U16 B County Champions for the second year

Fethard were crowned County Champions for the second year in a row when they won a thrilling U16B County Final on Sunday, July 3, against Toomevara (score 2-17 to 3-8). Photo by Kieran Butler

Fethard brought home the County U16 ‘B’ Football trophy for the second year running, last night after beating Toomevara 2-17 to 3-08. Fethard with a panel of eighteen, two of which were unable to play, left us with only one substitution throughout the match. Toomevara showing strength and skill, scored a goal within the first few minutes, then three more points, before Tommy Anglim set Fethard off on a run, scoring a point, which was followed by David Hayes (1 point), Brian Healy (4 points), Dion Butler (1 point) and Tommy Anglim with another point, leaving the half-time score even, Fethard 0-08, Toomevara 1-05.

In the second half Fethard were much more successful from early on with Brian Healy scoring the first point, Dion Butler nailing a goal from a penalty awarded for a foul on Dean 'Goo' Dorney, and David Hayes scoring a goal shortly after, Tommy Anglim (3 points), Brian Healy (3 further points), Kyle Walsh (1 point), Dion Butler (1 further point) and Eoghan Hurley finishing the game with 1 point.


David Hayes gets past Toomevara's Cathal Kennedy and Willie Coffey to launch another attack for Fethard in the U16 B County Final. (Photo by Kieran Butler)

Our goalkeeper, Charlie Manton, certainly keep the scoreline in Fethard's favour by saving some cracking goal attempts, one which had him winded for a while.

All players from both sides played a fantastic game giving it their all in sweltering heat. Toomevara showed they are a force to be reckoned with and a team to watch for next year's championship to be sure.
We thank Tom Anglim, John Hurley and Stephen O'Donnell who managed and coached our lads to this Championship. Tom and John also coached last year’s U14 ‘C’ County champions and Stephen was also a coach for last years U16 ‘B’ County Champions. Thank you to all the Fethard supporters who came to Littleton to support the team and thanks to Toomevara for a brilliant game of football.

Well done to our U10 hurlers who competed very well in the ‘Games and Development Blitz’ in Ballylooby on Saturday last.

Training times and fixtures for coming week: Senior footballers are out in the 1st Round of the County Football against Killenaule on Tuesday, July 5, in Cloneen at 7.30pm. Our U16s have no training this week due to players on panel being away with County U14s. Our U14s have a fixture on Monday July 4 against Kilsheelan at 7.30pm in Fethard. The U12s will have training on Wednesday at 6.15pm. Cathal Hurley is manager this week, while P.J. Aherne is away. Tomás Keane will train with them on Wednesday.

We do not have a fixture for this coming week, due to lack of numbers. This will hopefully be a different story soon as more girls are joining our U12s each week. We are in Group 2 of the Premier 12s for hurling, which does not facilitate nine-a-side teams. We did request to be re-graded to a group that does facilitate nine-a-side, but this request was declined. Our U8s and U10s will have hurling training on Wednesday at 6.15pm. On Saturday 9th our U8s will attend the David Bowland Memorial Blitz in Kilsheelan and we ask that all players be there for 10.45am and that €2 per player to be donated. U6s and U10s will have football training at 11am on Saturday.

We are currently looking for help for our fundraising ‘bag packing’ on Saturday, July 9, in Dunnes Stores, Oakville Shopping Centre. Nobody has come forward to assist. We are asking for a couple of hours of your time. Please contact Andy O’Donovan on 087 9882344 if you can help.
Fundraising, membership and lotto is our means of financial support. There is a lot of expense associated with running both a senior and juvenile club and much is expected from members. Without funding we are unable to fulfil all requests and on many occasions the overheads that go with it, such as field maintenance, lighting, waste disposal, insurance, affiliation fees, equipment, the list could go on and on. So it is a shame to think that we have to struggle each time we ask for help to raise funds to ensure safe and adequate training facilities for our playing members.

Juvenile Club Secretary will be in the GAA Field on Wednesday, July 6, from 6.15pm until 7.30pm for those who have any queries about memberships, merchandise etc.

New CD recorded for Brian

Ann Barry, Tullamaine, Fethard, with her music student Brian Cullivan, on the launch of his new cd, 'Brian's Ballads'. Brian is a pupil of Scoil Chormaic, Cashel and all profits will go to his school. Brian began voice training only a year and a half ago with Ann. The music was recorded in Hosey recording studios, with Ann composing the backing tracks. Cds are now available in all local shops.

Hospice Collection
The local support group for South Tipperary Hospice would like to express their sincere appreciation to all who supported their annual church gate collection held last weekend in Fethard, Killusty and Moyglass. The total amount collected was €1,909.

Draft Arts Plan & Public Art Policy - Consultation
South Tipperary County Council's draft arts plan and public art policy 2011-2014 is now available for public consultation.

The draft Arts Plan / Public Art Policy has been developed in consideration of current arts practice and activities taking place throughout the County and Nationally. There is strong level of professional, non- professional and community arts activity in the County. It is the intention that through this consultation process concerns, ideas and suggestions will emerge from the various constituents involved, and the draft plans may be altered to reflect this feedback. Future Arts Planning for South Tipperary is dependent on resources such as funding and staff, and it is important to be mindful of the financial climate facing South Tipperary Council and its arts development partners – taking this into account the plan has been written to cover a three year period.

The Draft Plan and questionnaire is now available on request to the public as hard copy. If you wish to submit a written response to this document please complete and return the questionnaire to Sally O'Leary Arts Officer, South Tipperary County Council, County Museum, Mick Delahunty Square, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary by latest 5th August. 2011.

Captains Prize Winner at Slievenamon

Well done to Michael Kenrick, Burke Street, who was winner of the Captain's Prize at Slievenamon Golf Club on 25th June. Michael is pictured ablove receiving his prize from the Captain, Brendan Kenny.

Famine 1848 Walk
Rev Ian Cruickshank, Rector of Kilcooley and Crohane, will lead this year's Famine 1848 Walk. The walk takes place on Saturday, July 30, at 3pm and commemorates all those who died during the Great Famine and the 1848 Rising which took place in Ballingarry in the middle of the Famine. The rebel leaders, several of them from the Protestant tradition, were transported to Van Diemen's Land. The Walk will begin at the National Flag Monument in The Commons and proceed to the Famine Warhouse at Farranrory Upper. The distance of 1.5 miles will be covered at an easy pace. Refreshments will be served at the end of the Walk. The Walk takes place, rain or shine, on the last Saturday in July, the day of the Rising. All are welcome to this event organised by the Ballingarry 1848 Committee.

Mackeys home on holiday

Members of the Mackey family photographed with friends while on a visit back to Fethard from Sweden and England. L to R: Thomas Barrett, James O'Driscoll, Bigiti Mackey, Jim Mackey, Esther (Mackey) O'Driscoll, Frank Napier and Stephen Mackey.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on June 29, were: 10, 11, 22 and 27. We had no Jackpot winner and three ‘Match Three’ winners who received €50 each: Thelma Griffith, Crampscastle, Fethard; Jim Keane, Knockelly, Fethard; and Pat Brett, Drumdeel, Fethard.

The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners also won €50 each: Michael Russell, Drangan; Peter Evans, c/o Tom Purcell; and Marie Allen, The Green, Fethard.

Remember you can purchase your lotto ticket online at www.fethard.com. Buy seven weekly tickets and get one free! Check on the website for lots of special offers including a chance to win a full set of jerseys for your sport’s club. Next week’s Jackpot commences at €3,500 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €350. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

‘Boxing Night Fundraiser’

Please come along to the Boxing Night Fundraiser in the Fethard Ballroom on this Saturday, July 9. Contenders are fully fit and eager to provide a great night's entertainment to help raise funds for ongoing developments at Fethard Community Sportsfield. Doors open at 7pm, with the first match commencing at 7.30pm. Tickets are €15, and are available from ‘Meat at The Square’, or by contacting 087 6824340.

Up to ten matches will take place on the night. The boxers are not professional: they are from all walks of life in our locality - publicans, students, vets, shopkeepers, and even an elected representative from the world of politics!

South Tipperary Military History Society
South Tipperary Military History Society are actively recruiting new members and invite anyone interested to come along to their meetings held in Slievenamon Golf Club on the third Tuesday of every month at 8pm. For further information contact Kay Neagle on 086 0655428.

Badgers Sports and Social Club
Fethard Badgers Over-30 Sports and Social Club have the following programme of events organised for July and invite anyone interested in participating in any of the events, members or non-members, to contact the person responsible for that event.

Wednesday, July 6, is Boot Camp; this is an hour-long vigorous exercise work out, good for any level of fitness and none. Starting at 7pm sharp if interested and for more information contact Colm on 086 3502360.

Wednesday, July 13, is Cycling; meeting outside the ballroom in Fethard at 7.30pm sharp for another challenging tour of the highways and byways. For further information contact Andy on 087 9882344.

Wednesday, July 20, is Racquetball; there was great interest last month and great fun was had by all. To be held again at the courts in the Fethard Sports Centre. If interested and for further details contact Neil on 086 1029773.

Wednesday, July 27, has yet to be confirmed but depending on the interest it will be either snooker in the Abymill or an introduction to cricket at the Clonmel Cricket Club.

X-Factor semifinal
Nerves show in contestants in X-Factor semifinal
Last Saturday night, July 2, eight contestants went through a mix of nerves and emotions previously not witnessed at any other stage of the competition. This was the last hurdle that had to jump to earn a place in the final of Fethard’s X-Factor. The tension in the air was almost palpable as each contestant took to the stage.


Lonergan's Bar X-Factor 2011 judges L to R: Joe Kenny, Sarah Purcell, Francis Lonergan and John Shortall. (Photo by Clodagh Blake)

This was the biggest crowd yet for the competition and friends and supporters showed their appreciation as they gave every act a standing ovation as contestants gave their all in a thrilling semifinal. After each act judges, Joe Kenny, Sarah Purcell and Francis Lonergan gave honest and professional comments about how each act had performed. It was then down to the public to cast their votes, with a 50% split with judges votes to decide who was going to go through to the final.

It was exciting stuff with hearts pounding and weak legs, you could hear a pin drop as John Carroll announced, in no particular order, who had made it through to the final.

Congratulations to Joseph Thompson, Mary Boland, Deirdre Dorney, Holly Williamson, Delores O’Donnell and Helen O’Brien who will compete for the prize money. We look forward to a very exciting final in Lonergan’s Bar on this Saturday, July 9, at 9.30pm.

All money raised from this competition goes directly to Re-Hab Clonmel and so far over €2,000 has been raised. A big thank you to everyone involved.

Teddy Bears Picnic

Children and parents photographed at the 'Bunny Hop' Music and Movement Group's end of term 'Teddy Bear's Picnic' at the Fethard Youth Centre

Fethard Macra Club
There were lots of summer fun in the Cashel area last weekend as the 'Rural Charter' event took place. Rural delegates from all over Europe came together in the area. The Macra organised raft race went down a storm in Golden on Friday afternoon, what with a great buzz and brilliant weather. There was some great entertainment in Cashel itself each evening in the special festival marquee with music over three nights provided by The High Kings, Jack L and Kila.

The South Tipp round of the national Macra tag rugby tournament took place in Clerihan on the June 26. A number of clubs took part (including ourselves) in what was a highly contested competition on the day. In the end Dundrum emerged victorious and proceed further in the competition.

The International Miss Macra Festival is once again fast approaching on the August bank holiday. This year marks its 40th year and organisers say it is set to be a festival with a difference. Many have enjoyed the last 39 festivals and the organising committee would like to welcome anyone to share any funny stories or old photographs from their past Miss Macra experiences as a special commemorative booklet is being created this year and you could well be included! Get in touch by contacting Anne Marie on 086 1900822.

The semi-finals of the Macra farm Skills competition were held in the Clonmel show on Sunday last in front of a large crowd in what was lovely weather. South Tipp was represented by a strong team from Slievenamon Macra who had qualified through the South Tipp competition held on the farm of David Ryan in Mullinahone a number of weeks ago. Fethard Macra were also in attendance at the show. A number of our Fethard club members manned the stand where we held a club fundraiser in the form of a 'Guess the weight of the livestock' competition. We thank all who supported us on the day and in particular our sponsors, 'Clancy Animal Health'.

The club will hold a social evening and dinner in Clonmel this Friday night and any members interested should contact Liam Cleary. Michael Manley, who directed this years Fethard entry in the national drama competition will be in attendance on the night.

For more information on Fethard Macra, phone our chairperson, Liam Cleary on 086 3998711.

Historical Society outing

Pictured above are members and friends of Fethard Historical Society on their recent trip to Jerpoint abbey and Gowran Abbey. Back L to R: Catherine Corcoran, Gerry Long, Terry Cunningham, Jennifer Whyte, Tim Robinson, Ann Gleeson, Dóirín Saurus, John O'Flynn, Martin O'Shea, Catherine O'Flynn, Marie Moclair, Dennis Holland, Marie Hanrahan, John Slattery, Tommy O'Brien. Front L to R: Diana Stokes Richard Robinson, Joan Holland, Julia Holland, David O'Brien, Sr. Maria, Liz O'Brien, David Moclair and Mary Hanrahan. (Photo by Pat Looby)

On Sunday, June 26, Fethard Historical Society travelled on an outing to Jerpoint Abbey and Gowran Abbey The group first visited Jerpoint Abbey which was built by the Cistercians as a daughter house of the Abbey of Baltinglass in the 1160s. Our Guide walked us through the well preserved monastic plan, which has fine remains of a 12th century church and wonderful O Tunney Tomb sculptures. The Abbey also has an important Cloister Arcade with sculptures dating from 1390-1400. The Abbey is a National Monument in the ownership of the State.

Next on the Tour was a Visit to St. Marys Church in Gowran, where our guide walked us through the Tomb effigies in the interior. The oldest effigy is that of Radoulfus, who was rector of Gowran and died in 1253, making it one of the earliest burial monuments with a date on it in Ireland. There were also other 14th and 16th tombs with the Butler coats of arms on them, commemorating important members of that family whose identity is uncertain.


Newtown Jerpoint, a view of St. Nicholas Church with Jerpoint Abbey in the distance. (Photo by Pat Looby)

The ‘surprise’ item on the tour was a visit to Newtown Jerpoint, which is now part of Jerpoint Park, run by Joe and Maeve O’Connell. Newtown is one of the best surviving examples of an abandoned medieval town, dating back to the 12th century. This site also contains the remains of St. Nicholas Church and some well preserved outlines of burgage plots, some of which contain the remains of house platforms. Burgage plots or burgage tenements were enclosed fields extending the confines of a medieval town. Newtown Jerpoint is one of the most important sites in the study of medieval settlements in Ireland.

There are guided Heritage walks daily at Jerpoint Park at 11am and 3.30pm, with other family activities also included.

Tipperary Photography Competition

Photographed at the launch of the 'Gardens & Parks of Tipperary' photography competition held in Clonmel Library are L to R: M. Boland, Clonmel Library, Kathleen Halpin, Clonmel Credit Union, D. Feery, Cashel CU, D. Harnett and G. Bennett, Cahir CU and S. McDonnell Carrick-on-Suir Credit Union.

It has just been announced that the Credit Unions of Tipperary and Tipperary Libraries have joined forces to sponsor a photography competition based on the theme of “Gardens and Parks of Tipperary”.
For the past eight years the Credit Unions of Tipperary have produced an annual calendar based on photographs submitted by the general public and featuring a variety of themes. The calendars have proven extremely popular, with many thousands being distributed throughout the county and further afield. Similarly, Tipperary Libraries, in association with Hickey’s Pharmacy and Photography Centre, Thurles, have enabled photographers to showcase their talents through competitions based on the many cultural and heritage attractions of County Tipperary.

Encouraged by the success of the competitions and the interest of the general public in the projects, the two organising groups decided to get together this year to promote the event and Hickey’s Pharmacy will also continue their support by sponsoring one of the top prizes for the competition.

All entries received will be in the running for a €1,200 prize fund and will also have a chance of being selected for inclusion in the 2012 calendar. In addition, as many of the entries as possible will feature in public displays mounted by Tipperary Libraries and by the individual Credit Union offices throughout the county.

A maximum of six photos per entrant can be submitted electronically to mytipperary@gmail.com or in hard copy to your nearest branch of Tipperary Libraries or Credit Union before the closing date of August 31st next.  A full list of the competition rules is available in those locations and also on the Credit Unions of Tipperary Alliance website.

Coolmore Family Day

Coolmore Family Day was held on Saturday 11th June and blessed with beautiful weather.

Cemetery Masses
The coming week's Cemetery Masses will be held in Killusty on Friday, 1st July, and in Calvary Cemetery on Wednesday, 6th July. All masses start at 7.30pm.

This is a good opportunity for us to remember and pray for our loved ones, family members and friends who have passed on to their eternal reward.

World premiere of 'Stella Days' at Galway Film Fleadh

Stella Days is being shown at the Galway Film Fheadh on July 9th at 7pm in the Town Hall in Galway. The Director and members of the cast will attend the screening.

Daniel Barry, parish priest of Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary, feels like the wrong man in the wrong place at the wrong time. Although he works hard to fulfil his duty, he has nothing in common with his parishioners and secretly fears he has lost his vocation.

When forced by his Bishop to start a big fund-raising campaign, he attempts to reconcile his passion for film with his duty to the Church through the creation of the Stella Cinema.

But he faces plenty of opposition: from the Bishop and a number of influential parishioners who see film as a source of moral corruption; from locals; and ultimately from his own crisis of conscience.

Stella Days is the story of the conflict between love and duty, hope and faith, and between the excitement of the unknown and the security of the familiar. It encapsulates the dilemma of Ireland in the mid-1950s – on the cusp of the modern but still clinging to the traditions of Church and a cultural identity forged in very different times.

• Running Time 86 mins | Colour | 35 mm
• Producer Jackie Larkin, Maggie Pope, Lesley McKimm
• Script Antoine O'Flaharta
• Cast Martin Sheen, Stephen Rea, Amy Huberman, Marcella Plunkett, Tom Hickey, Ruth McCabe
• Production Newgrange Pictures
• Print Source Films Distribution