Sam O'Doherty at Fethard Ballroom
Sam O’Doherty, a regular performer at Fethard Ballroom, has given us his latest DVD featuring 17 tracks of his music filmed around South Tipperary. Sam is an entertainer whose career has spanned over four decades and two continents. Equally at home in a parish hall or the big stage, an evening with Sam is always a night to remember.

Here we feature one track 'Elizabethan Serenade' which features scenes from Fethard Ballroom and Fethard Town Wall. The DVD can be ordered direct from Sam O'Doherty, Bansha, Co. Tipperary, at €20 each or you can contact him by email at samodoherty@eircom.net by Telephone at 087 2546405 or for further information visit his website www.samodoherty.com

Sladagh Spring Clean-Up

Some of the local residents who took part in the big clean-up of the Sladagh and Grove Wood area as part of the the An Taisce National Spring Clean campaign. L to R: Jack Phelan, Seamus O'Keeffe, Alan Moore, Willie Phelan, Holly Moore, Harry Phelan, Pat Brett, Gus Fitzgerald and Richie Hayes in front.

On Monday evening 21st April, a group of 30 volunteers met at 6pm at Sladagh Cross on the back road to Clonmel. Their mission was to restore the surrounding lanes and roads to natural beauty by a purge of dumped rubbish and household waste in the ditches and adjoining woodlands. The clean-up was organised by Lucy Moore, a local resident as part of the An Taisce National Spring Clean 2008.

There was a fantastic turnout, with locals of all ages filling dozens of bags with an assortment of waste which included bottles, cans, garden waste, nappies, televisions, car wheels and tyres and a washing machine. The worst affected area turned out to be the edge of Grove Wood, which appears to be targeted by individuals too mean and careless to avail of alternatives which include obtaining a waiver for bin charges from the County Council. The volunteers were surprised and shocked by the sheer volume of bags of household rubbish which have been systematically driven to this local beauty spot and hurled into the lovely spring woodland where bluebells and primroses are competing with Coke bottles and crisp packets.

The event was also supported by Matt and Bernadette of Clonmel Co Council Environment Section. They have undertaken to organise the removal of mountains of yellow bags filled by the volunteers, and have also promised to take away some of the larger items from Grove Wood, with the help of FÁS workers. This will complete a very successful project.


Helping with the big clean-up of the Sladagh and Grove Wood area L to R: Siobhán Burke, Matthew Burke, Emma Burke, Joe Burke holding daughter Gillian, Stephen Foyle and Rosemary Ponsonby.

The Future:
There was much discussion amongst the helpers as they worked, about the epidemic of fly tipping and casual throwing of rubbish from vehicles which is so despoiling of our rural country side and which all are agreed is on the increase. It was noted that almost 20% of households in Ireland have no bin, and that approximately 25% of waste in this country is unaccounted for. This missing proportion is either illegally burnt in backyards, causing cancer forming fumes laden with deadly dioxins, or is dumped in ditches, rivers or woodlands thus ruining our native heritage of lanes, byways and rural uplands.

The answer, as with most problematic human behaviour is the carrot and stick approach. We must lead by example and encourage our children to love our precious countryside, get them involved in outdoor activities, and to take their rubbish home. Tidy Towns initiatives, and the Golden Mile event are also positive community approaches. But there must be emphatic and effective enforcement of the law in relation to illegal dumping also. Why, for example cannot those households who have no bin be actively visited and investigated? Why don’t we adopt a very successful European approach whereby, on a regular basis, say once every two months, householders can put large unwanted items such as mattresses outside their gates for Council collection. This ultimately saves money in the long run and also allows individuals to help themselves to materials from their neighbours gateways which they might fancy for eg scrap wood or metal, in the form of community recycling!
The County Council Environment Section is very proactive, and such initiatives as hidden cameras in dumping black spots, and naming and shaming campaigns in the media are currently being promoted, with very heavy fines for successful convictions. The Council encourage confidential reporting of offenders on 052 34455 or 1800 202627.

Presentation on Saratoga Town this Friday

Mike Cahill and Dave Cummins from the Town of Saratoga in the USA will visit Fethard this Friday night 25th April and give a presentation in the Tirry Community Centre at 8pm to highlight possible connections between the Town of Saratoga and Fethard in a sister city relationship. Some of the real possibilities on both sides include tourism, horses, history, youth, golf, soccer and we particularly invite anyone with the above interests to come along and listen to both Mike Cahill and his close friend Dave Cummins.

Mike Cahill’s connection with Fethard comes through his father's side of the family. His paternal great grandfather emigrated from Fethard to Troy, New York in 1867. His last known relative in Fethard, Eily Cahill, Coolmoyne, died at near ninety in 2000. Mike and several members of his family visited Fethard in 2003. Mike finds in Fethard a civic pride and an awareness of community that are inspiring. Dave and Mike have been working to identify opportunities for joint projects, and are excited to hear Fethard's thoughts on twinning. They said the exchange is very important for Town of Saratoga and its development efforts. Dave has found that somewhere in the order of 80-100 families emigrated to Saratoga from County Tipperary, so working the genealogy piece in is one of his aims, as well. So please come along and welcome our Fethard friends from Saratoga.

Children praised for Sacrament of Confirmation

Children from the Parish of Fethard and Killusty who received the Sacrament of Confirmation in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, on Friday 18th April, photographed with His Grace, Most Rev Dr. Dermot Clifford, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly.

The pupils from Nano Nagle National School, St. Patrick’s Boys School and Killusty National School were highly praised by His Grace, Dr. Dermot Clifford, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly, following their Confirmation last Friday, 18th April. The Bishop stated that the children were very orderly and well behaved throughout the ceremony and it was one of the best he has attended. He also praised the choir, organist and the teachers who prepared the children: Ms Sarah O’Sullivan (St. Patrick’s Boys School), Sr Maureen Power and Ms Rita Kenny (Nano Nagle National School), and Ms Catriona Morrissey (Killusty National School).

Children from Killusty National School who received the Sacrament of Confirmation in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, on Friday 18th April, photographed with His Grace, Most Rev Dr. Dermot Clifford, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly.

The 58 children from the parish who were confirmed were as follows:
St. Patrick’s Boy’s School pupils: Gerard Gorey, Eoghan Hurley, Adam Hall, Jack Connolly, Tommy Anglim, Colin Grant, Charlie Manton, Kevin Shine, Michael Halley, Adam Fitzgerald, Niall Doocey, Gary Bradshaw, Cormac Horan, Dean Butler, Paul Norrby, John Bernard O’Reilly, Graham Meagher, Donal Walsh, Brian Healy, Joedy Sheehan, Darragh Bradshaw.

Killusty NS pupils: James Harrington, David Morgan, Derek O’Brien, Shannon Hickey, Kate O’Donnell, Michelle Walsh, Niamh Crotty.

Nano Nagle National School pupils: Danielle Sheehan, Jade Pattison, Emma Hayes, Emma Morrissey, Robyn Tobin, Emma Walsh, Áine Phelan, Shannon Garrett, Karen Hayes, Aobh O’Shea, Tara Horan, Christina Myler, Leah O’Donnell, Hannah Tobin, Kayleigh Higgins, Clodagh Bradshaw, Anastasia Blake, Jennifer Rice, Michelle Carroll, Jane Morrissey, Rachel O’Meara, Larissa Clancy, Gráinne Fanning, Shauna Mackey, Kate Quigley, Molly Proudfoot, Kelly Keating, Amy Sweeney, Niamh O’Meara and Shannon Dorney.

Badgers Over 30's Soccer 
Finally after a long extended hibernation in our winter home on the Astroturf of Killenaule, we are back to our home ground in the Community Field from Wednesday 7th May. Normal time of 8pm kick off, so please be early to set up and warm up.
Our Annual General Meeting will take place in Butlers Sports Bar on Friday 9th May at 7.30pm. There will be the usual refreshments afterwards so please come early and stay late.

Fethard GAA Club News
In the Minor A Football played on 17th April Fethard gave a very good account of themselves when they played a draw with Clonmel Og on a scoreline, Fethard 1-6, Clonmel Og 1-6. There was a first class display from Cathal Gorey and Adrian Lawrence in defence with Dean Tobin our most dangerous forward. Fethard team were: J P McGrath, Gavin Fitzgerald, Cathal Gorey, Ciaran O’Connell, Tomas O’Connell, Adrian Lawrence, James Kelly, Aaron Donovan, Dean Tobin 1-2, Alan Lawrence, Eoin O’Connell 0-2, Johnny Fleming 0-1, Jerome Ahearne, Mathew Fitzgerald and Eoin Healy. Subs were F O’Connell and B Delahunty.

The Under 21 B Hurling replay with Ballybacon could have been won if we had played a little better in the first half. All our effort in the final quarter just fell short by the narrowest of margins to lose on a scoreline, Fethard 1-9, Ballybacon Grange 0-13. We had a fine display from Eoin O’Connell, Dean Tobin and Kieran Ryan. We now go into the losers group.

Fethard team were: J P McGrath, Edmond Sheehan, Adrian Lawrence, James Kelly, William O’Brien, Niall Hayes, Eoin O’Connell, Johnny Leahy, David Prout, Alan O’Connor, Declan Doyle, Dean Tobin, Aaron Donovan, Glen O’Meara and Kieran Ryan. Subs were: Mathew Fitzgerald and Gavin Fitzgerald.

Our County Board Draw 2007/2008 has now completed and we thank you for your support. Letters have gone out to each participant this week and our promoters will be on the road in the coming weeks. We ask you for your continued support to help keep our club a float.
Our Lotto Jackpot €9,600 was not won. The numbers drawn were 5, 11, 21 and 23. We had six match three winners and each receives €25: Martin Burke (Main Street, Fethard), Breda Burke (Main Street, Fethard), Jim Williams (Killusty, Fethard), William Doyle (Woodvale Walk, Fethard), Mary Ward (62 Woodvale Walk, Fethard) and Sean Moloney (Red City, Fethard). The €50 Lucky Dip was won by Denise Boland (Grove Road, Fethard). We thank Fethard & District Credit Union for supplying the tickets.

Fethard and District Rugby Club

Fethard under-18 rugby team who played in the club's first East Munster Cup final in Clonmel on Sunday last, and despite loosing to a very good Nenagh side on a scoreline of 19 points to 10 they did themselves and their club proud.

Our under 18s played in the club’s first East Munster Cup final in Clonmel on Sunday last, and despite loosing to a very good Nenagh side on a scoreline of 19 points to 10 they did themselves and their club proud.

The Fethard supporters traveled in numbers and turned the venue into a have fixture, they witnessed an enthralling game of rugby that was played at a grueling pace. Nenagh settled the quicker and scored their first try within six minutes of the start, they converted to leave the score 7 nil. Fethard then dominated territorially for the remainder of the half but the Nenagh defence held out. We were awarded two penalties and converted one making the score 7 points to 3 at halftime.

Nenagh were first out of the blocks again at the restart and scored a try and convert within five minutes. Fethard were now chasing the game, but chase it they did and were literally camped on the Nenagh line before touching down for their first try, Joey Kelly getting the touch down with Declan Doyle converting. All to play for now with only 4 points separating the sides but it was to be Nenagh's day and a breakaway try with ten minutes remaining gave them the victory.
The Fethard team was Alan O’Connor, Kevin Waltzer, Cathal Gorey, Stuart Hanrahan, Adrian Lawrence, Declan Doyle, William Power, Billy Horan, Richard Lawlor, Joe Kelly, Paddy Teehan, Nicholas Hoyne, Davy Hall, Colm Blackmore (Capt), Dick Walsh, Joe Fogarty, Mark Fitzgerald, Nigel O’Connell, Jack O’Sullivan, John Lawlor and Pierce McArdle.

Fethard & Killusty Anglers

Back L to R: Sean Maher Tom Sayers Cian Houghrihan, Tom Fogarty. Front L to R: Martin Hackett, T.J. Hackett, Davy Grant, Matty Fleming, Albert Adcock, Tony Quigley and Norman O'Regan.

Our competition was fished on Sunday 20th April and the conditions on the day were not very good. We had a cold easterly breeze blowing and with these conditions with us for the week prior to our competition, fishing was not expected to be good. However, eighteen anglers fished on the day and most caught trout. Unfortunately they didn’t make the stick and nine fish had to be returned. As the say, there is no such thing as a bad day’s fishing, any day that you’re on the river fishing is a good day! A enjoyable day was had by all.
Those who did catch fish the required size, ten inches or over, and won prizes were: 1st T.J. Hackett; 2nd Sean Maher; 3rd Albert Adcock and 4th Rob Ryan. The juvenile winner was Martin Hackett.

Historical Society Lecture
Proinsias Ó Drisceoil is giving a talk to the Fethard Historical Society on Friday 25th April. John O'Daly; editor, publisher, collector of songs and poetry, bookshop owner in Kilkenny and Dublin, was a controversial figure who lived through most of the 19th century. He had contacts with the great cultural figures of his time. Proinsias Ó Drisceoil, part-time lecturer in NUIM, specialises in 19th century scholarship in Ireland, gave a fascinating talk to the society on the Callan diarist Humphry O’Sullivan in 2006. The talk begins at 9pm (note later time) in the Abymill. Everyone is welcome. Refreshments provided. Admission is €4.

Community Games

Mr. Sean O'Donovan, Coolmoyne, Fethard, winner of the €1,000 prize for having the winning numbers in the Buster Draw at Co Tipperary Community Games recent benefit night. L to R: Joe Keane, Treasurer; Kathleen England, Co. Sec.; Martin O'Keeffe, Chairman, Sean O'Donovan, Peggy Colville and Michael England.

Mr Sean O’Donovan, Coolmoyne, Fethard  was the winner of the €1,000 prize for having  the winning numbers in the Buster Draw at Co Tipperary Community Games recent benefit night. Sean was presented with his cheque by Co Chairman Martin O’Keeffe at recent function in Horse and Jockey Hotel.

Good news also for seven year old Sarah Slattery, daughter of Tommy and Valerie Slattery, who has now been promoted to first place in the County Finals of the Under-8 Art Competition. The winner is unable to take part on 24th May at the HSE Community Games National finals so Sarah will represent Tipperary in Mosney on the first weekend.

Fethard Bridge Club
The third round of our Player of the Year competition was played on Wednesday 16th April. It was a change of partner game and the results were:
1st Gross: Rita Kane and Madeleine O’Donnell;
2nd Gross: Anne Connolly and Kay St. John;
1st Nett: Mike Burke and Patty Tobin;
2nd Nett: Nora Lawrence and Alice Quinn.

We played the fourth and final round of Player of the Year competition on 23rd April. On Wednesday next, 30th April, we play for sponsored prizes. On 7th May, for the first time, we play for the Lucey Trophy, which was very kindly presented to the club by Anne and John Lucey.  Anyone looking for a partner please contact Berney Myles at 32038.

Rathcoole Cemetery

Rathcoole Cemetery photographed on 21st April while walking around Grangeduff on a lovely evening.

Free Health Check
Free health check this Friday 24th April in O'Sullivans Pharmacy. A Pfizer nurse will be available to check blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. This free service is for people who never see their doctor and might need a medical mot. So if you are somebody who has neglected your health or you know of someone please ring (052) 32111 for appointment.

Madcaps in Cloneen
The MadCaps bring their own unique form of comedy to Cloneen on Saturday 26th April. This is a fun night out with hilarious routines to keep you laughing all night and lets face it we all need a good laugh now and again. See Ozzy and Wee Daniel as they strut their stuff with a host of other celebrities. Tickets are only €10. Enquiries to 086-0834208

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on Wednesday 16th April were: 7, 15, 17 and 18. We had no Jackpot winner and no ‘Match 3’ winner. Three tickets were drawn and the following won €50 each:

Vera Sheehan, St. Patricks Place, Fethard;
Nellie Ryan, St. Patricks Place, Fethard;
Roseanne Carroll, The Square, Fethard.

The three €50 Lucky Dip winners were:
Dermot Darcy, St. Patricks Place, Fethard;
John Whyte, Main Street, Fethard;
and Timmy Campion, Graigue Wood, Urlingford.
Next week’s Jackpot continues at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1000.

Senior Day at Day Care Centre
The Fethard & District Day Care Centre will hold a Senior Day on Friday 25th April from 11am. The chiropodist will attend at a cost of €10. The district nurse will also be in attendance. A hot meal will also be provided at a cost of €5.

Died in England
The death has occurred in Sheffield, England, of Thomas Joseph Murphy. Thomas was born in Fethard in 1932 and emigrated to England at the age of 23. He had three brothers, Gus who died in England twelve years ago; Paddy, who also died a few years ago and another brother Bill. Thomas is survived by his three sons, Sean, Nick and Chris, and his eight grandchildren. Interment took place in Crookes Cemetery, Sheffield.

St. Vincent De Paul
The Society of St. Vincent De Paul wish to announce the annual holiday for Senior Citizens is in Carne, County Wexford from 31st May to 6th June, 2008. Application forms available from the Secretary Denis Burke, Phone 31852.

Tony Sheehan Memorial Foundation
This Foundation was set up following the sad death of Tony in 2006. The object of the Foundation was decided to be to provide a fitting memorial to Tony by offering some financial support to individuals or families where serious illness has caused severe financial difficulties. Application Forms can be had from Denis Burke, Secretary, Tony Sheehan Memorial Foundation, Red City, Fethard. Tel: 31852.

Great All-Ireland win for Volleyball Team


Patrician Presentation Secondary School captured the Junior A (Boys) All Ireland Volleyball title when beating Drumshanbo of Leitrim in the final in Loughrea on Thursday last week. An entry of twenty-two teams was finally down to two and Fethard’s win over Dungarvan, Lismore and Mountmellic led to the meeting with Drumshanbo.

The Temperance Hall in Loughrea rocked with the noise of the supporters from both sides and a wonderful atmosphere was created. The red shirted Drumshanbo players got down to business quickly and imposed a complete dominance on the first set, which they won easily by 24-14.

Fethard needed a good start to the second set but instead got a terrible one and the Leitrim boys raced into a strong lead of 8-1. It seemed as if nothing could stave off an inevitable defeat without even the comforting feeling of having played reasonably well.
However, within five minutes a Fethard comeback began and the score was leveled. Within ten minutes they had surged into the lead and fifteen minutes later had broken the Drumshanbo grip and took the second set.

Three possible explanations could account for the change:

1. The Leitrim team sure of victory stepped off the accelerator.
2. The Fethard team with all nearly lost felt that they might as well go for broke.
3. The Fethard bench was raided and two fresh players arrived to try to add zip to the team.

Probably a combination of all three. Would be a bit nearer the truth. From certain defeat Fethard began to compete and won points. Serves and smashes now began to find the lines, the lead began to decline and Drumshanbo began to be nervous. Hesitancy replaced certainty and errors crept into a previously flawless performance. Fethard won the second set comfortably and the game went to the tie-breaking third set.

The tide had turned completely, however, and the Leitrim team could not turn it back. They improved their efforts and kept the scoring close but they never regained their earlier dominance and never once led again. To the delight of the Fethard support, which had loudly backed the team from first to last, the game was closed out at 25 - 17. To complete the victory Fethard captain Tony Myler won the ‘Man of the Match’ award known in Volleyball as MVP (most valuable player). Indeed all the players contributed to the victory which was the fifth All Ireland for Fethard since 2001 — three for boys (2005, 2006 and 2008) and two for girls (2001 and 2006) in what is a golden era for the sport in Fethard not seen since the girls success in the seventies when they represented Ireland in Europe.

Fethard Panel: Tony Myler (captain), Andrew Maher, Gareth Lawrence, Cathal Hurley, Dean Sharpe, Gavin Carroll, Dion Butler, Dylan Fitzgerald, Ronan Fitzgerald, Ted Barrett, Gerry Moran and David Hayes.