Emma wins first Bishop Delany Bursary Award of €2,000

L to R: Mr. Michael O'Sullivan (Principal), award winner Emma Hayes and Mr Dinny Burke (special guest)

The Principal of Patrician Presentation Secondary School, Fethard, Mr Michael O’Sullivan, presented the new Bishop Delany Bursary Award of €2,000 to Emma Hayes, Leaving Certificate student 2013, at the  school’s Student’s Award Ceremony on October 11.

The award was presented by the school’s Board of Management in memory of the founder of the Patrician Order, Bishop Daniel Delany.  It recognized the best Leaving Cert results in the 2013 Leaving Certificate Exam.  Emma, daughter of Anthony and Jane Hayes, Burke Street, Fethard, is currently studying Geography, Irish, Sociology and Philosophy in University College Cork. We congratulate her on her achievement and wish her well in her future studies. Also included in the above photograph is special guest, past pupil and past teacher in the school, Mr Dinny Burke, who was very well received at the student’s awards ceremony by both pupils and staff alike.

Butler Trail comes to Fethard

Participants in the 'Butler Trail' visit to Fethard photographed in the grounds of Holy Trinity Church of Ireland with guide Terry Cunningham.

An important conference on the Butler Family was held in Cahir over last weekend, October 11-13, and the delegates visited Fethard on Sunday to hear of Fethard’s connections with the Butler family.

The Butlers get their name from the first of the family, one Theobald Walter, who came to Ireland in the 1170s with the Anglo-Norman invasion. By 1185 this Theobald was made Chief Butler of Ireland by his feudal master the King of England, which meant that he was given governance over the wine trade into those parts of Ireland controlled by the new Norman colony. He was entitled to about one tenth of all wine coming into this area and this made him very wealthy indeed and hence the name Butler was adopted by the family. Members of the Butler family are still involved in the wine business in Fethard town at the present time!

The branch of the Butler family in the Fethard area were the ‘Dunboyne Butlers’, as a young Butler squire had married into the ‘le Petit’ family, who were lords of Dunboyne in County Meath and therefore he inherited that title. The Butlers were excellent ‘match makers’ and acquired much property and status in this way over the centuries.


A Fethard welcome . . . .

Many Castles in the Fethard Area
The Dunboyne Butlers had their chief seat in Tipperary at Kiltinan Castle, but other branches lived in Knockelly Castle, Cramp’s Castle and other locations in the area. The Butlers were at first a Tipperary family, but in 1428, James, the Fourth Earl of Ormond (The White Earl) signed the ‘statutes of Fethard’ wherein he annexed County Kilkenny and added it to his Tipperary Palatinate. It is not certain yet where in Fethard these famous statutes were signed, but it seems it was either in Court Castle in Watergate or in Cramp’s Castle.
The Married Roman Catholic Bishop

In many ways the most famous of the Dunboyne Butlers was John Butler who was born in Grangebeg three miles to the south of Fethard in 1730. The Butlers were kicked out of Kiltinan Castle by Cromwellians after Oliver’s visit in 1650, but even though they remained Catholic they were left living in the area.

John became Catholic Bishop of Cork in 1763, but following the deaths of all his brothers and nephew he was then in line to become Lord Dunboyne himself at the age of fifty-six in 1786. But to become Lord Dunboyne he had to become a Protestant and so began a famous story. He died in 1800 and after further ‘goings-on’ he was buried sometime later with his infant daughter by the alter rails in the Augustinian Abbey in Fethard. The story can be further looked up under ‘Local Information’ at the following address CLICK HERE.


Butler Trail visit to Fethard

These and other Fethard Butler stories were told to the visitors by Terry Cunningham, Backs to the Wall Tours, who took the group on a tour of the medieval town. Also present was Gerard Crotty the author of ‘Heraldic Memorials in Fethard ‘which was published by the Fethard Historical Society last year.

It is now planned that Fethard will join the Butler Trail, which at present links Carrick-on-Suir, Clonmel and Cahir, and hopefully will steer more visitors to the best walled town in Ireland.

Thanks for your support
The Holy Trinity National School Parent’s Association would like to thank all those who supported their recent Church Gate Collection. Your contribution was very much appreciated and will go towards providing additional sports, science and teaching aids for the school.

Dance Champions

Young champion dancers Katie Allen and her partner Rachel O’Shea

Congratulations to seven-year-old Katie Allen (Fethard) and her partner eight-year-old Rachel O’Shea (Callan) who were voted 2013 champions in the All Ireland under-ten ‘Rock and Roll pair’ and Slow Dance pair at the All Ireland Freestyle Championships held in Trabolgan at the weekend. The girls also brought home a 2nd place in ‘Street Pairs’ and a 4th place in ‘Freestyle Pairs’.

First Steps Online training
Convent Community Centre have very kindly approved for funding to offer a training course. This is an eight-hour training course and participants will be provided with training in the following subjects; sending and receiving email; using search engines; conducting online transactions; using social networking; using online TV playback or podcasts; and on-line banking.

We would hope to run a morning course and an evening course, run over four weeks of two-hour training sessions. If you would like to avail of this training or know somebody who might be interested in it please let us know. This course would be great for people who feel they have missed out on the whole ‘Internet Era’ but would like to be able to do some simple things with their computer. Contact Pamela 086 8743752 or Joan at Fethard Community Office (052) 6131000.

Family Tree launched

Members of the Butler clan photographed at a gathering to launch their family tree on Friday night last in Butlers Sports Bar in Fethard.

A gathering of the local Butler clan took place on Friday night last in Butlers Sports Bar in Fethard. The main purpose of the evening was to celebrate the launch online of a local popular and well-respected branch of the Butler family. The family tree is recorded on www.myheritage.com and is titled ‘Butler Family Ballingarry Williamstown’.

Its newest member was proudly added to the site on October 9, 2013, Eoin Patrick Butler, son of Richie and Elaine and grandson of Philip and Anne Butler. This particular branch of the Butler clan is drawn from areas around Ballingarry, Tinnock, Ballintaggart, Foyle, Crohane, Drangan, Loughmore and Killenaule with the main stem originating in Williamstown (Tullarone). The site was researched and developed by P.J. Maxwell from Nenagh whose mother, Ettie Butler, was born in Foyle, Ballingarry. All family members can become site members by emailing pjmaxwell@eircom.net.

The earlier details (pre 1800) have all been verified by the leading Butler family genealogist, Lord Dunboyne (Paddy Butler) who passed away on May 19, 2004. From then onwards information has been supplied by family members, along with research of the Births, Marriage and Death records, Griffiths Valuation, Tithe Applotment Books, Hearths Money Rolls, Catholic Parish Baptismal and Marriage records, and school records.

‘Take me Out’ this Saturday night
'Take Me Out' night takes place in Gaule’s Pub, Burke Street, on this coming Saturday, October19, starting at 8pm. This will be a great night’s craic and fun for participants and spectators alike and as an added bonus all participants will be getting ‘Free Drink’.

Contact Gaule's Pub at Tel: (052) 6130810 or look up Gaules's on Facebook for further information. The Tipperary Branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association are hosting the event in aid of Crumlin Childrens' Hospital. So come along for a great night's fun and support for a great cause!

Happy Wedding Anniversary

Congratulations to John and Margaret Fitzgerald, Monroe, Fethard who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary recently with their family photographed above.

Convent Community Centre
Lots of new events happening in the centre in November, including cookery classes and computer course. Keep an eye out for further details. Don’t forget to get your parties booked early. The hall is also available for mid-week parties as well as weekends

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on this Sunday Night, October 20, 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.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on October 9 were: 3, 4, 7 and 25. We had no jackpot winner and three ‘Match Three’ winners who received €50 each: Robert Jones (online ticket); Gemma Burke, Redcity, Fethard; and Maureen Murphy, Fr. Tirry Park, Fethard.

The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners won €50 each: Maureen Tobin, Drangan; Ann Looby, The Valley, Fethard; Aine Cuc, An Coill, Fiodh Ard.

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, October 16. The Jackpot is €5,500 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €550. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

Community Sports Lotto
The numbers drawn in Fethard Community Sports lotto this week were 15, 20, 21 and 23. We had no match three winners so the following five drawn tickets each received €30: Ann Butler Main Street, Fethard; Michael Smyth (Jnr), Burke Street; Willie O’Meara, Killusty; John Fitzgerald, Clonmel; and The Fitzgerald Family, Kiltinan.

Our €50 lucky dip winner was Gerry Aherne, Coolmore. Next weeks jackpot is €8,500 and the draw will take place at McCarthys Hotel on Tuesday, October 15. Thanks to all for the continued support.

Chat on Main Street

Fethard's young folk enjoying a chat on Main Street L to R: Dean Dorney, Adam Dorney, Leigh Cahill and Conor Mackey.

Fethard Rugby Club
Conditions were perfect for a great morning of rugby at home last Sunday where it was great to welcome teams of all ages from Thurles along with Clonmel U7s.

Fethard U7s played two fine teams from Clonmel and Thurles. This squad had great fun and showed their eagerness to play with plenty of tries scored, passing and great tagging. Well done to Charlie Walsh, Jack stokes, Gavin Neville, Sean Fitzgerald, Sam Austin, Noah O'Flynn, Sami Laaksonen, Adam Ruttle, Bill Smyth, Rory Shelley, Darragh Coleman, Harry Purtill and Joseph Fitzgerald.

The U8s played a great game against Thurles with improving skills with this step up to contact Rugby not a problem to them and they continued to work well together with Oisín Ryan, Padraig Duggan, Brian Hayes, Liam Kiely, Brian Corcoran, Ellie Luke and Finn Madigan. Well done to you all.

The U9s have grown in numbers and Munster's future looks in safe hands with these players coming along nicely in their skills of the game. The squad of Padraig O'Dwyer, Louis Ryan, Tom Smyth, Tomas Ryan, David McCormack, Adam O'Connell, Andrew Wall, Robbie Noonan, William Cleere, Michael Corcoran, Jack Quinlan, Joseph O'Flynn, Michael James Phelan, Oisín Shelley, Michael Blake, Daithi Hogan and Mark Neville.

Thank you once again to all the coaches for their continued good work and a huge thanks to the ladies for their wonderful work supplying goodies and catering.

The Minis are away next Sunday, October 20, to Nenagh. We kindly ask you to be there at 10am for a 10.30am kick off. If you are not receiving club texts please make contact your players coach to be added to the list. Training continues on Friday evenings at the Fethard Community Field from 6.45pm to 8pm for U7s up to U16s. New members are always welcome.

Girls Rugby training from 13 years to 18 years takes place every Friday evening from 8pm to 9pm. New members are always welcome. Our first 7-a-side game is on Saturday, October 26.

Fethard U11s played Thurles at home last Sunday in a highly entertaining game and Fethard came out on top. Well done to all the players for a great team effort. U11s travel to Thomond this Saturday to play at halftime during the Munster v Gloucester game. This is very exciting for our young players. Training as usual on Friday evening.
Fethard U12s took to the pitch well on a glorious, drizzly damp autumn day for mini-rugby. Rested after last weeks bruising encounter the team started promisingly when led by Mark McCormack at Scumhalf. Fine driving from Mathew Burke and the unstoppable Eabha Fitzgerald gave chances to David Gunn and Ryan Walsh to demonstrate their ferocious rucking technique. Eoin Walsh’s handling and passing of the ball was a joy and would cut a path through most teams. Ethan Coen made many powerful runs and Cathal Ryan, in his come-back game, made fine tackles.

Our new man Declan showed great promise with penetrative runs from deep. Taking over as scrumhalf in the second half, Lucy Murphy showed she was not afraid to run and Angus MacDonald provided excellent cover and made several successful counterattack runs. One feature working well this season is the team’s scrummaging with hooker Sam Quigley O'Dwyer winning good ball amidst a rock solid scrum. A fine performance and a good win.

Macra na Feirme Gathering of members past and present
Past members of Cashel Macra na Feirme are organising a gathering of Macra members past and present in Halla na Feile Cashel on Friday, November 1, 2013. They are inviting past and current members of Macra branches in Co Tipperary to join them on the night for a ‘Mini Field Evening’, including a three-course meal and some dancing to music provided by Sam O’Doherty.

It promises to be a night of nostalgia and chat meeting people with whom we shared the joys of our younger days and the response has been fantastic. If Macra members from Fethard would like to join us they will be very welcome and they will be certain to meet old friends from past times and hopefully renew friendships that may have weaned due to the passing of the years. Teams of four will be charged €120 (€30 per person) to include the meal and dancing and all the ‘side shows’. Any profits from the night will be donated to South Tipperary Hospice.

Tickets for individuals or teams are available from Seamus Hayes, Kilconnell, Tel: 086 2307330.


Macra members photographed at the launch of the South Tipperary Macra Masquerade New Year's Eve Ball 2013. L to R: International Miss Macra 2013 Gemma Goulding (Laois), Tommy O'Donnell (Munster Rugby), Emma Flynn, Michael Moclair (Chairperson South Tipperary Macra), Donnacha Ryan, Nuala Farrell and John Murray.

Town Wall work to start soon
Morris Construction have been appointed as contractor to undertake the Fethard Town Walls Capital Works for 2013 and are expected to start to site in the next few days.

It is anticipated that the works will last for 2-3 weeks. The works coincide with works on the late Jimmy Ryan’s property at Watergate (now owned by Charlez Hazell) which was fortunate as the stone from the demolition of that property can be used in repairing the wall at Watergate. Although the job is starting late, without the available free stone it would not have been worth proceeding with the job given the limited budget of €10,000.

Table Quiz for Day Care Centre
A table quiz in aid of Fethard & District Day Care Centre will be held in Butler’s Sports Bar on Friday, October 25, starting at 9pm. Your support would be very much appreciated.

Emigrant’s Newsletter Church Gate Collection
The annual church gate collection for the Fethard & Killusty Emigrants Newsletter will take place at Halloween bank-holiday weekend, October 26 and 27. We ask for your support for this annual production, which is now in operation for over 50 years and posted free of charge to our emigrants and families living away from home.

This year, with emigration again rising steadily, we depend on your continued support to provide this much appreciated service to our parish emigrants. Donations can be handed in to Carmel Rice, Brookhill, Fethard, or Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, or alternatively put in an envelope with your name and address and handed in at our Church Gate Collection. All donations of €10 and over will be acknowledged in this year's issue of the Newsletters. Donations can also be made online at the following web address: www.fethard.com/donate/

Christmas Shoebox Appeal


The Christmas Shoebox Appeal is an Irish project that promises to get your 'Christmas Shoebox' into the hands of a needy child in Eastern Europe. All they ask is for you to fill a shoebox with a range of simple Christmas gifts, and drop it off at your local drop off point in Fethard before November 11. All you need to do is get an average size shoebox (or a plastic storage container would also be great), and wrap it with Christmas paper. Choose who you'd like to receive your gift – a boy or a girl, in one of three age groups: 2-4 years, 5-9 years or 10-14 years. For further information contact Monica Pollard, at Centra Foodmarket, Fethard, or by Tel: 087 1258591.

South Tipperary Health and Wellness Information Evening
Are you serious about maintaining good health? Then take a look at our extensive natural range of health and skin care products for all ages. Wonderful gift ideas for the festive season, all budgets catered for. Come along to our information evening on Wednesday, October 23, at Fethard Convent Community Hall, starting at 7.30pm. For more information call Amy Tel: 087 7510886 or email aocaloe@hotmail.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.