Interesting Abbey treasures at the National Museum
Photographed with 'Our Lady of Fethard' at Dublin Museum are L to R: Gus Fitzgerald, Liam Cloonan and Fr. Martin Crean OSA.
A delegation of three, Fr. Martin Crean OSA, Prior of the Augustinian Abbey, Fethard, Gus Fitzgerald and Liam Cloonan, travelled to Dublin on Thursday, July 5, and visited two museums holding important liturgical items from the Augustinian Abbey. Their main objective was to view the statue of Our Lady of Fethard. The statue is of oak and measures 67 centimetres in height. It is carved in the round and consists of a standing figure of Blessed Virgin Mother supporting the child Jesus on her left hand.
 From the fine skirt of the Mother and the tunic worn by the Child, it is estimated to be of Flemish origin and dated 17th Century. The statue was venerated in the Abbey. Then, as Cromwell and his soldiers were coming to town, the statue was hidden in the secret tunnel going from the Abbey to the Holy Trinity Church of Ireland, dated 1208. It was only found in the tunnel around 1900 and for seventy years it was again venerated in the Abbey Church.
In the early 1970s the then Prior, Fr. Anthony Leddin OSA, sent the statue to the National Museum in Dublin to assess the origin and age. There it continues to rest – out of sight of the public – not on display.
 In a letter from Raghnall Ó Floinn, Head of Collections, National Museum, he referred to another item that may be of interest to me and that they recently acquired, a chalice (photographed above) from the Augustinian Abbey, Fethard, commissioned by Edward Sauce in 1623, and which also bears the name of Fr. David O'Meagher and the date 1671. This is on display in the reserve collection of silver in the 'What's in Store Gallery' in Collins Barracks. It has a very distinctive identity mark on the base, a small cross with the unusual Christ crucified.
Another item of interest we came across in the Franciscan Faith Room in Collins Barracks was a small monstrance (used for exposition of Blessed Sacrament). This was converted from a chalice in 17th Century. Its roots were also from The Abbey, Fethard. — Fr. Martin Crean OSA
Famine 1848 Walk
This annual Walk takes place in Ballingarry on Saturday, July 28 at 3pm. The starting point is the National Flag Monument in the village of The Commons and the Walk concludes at the Famine Warhouse, the State national heritage site.
The Walk covers a distance of one-and-a-half miles. The Walk commemorates all those who died during the Great Famine and the 1848 Rising which took place in Ballingarry in the middle of the Famine. This year the Walk will be led by Fr Derry Quirke, Parish Priest of Ballingarry. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome.
Fethard 'Green / Barrack Street' reunion
Members of the McCarthy family photographed outside their home on The Green in the 1970s. L to R: Theresa, Margaret, Tommy (father), Don, Nonie (mother), Angela and Marian.
The Green & Barrack Street Reunion will take place on Saturday night of the Medieval Festival weekend, August 18, in the Convent Hall. We are appealing for memories, photographs, information and funny stories that could be used in a booklet published in conjunction with the reunion. Please send same to the following email address: thegreen@fethard.com or hand in to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard.
The reunion is part-funded by Fethard & Killusty Community Council and tickets (limited) will be available shortly from any of the organisers at €10 each which includes reception, refreshments and a copy of booklet. If you are interested in getting involved please give your name to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, or by email to: joe@fethard.com
IWA delighted with support
John Ryan photographed with family members and relatives at the Tipperary Branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association's 'Music Extravaganza' and barbecue in Lonergan's Beer Garden on Sunday afternoon, July 8.
The Tipperary Branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association were delighted with the support received for the outdoor 'Music Extravaganza' and barbecue in Lonergan's Beer Garden on Sunday afternoon, July 8. The weather held out, the music was great and the craic was mighty.
Members of the Dorney family photographed at the Tipperary Branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association's 'Music Extravaganza' and barbecue in Lonergan's Beer Garden on Sunday afternoon, July 8
Members of the Wheelchair Association travelled from far and wide to the event, with one wheelchair user, John, attending from Alberta, Canada, who put on a fantastic display of dancing on the grass, out of his chair. An inspiring display of how one can have fun despite having a disability.
The local branch of IWA would like to thank proprietors, John and Roseanne Carroll, for the concept and the use of their beautiful garden premises by Fethard Town Wall – the first event ever held there and hopefully not the last! A special thanks to the terrific bands and musicians who all gave their services free of charge: 'Wig Wam Glam Band', 'No Recession', 'Hooley' 'The Wise Guys', 'Midnight', 'La Chico', 'Leap of Faith', 'Sylvia from Hot Ice' along with DJ and MC for the evening, 'Roger Brown'. The above bands paid special tribute to Jack Kenny, a wheelchair user, and a huge music fan who attends all the music sessions at Lonergan's Bar every week, where the bands regularly appear.
Thanks also to Peter Stocksborough and staff for manning the barbecue, John Ryan, for electrical installation, the Niall Higgins and his scaffolding crew for erecting the stage, Michael Walsh and 'Leap of Faith' for manning and providing the fantastic sound system used for the event, John Keane from Cloneen for supplying the Bouncing Castle that entertained the children all afternoon.
A total in excess of €2,020 was raised on the day for which the Tipperary Brach of the IWA are sincerely most grateful and to all their friends and supporters who bought tickets and came along to enjoy the day's happenings. A day that will not be forgotten for a long long time!
Fethard Ladies Football
Fethard Ladies Football Club held a very successful fundraising table quiz on Friday night, July 6. We had a fabulous turnout o the night, and our sincere thanks to everyone who gave their support. We are very grateful to those who provided spot-prizes: Butler's Sportsbar, Bob Fitzgerald Hardware, Clonmel Glass & Mirrors, and Jolly's Café; and thanks also to those who provided sandwiches. All proceeds from the night will go towards the purchase a set of jerseys for the Girls Under 10 and Under 12 teams.
Training and match schedules have been severely disrupted in the last few weeks due to the weather. When conditions allow, the minors will train on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm, the juniors on Wednesday evenings at 7.15pm and the Gaelic4Mothers twice weekly on Monday and Wednesday at 7.30pm. The juvenile teams continue each Saturday morning at 11am. In all cases, players and parents should look out for texts from the managers of each team to get up-to-date details.
The club will be running another 'Cash for Clobber' fundraiser in the coming months. So, please keep us in mind if you are planning to clear out any unwanted clothes or shoes regardless of condition; anything we collect can be used to raise some funds for the club.
Finally, we just want correct an oversight in last week's notes: we should have acknowledged Willie Morrissey's role with the Girls Under 10 team. Willie brings a wealth of football experience to the club, and we are delighted to have so many people like Willie giving so freely of their time. Many thanks.
Died Recently
The death has occurred of Billy Meagher, Lismoynan,
Fethard, on 11th July, 2012. Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home from 5pm to 7pm on Friday 13th July, followed by removal to Church of Our Lady of the Nativity, Cloneen, to arrive at 7.30pm
Requiem Mass at 11am on Saturday, 14th July, followed by interment in adjoining cemetery.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The lucky numbers drawn on July 4 were: 2, 17, 20 and 29. There was no Jackpot winner and one 'Match Three' winner who received €150: Margaret Bradshaw, Congress Terrace, Fethard.
The three following 'Lucky Dip' winners also won €50 each: Mary Newport, Congress Tce, Fethard; Chrissy Nash, c/o Kitty O'Donnell; and Eleanor Roche, Cedar Grove, Fethard.
The next Lotto draw will take place on July 11, and you can also purchase your lotto ticket in local shops or online at www.fethard.com. Buy seven weekly tickets online and get one free! Check on the Fethard website for lots of special offers. Next week's Jackpot commences at €2,950 and the Jackpot seller's prize is €295. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.
Asthma Day
An Asthma nurse will be in attendance in O'Sullivan Pharmacy on Thursday, July 13. If you are asthmatic or have a child who is, this service would be of great benefit to you. Our nurse will be happy to talk to you regarding your asthma and helping with inhaler technique. This is a free service so please call for an appointment 052 6132111 bringing all your asthma supplies (inhalers etc) with you on the day.
Fethard Community Allotments
We would love to hear from anyone interested in having or sharing their own allotment. This is a new Community project and we would like people to come aboard and have some fun growing their own fruit and veg. If you are interested please contact Jimmy Smith on (086) 6006283 or (052) 6132277.
Fundraising day for Kenya
The results of the draw from the fundraising day for Kenya at Gambia Country Store Fethard on Saturday last June 30
We would like to thank Glanbia Fethard, the ICA and everybody that contributed and helped on the day. The two winning tickets were picked from the basket by Conny O'Keefe at the Horse and Jockey Hotel last Tuesday night. First prize went to Bernie Morrissey, Main Street, Fethard, and the second winning ticket went to the Principal of Moyglass National School, Mr Michael Hayes.
The final count of money taken in on the day came to €1,754. Again we would like to thank every from Tipperary for their kind support and watch out for up coming events.
Tipps Tops Again
Seventeen of Ireland's leading Foxhound Packs had entries in the Irish Masters of Foxhounds Association Championship Show at Stradbally, Co. Laois on Sunday July 1. Tipperary Foxhounds were once again one of the packs leading the rosette winners at Stradbally. They won four first prizes, two seconds and three thirds. They also had the unique distinction of taking the Bitch Championship with 'Package' and the Dog Championship with 'Ambridge'.
Tipp Winners were: Best couple unentered dog hounds, third with 'Porter' and 'Borwick' walked by Edmund Ryan and Tim Hyde.
Best unentered doghound, third 'Panther' walked by Joe Morgan.
Best couple entered doghounds, 'Cricketer' and 'Ambridge' walked by Frank Quirke and Ned Tierney.
Championship, 'Ambridge'.
Best unentered bitch, first 'Package' walked by Ned Tierney.
Best couple entered bitches, second 'Crafty' and 'Crusty' walked by Frank Quirke and William Morgan.
Best two couple entered bitches, 'Crafty', 'Crusty', 'Lawless' and 'Larkspur', walked by Frank Quirke, William Morgan, Thomas Donegan and Lauren Donegan.
Best brood bitch, first and third with 'Sable' and 'Anxious'.
Bitch championship, 'Package'.
Puppy Show at the Kennels
Most inclement weather did not deter the largest attendance for some time from attending Tipperary Foxhounds annual Puppy Show at the Kennels on Friday night last. Seven couple of dogs and fourteen couple of bitches, well up to the high standards of Tipperary young entry were on view. The winners were as follows:
Dogs: 1st, 'Panther' walked by Mr Joe Morgan; 2nd, 'Rifton' walked by Mr Frank Quirke; 3rd, 'Borwick' walked by Mr Tim Hyde.
Bitches: 1st, 'Package' walked by Mr Ned Tierney; 2nd 'Panda' walked by William Morgan; 3rd, 'Anguish' walked by Padraig Kennedy.
Champion of Show was awarded to 'Package'.
Good credit is due to the Judges, Mr Nick McDermott, MFH (former Kildare Master), Mr Richard Markham, Huntsman, West Waterford and to Tipperarys' Huntsman Derry Donegan and Whipper-in, Charlie Daly for carrying out their nights duties in atrocious weather. True to the tradition that, "good sportsmen do not mind the weather", they carried on though thoroughly soaked through and through in their official Puppy Show attire. The wonderful display of Silverware won by the Tipperary Foxhounds at Stradbally was very much admired by those attending the Puppy Show.
Huntsman Derry Donegan and Whipper-in Charlie Daly were in receipt of many warm congratulations. To win an All Ireland Championship is a great achievement. To win a double is certainly unique. Ned Tierney who walked both the winning dog and bitch was also warmly congratulated.
Mr Tim Hyde thanked the judges and landowners and puppy owners without whose co-operation hunting could not continue. He also paid a special tribute to the ladies committee for the excellent tea. Prior to the start of proceedings a minute's silence was held in respect to Paul O'Brien and Gussie Moloney.
Humpty Dumpty Art Competition for Festival
Everyone knows that Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall somewhere many years ago! Well now is the chance for the children of Fethard and area to put Humpty Dumpty sitting on the Fethard Town Wall as part of a children's art competition that will be judged during the upcoming Fethard Medieval Festival of the weekend of August 18 and 19, this year.
The art piece can be in any medium (i.e. etching, watercolour etc.), maximum size of A3 and the only stipulation is that Humpty is sitting on or falling off the Town Wall of Fethard. There will be three categories: (A) Under 8 years, (B) 8 to 12 years and (C) 13 to 18 years. Attractive prizes will be presented to the winners.
So, all budding artists should set to work immediately, as there is a fair chance that Mrs Humpty Dumpty herself will present the prizes during the Festival on Sunday 19. In fact, Humpty himself may be 'put back together again' for the day. More on this later!
Workshops of Family Coats of Arms
Workshops for Adults and Children will be held during Festival Week where people can create their own permanent 'paint on wood' Coat of Arms for their own family name.
The children's workshops (on Thursday 16 and Friday 17) are free and sponsored by the Festival, but the daylong workshop for adults on Wednesday, August 15, will cost €10 per person. All prepared materials will be provided at the workshop and each person will possess a high quality Family Crest – of their own making – by the end of the day.
The small children (5-8 year olds) will attend on Thursday morning and the older children (9 to 18 year olds) will attend on Thursday afternoon and all day Friday.
Spaces on these workshops are limited, so anyone (child or adult) interested in making their own family crest should give their name, address, contact number and the 'family name' of the crest that they wish to complete to, The Community Office, Fr. Tirry Centre, Barrack Street, Fethard. Telephone: 052 6131000, email: tirrycentre@fethard.com Spaces will be allocated on a 'first come' basis.
Further information on the Festival will issue in the coming weeks and all information will appear on the www.fethardfestival.com website in due course.
Walk on Fire in Fethard, 7pm Saturday 21st July
Fethard will host a firewalk charity event in the grounds of Fethard Youth Center at 7pm on Saturday 21st July. This is not something that happens often in Ireland let alone a town like Fethard! This will involve Volunteers walking over hot coals in aid of the Happy Africa Foundation. On the day, there will be music/DJ, fire performers (breathers/jugglers) food and face painting for kids. An event not to be missed!
The Happy Africa foundation works with communities all over Africa to improve local facilities. The money raised will go towards community projects ran by volunteer Cassandra Beattie who moved over there last year and has done much needed work with locals in Thanda, South Africa.
The group is currently taking more volunteers. If you are interested in taking part in the firewalk and being part of this rare event please contact Kyle on 086 7394493 or e-mail tippfirewalk@gmail.com. The facebook page has lots of information on firewalking, and the projects being run by the Happy Africa Foundation. Find it by searching "Tipperary Firewalk"
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