Mens Health Clinic
A mens health clinic will be held in O'Sullivans Pharmacy on Friday 7th March checking blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. If you are over 40 and haven’t been to the doctor for some time and might have some excess weight or smoke please ring for a free consultation at 052 32111 where a Pzifer nurse will be in attendance. This is available to our regular customers who might have let things slip a little over time.

David Kitt at the Abymill

Singer songwriter David Kitt will perform in Fethard on Saturday 29th March. This provides music lovers a chance to see ‘Kittser’ in the intimate surroundings of the Abymill Theatre as opposed to his usual larger gigs at venue’s like the Oxygen festival (where he was one of the hottest acts last Summer if the reviews are to be believed). It’s a great chance to see one of Ireland’s finest performers in a setting where he won’t be in competition with a noisy bar or a chatty crowd.

David Kitt has toured extensively as a solo performer, with a band and has supported the likes of Mercury Rev and REM. Tickets at €25 for the gig are available from McCarthy’s in Fethard or call Vincent (Jasper) on 086 8119625.

Cheltenham Preview Night
A Cheltenham Preview Night, in aid of Hospice, will be held in Butler’s Sports Bar on Thursday 28th February. All are welcome. Guest speakers include trainers Colm Murphy and Michael Philips; tipster Niall Gallagher from the Evening Herald; and jockey Ken Whelan. Come along for a great night’s fun and all for a great cause.

First Aid Classes
Civil Defence are organising First Aid Classes, which will be run in the Tirry Community Centre, Fethard, in the near future. All those interested in participating are asked to contact: Dolores Fahey, Civil Defence Officer, Heywood Road, Clonmel. Tel: 052 34455 or Mobile: 087 2435001. Email: dolores.fahey@southtippcoco.ie

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto Results
The numbers drawn on Wednesday 20th February were: 6, 9, 15 and 29. We had no Jackpot winner and two ‘Match 3’ winners who received €75 each:
Dermot Darcy, St. Patricks Place, Fethard;
Maggie Napier, The Green, Fethard.

The three €50 Lucky Dip winners were:
Philomena Morrissey, St. Patricks Place, Fethard;
Esther Leahy, Ballintogher, Killenaule;
Niamh Moroney, 13 Ard Alainn, Fethard.
Next week’s Jackpot continues at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1000.

Annual Service and Famine Lunch at Magorban

Photographed at the Famine Service at Magorban Church are Back L to R: Rev. Edwin Hunter, Mrs. Joye Hunter, Dean Philip Knowles, Canon George Knowd. Front L to R: Emma, Chloe and Lynsey Hunter.

The Annual Famine Service, which is usually held during Lent in Magorban Church of Ireland (part of the Cashel Group of Churches), included this year an introduction to the Niall Mellon Foundation Project in South Africa. Mr Ken Kingston from Tipperary Town spoke of his experience while working on the project for a number of weeks along with other Irish Volunteers. The other Parishioner from the Cashel Group of Parishes was Mr Stephen Thompson.


Photographed at the Annual Service and Famine Lunch at Magorban Church are L to R: Ken Kingston; Rev. Bronwen Carling; Dean Philip Knowles; Rev Edwin Hunter and Jack Smith.

The members of the congregation asked many interesting questions, and photographs were displayed and shared The Dean of Cashel, The Very Rev. Dr. Philip Knowles, conducted the service of Morning Prayer, and he also played the organ. Lessons were read by Canon George Knowd, Mr Jack Smith, and the Gospel was read by the Rev. Edwin Hunter. The Rev Browyn Carling also participated.


Photographed at the Famine Service at Magorban Church are L to R: Canon George Knowd, Gwen Knowd, Hazel Mercier and David Mercier.

The Rev. Edwin and Mrs Hunter presented a new silver chalice and paten to the Dean to replace a previous set which was stolen some years ago. The new chalice and paten is presented in memory of the late Very Reverend Charles Wolfe (Mrs Hunter's Father) who was Dean of Cashel in the sixties and early seventies. The Very Rev. Dr. Philip Knowles accepted the new silver on behalf of the church and parishioners of Holy Spirit Church Magorban and dedicated it to the Glory of God and the use of the members of the parish.


Photographed at the Annual Service and Famine Lunch at Magorban Church are L to R: Louis Grubb, Ann O'Dea, Sean O'Dea and Jackie Murray.

The service ended with all the members of the congregation partaking of lunch provided by the parishioners, and the collection was divided between the Church of Ireland Bishop's Appeal for the victims of AIDS and the Niall Mellon Foundation.


Richard & Sandra Craig White helping with the catering at the Annual Service and Famine Lunch at Magorban Church.

Hunting News
The weather during the past week, more like April than February, with such dry, warm conditions prevailing was not the best for hunting. Poor scent most days coupled with a scarcity of foxes did not help matters either. From Ballyluskey on Wednesday a fox from Cloneen provided a good run to Ruttle’s Glen which he skirted. Crossing the Ballyluskey Crohane road near Crohane Stud they hunted left-handed crossing the Crohane Church road to the vast plantation at Coolquill. Hounds did not find again until drawing back under Crohane Cross. This fox provided a nice circle to the road at Carey’s and back to where found where he was lost. Thursday at Ponda Rosa was the best day of the week. Leaving the forest aside hounds and followers had a very good afternoons hunting the lowlands low where some very good runs were enjoyed. Saturday at Cloneen had a fox from Mr John Joe White’s glen run to the big plantation across the road where he was left. Excellent hound work featured a find in Ballinard Wood. Hounds fairly made the woodland ring with a great cry, forcing their fox out eventually running towards the road at the Drangan Rathkenny junction where they lost him. They finished the day hunting from Byrnes’ Rock down through Bannixtown and Byrneskill and Tullow to Killusty Glen.

Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers
The Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers meet next Sunday, 24th February, at Coolbawn Cross at 11am.

A historical ‘Thank You’ from Fethard School

Photographed at the display of Patrician Brothers memorabilia related to the Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary schoolÕs history are L to R: Lory Kenny and Jane Kenny, whose grandfather Timmy O'Connor was one of the first lay teachers in the school in 1948, and Jean Anglim, whose grandmother Ann Lynch, loaned the oldest school class photograph, taken of her father Michael O'Donnell, a pupil in the school almost one hundred years ago. (Photo by Pat Looby)

The organizing committee of the Bi-Centenary Celebrations at Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School were delighted with the response of the public to their recent appeal for memorabilia related to the school’s history. The collection of objects, old school books and photos were displayed at the school in a fine museum-style case and generated a lot on interest among past and present pupils and staff.

The nationwide bi-centenary celebrations were commemorating 200 years of the Patrician Brothers in Ireland. They founded the school in Fethard in 1873. In order to pay tribute to the legacy of the Brothers in Fethard, the display case was filled with an array of fascinating personal items stretching back as far as 1911. One of the oldest items came from Mrs Anne Lynch, a photo taken of her father Michael O’Donnell, a pupil in the school almost one hundred years ago. His great grandchildren Lisa and Jean Anglim are students of the school today. A beautiful silver Kinnane Cup medal was donated by Mr Dennis Burke, currently teaching at the school, which he won in 1963 when he himself was a pupil in Fethard. A Patrician Green Sash, worn by the Brothers over their black tunic, was donated by Miceál McCormack and was a distinctive reminder of the old order. Other items included old sporting medals, a little slate blackboard, a leather satchel and Tony Newport’s copy book from 1941. One unique item was a plastic hurley made by Wavin Piping from the 1970s, which would likely have been tested out by the pupils in the sports fields of the School. Several photographs were loaned by Mrs Joan O’Connor, whose late husband, Timmy O’Connor was one of the first lay teachers to be employed by the Brothers in 1948 and who later became vice-principal of the School for many years. His grandchildren, Lory Kenny and Jane Kenny are currently students at the school. Another interesting connection emerged with photographs of Brother Fidelis O’Connell who taught at the school from 1917-18 and again in 1930s and whose grandniece Mary Ann Fogarty is teaching at the school today.

The living history of the School was evident in the collection and reminded us of the long and varied legacy of the Brothers and their important influence on the people of Fethard. Their generosity and years of education was well reflected in the display case and the School was delighted that people had so many good memories of the presence of the Brothers in Fethard.

Fethard Rugby News
Fethard Rugby travelled down to Carrick for a fine morning’s rugby and it was wonderful to see so many youngsters turn out from both sides.

Our Under 7s played a good game and showed again that working together as a team can make a difference. We saw great tries by this team consisting of Harry Cummins, Danny Gleeson, Bailey Grace, Gerard Kavanagh, Frankie Meagher, Dale Murphy, Ciaran O’Dwyer, Gavin Ryan and Conor Vaughan. Well again to these boys who came out on top.

Under 8s played a greatly improved Carrick team who showed our Fethard team the importance of turning when tackled to offload the ball, and then how working together and driving your team forward is a major part of a tough game of rugby. Our boys seemed to take their foot off the gas in the first half and Carrick stormed past them on a good few occasions with good tries. However, Fethard did pull back in the second half and we saw an improved performance from Luke Bradstock, Harry Butler, Bailey Grace, Jack Grace, Ned Grogan, Darragh Harcourt, Darragh Lynch, James O’Connell, Aaron Smullen an Jack Ward.

Under 9s played an outstanding game of rugby to pull away from Carrick in fine fashion. We had a great game from the improving Connor Croke who was also ably assisted by Keith Cleere, Connie Cohen, Michael Gaynor, Euan Harcourt, Colm Hayde, Oran Holohan, Gary Kavanagh, Matthew Lynch, Brian Norton, Killian O’Dwyer, Andrew Phelan, Kerry Purtill and Eoin Shaw.

Under 10s had a good but tough game against Carrick. Players to mention were Christian Casey, Rory Hayes, Tommy Murphy, Jason Ryan, Jack Gleeson, Eoghain McCormack, Pierce Blackmore, Ben Murray, Padraig Norton, Adam Kiely, Padraig Feehan, Luke Ryan and Mark Collins. Fethard eventually came out on top. It is great to see so many turning up. In the under 11s game Fethard lost 7-1 to Carrick. It was a game that witnessed a few injuries. Players that shone were Cian O’Connell, Cathal Meagher, Cathal Mahoney and Jack Kennedy. The others put up a poor display and let’s hope next week will show improvement.

Under 12’s played a great game winning 5-3. Russell Casey scored a hat-trick of tries, along with tries from Josh Murray and Jimmy Feehan. They played very well as a whole team. Fethard were a little slow to get going in the first half but were much improved in the second half. It was a good game against a strong Carrick team who were a credit to their coaches.

The ‘Minis’ are home in Fethard next Sunday 24th February to Galbally. Then the following Sunday 2nd March we are also home to Waterford City. Thanks again to the parents for all their support. It really makes a difference. See all the 8, 10 & 12s at training on Friday night at 6.45pm to 8pm.

Please note if you are not receiving the weekly notice please text the rugby mobile on 087 744 7691 with name and age group, thanks. Also please note in your diary that our annual Table Quiz will be held on Thursday 28th February in the Bridge Bar at 8.30pm in Fethard. All our welcome and a good night is expected.

Fethard GAA Club News 
The Senior Football County League game on Sunday last was played in excellent weather in Mullinahone with Fethard coming out on top on a scoreline, Fethard 2-14, Mullinahone 0-6. The team was: Paul Fitzgerald, Philly Blake, Aiden Lonergan, Ian Kenrick, Benny Hahessy, Cian Maher, John P Looby, Eoin Doyle, Jamie McCormack, Shane Aylward 1-0, Glen Burke 0-7 (3f), Jason Nevin, Declan Doyle 0-1, Aiden Fitzgerald 0-6, and John Fitzgerald. Subs used were: Alan O’Connor for John P Looby, Aaron Donovan for Shane Aylward, Christopher Sheehan for Jamie McCormack, Edmond Sheehan 1-0 for Jason Nevin. Referee was Keith O’Brien. Our next game is at home to Ardfinnan on this Sunday at 2pm.

The Minor Football League game was played on Sunday last at 12 noon in Fethard and after a difficult opening half we showed a lot of promise in the second period. The score was, Fethard 2-5, Cahir 1-11. The team was: Ben Walsh, Jerome Ahearne, Gavin Fitzgerald, Philip Doyle, Glen Maher, Adrian Lawrence 2-0, Kieran O’Connell, Christopher Sheehan, Dean Tobin, Alan Lawrence, Eoin O’Connell, Daniel Hickey, Padraig O’Shea, Jonathan Fleming and Eoin Healy. Sub was Frankie Donovan. Our next game is in Ned Hall Park on this Sunday at 12 noon.

Our Under 21 B Football Championship starts this Saturday in Cloneen at 3pm against Ballingarry.

The Lotto Jackpot of € 8,700 was not won. The numbers drawn were 7, 17, 21 and 24. There was no match three winner so five tickets were drawn and the following won €30: Canon Power (Cashel Road, Fethard), Siobhan Meagher (Baptistgrange, Lisronagh), Bernadette McManus (Burke Street, Fethard), Martin Power (Moyglass), Rita Doyle (Woodvale Walk). The €50 lucky Dip was won by John Connolly (Ballyea, Cahir). Thanks to Fethard Credit Union for supplying the tickets.

Died Recently
The death has occurred recently of Mr Martin Meaney, St. Johnstown, Fethard. Interment took place in Peppardstown Cemetery.
The death has occurred on Friday 15th February of Cathleen Bulfin, formerly from The Valley, Fethard. Interment took place at Calvary Cemetery.

Fethard Ladies Football Club
The Annual General Meeting of Fethard Ladies Football Club took place in the Tirry Community Centre on Friday, 1st Feb. The following officers were elected: President, Rev. Fr. Tom Breen P.P.; Chairman, Thomas McCarthy; Hon Secretary, Joseph Keane; Hon Treasurer, Maureen McCarthy; and Assistant Treasurer, Helena Fanning. Committee members: Noreen McCarthy, Annette O’Meara, Alice Butler, Mary Butler, Denis Burke, Michael Ryan, Fiona Ryan and Barbara Ryan. Training takes place in the GAA Park on Saturdays at 11am for ages under 10, under 12, and under 14.

Book Fair gets better
The dust has settled on the 2008 Tipperariana Book Fair and it is generally agreed that last Sunday's fair was one of the best to date. Last year the fair clashed with the famous first rugby match in Croke Park, which took from the crowd, but this year the punters were back in numbers and the thirty book dealers present were very happy with their day's business. They all say that Fethard is by far the best fair in the country for selling their wares and all the 'regulars' booked in again for next year.


Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard were L to R: Lou Grady, Annie Connolly and Nellie Ryan.


Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard were L to R: George Cunningham, Willie Nolan and Pat Dunne.

The people of Fethard and area were again very generous in donating books to the Historical Society and these books were then sold on to the dealers and the public on the day. These 'donated books' always throw up some interesting items and the dealers like this aspect of the Fethard Book Fair as well.

Every year great praise is showered on the food served during the fair and celebratory chef, Kitty Delany, and her expert team were again on top of their game. In fact the whole larder was cleared out of food by day's end and this writer was very lucky to get the very last piece of apple tart to be had.


Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard were L to R: Michael Coady and Tom Nealon from Carrick-on-Suir


Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair were L to R: Willie Nolan, Liam Hogan, Liam O Duibhir and Marcus Bourke.


Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard were L to R: Tom Whyte and Tom Nolan.

The year 2007 saw a great number of Tipperary books being published and no less than fifteen authors were on site to sell and sign their books. Denis Marnane and Mary Guinan Darmody were present with 'Finding Tipperary', which was the ‘Tipperariana Book of the Year' for 2007. Dr. A. D. (Louis) Courtney, author of 'I Go Alone, memories of a Rural Irish Doctor 1878-1985' drove all the way from Cavan with his book that tells the story of his father's life as a doctor in north Tipperary. Willie Hayes, a Fethard native and prolific author, was there with 'The Parish Churches of North Tipperary ' which is a wonderful piece of work he carried out with fellow author Joseph Kennedy.

Holding centre stage of course was Lisa O’Sullivan who again worked her magic on the piano from her podium on the bandstand. All in all a great day was had by all, even if a few selfish parkers did block up some of the exits which meant that a few cows were late being milked!


Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair were L to R: T.K. Dwyer, Joe Hayes and Sean Walsh


L to R: Willie Cumming, Barry O'Reilly holding his son Fionn, and Margaret Quinlan.


Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair were L to R: Theresa and Eimear Lanigan


Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard were L to R: Niamh Hayes, Paul Hayes holding baby Danny


Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair were L to R: Deirbhile Brennan, Ellie O'Gorman and Sadbh Brennan from Ballydavid.


Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair were L to R: David O'Brien, Yvonne Ryan, Liz O'Brien and Br’d Ryan.

Fethard Bridge Club Results
On Wednesday 6th February we played the first round of the Club Championship and the results were: 1st Gross: Berney Myles and Alice Quinn; 2nd Gross: Anne Connolly and Tony Hanrahan; 1st Nett: Suzanne Opray and Ellen Rochford; 2nd Nett: Kathleen Kenny and Breda O'Grady.

On Wednesday next 20th February we play the third round of the championship. Anyone looking for a partner please contact Berney Myles at Tel: 32038.

Halloween in Lonergans Bar

John and Roseanne Carroll show how they celebrate Halloween at Lonergan's Bar, Fethard, Co. Tipperary, as reported on TV3 News on Halloween Night 2007

Country Markets AGM
The annual general meeting of Fethard Country Market will take place at 10.30am at the Town Hall on Friday 22nd February. All members are requested to attend.

Variety Concert for Hospice
The local support group for Hospice are holding a variety concert in the Abymill on Tuesday 11th March. Local performers, young and young at heart, will provide a night of music, dance, comedy and entertainment to suit all tastes. Tickets are only €10 and booking is at O’Flynn’s Menswear, Burke Street, Fethard. Tel (052) 31254. A great night is guaranteed and you will be supporting a great cause.

Community Games
County final of the Art and Model Making Events will take place in Fethard Ballroom on Saturday, April 5th. Please note that due to pressure of work at the moment involved in Preparing for the Games Benefit Night which is on Easter Sunday night (details below) and compiling the Book History of Community Games in Co Tipperary in conjunction with the 40th Anniversary of the organisation which is being celebrated this year, we are unable to co ordinate the Area Finals of the Art and Model Making in the Schools. However, if anybody would like to come on board and organise the event they are more than welcome, or if a child would like to draw a picture on a sporting theme and submit it to the Community Games Office, Grove Road no later than March 7th we will arrange for judging and provision of medals. Age groups are U-8, U-10, U-12, U-14, U-16, boys and girls. Competitors must reside in the parish and be under the age specified on the 31st July, 2008. Entry fee €2.

Co Tipperary Community Games are running a Benefit Night at Clonmel Greyhound Track on Easter Sunday night, 23rd March in aid of funding to publish the 40th Anniversary Book on the history of the games in Tipperary and also to buy extra tracksuits. This is a once off fundraiser in 40 years by the county board and we encourage all areas to support same.

Tickets for a Buster Draw are currently on sale at €20 each. In addition to being included in the draw limited to 720 tickets for a first prize of 1,000 euro buster ticket also entitles one to free admission to the track and a free race card. All losing tickets will be put in separate draw for other attractive prizes including tickets for Manchester United v Sunderland match on 11th April. This is a great chance for former competitors who got so much enjoyment from the games over the years to buy a ticket or nominate a dog which also cost €20 and be a part of this entertaining evening out. We appeal to all individuals and clubs who had any connection with the games over the years to please book your ticket or nominate your dog now by phoning 052/31906 ASAP to avoid disappointment.  This is your opportunity to put something back into the games. There are many local names cropping up in the book from 1970 to date which makes interesting reading.