Last Week's News - Forward Week's News
Gortnahoe & Glengoole

Nano Nagle finish successful run at Abymill

Full group of Nano Nagle Primary School senior classes photographed after their production of 'Paradise Island' in the Abymill Theatre, Fethard.

Nano Nagle Primary School pupils enjoyed three full houses for their school show staged at the Abymill Theatre on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of last week. The show was broken into two sections, one for the younger Junior Infants and Senior Infants who staged ‘Toby’s Ark’, the other for the older classes, from first class to sixth class, entitled ‘Paradise Island’.

Great credit is due to the teachers and production staff who instilled a great code of behaviour and organisation in their pupils. It is not very easy to manage over eighty budding stars on stage at any one time and have them choreographed to enter and exit with precise timing. In this show the pupils excelled, not alone in their wonderful performance, but they also exuded a warm cheerful atmosphere in the theatre which was enthusiastically absorbed by the very appreciative audience. Well done to all concerned.


Full group of Nano Nagle Primary School Junior and Senior Infant classes photographed after their production of 'Toby's Ark' in the Abymill Theatre, Fethard.


L to R: Toby Collier and Micheál Quinlan photographed in their school production of 'Toby's Ark'


L to R: Annica O'Connor and Richard Robinson photographed in their school production of 'Toby's Ark'


Aisling Hennessy taking part in 'Toby's Ark'


Taking part in 'Toby's Ark' were L to R: Shane Neville, Ciarán Moroney and Keenan Ahearne.


Gráinne Fanning as the Captain Venom in 'Paradise Island'


Group of 'Islanders' in 'Paradise Island'


Jade Callanan as the king in 'Paradise Island'

Fethard Youth Café open Friday Night
The Youth Café will open for members on this Friday night, 10th April, from 7.30pm to 10pm and on Saturday from 3pm to 5pm. All members will be notified by text as to extra opening hours and other events. Now is the time to join up if you want to be included. Membership forms are available from the Community Office in Barrack Street, Newport’s Newsagency, Patrician Presentation Secondary School and can also be downloaded from the Fethard website.

The last night’s training for Fethard Youth Café volunteers took place on last Thursday night, 2nd April, when Carmel O’Neill from Tipperary Regional Youth Service spoke on ‘Substance Misuse / Policies’ and showed examples of the wide range of drugs freely available in our town. She stressed the importance of being able to recognise the obvious signs of someone using drugs and the various effects that different drugs have on individuals. We had Sixteen volunteers attending: Bobbi Holohan, Joe Kenny, Paul Shanahan, Marian Noonan, Fiona Cleverley, Kyle O’Donnell, Rita Kenny, Brian Sheehy, Kathleen Connolly, Anne Butler, Marie Murphy, Irene Sharpe, Edwina Newport, Ger Manton, Brud Roche and Lisa O’Donnell.

Drug Awareness Programme
A four-week ‘Drug Awareness Programme’ for adults and parents will commence at the Fethard Youth Center starting on Thursday 30th April. This is highly recommended and further information can be had from Carmel O’Neill, Mid Tipperary Drugs Initiative, at Tel: 062 62824 or 087-6188075.

House Wanted to Rent
A two or three bedroom house is required to rent in the Fethard area. Please contact Jacqueline at 087 2387148.

Home on holiday

Cummins brothers from St. Patrick's Place photographed with friends while home on holidays from New York. L to R: Eoin Cummins, John Hurley, Donal Cummins and Pat Smith.

Fethard Town Hall
Labhaoise McKenna, Heritage Officer, South Tipperary County Council, had a meeting on 2nd April with Tom O’Reilly, the new Senior Executive Engineer in the Housing Section, to discuss the Fethard Town Hall. The Housing Section will undertake an assessment and a condition report for the site over the next couple of weeks. We will be posted of the outcome and will hopefully the report will outline potential remedial measures to address the leaking.

Tipperary Leader
South Tipperary Development Company (STDC) is holding an Information meeting on the new LEADER programme in the Millennium Family Resource Centre, New Birmingham on Thursday April 16th next at 8pm. This is your opportunity to meet with staff from South Tipperary Development Company and to find out how you or your community might benefit from funding under the new LEADER Programme or other programmes managed by STDC. All are welcome

Internet Café open at Fethard Youth Centre
Fethard Internet Café has moved from the Tirry Centre down to Fethard Youth Centre at Lower Main Street, between Madam’s Bridge and Burke’s Bridge Bar. The Internet Café offers competitive rates of €3 per hour and has ten computers available for use. Opening hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday from 9am to 5.30pm; Thursdays and Fridays 12.15pm to 5.30pm. We hope to extend these hours in the near future.

Fethard Bridge Club Results
We played for Easter Prizes on Wednesday 1st April and the results were:
1st Gross: Betty Walsh and Brigid Gorey;
2nd Gross: Rita Kane and Kay St. John;
3rd Gross: Nell Broderick and David O’Meara;
1st Nett: Berney Myles and Alice Quinn;
2nd Nett: Annie O’Brien and Marie Delaney;
3rd Nett: Philly Kenny and Margaret Mary McCormack.
On 15th April we play the second round of our Club Championship. Looking for a partner, please contact Berney Myles at 32038

'Roundy' still singing

Eileen O'Donnell, Killusty, photographed in Butler's Bar Fethard with 'Roundy' Lawlor from Ballingarry. 'Roundy' was one of the best bodhrán players in the country in his former band years and still sings the odd tune.

Fethard Macra News
Well done to all club members competing in the drama semifinal in Banteer, Co. Cork at the weekend. We didn’t get through to the finals this time but congratulations to Una and Holly who were nominated in the best actress and best supporting actress categories respectively. Many thanks to our director Martha Sheehan and all those who helped out with the backstage work on the night.

A hill climb will take place for members of South Tipp and North Tipp Macra on Keeper Hill on Sunday, 12th April. All members to meet in Kiloscully at 1pm. Pitch and Putt will be held in Cashel at 7.30pm on Thursday, 16th April. Sologhead Macra are Karting on 18th April. The farm skills competition will take place on Michael Ryan’s farm in Boherlahan on 19th April. Anybody interested in travelling by bus to the ‘Mr Personality’ competition in Kilkenny taking place on April 25th are asked to contact South Tipp Chairperson, Michael at 087-7535070.
For further information about the Fethard club contact our Michael at 087-9019443 or email fethardmacra@gmail.com or check out our Macra page <FethardM> on Bebo. We are always looking for new members so if you are looking for a new and diverse range of interests and a great way to make new friends locally check us out!

Congratulations Saibh

Dominic Morrissey, formerly from Main Street (beside Post Office), photographed with his daughter Saibh, who was recently awarded a Doctor of Philosophy degree by DCU.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on 1st April were 8, 9, 15 and 21. We had no Jackpot winner and two ‘Match 3’ winners who won €75 each:
Daniel Ryan, St. Patricks Place, Fethard;
Sally & Sarah Slattery, c/o K. O'Donnell.

The three following Lucky Dip winners received €50 each:
Martin Burke, Main Street, Fethard;
Jo Jo Blake, c/o N. O'Donovan;
Con Hurley, The Green, 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 by visiting fethard.com.

ICA mourn the loss of past-president La Curtin
It is with much sadness that we record the passing of one of our much-respected members of Fethard ICA, La Curtin. La was a most dedicated member of our Guild, serving as President and Secretary and many other roles within the Guild over many years, she also held the office of Federation Secretary on a number of occasions.
La never lost interest in our Guild and was our honoured guest for the 80th Birthday Celebrations in July 2007, a day she enjoyed so much. May she rest in peace.

Our April meeting takes place on Tuesday 14th April and as this is our AGM we ask all members to make a special effort to attend. New members and former members are most welcome to come along. In 2010 the ICA will be celebrating its centenary, so it might be nice to be part of the celebrations! Mrs Phil Coffey Federation Development and Information Officer will be in attendance. The Annual Fee of €26 becomes due on the night. As last months meeting was cancelled, the Red group are in charge of catering.

Flora Mini Marathon 2009
Are you interested in running/walking in the 2009 Flora Women’s Mini Marathon on Bank Holiday Monday, 1st June, and raising money to support the work of the Presentation Sisters in Zimbabwe? This worthwhile work in Zimbabwe undertaken by the Presentation Sisters deserves all our support. If you can help please contact, Sr. Winnie at 30067 for more information. The mini-marathon starts at 3pm from Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2, and finishes in St. Stephen's Green.

Pyjama Party Day

Cora McGarry and First Steps Playschool staff photographed at their 'Pyjama Party Day' to raise funds for the “Make a Wish” foundation.

Fethard Juvenile GAA
It has been another busy week in the Juvenile Club with both challenge and south championship matches being played in preparation for the south title.

Training times are as follows: U-6 and U-8s training every Saturday morning in the GAA field from 11am to 12 noon. U-10 training will start on Friday 24th April in the school field after the Easter break. Training for U-12, U-14 and U-16s on Monday and Thursday evenings in the GAA field. These times and dates are a permanent fixture and members will be informed if there are any changes.

Our Under-12s had their second game in their championship bid where they played home to Mullinahone on Friday evening last week and came away with a better result than their last match. Well done to this young team of players a great win. They are away to Ardfinnan on Saturday morning next week and members will be given details at training.

The Under-14s had two useful challenge matches as their championship bid does not start until later in the month. They played away to St. Pats on last Sunday and came away with a great win. They are at home in a challenge match against Clonmel Commercials on Monday evening and at home to Kilsheelan on Thursday evening 9th April at 7pm. This is the first match in their championship bid. Best of luck. Members will be given further details at training.

Our Under-16s had their first match on last Monday against a very strong dominant Clonmel Commercials and luck was not with them on the night. Better luck in their next match. They are a bit behind schedule with some of their matches so more details when we have them. Parents and members will be notified of any changes as soon as the trainers/club secretary has been notified.

Parents are also asked to please note that Membership Fees are now due, €10 per child, these fees are to cover insurance purposes and can be paid at any training session. Thank you for your cooperation in this urgent matter.

Fethard and Killusty Community Games

Congratulations to Roisín McDonnell, Ard Alainn, who won a bronze medal in the Under-10 Art at the Community Games County Finals in Gortnahoe on Saturday 4th April. This is Roisín’s third time winning a medal at the County Finals. Well done also to all our competitors who submitted excellent entries and to parents who travelled to support them.

The Swimming County Finals will take place in Tipperary Town on Saturday 2nd May. Closing date for entries with county coordinator is 17th April. Categories are: Freestyle U-8, 10, 12, 14 and 16; Backstroke U-10, 12, 14 and 16; Breaststroke U-12 and U14; Butterfly U-16.


Some of the competitors from the Fethard Killusty Community Games area who competed at the County Finals of Tipperary Community Games Art competition in Gortnahoe on Saturday last. Back L to R: Matthew Burke, Conor Harrington, Larissa Clancy, Sadbh Horan, Roisín McDonnell who won a bronze medal Under-10. Front L to R: Gavin Mullally, Jennifer Phelan, Sarah Slattery and Ciara Connolly.

Anybody who wishes to enter this event from the Fethard Killusty Area please contact the Area Secretary, Bernard Feery, at 086 2676538 or Community Games Office at 052 6131906 on or before Monday 13th April.

The Gymnastics County Final will take place in Tipperary Town on Bank Holiday Monday, 4th May. Anybody interested please inform their coach and contact Martin O’Keeffe at 087 8112968.

Holy Week Ceremonies
Fethard Parish Church
Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper 8pm.
Good Friday: Stations of the Cross 3pm; Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 8pm.
Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 8pm.

Augustinian Abbey (no morning mass Thurs, Fri & Sat)
Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7.30pm (Adoration until 9pm).
Good Friday: Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 3pm (with Holy Communion); Stations of the Cross at 7.30pm.
Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 8.30pm.
Easter Sunday: Masses at 9.30am and 11.30am.
Easter Monday: Mass at 10.30am only.

Church of the Sacred Heart, Killusty
Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper 8pm.
Good Friday: Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 8pm. Stations of the Cross 3pm.
Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil 8pm.

Happy birthday

Photographed in Butlers Bar are L to R: Michael Shine, Denise O'Donnell and Deirdre Massey who was celebrating her 36th birthday on the night.

When can counselling help?
People come to counselling for a variety of reasons and we can help with a wide range of experiences and emotions including; Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Marriage or Relationship Issues, Low Self Esteem, Confusion, Anger, Indecisiveness, Loneliness, Family Problems, Worry, Lack of Self Control, Shyness, Lack of Confidence, Guilt, Phobias, Work Problems, Redundancy, Retirement.

How do I make an appointment? — Telephone Barbara Murphy BB S.BSc. (Psychology) Dip. Counselling on 086 2560207. Venue is based in Fethard with very reasonable rates for students and unemployed. All clients are seen in confidence and you will be offered an appointment as soon as possible, normally within two weeks.

New business on The Green
Best wishes to ‘Meli & Imi Garage’ who have just started a new garage business on The Green, Fethard. Meli & Imi are offering quick and cheap professional work including car wash and cleaning, inside and outside, window damage repairs and car sales. To check out their keen prices call 087 0654412 or drop in!

Badgers over 30s soccer returns to Community Field
Next Wednesday, 8th April Badgers return from the all weather Astro pitch in Killenaule to the Community Sports Field on the Killenaule road. The usual time of 8pm applies for kick off but please come early to help put up the posts. New members are very welcome just bring your boots. The Badgers club is about coming together once a week for a friendly game of football where there is competition but not so much that people get hurt. It’s all a bit of fun with the added bonus of healthy exercise.

Our AGM will be held on Saturday 18th April at 8pm in Butlers Sports Bar. For further information on any of the above please call Kevin on 086 3850858 or Colm on 086 3502360.

Fethard RFC Under-10s Win Cup
Fethard Under-10s had a superb day on Saturday last winning the Waterpark blitz and lifting a fine cup.

In the first match we were up against Waterpark and this was always going to be difficult as all season there was little between the teams. However, a determined Fethard emerged victorious by 3 tries to 1 with great performances from Matthew Lynch, Andrew Phelan and Keith Cleere. We moved on to play an Italian touring side in the next round and Fethard, with good performances from Mark Collins, Christian Casey, Pierce Blackmore and Kerry Purcell, had a good win.
The next match was against a fine side from Seapoint in Dublin. Fethard scored first and some fine tackling from Gary Kavanagh, Killian O’Dwyer and Evan Harcourt saw the Fethard team through to the semifinal of the cup as winners and Waterpark went through as runners up. Cork Constitution and Wexford came through from the other group.

Fethard were drawn against a big Wexford side in the semifinals, but they played their hearts out and with Gus Brown, Luke Grant and Micheál Gaynor in top form, Fethard were on their way to the final.
The scene was set for a great final and a fine crowd was present to support the Fethard team. After some great pressure the duo from Ballingarry of Keith Cleere and Brian Norton linked up for a great score in the corner, but this Waterpark team came back team came back with a fine individual try by Alex Molloy. Fethard raised their game again and Padraig Feehan scored what turned out to be the winning try after a great run by the powerful Gearóid Fahey. The cup was presented to a jubilant Fethard team, and great appreciation was expressed to Waterpark for their hospitality. A great day was had by all. Three cheers were also given to coach Liam O’Dwyer who was unable to be there on the day.

Our Under-12s also participated in the Waterpark blitz and played great rugby throughout and had it not been for injuries to Shane Cleere, Ciaran White, Cian O’Connell and Tommy Anglim, Fethard could well have brought home a second cup.

They faced our hosts Waterpark in the first game and won by 3 tries to 2 with Kyle Walsh scoring twice following some great passages of running and passing to release Kyle on the wing. Shane Cleere also scored. The full team was Kyle Walsh, Tommy Anglim, Ciarán White, Adam Fitzgerald, Ben Murray, Shane Cleere, Cian O’Connell, James Harrington, Cathal O’Donnell and Thomas McGabhain.

The coaches rang the changes for the second game against a very strong Shannon side bringing on Cathal Maher, David Heffernan and Charlie Carroll. Fethard secured a 2 tries to 1 win despite giving ground in the forwards as the Shannon forwards were very big and very effective. Great passing and speed secured the win for Fethard with Shane Cleere and Kyle Walsh scoring. Ciaran White was outstanding in defence making two try saving tackles on players twice his size.

We then faced a very good and big Wexford side that had beaten our hosts Waterpark by 7 tries to 1. Fethard brought on Padraig Norton, Harvey Blackmore and Thomas McGabhain and we were narrowly beaten by 2 tries to 1 with Wexford scoring their winning try when Fethard’s inform players were injured.

These young lads then went on to play Cork Co in the semifinal of the cup and lost by narrowest of margins of 2 tries to 1 to the eventual winners of the cup.

We then entered the play offs against Gory and the coaches introduced Tiernan O’Neill, Niall Prendergast, Liam Kelly, Cathal Maher, Harvey Blackmore, Padraig Norton, David Heffernan, Tomas McGabhain and Cathal O’Donnell. These lads were very unlucky to loose by 3 tries to 2 with Niall Prendergast and Padraig Norton scoring for Fethard.
All these young lads can be very proud of the rugby they played and with a little luck could have made it a double by winning the cup. The performances of the Under-10s and Under-12s assure the future of the Fethard Rugby Club and the coaches can be very proud as these young lads demonstrated the skills of rugby to a very high standard whereby they can successfully compete against the best in Munster. Well done to all.

Training this Friday night for the Under-12s at 6:30pm to prepare for the Clonmel blitz on Easter Sunday while the Under-10 cup winners play the same blitz on Good Friday.

Good Luck Jack!
Best wishes to Jack Connolly, The Green, Fethard, who will represent Munster in the forthcoming All-Ireland Boxing Finals at the National Stadium in Dublin.

Jack is 12 years old and a member of Clonmel Boxing Club. He competes in the 50kg category and has won both County and Munster finals with the club. Good luck Jack!