Robert Hackett juvenile winner in the Fethard and Killusty anglers fishing competition

Fethard U15 come up just short in East Munster Final Competition

Fethard captain Michael Gaynor breaks through a tackle in the Under 15 East Munster Rugby Final on Sunday, April 14.

Fethard U15s were beaten in the East Munster Cup final on Sunday morning last by a much bigger Dungarvan side. To be fair to this Fethard team, they played their hearts out and if it was not for so many refereeing decisions going against them, it could have been a very different story. Fethard started very well against a strong wind with some great runs by Gearóid Fahey and Joe Noonan keeping Dungarvan pinned in their 22.

Dungarvan eventually got into the Fethard half and were awarded a penalty which they converted. Dungarvan applied more pressure and after some good forward play crashed over for a try. Fethard held out well until half time with a strong wind behind them they were still well in this game.

In the second half some great kicks by Gary Kavanagh and Killian O'Dwyer kept the opposition in their own 22 but Dungarvan dealt with the pressure very well. The Fethard forwards performed well with Ross McCormack dominating lineouts and setting up some great rolling mauls. Griffin Ivors, Bill Phelan, Mark Collins, Michael Gaynor, Tim Daly, Richard Holohan and Andrew Phelan all hard fine games but it was to be Dungarvan’s day and we congratulate them on their victory. Our thanks also to Carrick-on-Suir for the use of their facilities.

Kevin Byrne competes in Macra’s Mister Personality Competition
We would like to wish the best of luck to Kevin Byrne of Fethard Macra who is representing South Tipp in the Macra Mister Personality Competition 2013. Kevin has been in Macra 14 years making him the longest serving member in the county. He joined Clonmel Macra in 1999 where he chaired the club for one year, he was then a member of Rathkeevin Macra for 10 years where he served as treasurer and president of the club and he is now an active member of Fethard Macra.

Kevin has had previous county executive roles including development, sports and social and is currently president of South Tipp Macra. Kevin has had great involvement in the organisation partaking in various competitions such as sports, capers and debating. The National Mister Personality Competition takes place in the Springhill Court Hotel, Kilkenny, on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20.

Good luck to Slievenamon Club who are heading on to play in the Macra national volleyball finals in Kilkenny this Sunday, April 21.
The South Tipp Farm Skills competition also takes place this Sunday, April 21, in Cahir at 2pm. Further details are to be confirmed. If you are interested in coming along contact John Murray on 086 8288468.
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. For more enquiries or if you are interested in joining South Tipp Macra contact Laurann on 085-7337432 or Una 087-4165826 or find us on Facebook under South Tipp Macra.

Fethard A.C. Novice B Road Championships
On a day of wild wind and rain five athletes took to the road on Sunday, April 14, for the County Novice B Championships in Moyne. After last week’s medal haul in Ballingarry hopes were high of another good day at the office. First to face the elements were the ladies. We were represented in this 3k event by Aine Doocey and Nicola Neylon. From the early stages it became clear that the medals were going to be decided between Aine and a duo from Moyne A.C. and a Clonmel A.C. athlete. At the halfway stage these four were still together but as they turned for home and into a very strong head wind the Moyne duo started to pull clear leaving Aine to battle it out for the bronze medal. With 400 metres to go the first four were still putting in a massive effort but as legs began to wobble with the line now in sight Aine lost touch with her Clonmel counterpart and had to settle with a excellent 4th place. Great credit must also be giving to Nicola who finished strong in 15th position.

In the Men’s 6k Tony Shelley, David Burke and Paraic McCormack were always going to be up against it in a strong field but were still looking to produce strong personal performances despite the tough conditions. With Paraic pulling out injured after 2k it was left to Tony and David to run personal best times which were good enough for 21st and 25th positions. A big thanks to all who attended and those who travelled to support us.

This was our fifth championship event of 2013 and we have had twenty-two different athletes represent us over the five outings in the various categories. Well done to everyone and this promises well for the future of the sport in our area.

Congratulations to our over 45s Ladies team of Imelda Vaughan, Noreen Harrington and Biddy O'Dwyer who were confirmed as county champions, taking the club’s first Senior Ladies team gold medals in over thirty years.

On a sad note Fethard AC would like to pass on our sympathies to Eugene Purcell and Louise Coen on the passing of Eugene’s father recently. May he Rest in Peace.

Running continues every Monday and Friday night at 7.15pm, meeting at the Ballroom. Please note that there will be no training in town on Friday, April 26, as we are travelling as a group to the Faugheen 5k Road Race. We would love if as many members as possible would come along and support one of our neighbouring clubs Carrick in this event.
Just a reminder that we are the host club for the Red City 10k County Senior Mens and 5k Ladies Championships in Fethard on May 19, at noon. Not forgetting the 13th Walls of Fethard 4 mile event plus 2 Mile Fun Run on May 29, at 8pm. Keep on running!

Fethard Taekwondo School

Pictured L to R: Owen Byrne, Aine Ryan and Laura Ryan of Fethard Taekwondo School, who all competed in the ITF Ireland Cup in Waterford recently. Owen won silver for sparring, Aine won gold for sparring and bronze for patterns and Laura won gold for sparring.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday Night, April 21, to the music of Checkers. All welcome to come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment and social dancing. Dancing 9pm to midnight and admission is €7.

Finding new life in the Spirit!
A seminar, ‘Finding new life in the Spirit’, will commence in Holy Trinity Parish Church on Wednesday, April 24, at 7pm and continue each Wednesday evening until May 29. All are invited to attend this very informative journey of faith. Guest speakers will attend.

St. Vincent de Paul
Fethard families that may need help with this year’s First Communion expenses are asked to contact any member of the local St. Vincent de Paul committee as soon as possible or any of the following telephone numbers: 6131852, 6131698 or 6131354.

Killusty N.S. enrolment forms
Enrolment forms for Killusty National School, year 2013-2014, are now available at the school or by contacting telephone (052) 6132314.

Fethard & Killusty Community Council AGM
The Annual General Meeting of Fethard & Killusty Community Council will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, in the Tirry Community Centre at 8.30pm. All are welcome.

Convent Community Hall

Zumba Classes
As the evenings get longer and brighter Zumba classes will now start at 8.30pm on Tuesday nights in Fethard Convent Community Hall instead of 8.15pm. Great fun workout while still burning up the calories.

Toddler Group
Parent / Minder Toddler Group continues every Thursday morning at Fethard Convent Community hall at 11am, this is a great facility been offered to all members of our community to bring your children down and let them play and mix with other children while you enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a chat. €2 per adult to cover expenses.

Fancy learning the bodhrán?
Would you have any interest in learning the bodhrán? We have a lady willing to give weekly classes to adults and children if enough interest is shown, contact Joan at the Community Office, Tel: (052) 6131000 for more details.

Relaxation classes
Relaxation classes will be starting in the Convent Community Hall next week if you would like to do these classes and have not yet given your name please contact Joan at the Community Office, Tel: (052) 6131000.

Thanks for your help
Fethard Convent Community Hall committee would like to say thank you to all the parents that sent their children to our activity day during the Easter holidays. A great fun day was had by all the children who decorated cup cakes, made lots of crafts, made pizzas, played on the bouncy castle and finished the day outside in the sunshine with a tug of war competition where the girls beat the boys three times in a row! We look forward to doing the same all over again during the summer holidays.

Just a reminder to keep an eye on our Facebook page; Fethard Convent Community Hall to keep up to date with what’s happening.

27th Scout Group Fethard

Last weekend, April 12, 13 and 14, saw a number of scouts and leaders take part in a Mountain Pursuit Challenge (MPC) on the Galtee Mountains. Having hiked from Rossadrehid to Lough Muskry on Friday night, we arrived at the Lough about 10.30pm, a distance of 5km with a climb of 200mtrs, weather dry but cold, -7 degrees, we set up camp, supper and then bed.

Reveille at 8am on Saturday, weather had changed to wind and rain as forecast what we didn’t expect was a very heavy fog, with visibility at around 50mtrs. We knew we would have to change our plan. We had planned from base camp to do Farbreaga, Greenane, O’Loughlin’s Castle, the Black Road, Galtybeg, Galtymore and back to Camp at Lough Muskry, but due to fog and for safety reasons and very strong winds we omitted the Black Road, Galtybeg and Galtymore, but we took in Knockastakeen, giving us a similar distance of 17km with a total climb of 550mtrs. This was the worst weather I’ve ever experienced on a hike. It was still to prove a true challenge and test map reading and compass skills of the very best.

Arrived back to camp we again had a challenge of cooking, staying dry and warm, and keeping our tents on the ground - some didn’t succeed. Weary bodies to bed at 8pm (believe it!); Sunday morning 7am breakfast; break camp; Scouts Own; presentation of well earned badges; hike back to our transport at Rossadrehid and home sweet home. Well done to our scouts who met the challenge: Willie O’Meara, Taylor Bailey, Brendan Walsh, Dylan Ryan, also our leaders Bobby Phelan and Brendan Bailey. — (R. Phelan, Group Leader)

Yoga Classes
Yoga for a healthier, more relaxed lifestyle, beginners / intermediate classes starting in the Tirry Centre, Fethard, on Monday nights, for further details contact Peg on 086 3027927.

Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers annual draw results
The results of the Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers annual draw which took place on March 17, are as follows:
1st Prize: Jack Purcell, West St., Callan;
2nd Prize: Mary Sayers, Woodvale Walk, Fethard;
3rd Prize: Bill Delaney, Fethard;
4th Prize: Ann Leahy, Ballintogher, Killenaule.

Many thanks to all for your support and to all the farmers over whose land we hunt during the season. The committee would also like to wish Tony Newport a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him out and about next season.

Music at Crocanoir this Thursday
Mick Hanly will appear in concert at Crocanoir on Thursday next, April 18. Mick was the first performer to take to the Crocanoir stage when the ‘Music under the Mountain’ series began three years ago. It was the success of that gig and the response from an enthusiastic audience which encouraged us to bring more top class acts to the end of the boreen. Now thirty concerts later we are delighted to welcome Mick back for a night of music songs and stories. Concert starts at 8.30pm and will be dedicated to the memory of two of our friends Stevie O’Connor and Eamon Wall who died recently. Stevie and Eamon both loved coming to the concerts and they will be sadly missed. Contact: (052) 9153117.

Jack back in winning way
It was back on the winner’s podium for Jack Connolly, Clonmel Boxing Club, after a very convincing win in Fermoy Community Centre last Saturday evening April 13. Hosted by St John’s Boxing Club Fermoy, this night of champions lived up to its name with some excellent boxing on show, including a flawless performance by the Fethard man. Fighting in the 60kg bout, Jack’s opponent was Maurice Falvey from Trojan Boxing Club, Tralee Town, a very tall boxer but unable to trouble Jack who went on to win by an unanimous decision with all the judges awarding the fight to Jack, who scored some beautiful shots with his all familiar left jab.

Incidentally this was Jack’s first fight at 3x3 minute rounds and he had plenty left in the tank, a proof of his superior fitness level and training regime. Jack’s teammates Shauna O'Keeffe and Brendan Ryan also had brilliant wins on the night.

Day Care Centre AGM
The Fethard and District Day Care Centre will hold their annual general meeting on Thursday, April 25, in the Tirry Community Centre at 8pm. All are welcome.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on April 10, were: 1, 3, 17 and 20. We had no jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: Pamela O'Donnell, Grangebeg, Fethard.

The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners won €50 each: Tony Morgan, Kilnockin View, Fethard; Thelma Griffith, Crampscastle, Fethard; and Therese Ryan, c/o Maria Murphy.

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, April 17 and the Jackpot is €8,650 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €865. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

Fethard GAA
We had no winner in our GAA Sports Lotto. The numbers drawn were: 13, 20, 26 and 30. The following five drawn tickets won €50: Mike Burke, Red City; John Fitzgerald, Clonmel; Pat Sheehan, Killusty; Dolores Cleary, Market Hill; and Josie Fitzgerald, Kiltinan. Next weeks draw takes place in the Burke’s Bridge Bar, Lower Main Street. Jackpot is €5,800.

The GAA club also has a number of tickets to sell with regards to the Gathering Festival and any committee member will be able to assist if you are willing to indulge. The prizes for this draw are exceptional and worth winning with a limited number of tickets on sale.

Our senior footballers were out on Sunday night in the County Championship in Templemore against a Tipperary northern selection, Thomas McDonaghs. The Blues gave a good account of themselves and were unlucky not to at least come away with a draw. Match report in the sport section. Training continues on the usual night for hurling and football in preparation for the South Championship.

Community Playground ‘Go to the Dogs’

Site of the newly landscaped Community Playground at Cashel Road, Fethard.

Fethard Community Playground committee are promoting a fundraising event in conjunction with Clonmel Greyhound Stadium on Thursday, May 23, when they ‘Go to the Dogs’. Mark this date in your diary as it promises to be a great night of fun and entertainment and an opportunity to see and experience the splendid new facilities at Clonmel Track. The focus on the night will be the ‘Buster Draw’ when the finishing order of the greyhounds in a particular race will win €1,500 for one lucky ticket-holder. Tickets, priced at €20, are now on sale locally. In addition to being in with a chance to win the prize money the ticket also gains the holder free entry to the track on the night.


Fethard Playground site showing new pathway under construction inside railing on Cashel Road

Residents of Fethard and surrounding area will soon be approached to lend their support to this enjoyable, worthwhile event. There is also the opportunity for businesses and individuals to contribute, by sponsoring a race or placing an advert in the race card. If you are interested in supporting either of these options please contact Carmel

Support needed for Town Hall Development Project
Fethard Business and Tourism Group need your support for the refurbishment and development of Fethard Town Hall which will be a huge asset for the whole town in the future. A draw, in conjunction with the ‘Fethard Gathering Festival’ has been organised and tickets at €50 each are now on sale from committee members and participating local organisations that also stand to benefit from the proceeds.

The draw will take place at the end of May and has three fabulous prizes on offer: 1st Prize is a €3,000 travel voucher; 2nd Prize a €1,500 travel voucher; and 3rd Prize: a €1,000 travel voucher. Tickets may also be purchased online or from Bill O’Sullivan at 087-2522885.

Please support this draw (and your local club) by buying a ticket, contacting friends and family abroad inviting them home for the Fethard Gathering Festival on the weekend of June 21, 22, and 23. We can all help in making Fethard a better place to live and work for young and old.

Fethard ‘Gathering’ Festival 2013

Fethard Business and Tourism Group are looking for your support and participation in a massive ‘Gathering’ Festival, which will culminate in the weekend of June 21, 22, and 23, this year. Event ideas are being sought, but already plans are afoot to hold the following events: National Street Celebration of Country Markets, founded here in 1948; U12 Hurling Blitz; Exiles’ Match; Rugby Match; School Reunions; Opening of New Playground; Marquee by Town Wall for functions including a Saturday night ‘Big Event’; Irish Final of Highland Games; Pub Quiz and Darts Championship; Dog Show; Ballroom Dancing on Sunday; and Fethard Historical Pageant.

The refurbishment and proper development of Fethard Town Hall will be a huge asset for the whole town. The building will act as the link and the portal for the tourist to the ‘Heart of the Town’. It will offer a welcoming, multi-functional and hospitable environment where visitors and local people can relax and learn more about Fethard.

To support this development and the ‘Gathering’ Festival a draw will take place at the end of May with the help of local participating organisations. Ticket price is €50 per ticket for three fabulous prizes eligible for travel anywhere in the world. 1st Prize is a €3,000 travel voucher; 2nd Prize a €1,500 travel voucher; and 3rd Prize: a €1,000 travel voucher.

Please support this draw (and your local club) by buying a ticket, contacting friends and family abroad inviting them home. This is a unique opportunity for all of us to work together for the development of Fethard.

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.