Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers photographed at their Rectory lawn meet in Fethard.
The Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers will meet on Sunday, December 22, at Coleman; St Stephens Day, December 26, at Drangan Village; and on Sunday, December 29, at Orchardstown Stud.
The committee of the Ballyluskey White Heather's would like to wish all our followers, supporters, and landowners a peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year. A special word of thanks to Laurence Kenny and family, The Rectory, Fethard, for their kind hospitality at the lawn meet on December 8, which was followed by a great days hunting.
Christmas Carol Service at Holy Trinity
The annual Christmas Carol Service takes place in Holy Trinity Church of Ireland at 7.30pm on this coming Sunday, December 22. All are welcome.
Stay Over in Fethard this holiday season
Thinking of coming to Fethard for Christmas?
There is a very central Town house available for holiday rent in Burke Street. Contact Tel: +353 87 6180541 for details.
St. Vincent De Paul The committee would like to advise anyone who has made an application for assistance and have not had a reply before this Friday, December 20, to please contact Dinny Burke at Tel: 6131852.
Record number attend the IWA Christmas Party
Members of the Tipperary Branch of IWA photographed at their annual holiday in Killarney. Back L to R: John Ryan, Eddie O'Donnell, Toni Corbett, Darragh Kelly, Kathleen Burke. Front L to R: Geraldine O'Donnell and Mary Walsh.
The Tipperary branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association held their annual Christmas Party in Cahir House Hotel on Sunday last, December 8, where a record number of members attended. One hundred and sixty three people attended in total which included seventy-six members along with helpers and family. All enjoyed a fantastic seasonal meal with great music later by ‘Breaking Ice’ and special guest, Trudi Lalor who is a great supporter of the Tipperary Branch. Trudi was made an honorary patron in recognition of her contribution to the branch’s on-going fundraising.
The results of the Annual Christmas Draw held on the evening were; 1st Prize €500 to Nicola Moore Knockgraffon, 2nd Prize €300 to Peggy Quirke, Ballyea, Cahir, and 3rd Prize €200 to Maeve Withero, Tipp Town; 4th Prize €100 to Mia Tobin Patrick’s Place, Fethard, and 5th Prize Drinks Hamper to Jackie Cunningham, Ardfinnan. The branch would like to thank all who supported the draw. All funds raised in Tipperary are used for members throughout South Tipperary. A very Merry Christmas to all our supporters and to all readers of this column. – John Ryan (chairman).
Christmas Slogan Competition
The winner of this year’s ‘Christmas Slogan Competition’ was Rachel O'Loughlin, 5th Class, Holy Trinity National School.
The winning slogan was:
Christmas is coming,
If you need a rest,
Shop in Fethard,
It's Simply the Best!
Parent Minder Toddler Group’s Christmas Party
Fethard Parent/Minder toddler group will hold their Christmas party this Thursday, December 19, at 11am in the Convent Community Centre. We will have a bouncy castle for children to play and we would be delighted to see new toddlers come along to the party. So if you’re free this Thursday morning why not pop down to the Convent Community Hall, and for anyone who has older children at home you’re very welcome to bring them along also.
Red Ribbon Christmas Appeal
For anyone who hasn’t yet managed to get their Remembrance Red Ribbons, they are still available at Centra Supermarket.
Fethard. Festive 5k and Santa Run in this Sunday
Fethard Athletic Club will hold their Festive 5k and Santa Run in on this Sunday, December 22, starting at 2pm. Registration at the Convent Community Hall from 12.45pm to 1.45pm. Prizes for best dressed Santa, Elf and seasonal character on the day. All proceeds will be presented directly to the Children’s Ward at South Tipp General Hospital. Event enquiries to 087 9229747.
Fethard Athletic Club
Miceál McCormack’s involvement in sport for over 50 years was acknowledged at Fethard Athletic Club’s end of year party in Clonacody House, when Imelda Vaughan and Paraic McCormack presented him with an award to mark his long dedication to athletics. Miceál introduced sports to a new Fethard Youth Club in the 1960s and later formed Fethard Athletic Club which is still thriving today.
The club also presented their Person of the Year Award for 2013 which was jointly won by Nicola Guiry and Aine Doocey.
Hunting News
From their meet at Silverfort, Tipperary Foxhounds had what regular followers described as, their best hunt of the season. Finding near Mobarnane church, they ran through Mr Ryan’s Stud Farm to the Cashel-Fethard road at Kilconnell, which they crossed. Right-handed through Mocklershill, they crossed the Rosegreen road to Ballyfoloo where they marked to ground. A feature of this hunt was the furious pace at which hounds ran. The pace and the big Tipperary banks encountered at the outset ensured that the big field was very well strung out before the finish, after forty minutes of the best, without a check.
Greeting Cards for sale
Tipperary Foxhounds have sets of blank greeting cards currently on sale at €10 per pack of five cards. The selection of cards depict a variety of scenes and are available from Wendy 087 7563653 or Jane at 087 2481195.
Christmas Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on this Sunday Night, December 22, to the music of ‘Cupla’, and on St. Stephen’s Night (December 26) to ‘Johnny Mullin’. All welcome to come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment and social dancing. Dancing 9pm to midnight and admission is €7.
Anniversary Mass for Fr. James Holway
The first Anniversary Mass for Rev. Fr. James Holway, late of Madamsland, Fethard, and Pallasgreen & Templebraden Parish, will be celebrated at 11am on Sunday, December 29, in Kilteely Parish Church, Co. Limerick.
Abbey Choir Christmas Party
Photographed at the Abbey Choir's Christmas Party are L to R: Marie Murphy and Anita Maguire
Photographed at the Abbey Choir's Christmas Party are L to R: Nell Broderick and Chrissie Cummins
The Goal Mile
The Fethard GOAL Mile will take place on Christmas Day, December 25, starting at 12 noon. The GOAL Mile gives friends, family and neighbours the chance to simply run or walk a mile, and make a donation to GOAL. The popular fundraiser has grown and grown over the years, and is now an integral part of the Christmas period for thousands of people. Your continued support is hugely appreciated as it helps GOAL to make a real difference in the thirteen countries where we work.
These days it is very difficult to give to any cause with what we hear of charities in the media. It is time for all charities to publish where your money is spent and what amount is used on administration. All monies collected for GOAL is fully documented and its use published on their website.
See you outside the Town Hall on Main Street, as usual it is a 12pm noon start.
Christmas Draw results
The results of the Fethard Business & Tourism Group’s free Christmas Draw are as follows:
1st Prize €300 was won by Siobhan Harrington (Trish’s Beauty Salon);
2nd Prize €50 was won by Pauline Morrissey (Stephanie’s Hairdressing Salon) and
3rd Prize €50 was won by Majella Needham (Town and County).
We thank you for supporting local businesses and when possible always remember to ‘Shop Local’ and support your own.
Community Lotto Christmas Prizes The numbers drawn on December 11 were: 8, 15, 27 and 32. We had no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winner so the following drawn tickets received €50 each: Robert O'Riordan, Cloran, Cloneen; Mary O'Dwyer, Knockelly Road, Fethard; and Nellie Croke, c/o Kitty O'Donnell. The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners won €50 each: H. Crotty, Killusty; Luke Hackett, Strylea, Fethard; and Diana Stokes, The Square, Fethard.
The winners of free draw for a Christmas Turkey were: Philip Butler, Main Street, Fethard; Mary Sayers, Crampscastle, Fethard; Ella & Tom Wall, Seanline, Fethard. The winners of free draw for a Christmas Ham were: Nellie Ryan, 46 St. Patricks Place, Fethard; Gwen Cooke, Cois Falla, Fethard; and John Ryan, 11 St. Patricks Place, 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, December 18. The Jackpot is €6,850 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €685. This is the last draw this year as the lotto will take a two-week break over the Christmas period and return again on Wednesday, January 8.
Emigrants' Newsletter now on sale locally
Helping to post this year's Newsletter to our Emigrants were Back L to R: Rory Walsh, Joe Keane, Ian O'Connor, Brendan Kenny, Seamie Hickey. Front L to R: Margaret Walsh, Carol Kenny, Jessica Conran, Margaret O'Donnell and Monica Hickey.
The annual Fethard & Killusty Emigrants’ Newsletter, at €12, is now on sale in Centra Supermarket, The Green; McManus’s Grocery, Burke Street; Daybreak, Kerry Street; and the Post Office, Main Street. This year’s issue is the largest yet with over 248 pages of articles and photographs including many interesting features. We expect this year’s issue to sell out fast so we advise early purchase to avoid disappointment.
Copies of the Newsletter were also dispatched free of charge to emigrants and relatives from the parish living throughout the world. We thank you for your continued support and donations every year, as this enables us to continue this wonderful contact with our emigrants which first started in 1959 by the Legion of Mary.
GAA Lotto Results There was no winner of this week’s jackpot. The numbers drawn were 5, 7, 26 and 27. There was no Match Three winner so the following five lucky dips drawn received €30 each: Catherine Williams, Killusty; Paddy O’Flynn, Burke Street: Kay O’Riordan, Cloneen; L&M Coen, Killusty; and Dick Fitzgerald, St. Patrick’s Place. The winner of the €50 lucky dip was Bob Maher, Barrack Street, Fethard. Well done to all. Next weeks jackpot will be €2,600 and the draw will take place in Butler’s Bar on December 17. Thanks to all for the continued support.
Be a good friend to someone this Christmas As we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of this festive season we often forget those in our community living alone and isolated from family. Please remember to pay a visit, even if it is just to say hello, to those living alone in our community. It doesn't cost anything and may mean the world to someone.
Sean Keane Christmas tour for the Abymill
The Abymill Theatre presents Sean Keane and friends with their ‘Christmas by the Hearth’ tour on Saturday, December 28. This concert will provide a wonderful night of music and song from that great singer whose voice has a superb unique tone, Sean has the ability to take any song and make it his own – a master musician who can also play any instrument.
Early booking is advised (maybe the perfect Christmas present for music lovers) Sean concert will commence at 8pm in the Abymill on Saturday, December 28. If you want to make it a ‘Christmas to Remember’ book your tickets now at: 086-0834208.
Leaving Cert '78, '79 and '80 Class Reunion
1979 Leaving Cert Class with their teachers Ms Deborah Conway, Mrs Ann Maher, Mr Michael Dalton, Mr Paddy Maher, Mr Dick Prendergast, Mr Vincent Doocey, Mr Jimmy McInerney (President PPU), Mr Paddy Broderick, Mr Timmy O’Connor, Mr Michael O’Gorman, Bro James Foley, Sr. Carmel, Br. John Gallagher.
Calling all leaving cert students at Patrician Presentation
Secondary School during 1978, 1979 and 1980, to a school reunion in the Fethard Arms on Friday, December 27, from 8pm. Contact any of the organisers: Sean O'Donovan, Susanna Manton, Catherine O'Connell and Maree Moclair or email: fethardreunion@outlook.com The main reason behind the multiple year reunion is that there was no transition year in the 1970s so students repeated fifth year. That meant the group you started with moved on – so which year did you really belong to? We would also remind people who dropped out before the Leaving Cert are also very welcome to attend the reunion. Don’t forget, Fethard Arms, Friday, December 27, from 8pm onwards.
Leaving Cert class c1980. Back L to R: Noel Murray, Richard Trayer, Trudy Phelan, Majella Pollard, Pat Fahey, Martina Murphy, Donal Tobin, Sally Dunne, Pat Fitzgerald, Teresa Quinn, Don Paul O'Rourke, Kathleen Denn, C.J. Skehan, Paul Wyatt. Front L to R: Margaret O'Dea, Mary Keane, Carmel Butler, Carol Cunningham, Joan Brett, Caroline Guiry, Martina O'Connell, Catherine Lawrence, Patricia Coffey and Mary Meaney.
Fethard Rugby Seniors continue good run in Gleeson League
Fethard senior rugby team had a comprehensive win over a visiting Ennis team on Saturday last. Conditions were pretty rough to say the least but this young Fethard side adapted well. Fethard started with the strong wind and it wasn’t long when a ruck close to the Ennis line saw Conor Kavanagh drive over for the first try. Declan Doyle hit the post with the conversion. Fethard continued to use the wind well and some great drives from Philip Ivors, Joe Murphy, Emmet O’Mahony and Kevin Hayes saw Fethard score again. Fethard failed to deal with the drop off in the windy conditions and some mighty defensive play from William Power, Shane Kavanagh, Dean Tobin and Richie Carroll held Ennis out.
The second half was always going to be more difficult playing against strong wind but the home team dug deep and the back three of Alan O’Connor, Matthew Ryan and Jimmy Pollard dealt with anything that was kicked at them. Fethard continued to press hard and were rewarded by further tries by Chris Bannister and Kieran Power. The introduction of Andy Walsh, Brian Murphy and John Ryan added to the Fethard performance who now face Richmond away on December 28, and this will prove to be a tough task.
Fethard & District Rugby Club
Fethard U7s were at home on Sunday of last week against an improving Cashel team. Charlie Walsh with Noah O'Flynn were very quick with their ball carrying resulting in a couple of tries each. Troy and Lee Delaney played well with their two handed touch as was Sam Austin playing well and scoring along with Adam Ruttle. Newcomers Ivan Mochan and Ned O'Meara were great to support to their team with fine tip offs and fast recycling. Sean Fitzgerald worked really well with Sami Laaksonen to put tries on the board. Cormac O'Donnell has improved again with great support in passing. Sam Wyse and Harry Barton are fabulous ball carriers to support the teams for more scores. Fethard U8s also played Cashel. Andrew Connorton worked well with Andrew Wall and rucked over consistently and recorded fine tries. Sam Coen and Bill Smyth improved with fine tackles to stop tries. Newcomers Sean Nash and Paraic O'Connor have improved with Gavin Neville and Shane Ryan’s fine ball handling skills to go with their tough tackling. Well done to all the players.
Fethard mini's have their final rugby training session on Friday, December 20, from 6.45pm to 8pm. Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and good wishes for the New Year. Excellent game from our U9s winning 7-4 against Cashel, with great tackling from Tom Smyth, Tomas Ryan and Michael Blake, and some courageous runs on the wings from Mark Neville, Louis Ryan, Daithi Hogan, Anna Quigley and Luke Ryan. Also real good defensive play from Robbie Noonan, William Cleere, Jack Quinlan, Matt and Jake Coen and loads of turnovers and interceptions from Padraig O’Dwyer and David McCormack. Tries were scored by: Jack Quinlan (3), David McCormack, Mark Neville, Padraig O’Dwyer and William Cleere.
Our U10s, consisting of Ben Ruttle, Johnny Gleeson, Charlie Cummins, James McCormack, Jack Cleere, Michael Ryan, Michael Long, James Ryan and Conor Neville resulted in a resounding wins over Cashel U10s and Kilfeacle U9/10s. Most satisfying was the opposition coaches comments of Fethard being an honest and fair team. This team is reaping the benefits of training with the under 11s. Great credit and a big thank you to the U11 coaches for their guidance and ace coaching in making a success of the team.
Fethard U12s had the sun shining for the visit of Cashel RFC and Kilfeacle U10s, 11s and 12s. Fethard countered well against Cashel first, who were playing without some of their larger players. Both sides had scores on the board at the halfway mark. Second half saw Fethard stretch a lead and solid defence work saw them hang on for the narrowest of wins.
Kilfeacle, carrying their reputation for no nonsense good rugby, looked a different proposition altogether. All three teams were missing players. Kilfeacle moved the ball well to provide a platform for their nimble No. 9 to send play either direction. Fethard countered good tackling and scores were traded and both sides looked even at half time. The second half saw more of the same with both teams raising their game. Both teams added to their scores but Fethard were one ahead when Kilfeacle’s last attack was tackled into touch to finish the match. Well done to Fethard’s team of Mathew Burke, Ethan Coen, David Gunn, Mathew Gleeson, Iain Harrington, Tom Hayden, Declan Hayes, Angus MacDonald, Mark McCormack, Sam Quigley-O'Dwyer and Eoin Walsh. Fethard U16s in Pan Munster Qualifier
Fethard U16s played Waterpark in Pan Munster Qualifier on Sunday morning last and were narrowly beaten, but still qualify for the Munster competition after Christmas. This makes them the first team to represent Fethard at this level. We look forward to the prospect of playing different clubs from outside east Munster.
Finally the club would like to wish all its players, supporters, families and friends a Happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.
Launch of Digital Recollections online
Fethard group from Holy Trinity National School at the launch of Muintir Na Tíre Digital Recollections 2013 website in Cahir House Hotel. Back L to R: Keith MacAmhaidh, Tom Butler. Middle L to R: Edwina Newport, Ciaran Maguire, Megan Ryan, Hayley Ryan, Rita Kenny. Front L to R: Kaylin O'Donnell, Toby Collier, Hannah Sheehy, Rachel O'Loughnan and Molly Curran.
Interviews with Madge Hurley and Jimmy O'Shea, Fethard, two of the recent interviews by Holy Trinity National School pupils as part of the Muintir na Tire’s recent ‘Digital Recollections’ project. The others can be now viewed at CLICK HERE just click on Holy Trinity National School to see the local recordings.
Interview with Madge Hurley Congress Terrace, Fethard.
Interview with Jimmy O'Shea, Burke Street, Fethard.
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