Meeting with new Principal

All parents are cordially invited to meet our new Principal, Mr Michael O’Sullivan, who took up his position in the Patrician Presentation Secondary School last week. The information evening for parents will take place as planned on Wednesday next, September 3, between 7.30 pm and 8.30 pm. Dr. Eilis Humphries from Le Cheile, which is the trustee body in charge of the school, will attend the meeting with other staff members.

Parents’ Association
The AGM of the Patrician Presentation Parents’ Association will take place on Monday next, September 9, at 7.30pm in the school. All parents of children attending the school are urged to attend this important meeting. We commend the work and contribution of the Parents’ Association in the school. The parents have been, and continue to be involved in all major events in the school. They elect parents representatives to committees developing and reviewing school policies with the other partners in Education. Through fund-raising they have provided in recent years new PE Equipment, valuable resources for our learning support teacher, and for the library. The association also regularly sponsors Study Skills Days for our students, mock interviews for the Leaving Certificate pupils and have been generous in their sponsorship of the awards at the annual Awards’ Ceremony in October.

Homework Club
The Homework Club, which is run by Ms. Sinead Burke and open to First and Second Year pupils should resume on Monday next September 9th. Pupils attending have a light snack before settling down to study for 1 hour in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.

Fethard sports achievement award nominees for August

Paraic McCormack one of the Fethard sports achievement award nominees for August

The following eight nominations were received for the August ‘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.

• Stephanie Johnson – During August Stephanie continued her good form on the road race circuit. She finished second in her category at Youghal 10k, second at Adamstown 10k and 1st in her category at the Rose of Tralee festival 10k.
• Cian Maher – A Fethard native who captained Tipperary senior hurlers in New York to win the championship for the first time in ten years.
  
• Eugene Walsh, Mick O’Mahoney – Coaches and selectors to Fethard U14 hurling squad who were victorious recently in the south championship beating St. Patricks, Drangan, in the final.
  
• Des O’Meara – Clonmel native now resident in Fethard was a member of the management team to Waterford Intermediate Camogie team. They won the Munster championship and only failed narrowly to beat Galway in the All-Ireland semifinal.
  
• Shane Kenny – Well-known local golfer, originally from St. Patrick’s Place and now living in Kilsheelan, who recently won the McGarry cup at Slievenamon Golf club.
  
• Paraic McCormack – Paraic recently represented Ireland at the Classic Hot Rods national championships in Hednesford UK. He is the first person from southern Ireland to compete at such an event and but for engine failure would have had a podium finish.
  
• Joe Murphy – Local horse trainer had a number of successes during August. His charge Sister Slew was a winner at the Galway festival and followed up with his mare Lady O’Malley which won twice at Ballinrobe and Tipperary.
  
• Harry Kelly – Fethard’s youngest horse trainer continues to impress with a number of successes during August. He trained two winners, ‘Que Pasa’ in Galway and ‘Kauto Mill Rose’ in Down Royal as well as two seconds and three third placed horses.
  

The August winner will be announced at a function in Butlers Sports Bar on Friday next September 6, at 10pm. All are welcome to come along.

ICA back after summer break
Fethard ICA will hold their next meeting after the summer break on Tuesday, September 10 at 8pm in the ICA Hall on Rocklow Road. The guest speaker on the night will be John Fitzgerald representing the South Tipperary Sports Partnership ‘Go For Life’ team. ‘Red Group’ will cater on the night.

Any outstanding balance of money for weekend away at ‘An Grianán’, from October 18 to 20, is now due and it would be very much appreciated if paid as soon as possible.

Musical Mania at the Abymill

Shane Dempsey photographed some year's ago in 2002 performing in Fethard Players production of ‘Black Comedy’ in the Abymill

Due to popular demand, Stagecraft's 'Musical Mania' will be staged for one extra night on Saturday, September 7, at the Abymill Theatre. The first night's performance of this energetic production by Clonmel youth theatre group Stagecraft was quickly sold out resulting in a huge demand for a second night's performance which is now going ahead on Saturday, September 7. Doors are open at 8.15 pm and tickets costing €12 are available from Premier Music, Clonmel.

Musical Mania is a brilliant cocktail of some of the most popular and entertaining musicals of recent decades performed by a group of talented young people ranging from 6-18 years who have dedicated their summer holidays to learning new skills and preparing for this musical spectacular.

Stagecraft was founded in 1998 by current artistic director Shane Dempsey. It has established a long tradition of providing young performers with the highest standards of training and this is encouraged in a fun, non-pressurised environment where the young people can truly blossom.

Stagecraft is now in the process of enrolling for their forthcoming season of workshops that will commence in late September. For more details please call 087 9476968.

Back to School

Starting school at Holy Trinity National School were L to R: Kelvin Ryan, Micheál O'Rahilly, Thomas Murphy and Cody Bradshaw.

We wish all the pupils returning back to school in the parish God’s blessing for a very successful term and lots of enlightenment during their learning process at our local schools. We particularly welcome all the young junior infants who are starting ‘big’ school for the first time at Holy Trinity National School. This is the beginning of a new road that will develop their individuality and skills needed in dealing with the confusion of the current world. They deserve and need all the help they can get along the way. We wish them well.


Starting school at Holy Trinity National School in Fethard were L to R: Jenny Roberts, Róisín Tyrrell and Claire O'Donnell.


Starting school at Holy Trinity National School were L to R: James Walsh and Sarah Cuddihy.


Starting school at Holy Trinity National School were L to R: Kasey Power, Kayleigh Rochford Burke and Róisín Purcell.


Starting school at Holy Trinity National School were L to R: Meadbh Collum, Ella Deegan and Suzie Ann Murphy.


Starting school at Holy Trinity National School were L to R: Hayley Lawrence, Erin Carroll, Saoirse Nic Cormaic and Leyla Barlaz.


Starting school at Holy Trinity National School were L to R: Joey Daly, Oisín McAndrews and Marks Zorins.


Starting school at Holy Trinity National School were L to R: Megan Lyons and Giovanna Aguiar.

School of Irish Dancing
Seven times world champion, Michelle Lawrence, will be starting a school of Irish Dance at the Convent Community Hall Fethard every Tuesday from September 10, at 3.30pm for children of all ages. Michelle’s dancers have competed at many competitions and taken home numerous 1st place prices from the Mini Munster Championships over the last two years and now have two teams traveling to the All Ireland Championships in Belfast this October.

Irish Dancing is not only a fantastic career and talent to have, it is an opportunity for children to make friends, have fun and stay fit, all while learning our very own Irish culture. For more information ring Michelle at 087 7827730

Dance Revolution Classes
Dance Revolution classes take place every Friday at Convent Community Hall from 4pm to 5pm. Dances include Hip Hop and Break Dance for boys and girls age 4 upwards and the cost is €5 per week

Parent/Minder Toddler group
Just a reminder that the Parent/Minder Toddler group will start up again on Thursday September 12, from 11am to 12 noon, in the Convent Community Hall. This is a community-based group and will only work if it is well supported.

It gives young children a chance to get to know each other before they start playschool and also gives adults a chance to get out of the house and enjoy a tea or coffee with some adult conversation. For more details contact Janice at Tel: 087 2475762

Registration night for Scouts
Fethard Scouts will hold a registration night in their ‘Den’ (old St. Patrick’s Boys School) on Rocklow Road on this coming Friday, September 6, from 7pm to 8pm. New members are more than welcome.

Cubs will start back on Tuesday, September 10 at 6.30pm; Beavers start back on Wednesday 11 at 6.30pm; and Scouts start back on Friday, September 13, at 7pm.

Fethard Bridge Club resumes
Fethard Bridge Club will resume their weekly game on Wednesday, September 11, in the Tirry Community Centre. New members welcome. Anyone interested in learning bridge should contact Eileen at Tel: 086 0781448.

Fethard & District Rugby Club Training

Eucharistic Adoration in the Parish
Eucharistic Adoration takes place in the Parish Church every Friday after 10am Mass to 12.30pm and from 6pm to 9pm; in the Abbey Church every Thursday after 1030am Mass up to 2pm; and in Killusty Church for one hour after Frist Friday Mass at 7.30pm.

John hopes to have book published
Although not chosen as the overall winner in the recent John Murray Show’s 'Get Your Book Published' competition, John Fogarty was really thrilled to make the shortlist from over 500 submissions. John was also pleased and encouraged by the hugely positive comments received from the panel of judges, Ferdia McAnna, Sarah Webb and Bob Johnson and is fairly confident that he will succeed in getting his book into print.

John would like to thank all of the people he met daily who had encouraging words to say: all were appreciated. However, he was not so sure how he should interpret the comment of one individual who said: “Sure I always thought you were only a postman!”

Bunny Hop reopens on September 9
Bunny Hop music and movement for 0-4 year olds will reopen again in Fethard on Monday, September 9, at Fethard Convent Community Hall from 10am to 11am. Within the hour we do a wide variety of stimulating songs with actions, musical instruments and lots more, interacting with children same or similar age. Music is a very important part of a child’s development, making them aware of different sounds, developing their memory, new skills and introducing a new environment. There is a free playtime afterwards.
All are welcome and for further information and to join us contact Nicola at 087 6742401 or visit bunnyhop.ie

Killenaule Festival 14th-15th September

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on August 28 were: 6, 16, 25 and 26. We had no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winner so the following drawn tickets received €50 each: The Friendship Club, Fr. Tirry Centre, Fethard; Luke Hackett, c/o The Castle; and Una Ryan, c/o Tom Purcell.

The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners won €50 each: Aine Cuc, An Coill, Fiodh Ard; Brid Chirubui, Barrettstown, Fethard; and Thelma Griffith, Crampscastle, 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, September 4. The Jackpot is €4,600 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €460. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

Fethard GAA Sports Lotto
There was no jackpot winner in this week’s GAA Sports Lotto. There no match three winners so the following drawn tickets won €30 each: Tom Purcell Burke Street; P.J. Aherne, Prospect; Brendan Carey, Roscrea; Ann Butler, Main Street; and Denis O’Meara, St Patrick’s Place. The €50 Lucky Dip winner was ‘Sparky’, c/o The Lantern, Main Street, Fethard.

Next week’s jackpot is €7,900 and the draw takes place in The Castle Inn. You can purchase lotto tickets of any committee member. Remember if you’re not in you can't win. Thanks again for all the support. It is much appreciated.

TG4's 'Spillane an Fánaí' starting with Fethard

Tony Newport (left) photographed with singer John Spillane in McCarthy's Hotel during the recording of 'Spillane an Fánaí'

Spillane an Fánaí is a heartwarming and revealing six part entertainment series presented by singer/ songwriter John Spillane. Combining off-the-cuff encounters with local people, interviews and music sequences, John Spillane spends a week in six different locations, working in a pub and venturing out to meet a host of locals in search of musical inspiration for his songwriting in the uniqueness and character of small town life.

Spillane an Fánaí is a fascinating Irish-speaking exploration of the history and personality of rural towns outside of the traditional Gaeltacht areas. The towns John visits are Fethard in Tipperary, Graiguenamanagh in Kilkenny, Cootehill in Cavan, Castleisland in Kerry, Castlepollard in Westmeath and Kiltimagh in Mayo.

Programme 1 features 'Fethard' on Sunday Sept 15 at 10pm

McCarthy’s Bar, Fethard, Co. Tipperary is John’s first stop, where he goes to work for publican/undertaker Vincent Jasper Murphy. Between pulling pints and singing songs, John hears tales of ghosts, jockeys and horses inside bars. Out and about around the town, locals tell John about Cromwell, Sheela na Gigs and the town geese as well as uncovering for him a surprising link with Obama’s desk in the Oval Office and a connection to the Australian bandit Ned Kelly.

Suicide Awareness


Following the huge response to a series of Suicide Awareness evenings he has been running over the last two years, Clonmel man Joe Leahy (originally from Fethard), a long-time member of the Irish Association of Suicidology, was moved to take it to the next level.

At the last Awareness evening held in April, Joe promised to ensure that South Tipperary has it’s own dedicated centre for suicide prevention, post-vention and to support families bereaved by and affected by suicide. The centre will help families to access support and services for those with suicide ideation and will provide counselling services for those feeling suicidal and those bereaved by suicide.

Within weeks of publicising his intention, Joe was chairing a 20-strong committee of ordinary and elected members, including South Tipperary coroner Paul Morris, Detective Garda John O’Gorman and members of religious and other groups. Progress is rapid, with several of the established suicide prevention organisations travelling to Clonmel in coming weeks to deliver presentations to the committee.

“When we have heard their presentations, we will evaluate them and then make a decision as to which one is best suited to Clonmel and South Tipperary” said Joe. “We also hope to investigate potentially suitable premises soon. Although the project obviously needs to be carefully thought out and well planned, we have seen too many tragic deaths in South Tipperary in recent years. We need to see this centre delivered as soon as possible” he continued

If you would like more information, or you would like to get involved, contact Joe Leahy on 086-2606988.

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.