Richard O’Brien working with a team of people on Rathnadrinna Fort. Fethard Historical Society have organised a talk and slideshow in the ICA Hall, Rocklow Road, Fethard, on Monday, November 18, at 8.30pm. Entrance €3 members and €5 non-members.

One of the most numerous monuments in Ireland are ringforts, often identified by being on a hillside with a group of trees growing in the centre, surrounded by a circular bank and ditch. Ringforts are commonly referred to as fairy forts. Archaeologists say that in the countryside many people still believe it is unwise to enter a fairy fort or to cut down perimeter trees and vegetation.

On Monday, November 18, Richard O’Brien will give a talk and slideshow on Rathnadrinna Fort, Richard, a local archaeologist and chairperson of the County Tipperary Historical Society, has been working with a team of people on Rathnadrinna Fort for the last two summers.

The fort is located in Lawlors-Lot townsland off the Cashel Rosegreen road. Their findings have revealed a very complex, multi period monument of major archaeological significance. The complexity of the features revealed is comparable to findings from other Irish royal sites such as Emain Macha, Dun Ailinne, and Tara.

The discovery of a stonehenge style circle of wooden posts suggested, “a ceremonial or ritual role for the fort’. Due to its size, complexity of design and prominent location (on the southern approach to Cashel) a royal function for Rathnadrinna is justified.

The research that Richard and his team have discovered presents an opportunity to learn more about the function of these sites in the Irish Landscape.

Presented by Fethard Historical Society the talk and slideshow will take place in The ICA Hall, Rocklow Road, Fethard, on Monday, November 18, at 8.30pm. Entrance €3 members and €5 non-members

Fethard ‘Christmas Festival’ plans underway

Santa's helpers enjoying the fun at Fethard's 'Festive Friday' last year. L to R: Michelle Walsh, Danielle Sheehan and Tara Horan

Fethard Christmas Festival takes place on the weekend of December 6, 7 and 8. We encourage all businesses and services in Fethard to participate to their best and hopefully kick-start Christmas.

Arrangements have already been made to have our Christmas street lights up; Tipp FM are coming on Saturday, December 7, from 2pm to 6pm; Country Markets will have their seasonal produce stalls on the street and we’ll have carols on The Square. We also expect Santa Claus to visit us in the Convent Community Hall and arrive to officially turn on the Christmas Lights on The Square. The local schools twill hold a ‘Bric-a-brac’ sale on Main Street, among other plans including an on-going poster-art competition.

Local businesses are organising a ‘Customer Draw’ over the weekend whereby if you make a purchase in any Fethard business or service over the weekend you might win a money prize which may be €500 or more. Fliers will be distributed to every household in Fethard with details of what’s happening.

We are aware of how tough times are, especially this year, so we are trying to have as many free events as possible. But we may have to ask for a small contribution at certain events to help cover costs etc. Contact the Fethard Tourism and Business Group if you would like to help out or have any ideas at business@fethard.com

2011 & 2012 Emigrant’s Newsletter download
The 2011 and 2012 Emigrants' Newsletters are now available to download, along with others dating back to 1998. We eventually hope to have all the Newsletters dating back to 1959 available to download.

We ask for your support for this year's Fethard & Killusty Emigrants Newsletter, 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. 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/

Katie elected to Comhairle na nÓg

Fethard pupils Katie Whtye and William O'Meara photographed at the recent Comhairle na nÓg conference.

Patrician Presentation Transition Year pupil, Katie Whyte, Coleman, Fethard, has been elected to Comhairle na nÓg as a representative for the Fethard Carrick region. Katie is the eldest daughter of Tina and Pat Whyte. We congratulate Katie on her election.

Comhairle na nÓg are local youth councils, which give children and young people the opportunity to be involved in the development of local services and policies. Comhairle na nÓg is set up under the National Children’s Strategy (2000) and is the responsibility of the local authority, overseen and part-funded by the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs which has a lead role in ensuring that children and young people in Ireland have a voice on issues that affect their lives.

Delegates from Comhairle na nÓg are elected to represent their local area at the annual Dáil na nÓg (national youth parliament).

Fethard Athletic Club ‘Festive Fun’
Fethard Athletic Club have organised some festive fun for young and old on Sunday December 22, at 2pm. All profits going to the children's ward at South Tipperary General Hospital. Prizes for best dressed Santa, Elf and Cartoon Character, and all entries entered in a prize draw. €10 per entry and under 16s free. Event headquarters to be announced later. Route the same as Fethard Festival event (Ballybough anti-clockwise). We encourage everyone to at least wear something red and to enjoy themselves. The only winner is the ‘Children's Ward’ so the best you can come is second! AAI permit granted. If anyone knows of anyone or any business, shops, restaurants, hotel etc that would like to donate a prize for this event please ask them to get in contact. All prizes would be gratefully accepted. Thanks in advance. Contact 087 9229747.

Holy Trinity National School ‘Pop-Up’ shop
On Friday, December 6, and Saturday December 7, the Holy Trinity National School will open a ‘pop-up’ shop on Main Street in conjunction with the Fethard Business & Tourism Group’s festive weekend.
We would like to ask all members of the community to donate their unwanted gifts to the school. All proceeds from the sale of these items will provide teaching aids for the children in the classroom. Your unwanted gifts can be dropped into the school and will be greatly appreciated.

Fethard Macra News

Members of Fethard Macra at the National Bowling Finals in Tullamore recently. Back L to R: Kevin Byrne, Liam Cleary, Pat Murphy. Front L to R: Denise Vaughan, Emma Flynn and Claire Egan.

Well done to Club Members Pat Murphy and Michael Moclair who took part in the National Finals of Impromptu Public Speaking recently. Also well done to the Bowling team who finished in the top ten at the National Bowling Finals held in Tullamore.

We currently have a very busy calendar of events. On Tuesday nights, volleyball takes place in Clerihan at 8.30pm. Every Friday night there is soccer at the rugby club in Clonmel at 8pm. Basketball takes place in Monroe every Saturday night. There is also a drama workshop taking place in Cloneen on Sunday, November 17.

New members are always welcome. If you would like to join Fethard Macra or if you would like to purchase tickets to support our National Fundraiser in Kilcohan Park, Waterford, on Saturday November 30, please contact Pat Murphy on 086 2131802 or Emma Flynn on 086 3472285.

Information Evening for prospective 1st Year pupils
Patrician Presentation Secondary School’s Information Meeting for prospective 1st Year pupils will be held in the school on Wednesday, November 13, at 7 pm. The Principal, Mr Michael O’Sullivan will address all present at 7 pm. All 5th and 6th Class Pupils with their parents are welcome.

Fethard Ladies Football win October Sports Achievement Award

Special guest, Peggy Colville, presenting the Butler's Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for October to the selectors and mentors of Fethard's U12 Girls Football Team who completed a great year with county title success. This month's award was sponsored by Hayes Betting Office, Fethard. L to R: Niall Hayes (sponsor), Micheál Spillane, Annette Connolly, Mark Prout, Peggy Colville (special guest) and Richard Hayes (sponsor).

Mark Prout, Michael Spillane, Jackie O’Flynn and Annette Connolly, selectors and trainers of Fethard’s U12 ladies football team won the Butler’s Sports Achievement Award for October. The team completed a great year with county title success, beating Templemore, Moyle Rovers and Mullinahone along the way. This months award was sponsored by Hayes Betting Office Fethard and presented by special guest, Peggy Colville at an awards ceremony in Butler’s Bar on Friday, November 8.


Three of the nominees for the Butler's Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for October L to R: Noreen Hackett, coach to three Fethard racquetball players wh played in a tri-nation competition with Bolivia and Venezuala; Barry Lalor and Evanna McCutcheon, trainers of 'Maarek' that won the group 1 Prix De Labbaye at Longchamps for owners Lisbunny Racing Syndicate.

The other nominees for the October Award were: Barry Lalor and Evanna McCutcheon, trainers of 'Maarek' that won the group 1 Prix De Labbaye at Longchamps; Neilly Hall who ran his 38th marathon collecting some much needed funding for South Tipperary Hospice; John Leahy a member of the Qatar team that won the Asian games gaelic football championship; Dinny Burke ‘Player of the Year’ at Slievenamon Golf Club; Eoin Tynan, Noreen Hackett coaches to Fethard players in a tri-nation competition with Bolivia and Venezuala; Joe Murphy whose charge Euphrasia won a valuable listed race at Leopardstown racecourse.

Serious Ilness Fund AGM
Fethard Serious Illness Fund will hold their Annual General Meeting in the Tirry Community Centre at 8pm on Tuesday, November 26. All are welcome to attend.

White Heather Harriers
Following a very good day with a great crowd out for their opening meet in Drangan, Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers did not fare so well on Sunday last from Cloneen. Again they had a good turn out but as sometimes goes, hunting was not on the list. Foxes were very scarce in the Kilbury and Cantwell’s area. Hounds did find on a better note with a run from Ballinard in the afternoon. Well done to Cillian Slattery who carried the horn on Sunday.

The Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers will meet next Sunday, November 17, in Moyglass and the following Sunday, November 24, in Rocklow, both meets start at 11am.

Fethard Community Library now open
The new community library opening times at the Convent Community Centre are: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 7pm to 8.30pm; Thursdays from 3pm to 4.30pm. Yearly membership is €5 for adults (over 18) and children and students (under 18) are free.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on this Sunday Night, November 17, to the music of ‘Catherine & The Images’. All welcome to come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment and social dancing. Dancing 9pm to midnight and admission is €7.

Fethard Bridge Club
The results of our game on Wednesday, October 30 were:
1st Gross: Madeleine O’Donnell and Marianna Wilkowska;
2nd Gross: Carmel Condon and Brendan Kenny;
3rd Gross: Nell Broderick and David O'Meara;
1st Nett: Kathleen Kenny and Ann O'Dea;
2nd Nett: Carol Kenny and Gemma Burke;
3rd Nett: Philly Kenny and Nora Lawrence.

There is a change to our diary and our charity night has been deferred until the New Year. On November 13, 20, and 27 we play for the Gross Turkey, Nett Turkey and Change of Partner prizes respectively, and on December 4 we play for Christmas Prizes. Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles 6132038.

Dawn Fresh Foods staff say goodbye!

Staff workers at Dawn Fresh Foods photographed as the leave the factory on their final day on Friday, October 25.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on November 6 were: 4, 5, 13 and 28. We had no jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: Ellen Sugrue, Cappa, Cloneen.

The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners won €50 each: Christy Williams, Killusty; Eileen Purcell, Burke Street, Fethard; 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, November 13. The Jackpot is €6,100 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €610. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

GAA Sports Lotto results
There was no jackpot winner this week. The numbers drawn were as follows: 6, 21, 29 and 32. There was no match three winner so the following five lucky dips won €30 each: Nicky O’Shea, Killusty; Jimmy Connolly, Main Street, Fethard; Stephanie Johnson, Main Street, Fethard; Breda Burke, Main Street, Fethard; and Louis Coen, Killusty. The €50 lucky dip winner was Bee Gould, Claremore.

Next weeks jackpot will be €2,100 with the draw taking place in Gaule’s Pub on Tuesday, November 12. Thanks for the continued support on behalf of the committee.

Fethard & District Rugby Club
Fethard J2s secured a great win, 23-10, against Kilfeacle in the Gleeson League on Sunday last and provided a much improved performance. Despite going behind by a try, the team dug deep and managed to put in a mighty group performance as well as impressive individual performances by Joe Murphy, J.R. McGrath, Nicko Hoynes and Ger Gorey. The back row pairing of Kieran Power and Chris Bannister was excellent in defence but also put Kilfeacle under major pressure in any phase they tried to put in place.

Some solid rucking saw Fethard edge into the Kilfeacle half and a fine blindside move saw Matthew Ryan run in for an impressive try under the post. Shortly after, Conor Kavanagh went blind from a ruck managing to get by the winger, before running the length of the pitch and securing a great try. Fethard led 18 points to 5 at half time after Declan Doyle added two penalties to his two successful conversions.
Kilfeacle applied pressure and tried hard in the second half but constant defence and greats runs by Kevin Pollard and James Pollard saw Kevin Hayes score in the corner. Kilfeacle reacted with a try but Fethard were deserving winners on the day with some of the new players having fine games, Johnny Ryan and Emmet O’Mahoney in particular, who were helped by Dean Tobin and Alan O’Connor. Next week we face Garryowen at home.

Fethard U16
Fethard U16s set off Saturday morning last to attend the Ireland and Samoa game in the Aviva Stadium, stopping on the way up to play Naas in a friendly. Naas were a physically big side but credit to Fethard for concentrating on their own game, with some fine plays of the ball throughout. Fethard scoring their first try as a result of Larry Gleeson drawing his man before quickly offloading to send his cousin Jack Hayes in for a great try. This was followed up with some fine rucks, and Fethard were soon over for their second try.

Naas seemed to react and replied with a fine try of their own but some great work from Jack Dolan saw Killian O’Dwyer sprint through to score a try. The Fethard pack stood up very well against this bigger side. John Clancy and Ned Grogan made some excellent tackles. Next week we play the quarter final of the league, details of which will be forwarded during the week.

Fethard U7s
Fethard U7s played Waterford City at home and great numbers turned up to enjoy their morning of rugby. With Sam Austin showing great improvement along with Same Wyse both get at tagging and picking ball.  Tries beer scored by Charlie Walsh, Noah O'Flynn, Sami Laaksonen, Joey Fitzgerald, Troy Delany, Lee Delany, Sean Fitzgerald and Gavin Neville. Great tagging with ball recycling and passing from Sam Coen, Mark Ryan, Shane Ryan, Adam Ruttle and speedy Darragh Coleman. A fine game was had from Bill Smyth and newcomers Mark Ryan and Cormac O'Donnell. Well played boys, keep up the great work.

Fethard U8s
Fethard U8s played three games against big numbers for Waterford City and performed with great pride. Fine tackles and ball carrying with numerous tries from Andrew Wall. Sam Rowan had a wonderful first game with excellent tackles consistently throughout all games with fines runs. Oisín Ryan showed great hands and speedy runs to set up plenty of tries. Finn Madigan worked really hard with Paraic O'Connor and Brian Corcoran to ruck over and pick up balls continually. Well done boys. Special thanks to Waterford City for travelling up to Fethard on Sunday.

Fethard U9s
Both teams won and lost one they played two games against Waterpark and played well in every respect. Team A: Louis Ryan, Jack Quinlan, Michael Blake, Joseph O'Flynn, Mark Neville, Matt Coen, Robbie Noonan and Dathi Hogan. Team B: David McCormack, Luke Ryan, Padraig O’Dwyer, Jake Coen, Tomas Ryan, Clodagh Foley, William Cleere, Tom Smyth and Michael Corcoran.

Fethard U11s
On Sunday last we took on Waterford City at home. With Kilkenny not present we had two very competitive games against Waterford. With a lot of Fethard players having prior engagements we were fortunate to get some players from Waterford City due to their large numbers. We lost our first game but the players learnt an awful lot about their own abilities, it was an extremely exciting game with only a try in it at the finish. Our second game also against Waterford City was just as exciting as the first with every player improving on their previous game. It was without a doubt the best performance this team has put in this season so far, well done everybody.

Fethard U12s
On a perfect November morning, Waterford City’s visit to Fethard was bound to be a bruising affair. Playing three fifteen minute ‘halves’ both teams were keen to dominate and the ball was carried into contact with fearless aplomb. Sam Quigley-O'Dwyer made useful yards, Mathew Burke was a tower of strength in the middle of the field and Eabha Fitzgerald played yet another sublime game of tackles and driving bursts. Rucks were much improved this week, Ryan Walsh combines speed and power and correct body position in clearing out over the ball allowing Mark McCormack and Iain Harrington, who shared scrum-half duties, to send the ball out left and right where Mathew Gleeson and Cathal Ryan spread it out wide with good passes and nice hands. Tom Hayden continues to learn and improve and will, in time, give his very obvious talent for jinking little runs full rein and will impress us all. Eoin Walsh had a fantastic game with the ball, dancing through the opposition and in turn defending with irresistible tackles and Angus MacDonald worked hard in defence, counter-attacked when he could and didn't back down. I could say all that again but this time for City; two evenly matched teams and the final score reflected this, a draw. Well done both teams. 

Training
See you all Friday evening at training from 6.45pm to 8pm. New members are always welcome. A huge thanks to those who supplied the wonderful food and refreshments, not forgetting the wonderful help from parents for the hard work in the clubhouse afterwards. Next week we are away to Clonmel on Sunday for a 10.30am kick off.

Fethard Players celebrate 100 years of amateur drama

Fethard Players rehearsing for 'Miss Rose White' which will be staged in the Abymill Theatre from Wednesday, November 20, to Sunday, November 24. Booking has now opened at O’Flynn’s Menswear, Burke Street, Tel: (052) 6131254 or 087 1604260. L to R: Ann Walsh, Geraldine McCarthy, Niamh Ryan and Maeve Moclair.

Fethard Players, who are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, are putting the finishing touches to a wonderful play ‘Miss Rose White’ by Barbara Lebow, which will be staged in the Abymill Theatre from Wednesday, November 20, to Sunday, November 24. Booking has now opened at O’Flynn’s Menswear, Burke Street, Tel: (052) 6131254 or 087 1604260.

The present Fethard Players had their roots in the Fethard Dramatic Society, which was formed in 1913, and continued on since under the titles of The Sodality Players, The Tirry Players, and since 1940, The Fethard Players.


Ann Walsh and Colm McGrath rehearsing for 'Miss Rose White' which will be staged in the Abymill Theatre from Wednesday, November 20, to Sunday, November 24.

This year’s production ‘Miss Rose White’ is set in 1940s New York and a tale of the relationship between two sisters. Rose White is a Jewish woman who changes her name to appear far removed from her Polish heritage. She longs to climb the ladder of success in the large department store where she works. Years ago, her mother and sister had to remain in Poland and were subsequently sent to concentration camps. Good news arrives. The sister is alive and, at last, coming to America. When she enters the country, she is much changed. Rose is forced to share her apartment with a virtual stranger. In time, they slowly warm to each other in this well-written, moving production produced by Austin O’Flynn.

The cast includes Niamh Ryan, Jimmy O’Sullivan, Ann Walsh, Colm McGrath, Geraldine McCarthy and Maeve Moclair.



Fethard Players, who are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year, are putting the finishing touches to a wonderful play ‘Miss Rose White’ by Barbara Lebow, which will be staged in the Abymill Theatre from Wednesday, November 20, to Sunday, November 24. Booking has now opened at O’Flynn’s Menswear, Burke Street, Tel: (052) 6131254 or 087 1604260.

Killusty Soccer Club moonlight walk
Killusty Soccer Club will hold a sponsored moonlight walk fundraiser on Saturday, November 23, at 8pm with a start and finish in Killusty. Sponsorship cards are now available from committee members, or if you just want to join us for the walk you are more then welcome.

St. Vincent De Paul help for Christmas
Those needing help this Christmas may obtain forms at the back of Holy Trinity Parish Church or the Augustinian Abbey church this week. The forms should be filled in and returned to any member of the society as soon as possible.

One-Day Twitter Workshop at Clonacody House

Rosaries for the Holy Souls during November
Sunday November 17: Tullamaine Cemetery 2.30pm, Rathcoole Cemetery 2.45pm, Red City Cemetery 3.30pm.
Sunday November 24: Killusty after Mass, Kiltinan Cemetery 3pm, Kilmaclugh Cemetery 3.30pm.

Christmas at Clonacody House

Moyglass Athletic Club
Moyglass Athletic Club will hold their training in Moyglass Community Hall on Tuesdays from 18.30pm to 19.30pm, in their 500m floodlit tarmac track safe environment off the road. All ages and abilities are welcome.

Fit4Life Meet ‘n Train Group meet on Fridays from 19.30pm to 20.30pm. Beginners to advanced. The emphasis is on participation and getting healthy, active and fit. Coaches Certified by Athletics Association of Ireland.

Over the last month many of our athletes have competed in the county juvenile cross-country championship. Particular congratulations to our boys U15 team of Jack Dolan, James O’Connell, Mark Heffernan and James O’Meara who came first. Jack Dolan also won individual gold, a fantastic achievement, which added to the gold he won in the U16 race two weeks previously. Kate Burke also had two great races coming in 2nd place U10 and 4th place U11. Well done also to Oisín Shelly, 10th place U9. Michael James Phelan, Nathan Barrett, Matt Coen, and Oisín Shelley all ran very well and were third team home U9.
Well done to Jack Dolan (U16) and Kate Burke (U10) who went on to represent Moyglass AC in the Munster Juvenile cross country in Limerick on Sunday, October 27. Both Kate and Jack were first home for Tipperary. Kate came 17th and Jack came 13th.

Information Evening at Patrician Presentation Secondary School

Patrician Presentation Secondary School cordially invites parents and students of 5th and 6th class to an ‘Information Evening’ at the school on Wednesday, November 13, starting at 7pm with the Principal’s Address followed by a tour of the school.

Principal, Mr Michael O’Sullivan, is looking forward to showing those attending the facilities available and answering any questions that intending pupils may have.

Our Community – Our Town – Our School – Our Future!