Kelly Clan Gathering in Moyglass

Peter Tynan leading the 'Kelly Ambush' in Moyglass

Kelly's from all over the world recently paid a visit to Moyglass to visit the ancestral home of the famous Australian bushranger Ned Kelly. They came from such diverse locations as Australia, America, Guatemala, United Kingdom and all corners of Ireland. When the two unsuspecting busloads arrived in Moyglass, the Kelly gang ambushed them. At first they thought it was a joke, but when they were ordered off the buses to the sound of gunfire and asked to get their cash and jewellery ready they soon began to wonder if indeed they had arrived in Kelly country.

Just as they were to part with their belongings, Ned Kelly arrived on horseback in full armour to save the Kelly Clan and became the hero of the day, as usual. The Kellys who ranged in age from eighty-four years to six years soon realised that it was a fun re-enactment and Ned invited the visitors to join him at The Village Inn where they were wined and dined for the remainder of the evening.

They thoroughly enjoyed the fun and spent the rest of their holidays talking about it. A video of the re-enactment has had thousands of visits on the web and a Dutch newspaper published a full page feature on same. The Ned Kelly Gathering Festival takes place next weekend from July 26-28 where a bumper weekend of fun for all the family is guaranteed.

Tipperary Foxhounds Puppy Show 2013

Ginny Hutton receiving the Overall Champion trophy at the Tipperary Foxhounds Puppy Show 2013 for her dog 'Charcoal'

A very large number of puppy walkers, landowners, friends and supporters of Tipperary Foxhounds attended the Tipp's Annual Puppy Show at The Kennels of Friday, July 5. Held in glorious weather, huntsman Derry Donegan presented a top class young entry of 5½ couple dog hounds and 14½ couple of bitches making the task of judges, Mr David Lalor MFH and Mr John Henry, most difficult. After much deliberation they announced the following winners.

The Dog Hound results are as follows: 1st 'Painter' walked by Yvonne McClintock; 2nd 'Chieftan' walked by John Farrell; 3rd 'Gossamer' walked by John Thompson.

The Bitch Hound results are as follows: 1st 'Charcoal' walked by Ginny Hutton; 2nd 'Pansy' walked by Yvonne McClintock; 3rd 'Potion' walked by Michael Kelly.

The Overall Champion went to 'Charcoal' walked by Ginny Hutton.
All Tipperary Foxhound followers and supporters join in offering Ms Jane Farrell and her husband John, sincere sympathy on the recent death of her father, Mr Jack Thompson, Knockavilla, a life-log follower of the 'Gallant Tipps'.

All-Ireland Hounds Championship
Following the Puppy Show of Friday. July 5, Tipperary Foxhounds paid another most successful visit to the All-Ireland Master of Foxhounds Association's 'All-Ireland Hounds Championship Show' at Stradbally, Co. Laoise, on Sunday, July 7.

Once again, Tipperary Foxhounds proved one of the most successful packs being amongst the rosettes in almost every class they were eligible to compete in.

They crowned a most successful day having two contestants for the Overall Champion – 'Chieftan' who won the dog championship and 'Sable' the bitch championship. 'Chieftan' was declared overall champion with 'Sable' reserve Champion.

The show had entries from all leading Irish Packs from Co. Cork up to Co. Down competing and in total the Tipperary Foxhounds won two first prizes, four second prizes, one third prize, one championship and one reserve champion. We wish heartiest congratulations to Huntsman Derry Donegan and Whipper-In Gavin Shorten.

The detailed Tipperary results are as follows: 2nd in the John Watson Memorial Challenge Cup for the best couple of unentered dog hounds with 'Chieftan' and 'Painter' walked by John Farrell and Yvonne McClintock; 1st in the Dick Russell Memorial Perpetual Challenge Cup for the best unentered dog hound with 'Chieftan' walked by John Farrell; Champion in the Mrs Hall Perpetual Challenge Cup for the best dog hound with 'Chieftan' walked by John Farrell; 2nd in the Horse and Hound Perpetual Challenge Cup for the best couple of unentered bitches with 'Charcoal' and 'Potion' walked by Ginny Hutton and Michael Kelly; 2nd in the W.R. Filgate Perpetual Challenge Cup for the best unentered bitch with 'Potion' walked by Michael Kelly; 2nd in the Grogan Perpetual Challenge Cup for best couple of entered bitches with 'Package' and 'Larkspur' walked by Ned Tierney and Lauren Donegan; 3rd in the Evan Williams Perpetual Challenge Cup for the best two couples of entered bitches with 'Anguish', 'Package', 'Crunchy' and 'Larkspur' walked by Padraig Kennedy, Ned Tierney, Liam Clancy and Lauren Donegan; 1st in the Waterford Perpetual Challenge Cup for the best brood bitch with 'Sable' walked by Edmund Ryan; and Reserve Champion in the Hutchinson Perpetual Challenge Cup for the best bitch hound with 'Sable' walked by Edmund Ryan.

Funding for Town Wall at Watergate

Members of Fethard Town Wall Steering committee photographed at Watergate L to R: Tim Robinson, Terry Cunningham, Ivor McElveen (consultant), Jonathan Flood (Executive Planner, South Tipperary County Council), Aidan Doran (Engineer, Ivor McElveen Associates) and Peter Grant. Also present was Joe Kenny.

Grant assistance of €10,000 has been given by the Heritage Council through the Irish Walled Town's Network to undertake repair and maintenance works at the section of the Fethard Town Wall at Watergate. The funding application was made to the Heritage Council earlier this year by south Tipperary County Council in association with the Fethard Town Walls Steering Committee. The works will build on previous repair works undertaken at this section and along the wall circuit.

Ivor McElveen has been appointed as consultant for this year's maintenance programme which is located at the Town Wall outside Jimmy Ryan's former property at Watergate. The initial stage of the project will necessitate Ivor McElveen compile information and make an application for Ministerial Consent to the Department.

Fethard choir will sing at Knock

Ann Barry, organist at Fethard Augustinian Abbey, photographed rehearsing with some members of her local choir who will travel to sing in Knock on July 20

Ann Barry, organist at the Augustinian Abbey, is currently rehearsing with a local choir who will travel to Knock on July 20 to sing at the basilica as part of this year's Augustinian pilgrimage. The choir comprises the Abbey Choir along with some members of Fethard Choral Society. It is a great privilege to have been invited to sing and the choir is looking forward to participating and adding to the ceremonies with their singing. New to the choir's repertoire will be the lovely hymn, Our Lady of Knock, written specially for Knock by Dana Rosemary Scallon.

Piano Exams in Fethard
Local Piano teacher Stuart Clooney would like to congratulate all of his students who sat their Piano Exams in Fethard in May 2013. All students from beginner to grade eight set a very high standard with outstanding results achieved.

This year the level of music was particularly high with either 'honours' or 'first class honours' achieved by all students. Well done to all. The Leinster School of Music award medals for results of 95% or higher in the Preparatory and Grade Exams and so further congratulations go to Laura Harrington and Sadhbh Morrissey who achieved 'first class honours with medal' in their piano exams this year.

The semi-finals of the Leinster School of Music were held at Griffith College Dublin on July 6 whereby students, nominated by examiners for excelling in a particular piece of music, compete at national level with the top young musicians in the country. Three of Stuart's students Hayley Ryan, Katie Whyte and Imogen Kavanagh were nominated and so performed their chosen pieces in Dublin at Griffith College. Finalists will be chosen from this round to perform at the annual Excellence Awards Concert later in the year. Well done to the three girls for getting this far and the very best of luck with progressing on to the Finals which will be announced in September.

A big thank you and well done to the large number of students who sat their exam in the 2012-13 season and for all the hard work involved in progressing through the syllabus.

Stuart would also like to thank the national schools in the area and the local people involved for their support during the year. Piano lessons will resume for the 2013-14 season in September. Enquiries to Stuart Clooney (052) 6132567 or 087 9540234.

Retirement Function

Photographed at Ernan Britton's recent retirement function at Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School are L to R: Cathriona Hyland, Gwen Cronin and Catherine Morrissey.


Transition Year students making a presentation to Ernan Britton on the occasion of his retirement as Principal

Annual Vintage Tractor Run
Coolmoyne and Moyglass Vintage Club will hold their annual vintage tractor run on Saturday, July 27. All proceeds will go to Fethard and District Day Care Centre. The route for the run is as follows: Leaving Moyglass at 3pm and travelling to Fethard via Rockwell Road, turning left at Dr Condon's house to the Killenaule Road. Right here and down in to Fethard for a 'Pitstop' and refreshments at the Mart. From there they will travel up the Cashel Road, turning right at Mocklershill and back to Moyglass via Knockbrett. Please support this fantastic fundraising initiative.

Killusty Soccer Club Golf Classic
Killusty Soccer Club will hold a Golf Classic on Sunday, August 4, at Slievenamon Golf Club. The cost per team of three will be €60. For tee times you can contact the golf club at (052) 6132213.

Shelves ready for new Public Library
The shelves for the new Public Library in Fethard Convent Community Centre are now fully finished and ready to be filled with books. If anyone has any books that you no longer use we would be delighted to use them in the library, all types of booked needed once they are in good condition. Books can be left down to the hall or if you need us to pick them up from you just contact the Community Office at (052) 6131000 and we will arrange to have them picked up from you, also keep an eye on this space for opening days and times of the new library.

Killusty Dog Show

Brothers Oisín and Aaron Smullen, Moyglass, with their dogs 'Shadow' and 'Duggie' at the Killusty Dog Show.


Annica O'Connor with her dog 'Lucy' at the Killusty Dog Show

Summer Activity Day in Fethard
Summer Activity Day will take place in Fethard Convent Community Centre on Wednesday, July 31, which will include a great day of fun and activities for boys and girls age 4 plus. The activities will start at 10am and continue to 4pm. The cost is €10 per child and lunch will be provided. Places must be pre-booked you can do this on our Fethard Convent Community Hall Facebook page or by ringing Janice on 087 2475762, Jimmy on 086 3088049 Pamela on 086 8743752 or Dee on (052) 6132277.

Don't forget the Conventt Community Hall is available at an hourly rate for birthday parties or any social occasion. To make a booking or a general query phone Joan at (052) 6131000 or Pamela at 086 8743752.

Sparkles Whitening
Sparkles Whitening will return to the Convent Community Hall with an amazing special offer – for only €50 you can get your teeth whitened on Saturday, July 27. To book your place contact us on 085 7547092. Places are limited for this offer so make sure you book early.

Hospice Collection
The local support group of South Tipperary Hospice would like to express their sincere appreciation to all who supported their recent annual church gate collection held in Fethard, Killusty and Moyglass. The total amount collected was €1,893 for which the organisers are truly pleased with the fantastic support received, especially in these recessionary times.

Pilgrimage to Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon
A date for your diary – this year's annual pilgrimage to the Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon will take place on Sunday, August 11, with the usual starting time of 1pm.

Pre-Baptism Meeting
A pre-Baptism meeting will be held in the Tirry Community Centre on Monday, August 12, at 7.30pm for parents who wish to have their child baptised during the following weeks. Please contact Canon Tom Breen P.P. (052) 6131178 or Fr. Anthony McSweeney C.C. (052) 6131187 prior to attending.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on July 10, were: 14, 22, 28 and 30. We had no jackpot winner and one 'Match Three' winner who received €150: Majella Walsh, Moyglass.

The three following 'Lucky Dip' winners won €50 each: Carmel Kelly, c/o P. Kenny; Rita Burke, Woodvale Walk, Fethard; and Patsy Lawrence, Woodvale Walk, 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, July 17, and the Jackpot is €3,550 and the Jackpot seller's prize is €355. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

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

Famine 1848 Walk, July 27, at 3pm
This annual Walk takes place in Ballingarry on Saturday, July 27, at 3pm. The starting point is the National Flag Monument in the village of The Commons and the walk concludes at the Famine Warhouse, the state national heritage site.

The Walk covers a distance of one-and-a-half miles and commemorates all those who died during the Great Famine and the 1848 Rising that took place in Ballingarry in the middle of the Famine. This year the walk will be led by Dr Martin Mansergh. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome.

End in sight for postal deliveries from Fethard Post Office
We have been reliably informed that July 29 has been set as a provisional date for the ending of postal deliveries from Fethard post office. From, or soon after that date, all delivery staff at Fethard will be relocated to Clonmel from where all future deliveries for the area will be carried out.

This will take place as part of An Post's policy of 'consolidation' whereby smaller delivery offices are to be relocated to larger delivery service units. Killenaule, Mullinahone and Ballingarry staff will be relocated to Thurles. Counter services and mail collections will remain the same.

It’s only a few months back that we received many complaints from locals enraged about mail being not delivered because ‘Clonmel’ was not included on letters addressed to their Fethard postal address. Are we moving forwards or backwards? For the past hundred years Fethard, Co. Tipperary, was always enough on an envelope to distinguish us from Fethard-on-Sea in Co. Wexford. Is this yet another step in Fethard’s identity being consumed by the larger centres?

'The Scattering' at the Abymill
Sean Keane and his band will stage their wonderful concert, 'The Scattering', in the Abymill Theatre in Fethard on Saturday, July 20, at 8pm. Sean's unique style of singing is known and loved worldwide. Younger brother of Delores Keane, Sean began singing before he could talk and this concert is a once off down south before his tour of America at the end of July. For a night of good music and song this is a must for any music lover. Ticket enquiries to Anne 086 0834208

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

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.