Fethard Convent Community Hall
A new website for Fethard Convent Community Hall has now been set up where you can get information about various events and booking details.
Fethard students make a scaled model of the medieval town
Transition Year Students from Patrician Presentation Secondary School, Fethard, photographed with Michael Costello and Ms Pat Looby while working on their model making project on Fethard Medieval Town. Back L to R: Thomas Channon, Eoghain Hurley, Niall Doocey, Adam Fitzgerald, Christy Dunne, Cormac Horan. Front L to R: Ms. Pat Looby (teacher), Michael Costello (project advisor), Clodagh Bradshaw, Niamh Crotty, Niamh Morrissey, Kelly Keating, Hannah Tobin and Anthony Clair.
Transition Year students at Patrician Presentation Secondary School, Fethard, have been working since late last year on a scaled model of the medieval town of Fethard. This project was initiated by their art teacher, Ms Pat Looby, and is a representation of the town as it would have been in the 17th century. The pupils based their model on the map of the town included in the new Medieval Town Trail brochure produced by the Fethard Historical Society. This map, drawn by archaeological illustrator Dan Tietzsch-Tyler, shows Fethard as it would most probably have looked circa 1650. It is worth noting that a lot of those medieval features survive to the present day, especially the enclosing Town Wall which is just over one kilometre in length.
Michael Costello, a former past pupil of the school and a qualified architect’s technician, volunteered his time and expertise to assist in the accurate scaling of the model. The resultant excellence of the project with its precise attention to detail is a tribute to the application and creativity of all concerned.
Funding for this venture was obtained from South Tipperary County Council, the Heritage Council of Ireland, the Irish Walled Towns Network festival fund and the Fethard Historical Society. This scaled model will be launched at 7pm on Friday, May 31, in the Convent Community Hall, Fethard.
The unveiling of the model will be followed by the launch of the new medieval Walled Town Trail brochure. Dan Tietzsch-Tyler will give a brief slideshow explaining the genesis of the map of Medieval Fethard and the way in which he works to produce such a historically accurate result.
At 8 pm the Fethard Business & Tourism group will hold the ‘Bring them Home’ Draw where three lucky winners will receive travel vouchers to the value of €3,000, €1,500 and €1,000 respectively.
Refreshments will be served and there will be ample time to view the students’ model, peruse the new brochure and celebrate with the prizewinners.
Holy Trinity’s first camogie team
Holy Trinity N.S. first camogie team. Back L to R: Lucy Spillane, Sally Nagle, Katie Ryan, Sally Butler, Amy Roche. Front L to R: Alison Connolly, Emma Geoghegan, Sinead Regan, Emma Jane Burke and Nell Spillane.
The first ever camogie team to represent Holy Trinity National School played in a blitz against Cloneen and Ballyneale on May 2 in Clonmel. In the first match they drew with Cloneen. Although beaten by Ballyneale in the second match they showed great spirit and enthusiasm. The girls train after school each Wednesday with coaches Mr Tom Butler and Mr Keith MacAmhaidh. Their next match will take place in June. The boys’ Under 11 team are presently training for their upcoming blitz.
Planning Permission gained for Town Hall / Tholsel
Members of Fethard Business and Tourism Group L to R: Bernadette Stocksborough, Maurice Moloney, Catherine Corcoran, Bill O'Sullivan, Tadhg Gleeson and Leo Darcy.
Last Tuesday, May 14, Fethard Business and Tourism Group received the wonderful news that South Tipperary County Council and the Department of the Environment have accepted the planning application for the renovation of Fethard Town Hall. This means that full planning permission for the refurbishment and reuse of the building has been accepted and endorsed by the ‘powers that be’.
The vision of the Fethard Business and Tourism group is that the Tholsel will become a focal point for the visitor to Ireland’s premier walled town. The restored building will act as the link and the portal for the tourist and the local person to the medieval heart of the town. It will contain a reception and information area, a café restaurant, a terrace overlooking the town walls, exhibition spaces and an apartment with overnight accommodation.
The group will now press the ‘go’ button on the project and will need to attract funding of up to €600,000 from state and local sources. They will also appoint a design and construction team prior to commencement. South Tipperary County Council have already pledged €105,000 and an application has been submitted to South Tipperary Development Company for €450,000. Our ‘Gathering Draw’ will take place on Friday, May 31 May and the Festival Dance on June 22 will also assist in developing our ‘fighting fund’ for the project.
The Heritage Council, and the Irish Walled Town Network describe Fethard as, “One of the finest medieval walled towns in existence in Ireland, if not Europe . . . a treasure trove of historical features, with several castles and churches, all located within a short walking distance of one another.” They also identify the medieval Town Hall / Tholsel as having the potential to be the hub of future tourist activity in the town. We are well on the road to realising this. The committee wish to acknowledge the terrific support of The Heritage Council who have invested so much in Fethard in recent years. South Tipperary County Council, Cllr John Fahey, Heritage Officer Labhaoise McKenna for the Adopt a Monument project, Anthony Fitzgerald (STCC), Isobel Cambie and Conor Ryan (STDC), Shaffrey Associates Architects, Kilkenny Archaeology, Rev. Barbra Fryday, Fethard and Killusty Community Council, Fethard Tidy Towns and Jimmy O’Sullivan.
The success of this project is a great example of what can be achieved when community volunteers team up with local authority officials and focus their combined energies on an agreed goal.
Community Games
Cassie Needham and Keenan Aherne who will both take part in the Community Games National Finals
Fethard and Killusty Community Games Committee would like to wish the very best of luck to Cassie Needham and Keenan Aherne who will both represent County Tipperary at the HSE Community Games National Finals in Art and Handwriting in Athlone, this weekend. We are very proud of them.
Good luck also to our U12 girls’ football team who play Cashel in the Community Games South Final in Rosegreen, on this Wednesday, May 22, at 7pm.
The ‘Rose of Fethard’ for the festival gathering
The ‘Rose of Fethard’, in conjunction with the Fethard Gathering Festival, will take place on Friday, June 21. If you have a family member, friend or relation that would like to take part in this community event, please contact Roseanne on Tel: (052) 6131447.
‘Stars in your Eyes’ for Suicide Awareness
On Saturday, May 25, Lonergan’s Bar will swing into party mode when locals turn into stars for one night, based on the television show ‘Stars in your Eyes’.
A great night’s entertainment is guaranteed so why not come along and support this worthy cause. All money raises will go to Suicide Awareness.
May Procession in Fethard
Taking part in the May Procession in Fethard were L to R: Gillian Burke, Rose O'Donnell and Abbie Tillyer.
Taking part in the May Procession in Fethard were L to R: Sophia O'Brien and Tamara Doyle.
Helping at the May Procession in Fethard were Back L to R: Cormac Horan and Donal Walsh. Front L to R: Megan Bailey and Colin Grant.
Articles for Emigrants’ Newsletter
We are now inviting submissions of articles and photographs for inclusion in this year’s Emigrants’ Newsletter. The Newsletter covers all generations of emigrants and it would be nice to have articles covering all age groups. The item need not be long. It might recall a funny incident, a local character you remember, a particular event, school time or any other recollection that may surface. So please consider putting pen to paper, or voice to recorder, and submit an article for this year’s issue. Photographs, current or old, are also very welcome.
Articles or photographs can be submitted to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, or by email to newsletter@fethard.com
Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday Night, May 26, to the music of the Tommy Carroll. 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’, continues in Holy Trinity Parish Church at 7pm on this Wednesday, May 22, with ‘Growth’ and finish on next Wednesday, May 29 with ‘Transformation in Christ’. All are invited to attend this very informative journey of faith. Guest speakers will attend.
Died Recently
The death has occurred on Monday 20th May 2013 of Margaret Brett (née Phelan), Tullamaine, Fethard. Margaret (Maggie), pre-deceased by her loving husband Malachy, sadly missed by her loving family, daughters Gerainne, Ailish, Mary, Mairead, Joan and Eileen, sons Tom, Michael, Liam, John and Malachy, brothers Tommy and Johnny, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grand children, great grand children, nieces , nephews, relatives and many friends. Rest in Peace.
Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Wednesday, May 22nd, from 5pm to 8pm. Requiem Mass on Thursday at 12 noon followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. House Private on Thursday morning.
Scouts go to the Circus
All sections of our Fethard group, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Ventures attended Fossetts Circus with some attending Thurles and others Powerstown. Many thanks to Fossetts for supplying us with free tickets to the Circus and to Owen Walsh for supplying us with a free bus for traveling. These generous offers were very much appreciated we thank both for a great night.
Happy Heart Weekend
Kevin Brunnick of the Irish Heart Foundation would like to thank all who supported the recent Happy Heart Weekend. Thanks to Ann Marie Fogarty and the students of Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School for their help. The sum collected was €305
Free Reiki sessions all day
Free half-hour Reiki sessions will take place all day on Wednesday, June 6, upstairs in the Tirry Community Centre. Come and experience for yourself the relaxing and calming effects of Reiki. The sessions will be facilitated by Deirdre Brady, Reiki and Seichim Master (Tera Mai). Please call Deirdre on (086) 6006283 to book a time.
Died Recently
The death has occurred on Thursday, 16th May, 2013, of Kitty McCarthy, Main Street, Fethard. Late of New York.
Reposing at her residence today, Saturday, from 5.30pm with removal to the Holy Trinity Parish Church at 6.50pm. Funeral Mass tomorrow, Sunday, at 11am, followed by burial in the Holy Trinity Church of Ireland Graveyard, Fethard.
Buster Race Night this Thursday
It’s here. The Fethard Community Playground Buster Race Night is on this Thursday, May 23. This event will take place at Clonmel Greyhound Stadium with the first race timed for 7.50pm. Since the idea was first mooted, just two months ago, a significant number of willing, enthusiastic volunteers have been out and about the local community, and further afield, seeking support for the Playground Project. And now, all seven-hundred-and-twenty tickets have been sold which ensures one ticket holder will be the lucky winner of the €1500 Prize. Be sure to bring your ticket with you so that you can gain free entry on the night. Perhaps you might even place a bet on the trap number that ‘wins’ on your ticket, to increase your chances of winning more euros. It is hoped that there will be a large turn-out, with many adults and children attending, as it promises to be an enjoyable evening which will include face-painting and activities to amuse the younger ones. Looking forward to seeing you all there when the community of Fethard ‘Goes to the Dogs’ for the Playground.
The late Joe Keane
The death has occurred on Tuesday, May 14, 2013, of Joe Keane, aged 55, of Lackaghbeg, Monasterevin, Kildare, and formerly of The Green, Fethard.
Funeral Mass took place on Friday, May 17, followed by burial in St. Evan's Cemetery, Monasterevin. Our sincere sympathy to his wife, Margaret, brother John, sisters Kathleen and Josie, their families, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace.
‘Dush’
He came from Fethard, down in The Green,
With the sweetest left foot, that was ever seen.
Cool and calm, never in a rush,
Was christened Joe, we called him ‘Dush’.
Wearing the royal blue jersey, on the field of play,
Joe’s great scoring, won Fethard many a day.
From play or penalty, or even a free,
His shooting was brilliant and legendary.
When scores were close, as often they might,
Joe with the ball, was an inspirational sight.
Out of the fire, the game he’d drag,
When he’d split the posts, from the corner flag.
When he was training, he was a sight to see,
The touch he had, made it look so easy.
When he hit the net, as only he knew how,
Liam would say, “G’boy Dush, we’re in Europe now!”
Even when playing, the game of soccer,
Many’s a trick, Joe had in his locker.
When on a field, that was heavy and wet,
With his brain and vision, he had three in the net.
Get Jimmy to tell you, about ’78,
County final in Cashel, October 1st the date.
About a penalty, if there was one given,
With Joe so cool, into the corner ‘twas driven.
Through the Friary town, the Clashawley will flow,
We’ll never again, see the likes of Joe.
For the great memories, we thank you so very much,
We will always remember, the man called ‘Dush’.
— (J.J.K)
Fethard GAA Club
It was with great sadness and sorrow we learned during the week of the death of Joe Keane from The Green and domicile in Monasterevin where he was married. Joe was a great service to the Fethard GAA club and on many occasions got us off the ropes with his wonderful kicking from his left foot. Joe has left the legacy that will often be spoken about in the years to come when GAA folk gather to discuss matters pertaining to football in the parish and county.
The turn out of Fethard parishioners at Joe’s removal and burial in Monasterevin was a tribute to the esteem that Joe was held in the parish. On both occasions the cortege had a huge guard of honour of workmates, friends and Fethard players. The Fethard GAA Club’s last tribute to Joe came in an impromptu rendering of one of his favourite ballads, Slievenamon, at his graveside. Our deepest sympathy is extended to his wife Margaret, family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dilis.
Killusty Soccer Club
It was with a sense of deep sorrow that we heard of the death of our former teammate and colleague Joe Keane. Joe was a major player with our club during our formative years and led the front line when we won our first major trophy which was a First Division League title. Joe had that rare gift in being able to find that extra time and space on the ball which gave that famous left foot the chance to rattle many a net. Down through the years many players have worn the number nine jersey for Killusty but none had that same skill and composure on the ball that Joe possessed.
I know I speak for many when I say it was an honour to have been his teammate. To his family we extend our deepest sympathies. Joe, may you rest in peace. – (K.R.)
Changes for Fethard Parent / Minder Toddler group
Fethard Parent / Minder Toddler group has been in contact with the neighbouring Clonmel branch and as a result have decided to make some changes to help increase our local numbers and make the experience more enjoyable for children and adults. The first change is that the group will now meet for two hours on Thursday mornings, from 10am to 12 noon, and the cost will remain at €2 for the first child and €1 for second child. The group will be more structured and will also include song and nursery rhyme time.
The group was set up at Fethard Convent Community Hall so that children could get to know each other and play together in a clean safe environment and enable parents to get out of their house and enjoy a tea/coffee with other parents. This is a great facility to have available to us in our town with lots of toys for the children to play with and a changing unit in the bathroom. If you have a small child at home why not come down to the hall on Thursday mornings. For this group to be a success we need your continued support.
Joan at the Community Office is still taking names for tin whistle and Irish dancing lessons that will hopefully be held in the Convent Community Hall soon, if you would like your child to take part in any of these lessons please give Joan a ring at Tel: (052) 6131000 or call to the Community Office in Barrack Street.
Six weeks beginners class in ‘Kettlebells’ will be starting on Monday, May 27, in the Convent Community Hall at 8.30pm. Places are limited and are on a first come basis so if you would like to participate in this class please ring 086 8743752 after 6pm to book your place. Kettlebell exercises are in their nature holistic; therefore they work several muscles simultaneously that combine cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on May 15, were: 6, 8, 10 and 15. We had no jackpot winner and five ‘Match Three’ winners who received €30: Eileen Butler, Castlequarter, Killenaule; Ian Cooke, Scotch Road, Fethard; Dennis O'Meara, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard; Robert O' Riordan, Cloran, Cloneen; and Kitty O'Donnell, Slievenamon Close, Fethard.
The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners won €50 each: John Pollard, Rocklow Road, Fethard; John Holden, Wheatfields, Clonmel; and T.J. Sheehan, Killusty, 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, May 22 and the Jackpot is €9,400 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €940. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.
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; email: business@fethard.com
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. Tickets may be purchased online and from Bill O’Sullivan at 087-2522885; or by email: business@fethard.com
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.
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