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Killusty Pony Show 2009

Photographed at this year's Killusty Pony Show are sisters L to R: Paddy, Heather and Emily Croome Carroll. Paddy is at home on a visit from Australia after nine years and Heather returned from the USA to attend Killusty Show.

Hearts sank as a day which had started promisingly turned very wet just as classes were beginning at this year's Killusty Show on Saturday 4th July. It turned out to be just a warning of what might happen as the day soon cleared and Killusty basked in warm sunshine for the rest of the day. Entries were very good in most classes but particularly good in those with local interest as Handy Pony, Special Lead Rein, Local Riding Pony and Green Working Hunter had entries of over twenty-five each. The exception to this was the Show Pony Class with only six entries which was a pity as Killusty was founded 46 years ago especially to promote the Show Pony and the breeding of same.


Charlotte Hatton on 'Charlie Fox' in the Side-Saddle Event at Killusty Show.

The locals are still breeding good ponies, however, as Mary Hayden's, Tullowcussane Morning Jewel, a 2-year-old Hunter pony triumphed in the AIB Slievenamon Championship, with, Ann Grimes’, Lambay Take a Chance in Reserve. Mary also took home the Tansy Taran Cup for the Best Filly and the Best Local Cup which she has won before. The Dawn Fresh Foods Broodmare Championship was also won locally by Joanne O'Connor with Greyrock Finisterre; the Connemara Broodmare winner with Nest FitzGerald's Brandon Voodoo the Show Pony Broodmare in Reserve. Brandon Voodoo was also the Knight Frank/Mackey Equestrian Qualifier with her foal by Rathnaleen Sinatra. The Welsh Champion came from Limerick in Miriam Shannon's Treoen Raedoll which also gave a first outing to Miriam's granddaughter Abbie in the Special lead-rein. Reserve Champion Welsh was Josephine O'Driscoll's Dyfed Highwire, the purebred winner, who had come up from West Cork. The Butler Connemara Championship, which was very hotly contested, was won by the Ridden Connemara winner Barbara Murphy's Master Mozart, with Jonah Wragg's Partbred Milltown Templar in Reserve. Both of these are of Fethard. The traditional cob in-hand Class, which was almost exclusively a local affair, attracted an entry of six, Spectators were three deep and a cheer for the winner (or the judge!) when Donal Slattery's Sox took the red rosette.

Ciara Flood on her pony 'Daisy Pony', led by Loretto Flood at Killusty Show

Not for the first time the Side Saddle Champion was Philippa Mansergh-Wallace's Kilbride Billy Jo with S. Garrigan's Penni Farthing in Reserve. With only one class of Show Ponies the Coolmore Stud Killusty Championship was awarded to the very smart Pendley Tap Dancer owned by Kerry's Nicky Taylor with last year's Champion Antrim's Maggie Letters' Brockwater Lord of the Light in Reserve. The Pat O'Brien Trophy for the Best Local Riding Pony was awarded to James Devereaux Halley ridden by Francis Holohan of Killusty. The Handy Pony Class was won this year by Sophie Wall's Little Gem and the E.V. Croome-Carroll Cup for the Special Lead Rein will be shared this year by Anna Wyse's Dixie Boy and Margaret Greene's Mountain Ash of Glendhu from a stunning entry of thirty-six in two divisions. Each of these was able to claim the baseball cap awarded to the best entry from the Parish of Fethard and Killusty. The Mini Championship awarded in memory of long term past Chairman, Dr. P.J. Stokes was won by the winner of Open First Ridden Show Pony Mr. & Mrs. R. Burns Haighend Chardonnay with Lorna Twomey's Lanaway Sparkle the first year first ridden winner in reserve. The Lismortagh Stables Open Show Hunter Championship went to Wicklow with Suzanne Garrigan's Penni Farthing taking the honours from Sonja Steyn's JJ Punch. The Lady Lloyd-Webbers Show Hunter Championship was awarded to Patrica Burke's Golden Grove Sweet Talk with Michael Mead's Golden Sunrise in reserve. This Championship was something of a triumph for the breeding of the late Sean Maher who was a long-term supporter of Killusty as both ponies were from his families.


Hannah Tobin on 'Skippy' and Amy Sweeney on 'Poppy' at Killusty Show.


Megan Coen on 'Topper' with her grandfather Pat Carroll at Killusty Show 2009.

The Farnaleen Stables Moyglass Novice Working Hunter was won by Yvonne Casey's Snowball from Peter Duggan's Ardcon Farley being shown by Emily Higgins. Patricia Burke's Midnight Whisper will have his name on the Starter Stakes Championship trophy for this year with David Byrne's Ballyloughan Brigadoon in reserve. Peter Duggan's Ardcon Farley went one better in the Clonmel Oil Open Working Hunter Championship with Andrew Roche's Crystal Grey second in the 133 Working Hunter capturing the Reserve. The Intermediate Champion was Philippa Mansergh-Wallace's Pebbly Huntingfield, for the second year running, with Patrick Geoghegan's Seaview Tayto in the reserve spot. Roisin Henry's Grange Homeward Sparrow won the Performance Working Hunter Championship for the Holohan Trophy from a former resident in her yard, Sarah Hatton's Pilheath Strongbow. The Green Working Hunter with thirty entries was won by Sonya Sten's JJ Punch with daughter Michaela getting a fine tune out of this good pony. The Tate Croome-Carroll Memorial trophy, for the Equitation Championship, was won this year, fittingly, for the first time, by Charles Croome-Carroll, a cousin of Tates, who has vowed to win it for the next three years so that he can keep it.


L to R: Lorraine Coen, Pat Carroll, Peg Gleeson and Helen Carroll enjoying the good weather at Killusty Show.


L to R: Mrs Lalor, Judy Butler and Rosemary Ponsonby enjoying the Killusty Show.

A great day was had by all. The parking worked seamlessly. The judges were extremely complimentary about their stewards, many of whom were new this year, as the next generation learns the ropes, and enjoyed their lunches prepared by the ladies of the catering committee. The Dog Show had sixty-four entries all of whom received recognition for their attributes and the Fancy Dress, with twenty entries, was both colourful and wide ranging in subject matter. After the initial shower the air was like champagne and the sun was warm on the backs, it was a Killusty Show to be remembered.


L to R: sisters Rita Walsh, Rose Cudden and Ellen Tobin pictured at Killusty Show.

Jack Represents Ireland
Jack Connolly represented Ireland at the International Schoolboys Boxing contest held in Dungarvan on Sunday 28th June last. Jack was defeated by, the seven times British Champion, Hassain Mahmood, in what was one of the best contests of the day. But the man from Bury, in England did not have it all his own way and Jack pushed him to the limit. Indeed, Jack was not expected to reach the second round, but the Fethard man had other ideas. Mahmood who was thirteen months older than Jack, ended the fight very frustrated and remarked to Jack’s coaches, "I hope I never meet him again".

What a brilliant performance by Jack, a display of pure grit and determination. He certainly wore his Irish jersey with pride. A very popular young man with a very bright future ahead of him. This was Jack’s first International contest, on top of an amazing season in which he won a county, Munster and two national titles to become the undisputed 50kg Champion of Ireland. Well done Jack - you did your club, your coaches, your country and most importantly you did yourself and your family proud.

At the Pheasant Plucker's session

Photographed at the Pheasant Plucker's session in McCarthy's bar are L to R: Amanda Napier, Frankie Napier, Kate Goings and Mike Colgan. Kate and Mike were visiting Fethard from the United States of America.

Fethard Macra
Congratulations to all the teams that took part in the South Tipperary Macra Raft Race in Golden on Saturday the 27th of June. Sixteen rafts in total took part. Kinsalebeg of Waterford Macra were the overall winners and the best raft prize went to Solohead of Tipperary Macra. Fethard Macra was represented by Annie, Michael, Noel and Úna. While they were not placed on the night they completed the race and did not have to use the life rafts! Congratulations to Mickey, Ed and Noel who took in the Farm Skills competition in Cork recently.

Medieval Heritage Showcased

Group of heritage officers photographed outside the Abymill Theatre Fethard following a presentation on Fethard's Public Realm Plan and local community development. The group were attending a two day Training and Development Programme based in Clonmel.

Heritage Officers from around the country descended on Fethard on the 23rd June as part of the Heritage Council's Training and Development Programme. The training programme was focused on Public Realm Planning in Irish towns. Other participants in the training event were Heritage Council staff and Local Authority staff from around the country and the UK.

The morning session was held in the South Tipperary County Council chamber followed by a site visit to the historic town of Fethard. Some local Fethard people gave a surprise welcome to the Heritage Officers in Medieval costume much to the enjoyment of the visitors. Historical re-enactors marched along the wall walk of the medieval wall as the Heritage Officers arrived by bus to the valley.



A picnic lunch was enjoyed in the back of McCarthy's followed by an illustrated talk on Fethard and a questions and answers session in the Abymill Theatre given by Labhaoise McKenna, Heritage Officer South Tipperary County Council, Terry Cunningham, Fethard Historical Society Chairman, James Hennessey of Paul Hogarth Company and Joe Kenny, Fethard and Killusty Community Council. Local historical enthusiasts Mary Hanrahan and Colm McGrath gave an enlightening and uplifting walking tour of Fethard with specific attention to the Town Wall.


South Tipperary Heritage Officer, Labhaoise McKenna (left) and Amanda Pedlow from Offaly investigate the interior of the Tower.

The Heritage Council has given large grants to the Fethard Town Walls over the past few years including €200,000 in 2008 and €80,000 for 2009. The Heritage Council has awarded Fethard €12,000 for the Fethard Medieval Festival which will take place on the weekend of 22nd and 23rd August next. The training day was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. The Heritage Council and Heritage Officers are particularly grateful to all those in Fethard who took part in the day's events and for such a warm welcome.


Colm McGrath, Fiona Hyland, Sarah Moloney and Simon Thompson in Medievel Costume

The day was a resounding success. It was a great opportunity to showcase Fethard at a national level to local authority staff from around the country.

Juvenile GAA Club
Under 12s got their hurling championship off to a good start with a great win over Clerihan at home on Saturday morning of last week, this is a very young U12 team but some individual displays and team effort will surely make this team a force to be reckoned with in years to come. Well done lads and the very best of luck in your next matches.

Under 14s were away to Ballybacon on Thursday evening of last week in the first match of their championship bid and were unfortunate not to come away with a win on the night, better luck next time.

Under 16s are at home to Ballingarry on Monday evening. No results available at time of going to press. Well done to Joedy Sheehan who represented Tipperary very well in the Primary Games. The Club would like to congratulate some of their members who represented their club and county over the weekend when they played county football. Well done to Brian Healy and David Hayes (U14); Cathal Hurley (U15) and to Brian Delahunty and Frankie O 'Donovan (U16). A great achievement allround.
 
We would also like to remind you that we will be holding a Golf Classic on the 15th of August and your support would be much appreciated for this very worthy cause. There are some super prizes up for grabs: 1st Prize - LCD TV; 2nd prize - weekend away for two and 3rd prize is a voucher for the Tipperary GAA Shop in Thurles. Tickets can be bought from any committee member and members will be calling door to door shortly. Thank you once again for your continued support. If you have any queries or would like to enter a team for the Golf Classic please contact 087 1329694. Reminder also that the VHI Cúl camp is nearing and you can go online (www.vhiculcamps.gaa.ie) to register a place.

Clonmel Show

Competing at Clonmel Show amidst the rain showers were Master Francis Holohan, Killusty, on 'Toby' and Miss Holly Williamson, Cloneen, on 'Tina's Cavalier'.

Community Field-Day
The constituent clubs of the community field are holding their first Field Day to help clear a debt of up to eight thousand euros that has accumulated over the past few years. This will be held in the Community Sportsfield, Killenaule Road, on Sunday 26th July. This will be a great community day with many of the activities being provided free of charge and there will have something for all ages.

Activities organised to date include: an Inter-Pub Donkey Derby; Dog Show (six classes); Quad-bike Rides; Pony Rides; Cake Sale; Wheel Of Fortune; Face Painting; Bouncy Slide; Athletics for all Ages and a Monster BBQ. Music will be provided by DJ Jack Kenny and local bands will also perform. There is also the promise of the return of "Traditional Platform Dancing". This will be a great day out for the whole family, with activities commencing at 2p.m. Mark the date in your diaries.

Wolfe Tones

The Wolfe Tones appear at Cloneen Hall on Friday 17th July as a fundraiser for upkeep of the Community Hall. Tickets are €30 and can be had by ringing 086-0834208 or 052 6131600. Doors open 9.30pm. This is a unique chance to see the original and the best in a comfortable venue. Don’t miss it.

Ladies Football Club
On Saturday, 11th July, we play in a 7-a-side Tournament in Ballyduff Upper, Co. Waterford in U/14. Representing Fethard are: Kiya Burke, Jessie McCarthy, Katie Butler, Lucy Butler, Niamh O’Meara, Niamh Shanahan, Amy Pollard, Emma Walsh, Annie Prout, Clodagh Bradshaw and Laura Ryan. The club will hold a Family Sports Weekend on the 16th, 17th and 18th July. This event will be held on Thursday and Friday evenings, from 5pm to 8pm, and on Saturday afternoon, from 1pm to 5pm. The cost of this is €15 for one child and €20 for a family.


The Sky-dive, of 10,000ft, undertaken by Alice Butler, Caroline Sheehan and Maureen McCarthy, will take place on Saturday 25th July in Co. Offaly at approximately 9.30am (weather permitting). Please support this fundraising event, not everyone would take it on!
The game scheduled for last weekend, in the Junior Championship, was called-off as Lorrha were unable to play. Training continues under new coach, Tommy Sheehan, and we are very grateful to Tommy for helping the club out at this time. There is no game this weekend.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on 1st July were 5, 12, 28 and 29. We had no Jackpot winner and one ‘Match 3’ winners who received €150:
Tommy Gahan, Cloneen.

The three following Lucky Dip winners received €50 each:
Margaret Keane, The Green;
Eileen Guinan, Graystown, Killenaule;
Anna Bradshaw Cooke, St. Patrick’s Place, Fethard; and
‘Sparky’, c/o Arthur Daly, Fethard.
Next week’s Jackpot continues at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1000.

McCarthys Hotel

Vinny Murphy photographed behind the counter at McCarthy's Hotel by Laurence Kenny.

Vinny has organised Johnny Moynihan and Moonshine to play the next 'Backroom Session' on Friday 17th July. Johnny founded Sweeney’s Men and later joined Planxty and De Dannan. In 2007 he formed Moonshine with American fiddler Frank Hall and Swedish vocalist and five string banjo player Lena Ullman. They describe their sound as ‘old timey music’ as opposed to bluegrass, claiming that bluegrass is, ‘God fearing, and old timey has a healthy interest in sinful pursuits’.
They play the Backroom session in McCarthy’s on Friday 17th July. Tickets are €15 from McCarthy’s.

Moonshine who play the Backroom Session in McCarthy’s on Friday 17th July. Tickets are €15 from McCarthy’s.

Hunting News
The Tipperary Foxhounds were the most successful pack competing at the Irish Master of Foxhounds Foxhound Show held at Stradbally Co. Laois on Sunday last. The Tipperarys won three first prizes, taking first and second in the unentered Bitch Class, and either second or third in each other class in which they had entries.

Tipp Results:

Nancy Connell Cup, Best Unentered Dog; First - Captain. John Walsh Cup, Best Couple Unentered Dogs; Third - Captain and Darius.

Dick Russell Cup. Best Unentered Dog Whelped after 1st December, 2007; Second - Captain. John Watson Cup Best Entered Dog Whelped after 1st December, 2007; Third – Station.

Maj. McCalmont Cup, Best Couple Entered Dogs; Third – Station and Waiter.

Issac Bell Cup, Best Unentered Bitch; First – Credit and second – Candle.

Horse & Hound Cup, Best Couple Unentered Bitches; Second – Candle and Credit.

W.R. Filgate Cup, Best Unentered Bitch Whelped After December, 2007; Third – Credit.

Major Larkin Trophy; First – Lawful. Evan Williams Best Two Couple Entered Bitches; Second – Lawful and Ladybird, Lavender and Raven.

Tipperary also took another first prize as the Nancy Connell Cup was the only class carrying a trophy for the walker of the winner. This went to Jimmy Kelly who walked the Tipp winner, Captain.

Congratulation and well done to huntsman, Derry Donegan, and his staff and helpers at the Tipperary Kennels. Derry’s breeding policy is now paying off in the flags as well as in the hunting field. A Céad míle fáilte is extended to our new whipper-in, Sam Staniland. Here’s to a successful season and good hunting in 2009/10. (E.A.N.)