Died Recently
The death has occurred on Thursday, August 1, of Mr Paddy Butler, Saucestown, Fethard. Paddy, deeply regretted by his loving wife Mary, sons Percy, Jim and Thomas, daughters Majella Hade and Maura Crowley, brother Tom, sister Biddy, Paddy Wallace and family, sons in law, daughters in law, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, relatives and friends. RIP.
Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, this Friday, August 2, from 5.30pm with removal to the Holy Trinity Parish Church at 8pm.
Funeral Mass at 11am on Saturday followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery, Fethard.
Funding appeal for essential church repairs
Eamining the condition of the old clock face of Holy Trinity Parish Church are L to R: Joe Costello (Contractor), Canon Tom Breen P.P. and Richie Butler (Engineer)
Fethard’s Parish Priest, Canon Tom Breen, issued an appeal to parishioners on Sunday last for financial help towards the rather extensive repairs to Holy Trinity Church that are currently taking place. These essential repairs are very specialised work and will cost in the region of €65,000. There are also some maintenance works needed to be carried out on the Parochial House. The consulting engineer for the project is Mr Richie Butler, originally from Coolanure, Fethard, and the contractor is Joe Costello, Stone Work and Masonry Conservation. Both have been most helpful in providing top class advice and expertise in the architectural restoration of the church that should last for many future generations of Fethard inhabitants.
Canon Breen emphasised that these are difficult times and he was reluctant to ask for money at this time but he must ask for some help and hence is sending out envelopes to every household asking parishioners to contribute as best they can to the project.
Remedial Summary of Works
The facade of Holy Trinity Church Fethard is of Masonry construction and is southerly facing. Constant penetration of rainwater through this gable has caused damage to many roof timbers in this area, to such an extent that a small section of ceiling has collapsed behind the Organ, and many other localised areas of ceiling are in need of urgent repair.
The first step is to identify the potential source of this water ingress. Following careful examination, potential causes were identified as follows:
- (a) Deteriorated lead work to the flat surface under the Bellcote causing a major source of water inlet, together with penetrations from the bell striker bolts also providing a path for rainwater.
- (b) Deteriorated lead work under the parapet capping stones, providing another major source of water passage.
- (c) Many damaged stone joints, and growth of vegetation, providing inlet of water.
- (d) Cement based pointing mortar to all stonework, preventing normal drying out of masonry through the joints, therefore exacerbating the problem.
- (e) Damage to clock face and frame allowing water inlet.
Joe Costello (Contractor) showing the bad condition of one of the four decorative stone urns on top of the church steeple.
Remedial Works Carried Out to date
- (1) Remove parapet capping stones and damaged lead, re-lay new lead work and reposition parapet capping stones.
- (2) Remove and replace all lead work within Bellcote area, and removing bell striker.
- (3) Re-position bell striker to a more suitable location.
- (4) Remove all cement base mortar pointing.
- (5) Repair all damaged and cracked masonry.
- (6) Repoint entire facade masonry using lime based pointing
- (7) Prepare, prime and paint metal cross at top of steeple.
- (8) Prepare, prime and paint bell striker support bracket, and bell support bracket.
- (9) Carefully provide light cleaning to bell.
- (10) Replace the clock which is no longer functional
- (11) Stabilise the four decorative stone urns.
- (12) Remove stonework and concrete packing around timber purlin seating.
- (13) Remove rotten purlin ends, re-splice ends, and reseat using stone pad and lime mortar packing.
- (14) Carefully remove sections of damaged ceiling only where absolutely necessary.
- (15) Remove rotten joist ends, only as necessary and splice using new treated timber and hangers.
- (16) Repair ceiling using lat and lime based plaster as original.
- (17) Repair damaged slates and ridge caps, introducing some roof vents in concealed location to bring much need ventilation to this area of the roof.
Bank robbery steals the show at Moyglass Festival
Conor O'Donnell playing his active role in the Bank Robbery re-enaction at the Ned Kelly Festival in Moyglass
The three-day Ned Kelly festival in Moyglass proved a huge success with the rare sight of traffic jams in the village. Mary Fleming cut the tape to get proceedings under way on Friday evening and Marie Crean gave a short speech on the history of Moyglass and its connection with the famous Ned Kelly. Terry Cunningham gave an extremely informative and professional display, on the big screen, of all relevant records from Moyglass Church that date back to when John Kelly, Ned Kelly’s great grandfather, married Ellen Head on June 16, 1799. He also displayed the Australian records and the one that has particular importance is the registration of John ‘Red’ Kelly’s last child Grace, where he lists his home area as Moyglass, Co. Tipperary, Ireland. A tour of the sites connected with John ‘Red’ Kelly was completed and Terry explained the particular connections with each place.
The 'Kelly Gang' re-enacting a bank robbery at Moyglass Festival
A traditional Irish music session was held in the Village Inn, where nearly twenty top musicians joined forces to produce a most memorable night. Seanachai Walter Dunphy had the audience some spellbound that you could hear a pin drop. This session proved so popular with the audience and performers that are arranging further sessions on a monthly basis.
Saturday commenced with Athletics for all age groups. The Ned Kelly obstacle race, which included ditches and running in the Clashawley river was won by Declan Ryan. The Vintage tractor run had almost forty entries and this year the tractors were parked along Fethard Town Wall, during the stopover to rest the engines. This was a sight to behold and Laurence Kenny was on hand to capture the scene. The entrants were served refreshments at the Tirry Community Centre by the Fethard & District Day Care volunteers. The ‘School Reunion’ was an outstanding success and great credit is due to the organisers and those who travelled from home and abroad. Many stories of the old school were recalled. It was wonderful to see Jim Costigan and Martin Power in attendance. Dan Lynch and Mrs Horan gave a good insight into how the old school operated and the many fine pupils that were educated in poor conditions.
The Fureys and Davey Arthur performed to a lively audience at The Community Hall, while ‘We Looked Like Giants’ played to a packed house at The Village Inn.
Sunday saw a fine display of arts and crafts at hall. There was something to entertain kids of all ages with the dunking tank creating great fun.
The dog show for the Moyglass Kennels Trophy was won by Shay Ryan. The greasy pig competition captivated the audience and created some great laughter. A static show of vintage cars and tractors and memorabilia was popular with the audience. The tug-o-war was won following some hectic pulls by a team from Murroe, Co. Limerick.
The highlight of the weekend proved to the re-enactment of Ned Kelly robbing the bank at Jerelderie. The audience had tears rolling down their faces and those that missed it asked if it could be performed again. The horses and cast are to be congratulated for the memorable entertainment.
The Waheys were very popular at The Village Inn and played to a full house. The festival concluded with the Irish wake and what a performance by the cast. Peter Grant captured most of the events on video and Cher Gleeson and Laurence Kenny take a huge number of photographs. We will have all of these available in the near future. All those involved in running and performing at the festival can feel very proud of their achievements and Moyglass is much better known following the events of the weekend.
"Fethard plant is not viable and no option other than closure"
Dawn Fresh Foods Fethard due to close by December
The town of Fethard has been left reeling from the shock anouncement that Dawn Fresh Foods will be closed by December with the loss of one hundred and four jobs.
The directors of Dawn Fresh Foods said the announcement was made with great regret and recognised and was grateful for the support of its local workforce, a partnership that has existed for over 30 years.
“After lengthy thought and consideration and exploring all avenues, including a 30 day consultation period with staff, in a bid to deliver a workable business plan it has become evident that a viable rescue plan is not achievable” the company stated.
Minister Tom Hayes said he had spoken to Peter Queally MD of the Queally Group who told him that everything had been done to try and save the plant from closure.
Minister Hayes said he was told that up to €6m had been invested in the plant over the last few years but that the business was not viable and could not continue. Located on the Killenaule Road, Dawn Fresh Foods supply up to two hundred products in a range of ready made meals, soups and sauces with up to 80% of its output exported to the UK.
“I have spoken to Peter Queally, owner of the group, and I am told that the decision is irreversible. They have invested a huge amount of money in the last few years but they say that the business is just not viable."
“The meeting on Friday will be held to see what can be done to source a buyer or to see can the Queally group use the building for any other purpose. We have to act immediately” said Minister Hayes.
Larry Kenny of Kenny’s Centra in Fethard said the loss of over one hundred jobs amounted to about 10% of the town’s population and there had not been one word of the closure in the national media.
“There were 50 new jobs announced for Dublin this week and it was all over the place. The closure is going to have a huge knock-on effect for business in the town which has been badly hit over the last few months."
“They were good employers and it is a huge blow for Fethard and all the surrounding area,” he said.
— by Eamonn Lacey (The Nationalist)
McGrath calls on Minister Hayes to try and reverse job losses at ‘Dawn’
Independent TD Mattie McGrath has called on Minister of State Tom Hayes to engage with the staff and management of Dawn Fresh Foods in Fethard to try and reverse the savage job losses which were announced at the food processing plant.
“We cannot listen to the usual political platitudes of taskforces, we need direct intervention at the highest level so that this proud indigenous company can have the necessary breathing space to try and recover from the impact of the horsemeat scandal. I remain hopeful that with political will we minimise the extent of the loss. Dawn is one of the leading employers in the area and it would be fair to say as SIPTU have already noted that these potential job losses are akin to those lost at Dell or Waterford Crystal in terms of the impact they will have on the community,” he said.
— by Eamonn Lacey (The Nationalist)
Fethard sports achievement award nominees for July
Brothers Mike and Dinny Burke from Redcity nominated individually for the July Fethard Sports Achievement Award
The following six nominations were received for the May ‘Fethard Sports Achievement Award’, promoted by Butler’s Sports Bar in Fethard. The aim is to recognise and reward sporting achievement be it at participation, coaching or administration level. Nominees must be over 18 and from Fethard parish, work in Fethard, live in Fethard (play for Fethard teams) or from Fethard but participate in sport elsewhere.
- Seamus Hayes – Showjumping. Seamus is currently competing on the Munster Grand Prix circuit where he has recorded 5 victories and is currently lying 2nd in the order of merit.
- Harry Kelly – Horse Racing. Local trainer Harry continues to impress and had some success during July. ‘Que Pasa’ second in Killarney, ‘She's Ten Sixty-Six’ second in Limerick and ‘Railway Icon’ a winner in Cork.
- Mick Ryan – Hurling. Local man Mick is manager of the Tipperary Intermediate hurling team who recently won the Munster title for the second year in a row beating Cork by a point.
- Dinny Burke – Golf. Former Fethard and Tipperary Gaelic football legend who has taken successfully to golf. He showed his consistency during the recent captains prize in Slievenamon Golf Club by winning the gross prize.
- Derry Donegan – Foxhunting. Derry is huntsman with Tipperary Foxhounds who recently won rosettes in every class at the recent All Ireland Hounds championship show held in Stradbally Co. Laois. They crowned a most successful day by being named Overall Champion ‘Chieftain’ and Reserve Champion ‘Sable’.
- Mick Burke – Golf. Mick produced spectacular scores over two days at the recent Slievenamon Captain’s Day. He had best score with 128 net but had to settle for second place because of club rules. This is the first time a set of brothers (Dinny and Mick) have been nominated for this award scheme.
The July winner will be announced at a function in Butler’s Sports Bar on Friday night next, August 2, at 10pm
Eucharistic Adoration
Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the Parish Church on Fridays after 10am Mass to 12.30pm and from 6pm to 9pm; Augustinian Abbey on Thursdays after 10.30am Mass to 2pm; Killusty Church for one hour before First Friday Mass at 7.30pm.
MUSIC EXTRAVAGANZA and Barbecue at Lonergans
MUSIC EXTRAVAGANZA and Barbecue at Lonergan's Beer Garden on Sunday, 18th August, from 2pm to 9pm, in aid of the Tipperary Branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association. Great family day out with Barbecue, Bouncing Castle, and fantastic music from the following bands who are all playing free of charge: Wig Wam Glam Band; Hot Ice; Kenny Ryder & Rockin Rebels; No Recession; Midnight; Groovy Tunes; Hooley; Liberty Session and MC for the evening with DJ Roger Brown. All this for only €10 (accompanied children free). Terminal 2 were not available on Sunday but will play a benefit gig on the following Friday night, August 23. Please come along and support . . . Tickets available at Lonergans Bar or from Jack Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard Tel: 086 0750815.
Community Games Collection
Fethard and Killusty Community Games annual church gate collection will be taken up at all masses on this coming weekend, Saturday and Sunday, August 3 and 4. Offers of assistance to man the collection would be gratefully received. Anybody with half hour to spare on either day might please contact Peggy at 086 8110768.
This is the only funding we receive to assist with expenses incurred by competitors who may be lucky enough to qualify for Provincial or National finals. Please try and give us a helping hand if at all possible.
Thanks Don
Fethard Convent Community Center committee would like to thank Don O’Connell of Fethard Electrical who very kindly sponsored new lights for the public library which will be opened shortly in the hall.
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.
Waxathon at Anglims
On Saturday next, August 3, at least eighteen willing male participants have volunteered to shed some hair at a ‘Waxathon’ to be held at Anglim’s Bar, Cloneen, starting at 9pm. This fun event will raise money for the Irish Wheelchair Association’s independent living units situated in Cashel. All are invited to come along for a great night’s entertainment that will also include food and music.
All glamour at Fethard / German wedding
Matthias Euchner and Helena McCormack who were married on Saturday, July 27, in the Agustinian Abbey Fethard. The couple later held their reception at Raheen House Hotel Clonmel.
Members of the McCormack family photographed at their daughter Helena's wedding eception at Raheen House Clonmel. L to R: Micheál McCormack, Cambell Fraser, Belinda McCormack, Mary McCormack, Killian McCormack, Michael Sean McCormack, Baby Michael Sean McCormack, Elain McCormack Matthias Euchner, Saoirse McCormack, Helena McCormack, Verner Herkommer, Cliona Herkommer Lorraine McCormack Herkommer, Coilin McCormack Fergus McCormack, Rikke Iversen, Jack McCormack, Sean Herkommer and Sophia Vagtborg.
School friends outside McCarthys. Helena McCormack, Vanessa O’Donnell, Michelle Coffey, Gillian Shine, Zoe Cooney and Jodi Gilpin
Matthias family members.
Bride Helena and Groom Matthias with Belinda (Bridesmaid) and Christian (Best Man).
Fergus McCormack with his mother Mary.
McCormack family L to R: Belinda, Micheál Sean, Mary, Matthias Euchner, Helena and Saoirse, Michael, Lorraine and Fergus.
— (Photographs supplied by Pat Looby)
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
Lighting in Calgary Canada
Val O'Dwyer sent us this photograph of a recent lighting storm in Calgary Canada.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on July 24 were: 21, 23, 29 and 31. We had no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winner so the following drawn tickets received €50 each: Johanna Corbett, Canon Hayes Court, Fethard; Christy Devitt, Strylea, Fethard; and Michael Cahill, Barrack Street, Fethard.
The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners won €50 each: Breda O'Dwyer, Woodview, Moyglass; Bridget Cooney, c/o Tom Purcell; and Bridget Lonergan, Newchapel, Clerihan.
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 31. The Jackpot is €3,850 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €385. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.
Fundraising Reunion in Cloneen Hall
The Fionn Mac Cumhaill Players are holding a much needed fundraising reunion on Saturday, August 10, in Cloneen Hall. The reunion will have a rock icon fancy dress theme with cash prizes for best male and female costume from the 60s 70s or 80s.
So come on guys! For a great night out make your way to Cloneen.
There has to be some old rockers out there and this will suit younger people too as the old songs are clearly the best! The exciting Wig Wam Glam Band will be playing all the great song from the past. We ask you all to make the effort and come along to support your local drama group. Dancing from 10pm to 1am and cover charge is €10. Great music! Great craic!
Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday Night, August 4, to the music of ‘Dave Lawlor. All welcome to come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment and social dancing. Dancing 9pm to midnight and admission is €7.
Visitor to Fethard
Paddy Fitzgerald photographed while home on holidays from Wrexham, Wales. Paddy is a brother of the late Nellie Fitzgerald from St. Patrick's Place.
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.
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto
There was no jackpot winner in this week’s GAA Sports Lotto. The numbers drawn were as follows 19, 21, 23 and 24. There was one match three winner who received €150, Lesley Swift, Silverfort, Cashel. The €50 Lucky dip winner was Denis O’Meara, St. Patrick’s Place, Fethard. Next week’s jackpot is €7,400 and the draw will take place in Lonergan’s Bar on July 30. Thanks to everyone for their continued support.
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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