Scouts celebrate 25th Anniversary

Chief Scout Michael John Shinnick photographed with local leaders at Fethard Scouting 25th Anniversary celebration held in Fethard Ballroom. Back L to R: Mike McCarthy, Tony Burgess, Nicola Quigley, John Cloonan, Brendan Bailey, Denis Larkin, Mary Healy, John Walsh. Front L to R: Anna Bailey, Laura O'Shea, Chief Scout Michael John Shinnick, Rachel Hanlon, Michelle Hennebry and Robert Phelan.

A great day was had by the Fethard Scout Group on Sunday last, January 22, when, to mark their 25th Anniversary, the entire group renewed their promise and new members were invested. The group were privileged to have the Chief Scout, Michael John Shinnick, present, and there was a great turnout of parents and friends. Also present was the County Commissioner, John 'Lofty' Cloonan, one of Fethard's own, along with many scouting dignitaries from around the county.

A word of thanks to Canon Tom Breen for his attendance at this ceremony, also thanks to Joe Kenny for taking so many photographs. Our chairperson, Mary Healy, did a great job as compere for the ceremony.


Billie Jean O'Shea celebrating her 12th birthday as she blows out the candles on a surprise birthday cake presented to her at Fethard Scouting 25th Anniversary celebrations in Fethard Ballroom.

The Chief Scout presented Investiture Badges to Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Venturers. The County Commissioner presented other Badges associated with the Ceremony. This event went off exceptionally well with great respect shown by all present throughout the ceremony. Remarkable when you consider that there was such a large attendance, this tells us there is great discipline in our youth members. Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Venturers, you can be proud of yourselves for being so respectful and achieving the high standard of scouting you have reached. Keep up the good work, you will reap the rewards.

Finally a very special thanks to our Beaver Scouters, Nicola, Anna, Tony and Laura; our Cub Scouters, John, Michelle and Denis; our Scout Scouters, Brendan, Rachel and Mikey.


Fethard Beavers photographed with Chief Scout Michael John Shinnick at Fethard Scouting 25th Anniversary celebrations in Fethard Ballroom.


Fethard Cubs photographed with Chief Scout Michael John Shinnick at Fethard Scouting 25th Anniversary celebrations in Fethard Ballroom.

Fethard Scouts photographed with Chief Scout Michael John Shinnick at Fethard Scouting 25th Anniversary celebrations in Fethard Ballroom.


Fethard Ventures photographed with Chief Scout Michael John Shinnick at Fethard Scouting 25th Anniversary celebrations in Fethard Ballroom. L to R: Colin Grant, Lorna Quigley, Chief Scout Michael John Shinnick, Paddy Walsh and John Cloonan.

Annerville Award for Jack
The Tipperary Amateur Sports Stars of the year will be presented with their Annerville Awards (sponsored by Bulmers) by the Tipperary United Sports Panel at the Panels annual function at Hotel Minella, Clonmel on Saturday night, January 28.

Jack Connolly from Clonmel Boxing Club will pick up his first Annerville Award for his outstanding achievements in boxing during 2011. Jack won County, Munster, and All-Ireland titles at lightweight, before competing in the U-16 World Championships in Kazahkstan, when he was just pipped by a Russian boxer who went on to win the gold medal. Jack won gold for Ireland when he defeated the Welsh Champion at an International competition held at City North Hotel in Dublin during the year.

Congratulations Jack on your award and best wishes for 2012, have a great night.

Fethard Macra News
Fethard Macra hope to field two teams this Saturday night, January 28, in Kilkenny at the regional novice debating competition. Liam Cleary, Laurann O'Reilly and Pat Murphy will debate on the motion of, 'Should social networking sites be censored?', whilst Paul Tierney, Micky Moclair and Alan Higgins will debate on a 'Life sentence should mean life in prison'. We wish both the teams all the best on the night.
There is a South Tipperary Macra get together and social night in Jerry Jacks in Annacarty in mid February. All clubs from the area are invited to attend. Details to follow in next Macra notes.

Fethard Macra 'Club Night Out' will take place on February 4, in Clonmel, consisting of a night of bowling followed by a tour of the town's hostelries. All are welcome to come along, especially new members.

The club hope to start up a weekly soccer league in the area in the coming weeks. Watch this space for further details in the near future.
Fethard were well represented at the recent five-a-side national soccer competition in Gormanstown, Co. Meath, but sadly didn't win it outright. Fair play to all the lads who made the long trek up there.
South Tipp volleyball continues every Thursday night in Clerihan at 8pm, all local Macra club members are welcome on any night.

Congratulation's to our club PRO, Noel Clancy, who won the national 'Farm Relief Service Memorial Scholarship' last week which was run in conjunction with Macra and Teagasc. Noel represented Kildalton Agricultural College and Fethard Macra in the competition, which involved an oral presentation and interview. He will take up a roll as an intern in a FRS Network office of his choice on a three-month contract where he will have the opportunity to take an active part in all aspects of running the business.

The next meeting of Fethard Macra is on February 13, at 8pm in Butler's Fethard. Any prospective new members are welcome to join us on the night.

The late Christy Prout
The death has occurred on Thursday, January 19, of Christopher (Christy) Prout, Croppy Boy House, Nash's Boreen, Fairhill, Cork, and late of Killusty, Fethard. Sincere sympathy is extended to his beloved wife Helen (nee O'Shea) and his children Liam, John, Martin, June, Lucy, Noelle, Con, Mary, Franky, Peter, Oliver, Vivian, and Helen. The late Christy will be sadly missed by his loving wife, family, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brother Jack, sister Kathleen, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours and friends. At the time of his death Christy had an extended family of 13 children, 45 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

Requiem Mass took place at the Church of the Resurrection, Farranree, followed by interment at Killusty Cemetery.

Books for a Good Cause
It's 'Book Time' again with the 17th Annual Tipperariana Book Fair coming up on Sunday, February 12, in Fethard Ballroom.

The fair has now gone to national prominence, given central billing in Fáilte Ireland's 2012 Discover Ireland's 'Calendar of Events' for the month of February. This is great news for the Book Fair and for the town, as Fethard is slowly gaining national recognition for the very unique place that it is. The report from Queen's University Belfast during 2011 that the oldest dated roof in Ireland is on Holy Trinity Church and the imminent release of the film Stella Days is adding further to the interest in the town.

This is also the tenth year of 'The Tipperariana Book of the Year' award and the 2011 winner will be announced shortly.

Also, on Saturday, February 11, there will be an open house launch of 'Spring Song', a book of the selected poems of Rudi Holzapfel who died in 2005. Rudi lived for many years in Cappawhite and ran a bookshop in Tipperary Town. It was he who came up with the term 'Tipperariana' and the launch will be held in his honour in the Abymill on Saturday, February 11, and anyone interested in poetry and in the life of this very special man are welcome to attend the launch.

Books Wanted
As in previous years, the organisers of the book fair, Fethard Historical Society, are looking for donations of books that they can then sell on their own stall at the fair. The response over the years has been wonderful and the book fair is the Historical Society's only fund raising event of the year.

As well as part funding the annual Festival and other local projects, the funds will be used in 2012 to issue a new tourist town trail brochure as the existing brochure is now almost completely out of stock.
The organisers of the book fair can be contacted by emailing bookfair@fethard.com or phoning 052 6131936 or 086 3905373 and arrangements can be made for the delivery or collection of the donated books.

The late Joe Dalton

The late Joe Dalton (left) photographed on a visit to Fethard some years ago with his long lost friend Gus Cummins (RIP) and the late Jimmy McInerney (centre)

The death has occurred in England of Mr Joe Dalton, Peterborough, Yorkshire, and formerly of Barrettstown, Fethard. The late Joe Dalton, one of Fethard's long time emigrants, left Fethard 67 years ago. Joe may have left Fethard but Fethard never left Joe. One of the last three surviving members of Fethard Brass Band, he was a subscriber to Fethard Annual Emigrants' Newsletter and a regular visitor to his native town, especially in later years with his friend, Gus Cummins (RIP).

For the past four or five years, Joe used to ring on New Year's Eve and wish me a Happy New Year and always added, "I love to talk with someone from Fethard".

Interment took place in Peterborough. — (E.A.N.)

First Steps to IT Training Programme
Muintir na Tire in association with FIT are involved in the development of digitally inclusive project in South Tipperary. The project is delivering basic ICT training for 200 people using a specially designed 6-hour training programme called First Steps to IT. The programme is made up of a compulsory module on Internet and email and optional introductory modules to digital photography, Internet-based voice/video communication, online banking and online government services. The criteria for inclusion in this programme are anyone over 55, the unemployed and / or disadvantaged. There is also no cost attached for the person enrolling in the course.

Anyone interested in enrolling in the project should contact Joan O'Donohoe at the Fr. Tirry Centre, Fethard at (052) 6131000.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on January 18 were: 11, 13, 24 and 29. We had no Jackpot winner and no 'Match Three' winner so the following drawn tickets received €50 each: Bob Maher, Barrack Street, Fethard; P. Russell, Ballydonnell, Mullinahone; and Bridie Lee, Loughcapple, Killusty.

The three following 'Lucky Dip' winners also won €50 each: Dorothy Connolly, The Green, Fethard; Peg Gleeson, Coolmore, Fethard; and Fiona O'Donohoe, Coolmoyne, Fethard.

The next Lotto draw will take place on January 25, and you can also 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. Next week's Jackpot commences at €7,550 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €755. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

Tipp FM Arts & Entertainment Award

Fethard photographer Joe Kenny (right), the August monthly winner at the Tipp FM Art & Entertainment Annual Awards, photographed receiving his award from board member, William Fitzpatrick, at the Awards Ceremony Ball held in Dundrum House Hotel on Friday 20th January. Joe was honoured for his excellent photography skills, as well as his involvement in many aspects of life in his native Fethard: a former member of Fethard Players, editor of the Annual Emigrants' Newsletter, and founder member of the Fethard Historical Society. (Photo courtesy Jonathan Ryan www.tipperaryphotos.com)


Photographed at the Tipp FM Art & Entertainment Awards gala event in Dundrum House Hotel are L to R: Joe Kenny, Rita Kenny, Janneke Van Dommelen and Bert Van Dommelen.


Photographed at the Tipp FM Art & Entertainment Awards Ball in Dundrum House Hotel are L to R: Liz and Seamus Hayes, Kilconnell, Fethard, with their daughter Niamh.


Monthly Award winners photographed at the Tipp FM Art & Entertainment Awards Ball in Dundrum House Hotel L to R: musician Johnny 'B' (O`Brien) winner in the month of September, Thurles native Tom Ryan winner in the month of December, and Joe Kenny winner in the month of August.


Kay Wallace, the May monthly winner at the Tipp FM Art & Entertainment Awards Ball in Dundrum House Hotel, photographed with her brothers. L to R: Sean O'Gara, Matt O'Gara, Kay Wallace and Tom O'Gara.

Fethard Ladies Football
Fethard Ladies Football will hold their AGM on this Friday night, January 27, at 7.30pm in the Tirry Centre. All are welcome.
Training for our junior ladies commences on this Sunday morning, January 29, at 11am in the GAA field. All those interested in playing junior are asked to attend.

Killusty Night Out cancelled
The 'Killusty Night Out' due to be held on Friday, January 27, in the Clonmel Park Hotel, has been cancelled due to very little interest and as a result, very few tickets were sold. The organisers would like to thank anyone who did buy a ticket and maybe we can try AGAIN next year.

Extra help for Fethard Tidy Towns
Fethard Tidy Towns committee would like to welcome two new workers, John O'Donnell and James Roche, from the TÚS Programme, South Tipperary Development Company. This extra help will be of great assistance for the implementation of Fethard Tidy Town's three-year work plan.

Work has just commenced on the development of the Riverside Park, beside the Cashel Road. The area was very overgrown with bushes, briars, Japanese Knotweed and trees. The area is being cleared with the co-operation of the County Council.

Coolmore Stud have kindly sponsored the replanting of new trees for the area. This work will be carried out under the guidance of Mr Christy Fitzgerald, who will advise on the plan layout and types of trees suitable. The new layout will include playground and recreational facilities.

The Tidy Towns have also commenced development of the old bicycle shed beside the Youth Centre. Our AGM takes place at 8pm on Wednesday, January 25, in the Tirry Centre, all are welcome to attend.

Hunting News
Last week might best be described as a week of mixed fortunes for the Tipperary Foxhounds. At Drangan on Monday they hunted from Knockuragh, across the Ballingarry road to Whelan's. Hunting around the plantation they ran to Drangan village where he was left.
Crossing the Ballylusky road they drew down towards Magoury but did not find again until reaching the top of the hill near St. Johnstown road. Hunting from here to Whitelands cross their fox crossed the Drangan Cloneen road to country that was not being hunted on the day. Hacking on to Lismoynan they drew down the glen but did not find again.

A field of eight mounted followers greeted the Tipps at their Lawn Meet at Coolmore on Wednesday. In addition, over thirty cars were observed on Parsonshill with followers viewing the proceedings in the valley below. Following sumptuous entertainment from the Coolmore staff, hounds moved off.

Finding close to the Coolmore offices they were hunting particularly well when the fox crossed the Fethard Killenaule road towards the stallion paddocks area and had to be left. The second fox followed the same route with the same result. Indecently, as hounds hunted here the greatly improved cry of the Tipperary pack could be clearly heard by the followers on Parsonshill, a distance of well over one mile away.
Moving on to St. Johnstown they had a few very good circles around Bawnbrack, Blackmore's, Kennedy's and Kilkennybeg. Finding at Kilkennybeg Stud they had a fast hunt across the road at the Ballylusky junction up by Ruttle's glen and over the hill to the Crohane road. Drawing on they found up by the waterfall. This fox proved a bit of a dodger, would not leave the covert and was left. Home was blown at almost 5pm. The hardy followers still remaining were entertained to evening refreshments at Ginny Hutton's.

At Earlshill on Thursday they had a very good run from Jackie Sparrow's in the afternoon, covering a big circle and crossing the Ballincurry road over the hill. Swinging right-handed here they turned right again, ran back by where they met, down through Ivors' and headed towards the old surface mines, when they were stopped.
From Ballinard wood on Saturday they ran to Maurice Harrington's, back through the wood, over the road at Rathkenny and down to Garranguile. From Mouse Morris's fort they ran to Carrolls up to the Bennettshill road where he got to ground. They finished the day with a fast flier from Tullow Hill where they found. Through Byrnskill they ran to Killusty glen and right-handed here they crossed the Killusty Cloneen road. Down by the Pony Show field, crossing the Anner in full flight through Walshbog, they ran to the big Walshbog wood on Slievenamon.

Five Generations

Pakie McGrath photographed with five generations of the McGrath family. Back L to R: Brian O'Sullivan, Mary Curran, Pakie McGrath. Front L to R: Edel O'Sullivan, baby Lexi O'Sullivan and Ryan O'Sullivan.

With the White Heathers
Ballylusky White Heathers met at Coolmoyne on Sunday last. Foxes were in good supply and hounds hunted very well all day. Runs were mostly of short duration. However, when a fox is found we have no guarantee if he will run three fields or three miles. All hounds can do is catch him, loose him, or mark him to ground.

They started with a good twenty minutes from Ritchie Ryan's, through Harrington's and back to ground near where they found. Two foxes found in quick succession were also to ground just as quickly.
Finding in Harrington's they hunted to Kilbragh House where he crossed the road heading towards Tullamaine. They were really going well on this fellow when they had to be stopped as Tullamaine Castle area was not being hunted on Sunday due to bloodstock being out.

Following another short run from Barry's they had an excellent forty minutes from John Slattery's, hunting to Coolmoyne ball alley, back through Martley's, to Slattery's and to ground. They finished the day at Prospect at 4.30pm

Huntsmen and followers were quite pleased with the hounds performance on Sunday. They hunted each fox found very well and also marked each fox to ground strongly.

Results of January draw are as follows: 1st Prize €200 to Tommy Griffin; 2nd Prize €100 to Richard Sayers. The Ballylusky White Heather Harriers meet on Sunday next, January 29, at Coleman Cross at 11am.

National Coursing Week, Clonmel

Trainers David Flanagan (left) and Margaret Flanagan (right), Sunset Kennels, Fethard, with their two dogs, 'Carrollsdesquare' and 'Coffee in Currow', that are competing at the Greyhound and Pet World Oaks at next week's National Coursing Meeting in Clonmel. L to R: David Flanagan, Andrea Carroll, Rachel Delaney, Margaret Flanagan. In front are boys Tom Murray and Michael Flanagan.


Rachel Delaney and Andrea Carroll (right) photographed with 'Carrollsdesquare', trained by David Flanagan, Sunset Kennels, Fethard.


Michael Flanagan and Tom Murray (right) photographed with 'Coffee in Currow' trained by David Flanagan, Sunset Kennels, Fethard.

Fethard & District Rugby Club
Fethard & District Rugby Club had a weekend off for most of our teams. On Sunday our Minis are hosting a blitz with teams from Thurles and Nenagh at 10.30am. Looking forward to seeing all at training.

On Sunday last, Fethard Under 7s enjoyed a great game of tip Rugby against a fine Cashel Team. Louis Ryan with Michael James Phelan, Clodagh Foley and Andrew Wall worked well together with quick tipping hands and good passing to record a good number of tries. Other team members to impress were David Healy, Oisín Ryan with Mark Neville and Robin O'Shea ably assisting the team with good recycling of the ball to score more tries. Also we had good work by Paraic Heffernan, Tom Smyth and Luke Fitzgerald. This team is playing well together and continuing to improve.

Fethard U8s had a wonderful strong game against Cashel. Johnnie Gleeson, James Ryan with Michael Ryan and Connor Neville constantly tackled and scored numerous tries from brilliant play. Other scores came from the strong and fine tackling group of Ben Ruttle, Charlie Cummins, Michael Long and Padraig O'Dwyer. We also saw James McCormack and David McCormack up their game with great rucking and passing. This was a fine display from Fethard and it was a joy to watch. Keep up the great rugby boys.

Fethard U17s hosted Nenagh in an exciting game with Fethard being the lighter pack with a big heart. Adam O'Connell put the first score on the board with a try following a great move from the backs. The windy conditions prevented Shane from getting the conversion. Fethard put in great tackles but were unable to hold out Nenagh who got through for a try. Fethard were under ferocious pressure on our own line but managed to turn over possession, working the ball out to Joss Murray who cut through Nenagh's defence and scored a try under the post.
Nenagh came straight back with the half time score 10-12 to Nenagh.

In the second half Nenagh scored the first try. Fethard lucky to get and convert a penalty. Having secured the lineout we got a good shove on with Keith Bergin giving the ball out to Ger Gorey who drove over for Fethard's final try which Joss converted. The final score was 20-17 to Fethard. A fantastic match to watch in which all the players gave their best. Well done lads ye did the club proud.