Scouting success in county shield competition


Congratulations to the Cougar Patrol who represented Fethard in the Cois Suire County Shield Competition over the weekend of May 2 to May 4, coming away clear winners for the third consecutive year. This was a great performance and well done to the following: patrol leader Dylan Ryan; assistant patrol leader Dan Walsh; quartermaster Katie Whyte; assistant quartermaster Noelle O'Meara; scribe Poppy Kane; assistant cook and assistants Katie Ryan; assistant scribe Sarah Clarke; hiking Brendan Walsh and Dylan Fenlon; fireman/site safety David Mockler; and assistant fireman/site safety Aiden O'Dwyer.

The winning formula was teamwork and all the training paid off handsomely. Congratulations and thanks to leaders Rachel Hanlon, Cormac Keating for your work with training. Thanks also to Michelle Hennebry and Tony Burgess for their logistical support, which all added to a great result.

Sports Achievement award for April

Paul Fitzgerald (centre) winner of the Fethard Sports Achievement Award for April, photographed with Kevin Coffey (left) representing sponsors Clonmel Better Deal Cash and Carry, and Paddy Kenrick (right) special guest.

The winner the Butler’s Bar, Fethard Sports Achievement Award for April was Paul Fitzgerald, a long serving Tipperary and Fethard gaelic football goalkeeper who recently won Division 4 of the national football league playing for Tipperary senior football team. This month’s award was sponsored by Better Deal Cash & Carry, Clonmel. The special sports guest for the presentation night was Paddy Kenrick, formerly from Burke Street, who won many county and south honours while playing with Fethard senior football team. Paddy also played for many years with Killusty soccer team. He now lives in Clonmel.


Some of the nominee's for the Fethard Sports Achievement Award for April. Back L to R: Aimee Pollard, Bernard Feery, Dixie Sheehan, Willie Morrissey, Colm Hackett, representing his son Robert Hackett. Front L to R: Kevin Coffey, representing sponsors Clonmel Better Deal Cash and Carry, April winner Paul Fitzgerald and special guest Paddy Kenrick.


Aimee Pollard and Damien McCormack photographed at the Fethard Sports Achievement Award presentation for April.


June Murphy and Jimmy Smyth photographed at the Fethard Sports Achievement Award presentation for April.

Athletic Club countdown to walled race
Only a fortnight to go until our annual 'Walls of Fethard' four-mile road race on May 29, starting at 8pm.

Well done to Ginny Hutton, Imelda Vaughan and Biddy O’Dwyer who ran out great times in the Annerville 10k in Clonmel last Sunday. Training continues each Monday and Friday evenings at 7.15pm meeting at the ballroom carpark All are welcome to join us.

Fethard Historical Society talk

Mullinahone monument honouring the three Old IRA local men, Jim Egan, Jackie Brett and Sean Quinn.

Fethard Historical Society will host a talk entitled, ‘War and Peace in Ireland, July 1921–June 1922’ by Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc, on Friday, May 23, in the Abymill Theatre at 8pm. The talk covers the period marking the end of the black and tan war, the truce and then the treaty split. Padraig is the author of the acclaimed, ‘Revolution - a photographic record of the war of independence and the treaty’. All are welcome. Admission price is members €3 and non-members €5.

Public Participation Network – What is it?
A new framework for public engagement and participation called ‘The Public Participation Network’ is being developed in County Tipperary. The PPN will be a new structure to ensure that the community, voluntary and environmental groups will feed into plans and policies for the future of a unified County Tipperary.

If you are involved in a Community, Social Inclusion, Environment or any other Voluntary groups you are invited to attend an information meeting at the following dates and locations to learn how your group can participate in this important new structure.

Your opinion and involvement is very important for the communities across the county. We very much encourage you to attend and to take part on the evening which takes place for Fethard District on Tuesday, May 27, at 8.pm in the Tirry Centre, Barrack Street, Fethard.



Table Quiz in aid of Build4Life / Cystic Fibrosis
A Table Quiz will be held in Butler's Bar on Friday night, May 23 (election day), in aid of Build4Life / Cystic Fibrosis which is funding facilities in the Cork University Hospital who cater for 25 per cent of the Cystic Fibrosis patients in Ireland. Please support.
Formed in 2007, Build4Life is a voluntary registered charity. Based in Munster we were the first charity to raise funds to develop life saving isolated Inpatient and Outpatient Cystic Fibrosis (CF) facilities in any hospital in Ireland. Funds raised to date amount to €3,500,00.

Training for Fethard Sword Fighters

Preparations for Fethard’s Medieval Festival (June 20 -22) are now well in hand and that includes upcoming workshops – for interested newcomers – in medieval combat, sword fighting and general mock mayhem as practiced by the local Rathkenny Re-enactor Troupe. The Fethard Medieval Festival is very fortunate in having an ‘in-house’ medieval re-enactor group with Rathkenny ex-army man Colm McGrath as its trainer and new recruits are now being enlisted for this year’s festival. The first workshop will take place in Rathkenny on Saturday afternoon, May 24, so any bloodthirsty young men and women (over 18) should contact Colm on 086 3502360 or email festival@fethard.com.

Varied Programme
Work is already on-going on the old Holy Trinity Church grave-slab project which is being carried out by the Transition Year students of the P.P. Secondary School under the direction of their art teacher Patricia Looby. This project will have a major launch during the festival and very soon the Shield and Art Workshops for the local primary schools will also be taking place. Both projects will all be on show during festival weekend.

Guided Tours of the medieval walled town for school pupils and also for families will take place leading up to and during Medieval Festival Weekend. An unique concert of medieval music by acclaimed group Nuada, will take place in old Holy Trinity Church on the Saturday night (June 21) and Sunday, June 22, is Walled Town Day with the medieval parade to the ‘fair ground’ in the Valley Park. Fethard’s Walled Town Day and Medieval Festival is again being supported by the Heritage Council this year as Fethard is seen to deliver a great family day out and in a genuine historic location. Anyone wishing to participate in the medieval festival by dressing in period costume, manning an ‘old games’ stall or who may ‘have an idea’, should make contact by emailing festival@fethard.com or by phoning 052 6131537 or 086 3905373.

Community Games enjoyed considerable success
Fethard and Killusty Community Games enjoyed considerable success during the past week commencing on the bank holiday Monday when Katie Allen (photographd on right), Woodvale Walk, won a gold medal in the U9 Gymnastics county final. This was only Katie’s second year taking part and she gave a super performance to land the title among some more experienced competitors. Katie will join Leo Makhinya, Isobel and Abaigeal Maher as Tipperary representatives at the HSE Community Games National Finals in Athlone next August.

The U10 mixed football team had a great game the same day defeating Killenaule Moyglass by 3-9 to 2-3 in a closely matched game, despite the final score and the wet and windy conditions. Each player stuck to their task with excellent defending especially in the second half being a big factor in this win which brought Fethard Killusty to the south final where they now await the outcome of the game between St Mary’s v Cahir. Those who scored were: Sean Moroney 0-8, Nicola Delaney 2-0, Conor Neville 1-1. Team members are Jack Quinlan, Cian Hall, Dara O’Meara, Michael James Phelan, Kelly Ryan, Conor Neville, Heather Spillane, Sean Moroney, Shane Lawrence, Lily O’Mahony, Thomas Donegan, Luke Dolan, Charlie Hackett, Nicole Delaney and Michael Flanagan, who are a credit to their manager Michael Moroney. It is wonderful to see the huge parental support behind this gallant team.


Fethard and Killusty U14 Mixed Tag Rugby Team who competed in the Community Games Finals. Back L to R: Richard Anglim, Peter Wall, Ryan Walsh, Ethan Coen, Evan Looby, Charlie Pearson, Lisa Anglim (coach). Front L to R: Alison Connolly, Laura O’Donnell, Leah Coen and Carrie Davey.

The U14 Tag Rugby team were unlucky to be defeated by Cashel Rosegreen in the county final which took place in Fethard Community Sportsfield on Friday evening, May 9. They only lost the match after extra time due to the ‘count back rule’ that whoever scored the first try would be deemed the winner. Team members were: Alison Connolly, Laura O’Donnell, Leah Coen, Carrie Davey, Richard Anglim, Peter Wall, Ryan Walsh, Ethan Coen, Evan Looby and Charlie Pearson. It was the first time that any of our young ladies had ever played a match such as this but coach, Lisa Anglim, saw their potential and all the team did her proud.

County final of Handwriting and Projects will now take place in the Legion Hall, Moneygall, on Saturday, June 7, commencing at 3pm. Best of Luck to our competitors, Anna Collier, Gillian Burke, Dara O’Mara and Sean Moroney.

'One Direction' ticket winner

Cassie Needham (centre) who was the winner of tickets to the upcoming One Direction concert photographed with teachers Cathriona McKeogh (left) and Majella Whelan (right).

Congratulations to Cassie Needham who was the delighted winner of tickets to the upcoming One Direction concert and a big thank you to Ian O’Connor of Tipp FM who procured the tickets for the Patrician Presentation Secondary School.

Delphi Visit
Last week, the T.Y pupils accompanied by their teachers Ms Raggett and Ms Walsh spend three days in Delphi Outdoor Pursuit centre in Co. Mayo where they took part in a myriad of activities there. The school has strong links with Delphi and T.Y groups have been going to Delphi since the introduction of TY in the school when Mr Vincent Doocey was TY Co-ordinator.

Students’ Council 2014-2015
The Students’ Council for the next school year was elected recently. The following pupils will represent their classes next year: 1st Year, Lucy Whyte and Malachy Brett; 2nd Year, Amye O’Donovan and Mark Hayde; 3rd Year, Emily Whyte and Dylan Fenlon; 4th Year, Orla Walsh and Keith Cronin; 5th Year, Niamh Morrissey and Thomas Channon. The Students’ Council contributes significantly to the review of school policies and also engages in fundraising for school facilities and for charitable causes.

Fionn MacCumhaill play reading
Readings for a new play 'The Root of all Evil' will take place in the Convent Community Hall Fethard on Tuesday, May 20, from 8pm to 9pm. If you think you have what it takes to perform in a comedie del’arte play a costume piece set in 1700. It’s fun its ‘over the top’ and needs actors with that special fun attitude. This will be performed locally and also in Kilkenny at Highbank – both outdoor venues in August. Actors ages from 16 to 90. Please ring 086 0834208 if you interested or just come along on the night.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on this coming Sunday Night, May 18, to the music of ‘Checkers’. 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.

Happy Heart Collection this week
The Irish Heart Foundation is asking for you support for the Happy Heart Collection this week. The students from the Patrician Presentation Secondary School will volunteer their time for this worthy cause being held from May 15 to May 17.

Fethard rugby seniors secure Evans Cup

On Saturday, May 10, 2014. Fethard & District rugby club won the Evans Cup in a thrilling final against Waterpark RFC. Pictured Back L to R: Paul Kavanagh (coach), Richie Carroll, Emmet O'Mahony, Jamie McCormack, Philip Ivors, Declan Doyle, Chris McGrath, Chris Large, Shane Kavanagh, Andy Walsh, Nico Hoyne, Rob Hall, Matt Fitzgerald, Chris Bannister, Liam Hayes (coach). Middle L to R: Conor Kavanagh, Dick Walsh, Robert Bannister, Alan O'Connor, Kevin Hayes, Kieran Power, Philip Ryan, Osama Frazh. Front L to R: William Power and Angus McAlpine.

Fethard senior team created history on Saturday evening last with a comprehensive victory by 30 points to 3 over Waterpark, this is the first success at this level for the club since fielding a senior team in 2010. One would have to go back to the 1930s to see a similar successful Fethard rugby team prior to this. It was a fitting finish to a superb season for this young team, having earlier topped their side of the Gleeson League.

Weather conditions were very severe on Saturday night with strong wind and rain howling towards the clubhouse, Fethard faced the elements in the first half and had to carry ball at the opposition, Andy Walsh, Chris Large, Philip Ivors and Kieran Power worked hard making hard yards and kept Waterpark on the back foot, the line out worked well with Kevin Hayes finding either Nicko Hoynes or Angus McAlpine with precision throws. Osama Frazh picked a lot of ball from the back of the scrum and continually crossed the gain line. Fethard discipline was also very good allowing only one shot at goal which Waterpark missed. As the first half finished and having held the opposition scoreless , it was advantage Fethard.

Fethard failed to secure the drop off and after a few phases Waterpark were awarded a penalty under the posts which they converted, from that point Fethard took control of the game and Declan Doyle used the elements to great affect. Some good forward drives by Rob Hall, Dick Walsh, Rob Bannister saw ‘Doyler’ kick behind the defence and Chris McGrath gathered to score in the corner. Fethard secured the drop off and were awarded a penalty on the half way line , Richie Carroll put in a mighty kick which sales over with the wind. From the restart Conor Kavanagh kicks down field from the back of a ruck and the speedy Richie Carroll beat the defence to touch down in the corner. It was all Fethard at this stage and when Emmett O’Mahony gathered in his own 22 he broke through tackles to be just pulled down short of the line but Chris McGrath was in support and scored.

Again from the restart ‘Doyler’ kicked for the corner, Philip Ivors won the lineout for Fethard and the ball was spread wide where Shane Kavanagh broke the defence and off loaded to Richie Carroll who scored his second try, this left the score 23-3 but this Fethard team were not finished yet and as the forwards carried into the opposition 22 the ball went wide again and Willie Power fed Shane Kavanagh who broke through to score under the posts. This was a fine team performance and the introduction of Jamie McCormack, Philip Ryan and Matt Fitzgerald gave Fethard fresh legs up to the final whistle.

The captain Alan O’Connor who had a solid game at full back and made a try saving tackle, thanked Waterpark for a tough game in tough conditions, he paid tribute to the Fethard supporters who turned out in such large numbers in atrocious conditions, he also thanked Bobby O’Brien from the county committee and the Evans family who presented the cup to the Fethard team. It was a great achievement by this young Fethard team and if they stay together, could be the first of many. The club would also like to congratulate Clonmel on their great victory on Sunday.

Fethard & District Rugby Club will hold their AGM in the clubhouse on Tuesday, May 26, at 8pm. Looking forward to seeing everybody there.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on May 7 were: 6, 8, 20 and 26. We had no jackpot winner and two ‘Match Three’ winners who received €75 each Albert McGivern, Fethard; and Fiona O'Donohoe, Coolmoyne, Fethard.

The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Eileen White, c/o S. Moloney; Dermot Darcy, St. Patricks Place, Fethard; and Luke Hackett, Strylea, Fethard.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, May 14. The Jackpot is €9,700 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €970. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

Duggan family information needed
My name is Margaret Jones (nee Duggan). I recently found out that my great grandfather Patrick Duggan was born in Tipperary to Thomas and Elizabeth Duggan (nee Dwyer). Patrick was born in 1849 and baptised on November 29, 1849, in the parish of Drangan. My uncle left some notes indicating that the Duggans likely lived in Fethard.

Garden Centre Open Day
Country Life, Fethard, will hold a Garden Centre Open Day on Saturday, May 17, from 11am to 3pm. All are welcome to come along with barbecue, children’s bouncy castle and special offers.



Fethard GAA News
Fethard senior footballers play Galtee Rovers in New Inn on Wednesday, May 14, at 7.15pm in the County Championship.

Our Junior A hurling team started this year’s campaign on Sunday last in Kilsheelan with a defeat against Fr Sheehys on a scoreline 1-15 to 3-17.

The time has come around again for the Tipperary GAA County Board Draw and we hope your support would be once again forthcoming.
During the week one of our loyal supporters Phil Tobin died. Phil wore the boots when required to do so and was proud of the blue jersey. Thanks for the memories and the great company that you gave to people. He was laid to rest in Killusty.

Condolences to the Sheehan family, St Patricks Place, on the recent death of their mother Liz, who was a great supporter of all things involving the GAA club and also gave a life long commitment to the juvenile club. May she rest in peace.

Sympathy to the McCormack family in Ballintemple on the recent death of Tommy McCormack in North Wales. Tommy was an excellent hurler and stood between the posts for his native Coolmoyne winning a South Tipp minor medal in the fifties.

Classical Spanish Guitarist for Clonacody House


Classical guitarist, Peter Richmond, who studied under Giulio Tampalini and David Russell, will play an intimate performance at Clonacody House on Saturday, May 31 at 8pm. This unique performance in a unique setting provides the perfect setting for a very entertaining evening of classical Spanish guitar. Wine and tapas will also be included at the interval. Tickets (limited) at €25 are available from Clonacody House Tel: 087 1689167, or from O’Sullivan’s Chemist, Fethard, and Marian’s, O’Connell Street, Clonmel.

Articles for Emigrants’ Newsletter
We are now inviting submissions of articles and photographs for inclusion in this year’s Emigrants’ Newsletter which will be published in November this year. Articles or photographs can be submitted to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, or by email to newsletter@fethard.com

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.