Tipperary Under-15 success
Tommy Sheehan (right) photographed with Fethard players, Adam Fitzgerald, Charlie Manton and Joedy Sheehan who were on the U15 Tipperary Football team that beat Cork and captured the Munster U-15 football title.
Well done to the three Fethard players, Adam Fitzgerald, Charlie Manton and Joedy Sheehan who were on the U15 Tipperary Football team that captured the Munster Football title in great style beating Cork's 'Rebel Óg' on a scoreline, Tipperary 3-12, Cork 1-07, and in doing so added this title to the U14 title they won last year.
Along the way to winning they had to play a quarter-final, winning on a scoreline, Tipperary 1-08, South Kerry 0-10, and a semi-final, Tipperary 2-07, Cork 0-09.
This was a great achievement by the lads who along with all their teammates gave their all through a seriously hard day's football. Tiobraid Árann Abu.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Monday, July 16, of James (Jim) McCormack, Kerry Street, Fethard, and previously of Wales and London.
Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Tuesday, July 17, from 5pm to 6.45pm with Removal to the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard at 7pm.
Funeral Mass on Wednesday, at 11am followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery.
Concern Collection
A Church Gate Collection in aid of Concern will take place in the parish next weekend, Sunday July 22. Your support would be very much appreciated.
Sun shines on 50th Killusty Show
At the Killusty Pony Show Fancy Dress L to R: Isobel O'Donnell, Ruby ffrench-Davis, Lily O'Reilly, Jane O'Donnell and Alice Everard.
On Friday evening, July 6, with the rain bucketing out of the heavens and a not very encouraging weather forecast, the decision had to be made that the Show would go ahead regardless of the conditions. The courage of the landowners and the extraordinary perseverance of the volunteers on the ground saw to it that everything was in readiness for a really special show. The only caveat remaining was that from the Civil Defence who would provide the ambulance was that if they were put on 'flood alert' they would not be able to come.
Saturday, July 7, against all the odds dawned bright and clear. Fethard Macra na Feirme helped with the layout of the field and the committee laid on transport from the centre of the village to the showgrounds (100 yards) as many of the larger boxes chose to stay on the hardstand outside Keane's. A drying wind saw to it that by the end of the day most trailers could get out of the field under their own steam although there were tractor men there to pull out any that couldn't manage that feat. RTE's Nationwide crew came to record the 50th Show for posterity and viewers will see Killusty in all its magnificence for the first and hopefully not the last time this year. The programme will be broadcast on Friday August 17.
At the Killusty Pony Show Fancy Dress L to R: Rosie May O'Grady, Lucy Kennedy and Mimi O'Grady
Not all the activities on Show Day were in the rings however. A History tent told the story in photographs since that first show in 1962 and many were intrigued to see so many familiar faces that had started their equestrian (and other) careers in the ring at Killusty. The characters from the past who had made Killusty the Show to come to were all displayed and the stories flowed about the good times. There was a section too where viewers were asked to put names to faces and a lot of information was garnered to be put away for another year or two. Local primary schools had entered an Art competition and the winning entries were on display.
The Dog Show, judged this year by Roz Purcell well-known as an elegant model but not so well-known as a graduate of the Killusty Show Ring and Paul Donovan, attracted the usual huge entry with tremendous interest being shown in the result. The Fancy Dress Class was ably judged this year by Gaye Mullen but Jonathan O'Grady who very generously sponsored the prizes this year has already been booked to judge next year.
At the 50th Anniversary Killusty Pony Show are Back L to R: Alistair McDonald, Patrick Morrissey. Middle L to R: Derbhile Morrissey, Aonghus McDonald, Paraic Morrissey, Eimear Ryan. Front L to R: Ailish Ryan and Raghnait Morrissey.
To mark the fiftieth year of the Show, judges, stewards sponsors and helpers of all sorts from the fifty years were asked to lunch in a marquee to thank them for making the show a success for all that time. A great time was had by all and weather was the best to be had all 'summer' very much against the odds. Slievenamon never looked better and the Anner at the bottom of the Show field claimed no prisoners. It was a day to remember for years to come.
 At the 50th Anniversary Killusty Pony Show are L to R: Hannah Tobin, Carly Tobin and Ciara Fallon with their dog 'Sally'.
Fethard Ladies Football
The Under-12 team will represent Fethard Ladies Football Club in a Munster Blitz which takes place in Clonmel Og on Saturday, July 21. All the players are asked to be at the venue for 10.30am, and are advised to bring a small packed lunch because the competition will continue until about 2.30pm. Each team will get to play between 3 and 4 games, so best of luck girls.
There will be a blitz for the Under-10 team on Thursday, July 19, starting at 6.45pm. Players are asked to be in Fethard's GAA Field for 6.20pm. Minor training continues every Tuesday and Friday at 7.15pm, with Gaelic4Mothers training on Monday and Wednesday at 7.30pm. Best of luck to our Junior Ladies who begin their championship campaign with a home fixture against Moyne Templetuohy.
Fethard 'Green / Barrack Street' reunion
This wonderful photograph of Dan and Ann Mullins outside their home on the Green c.1949 was supplied by Peggy (Bedford) Delguidice, London. Peggy's mother was Stasia 'Bab' Bedford (nee Ryan) from Rocklow Road. Bab's parents were Grace and Jack Ryan.
The next meeting of The Green & Barrack Street Reunion will take place on Wednesday night, August 1, at 8.30pm in the Tirry Community Centre. 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
Died in England
The death has occurred in England of Tom O'Meara on June 7, 2012, aged 83. Tom was a big fan of Fethard Emigrant's Newsletter and has lived in England for over 60 years although his heart never left Tipperary. He was born in Cashel Hospital and lived for a brief spell in Ballingarry, before moving to Fethard.
Horses where his passion as a young boy and remained so for the rest of his life. In fact it was horses that brought him to England to take up work in one of the local racing yards. He used to return to Fethard often to visit his old friend Dick Nevin, Ballintemple, Fethard Cashel. Interment took place in England.
Outing to Fethard Folk Museum
Third Class pupils from Holy Trinity National School Fethard photographed on their pre-holiday day's visit to Fethard Folk Museum where they really enjoyed learning about Fethard folklore and history.
Station Master c.1890 ?
I wonder if you might help me in locating the whereabouts of my Grandfather Thomas Sampson who resided in Fethard circa 1880. I know my Grandfather was connected with the Great Southern Railways. His son Martin Sampson became Station Master many years later maybe circa 1890. I would be grateful for any assistance.
Yours sincerely, Thomas Sampson (Grandson). email: sampsonthomas92@gmail.com
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The lucky numbers drawn on July 11 were: 15, 19, 21 and 31. There was no Jackpot winner and one 'Match Three' winner who received €150: Nelly Ryan, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard.
The three following 'Lucky Dip' winners also won €50 each: Majella Daly, Strylea, Fethard; Johnny O'Dwyer, Strylea, Fethard; and Dóirín Saurus, Crampscastle, Fethard.
The next Lotto draw will take place on July 18, 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 €3,100 and the Jackpot seller's prize is €310. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.
Children's Festival Art Competition
It has been confirmed that Humpty Dumpty himself will be in Fethard for the Medieval Festival on Sunday, August 19, if he doesn't fall off another wall in the meantime! So he and Mrs Dumpty will be involved in judging the Children's art competition; of a drawing of Humpty himself sitting on, or falling from, Fethard's Town Wall. The picture can also be of a broken-up Humpty being rescued by the 'King's Horse' or any depiction of the famous falling incident that comes to the artist's mind. The only two rules are that the wall in question must look like Fethard's Town Wall and the picture must not be greater than A3 in size.
This competition is being generously sponsored by Tom Hennessy Spar in Fethard, with winners and two 'runners up' in each of the three categories: (A) Under 8, (B) 8 to 12 years and (C) 13 to 18 years, so it is very worthwhile putting in the effort. All the art will also be displayed during the festival.
Entries can be handed into the Community Office in The Tirry Centre in Barack Street, on any weekday from 9am to 5pm (4pm on a Friday) and be sure to write your name, address, age and contact number on the back of your art piece. The contact number for the Community Office is 052 6131000.
Family Shield Workshops
Children and adults who wish to create a high quality 'paint on wood' shield of their own family name can also give their name to the Community Office as places are limited due to space constraints. The children's workshops on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 are free but the full day workshop for adults on Wednesday 15 – with all materials supplied – has a fee of €10. The end product should become a family heirloom.
Book Launch on Saturday, August 18
A colourful book of the family memorials and shields that can to be seen in Fethard is being launched on the Saturday night of the Festival. The book, by heraldic expert Gerard Crotty, will again become a family heirloom as great effort has gone into the design and printed quality of the book. All citizens of the parish and area are welcome to the gala launch of the book and the families mentioned; Roche, Everard, Butler, Hackett, Tobin, St.John, Wall, Meagher, Cooke, Barton, Jolly, Frend etc., are especially encouraged to come along to the event.
This year's festival poster is being printed at present and all information on this year's Festival will be found on www.fethardfestival.com in the near future.
Fethard & Killusty Community Council News
The meeting held on Tuesday, June 19, was attended by: Joe Kenny, Edwina Newport, Eileen Coady, Deirdre Brady, Diana Stokes, Carmel Butler, Pamela Sweeney, Jimmy Smith, Thelma Griffith, Peter Grant and Joe Keane. Apology from Brian Sheehy.
Playground support letters and funding application
Carmel Butler gave an update on the proposed Playground and Park opposite Fethard Youth Centre and advised of an available grant from the Tipperary County Council of one hundred thousand euro under the Community Facilities Scheme. She said that the application was ready to submit and was being made under the umbrella of the Fethard and Killusty Community Council and there were many letters of support accompanying the application from local community groups, schools etc. Carmel also spoke about the site having been earmarked in the Public Realm Plan as a recreation/park area. Carmel also explained that there were four quotations of varying styles and themes enclosed as requested by the Council. The available funding would still leave a balance of thirty thousand euro to be raised by the committee, five thousand of which can be allowed for labour and site groundwork, leaving a balance of twenty five thousand euro. Carmel did not foresee any problems getting support and fundraising for the balance required and said that it would probably be August before we find out if the application is successful or not.
Fethard 'Town Park'
The committee are still awaiting some letters of support for the development of the Fethard Town Park area adjoining the GAA premises. The area needs to be mapped and drawn up and agreed with relevant interested local groups intending using the facility. South Tipperary County Council were in favour of Fethard Community Council taking over the project completely but will need a detailed report as to the usage and management of groups intending to use the facility.
The Green / Barrack Street Reunion
Joe Kenny introduced the Green / Barrack Street Reunion community event and felt it could be an annual event, covering other areas of the town each year. He described the event as including a meal, wine, photographs and slides facilitating a good chat with possibly some light background music. He felt the event would complement the Medieval Festival and may attract extra visitors to Fethard. The committee agreed to fund the publication of a booklet in support of the reunion.
Community allotment / Management plan
Joe Kenny suggested that the community allotment scheme be a separate entity to the Fethard Tidy Towns. This was agreed and Jimmy Smith put himself forward to manage the project and get more people involved. The Rocklow Road site has been ploughed, rotavated and rabbit fenced with a large polytunnel waiting to be erected and composter bins put in. Deirdre Brady outlined that due to a series of events, the project had been delayed, but they were now hoping to get the project moving forward as a community based allotment, sharing information and knowledge.
It was also suggested that a public meeting be held to encourage people to get involved and that visits to other allotments might also be a good idea.
New Community Awards
Following a bequest to Fethard & Killusty Community Council by a local gentleman, it was decided to instigate an annual award at Fethard & District Day Care Centre to commemorate the benefactor. The annual award will be presented to acknowledge voluntary effort at the centre with a perpetual trophy on display and a miniature version to be presented to individual winners.
A similar annual 'community award' is being planned to acknowledge individuals or groups who give voluntary of their time to make Fethard a better place to live in
Business and Tourism Group
Joe Kenny informed the meeting that it has been said unofficially, that South Tipperary County Council meeting, held on June 11, agreed to transfer the Town Hall to Fethard Community Council. No official correspondence has been received on this matter as yet. It is intended, as agreed at the AGM, that the Business and Tourism Group will work towards gaining status as a Limited Company. Peter Grant said that work on the initial application had gone to tender.
Youth Centre Management Plan
The sustainability and management of the Youth Centre was discussed and it was decided to get a small sub-group together to look at the running of the centre and come up with some new ideas and structure. The current TÚS scheme will end in November so an application to renew the scheme will have to be made with details of position to be filled. The current workers on the scheme will not be eligible to reapply, as there is no rollover on this scheme.
Joe Kenny proposed a sub-group consisting of Pamela Sweeney, Carmel Butler and Deirdre Brady to get together and come up with a constructive strategy to make the centre profitable. Carmel Butler spoke of getting detailed costs/expenditure and asked whether the centre might close for some days of the week.
Meeting Reports & Publicity
Joe Kenny suggested publishing a summary of the meetings, a copy of which be posted on Fethard Website and The Nationalist newspaper. This suggestion was very well received by all and Jimmy Smith suggested that it would be better for the Community Council to be as transparent as possible as well as informing the wider community of their activities.
Donations / Sponsorship
The following applications for donations and sponsorship were approved as follows:
Fethard Athletic Club 'Walls of Fethard' Road Race, €100; The IWA Annual Golf Classic team entry, €150; The ICA 'Olivia Hughes' Plaque, €200.
Joe Keane, on behalf of Fethard Tidy Towns, thanked the Augustinian Abbey for their donation of €100 and the Historical Society for €200 towards their continuing work of the Tidy Towns in Fethard. He also acknowledged that it was the 'Brodeen Stitchers' (and not 'Knitters') that he had previously thanked for their support and kind donations.
Meeting ended at 10.10pm
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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