Died Recently
The death has occurred on Saturday 2nd August of Jim Fogarty, Garrinch, Fethard. Removal took place from McCarthy's Funeral Parlour to Holy Trinity Parish Church at 11am on Monday 4th August, where requiem mass was celebrated followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery.

Popular Fethard man dies in accident

The late Sean Hanrahan who died following a fall from his horse and cart in Fethard on Sunday 28th July.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses to a fatal accident in Fethard on Sunday 27th July in which a very popular local man was killed. The accident at Rocklow Road claimed the life of Sean Hanrahan, The Green, Fethard, who was driving a pony and trap at the time.

Mr Hanrahan, who was in his mid-80s, was widely known and respected in the community and the removal of his remains on Tuesday and funeral mass on Wednesday morning attracted huge numbers.

Parish priest Fr Tom Breen paid a warm tribute to Mr Hanrahan and said his death would be mourned by everyone in the community. "He was a lovely man and his loss is a huge shock to the community. Everyone is saddened by his passing", said Fr Breen. He added that the late Mr Hanrahan was a very popular personality in the town and that his pony and trap were his trademarks as he travelled around Fethard.


This recent photograph of Sean was taken by Laurence Kenny.

Following the accident, Mr Hanrahan was taken to South Tipperary General Hospital where he died later. A Garda spokesperson appealed for witnesses to the accident to assist them in their inquiries.They would like to speak to motorists and pedestrians who were in the vicinity of the Rocklow Road between 1.45pm and 215pm on Sunday. Anybody who would be able to help the gardai in their investigation into the accident can contact 052 77640.

Pride of Place Competition

Fethard & Killusty Community Council were recently judged in the 2008 Pride of Place Competition. This competition is hosted by Co-operation Ireland under its Local Authority Programme in conjunction with the all-island Local Authority Steering Forum comprising officials from Local Authorities in both parts of the Island.
Fethard & Killusty Community Council were nominated for the competition by South Tipperary County Council. The main thrust of this competition is to celebrate community contribution to local society and the creation of civic pride.

The Pride of Place Competition is all about acknowledging, in a meaningful manner, the fantastic selfless work being done by people in communities all over the island of Ireland. It is recognition of the work being done to create communities for tomorrow while respecting the heritage and culture of the past. It is recognition of the work being done to create viable, vibrant and visible communities. It is also about giving local authorities an opportunity to participate in the heart of their communities, because while acknowledging that, in addition to providing essential services, local authorities also have a responsibility to build communities.

2008 is the sixth year of the competition, which has enjoyed tremendous success and continues to grow in terms of prestige and popularity.

On the afternoon of the judging, the judges were introduced to the community of Fethard and the activities – past, present and future – of Fethard Community Council by means of a remarkable presentation, prepared and delivered by our Chairman, Joe Kenny. This was followed by a short question and answer session before departing the Tirry Centre on a walking tour of the town, so that the visitors could see, for themselves, the outcomes of community development in Fethard. The day concluded with the judges being brought along the Town Wall, in the grounds of Holy Trinity Church, which impressed them greatly. The results of this competition will not be known until the Awards Ceremony which is scheduled to take place in Lismore, Co. Waterford in November.

Friends of Fethard – 15th Anniversary

15 Years Ago — President Mary Robinson, unveils a stone by Fethard's Town Wall to commemorate the Friends of Fethard restoration work completed 15 years ago on 24th July 1993.

July 24th last marked the 15th Anniversary of the visit of President Mary Robinson to Fethard to commemorate the restoration of the Town Wall by the Friends of Fethard. The excellent work carried out by this group has resulted, not alone, in the wonderful vista apparent in The Valley today but also in the increasing recognition of Fethard as the most important small medieval town in Ireland.

Indeed, as recent projects such as the Public Realm Plan, the Town Wall Conservation and Management Plan and the Capital Works Programme for the Fethard Town Walls have indicated, the tourism potential of Fethard can be realised on account of the quantity and quality of the remaining Medieval Walls encircling the town.
The Fethard Town Walls are the most complete surviving example of a Medieval Walled Irish Town in Tipperary, and probably in Ireland and accordingly is of major local, national and international importance. Following receipt of funding from the Heritage Council a programme of conservation based repair works, under the Capital Works Programme which commenced in 2007, is ongoing.

Funding to the sum of €197,000 has been received from the Heritage Council to progress with this work. In recent weeks owners of properties adjacent to the Town Wall were issued with consent forms to permit the contractors to enter the properties to carry out the necessary work. Property owners are reminded to return these forms without delay, if you have not already done so.

Hunting News
Death of noted huntsman. The death occurred recently, in England, of John O’Shea, huntsman of the East Essex Foxhounds and one of the most noted and highly regarded figures in the English hunting world. A native of Ardsallagh, Fethard, John had just completed thirty-four years service as both huntsman and Kennel-huntsman for the East Essex Hunt.

John O’Shea’s first hunting experience began when, as a young teenager, Mrs Masters offered him a job in the Tipperary Hunt stables. Emigrating to England he came under the notice of Mr Michael McEwan, who took him on as second kennel-man with the Cattistock Hounds in 1965 – 66. The following season he was taken on as whipper-in to Will Garrett at the Marquis of Burghley’s private pack, moving to the North Norfolk harriers. Mr Shaw of the Norfolk, hearing that the East Essex required a huntsman he suggested he should apply. His application was successful and he was appointed huntsman by Colonel Motton.

John O’Shea was first and foremost a hound man, he loved his hounds and his hounds loved him. He was quiet in the field and in the kennel and showed excellent sport in his thirty-four years with the pack. His sudden, and untimely, death at sixty-five shortly after his retirement on 1st May came as a great shock in the East Essex Country. A very large crowd of hunting folk attended his funeral. Sincere sympathy is extended to his wife, Rosemarie, and his sister, Mrs Ann D’arcy, Killusty, and his brother, Mr Ned O’Shea, Woodvale Walk, Fethard.
Read obituary from ‘The Master’s Voice’

Suir Valley Three-Day Cycle Race to visit Fethard
Now that the Tour de France is over it’s time for the peleton to take centre stage in and around the roads of South County Tipperary. The Suir Valley Three-Day Cycle Race takes place from Saturday 2nd to Monday 4th August. Stage Two of this event will pass through Fethard on the afternoon of Sunday next. Commencing at Hearns Hotel, Clonmel, at 11am this stage will take a circular route through the countryside travelling to Cahir – Bansha – Tipperary – Kilfeacle – Golden – Cashel – Fethard and back to Clonmel. The race will arrive into Fethard by the Cashel Road and on leaving the town the riders will be tested in the short, but fast, Market Hill out of the town. The stage finish is at Chalke’s Maxol Filling Station at Rathronan.

Reflection by Abigail Celebrate First Birthday

Celebrating their first birthday at Reflections Hair Saloon on The Square, Fethard, recently were L to R: Abigail Sheehan, Selina Sheehan, Chloe Gough, Avril McGrath and Yvonne Lawlor.

Congratulations to Abigail Sheehan, of Reflections by Abigail Hair Studio, who recently celebrated one year in business in Fethard. Abigail and her staff would like to thank all their customers for their support in the past year.

Archbishop Richard Burke Diocesan Fund
The joint committees of Fethard and Moyle Rovers GAA Clubs thank sincerely all who supported the above fund, through donations, sponsorship and by supporting our table quiz and raffle. The amount of money realised came to €17,500 net. The fund was brought to a conclusion with a very enjoyable table quiz held in Hotel Minella, courtesy of the Nallan family. Quiz Master on the night was Pat Fahy, to whom we extend our gratitude and we would also like to thank everyone who donated a spot-prize.

Concern Collection
All those involved in the Collection in aid of Concern in the Fethard & Killusty Parish wish to thank everybody who supported their Church Gate Collection last week. All donations make a difference to the plight of these poor people who are so much in need of our aid. Many thanks.

Fethard Macra na Feirme
Macra na Feirme is a national, voluntary organisation for young people between the ages of 17 and 35. The organisation aims to promote agricultural and rural development and the personal development of its members. Currently Macra na Feirme has 8,000 members in 300 clubs nationwide. Approximately one-third of Macra members are involved in farming, with males making up 60% of the membership and females 40%. The key programme areas for Macra are leadership training, competitions, travel, young farmer development, arts and culture, sports and social and community development and participation. Competitions include quizzes, capers, drama, public speaking, debating, welding, farm skills, stock-judging, volleyball, indoor soccer, basketball, bowling and 7-A-Side Gaelic football. All these competitions cater for a wide range of interests amongst our members.

Fethard Macra has maintained a strong presence in Fethard life for nigh on 60 years. The first meeting of Fethard Macra na Feirme took place in the Nissan Hut on the 19th of December 1950. The club was founded by D. McGrath, P. Heffernan, M. Smith, P. Donnelly CAO, T. Rice and R. Holohan. We hope to keep this strong tradition alive, indeed we are currently looking for and recruiting new members for our club. Becoming part of Macra is great for personal and community development as well as being a great way to make loads of new friends at local, countywide and national level. Macra is not just a farming organisation; it’s an organisation for the benefit of all young people in our local communities. If you are interested in finding out more please feel free to contact the chairperson Michael (087-9019443) or secretary Una (087-6882683). We look forward to hearing from you.

Recent Deaths
The death has taken place of Mrs Rita Kearney (nee Fahy), Friarsgrange, Fethard. Interment took place in Killusty.
The death has occurred of Ms Margaret (Peg) Hannigan, Ballyvaden, Fethard. Interment took place in Calvary Cemetery following Requiem Mass in Fethard Parish Church on Thursday July 24th.

The death occurred recently, in Boston, of Mrs Bridget Keane (nee Carroll), late of Fethard. Obsequies and interment took place in the U.S.

Fethard GAA Club News
 The Round 6 Intermediate Hurling was played against Carrick Davins on Saturday last in Monroe. The final score was Fethard 2-18; Davins 3-15, in a fine game of hurling with both teams serving up a fine display of all that is good about hurling. Aiden Fitzgerald was very much to the fore, scoring 2-14. Both teams have qualified for the semi-finals with Round 7 still to play. Team was: Paul Fitzgerald, Michael Carroll, Stephen O’Donnell, Declan Doyle, Aiden Lonergan, Michael Ryan, Cian Maher, John-Paul Looby, Tomás Keane (0-1), Eoin Doyle, Aiden Fitzgerald (2-14; 0-7f), Alan O’Connor (0-1), Michael Dillon (0-1), Brian Coen, Micheál Spillane (0-1). Subs: Alan Burke, James Kelly and Dean Tobin.

Fethard suffered a defeat in the Minor B Hurling Round 3 at the hands of St. Mary’s on a score-line St. Mary’s 1-9; Fethard 0-10, with Dean Tobin our top scorer (0-7; 5f). Team was: J.P. McGrath, Joe Fogarty, James Kelly, Ciaran O’Connell, Gavin Fitzgerald, Eoin O’Connell, Thomas O’Connell, James O’Keeffe, Dean Tobin (0-7), Aaron Conran, Cathal Gorey, Alan Lawrence (0-1), Matthew Fitzgerald, Christopher Sheehan (0-2) and Daniel Hickey. Subs: Aaron O’Donovan and Frankie O’Donovan.

Fixtures: Thursday 31st July JFA vs. Newcastle in Ned Hall Park at 7.45pm.

The Lotto Jackpot was not won. Numbers drawn were 5, 7, 17 and 25. There was one Match Three winner, Annette Murphy, Main Street, who won €150. The €50 Lucky Dip was won by Patricia Breen, The Green. We would like to thank AIB Fethard for sponsoring the tickets.
Our condolences at this time are with the Hanrahan family, The Green, on the recent passing of Seán. Go ndeana Dia trocaire orthu.

Aidan Ward back for Medieval Festival
The following videos are from Aidan Ward's last performance in the Abymill Theatre in November 2007. Aidan is due to play again during the Fethard Town Wall Medieval Festival on Sunday 24th August.
See more videos with Fethard connections on YouTube

Youth Drama Camp
The Fionn Mac Cumhaill Players will hold a Drama Camp for 10 to 12 year olds from Monday 11th August to Friday 15th August in Cloneen Sports and Social Club. There are a limited number of places available which can be secured by phoning 086 083 4208.

Dublin City Ramblers

Dublin City Ramblers will play in Lonergan's Bar (outdoors) on 16th August. Tickets at €10 are now on sale at the bar.

Fethard Walled Town Medieval Festival
On Sunday 24th August a Medieval festival will be held in Fethard town to celebrate Irish Walled Towns Day, with events to suit all ages. The day will commence at 11am with the launch of an exhibition of ceramic works by Dóirín Saurus and her students in the Town Hall. During the day there will be a talk and tour of the local flora and fauna by Shay Hurley and Liam Burke.

A Fancy Dress Parade through the town is scheduled to start at 2pm and will be led by heraldic shields made by local primary school children, hunting horns and Irish Wolfhounds. A competition will be held for the best-dressed medieval costume in the parade. Prizes will be awarded to: Best Male Adult, Best Female Adult, Best Male Child and Best Female Child.

The parade will culminate in a medieval fair by the town walls to include events such as battle re enactments and traditional craft stalls such as silver smithing, weaving, wood carving and turning, basket making, leather working, butter making, willow work and a Farmers market.

There will also be street entertainers including puppeteers, a chance to try your hand at archery, music by local bands and The Lee Valley Band as well as visiting Medieval French musicians. Food will be available on the day. A large colourful Shell Mandala will be created by the Town Wall during the day also. So come along and celebrate Fethard’s rich heritage and the last few days of the summer.

The Fethard Walled Town Medieval Festival is organised by Fethard & Killusty Community Council and part funded by the Heritage Council of Ireland, Failte Ireland and South Tipperary County Council.
In conjunction with the day, South Tipperary County Museum are hosting a colouring competition for 6 year olds and over.
Entries are available from the County Museum, Mick Delahunty Square, and in local Newspapers.

Completed entries must be submitted to the County Museum by 4pm on Saturday 16th August. Make sure to put name, address and telephone number on reverse. The use of crayons, markers, colouring pencils and paint is permitted. If printing off from the web max size is to be A4. http://walledtownsday.com/competition/



Click on either picture for large version, right-click or control-click (Mac) to download picture.

Select either the picture of the Withdrawing Room or Clifford Knight at Tournament as the entry into the Competition. The competition is open to 6+ year olds. Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd subject to sufficient entries. Judges decision is final.

Battle of the Bands
A Battle of the Bands will take place in the Walled Garden at McCarthy’s on Saturday 23rd August in conjunction with Fethard Walled Town Medieval Festival. Bands that wish to enter can send a demo to Vincent (Jasper) at McCarthy’s or to Premier Music Store in Clonmel. Ten bands will be chosen to battle it out. The entry fee is €50 per band, payable if the band is accepted into the competition. First prize is studio time to record a demo with a professional sound engineer.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on 23rd July were 3, 6, 12 and 26. We had no Jackpot winner. There were two ‘Match 3’ winners, who both received €75 each:
Jim Slattery, Windgap, Co. Kilkenny;
William Fitzpatrick, Kilmoganny, Co. Kilkenny.

The three following Lucky Dip winners received €50 each:
Rev. J. Power, Cashel Road, Fethard;
David Kane, c/o Rita Kane, Kerry Street, Fethard;
Jim O’Meara, St. Patrick’s Place, Fethard.

Next week’s Jackpot continues at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1000. You can now play our lotto online from your own computer CLICK HERE or the image below.