Died Recently
The death has occurred on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, of Mr Patrick 'Pa Joe' Holohan, Marianville, Fethard, Co Tipperary, peacefully), aged 95, surrounded by his caring family.

Pa Joe, pre-deceased by his wife Betty; sadly missed by his sons Hugh and Mark, daughters Elizabeth and Mary Lou, daughter-in-law Marie, sister Josie and grandchildren Kate , Patrick and Jane. Deeply regretted by his family and friends. May He Rest In Peace.

Reposing from 6pm on Thursday in McCarthy's Funeral Home , Fethard with removal to the Holy Trinity Parish Church at 7.30pm. Funeral Mass on Friday at 11am with burial immediately afterwards in Calvary Cemetery. Donations if desired to South Tipperary Hospice.

‘Arctic Queen’ selected to go forward for final of Junk Kouture

Fethard's Junk Kouture team who qualified for the national final with ‘Arctic Queen’ made from hundreds of plastic milk bottles, broken jewellery and old belts L to R: Orla Walsh, Katie Whyte and Louise Fitzgerald.

Congratulations to the two Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School teams, ‘Arctic Queen’ and ‘Candy Crush’, from Fethard who were among 80 semi-finalists chosen from over 2,500 entries to compete in the Southern Regional Final of ‘Junk Kouture’ recycling fashion competition for schools on Friday, March 14. The two Fethard teams showed their creations to a packed audience and both Kiya Lawrence and Katie Whyte performed superbly on the Catwalk. The four judges for the event were Model and former Miss World Rosanna Davidson, television presenter Darren Kennedy, Environmental awareness expert Yvonne Holmes and Art and Design educator Tracy Fahy. Tensions were high at the end of the night when only 20 outfits were announced and chosen to go forward to the grand final in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre in Dublin on May 2. Our supporters, teachers and parents were delighted when Fethard's outfit ‘Arctic Queen’ was among the twenty selected to go forward to the final. ‘Arctic Queen’ entry was modelled and made from hundreds of plastic milk bottles, broken jewellery and old belts by Katie Whyte, Louise Fitzgerald and Orla Walsh. Well done to all.

Died Recently
Our sympathy to Patricia Treacy, Strylea, Fethard, on the death of her sister, Helen Cullinan (née Quinlivan), Griffith Avenue, Clonmel, who died on Tuesday, March 18, peacefully at South Tipperary General Hospital.

Helen, is a daughter of the late Mary and Paddy Quinlivan, sister of the late Marie, deeply regretted by her loving husband, Michael, daughters Michelle and Elaine, son Paul, brothers P.J. John, Martin, sisters Patricia and Brid, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, grandchildren Abban, Oran and Lauren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Rest in Peace.

Reposing at her residence at Griffith Avenue, Clonmel, this Thursday evening from 4pm with Rosary at 8pm. Removal on Friday morning to SS Peter & Pauls Church, Clonmel, for Requiem Mass at 1pm. Funeral thereafter to St. Patrick's Cemetery. House Private on Friday morning please.

Tipp FM to broadcast from Secondary School
Tipp FM's Fran Curry will be broadcasting live from the Patrician Presentation Secondary School,Fethard with 'The Classic Cafe' this Friday March 21st from 11am-1pm.

The show will be produced by the Transition Year students.Fran will be taking to students, staff and members of the community and promises to be a great show this Friday.

Listen to Tipp FM Live.

Launch of Calvary Cemetery database at Historical Society AGM
The Historical Society AGM takes place next Tuesday night, March 25, in the Abymill Theatre. The highlight of the night will be the launch of two computer-based projects that have been organised and financed by the Fethard Historical Society over the past two years. The Calvary Cemetery project involved two young local graduates photographing every headstone in the graveyard, logging all the vital information from each gravestone and then creating a searchable database that will also direct you to the spot in the graveyard for any particular grave that you wish to visit. After the launch, the Calvary webpage will become live on the Fethard.com website and so it can then be accessed from anywhere in the world. This should be of great interest for all those searching for their ‘roots’ in the parish and hopefully, finance allowing, that the project could be extended to other local graveyards.

Video of Oldest Dated Roof in Ireland

This is how the original roof (now hidden) at Holy Trinity Church of Ireland would have looked in the year 1489.

It is a fact that the oldest dated timber roof in Ireland is in in Fethard, hidden away above the ceiling that was inserted into the nave of old Holy Trinity Church in the 19th century. The slated roof that you see from the outside is also 19th century, but between that roof and the ceiling is the near complete timber framework of the roof that was put on the church when it was re-roofed in 1489, that is four years before Columbus discovered America. Of course the church itself was built just after 1200 AD and so it has seen at least three different roofs since that time. An animated five-minute video has been created by the Historical Society to depict how the old 1489 roof was constructed and how it then got left hidden till the present day.
The AGM proper will take place at 8pm and new members or just curious persons are very welcome indeed to come along. Then at 9pm all and sundry are very welcome to come to the launch of the two projects: the ‘Calvary Data-base’ and the first public showing of the short ‘Oldest Roof Video’. Refreshments will be served after the launch.

As we continue into the decade of centenaries the society will turn its attention to more recent history and especially the years that led up to Irish Independence. New members (€7 individual and €10 family) are very welcome and contact can be made at 052 6131537, 086 3905373 or email history@fethard.com

Confirmation of local boys and girls

Children from the parish of Fethard & Killusty who were confirmed by Archbishop Dermot Clifford on Friday, March 14.

Congratulations to the boys and girls from the parish who received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Friday, March 14, from Archbishop Dermot Clifford. The following boys and girls from Fethard and Killusty were confirmed: Aaron Trehy, Adam O’Sullivan, Alison Connolly, Anderson Silva, Andrea Pyke, Andrew Phelan, Annica O’Connor, Ashley Bradshaw, Ben Coen, Caoimhe O’Meara, Carrie Davey, Cathal O’Mahony, Cathal Ryan, Chloe Nolan, Cian Hennessy, Ciarán Moroney, Darragh Hurley, Emma Geoghegan, Emma Jayne Burke, Eric Costin, Ethan Coen, Glen Dodrill, James Doyle, Jennifer Phelan, Jessica Gainford, Kaylin O’Donnell, Kieran O’Donnell, Kyle Allen, Laura Kiely, Laura O’Donnell, Leah Coen, Lucy Spillane, Margaret Fitzgerald, Matthew Burke, Megan Earl, Megan Hackett, Megan Ryan, Michael Conway, Michael McDonagh, Micheál Quinlan, Mikey Doyle, Molly Rose Curran, Nell Spillane, Patrick Shine, Phoebe Duggan, Rachael O’Loghnane, Rachel Prout, Richard Anglim, Robert Hackett, Ryan Butler, Ryan Walsh, Sam Quigley, Sarah Carroll, Shane Neville and Sinéad Regan.


Photographed after receiving the Sacrement of Confirmation in Fethard were L to R: Megan Ryan, Kaylin O'Donnell and Annica O'Connor

Congratulations to the teachers, choir and organist, Goldie Newport, who all played a big part in making the occasion special for all present. May the children now have the courage to stand up for their belief.

Fethard Athletic Club
Fethard Athletic Club meet every Monday and Friday evening at 7.15pm in the ballroom car park and new members are always welcome. No previous running experience necessary. Current members please note that 2014 registration is now due.
Fethard AC will again host the county senior road championships on Sunday, April 13, so hopefully we will have a good turnout from club members for this event.

See you at training soon and bring along a friend/relative with any interest in running for fun and fitness. It would be great to see our numbers grow.

Month's Mind Mass for the late Adam O'Donnell
The months mind mass of Adam O'Donnell, Willow Wood Lane, Moorstown, Fethard will take place on Sunday, March 30, at 12 noon in St. Michael's Church, Clerihan.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on this coming Sunday Night, March 23, to the music of ‘Declan Aungier’. All welcome to come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment and social dancing. Dancing 9pm to midnight and admission is €8 which includes tea and cakes.

New Tipperary Rangers Commemoration at Noan
As expected, the good and the faithful attended the New Tipperary Rangers annual commemoration at Noan, East Ballinure, on Saturday last. Two members of the 1959 Rangers team, Neddy Bulfin and Sean Healy, were on hand to address the gathering and remind those present of the purpose and fulfilment that the team brought to this part of Killenaule and Moyglass parish. Helen Ryan Carey from Mullinahone was over the moon to be in attendance and recalled her father Ned Ryan’s involvement and the great days the team had brought to the parish.

M.C. Steve McCormack gave a short and descriptive reminisce of his memory of the period and his finishing words remind us of the time and place – “Just great times, great people and great spirit”.

Eoin Fanning Hon. Sec. of Tipperary A.A.I. thanked all for their attendance and reminded those present of the hurlers and athletes of this area and asked those present to continue the great effort that had been made to give the area a focal point. Former Cathairleach of South Tipperary GAA Board, Miceál McCormack, reminded those present that this is, “Your place, your people and your Heritage. Stay proud and stay together, you are special people.”

Before the commencement of the ceremony there was a minute’s silence for local dearly departed, Patsy Carey, Michael Ryan, Jack Fanning (Dublin), and Sister Winnie Kirwan (Presentation Convent Fethard). Marie Crean recited the Rosary and then all retired for soft refreshments compliments of Josie and Ned McCormack.

St. Patrick's Day in Fethard

Canon Tom Breen P.P. making a presentation on behalf of Fethard Scouts to Mary O'Donnell, Market Hill, to mark her 27 years prolonged and profound service to 27th Tipperary Scout Group in Fethard.


Members of the 27th Tipperary Scout Group photographed at St. Patrick's Day Mass in Holy Trinity Parish Church in Fethard.


Brothers Noah and Joseph O'Flynn from Knockelly, on St. Patrick's Day in Fethard>


L to R: Lauren Connolly and Amy Morrissey in Fethard for St. Patrick's Day.


L to R: Matt Coen and Sam Coen at St. Patrick's Day Mass in Fethard


L to R: Sisters Lucy and Daisy Kenny, Cois Falla, at St. Patrick's Day Mass in Fethard.

Criost�ir Sheehy at St. Patrick's Day Mass in Fethard.


St. Patrick's Day in Fethard L to R: Martha Sheehan, Ailish and John Paul Cooney holding their son Fionn.


Members of the Spillane family from Tullamaine photographed on St. Patrick's Day in Fethard L to R: Jack, Heather, Lucy, Nell, Emily and Aine.


St. Patrick's Day in Fethard L to R: Patricia Treacy, Sarah O'Sullivan, Rita Kenny and Roisín Ryan.


Lily Murphy in Fethard for St. Patrick's Day


Heading off from Fethard for the St. Patrick's Day Parade are John Ryan (IWA) and Audrey Tynan.


Brothers Sami and Aleksi Laaksonen photographed on St. Patrick's Day in Fethard.

Parish Novena commences this Saturday
The Fethard & Killusty Parish annual Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help will commence at 7pm this Saturday, March 22, to continue to Sunday, March 30, inclusive, starting at 7pm on Saturdays and Sundays and at 7.30pm from Monday to Friday nightly in Fethard Holy Trinity Parish Church and your attendance would be very much appreciated. There will be a different guest preacher each night.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on March 12 were: 2, 8, 20 and 28. We had no jackpot winner and two ‘Match Three’ winners who received €75 each: John Ward, Garrinch, Fethard; and Mary Godfrey, Derryluskin, Fethard.

The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Teresa Roche, Woodvale Walk, Fethard; Bernadette McManus, Burke Street, Fethard; and Adrian Bradshaw, 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, March 19. The Jackpot is €8,500 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €850. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

Community Playground Open Night

GAA Sports Lotto
There was no winner of the GAA Sports Lotto jackpot this week. We had five match three winners who received €30 each: Lesley Swift, Coolmore; Josie Fitzgerald, Kiltinan; Brian Walsh, Baptistgrange; John Fitzgerald, Clonmel; and Ronan Fitzgerald, Tullamaine. The winner of the €50 lucky dip was Matt O’Dwyer, Redcity. Next week’s jackpot is €3,700 and the draw will take place in Gaule’s Bar on March 18.

Fethard Juvenile GAA
U12 Football Match Report – by Mick O’Mahony
After a disappointing U12A first round defeat to a strong Clonmel Commercials team Fethard bounced straight back with a convincing away win to Moyle Rovers. Cathal O’Mahony opened the scoring for Fethard with a long range point. Two further points from centre-back Ryan Walsh and corner-forward Micheál Quinlan had the home team under pressure. A surging run from Ryan Walsh and a long ball over the Rovers full back found Robert Hackett at the back post who made no mistake and gave the keeper no chance. Another team move put Keenan Ahearne free who slotted over a fine point from the left. Fethard were on the front foot and with ten minutes on the clock were 1-04 up. Moyle Rovers came into the game and a long ball seemed to have been stopped before it crossed the line but the referee awarded the goal. This goal sparked a reaction from the Fethard boys and in the next five minutes put up 2-01 with goals from Micheál Quinlan and Darragh Hurley. Two good stops by Matthew Burke in goal for Fethard prevented Moyle Rovers from getting back into the game. Darragh Hurley finished the action with a point from a free following a foul on Micheál Quinlan who was causing all sorts of problems for the Moyle Rovers full back line. Half time score, Moyle Rovers 1-0, Fethard 3-06.

The second half began with a point from play by Robert Hackett after a nice pass by Micheál Quinlan. Quinlan was again on hand a minute later to slot home another goal after a mix up in the Rovers defence. Moyle Rovers scored a goal to keep the visitors on their toes but from the kick out Fethard moved the ball between five different players before finally landing in the hands of Darragh Hurley who sold a lovely dummy and rifled home for his second goal of the game. Darragh Hurley was again on target when Ryan Walsh sent a long ball to Micheál Quinlan who slipped passed his marker and released Hurley and he made no mistake to fire home his third goal. The score of the game came with five minutes left a good catch from the impressive Alison Connolly who passed to Shane Neville who gave a great pass to Ryan Walsh free on the right and he soloed deep into the Rovers half and unleashed a thunderbolt from 25 yards which flew into the top left hand corner giving the Rovers goalie no chance. Moyle Rovers tagged on another goal and a point before another long ball out of defence by Ryan Walsh direct to Robert Hackett who turned and registered his second goal of the night. The final score came on the stroke of full time from Darragh Hurley who kicked a fine point from distance to finish with a personal tally of 3-03. Final score was, Moyle Rovers 3-02, Fethard 8-08.

This was a much-improved performance by the Fethard lads and very much a team effort. Matthew Burke in goal again proved hard to beat and pulled off a number of very good stops. Ciaran Moroney and Thomas Donegan in the full back line were very solid all night. Shane Neville again showing his quality throughout the game in his new half back position. Ryan Walsh (1-01) put in another outstanding performance at centre back capping off his night with a goal which is the score of the year to date. At midfield Cathal O’Mahony (0-01) got Fethard off to the perfect start with a good long range point together with Alison Connolly put in a huge effort and covered every blade of grass on the field for their team. Darragh Hurley (3-03) with a tally of 3-03 put in the effort we know he can and got the reward. Keenan Ahearne (0-01) worked tirelessly all night picking off a fine point in the first half and no doubt plenty more to come as the championship continues. Ethan Coen came on and contributed with some fine passes and showed good touches. Robert Hackett (2-01)on the inside line was a constant worry to the Rovers defence as was his partner in crime Micheál Quinlan (2-01) who between them scored 4-02. Next fixture away to Cahir in two weeks.

Thank you to those who helped and supported our Juvenile GAA church gate collection last weekend.
Training for U6, U8 and U10 boys will recommence on Saturday, March 22, at 10.30am in GAA Park, and new members are always welcome.

Operation Transformation comes to an end
This Wednesday night brings an end to Fethard Operation Transformation and the final weigh-in will take place at Fethard Convent Community Hall from 6.45pm and the winner will be announced at 7.30pm. It would be great to see all the people who registered on the first week to come along to applaud the winner. Tea / coffee will be served and all are very welcome

Free Spirits Exhibition in Clonmel

Parent/Minder Toddler group
We remind all parents / minders of young children that the group meet in the Convent Community hall every Thursday morning at 11am. It is great to have a group like this in Fethard as it gives parents a chance to get out of the house and enjoy some adult conversation while their children play in a clean safe environment. All are very welcome to pop in any Thursday morning for a cup of tea and a chat. Cost is €2 per child.

Book worms take note
With the price of books increasing we would like to remind all book worms, young and old, that the public library is open upstairs in the Convent Community Hall every Tuesday afternoon from 3.30pm to 4.30pm and Tuesday evening from 7pm to 8.30pm. We will extend our opening hours in the coming weeks as the evenings get longer. There is a huge choice of books available to choose from so why not call down and join up.

Mother's Day 'Spring Blooms Bowl' at Fethard Country Life

Fethard News
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.