Died Recently
The death has occurred on Saturday,
March 31, of Mr Georgie Matthews, Kerry Street, Fethard, age 91.
Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Parlour from 5pm on Sunday, April 1, with removal to Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, at 6.50pm Requiem Mass at 11am on Monday followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery, Fethard.
Community Council appeals for new members
The AGM of Fethard and Killusty Community Council will take place next month (date to be decided) and we appeal for new members to get involved. The majority of the current committee have been involved for the past ten years and more. It would be great to see new blood involved.
Fethard & Killusty Community Council was formed on January 13, in 1976 to promote the social, cultural and educational welfare of the whole community regardless of class, creed or political persuasion. A Limited Company was formed on August 1, 1996, and Fethard and Killusty Muintir Council Ltd was incorporated under the Companies Acts, 1963 to 1990, with Charitable Status.
Fethard & Killusty Community Council is run by a Board of Directors, numbering thirteen, and also supports the following sub-committees: Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto; Fethard and District Day Care Centre; Fethard Tidy Towns; Fethard Youth Centre; Community Office; Christmas Lighting Committee; Residents Associations; Fethard Community Alert; Fethard Town Park Development; Walled Town Festival Committee; and Fethard Plans Administration Committee.
If you would like to get involved in 'community life' please give your name to Joan at the Community Office, Tel: 6131000, Email: tirrycentre@fethard.com and we will let you know of upcoming meetings.
Frank celebrates his 60th Birthday
Frank Fogarty photographed with his family on the occasion of his 60th birthday celebrated at The Castle Inn, Fethard, last weekend. L to R: Paul, Kelly, Frank and his wife Una, and Michelle.
Congratulations to popular local postman, Frank Fogarty, who celebrated his 60th birthday with family and friends at The Castle Inn last weekend. Frank, whose late mother Leish died just over a month ago on February 15, was joined by his extended family for his special birthday celebration.
Frank Fogarty photographed with his brothers and sister on the occasion of his 60th birthday celebrated at The Castle Inn, Fethard, last weekend. L to R: Anna, Kevin, Gerry, Pat, Frank, John, Tom, Jim and Martin.
Group photographed at Frank Fogarty's 60th birthday celebrated at The Castle Inn, Fethard, last weekend.
Frank blowing out the cake candles
Group photographed at Frank Fogarty's 60th birthday celebrated at The Castle Inn, Fethard, last weekend. L to R: Noel Sharpe, Frank Fogarty, Peg Sharpe, Una (Sharpe) Fogarty and Mary (Sharpe) Sheehan.
A birthday kiss for Frank from friend, Kathleen Connolly
Fethard Macra News
Well done to the Fethard Macra men's team who competed last Sunday, March 25, in UL at the national men's basketball finals but sadly didn't win out on the day. Fair play to all the lads who made the journey up.
On Saturday, March 17, many members of South Tipp clubs had a great inter club social at the Waterford Dog Track and afterwards headed out in the city itself. It was a great night out and a good number of our Fethard club members attended.
There is a mixed soccer league every Friday night in Monroe Sports Centre and all members of clubs in South Tipp are welcome to take part on any of the nights for a bit of team sport and exercise!
Fethard came second at the recent novice debating competition against Slievenamon. The idea of the novice debating is to give people, who've never done it before, the experience of debating in public in a relaxed and constructive format. On the plus side, our senior debating team are through to the senior competition in Limerick soon.
For more on Fethard Macra or to become a member phone our chairperson, Liam Cleary on 086 3998711.
Confirmation Class of 2012
Children from the Parish of Fethard and Killusty who received the Sacrament of Confirmation in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, on Friday 12th April, photographed with His Grace, Most Rev Dr. Dermot Clifford, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly. Also included is Canon Tom Breen P.P. and Fr. Anthony McSweeney C.C.
Congratulations to the boys and girls from Fethard and Killusty Parish who were recently Confirmed by Most Rev Dr. Dermot Clifford, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly. The Confirmation classes of 2012 were: Adam Dorney, Aisling Gorey, Aisling Prendergast, Alan Doherty, Amy Brophy, Amy Cowlard, Amy Needham, Amy Roche, Amye O'Donovan, Aoife Sheehan, Bradley Phelan, Carly Tobin, Casey Kelly-Hall, Chelsea Kenny, Cian Fahey, Ciara Connolly, Conor Clancy, Conor Harrington, Courtney Walsh, Dillon Costin, Dylan Lyons, Eli Freeman, Eric Fogarty, Erica McGrath, Farrah Cummins-Doyle, Gavin Mullally, Harry Butler, Holly Keating, Jack Pollard, Jack Spillane, Jack Ward, Jesse McCormack, Jordan Coen, Katie O'Flynn-Yates, Katie Ryan, Laura Butler, Laura Hards, Liam Quigley, Lorna Smyth, Luke Coen, Malachy Brett, Mark Hayde, Megan McCarthy, Niamh Harrington, Noelle O'Meara, Rebecca Jones, Rebecca Kenny, Rebecca McCarthy, Rebecca McGarry, Roisín McDonnell, Rosanne Dalton, Sally Butler, Sally Nagle, Sarah Slattery, Shane Curran, Shane Lawless, Shannon Thompson, Stephen Crotty, Tara Regan, Thomas Morgan and Vanessa Pyke.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on March 21 were: 9, 18, 19 and 21. We had no Jackpot winner and one 'Match Three' winner who received €150: Nick Stokes, c/o Diana Stokes, Fethard.
The three following 'Lucky Dip' winners also won €50 each: Sean Kelly, c/o Tom Purcell; Eleanor Cummins, Everardsgrange, Fethard; and Martin Burke, Main Street, Fethard.
The next Lotto draw will take place on March 28, 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 €8,900 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €890. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.
Gig for Africa 'Playing for Life'
A fundraising night for
'Playing for Life' projects in Africa will take place on Saturday, April 28, in Brú Ború, Cashel, featuring 'Folk The Recession' with an evening of Folk, Trad, Old Timey, Gospel, Gossip and God knows what! presented by the fantastic lineup of Eleanor Shanley, Frankie Lane, Paul Kelly, Mick Hanly and Brendán Ó Beaglaoich.
This is a night not to be missed . . . Tickets are available locally from Joe Kenny at €25 . . . and by supporting this gig you are also supporting 'Playing for Life's' ongoing work in Africa.
St. Vincent De Paul
Anybody requesting help with First Holy Communion expenses please ring one of the following numbers: 6131698 – 6131852 – 6131354 or contact any member of the society as soon as possible.
Ballylusky White Heather Harriers
The results of the Ballylusky White Heather Harriers annual draw were as follows: 1st Prize €400, Cathal Slattery, Bennettshill, Fethard; 2nd Prize €200, John Hally, Rathvin, Fethard; 3rd Prize €100, Fiona Cummins, Fethard; and 4th Prize €50 Mary Brophy, Cahir.
The committee would like to thank sincerely all who supported the draw and in particular, all those who helped in any way over the past season's hunting.
Fethard Scouting
Congratulations to Fethard Scouting's winning team at the County Orienteering Competition which took place on Sunday, March 25, at Tower Hill, Portlaw, Co Waterford. Team winners were Willie O'Meara and Megan Bailey, with Eoin O'Donovan taking 1st place in U16, and Cormac Horan taking 2nd place. Leaders were Rachel Hanlon and Bobby Phelan.
South Tipperary Military History Society
The 2nd Annual AGM of South Tipperary Military History Society was held in IUNVA House on Tuesday, March 6. Kay Neagle was returned as chairperson, Michael Dolan as secretary and Robert Reid as treasurer /public relations officer, Eugene O'Keeffe and Barbara Murphy were appointed as working members.
Our lecture on George Plant by Michael Moroney was held on Tuesday, March 20, and was very well attended. This was a fascinating lecture, well researched and presented, and we thank Michael for entertaining and teaching us so much on this subject.
Our next Lecture will be in IUNVA House on Tuesday, April 17, at 8pm and is titled 'The Irish in the American Civil War' and will be presented by Damian Shiels, who is an archaeologist based in Ireland, specialising in conflict archaeology.
Our programme of events for this Spring / Summer 2012 has been finalised and is available to download from our website. Posters have also been placed in libraries, post offices and museums throughout South Tipperary. This years lecture series has something for everyone and well worth supporting.
Membership is €25 per year and €2 per lecture for members, €5 for visitors.
Daffodil Day in Fethard - in aid of Cancer Research
Patrician Presentation Secondary School TY students helping out with this year's Daffodil Day outside Fethard Post Office. L to R: Tara Horan and Karen Hayes.
Eileen Gleeson getting her daffodils on 'Daffodil Day' in Fethard
Fethard Country Market members, Christy Williams and Hannie Leahy, taking a break to buy some daffodils outside the Post Office in Fethard.
Patrician Presentation Secondary School TY students helping out with this year's Daffodil Day outside Centra Supermarker. L to R: Adam Hall, John Paul Fitzgerald, Paul Norrby and James Maher.
Patrician Presentation Secondary School students helping out with this year's Daffodil Day. L to R: Dillon Cahill, Ronan Fitzgerald and Dillon Maher.
Fethard GAA Club News
At the present time GAA activity is very slow in getting started, but various county leagues are in progress in which Fethard club are involved. Next week we will be in a position to record our progress.
The championship will commence in a few weeks time with senior football and intermediate hurling. Training has been good so far and with the long evenings now here, that extra effort will be forthcoming from the players as expected.
The treasurer reminds us that all membership fees are now due to be paid before the end of March, which will entitle the member to apply for tickets for the championship games that will run all summer long until the All-Ireland in September.
This being our century and a quarter in existence the Fethard club will hold special celebrations later on in the year including a golf classic and dinner dance, with some exciting events in the pipeline to honour the occasion.
Deepest sympathy to the wife and family of the late Jim Houlihan, Kilsheelan, who passed to his eternal reward last week. Jim will be remembered for his time with us in the very successful St. Augustine period, when we were joined with Kilsheelan. He was a loyal and dedicated GAA man and will be missed by his many friends in the Association. May the green sod rest lightly on his body.
The GAA Sports Lotto Results for draw that took place on March 13 are as follows. The numbers drawn were: 3, 10, 13 and 14. There was no jackpot winner and one 'Match Three' winner, Austin Godfrey, Derryluskin, Fethard. The €50 Lucky Dip winner was Kay Williams.
The GAA Sports Lotto Results for draw that took place on March 20 are as follows. The numbers drawn were: 12, 16, 20 and 21. There was no jackpot winner and one 'Match Three' winner, Jesse McCarthy, Derryluskin, Fethard. The €50 Lucky Dip winner was Sabrina Cahill, c/o Merrys Clonmel.
Thanks to all promoters, supporters and to AIB Fethard who kindly sponsored printing of tickets. Next week's jackpot is €2,600 and the draw will take place in Gaule's Bar on March 27.
Enjoying the good weather
Megan Hackett and Rachel O'Loughman enjoying the recent spell of good weather in Fethard.
Des Martin and Packie McGrath relaxing in the shade
Patrician/Presentation Jottings
Junk Kouture
Best of Luck to Ms Looby and the Transition Year girls in the regional finals of the Junk Kouture Competition in the Strand Hotel in Limerick on Sunday next April, 1. As 10% of the result is based on on-line votes, please give the girls your support by voting online at www.junkkouture.com during the week of March 26 to March 30. A lot of time, effort and hard work have gone into our competition entries and, with your support, we hope to qualify for the All-Ireland Final of the competition in Dublin. View our competition entries in the shop window on Main Street. Thanks to Mr & Mrs Jimmy O'Sullivan for kindly allowing us to use their premises for the display.
First Years visit Thurles Library
On Wednesday last March 21, the First Years accompanied by their English Teacher Ms McKeogh and Ms Margaret O'Neill, Home School Community Liaison Officer, visited the Source Library in Thurles to meet Nicola Pierce, the author of the children's novel 'Spirit of the Titanic', published by O'Brien Press. Nicola was touring the libraries of South Tipperary last week. She spoke with the class for approximately one hour recounting her experiences in writing her first children's novel, based around the story of fifteen-year-old Samuel Scott as he moves restlessly aboard the Titanic as she sails to her doom in 1912. Samuel is an eyewitness to the final days in the lives of rich and poor, crew and passenger alike.
Tallaght-born Nicola Pierce is a writer, who divides her life between Drogheda and Belfast. 'Spirit of the Titanic' is her first novel for children, but she has also ghost-written many novels, including 'Mother from Hell' and the forthcoming book, 'I was a Boy in Belsen'.
The class was very impressed with her account of her experiences as she researched the sinking of the Titanic and all the personal tragedies intertwined therein, as we approach the centenary of its sinking in a few weeks time.
Compromise Rules Spikeball/Volleyball Challenge
Best wishes to Holy Trinity's 5th and 6th Class boys who, this week, play in the National Spikeball finals in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. As preparation for this day, the boys played in two challenge matches against the 1st and 2nd Years from Patrician/Presentation in compromise-rules games where the Secondary School boys had to use three-touch volleyball rules against the primary school's 'catch-throw' Spikeball rules.
In both games the spike ballers were successful winners and showed good form for the finals. Panel: Dominick Adamczak, Dean Dorney, Tony O'Reilly, Jamie Cahill, Leigh Cahill, Nathan Thompson, Keith Cronin, Danny O'Regan, Ross McCormack, William O'Meara and Nathan Costin.
Fethard & District Rugby Club
Fethard Under 7s had three games in the East Munster Blitz at Dungarvan on Sunday. The weather was fantastic and the parents support amazing. Firstly we played Carrick, then Dungarvan and finally Waterford City. In each game the team improved their passing and scoring with Louis Ryan, Tomas Ryan and Michael James Phelan having fantastic games throughout in Padraig Duggan and Luke Ryan showed quick thinking on a number occasions which resulted in tries. Mark Neville, and Andrew Wall showed good ball skills in their three tag rugby games.
Our Under 8s performed great Rugby in their three games. Solid games from Connor Neville, Michael Long and Ben Ruttle helped put plenty of scores on the board. The great pairing of James Ryan and Michael Ryan ensured plenty of great tackles. The defensive play of James McCormack and David McCormack was incredible and resulted in a couple of tries with turn over balls. Well played everyone and see you at training on Friday evening.
This turned into a scintillating quick-fire game that kept both teams on their toes and gave our U-10's a taste of things to come.
Fethard U10s had a lovely morning in Dungarvan on firm but yielding going against their hosts first in a three club Blitz. Dungarvan battled well with good running but their Rucks let them down and Fethard capitalised on easy ball and ran out clear winners in a good spirited match. Carrick-on-Suir stepped up next, keen to make amends for what was too easy a win for Fethard earlier in the season; excellent and strong, technically proficient rucking saw Carrick take the upper hand, some strong runs had them ahead 3-1 at the half. The second half saw a rejuvenated Fethard gain back some respectability as they added four scores without conceding any. A great match that Fethard should be pleased to have won as it wasn't easy. Without an U10 team proper, Waterford City kindly allowed their U11 to play a ten minute game of U-10 rules. The very happy team were: Mathew Burke, Aoife Fitzgerald, David Gunn, Iain Harrington, Jack Hassett, Angus MacDonald, Lucy Murphy, Sam Quigley-O'Dwyer and Eoin Walsh.
Fethard U11s travelled to Dungarvan for a blitz against Waterford City and Carrick-on-Suir. The first match against Waterford City favoured Fethard from the start with tries in the first half from Peter Wall and Sean Ryan. The second half provided a convincing favourable result, with tries from Padraig Harrington and David McCormack for Fethard to run out comfortable winners.
Carrick-on-Suir proved to be a more challenging encounter, with Carrick going in at half time three one up. Fethard re-assembled and made a gallant comeback to achieve a full time score of six five in favour of Fethard. Tries in this match were scored by David McCormack, Padraig Harrington, Eoin Fitzgerald, Ritchie Anglim and Peter Wall, with great support play from Will Ruttle, Paddy Gaynor and Sean Ryan, truly a tremendous team effort to overcome a very strong Carrick team.
Under 12 Pan Munster Blitz. Ennis
Fethard Rugby Football U12 team who were unbeaten in the Pan Munster blitz held in Ennis on Saturday, March 24.
On Saturday, March 24, we had a trip to Ennis for a Pan Munster Blitz. Our first match against Waterpark started well with Patrick Scully running in an early try. Waterpark, however, replied with a try soon after. Darragh Lynch went over to put us ahead at half time. Paul gave an inspiring talk during the break and the lads came out a different side running in three tries without reply. There was a huge improvement in passing, running with the ball and off loading seemed to be the difference.
Our second match was against Middleton and we continued with our determination and hunger. Defensively we put in some great tackles and ran out winners 4-0.
Ennis had a very strong side and seemed to have a considerable size advantage but this did not deter our boys and we won convincingly 3-0. Great credit is due to all the lads in the way they conducted themselves all day. The team was Ronan Kelly (capt), David McCormack, Conor Vaughan, Paddy Gaynor, Jack O’Rourke, Seamus O’Rourke, James Phillips, Danny Gleeson, Darragh Lynch, Ciaran O’Dwyer, Gavin Ryan, Patrick Scully and Peter Wall.
Fethard J2s reach final of O'Carroll plate
Richmond were visitors to Fethard on Sunday evening last in the semifinal of the O'Carroll plate. Richmond would have been hot favourites but this young Fethard team gave one hundred per cent, in what turned out to be an epic battle which went to extra time with Mark Ronan of Fethard scoring the decisive try!
Fethard were off to a flying start leading by ten points with scores from Robert Hall and Shane Kavanagh, one of which was converted by Richie Carroll. Richmond though, were not finished yet and scored a fine try of their own and was converted to leave the half time score 12-7 to Fethard.
Richmond with a long history of rugby in Limerick were now getting the upper hand and took the lead with another fine try which was also converted and the Richmond full back dropped a goal from the half way line leaving the score 17-12 to Richmond, with only minutes remaining this Fethard team never gave up and when young Conor Kavanagh dummied from the back of the scrum and then went blind and ran in from the ten yard line the scene was set for a major finish. Declan Doyle was unlucky with the conversion and so it was extra time.
The young Fethard team, on a day that reached 21 degrees, took control and after numerous infringements by a tiring Richmond, a quick penalty by Conor Kavanagh fed Mark Ronan who crashed over in the corner. A great win for this young club which sees them face Newcastle West in the final in Bruff!
Clonmel Credit Union Soccer League Division 3
Killusty FC 2 - Tipperary Town 2
L to R: Noel Walsh (Killusty) and Timmy Ryan (Tipperary Town)
There were wild celebrations at the foot of Slievenamon on Sunday as a penalty in the dying minutes salvaged the point required for Tipperary Town to be crowned League Division 3 champions for the first time in their short history after a game in which fellow contenders Killusty let promotion slip from their grasp.
Killusty, whose recent dip in form had taken them from potential champions to promotion hopefuls, needed to secure all three points in this final game of their league campaign to guarantee promotion and they were quickly off the mark, scoring after just 5 minutes. They forced a corner-kick that ended in a goalmouth scramble that saw Colm Coen scoring from close range. Killusty, who had six goals put past them in the Shield Final by the same opposition, were well on top for the remainder of the half but failed to get past inspired Tipperary Town 'keeper Wayne Rodgers, who kept his side in it with a number of important stops. Then like a bolt out of the blue Tipperary Town were back on level terms in the final minute of the opening half when Killusty failed to clear a free kick that ended with Paul Lowry finding the room to score from close range.
L to R: Danny O'Brien (Tipperary Town) and Karl Maher (Killusty)
That goal on the stroke of half-time saw Tipperary Town start the second half on top, enjoying the majority of the possession for the opening 15 minutes, but dogged defending by Killusty kept them out. Killusty were then thrown a lifeline after 65 minutes when they were awarded a penalty following a handball. The spot-kick was coolly dispatched to the net by Karl Maher to restore their lead. It looked like Killusty might be capable of holding out but their cause wasn't helped by having a player dismissed.
Referee Johnny Walsh keeping the peace with Killusty players
Tipperary Town began to use their numerical advantage to apply pressure on an overworked Killusty side that were desperately hanging onto that slender lead. With three minutes left on the stopwatch of this nail-biting tussle Killusty conceded a penalty for pushing. Mark Flannery slotted home from the spot to level it and secure the point required to give a delighted Tipperary Town side a historic first championship.
L to R: Stephen Quinn (Tipperary Town) and Eoghan Aylward (Killusty)
Tipperary Town, who were Division 4 runners-up last season, are crowned champions on 32 points with one game left away to promotion chasing Ballypatrick. Killusty, who completed their league campaign on 30 points, must now hope that someone might do them a favour if they aren't to face a play-off for the runners-up spot.
Tipperary Town's Lee Dudley (left) and Fergal O'Reilly keeping out Killusty's Brian Coen
L to R: Paul Lowry (Tipperary Town) and Alan Brannigan (Killusty)
L to R: Pat Hickey (Tipperary Town) and Brian Coen (Killusty)
Fethard Bridge Results
On Wednesday, March 14, we played the second round of the Club Championship and the results were:
1st Gross: Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh;
2nd Gross: Rita Kane and Kay St. John;
3rd Gross: Berney Myles and Alice Quinn;
1st Nett: Michael Kenny and Tony Hanrahan;
2nd Nett: Bridie Lee and Mike Burke;
3rd Nett: Rita Holohan and Mary Delaney.
On March 28 we play for Easter prizes. Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 6132038.
'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.
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