Interesting trend at Book Fair as more expensive books are first to sell

A strong Carrick-on-Suir contingent photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard L to R: Martina and Michael Coady who had a large collection of books on Dolls and Doll Making on display; and promoting this year's Ireland-Newfoundland Connections were Margaret Doyle, Frances Norris and Tom Nealon. This year's 'Festival' trip from Ireland to Newfoundland will take place from September 19 to 29 and further details on travelling can be had by calling 087 2310396

The 18th annual Tipperariana Book Fair took place in the Fethard ballroom last Sunday, February 10, and some very interesting trends emerged on the day. Even though the numbers of patrons were down somewhat on previous years, yet the increased demand for the rare and expensive books was noted by the dealers present. Fethard native James O’Connor, formerly the owner of the Knocknagow Bookshop in Clonmel, had a stall at the fair for the first time and was amazed that it was his expensive books - with prices in the hundreds of euro – that were the first to sell.


Photographed at this year's Tipperariana Book Fair were L to R: Tim Goodbody, Mary McCormack and Jimmy O'Connor

In all, forty-three dealers and authors were present at the fair and they were mostly very happy with the day as the ‘real’ book buyers and collectors skipped the big rugby match and came to Fethard and with money to spend. As mentioned last week, this may mean that some people are buying books as an investment, but in truth most collectors are suffering from a ‘disease’ (ask their spouses!) and they just want certain books to expand their collection covering a particular topic.

Helping at this year's Tipperariana Book Fair were L to R: Marie Murphy, Kate O'Donnell, Gemma Burke and Sadhbh Horan.

Popular subjects
The number one topic of interest to Irish collectors is ‘Ireland’ and anything Irish. Of special interest are books or pamphlets on the War of Independence and Civil Way period and this market is getting even hotter as we are now in the ‘decade of centenaries’ 1913-1923 and people want a memento of that period, especially if a family member was involved.

Another big topic is sport, especially the GAA and particularly the older and rarer stuff of course. So, one should look out for old match programmes, especially if they are in good condition. But as often as not old programmes are usually fairly battered, having spent a long day (and night – if you won) in the arse pocket of the trousers and may even have acted as a teapot stand for a week or two after a match as well!


Photographed at this year's Tipperariana Book Fair were L to R: Josh Nevin, Kayleigh Nevin and Niall Nevin

Other major subjects of interest are the two World Wars and the American Civil War and all those wars had a big Irish involvement which may explain some of this fascination. But all and every topic has its followers. For instance Martina Coady of Carrick-on-Suir was at the fair with a large collection of books for sale on dolls and doll making, a subject that she had a major interest in for many years. Another dealer from Drogheda was present with a collection of old Irish maps that he is now reproducing on canvas and he hopes to start a business from this.


Photographed at this year's Tipperariana Book Fair were L to R: Bridie O'Callaghan and Pat Looby

Largest donations of books
The Fethard Historical Society – organisers of the fair – had their biggest stall ever, thanks to the donations of well-wishers (and ‘declutterists’) who donated hundreds and hundreds of books, many in very good condition indeed. This year there was a large collection of children’s books in pristine order which were eagerly bought by the younger folk present. The Historical Society would wish to thank publicly the people who donated all the books as in some cases the people came from outside the Fethard area and were not known to the organisers.


David O'Brien, Redcity, looking at some of the children's books available at the Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard

The ballroom, café, raffle and piano player
It is a known fact that some people come for the great café - especially the homemade buns and cakes that form part of the book fair. A raffle is always popular and well supported and the winner of the first prize hamper was Maureen Whyte, Main Street, Fethard. The Ballroom itself is an excellent location for such an event with easy access for the many tons of books that are carted in and out on the day. A very unique and popular feature of the fair is the live piano music that wafts over the event. The organisers would again wish to thank all those who make the day such a success including Shortall Pianos and especially the ballroom committee who maintain the venue in such good repair.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Thursday, February 14, 2013, of Tony Tobin, Knockelly, Fethard.

Reposing at his residence in Knockelly on Saturday from 3.30pm with removal to the Holy Trinity Parish Church at 6.30pm. Funeral Mass on Sunday, at 11am followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery.

Our sincere sympathy to his parents, Eileen and Pat, sister Patrice, brother Keith, partner Alice, family and friends.

Fethard Ladies Football
Fethard Ladies Football recently held our AGM in the Tirry Centre to ratify our club officers, committee and selectors for the coming year. We had a number of outgoing officers to whom we would like to thank for their time and commitment in the past year.

Those elected are as follows: President, Fr Breen; Chairman, Mick Tillyer; Vice Chairman, Stephen Fitzgerald; Secretary, Pamela O’Donnell; Assistant Secretary, Sandra Spillane; Treasurer, Micheál Spillane; Assistant Treasurer, Willie Morrissey; and PRO, Mark Prout. Committee members: Patsy Lawrence, Martin Coen, Cathriona Davey, Kay Ryan, Michael Hayes, Annette Connolly, Annette Hickey, Amy Pollard, Mary Ryan and Michael Ryan. Best of luck to all involved for the coming year.

With the U16 championship beginning soon, training has started already.

Our under 12 girls will start training Saturday next, February 16, between 11-12 at the primary school field. Training for all other grades will be updated in the coming weeks. New players are welcome for all grades.

Community Games

Swimming winners L to R: Abaigeal Maher, silver medal under 14 breaststroke; Isobel Maher, bronze medal under 10 backstroke (a great performance from an 8 year old); and Zoe Stokes, bonze medal under 14 breaststroke.

The County Finals of the Community Games Cross Country due to take place last Sunday have been rescheduled for this coming Sunday, February 17, in Thurles Crokes AC, commencing at 2pm. Entries will be taken on the day. Only competitors from affiliated areas may take part.

Well done to Isobel and Abigail Maher from Tinakelly and Zoe Stokes from Ballybough who won silver and bronze medals at the Community Games County Swimming finals on Sunday last.

County Final of the Juvenile Quiz under 14 will be held in Thurles on Friday, March 1. Competitors must be under 14 on July 31, this year. Entries on the night: €6 per team (panel of six – 4 team members and 2 subs). Areas may send as many teams as they wish to this event. Put your thinking caps on guys and get your team together which may consist of all boys, all girls or mixed. Enquiries to 086-8110768.

County final of Art and Model Making will take place in Clonmel on Saturday, March 2. Local competition will be judged this weekend.
County final of boys Swimming will also be held in Clonmel on Sunday, March 3. Closing date for entries is February 24. See sports page for results of girls’ swimming which gives details of all age groups and events.

Fethard Volleyball Goes From Strength to Strength
Following the success of the Senior Boys team who won the All-Ireland Shield last year, our U-16 school team has now reached yet another All-Ireland ‘A’ final. Though the first time for the school to reach a division A final in under 16 boys, the achievement follows a long succession of titles and finals for Fethard. Five years ago our Junior Boys took the A title in Loughrea; three years ago our senior girls won by two straight sets over Lismore at UCD; last year our boys repeated the feat (though taking three sets to finish Dungarvan) and now this cadet squad eagerly await the result of the other semifinals to see who they will face at UCD on Thursday March 9.

This group of boys showed their form early having trained hard with the seniors since September, with straight set wins over Mountrath CS, Portlaoise College and Patrician Newbridge in Laois in November. On the day all members of the panel played, each bringing their own unique talents to the games and with little between them in terms of skill and dedication.

Round two placed Fethard against Colaiste Cathail Naofa and Eurocampus, Clonskeagh. The day before the games, Eurocampus were granted permission to move to division B and so only CCN stood in the way of a quarter-final place for Fethard. This again proved no challenge to Fethard who outclassed the opposition winning in two sets 25-18, 25-15.

As the school broke for Christmas, so the news broke that Fethard had drawn Drumshambo A in the quarter-final, which appeared to be the easier side of the draw. Fethard were marked as clear favourites given their early successes, though this label is often as much a curse as a blessing. In fact, no such ease was felt when, on Tuesday last week, Fethard scraped a first set and lost a second set to a very strong Leitrim side in Galway. True to their general form, Drumshambo were stubborn in defence and gave no point easily. Rallies ran between the sides who were rarely more than 4-5 points apart but Fethard dug deep and surged in the third set to a 25-16 victory. St. Louis, Kiltimagh, took Colaiste Mhuire of Cabra in two rapid sets in the other quarter final in a match lasting only 23 minutes and so set up a semifinal place against Fethard. Again there was nothing between the teams as spectators were rewarded with one of the closest and hard-fought matches seen in years. Fethard started slowly, losing the first set 21-25. The second set saw teams trade places over and over and even go to tiebreak at 25-25 but Fethard eventually took the set 27-25. Finally finding their form and aggression, however, the third set saw a fired-up Fethard team really come into their own with some outstanding spiking and blocking from Eoghan Hurley and Thomas Channon. Balls on both sides which seemed well beyond reach were reached and returned. In the end Fethard came out winners 25-17.
This is a resilient and strong team who have the potential to go far and have already been scouted by Irish national squad coaches. Here’s hoping the close games and strength they found in facing such tough oppositions will stand to them in March!

Panel: Eoghan Hurley (c), Kieran Whyte, Cormac Horan, Niall Doocey, Thomas Channon, Adam Fitzgerald, Mikey Earl, Tiernan O'Neill, Keith Cronin, Anthony Clair, Nathan Costin, Christy Dunn, Patrick McCarthy, Dominic O’Dwyer, Danny O’Regan (injured).

Killusty draw 4-4 with Clonmel Town B

Killusty team who drew 4-4 with Clonmel Town B in their League Division 2 game played in Killusty. Back L to R: Colm Coen, Huseyin Barlaz, Patrick Looby, Ronan Maher, Carl Maher, Shay Coen. Front L to R: Shane Aylward, Ross Aylward, mascot Jake Coen, Alan Brannigan, Colm Nolan, Dean Tobin and Martin Coen.

Two late goals saw Killusty salvage a precious point in this League Division 2 relegation clash with Clonmel Town B in an eight-goal fest at the foot of Slievenamon on Sunday, February 10.

Clonmel Town B facing relegation for a second successive season were looking like securing their first victory of the season when goals from Thomas Whalley on 32 minutes and Paudie Whelan after 40 minutes gave them a 2-0 interval lead.

Killusty who were promoted last season, but looking in danger of a quick return back down a division pulled a goal back when Karl Maher slotted home a spot-kick on 50 minutes. Clonmel Town reserves responded with an Alan Lonergan goal after 66 minutes to regain that two-goal advantage at 3-1. Killusty pulled another goal back on 72 minutes, but again Clonmel Town B restored that two-goal advantage on 77 minutes through a Eoin Lonergan penalty. When it was looking like Clonmel Town B, playing their last game, might secure that elusive first win Killusty produced a last ditch rally to snatch an unlikely draw from the jaws of defeat. This was thanks to goals from Martin Coen after 85 minutes and Shane Aylward right on stroke of full-time.

This draw sees Killusty, who remain second from bottom move onto 11 points with 4 games left. Clonmel Town B without a win ends their league campaign on 7 points. — (The Nationalist)


L to R: Patrick Looby (Killusty) and Alan Lonergan (Clonmel Town B)

Fethard Macra News
Well done to Pat Murphy, Al Higgins, Kevin Byrne and David Burke who beat of some stiff competition and will now go forward to the final of the Kerrygold Question Time held in Mayo on Saturday, February 24. Best of luck.

South Tipp Macra are having a Hoolie Night in Jerry Jacks Pub, Annacarty, next Saturday, February 16, at 9pm. There's a great night in store with Karaoke and more fun to be had. We are also holding our titles night for Mr Personality, Miss Macra, Miss Blue Jeans and Queen of the Land so anyone current and new members interested in participating in these competitions or coming along for the criac agus ceol are welcome.

For current members second phase officer training for both club and county levels will be taking place on Sunday March 31st in the Gleneagle Hotel at 7pm. The club are now in the process of starting Drama, so if you are interested please contact any of our members or chairman Liam.

Volleyball continues on Thursday nights at 8.30pm in Clerihan Hall and all are welcome.

Macra is a wonderful organisation for individuals aged from 17-35 and has something for everyone including social events, travel, farming and competitions including sports, public speaking, debating and more which give you skills for life. If you would like to join Fethard Macra please don't hesitate to contact our chairman Liam on 086-3998711, or any of our members.

Tae Kwan Do students in 1994

Tae Kwan Do students from Fethard and Clonmel pictured with their instructors and examiner at their recent Grading Examination held in the Town Hall Fethard on February 3, 1994. Back L to R: Mark Cunningham, Caroline Croke, Carla Costigan, Johndy O’Connor, Lisa Maunsell, Jason Maunsell, Sharleen Edwards, Jonathan Sweetman, James O’Flaherty, Darren Murray. 3rd Row L to R: Jason Nevin, Tony Tobin, David Ryan, Keith Tobin, Niall Nevin, Mark Bolger, Peter Blisset, Padraig Harte, Dean Butler. 2nd Row L to R: Diarmuid Carroll, Robert O’Brien, Orla Phelan, Christopher Corballis, Patrice Tobin, Anthony Corballis, Kevin Fitzgerald, Maria Gibbons. 1st Row L to R: Mr. Dermot O’Donnell 3rd Dan (Instructor Fethard); Mr. Francis Barrett 5th Dan (Examiner); and Mr. Jason Boyle 1st Dan (Instructor Clonmel).

Classes starting soon in the Convent Community Hall
Fethard Community Council hope to run the following classes in the Convent Community Hall very soon:

• Sewing classes for Beginners – learn the art of sewing, measuring and marking.
• Relaxation & Wellbeing – learn how to de-stress and relax using various techniques. This course also takes a look at ways to have more happiness and wellbeing in your life.

If you are interested in doing any of the above classes please phone Joan at Tel: 052 6131000 for further information. Limited places available on both courses.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom next Sunday night, February 17, to the music of ‘Lee Sound’. All welcome to come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment and social dancing.

Fethard Parent/Minder Toddler group
It was great to see a good turn out for the first meet up of the Fethard Parent / Minder Toddler Group on last Thursday morning. The feedback from the group was all very positive and the children all had a great time playing with the large selection of toys available while the parents enjoyed a cup of coffee and a chat. The group will meet every Thursday morn at 11am in the Convent Community Hall. Children have the opportunity to play in a safe, happy environment, so if you fancy an escape from the house for an hour or so call down to the hall. €2 per adult is asked to help towards costs of the hall.

Zumba and Pilates classes
Our times given out to you last week were a bit confusing so just to clarify the correct times are: Zumba in the Convent Community Hall starts at 8.15pm on a Tuesday night and Pilates start on a Wednesday night at 8.15pm

Thanks for your support
Thank you to all the people in Fethard who supported the Cystic Fibrosis church gate collection last weekend. A total of €636 was raised for which we’re very grateful.

Dance Revolution
Rebecca now has the new tracksuits in stock so if you need to order one for your child call down to the Convent Community Hall on Friday evening at 5pm

Internet services in the Community Hall
Due to computer classes been run in the hall for the next few weeks on Wednesday and Thursday mornings the computers will not be available for public use during these times. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Snow in Fethard

Larry Kenny took this photograph on The Green when we had our first shower of snow on 5th February.

Fethard GAA News
Fethard GAA club will be governed for this coming season by the following committee: Patsy Lawrence, P.J. Ahearn, Stephen Fitzgerald, Miceál McCormack, Michael O’Riordan; John Hurley; Jimmy O’Shea, Andy O’Donovan, Pat Sheehan, Anne Fleming, Emma Fleming, Jerry Hannon and Brendan Brett. This was confirmed at our last committee meeting.

Our weekly Lotto continues each Tuesday night at a different venue in the town and anyone willing to become involved would be more than welcome. The small group of Mary, Gussie, Austy, John and Denis must be complimented on their endurance and work for the club for a good many years now.

Membership for this year is now due and it would be nice to get names on the register as soon as possible. For the coming year it looks like we are going to be put to the pin of our collar to field teams at adult level with transfers, retirements and lads going overseas, but we will soldier on and everyone is asked for an extra effort and to think positive for the coming months.

This week’s question: Name the oldest player to wear the ‘Blue and White’ in an official GAA game, also name the venue and the opposition? As Paddy Power from St Patricks would say, “A good question!”

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on February 6, were: 8, 17, 20 and 30. We had no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winner so the following three drawn tickets received €50 each: Tom Purcell, Burke Street, Fethard; John Ward, Garrinch, Fethard; and Nellie Ryan, St. Patricks Place, Fethard.

The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners won €50 each: John Sheehan, Killusty, Fethard; Kenneth Byrne, Killusty, Fethard (online ticket); and Esther Leahy, Killenaule.

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, February 13 and the Jackpot is €7,300 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €730. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

Moyglass 200 Results
Fourth draw results on Saturday, February 2. 1st Prize: €1,000 Edward Kelly Moyglass; €300 to John and Emma Lacy, €200 to Nicki Derbridge, €100 to Kathleen O'Connell, Mary McCarther, Angela O'Connell, John Costigan and Mary Baskin. The fifth and final draw in this series will take place in Moyglass Hall Saturday, February 23, at 9pm to coincide with Moyglass Sport and Leisure Centre AGM. All are welcome.

Fethard Girls Rugby
Our Fethard U18 girls’ team joined forces with Thurles last Saturday to form South Tipp Ladies in a match against Mallow in preparation for the Munster tournaments coming up in March. Fethard sent a squad of 10 girls and they certainly stepped up to mark to secure a well deserved win for the South Tipp Ladies. Our props Hannah Stapleton and Molly O'Dwyer were strong throughout the game with hooker Aisling Kelly excellent in the line outs and top class in her tackling.

Forward Aoife Delaney was a real thorn in Mallows attacking line and Kora Delaney as scrum half was outstanding. In centre we had Aobh O'Shea and Leah Fox who between them tackled to great effect with our back Karen Hayes displaying speedy footwork. The introduction of Niamh Holohan and Amy Tynan added further to the earlier two tries in this all round great performance by the combination. We look forward to our Girls’ U18 team’s next match at Mallow planned for Saturday, February 23. Training continues on Friday evenings from 8pm to 9pm, new members always welcome.

Fethard U12
Fethard U12s were away to Clonmel in their first match as a full team. We went a try down in the 1st quarter but came back with a great try from Conor Vaughn supported by Jack Lonergan, Zach and John Hayden. Very good play observed from Evan Looby, Will Ruttle, Paddy Gaynor, Richie Anglim and James Phillips who scored our 2nd try. Eoghan Fitzgerald almost scored when he busted through defence but we ran out of steam and Clonmel scored twice more to win by the odd try in 5.

Our Minis we are home next Sunday, February 17, for a game against Waterford City. Please note training continues every Friday evening from U7s to U13s from 6.45pm to 8pm. New members always welcome.

Feathered: being a fairy tale

Tom Weston, writing from Boston, USA, to let us know about his new book published this week, called Feathered: being a fairy tale, has given us five hardcover signed copies of his book to distribute locally. We have decided to give three books away through this website: www.fethard.com and the other two books locally.

Tom’s editor is Carmel Trimble (nee Millett), St Johnstown, Fethard, and it was actually stories from Carmel’s childhood in the Castle Inn, on Watergate Street, which inspired this novel. The book is the 3rd in the award winning series called the Alex and Jackie Adventures. Alex and Jackie are two teenage sisters from California, who get involved in mysteries involving ghosts, vampires, etc. The series is targeted to reading ages of 10 and above.

Feathered: being a fairy tale is set for the most part in our town of Fethard, and many of the Fethard landmarks are referenced in this story of the Book of Kells, Vikings, Banshees and the Tuatha Dé Danann. Click to read more



Win a book here. . .
We will raffle one signed hardcover copy of the book per week for the next three weeks commencing Monday, February 18. Please enter once only as your entry, if not drawn, will be carried forward from week to week. To enter our free draw please email your name, full postal address and telephone number to: competition@fethard.com or post to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, Co. Tipperary. The first draw will take place on Monday, February 18.

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.