Fethard 'stars' at Strictly Come Dancing

Tipperary Strictly Come Dancing is taking place in Hotel Minella on Friday 26th September at 8pm. Fethard is well represented in the event, with Liz and Bill Kennedy and Mikey Molcair. All our amazing couples have been busy practicing and everyone is geared up for a spectacular night tomorrow night.

We are delighted to have a door prize on the night of 2 Late Late Toy Show tickets and we will be asking people to put their names on the back of their admission tickets to be entered in to the draw.

If you haven't already got your tickets there are still tickets available for purchase today or on the door in Hotel Minella tomorrow night. Don't forget the show will start at 8pm sharp so arrive in plenty of time!

Mikey Moclair with his dance partner Michelle Higgins.


Bill Kennedy with his dance partner Monica Conway


Liz Kennedy with her dance partner Kevin Murphy,

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on this coming Sunday night, September 28, to the music of 'Twice Shy'. 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.

Parish Group travel to Medugorje

The Fethard and Killusty Pilgrims who travelled to Medugorje Back L to R: Veronica Fogarty, Willie Needham, Mary Sheehan, Chrissie O’Meara, Pauline Cleary (Borrisoleigh), Joan Woodlock, Vincent Cummins, Nellie Ryan, Billy Treacy, Patricia Treacy, Davy Woodlock. Front L to R: Celia Allen, Mia Treacy, Noreen Sheehy, Kay Lyons, Michael Barry and Una Shanahan.

On August 13th last a group of 17 pilgrims from the Fethard area travelled to the village of Medugorje which is located in Bosnia Herzegovina, around 25 km southwest of Mostar and close to the border of Croatia.

Medugorje came to world attention back in June of 1981 when six children from the locality claimed to have had an apparition of Our Lady. Remarkably, three of these children, now adults, still report having daily apparitions ever since. The other three have them less frequently but do still report seeing Our Blessed Mother on special occasions e.g. birthdays, Christmas day etc.

In the intervening years since the first apparition over 40 million pilgrims have flocked to the little village of Medugorje, a name which literally means ‘between the hills’. Our little group added to that number when we arrived at our lodgings in the Dubrovnik Hotel in the centre of the main street and adjacent to the local parish Church dedicated to The Apostle St. James.

Our tour operator was JWT who had local representatives to assist us during our week-long stay. They introduced us to the pilgrimage programme and accompanied us on the various walks and climbs which are central to the story of Our Lady in Medugorje.

The more able-bodied among us were able to pray the Stations of the Cross while trekking to the summit of Mount Krizevac also known as ‘Cross Mountain’ which overlooks the village, at 5am in the morning (the coolest time of the day as afternoon temperatures can reach as high as 40 deg.). The less-able (and the lazier!) were able to pray The Stations on smoother ground in the vicinity of the Cross of the Resurrection to the rear of the Church complex.

One of the lesser climbs was to Apparition Hill where Our Lady first appeared to the children on June 24th in 1981. This climb was made early one morning after a short walk through the local vineyards. The JWT representative who accompanied us shared the story of the early days of the apparitions and of how difficult it was for the young visionaries in, what was then, a very communist community.

We were very lucky with the weather during our week in Medugorje. The only drop of rain we experienced was on our journey back to Dubrovnik Airport for our flight home during which we were treated to some spectacular views all along the Adriatic Coast.

All in all we had a wonderful week. People go on pilgrimage for all sorts of personal reasons. Whatever the reasons of each member of our group for going on this particular pilgrimage, one thing is for certain: as the days passed the camaraderie and friendship among us grew. Deep chats were intermingled with fun and laughter during the course of our week. Most of those who travelled had never been to Medugorje before, but the general consensus seemed to be that a return trip was definitely on the cards.

Finally, we managed to find premises that aired the Tipp v Cork match in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Semi-Final. Thankfully we made it through to the final. We partially attribute our victory to all the prayers and penances of our group. The big question remains: who will pray and do penance to help us beat the Cats next Sunday? One wonders are there any last-minute deals to be had on pilgrimages back to Medugorje? St. Jude, pray for us. Oh God please help us!

Early signs of winter already appearing

Ireland has been basking in one of the warmest autumns for many years but that may be about to change if the tradition of holly trees signalling the arrival of a bitter winter is to be believed. The arrival of these beautiful bright red holly berries in Fethard may herald a harsh winter to come. So be prepared!

Danish fashion collection showcasing at Convent Community Hall
A Danish fashion autumn / winter collection will be showcasing in Fethard Convent Community Hall on Sunday, October 5, from 12 noon to 6pm. This is a fantastic collection offered at a reasonable price. Admission is free and for further information contact Geraldine at Tel: 086 4427973.

Craft and Food Fair
A Christmas Craft and Food Fair will take place at the Clonmel Park Hotel on Sunday, December 14, from 10am to 5pm. Tables (strictly craft) can now be booked at €40 each. For more info contact: Ned Lonergan at 086 8309365 or email: neddy44@hotmail.com

Gluten Free baking at Country Market
Fethard Country Markets have now ‘Gluten Free’ baking available for Coeliacs at their weekly country market held In Fethard Town Hall each Friday. Please pass the word around as suitable food for Coeliacs is sometimes hard to obtain and there appears to be a good demand for it.

Fethard National School Principal retires

New principal Holy Trinity National School, Triona Morrisson (left), and staff teacher Rita Kenny (right), making presentations on behalf of the staff to retired principal, Patricia Treacy, marking her long dedicated teaching service to Fethard's Nano Nagle National School, St. Patrick's Boys School and Holy Trinity National School.

Mrs Patricia Treacy retired from Holy Trinity National School on August 31, 2014. Trish, as she was known to her colleagues, trained as a primary school teacher in Mary Immaculate College of Education. Having begun her career in Grangemockler, she joined the staff of Nano Nagle National School in 1974. She served twenty-nine years as Deputy Principal before taking up the position of Principal in St. Patrick’s Boys’ National School in 2004. 2010 saw the amalgamation of Nano Nagle and St. Patrick’s and Trish was appointed Principal of the newly formed school and staff. Trish held this position until her recent retirement.

Trish probably put at least one thousand pupils through her hands during this time and was steadfastly as dedicated in year forty-two as she was in year one. At each stage of her career, she threw herself whole-heartedly into her work. Many will remember her as a kind, committed and talented infant teacher.

During her years in Nano Nagle, the Adlerian approach to discipline was adopted by Nano Nagle staff and Trish was a huge advocate of its principles of mutual respect, inclusiveness and encouragement. Her concern for her pupils was always evident and her sense of justice and fair-play always permeated her work.

On her transfer to St. Patrick’s Boys’ National School parents, pupils and teachers were delighted with her energy and hard work in embarking on this new role of Principal. Her talent for this position really came to the fore during this time and her skill in administration and management became evident when she was appointed Principal of Holy Trinity National School. This involved a huge commitment of time, energy and hard-work and Trish threw herself into this position with a “no holes barred” approach. She acknowledged the support and help of the Board of Management and the Parents’ Association, especially at this demanding time in her career.

The Catholic ethos of the school was always very important to the school community and when the Presentation Sisters retired, Trish ensured that the Catholic ethos was always cultivated and nourished. Trish’s faith is very strong and she was involved directly and indirectly in preparing many children for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Communion and Confirmation in her role as teacher and Principal.
Trish was an innovative, creative teacher and Principal and never let the grass grow under her feet vis-à-vis new techniques and teaching approaches. She had her finger on the pulse of modern developments and initiatives and led her staff well in this regard.

Trish’s interest in and love for the town of Fethard was evident in encouraging pupil involvement in community based projects. She was always open to suggestion and was always supported her staff in any new endeavours.

As Trish embarks on this new phase of her life we wish her health and happiness. At last she will have time to dedicate to her many talents and interests. Maybe next March, she will have the time to go to Cheltenham! Trish is also a wonderful seamstress and baker, among other things – we’ll miss her scones – her family will have the opportunity to enjoy these! We wish Trish all the best and many, many happy years with her family – Billy, Liam, Ciaran, Mia and her grandchildren.


Photographed at the presentation to retired principal, Mrs Patricia Treacy, at Holy Trinity National School are Back L to R: Sarah Hogan, Aisling Fanning, Róisín Ryan, Triona Morrisson, Ann Marie Harty, Willie Ryan, Denise Meehan, Ann Darcy, Margaret Gleeson, Leonie Loughman. Front L to R: Rita Kenny, Sr. Maureen Power, Peg McGarry, Patricia Treacy, Eileen Fitzgerald and Carmel Lonergan.

Fethard Bridge Club reopened
Fethard Bridge Club reopened on Wednesday, September 10, and the results of our game that night were: First Gross, Kay St. John and Rita Kane; Second Gross, Carmel Kelly and Carol Kenny; First Nett, Annie O’Brien and Marie Delaney; Second Nett, Nell Broderick and David O’Meara.

We are still looking for new members. Lessons will be arranged for anyone interested in learning bridge. Please contact David at 6131325 or any member of the bridge club. Anyone looking for a partner please ring Berney Myles at 6132038.

Fethard Tidy Towns marks up again
Fethard Tidy Towns would like to thank the local community, business premises and schools for all their help in improving and keeping Fethard clean and tidy. We have again increased our marks by six points this year, which is a great move forward in the right direction. We have been highly commended in many of our new areas. So once again many thanks from the Fethard Tidy Towns Committee.

READ THE ADJUDICATION REPORT

Athletic Club Training
Fethard Athletic Club training continues every Monday and Friday evening at 7.15pm from the ballroom carpark and new members are always welcome.

Congratulations to Bernard Feery on being chosen as our local sports personality for the month of August, following on from his achievement in the Boston Scientific half marathon and various other races throughout the summer. Special mention also to fellow club member Ginny Hutton for her nomination in the same category. Both have been doing exceptionally well this year so keep up the good work.
As the evenings are drawing in, get your high-visibility vests out and come to a meet up training session soon to get fit in a relaxed and social environment.

17th century Tholsel set to be transformed into tourism hub


Work on restoring a 17th century Tholsel is expected to start next month in Fethard, Co. Tipperary, following confirmation of government funding for the project. The Fethard Tholsel is to become a tourism hub which will be an historical and cultural focal point on the town’s main street. The magnificent building has previously served as an almshouse, the town hall for Fethard Corporation, a fire station, library and, more recently, as the venue for weekly country markets.

Alan Kelly, the environment minister, recently announced €245,000 in funding for the project under the Rural Development Programme. The initiative is managed locally by the South Tipperary Development Company. It will be complemented by €105,000 from Tipperary County Council as part of the community grants scheme.

Meanwhile, fundraising has led to the required amount of matching funding, clearing the way for work to start. The project is being developed under the aegis of the Fethard Business and Tourism Group, established over three years ago as a subcommittee of Fethard and Killusty Community Council. Its objective is to promote business and tourism in Fethard and its environs; promote local festivals and events, and to provide tourism information. Its main means of doing this is to restore the Tholsel and use Fethard’s rich medieval heritage and equine tradition as a selling point.

Also known as the Town Hall, the Tholsel is owned by Tipperary County Council but is on a 20-year lease to Fethard Business and Tourism Group for the purposes of restoration and use as a multi-functional centre.

As well as being a walled town of national importance, Fethard has a number of other well-known heritage sites such as its Augustinian Abbey (1305); Edmonds Castle (15th century) and Court Castle (1450). The redevelopment will include a tourist centre; public toilets; viewing area at the rear which looks onto the medieval backlands including the Holy Trinity Church and town walls; an interpretative space, a country/farmers’ market; community offices and a craft retail area.

The tourism and business group hope the Tholsel will open for the 2015 season. — (Conor Kane, September 22, 1904)

Help needed to tidy Killusty
We appeal for help with a tidy up in Killusty village taking place on Tuesday, September 23rd and Wednesday, September 24, as our numbers are dwindling. Any help would be great and much appreciated.

A big thank you to Killusty Crafts for sponsoring a tennis net for The courts in Killusty court. Many evenings have been spent cleaning it and now with this generous gift from Lorraine and Richard, it's now open for play again.

Best Wishes to Tipperary Hurling Team
Our best wishes from the parish to the Tipperary Senior Hurling team in their quest for All-Ireland glory in the replay of the final against Kilkenny on Saturday evening next.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on September 17 were: 2, 8, 22 and 30. We had no jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: David Carroll, c/o Kathleen Connolly, Fethard.

The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Jim Kenny and Michael Russell, c/o Seamus Moloney; Keenan Aherne, Prospect, Fethard; and Siobhán Harrington, Abbey Rd., Fethard.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, September 24. The Jackpot is €10,000 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €1,000. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

Fethard GAA Sports Lotto
The numbers drawn on September 19 were 14, 15, 20 and 32. There was no jackpot winner and no match three winner so the following five drawn tickets received €30 each: John Murphy, c/o Pat Sheehan; Philomena Morrissey, St. Patrick’s Place; John McCormack, Killenaule; Kaylin Quinn, c/o Merrys; and Biddy Kearney, St. Patricks Place, Fethard. The €50 Lucky Dip winner was Lesley Swift, Coolmore.
Next week’s Jackpot is €6,400 and the draw will take place in Fethard GAA Park on Friday, September 26, at 7pm. All are welcome. Thanking you for your continued support.

Fethard Rugby Club
Fethard Minis rugby season started with not only the sun shining, but also the skills of the young Rugby players. Hosting neighbours Clonmel for our first game at home, it was wonderful to see such large numbers of players and their families cheering on the future of the sport.

Our U8s turned out in good numbers and showed their emerging talent. Thanks to Clonmel for providing a great opposition for our newcomers: Emily Cuddihy, Tadhg O’Brien and Ben Allen (try scorer). Adam Ruttle worked well with Gavin Neville to score tries. Ivan Movchan and Noah O’Flynn tackled strongly and also recorded tries. Wonderful passing and fine ball carrying from Bill Smyth and Sean Fitzgerald helped the tries flow. Sam Austin assisted by Joey Fitzgerald set up numerous tries for Charlie Walsh and Shane Ryan. Not forgetting Mark Ryan and Philly Gilman who provided some great ball recycling, and Cormac O’Donnell who had a mighty game.
Fethard Minis are home next Sunday, September 28, against Thurles at 10am for 10.30am kick off.

U13s, U15s and U18s Girls Rugby are now back training in Fethard on Friday evenings from 8pm with games coming up in the next couple of weeks. Looking forward to welcoming some new faces in ladies rugby for the season ahead.

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.