Died Recently
The death has occurred on Saturday, April 27, 2013, of John (Jack) Martin, Coolmoyne, Fethard, and formerly of Clonmore, Templemore.

Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home on Sunday, April 28, from 6pm with removal to the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard at 8pm. Funeral Mass on Monday at 11am followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery, Fethard.

Historical Society 25th Anniversary AGM
Fethard Historical Society will hold their 25th Anniversary AGM at 7.30pm on Tuesday, April 30, in the Abymill Theatre. Following the AGM at 8.30pm, special guest, Cóilín Ó Drisceoil, Kilkenny Archaeology Ltd, will give an illustrated talk on the recently completed Archaeological Survey of Fethard Town Hall. This talk will explain all the new discoveries unearthed during the survey completed in February, 2013. All are welcome to attend the AGM and lecture. The evening will close with a celebratory wine reception marking the 25th Anniversary of Fethard Historical Society.

Pamela Daly photographed on the occasion of her 30th Birthday celebrated with 'Hot Ice', family and friends at Lonergan's Bar L to R: Rebecca Daly, Ann Daly, Pamela Daly, Finnan Ryan and Zoë Keane.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday Night, April 28, to the music of Brian McDermott. As an extra bonus we are happy to announce that TG4 have requested a visit to the Ballroom on Sunday night as part of a television documentary on Fethard that they are currently making. So with TV cameras and good music and dancing, a great night is assured for all. Dancing 9pm to midnight and admission is €7.

Fethard Ladies Football
Our U14 girls opened their season with a victory in a challenge against Commercials. This was followed up by a great victory against a very strong Mullinahone team in the first round of the championship and everyone played their part on the day.

Attendances for training have been excellent so far and we now look forward to the next round of the championship against Cappawhite in what promises to be another tough fixture. Well done to all and keep up the good work girls.

The U12s challenge match is fixed for Thursday, April 25, against Moyle Rovers in Monroe. Throw in is at 7pm and we ask all players to please be there for 6.40pm.

25th Anniversary of South and County winning team

Fethard Senior Football team, South and County Champions 1988 photographed with Jimmy O'Shea (trainer). Back L to R: John Hurley, Tommy Sheehan, Kevin Burke, Liam Connolly, Jim Butler, Michael Healy, Paddy Kenrick, Michael Downes, Shay Ryan, Michael Ryan, Tom McCarthy, Liam Ryan, Miceál Broderick, Jimmy O’Shea (trainer). Front L to R: Paddy Ryan, Michael O’Riordan (Kerry Street), John Hackett, Owen Cummins, Willie O’Meara, Willie Morrissey, Brian Burke (captain), Michael Fitzgerald, Michael O’Riordan (Barrack Street), Gerry Murphy and Joe Keane.

This year is the 25th anniversary of the Fethard senior football team that won the South and County Senior Football title in 1988 and their 17th title in all when they upset all odds to beat Commercials in an exciting county decider played in Kilsheelan.

Commercials came into this game as favourites to overcome a young and very inexperienced Fethard side but were rocked back on there heels by the determination of the Fethard side who fully deserved their 1-11 to 1-10 victory.

The game itself was played before a very large crowd and fully lived up to the expectations and to the fine traditions that both Fethard and their great rivals have established down through the years. It was close but sporting and in spite of the strong wind the football played by both teams was excellent but it was a desperately close game and the Fethard supporters hearts fluttered more than once in the final few minutes as Commercials laid siege on the Fethard goal. But credit to the Blues as they held out for the one point victory that sent players, supporters and management into scenes of great celebrations.
Fethard looked in trouble at half-time when, after playing with the wind, went in level 0-6 to 1-3 but somehow found the know how to see off one of the greatest Commercials’ teams of there club history.

This was a tremendous win for a club that was hit with injuries and emigration that year but they had a point to prove and they did that in style with a very young side that had a very sound defensive setup that, over the hour, withstood all types of pressure. This, however, was essentially a victory for teamwork spirit and determination allied with fine football. Even though only one point separated the teams at the end, Fethard were the better team over the 60 minutes as the showed tremendous courage when everything was going against them and that courage was rewarded with one of the club’s greatest ever victory that had some of the greatest players ever to wear the ‘Blue and White’. Fiodh Ard Abu!

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

Fethard & Killusty Community Games

Fethard and Killusty Community Games U10 mixed football team. Back Row L to R: Shane Lawrence, Seán Moroney, Conor Neville, Michael Flanagan, Lily O'Mahoney, Hannah Sheehy, Abbie Tillyer, Áine Ryan, Heather Spillane, Darragh O'Meara, Michael James Phelan, Luke Allen. Front Row L to R: Darragh Spillane, Ciara Spillane, Aoife Morrissey, Luke Dolan, Keenan Aherne, Toby Collier, Cáin Hall, Kelly Ryan and Jack Quinlan.

Fethard and Killusty Community Games U10 mixed football team defeated Ballingarry by 1-6 to 1-2 in the first round of the championship on Sunday morning last. Fethard got off to a great start and were leading by 1-5 to 0-0 at half time. However, Ballingarry attacked hard and scored 1-2 in the second half. Sean Moroney, who had scored the only goal in the first half, scored an all-important point to seal victory for Fethard. Other players to score were: Keenan Aherne 0-3, Toby Collier 0-1, and Shane Lawrence 0-1. All team members played a big part in this great win and are a credit to their mentors.

It was lovely to see our young ladies, daughters of some well known names, playing their hearts out and enjoying themselves with their male team mates. We wish this talented team and their manager, Michael Moroney, the very best of luck in the next round when they play the winners of Clerihan v St Marys v Cahir.

Moyglass Tennis Club
Moyglass Tennis Club will hold their AGM on Monday, April 29, at 8pm in Moyglass Community Hall. All welcome to attend. Since re-forming last summer great use has been made of the fine tennis facilities in Moyglass. Paschal Whelan continues to provide coaching for juniors and at the moment we are planning another tournament and a summer tennis camp. We are at the stage where we would like to develop the game for adults in Moyglass and would be delighted to hear your opinions on this. Please get involved in your local club which provides fun for children, teenagers and adults all through the summer. Phone or text Emma on 086 8717237, Tel: (052) 6131111 or Cora on 087 2333684 for further information.

Married recently

Mr Joe Lee and Miss Deirdre Kenny who were recently married in Rathfeigh, Co. Meath. Joe is the only son of William and Mary lee, Loughcopple, Fethard, and his new wife, Deirdre, is originally from Dublin. They both work in Melbourne, Australia, and returned to Ireland to celebrate their marriage with family and friends.

Convent Community Hall
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.

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.

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 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.

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 17, were: 11, 17, 20 and 32. We had no jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: Johnny O'Dwyer, Strylea, Fethard.
The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners won €50 each: Emma O'Donohoe, Cois Falla, Fethard; Liam O'Connor, Knockelly, Fethard; Mary Godfrey, Derryluskin, 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, April 24 and the Jackpot is €8,800 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €880. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

Fethard GAA
We had no winner in our GAA Sports Lotto last week. 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.
This week we also had no jackpot winner. The €50 lucky dip went to Mary Godfrey, Derryluskin; and the five drawn tickets fot €30 went to: K. Williams, Killusty; Mary McCormack, Kerry Street; Zoe Quinn, Sabrina Cahill and Yvonne Heffernan, all Merrys Clonmel. Tickets were sponsored by AIB Fethard. Next weeks draw takes place at McCarthys Hotel with a fund of €5,900. Thanks to the loyal committee who run the draw every week for the club.

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

Our senior footballers were out on Sunday night last week in the Co. 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. Training continues on the usual night for hurling and football in preparation for the South Championship.

During the week we had a challenge with our Waterford friends Rathcormack and had a convincing win. Training is going well with good numbers attending and the spirit is high. So roll on summer and some exciting performances from ‘The Blues’.

In association with the GAA club and the County Board there will be a talk on ASAP (Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention) in the Abymill Theatre, Fethard, on April 26, from 8pm to 9pm. Our target audience is children 11 to 14 years and parents of all ages. Andrew O’Donovan, chairman Fethard Juvenile GAA club is expectant that as many as possible attend this talk. Guest speaker will be Pat Mulcahy. The club must be complimented in their promotion of this venture.

Home from New Zealand

Caroline Croke and Jason Nevin who were recently married in New Zealand are photographed home on holidays with family members and friends. L to R: Niall Nevin, Val O'Dwyer, Declan Nevin, Caroline Croke, Jason Nevin, Eddie Croke and Majella Nevin.

The late Tony Cahalan
We offer our condolences at this time to the Cahalan family, Fatima Park, Clonmel, in particular to his son Owen (Dubai) and daughter Elaine (Perth, Australia) on the passing of Anthony ‘Tony’ Cahalan, aged 55, from Ard na Gráinne, Clonmel, who died on Tuesday, April 16, and was the original joint founder member of the Fethard Tipperary 27th Unit Scouts and Cubs in 1987 with Noel Byrne as Unit Leader. For his ten years of commitment and dedication to the people of Fethard, Killusty and Coolmoyne, we thank him. Go Ndeanai Trocaire ar an Ainmeachta.

Fethard Bridge Club Results
The results of our game on Wednesday, March 27 were:
1st Gross: Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh;
2nd Gross: Nell Broderick and David O'Meara;
3rd Gross: Carmel Condon and Brendan Kenny;
1st Nett: Eileen Ryan and Jim Lahert;
2nd Nett: Bernie O'Meara and Anna Cooke;
3rd Nett: Kathleen Kenny and Ann O'Dea.

The results of our game on Wednesday, April 3 were:
1st Gross: Rita Kane and Kay St. John;
2nd Gross: Carmel Condon and Brendan Kenny;
3rd Gross: Gemma Burke and Carol Kenny;
1st Nett: Nell Broderick and David O'Meara;
2nd Nett: Bernie O'Meara and Anna Cooke;
3rd Nett: Rita Holohan and Breda O'Grady.

The results of our Club Championship played over three nights starting April 10 will be announced at our President's Prize dinner. Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles 6132038.

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.

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.