth Dargan, Seamie Hickey, Ger Houlihan, John Hurley, Bill Kennedy, John McLean, John Neville, Michael Nevin, Michael O’Gorman, Erica Purcell, Tom Quinn, Fintan Rice, Paul Shanahan, Eugene Walsh and (Juniors) Lucy Butler, Jack Devaney, Kevin Hayes, Ruby Kennedy, Isobel Kennedy, William Morgan, Jack O’Connell, Richard O’Gorman and Matt O’Sullivan.


L to R: Leo D'Arcy, John Whyte, Tanya Comber-Rait and Cllr John Fahey.

After the cyclists had been introduced to the crowd and complimented on their achievement the official launches got underway.  The Slí na Sláinte designated walking route was officially launched by Jimmy Connolly, Treasurer Fethard & Killusty Community Council, Tanya Comber-Rait, National Co-ordinator with the Irish Heart Foundation, and Leo D’Arcy, Education Officer, An Bord Altranais.  This route, known locally as the Ballybough route, is 4.8km in length and commences at The Square with the entire route being marked by bright colourful signposts, which are not numbered and are situated at 1km intervals.  The promoters would like to appeal to drivers to take extreme caution on the approach roads to the town and to heed the warning signs on this route.


Photographed at the launch of the Heart-Safe Programme on Saturday 29` July Leo D'Arcy, Education Officer, An Bord Altranais; Tanya Comber-Rait, National Coordinator Slí na Sláinte; Jimmy O'Sullivan, Fethard Heart Safe Committee and Jimmy Connolly, Fethard & Killusty Community Council.

Following this the Fethard AED Heart-Saver Programme was officially launched by Mr. Seamus Moore, Local Health Manager, South Tipperary HSE.  This initiative will facilitate the provision of a number of Defibrillators to be placed in strategic, accessible, locations throughout the town. To date a number of lay-responders have been trained in their use, should the need arise. The ongoing fundraising efforts of the cyclists and the wonderful support received from many businesses and individuals have contributed greatly towards the cost of these devices. 


L to R: Mary Newport, Lydia Kelly, Peggy Kennedy and Maura Stapleton.


L to R: Marie McGrath and Gerry Long

When the official proceedings were completed a party atmosphere pervaded the area thanks to the presence of musicians from the band, Black Velvet, and a sumptuous selection of healthy snacks and drinks, provided by Thelma and her assistants, ensured that no-one went home hungry.


Helping with the catering at the launch of the Heart Safe Programme in Fethard are L to R: Mary Fitzgerald, Mary Danagher, Maura Ryan, Geraldine McCarthy and Thelma Griffith who prepared and served the snacks and refreshments at the launch.

Slieve na mBan Holy Year Cross
This year's ceremony will once again be held on the Sunday prior to the Feast of the Assumption.  The pilgrimage will be held on Sunday 13th August.  Ceremonies will begin at 2pm at the Hill Wall, and for those who intend to make the climb, please allow at least twenty minutes to walk from the car park in O'Donnell's field.  For those who are unable to make the climb, rosary will be recited at the Mass Rock in O'Donnell's field.  Mass will be celebrated on the return of the walkers.  This will be at approx 4.15pm.  The visitors' book will be available so we would ask everyone to please register his or her attendance.  It is encouraging to see from last year's entries an increasing number of visitors from outlying parishes, as well as people from as far a field as Thurles and Cork. 

Once again we say to those of you who have never attended one of our ceremonies or have missed a few years, why not make this the year to join us.

Fethard & Killusty Community Games
Further to last weeks report we would like apologise to the Judo competitors who were omitted from the list of participants. Gary Bradshaw, The Green, will represent Munster in the boys under-30kg Judo event at the forthcoming HSE Community Games National Finals on first week-end.  In addition to Gary we also have Padraig O’Shea, The Valley in boys under-45kg and Lorraine Feery, Killusty in girls under-50kg event.  Padraig O’Shea has a double engagement as he is also a member of the boys under-15 volleyball.

Badgers Youth Soccer
In the last few weeks numbers have dropped considerably with both players and coaches taking advantage of the great weather and heading off on holidays.  Hence it has been decided to postpone youth soccer training until September when the schools are back, and when we are all back to our more normal routine.  So watch this space for the new start up date in September.

Fethard Juvenile Rugby Club Golf Classic

Taking part in the Fethard and District Juvenile Rugby Club's Golf Classic at Slievenamon Golf Club were L to R: Paul Kavanagh, Stephen O'Donnell, Ronan Fitzgerald, John Hurley and Gerry Ahearne.


Taking part in the Fethard and District Juvenile Rugby Club's Golf Classic at Slievenamon Golf Club were L to R: Sally Gleeson, Matthew Tynan, Mary Tynan, Vincent Woodlock and Tadhg Gleeson.


Taking part in the Fethard and District Juvenile Rugby Club's Golf Classic at Slievenamon Golf Club were L to R: Barry Connolly, Julie Connolly, Tony Dalton and Jennifer Dalton.


L to R: Valerie Colville making a presentation to Shamie Hickey

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn in the Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto on Wednesday 26th July were 16, 17, 27 and 28. There was no Jackpot winner. There was one ‘Match 3’ winner who received €150:
Peter O’Brien, c/o Tom Purcell.

The three €50 Lucky Dip winners were:
Karl Cooke, Inishkeen, Kilcoole;
Rev. J Power, AP, Cashel Road;
Bernadette McManus, Burke Street.
Next weeks Jackpot €6,000 Jackpot sellers prize €600.

Recent Deaths
The death occurred on Tuesday 25th July of Mrs Alice Coen, Rocklow Road.  Interment took place in Calvary Cemetery.

The death occurred on Tuesday 25th July of Mr Frank Burke, Main Street, formerly of Loughrea, Co. Galway and Dublin.  Interment took place in Calvary Cemetery. 

The death has occurred of Mrs Mary Lucey, Cois Falla, formerly of Clonea-Power, Co. Waterford, and Cork.  Interment took place in Clonea-Power on Monday 31st July. 

Wedding
Congratulations and best wishes to Niamh, daughter of Pat and Martha Sheehan, Garrinch and Declan Browne, Clerihan, who were married in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, on Saturday 29th July.

Tennis Camp

Participants who took part in the recent Tennis Camp, conducted by Tony McCarthy, held at Fethard Sports Center.

Fethard GAA
Senior Football Munster League game against St Michaels takes place this Thursday 3rd August in Blackrock, Cork.  The Intermediate Hurlers are currently playing a number of challenge matches to maintain their fitness level.  Minor B Hurlers are out in the fifth round on this Thursday 3rd August, in Ned Hall Park against Ballybacon/Grange at 7.15pm.

Junior B Hurlers had a good draw in their last match played in Fethard on Sunday evening, 30th July, on a scoreline, Fethard 2-4 (1-2)  Marlfield 1-7 (0-4). Team was: Michael Lawrence, Mike Kelly, Tommy Gahan, William Harrington, Daniel Lonergan 1-1, Paul Hackett, David Kelly, Diarmuid Burke, Philly Croke, John Hanrahan, Gabriel Horan 0-2, Kevin O’Donnell, Paul Kenrick, David Flanagan 1-0 and Glen O’Meara.  Subs used James Smyth, P J Morrissey, Paddy Cooney, Darragh Corbett for Tommy Gahan (Inj),  Alan O’Meara 0-1 for Glen O’Meara (Inj).  Their next game is on Wednesday 9th August in Monroe against Clerihan at 7.15pm.

Our Lotto Jackpot of €3,300 was not won. We had 3 ‘match three’ winners who received €50 each: Michael Sheehan (Killusty), Pat Bradshaw (The Green) and Con Doyle (Woodvale Walk). The €50 Lucky Dip was won by Tom Ryan (46 St Pats Place). Tickets kindly supplied by Harrington Developments Ltd.

Our sympathies at this time are with the families of the late Alice Coen (Rocklow Rd) and Frank Burke (Main St).  Go ndeana Dia trocaire orthu.

ICA Visit Fethard

Group of ICA ladies from South Federation photographed outside Fethard Town Hall prior to departing to visit Coolmore Stud as part of their outing.