Tipperary Journal wins ‘Book of the Year’ Award
Ms Pat Looby, chairperson Fethard Historical Society, presenting the Tipperariana Book of the Year Award for 2012 to Fr. Christy O’Dwyer, president of the County Tipperary Historical Society, whose 25th anniversary publication of the The Tipperary Historical Journal received the award on Saturday, January 26, in the Abymill Theatre, Fethard. This year's annual Tipperariana Book Fair takes place in Fethard Ballroom on Sunday, February 10, from 2pm to 6pm.
Fethard Historical Society have awarded the 2012 ‘Tipperariana Book of the Year’ award to The Tipperary Historical Journal, this being the 25th anniversary edition.
This is the eleventh annual award, the first going to ‘Moyne-Templetuohy, A life of its Own’, edited by William J Hayes, back in 2002. Winners from other years have included Carrick poet Michael Coady, Cahir historian Dr David Butler, retired Pouldine school principal Liam Ó Donnchú and Loughmore Tidy Villages Committee for their wonderful ‘A Day to Remember’.
The presentation was made to Fr. Christy O’Dwyer of Cashel, president of the County Tipperary Historical Society, by Patricia Looby, chairperson of the Fethard Historical Society, at a ceremony in the Abymill Theatre, Fethard, on Saturday last, January 26. The ‘Award’, crafted by Fethard artist Dóirín Saurus will now be preserved in the society’s headquarters in the County Library at The Source, Thurles.
In his acceptance speech Fr. O’Dwyer recalled the pioneering days of both the County Historical Society and The Journal and especially the enormous contribution of Marcus de Burca who edited the Tipperary Historical Journal for many of the early years and who he credited with setting the high standard which has been maintained over the past 25 years. Present also on the night was the present editor Dan Finnan and former editorial members Dr Proinsias O’Drisceoil, Dr Willie Nolan and Dr Denis G. Marnane.
Keynote Address by Dr Martin Mansergh
 Mary Hanrahan of the Fethard Historical Society then asked Dr Martin Mansergh to speak on his paper ‘The Implications for local studies of newly available sources, the decade of centenaries, the reunification of County Tipperary and The Gathering’. Covering a broad canvas Dr Mansergh especially noted the significance of the quite recently released archive of the Bureau of Military History and the light it throws on the War of Independence. The archive, along with other material, consists of 1,773 witness statements collected between 1947-1957, which recalled the period 1913 to 1921. The critical fact in the collecting, noted by Dr Mansergh, was that none of the material was to be released until all those involved were dead. This material now throws up new information that can be at variance with ‘accepted wisdom’, all of which will keep historians and laymen alike intrigued for decades to come.
Membership of County Tipperary Historical Society
Membership of the County Tipperary Historical Society, costing €20, entitles members to a copy of the Journal every year. This is great value indeed as the 2012 edition consists of 230 pages and contains fifteen major articles on all aspects of Tipperary’s past. Contact can be made by email: society@tipperarylibraries.ie and by phone (0504) 21555 or you can also check out their website www.tipperarylibraries.ie/ths/
Book Fair, Sunday, February 10
Planning is well advanced for the 18th annual Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard’s Ballroom on Sunday, February 10. The format of the fair has not really changed since the first fair in 1996 as the organisers go by the dictum, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, so all the familiar features will be in place; the café, the piano player, the raffle and of course, the ‘wall to wall’ books. Over thirty dealers are again coming from the four corners of the island and they especially try to locate books of Tipperary interest which they know will sell on the day.
The entrance fee still stays at €2, so the fair is accessible to all and with many books available for 50c it means that a good day’s out can be had for €5.
Society’s own Book Stall
Supporters of the book fair or people who simply have too many books, donate books to the Fethard Historical Society to sell on their own stand. This is a great source of revenue for the society which is celebrating 25 years this year. It also means that hundreds, if not thousands, of books are available at very reasonable prices to the reading public. Recycling at its best!
The society is in need of funds as 10,000 copies of a new Medieval Town Trail brochure have been printed, ready for a grand launch around Easter time.
The Fethard Historical Society is 25 years old this year and again the society would like to celebrate the event later on in the year with a ‘Gathering’ of sorts. All this takes considerable funds, so anyone wishing to donate books can phone: Pat 087 6908330, Mary 087 9009722 or Terry 086 3905373 and arrangements will be made to collect the books. See also www.tipperariana.com
Macra launch Vice Presidency Campaign
Members of South Tipp, Waterford & Cork Macras at the Launch of Michael Moclair's Macra Vice Presidancy Campaign in McCarthy's Pub & Restaurant Fethard
South Tipp Macra along with Fethard, Dundrum, Suirvale, Slievenamon and members from Waterford and Cork Macra Clubs attended the launch night of Michael Moclair's Macra Vice Presidency Campaign in McCarthy's Pub and Restaurant, Fethard, on Friday, January 25. This was a huge success. Michael has some wonderful policies and proposals and makes a wonderful candidate with his years of experience and popularity with all in Macra. The night finished up with some finger food and a music session by the 'Pheasant Pluckers'. A wonderful time was had by all. A huge thank you to everyone for your continued support and a big thank you to McCarthy's Pub, Fethard, for all of their help.
Ex Macra Munster Vice President Michael Manley (left) and Michael Moclair at the Launch of Michael Moclair's Macra Vice Presidancy Campaign in McCarthy's Pub & Restaurant Fethard
The national final of Macra's FBD Capers competition is being hosted by Seandun Macra on the February 2, 2013, in Eire Og GAA club, members of South Tipp Macra will be attending and anyone who may be interested in coming along to see what it's all about can contact us (details below).
South Tipp Macra are looking forward to attending the Kilkenny City Annual Black Tie Ball in the Ormonde Hotel Kilkenny on Saturday, February 9.
Volleyball continues in Clerihan Hall every Thursday evening at 9pm for enquiries please contact Liam on 086 3998711. New members are more than welcome to come along on the night.
The South Tipp Macra County Meeting and County Round of Question Time will take place in The Coachman, Clonmel, this Friday, February 1, at 9pm, new members are welcome to attend.
For further enquiries on Macra events, membership or general enquiries contact Laurann on 085-7337432 or Una on 087-4165826
Another Fethard business closes
John Morrissey (XL Grocery Stop & Shop) photographed outside his shop at a recent 'Local Hero' Festive Day in Fethard. L to R: Adam Dorney, Cian O'Brien, John Morrissey (XL Sto & Shop), Conor Harrington and Ross Mullins.
On Sunday last XL Stop & Shop on Main Street closed its doors finally after 12 years business in Fethard. Proprietors Veronica Barry and John Morrissey decided to call it a day, in no small way due to the difficult economic climate that exists for small businesses in Ireland today. The future of small businesses in towns like Fethard is endangered as more people choose to do their shopping in the larger national supermarkets who now appear to sell everything that local individual shops sold in the past. It wasn’t long ago that a draper sold clothes, a pub sold drink, a garage sold petrol, a butcher sold meat, a bakery sold bread, a newsagency sold papers, a fuel merchant sold fuel and so on. Unfortunately this is not so anymore. Will Fethard eventually end up like some small towns in England, no local shops and one national or international supermarket out the road within a five-mile radius?
Speaking to one Fethard business person recently who was looking at the amount of deaths published in the Fethard Annual Newsletter, he said, “Do you know, I’ve lost at least twelve of my regular customers this year and there’s no one to replace them. Unfortunately many young people today don’t have the same loyalty to local shops or businesses.” A thought to ponder if we want Fethard to survive?
John and Veronica, who took over the grocery shop from John and Maureen Whyte when they closed their family business on Sunday, June 3, 2001, would like to thank all their customers for their loyalty over the years and, likewise, we thank them for the great service and friendly chat they provided to their customers since 2001.
Kilkenny Archaeology Town Hall update
Kilkenny Archaeology survey is all finished now at Fethard town hall. We've learnt so much about this fascinating building. We now know it is at least two hundred years older than was previously thought and that much of this earlier structure still survives, including its basement. We also found three new seventeenth century fireplaces, three window embrasures and an ope for what may be a garderobe. All of this information can be used now to reconstruct how space was used in the Everard almshouse by its inmates and dignitaries. And best of all the fruits of our work will be presented in the restored building. A publication for the Tipperary Historical Journal is presently being prepared also. And lastly, if you've never seen Fethard you have to go there and see this extraordinary medieval town!
Moyglass Sport and Leisure Centre AGM
The fourth draw in the ‘Moyglass 200’ will take place in the Village Inn, Moyglass, on Saturday, February 2, at 9.30pm. The fifth and last draw will take place on February 23, in Moyglass Hall, and on the same night the Moyglass Sport and Leisure Centre AGM will also take place. All are welcome to both events.
Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers
Ballyluskey White Heathers meet on Sunday, February 3, at Poulmucka starting at 11am.
Months Mind Mass
The Months Mind Mass for the late Rev. Fr. James Holloway RIP (former Parish Priest of Pallasgreen and Templebraden and late of Madamsland, Fethard) will be celebrated on Sunday, February 3, in Kilteely Parish Church, Co. Limerick at 11am.
Happy Birthday Katie
Katie O'Flynn (left) photographed on the occasion of her birthday celebrated in Lonergan's Bar with friends Amanda Kehoe (centre) and Annmarie Hayden.
Tadhg Duggan and Fiona Dorney photographed at Katie O'Flynn's birthday party in Lonergans.
Concerts at Crocanoir
Still a few tickets left for the Albert Niland concert at Crocanoir on Saturday next, February 2. Support act on the night will be Sabrina Dinan, an exciting new talent on the singer songwriter scene. Visit www.crocanoir.com for more information.
There is also some great music to look forward to over the coming months with Jimmy Crowley, Mick Hanly, Kieran Halpin, Niall Toner, Oonagh Derby and many more favourites coming to Crocanoir. John MacKenna will also be back for a two day workshop on Creative Writing on Saturday, February 23 and Sunday 24.
Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom next Sunday night, February 3, to the music of Checkers. All welcome to come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment and social dancing.
Fethard Bridge Club Results
The results of our game played on Wednesday, January 16 were:
1st Gross: Kay St. John and Rita Kane,
2nd Gross: Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh,
3rd Gross: Nell Broderick and David O'Meara,
1st Nett: Annie O'Brien and Marie Delaney,
2nd Nett: Mike Burke and Bridie Lee,
3rd Nett: Philly Kenny and Nora Lawrence.
On Wednesday, February 6, we play the first round of the Player of the Year competition. Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles 6132038.
Fethard sports achievement award nominees for January
The following nine people were nominated for the January ‘Fethard Sports Achievement Award’, promoted by Butler’s Sports Bar in Fethard. The aim is to recognise and reward sporting achievement be it at participation, coaching or administration level. Nominees must be over 18 and from Fethard parish, work in Fethard, live in Fethard (play for Fethard teams) or from Fethard but participate in sport elsewhere.
- John Leahy – A member of the Qatar squad that reached the A football final in the Asian gaelic games which were held in Kuala Lumper Malaysia. They narrowly lost in the final to Singapore Gaelic Lions.
- Hillary O’Connor – A racehorse breeder who bred Moonbeg Dude the recent winner of the Walsh grand national in Chepstow.
- Willie McGarry – Willie represented Tipperary recently at senior darts level losing the Munster final 7 to 6 to Clare. He was also on a Clonmel team that won the Tipperary challenge cup for the second year in a row.
- Brian Delahunty – Nominated because of his dedication and enthusiasm to coaching gaelic football to under age players.
- Liz Lalor – Has overcome serious injury to ride one of her father’s horses Carrigeen Lucernia to victory at Fairyhouse this January.
- Stephanie Johnson – Put in a very strong performance to finish 5th in the Great Heat 10k roadrace held in Portlaoise. Her time a very creditable 44 mins.
- Mouse Morris – The well-known local national hunt trainer who saddled Rule The World to win a superb Grade 2 race this month at Naas racecourse.
- Michelle Nevin – On January 15 had her first ever winner as a trainer in the USA. Her horse Teak Totem won the $150000 Sunshine millions turf stakes at Gulfstream park Florida.
- Paul Fitzgerald – Well known Fethard and Tipperary net minder who played a significant part in helping Tipp to reach the McGrath cup final beating Cork and Waterford along the way.
The January winner will be announced this coming Friday night, February 1, at a function in Butlers Sports Bar. All are welcome. Nominees for February 2013 are now being taken and can be handed in to Philip Butler at Fethard Sports Bar, Main Street, Fethard, before 6pm on Friday, February 22, or emailed to: sportsaward@fethard.com
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on January 23, were: 5, 10, 19 and 25. We had no jackpot winner and two ‘Match Three’ winners who received €75 each: Thomas Ryan, c/o Nellie Ryan; and Mary Murphy, Rathmoley, Killenaule.
The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners won €50 each: Martin Burke, Main Street, Fethard; Brud Roche, Woodvale Walk, Fethard; and Davy Maher, Barrack Street, Fethard.
Remember you can purchase your lotto ticket online at fethard.com. Buy seven weekly tickets and get one free! Check on the website for lots of special offers.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, January 30 and the Jackpot is €7,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €700. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.
Visitors from Australia
Visitors to Fethard from Australia L to R: Chris Burke, Ray Bright and Stan Bright.
Patrician Presentation Jottings
Young Scientists Exhibition
A group of 2nd Years, Transition Years and First Years attended the Young Scientists Exhibition in the RDS on Friday, January 11. Second Years Molly O’Meara, Sadhbh Horan and Ciara Hayes had entered a project in the competition under the tutelage of Mr McCarthy and Ms O’Neill and there was good interest in the school in the exhibition. The pupils were accompanied by Ms Fogarty, Deputy Principal, and Science Teacher Mr McCarthy. Former past-pupil of Patrician/Presentation Secondary School, Dr Pat Guiry of UCD was one of the judges of the competition this year.
Doodle 4 Google
A number of students in the school have entered the Doodle 4 Google competition this year and we hope that their work may be selected to adorn the Google Search Engine page in the near future. The winning student will have their doodle appear on the Google Ireland homepage for 24 hours. They will also receive a €5,000 college scholarship, a €10,000 technology grant for their school as well as a laptop for themselves and one for their teacher!
This year's theme is 'My invention' Google would love to see doodles inspired by inventions; whether it’s a unique or novel device, a new method of doing something or changing an existing process. For example a time travel machine, a new sport or toy, a medical creation or simply a new way to do something old.
Junk Kouture
Its that time of the year again! Junk Kouture in association with the European Recycling Platform is a national competition for second level students in Ireland and Northern Ireland which challenges teenagers to create high-end wearable fashion from everyday junk that would normally find its way into the bin. The competition aims to inspire and ignite an interest in fashion in these teenagers, while at the same time subtly educating them about the importance of recycling and reusing waste for the good of the planet. Two groups of Transition Years are working hard on their projects to meet the entry deadline of January 31st: Group 1 Kate O’Donnell and Hannah Tobin and Group 2 Kate Quigley, Niamh Crotty and Niamh Morrissey. They are inspired by the success of the school’s entrants in last year’s competition and like them, hope to qualify for the All Ireland section of the competition. Their art teacher and mentor is Ms Patricia Looby. They are wished every success in the competition.
Fethard & District Rugby Club
Despite all attempts by the weather to thwart our games of Rugby on Sunday the pitches at Fethard Community Field held up well. Fethard welcomed neighbours Cashel and Thurles for a Mini’s Blitz and the rugby played by all youngsters during the morning was great and very enjoyable.
The U7 squad had two games and are improving with every match. This compact team put plenty of scores on the board courtesy of Emily Fox, Oisín Ryan, Sean Fitzgerald, Osgar Croke Staunton, Andrew Connorton and Liam Kiely. It was great to see the passing coming together and the fun these youngsters are having. Keep up the continued great work boys and girls.
Our U8s played a well-tuned Cashel team first. Robbie Noonan and William Cleere not only tackled fantastically throughout but they also put scores on the board. David McCormack along with Jack Quinlan were very successful throughout in robbing the ball and showed great runs to score on several occasions. Further strong and consistent tacklers were Tomas Ryan and Andrew Wall. Both players worked well together with assistance from Louis Ryan proving a force to be reckoned with. The talent did not stop there with Luke Ryan and Niall O'Mara tackling and recycling the ball time and time again. Thanks to Cashel for a great game.
Our U8s then played a strong Thurles team who put scores quickly on the board, but not to be outdone Fethard came back tougher with some scores to play great Rugby. It was a closely contested game that provided for great viewing. Well done to Niall, David, Andrew, Jack, Louis, Tomas, Luke, Robbie and William.
Huge thanks to all the parents who kindly donated the tasty food and snacks to feed everyone. Furthermore special thanks to the ladies in the kitchen for making sure that we were all fed and watered and tidied up after wards.
Girls rugby training continues on a Friday evening from 8pm to 9pm. Next Friday, February 1, the girls host Cashel to a tag rugby game with an 8.30pm kick off. See you girls on Friday evening. New members always welcome.
There are three Munster tournaments for the girls coming up in the next six weeks along with friendly games against Mallow.
Fethard Minis
On a bitterly cold day Fethard U9s served up a master class in rugby and commitment. Fethard ran out easy winners against a spirited Cashel side and unfortunately Thurles did not have a designated U9 team. Well done to all involved and keep it up.
Fethard U10s played their first game against a very well drilled Cashel and came away with a terrific win. Fethard never lacked any commitment but at stages showed a little bit of rustiness as this was our first rugby session in two weeks due to bad weather. In the second game against Thurles they shook off the cobwebs and played some inspiring rugby. This was a well rounded performance which had everything from tackling, rucking and line breaking. Well done to all those involved. There were a few faces missing and hope to see at training on Friday at 6.45pm. Anyone not receiving texts about training/games could you please contact your coach with your details.
Fethard U11
Lord but it rained, then it rained some more and the wind blew and the gale howled and then the sun came out and a sparkling morning of rugby was had by all at the Fethard Community Field on Sunday last. Thurles and Cashel clubs made their way towards Fethard and the small patch of blue sky. Up first, Cashel were put to the sword before they had a chance to warm up Eabha Fitzgerald, Angus MacDonald and Eoin Walsh all had scores on the board before Cashel replied with what turned out to be their only score of the game. Everyone felt the piercing cold and hands were stiff and the ball hard but Fethard U11’s handling improved as the game went on. Ethan Coen made thunderous runs through the opposition and added to Fethard's tally, Richard Robinson, always dangerous, kept his scoring record intact and Sam Quigley and Mathew Burke drove and broke through the line on numerous occasions. Jack Hassett again showing the benefits of hard work and this time made his own try as Fethard pushed forwards.
The second half saw more of the same and Ryan Walsh's arrival was quickly celebrated with two outstanding scores involving excellent movement and passing of the ball which had even the hardest coach applauding. Thurles stepped up to the mark and immediately this game took on a different aspect; closer play, mauls and drives from both sides with the ball moving first this way then the other. Eoin Walsh proving, in this game, time and again his quickness of eye and brain to seize opportunities before others react culminating in another score. Tries also for Angus and Ethan and a fierce driving run from Mathew Burke put him over the line and 4-0 at half-time to Fethard.
Ian Harrington started the second half with his usual impeccable kicking, Ian stepping into the scrum half position today moved the ball well through both games and was noticeable in defence. Thurles scored first this half but Fethard came back and a final score from the ever-predatory Angus MacDonald saw Fethard home safely. A fantastic mornings rugby from all three clubs and great fun, the post match tea and sandwiches and chatter wound down as people drifted away home to get warm . . . and then it rained again.
Fethard U13s played Kilfeacle in the cup. In the 1st half we didn’t perform to our ability and Kilfeacle ran in two easy tries and converted one, 12-0 at half time. After a strong half time talk we came out a different side and Patrick Scully scored in the 1st minute and Peter Wall converted. Patrick Scully scored another try and Darragh Lynch hit the crossbar with the conversion. However, Kilfeacle played on and scored two more tries to win 24-12. Great credit to all our players who played their hearts out. Down but not out, our next game is against Thurles, we need more work at our next training session.
Items for Fethard News and Website
Items for inclusion on the weekly Fethard News page on The Nationalist can be emailed before noon on Mondays to news@fethard.com or delivered by hand to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard.
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