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Gortnahoe & Glengoole

Fifty Years A-Driving

Sean Ward in his 1930 Citroen C4 (photo by Laurence Kenny)

The 50th Tipperary Light Car and Motorcycle Club veteran run was held on 20th June last. This event attracted over two hundred participants and the cars ranged from 100 year-old antiquated Model T Ford to a newly vintage Porsche.

A two-hour static viewing period prior to the run at the Clonmel Park Hotel ensured the competitors and spectators got a chance to view every entry. There was one very notable entrant in this event, the 1930 Citroen C4 of Sean Ward from Kerry Street, as its name appeared on the program for the very first event fifty years ago. What’s more, the car has taken part in the run every year since without exception and so would have Sean save for a sojourn in hospital in 1999 that prevented his participation. However, his son John took the wheel on that occasion, ensuring that at least the unbroken record of the car was upheld. The following extract, taken from the recently published Irish Vintage Scene magazine, describes the car in detail.

“A 1930 C4, this car was built in Citroen’s Slough factory in the UK as part of the company’s unsuccessful bid to move in on the English taxi market, but found its way to Ireland early in life. Sean has owned the car since the mid-fifties, and tells us that it needed very little in the way of work over its lifetime; the bodywork is by-and-large original, although there have been several coats of paint applied over the years.

Mechanically the big Citroen is powered by quite a modest 13hp, 1,628cc side valve four-cylinder, which runs through a three-speed manual floor change gearbox with a rather unusual pattern; first gear is nearest the driver, with second and third being farther away. This, combined with the accelerator position between the clutch and brake, means that the driver would want to be on top of his game! The brakes are also quite unusual in that they are cable-operated but have servo assistance. A knob on the dashboard proclaims itself to be for ‘air strangulation’, a correct but rather amusing term for the choke mechanism, and this operates in an unusual updraught carburettor.

The interior of the car, although showing its age, is a rare example of original, unmolested thirties style, with soft leather seats and acres of room in the back, and the dash panel carries some of the most stylish guages (Jaegar-made) I have ever seen. Mounted on the back of the car is something I have never before come across; proudly moulded into the Dunlop spare tyre is the words “Made in Saorstát Éireann”. For those out there without the cúpla focail, this means that this type was made in the Irish Free State, dating it to the period between 1922 and 1937, and there is not doubt that this is a rare item today.”

Wild West Weekend
'Fethard Gone West' was a winning entry by Fethard Tennis Club in a Fethard Festival Fancy Dress Parade back in the 1950s. Next weekend Lonergan's Bar is 'Going West' with their 'Wild West Weekend' on Friday and Saturday night, 24th & 25th July. It promises to be great crack with a barbecue also on the Saturday night. So do come along in suitable western attire and don't forget to leave your horses outside!

Concert in aid of Trust Charity

Carmina, the band with the sound described as “jazzy celtic” are playing an open air concert in McCarthy’s on Thursday 30th July in aid of Trust Charity. This band is no stranger to Tipperary as they won the 2007 Tipperary Peace Song Competition with their song “Blessed are the Broken”.

They received rave reviews for their first album ‘My Crescent City’, which was produced by Donal Lunny. Rob King and Pippa Marland are the founder members of the band, but the other members include David Goodier who played double bass with Jethro Tull and Nic France who played percussion with Pink Floyd’s David Gilmore’s band and also with Tanita Tikarim.

Four members of the band are also music teachers and have volunteered to hold a music workshop in Fethard on the day of their concert. Tickets for the concert are €10 from McCarthy’s and all profits from the night go to Alice Leahy’s Trust Charity.

Friends from 'Ballroom of Romance'

Rory Walsh and Sarah Mullins july 2009. Both workew together in the Fethard Ballroom in the Seventies. Rory on Security and Sarah in the Cloakroom.

Coolmoyne and Moyglass Vintage Club
You don’t have to be vintage to go to Moyglass this Sunday. This year's Coolmoyne & Moyglass Vintage Club’s Family Day will show an even bigger and better display of vintage cars, tractors and machinery than last year's very successful event. Family members who are not so big into vintage vehicles, will have a great afternoon as well, as lots of side-shows and activities are lined up, including some very surprising ones.
How about a welly throwing competition? Or throwing wet sponges at an old fashioned shamepole where someone is sure to get very, very wet? Or ring pitching, or target throwing? Coconut shy, a traditional English game at fairs and fetes - have you ever tried it? This Sunday you can have attempt it in Moyglass.

Can you figure out what brand a crushed car was before it was destroyed? Then take part in the crushed car quiz. Any idea how many balloons you can get into a Morris Minor? Guess it right, and you'll win a prize. And, there will be lots more entertainment for all the family, not least the children who are very welcome at this event.

A special element in this year's Family Day is a dog show that is open to all dogs, breed or mixed breed, working or pet, meticulously groomed or just funny and playful. There will be prizes for the best-dressed dog, best mixed breed, best of breeds, etc. Of course there will be great food available on the site again too. The Static Show and Vintage Run will be held Sunday 26th of July in Moyglass village. The dog show starts at 3pm with a parade of all participating dogs. Proceeds of this day go to South Tipperary Hospice and Crumlin Childrens' Hospital. Further enquiries to PRO Declan, at 087 2549296.

Happy Birthday Pat!

The Woodlock family photographed at Pat's recent birthday celebrations. Back L to R: John Woodlock, Marina Samm, Paul Woodlock, Natalie Woodlock. Front L to R: Jack Wood, Mary Woodlock, Pat Woodlock, Helaine Wood and Conor Wood.

Ladies Football Club
The club would like to thank all who took part in the family sports weekend held last week. It was wonderful to see so many children taking part in a variety of events. A special word of thanks to the volunteers who gave their time and helped out, in particular Thomas McCarthy who kept everything going.

In the Junior championship we played Emly on Monday 20th July.
The Sky-Dive will take place on Saturday 25th July, in County Offaly at 9.30am. Best of luck to Caroline, Alice and Maureen as they face the 10,000-foot drop.

The club would like to endorse the County Golf Classic that will take place in Cahir Park Golf Club on Friday 14th August. Assistance at this event would be more than welcomed, more details to follow.

Out for a stroll

Out for a stroll with Noreen Hackett (back) are L to R: Emma Jane Burke, Abi Mc Grath, Gillian Burke and Matthew Burke.

Concern Collection
A Church Gate Collection, in aid of Concern worldwide, will be held in the parish of Fethard and Killusty this weekend, Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th July. Please support this worthy cause.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on 15th July were 5, 6, 10 and 29. We had no Jackpot winner and one ‘Match 3’ winners who received €150:
Kitty O’Donnell, Slievenamon Close, Fethard.

The three following Lucky Dip winners received €50 each:
Margaret Walshe, Barrack Street;
Chrissie Moloney, St. Patrick’s Place;
Joan Carroll, Woodvale Walk.
Next week’s Jackpot continues at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1000.

Grove Pony Trials

Megan Coen on 'Betsy' at Grove Horse Trials July 2009


Nicola Harrington on Denis Andrew Phelan on 'Beauty'

Fethard Scouts
Fethard cubs and scouts spent a weekend in Srahan, Co. Laois, from 19th to 21st June, with cubs learning new skills, including tent pitching and cooking, helped by the scouts and leaders. Cubs also learned about fire-lighting using flint, and Latvian fire making and cooking. They also learned how to make their own mugs from coconuts.

Scouts took part in a Hike on the Slievebloom Mountains, lead by Philip O’Donnell and assisted by Dermot Culligan. All in all a great weekend was had. Many thanks to leaders, Philip, Dermot, Lofty and John Walsh. Also to Willie Quigley who brought all our equipment to and from Srahan.

Recently, Fethard town was visited by a roving Scout Group from Germany. Having walked from Rosslare, and heading to Mount Melleray, they needed to a well-earned rest. On their unexpected arrival in Fethard, a quick phone call to Rosemary Ponsonby ensured that they acquired a beautiful spot to camp, by the river in Grove Estate. Prior to setting up camp and cooking a meal their first activity was a swim in the river. Having intended to stay only one night they ended-up staying two, really appreciating the peaceful location and hospitality received from Rosemary and Harry. On their behalf we say many, many thanks to Rosemary and Harry, as always they are so generous. Fethard Scouts set off on Saturday 18th July for two weeks to Co. Wexford, please God the weather will be fine.

Fethard Friends

Fethard Friends L to R: Lesley-Ann Prendergast, Kiya Lawrence, Becky Kenny and Chloe Lawrence

Fethard Macra na Feirme
South Tipperary Macra will host a camping trip to the Nire Valley next weekend, July 25th and 26th. All are welcome to attend. The annual ‘Miss Macra’ competition, organised and hosted by Clonoulty Macra will take place on the Bank Holiday weekend, 30th July to 3rd August at Dundrum House Hotel. The next meeting of Fethard Macra will take place on Wednesday, 5th August, in Butler’s Bar, Main Street, at 9pm. For further details on any of these events contact Michael at 087 901 9443 or email fethardmacra@gmail.com. Alternatively, have a look at Fethard Macra on Facebook.

Fethard Juvenile GAA Club
The Under 14s had another win in the championship bid when they were at home to St. Pats on Thursday evening last. It was another thrilling tit-for-tat match. Despite being short on numbers the boys managed to pull ahead and keep the lead to yield them their second win. Well done lads, a great result.

The Under 12s were home to Ballyneal on Monday evening. A reminder that a fund-raising Golf Classic is being held on Saturday 15th August. Committee members are calling door-to-door selling tickets, with great prizes on offer. The Juvenile Club would also like to thank all those who contributed so generously to our recent Church Gate Collection, your support is greatly appreciated.

Community Field-Day
Due to an unforeseen clash of local events, the Field Day is being deferred to Sunday 13th September. Fingers crossed that we will be able to celebrate the winning of the All-Ireland Hurling Final as part of the festivities. We wish the Vintage Club Family Day in Moyglass every success on Sunday 26th July.

Fethard Rugby Club
Preparations are well underway for next season, with training commencing on the first week in September. The club will see further expansion this season with teams at J3 Level (senior); Under 21; U19; U17; U15; U13 and the full range of minis. The club will also be entering a number of ladies teams this season. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact one of our committee members: Chairman – Mr. Pat O'Donnell, on 087 6256542; Secretary – Mr. Paul Scully, on 087 6885212, or our Director of Rugby, Mr Paul Kavanagh, on 086 8388205.

Tag Rugby
Fethard Rugby Club are hosting our second tag rugby competition this season. Many new teams are committed to attending, so start training. Full details later. Congratulations to the Fethard team on winning the Clonmel Tag Competition.

In preparation for the new season and the future of rugby in Fethard, the construction of the new clubhouse has gone to tender and it is hoped that building will commence in late September.

Married Recently

Congratulations to Ailish Sheehan, daughter of Martha and Pat Sheehan, Garrinch and John Paul Cooney, Airdrie, Scotland, who got married in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard on Saturday, 13th June 2009.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Thursday 16th July of Mr Percy Dillon (MPSI), Rocklow Road, Fethard, and formerly of Medical Hall, Main Street, Fethard.  Requiem Mass took place in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, on Saturday 18th July followed by interment in Calvary Cemetery.  Sincere sympathy is extended to his sons, Pierce, Philip and Seamus and daughters Helen, Angela and Joanne and extended family members.  May he Rest in Peace.

Paul Brady in Fethard


Paul Brady will visit Fethard on his ‘Travelin’ Light 2009 Tour’ on Saturday 22nd August. This concert will coincide with the Fethard Medieval Walled Town Festival during Heritage Week and will take place by the medieval wall behind McCarthy’s.

Paul Brady is touring venues across Ireland and outside the main town gigs which he normally plays. Paul includes a vast repertoire in the show, playing songs from his forty years in the music business, visiting songs from his time with Planxty, The Johnsons, Andy Irvine as well as songs from his numerous solo albums.

The support bands have yet to be announced. Food and refreshments, as well as other live music will be available on the night of the concert. Tickets are €37 from McCarthy’s in Fethard, Premier Music Store in Clonmel.