Happy St. Patrick's Day from Fethard
To mark this St. Patrick's Day we would like to share this traditional hymn, Dóchas Linn Naomh Pádraig, by Irish Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus. We wish all Fethard people at home and away a very happy St. Patrick's Day.

New Tipperary Rangers monument unveiled

Photographed at the unveiling of the 'New Tipperary Rangers' monument are L to R: Joe Brennan (South Board Chairman), Steve McCormack (M.C.), Michael Bulfin (committee), Roger Shanahan (committee), Johnny Hanly (committee), Michael Fanning who unveiled the monument, Ned McCormack (committee), Miceál McCormack (committee), and Sean Nugent (GAA County Board Chairman).

The hamlet of Noan was transformed into Brigadoon on last Saturday on the occasion of the unveiling of the New Tipperary Monument dedicated to the former GAA club in the area. Chairman of the County Tipperary GAA, Sean Nugent, led the dignitaries in their deliberations about the Rangers and the importance of rural life especially in these demanding times. He thanked the committee for their foresight and endeavours with the erecting of this monument. He continued his address with praise for the mentors and players that represented the team in the past and thanked them for the loyalty to the GAA.

The ceremonies commenced with a short parade from Lurgoe cross to the monument ably led by Johnny Hanly carrying the national flag. Pipers from the Sean Treacy Pipe Band followed by the togged out Ballinure children in the famous colours of ‘The Rangers’ and a gathering of at least one hundred and fifty people watched. This was reminiscent of the crowds that used attend on match days in the past.
M.C. for the day, Steve McCormack, got the unveiling ceremony underway by welcoming everyone and thanking them for their attendance, especially Canon Liam Ryan P.P. Killenaule, Sean Nugent, Joe Brennan (South Tipperary Chairman) and Nollaig Ó Broin, rúnai Tiobrad Arann Theas.



A warm cead mile failte was extended to Tom Shelly, chairman of the Killenaule club, Louis McLoughlin and fellow councillor Johnny Fahy, also to the six surviving members of the 1948 New Tipp team that won the mid No. 2 Junior Championship, of which their were three present, Patsy Carew, Jim McCormack, Fethard, and Roger Shanahan. Kindest regards were sent to Phil Fanning, Clonmel, Jack Fanning in Dublin and Mark O’Dwyer in Annacarty.

Miceál McCormack gave an oration on ‘The Rangers’ and touched on the importance of rural life and community spirit like we saw here today. He spoke of the importance of the monastic settlement just down the road in Lurgue or Lissau, namely the Gobán Saor Island or as the outsiders call it, Derrynaflan. Miceál thanked the Armitage family for the use of the field in the past and John O’Dwyer and Bob McLoughlin for their wonderful cooperation with the great site we have for the monument.

The committee of Michael Bulfin, Steve McCormack, Ned McCormack, Johnny Hanly, Roger Shanahan, Michael Fanning, Miceál McCormack and all our sponsors are to be thanked for their efforts. After reciting the ballad of Ballinure and thanking our main sponsor Gleesons Quarries, Laffansbridge, he again emphasized the importance of rural communities and the wish of the organising committee that we would assemble here in the coming years on the Saturday before La Le Padraig to remember our friends and have a cup of tea. Canon Liam then went on to bless the monument and Michael Fanning unveiled the stone. The pipers then played a lovely lament and Sean Nugent sang Slievenamon and proceedings came to a closer with the playing and singing of our National Anthem.

The Origins of Irish Horse Fairs


Fethard Historical Society will host a talk by Noel Mullins on 'The Origins of Irish Horse Fairs & Horse Sales' on Thursday, March 22, in the Abymill Theatre at 8.30pm. Admission is €4 which includes a cheese and wine reception.

Noel Mullins started riding ponies, following the famous Galway Blazer Foxhounds over 50 years ago. Although his business career was as head of marketing of the computer services company IBM in Ireland, he always retained his interest in hunting and cross country riding, and so far he has visited packs in Ireland, England, France, Australia, New Zealand and America.

As a photo-journalist, he is a regular contributor to The Irish Field, and his work has also been published in Horse and Hound, Baily's Hunting Directory, Hunting and Country Illustrated in Britain, and The Chronicle of the Horse in America.

He has hunted hounds on foot and on horseback for over 20 seasons.
Noel has published two books: 'The Origins of Irish Horse Fairs & Horse Sales', (2008) which takes a look at 3000 years of selling Irish Horses; and 'Horse Tales and Hunt Talk', (2006) which takes an excellent look behind the scenes at the people and their sport.

Married in London

Hakan Kana and Yvonne Purcell, Burke Street, who were recently married in London

Parents' Association Table Quiz
The annual table quiz in aid of the Lourdes Diocesan Pilgrimage will be held on Monday, March 26. The proceeds of this quiz will be used to sponsor two fifth year students who will assist pilgrims throughout their stay in Lourdes next June. The quiz begins at 8.30pm in the Secondary school's study rooms. Table of four adults will cost €28, and student teams €20. Refreshments will be served by the Parents' Association. Wonderful raffle prizes to be won and many thanks to our generous sponsors.

Céad Míle Fáilte do gach duine, parents, pupils, past-pupils, teachers agus cáirde go leir, see you there!

Fethard Knitting Group

Michelle O'Connor and Teresa Fehilly photographed at the Fethard Knitting Group's winter party at Raheen House

The Fethard Knitting group held their winter party recently at Raheen House, Clonmel. The group continues to thrive and now has nineteen members who meet every Tuesday evening at 7.30pm in the convent. We were delighted to welcome back Sr. Juliana who was instrumental in getting the group off the ground all those years ago. We also welcome new members Judy Doyle, Mary Cloonan and Margaret Phelan who recently joined.


Michelle O'Donoghue and Margaret Carrick photographed at the Fethard Knitting Group's winter party at Raheen House

Over the years the group has knit and crocheted blankets and baby clothes for the Presentation Sisters' mission in Zimbabwe as well as items for themselves. Our Tuesday evening get together is a great forum for swapping notes, patterns and ideas and sharing expertise.


Helen McMahon and Sr. Juliana photographed at the Fethard Knitting Group's winter party at Raheen House


Rita Walsh and Bridie Lee photographed at the Fethard Knitting Group's winter party at Raheen House


Agnes Evans and Michelle O'Donoghue photographed at the Fethard Knitting Group's winter party at Raheen House


Anne Darcy and Helen McMahon photographed at the Fethard Knitting Group's winter party at Raheen House


Sr. Juliana and Catherine O'Flynn photographed at the Fethard Knitting Group's winter party at Raheen House


Teresa Fehilly and Rosemary Purcell photographed at the Fethard Knitting Group's winter party at Raheen House


Gemma Burke and Helen O'Keeffe photographed at the Fethard Knitting Group's winter party at Raheen House

Fethard Ladies Football
In the second round of the U16B championship, the Fethard girls travelled to the Glen but were well beaten by Aherlow. Fethard got off to a great start with a goal from Annie Prout, but Aherlow soon settled in to their stride and clocked up several scores to have a commanding lead at half-time. The Aherlow team were very strong and showed all the signs of a team intent on retaining the U16 B title which they won last year. Well done to all the players and subs who never gave up and best of luck in Round 3 next weekend, which is likely to played on Bank Holiday Monday.

There were about eighty people left in the 'Last Man Standing' competition for this weekend's games. Things are really starting to heat up now as lots of the favourites fell including Man City and Norwich. The FA Cup quarter-finals will take place this weekend, so any involved Premier League sides will play their League games the following Tuesday and Wednesday (i.e. the FA Cup games do not qualify for 'Last Man Standing').

We are still collecting the 'GoPlayToday' tokens on page two of the Irish Independent to help us get a free Sports Equipment kit worth €500 for the Club. We'd be very grateful if you could collect the tokens with us, and give them to any member of the club committee. Training for Under 12, 16, Minor and Junior Ladies continues as normal. All club details are on our 'Fethard Ladies Football' Facebook page.

'Blind Date' at Lonergans Bar

Photographed at 'Blind Date' in Lonergan's Pub are L to R: Stephen Murray, Ciara Hickey, Martin Shelly, James Dorney and Laurence McHugh.


Photographed at 'Blind Date' in Lonergan's Pub are L to R: Brendan Higgins, Aidan Mac (compère), Katie O'Shea, Fiona Dorney and Roseanne Needham.

Memorial Garden for those who died in road accidents
A memorial garden to remember those who were killed in road accidents will be official opened in Ballynonty on Monday, March 19, at 2pm. The organising committee would like to thank the Killenaule FÁS participants and the local help who gave of their time to complete this project, including P.J. Shine, Michael Shine and Gillian Shine from Fethard. They also wish to thank their sponsors, Gleeson Quarries, Killenaule Stone Quarry, to all who contributed to the various fundraising activities, and to South Tipperary Development Company who provided grant aid for the project.

The garden will remember all those who accidently died within approximately a ten-mile radius of Ballynonty including Raymond O'Donovan, Michael Shine (junior) and Johnny McGarry with Fethard connections. All are welcome to attend the official opening at 2pm on Monday, March 19, in Ballynonty.

South Tipperary Military History Society
Our March Lecture, by Michael Moroney, will detail the life and times of George Plant and will take place on Tuesday March 20, at 8pm in IUNVA House Clonmel.

Born in 1904, George Plant, who had been involved in the War of Independence (1919-1921) and the Civil War (1922-1923), continued in the IRA up into the 1930s, on both sides of the Atlantic. His trial and execution by firing squad in Port Laoise prison on March 5, 1942, was one of the most controversial incidents of the Emergency Legislation and Military Courts era of the early 1940s, and is still one seen by international legal experts (as well as the late S.C. Dr. Sean Mac Bride who defended Plant) as one of the worse examples of a dubious legal history which goes right back to the early days of the State, and the shooting without trial of any sort, of four Republican prisoners within 48 hours of the Free State constitution and government coming into operation, in December 1922. Cost is €2 for Members and €5 for Visitors.

Charity Dance Competition in aid of South Tipperary Alzheimer's Society
On Saturday, March 31, a ballroom dancing and jive competition, with social dancing also will take place in Cahir House Hotel, starting at 8.30pm, competitions to start at 9pm. Tommy Carroll will play music on the night and admission is €10. All proceeds will go to South Tipperary Alzheimer's Society. For more details contact Ruth at 086 8493787.

Fethard and Killusty Community Games

Cassie Needham and her sister Lauren taking part in the county finals of the Community Games Art competition.

Congratulations to all competitors from the area who took part in the County Finals of the Community Games Art Competition held in Clonmel last weekend. Well done especially to Michael J. Phelan, Jossestown, who won a gold medal U8 and to Rose O'Donnell, Grangebeg, and Dara O'Meara, Killusty, who both won bronze medals in the same event.


Dara O'Meara, Killusty, and Rose O'Donnell, Grangebeg, who represented Fethard-Killusty area at the County Finals of the Community Games Art Competition

Dara O'Meara was the winner at local level with Michael the runner up on that occasion but Michael turned the tables in the county final and he will now represent Tipperary at the HSE Community Games National finals in Athlone on the weekend of May 25 to 27. Well done also to Cassie Needham who won a bronze medal in the U16 event. This was a great achievement as Cassie is still only 13 years old.


Some competitors from Fethard and Killusty Area who participated in the County finals of the Community Games Art competition Back L to R: Matthew Burke, Gavin Mullally, Abigeal Maher, Rebecca Jones. Front Row L to R: Micéal Quinlan, Michael James Phelan winner of a gold medal U8, Anna Collier, Jennifer Phelan and Katie O'Flynn.

Fethard & District Rugby Club
Fethard RFC played Clanwilliam in the semifinal of the U17 league. Both teams were evenly matched and the game was still scoreless after the first 20 minutes with both defences standing up well. Fethard failed to find touch and Clanwilliam seized this and got momentum to get the first score. Fethard then went on to score a try by Adam O'Connell and two penalties put over by Joss Murray. Unfortunately this was not enough to win but the boys as a team played some excellent rugby and have improved immensely since the beginning of the season. Our next focus is the U17 cup which starts for us on Sunday week. Training Friday night as usual.

Fethard Minis travelled to Thurles on Sunday. The U7s played a tough training game amongst themselves. The commitment of this group of young players is commendable. Well done to Andrew Wall, Louis Ryan, Tomás Ryan, Michael James Phelan, Luke Ryan, Mark Neville, Oisín Ryan, Thomas Smyth and Padraig Duggan. Keep up the great Rugby. Thanks also to their Coach Nigel for all his encouragement.

The U8s had a fine game against Thurles and are really starting to understand the game and how to get organised. Great tackling from Ben Ruttle, Connor Neville along with the improving Luke Dolan. Charlie Cummins with Padraig O'Dwyer and Michael Ryan ably assisted by James McCormack and David McCormack were great in the pack at turning over the ball.

Fethard U10s had a marvellous game. The team was Darragh Fitzgerald, Eoin Walsh, Jack Hassett, Iain Harrington, Matthew Burke, Matthew Gleeson, Eabha Fitzgerald, David Gunn, Richard Robinson, Sam Quigley O'Dwyer and Lucy Murphy. This game provided some great tackling and fine tries. Special thanks to coach Kevin for lending a hand today with this team.

An enjoyable morning had by all. Huge thanks to all the parents for the support on the side-lines. We would also like to thank the Thurles parents for their wonderful hospitality after the game with the tasty refreshments. See you all at training on Friday evening from 6.45pm to 8pm.

Patrician Presentation Jottings

Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School staff members and retired staff members photographed on the occasion of Michael O'Gorman's retirement from teaching. Back L to R: Marie Maher, Deirdre Mulhall, Anne O'Donnell, Cathriona McKeogh, Margaret O'Neill, Bernie O'Connor, Justin McGree, Connie Sullivan, Liam O'Brien. Middle L to R: Denis Burke, Dick Prendergast, Edel Vaughan, Vincent Doocey, Margaret Prendergast, Mary O'Sullivan, Gwen Cronin, Nuala Aherne, Orla Barrett, Majella Whelan, John Cummins, Paddy Broderick. Front L to R: Marian Gilpin, Mary Lysaght, Mary Ann Fogarty (deputy principal), Barry O'Gorman, Sinead O'Gorman, Michael O'Gorman, Margaret O'Gorman, Ernan Britton (principal), Noel Maher and Michael Leonard. (photo by Pat Looby)

A function was held in the school on February 24 last to honour popular Science Teacher, Mr Michael O'Gorman on his formal retirement from Patrician /Presentation Staff. The event was attended by current and former colleagues, and by his wife Margaret, daughter Sinéad and son Barry. He will continue with his Leaving Cert Physics class until the end of this school year. We wish him many years of good health and happiness as he embarks on this new stage of his life. Mr O'Gorman himself sends good wishes to all his past and present pupils.


Michael O'Gorman photographed with some of his past teaching colleagues from Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School on the occasion of his retirement from teaching. L to R: Vincent Doocey, Dick Prendergast, Michael Leonard, Paddy Broderick, Michael O'Gorman, Denis Burke and Billy Farrell. (photo by Pat Looby)

Boys Volleyball
Following on the success of the senior boys who beat Colaiste Cathal Naofa, Dungarvan in this year's Senior B All-Ireland final in UCD, our cadet boys were out in force this season, beating Thurles and two teams from Dungarvan thereby qualifying for Division A.

Despite their promotion to the top division, the Fethard boys, led by Eoghan Hurley, staved off strong challenges from schools such as St. Clare's Manorhamilton, and St. Brigid's Vocational School, Loughrea, to reach the national quarter finals in UL on Tuesday last (March 6). After a shaky start against Davis College, Mallow, they fought back strongly to take the next two sets and progressed to the semi-finals against St. Raphael's, Loughrea, whose Korean and Philippino hitters proved just too much on the day for the boys from Tipperary.

Our boys will undoubtedly take solace from the fact that they ranked within the top four teams in the country and yet the majority of this panel will still be under-age for cadet level next year. The panel was as follows: Eoghan Hurley, Niall Doocey, Adam Fitzgerald, Cormac Horan, James Maher, Kieran Whyte, Thomas Channon, Christy Dunn and Patrick McCarthy (injured).

Our Junior Boys also played this week in Mountrath in their seeding rounds against teams from Cork, Waterford and Laois. Finishing 3rd out of the five teams in their group, they qualify for the All-Ireland B series and face some tough training sessions in the next few weeks as they prepare to meet Leinster and Connaught schools in the first of a series of knock-out rounds.

This is a competition predominantly for 2nd Year students and so credit is due to our five 1st years (from a panel of 12), each of whom played valiantly on Friday last – in particular Danny O'Regan who was outstanding on the day. Junior Panel is: Nathan Costin (captain), Keith Cronin, Mikey Earl, Jamie Cahill, Thomas Condon, Dylan O'Regan, Dominik Adamczak, Danny O'Regan, Ross McCormack, Nathan Thompson, Anthony O'Reilly and Thomas O'Reilly.

Lourdes Diocesan pilgrimage
Fifth Year Pupils, Molly O'Dwyer and Aisling Costin, were chosen to travel to Lourdes with the Diocesan pilgrimage as Youth Helpers on June 16 next. A non-uniform day was held on Friday last in aid of the Lourdes Fund. A reminder also of the annual Lourdes Quiz to be held in the school's study hall on Monday, March 26. This is usually a very enjoyable occasion and we would welcome the support of the Fethard community on the evening. The school has long associations with fundraising for Lourdes in the parish.

Geography Field Trip
As part of their Leaving Certificate Programme, the 5th Year Pupils and their teacher Mr McGree will carry out a geographical investigation in Tramore Bay on Tuesday, March 13, next. They will study the geomorphological processes of transportation and deposition in a coastal environment.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on March 7 were: 2, 5, 18 and 23. We had no Jackpot winner and two 'Match Three' winners who received €75 each: Samantha O'Brien, Chapel Lane, Fethard; and Margaret Bradshaw, Congress Terrace, Fethard.

The three following 'Lucky Dip' winners also won €50 each: Yvonne Lawlor, Lower Gaigue, Killenaule; Jim O'Meara, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard; and Michael Russell & Jim Kenny, c/o S. Moloney.

The next Lotto draw will take place on March 14, 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 is €8,600 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €860. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

Fethard GAA Club News
The Fethard Open Racquetball competition was held at the Sports Centre on February 11 and 12. There was thirty-five competitors entered from seven clubs, Fethard, Fermoy, Kilkenny, Templederry, Rossmore, Touraneena and Newport.

The Fethard team comprised of Eoin Tynan, Benny Morrissey, Niall Nevin, Kevin Coffey, Nadja Humphries, Noreen Hackett and Cathriona Boland.

The chairman, Patsy Lawrence, in his 'cúpla focail' at the presentations thanked all for taking part and hoped to see them back again soon. He then wished everyone the best for the coming season and said he was satisfied that it was such a great success. Results were: Mens winner Noel Callaghan (Fermoy), runner-up Mark Murphy (Kilkenny). Mens D Singles: winner Mark Murphy (Kilkenny), runner-up Niall Nevin (Fethard). Mens D Singles: winner Ronan Kinane (Templederry), runner-up Stevie Quinn (Rosmore). Mens Novice Singles: winner Eamon Buggy (Kilkenny) runner-up Jack Skehan (Touraneena). Mens Over 40: winner Christy Slattery (Templederry), runner-up Benny Morrissey (Fethard). Mens C D Novice Doubles: winners E Tynan and B Morrissey (Fethard), runner-up S. Quinn and P. Ryder (Rossmore Newport). Women's Open: winner Aisling Hickey (Rossmore), runner-up Donna Ryder (Newport). Women's Novice: winner Noreen Hackett (Fethard), runner-up Nadja Humphries (Fethard). Women's Doubles: winners E Murphy (Templederry) and Donna Ryder (Newport), runners-up Aisling Hickey (Rossmore) and Kate Ryan (Rossmore).
The GAA Sports Lotto Results for draw that took place on March 6 are as follows. The numbers drawn were: 3, 7, 22 and 28. There was no jackpot winner and one 'Match Three' winner, Ashling Kenrick, Abbey View, Fethard. The €50 Lucky Dip winner was Josie Fitzgerald, Kiltinan. Thanks to all promoters, supporters and to AIB Fethard who kindly sponsored printing of tickets. Next week's jackpot is €2,400.

Stella Days opens in local cinemas on March 9


John Kelly interviews Thaddeus O'Sullivan (Director) on his arts programme 'The Works' shown on RTE on Thursday nights also available on RTE Player


John Kelly speaking with Martin Sheen at the Premier of Stella Days in Dublin on 23rd February 2012.

'Shave or Dye' fundraiser for Cancer Research

Fethard participants who have volunteered to take part in the upcoming 'Shave or Dye' fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society. The group are currently seeking sponsorship for their 'Shave or Dye' event which will take place in The Well Bar at 9pm on Sunday, April 8. All are welcome for a great night's craic and music. L to R: Darren O'Meara, Damien Donovan, Paul Kenny, Willie O'Meara, Eoghan Hurley and David Lawton.