Happy Christmas
Wishing all our readers and followers at home and away, a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year! The above photograph of the Augustinian Abbey crib was taken by Larry Kenny.
Died Recently
The death has occurred on Friday, December 26, 2014, of Ann Keane (née Wall), St. Patrick's Place, and formerly The Green, Fethard. Ann, sadly missed by her husband Joe, her children Joseph, Dorothy, Linda and Jennifer, her grandchildren, relatives and friends. May she rest in peace. Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, this Saturday evening from 5pm to 6.30pm with removal to the Holy Trinity Parish Church at 6.45pm.
Funeral Mass on Sunday, December 28, at 11am followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations if desired, in lieu to the End of Life Care Team at South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel.
Robin Hood and his Sherwood Hoodies
Robin Hood, played by Shane Neville, saves the villagers of Sherwood from the evil Sheriff of Nottingham in Fethard Holy Trinity National School's Christmas Show 'Robin Hood and his Sherwood Hoodies'.
The children of Holy Trinity National School, Fethard, staged ‘Robin Hood and his Sherwood Hoodies’ in the Abymill Theatre from December 15 to 17, and this was a magnificent tale of tights and fights! When the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, played by Matthew Burke, and his guards threaten the villagers of Sherwood, a gutsy Maid Marion, played by Jennifer Phelan, hires a band of ‘fighters’ for protection. But when these ‘fighters’, Robin Hood, played by Shane Neville, and his Merry Men arrive, she quickly realised that they’re not exactly what Sherwood needs. Maid Marion manages to persuade these luckless heroes to take to the stage for the performance of their lives! It was a show filled with catchy, show stopping songs and witty jokes galore!
Children from second to sixth class worked extremely hard learning lines, songs and dance routines over the last few months and showed what a brilliantly talented group they are! The energy and enthusiasm brought by the entire cast and crew each night was phenomenal and so the show was thoroughly enjoyed by audiences each night. The school is very proud of all the children and we know that their families are too!
Robin Hood and his Sherwood Hoodies rob from the rich and give to the poor in Fethard Holy Trinity National School's Christmas Show.
Putting on the show was a huge undertaking. A lot of hard work went into preparing the children and we would like to thank Gillian Coulter for all her hard work, dedication and creativity. We would also like to thank all the teachers we worked tirelessly also in so many ways – thanks to Ms Meagher, Mrs Fanning, Ms Ryan, Mrs Kenny, Ms Kearney, Ms Hogan, Mrs Lonergan, Mr MacAdhaimh and Mrs Fitzgerald. Thanks also to Mrs D’arcy, Ms Ann-Marie Harty and Mr Willie Ryan for their help.
A special thank you to the staff of the Abymill Theatre, Fethard. It is a magnificent venue and we were thrilled to be able to use it. We got wonderful support and help from the staff of the Abymill and it is much appreciated.
Moyglass Christmas Party
Eileen Ryan and Noel O'Dwyer preparing the hall for the Moyglass Christmas party night with a difference which takes place on Saturday, December 27. Great music on the night with 'Kumar'. Prizes for the most outstanding Christmas jumper or outfit! Full bar and finger food on the night. Admission is only €10 and doors open at 8.30 pm. All are welcome to Moyglass Community Hall for what should be a great night of Christmas cheer.
Calling all the class of 1994!
We are holding a 20 year reunion for the 'Class of 94' in McCarthy's Hotel in Fethard on Saturday, December 27, at 9.30pm. Nothing formal just to catch up over a few drinks! Spread the word and hope to meet you all there.
Class of 1994– Back L to R: Sharon Lawton, Sonya Maher, Jennifer Fogarty, Eleanor Condon, Christine Fanning, Gerry Ahearn, David Flanagan, Roger Daly, P.J. Colville, John Kelly, Pat Horan, Tyrone Tobin. 3rd Row: Fiona Dorney, Tracy Wallace, Esther Cooney, Marie Morrissey, Erica Purcell, Damien Byrne, Martin Cuddihy, Stephen O'Donnell, Brian Gleeson, John Paul Keane, Thomas Purcell, Edmund Walsh, Sean Cleary. 2nd Row: Lisa Ward, Lorraine Morrissey, Áine Cloonan, Emily Sayers, Ann-Marie Murphy, Denise O'Sullivan, Síle Cronin, Cathy Quigley, Catherine Sheehan, Martin Phelan, Keith Colville, Robert Hickey, Declan Maher, Niall Neville, Donal Mullins. Front: Patricia Morrissey, Deirdre McGrath, Tara Russell, Mia Treacy, Laura Doyle, Vicky Roche, Mr. Ernan Britton (school principal), Lisa McCormack, Linda Blake, Catherine Gould, Philip O'Connell, Barry Corbett.
Christmas Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on Friday night (St. Stephen’s Night), December 26, with music supplied by ‘Johnny Mullen’. Dancing 9pm to midnight and admission is €8 which includes tea and cakes.
Dancing again on Wednesday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve) to the music of ‘Teddy and Cathal Barry’. We wish all our dancers a very Happy Christmas and swinging New Year!
Died Recently
The death has occurred on Saturday, December 20, 2014, of Thomas (Tom) Henehan, Main Street, Fethard. Thomas, sadly missed by his loving wife Anna, his children Jean, Máiréad, PJ, Áine and Lara, his grandchildren Aidan, Aisling, Ben, Jamie, Emma, Conor, Mia , great grandson David, his brother Michael, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace.
Reposing at his residence on Monday, December 22, from 5pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass on Tuesday at 11am in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery.
The Goal Mile on Christmas Day
The Fethard GOAL Mile will take place on Christmas Day, December 25, starting at the later time of 12.30pm. 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. All monies collected for GOAL is fully documented and its use published on their website. See you outside the Town Hall on Main Street, for a 12 noon start.
Patrician Presentation Secondary School
Fethard Secondary School U16½ ladies’ football team that defeated Scoil Ruáin, Killenaule, and now progress to the Munster quarter-finals.
A great win for Fethard. On Monday, December 8, the U16½ ladies’ football team defeated Scoil Ruáin, Killenaule, in a Munster knockout match. The school team will now progress to the Munster quarter-final. Fethard started poorly against the wind and after 15 minutes, Killenaule led by one goal and three points. However, the Fethard backs, in particular Caoimhe and Molly O’Meara, Lucy Spillane, Ciara Hayes, Megan Earl and Emma Cronin, showed great determination, and enabled Fethard to claw their way back into the game. Goalkeeper, Rachel Prout made some fine saves and at half-time, the Fethard team was up 1-6 to 1-3.
In the second half, the Fethard forwards continued to press into the Killenaule defence and began to reap the benefits. Kate Davey, Maggie Fitzgerald and Laura Kiely played well and rounded off a fine team display winning 6-6 to Killenaule’s 1-6. Well done to all the team and their mentor Mr John Cummins.
The Wonders of the Cosmos
On Friday, December 5th, the students in the school and the Junior Primary School classes experienced the very interesting mobile planetarium with the company Sky Dome. During the hour-long show, the pupils got a chance to interact with the planets, stars, galaxies and other objects in our universe.
Christmas Exams
The Christmas exams take place this week for all class groups except the Transition Year Class. The school expects the pupils to prepare well for these exams and to do their best to achieve their potential. The exams will finish on Wednesday, December 17 and the pupils will have normal class until 12.45pm on Friday, December 19, when the school will close for the Christmas holidays. We wish all members of the School Community a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.
Religious Services
The school organised Christmas Penitential Services for the pupils, both in the Convent Chapel and in the Parish Church, last week. Thank you to Fr. Tom Breen, Fr. Murty and Fr. Gerry for conducting the services in a meaningful way for the pupils. Thanks also to Sr. Maureen and the Presentation Community for the use of the Convent Chapel and for their loyal support of all school activities during the year. The school’s annual carol service will take place on Thursday afternoon next.
President visits Kate’s project in Ethiopia
Kate Corcoran, Watergate, Fethard, photographed with President Michael D. Higgins, when he visited the refugee camps in Gambella, Ethiopia, where Kate is based as Concern’s Country Director.
Kate Corcoran, Watergate, Fethard, took two years time off from her teaching position at LIT Tipperary (formerly Tipperary Institute) to work with Concern in Ethiopia. Kate is now Concern’s Country Director in Ethiopia and was very pleased with the recent visit of President Michael D. Higgins to the refugee camps.
Briefing the President she said, “We are delighted to welcome President Higgins to Ethiopia, his presence in Gambella will draw much needed global attention to the plight of the South Sudanese refugees. The people of South Sudan have had to endure terrible suffering since violence broke out last year. Tens of thousands have been killed, and almost one and a half million are displaced with over 450,000 seeking refuge in neighbouring countries.”
“The influx of refugees along the Gambella-South Sudan border puts a huge strain on Ethiopia’s resources. Almost 200,000 have arrived here since last December and in the past four weeks there have been 800 new arrivals per day into the region. Eleven months on, the situation is still escalating.”
“While the goodwill and strong leadership of the Ethiopia Government (ARRA) and the joint efforts of UN agencies, donors and Irish aid agencies has been a successful part of this crisis response, finding suitable land to provide sanctuary for these refugees remains a major challenge for the Government of Ethiopia,” she added.
Concern first began working in Ethiopia in 1973 and the organisation played a major and important role in leading the massive local and international response to the 1984/85 famine. Since that time Ethiopia has been, and remains, a priority country for Concern and the organisation works on relief, recovery and development programmes with diverse communities, assisting them in meeting their basic needs and empowering them to develop and grow.
For more information on Concern’s website www.concern.net
Walking for Charity
L to R: Ann Maher, Mike Fahey and Joan Bargary who took part in the Camino de Santiago de Compostela walk from Sarria to Compostela in aid of Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on December 17 were: 2, 5, 24 and 32. We had no jackpot winner and two ‘Match Three’ winners who received €75 each: Rachel O'Loughnan, Grawn, Fethard, and Liam O'Sullivan, Cois Falla, Fethard.
The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Robert Hackett, Cashel Road, Fethard; Leanne Sheehan, c/o Kathleen Connolly; and Paul Ryan, c/o Mary Sayers, Crampscastle.
This week we had our final week of Christmas Draws for turkeys and hams. Winners of Turkeys in the Free Christmas Draw were: John O'Meara, (online ticket); Seamus Hackett, Fethard; and Kitty O'Donnell, Slievenamon Close, Fethard. Winners of Hams were: Luke Hackett, Strylea, Fethard; Mary Myler, St. Patricks Place, Fethard; and Irene Sharpe, The Castle, Fethard.
The Community Lotto will now take a two-week break over Christmas period and draws will resume on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. Thank you for your support in 2014 and we look forward to your continued support for 2015. We wish all a very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year, from all at the Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto.
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto
The numbers drawn on December 19 were 16, 20, 21 and 30. There was no jackpot winner and no match three winner so the following drawn tickets received €30 each: Michael O'Rahilly Prospect; Catherine Ryan, c/o Merrys, Clonmel; Martin Coen, The Green, Fethard; Michael Kendrick, Burke Street, Fethard; and Joan Halpin, St. Patrick’s Place, Fethard. The €50 Lucky Dip winner was: John Fitzgerald, Monroe, Fethard.
Next Jackpot is €7,700 and the draw will take place in Fethard GAA Park on Friday, January 9, 2015, at 7pm. All are welcome. Thank you for your continued support. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.
Emigrants Newsletter packed and posted
Helping with the postage and packing of this year's Fethard & Killusty Emigrant's Newsletter were Back L to R: Margaret O'Donnell, Ian O'Connor, Margaret Walsh, Monica Hickey, Brendan Kenny, Johnny Burke. Front L to R: Rory Walsh, Joe Keane, Brud Roche and Carol Kenny.
This year’s edition of the Fethard & Killusty Emigrants’ Newsletter is now packed, posted and making its way to all destinations throughout the world where Fethard emigrants reside. Thanks to your support at home and the many generous donations received from supporters at home and abroad we are still in a position to post the annual newsletter free of charge to emigrants and family relatives living away from Fethard and Killusty parish. From letters received we are very encouraged every year and realise how important this link means to those away from home this Christmas.
Thanks to all who provided photographs, articles and helped in any with the production of this year’s issue; Carmel Rice, Brookhill, who looks after correspondence and donations; Gemma Burke for proofreading; and Brendan Kenny and his voluntary team who look after distribution and postage every year.
The Newsletter is now on sale in the following local shops: Centra Supermarket, The Green; McManus’s Grocery, Burke Street; Daybreak, Kerry Street; and the Post Office, Main Street. This year’s Newsletter cost €12 each and has over 248 pages of articles and photographs including lots of very interesting feature articles. We thank you for your continued support and wish all our readers a very Happy Christmas.
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.
Penitential Services for Christmas
The penitential service in preparation for Christmas will take place in the Parish Church on Monday, December 22, at 7.30pm. The penitential service in the Abbey will take place during the 7.30pm Mass on Saturday, December 20.
Christmas Mass Times
Abbey Church
Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, Carols at 8pm followed by Mass at 8.30pm; Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, at 9.30am and 11.30am.
Parish Church
Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, at 7pm;
Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, at 8.30am and 11am.
Killusty Church of the Sacred Heart
Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, at 8.15pm;
Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, at 10am.
Operation Transformation back in New Year
Fethard Operation will return to the Convent Community Hall, on Friday, January 9, at 8pm. Maybe this is another good New Year’s resolution to think about? More details to follow soon. Contact Bridget at telephone no: 087 6410352
‘Cinderella’ a great success
Patrician Presentation Secondary School cast of this year's production 'Cinderella' - DVD of the show now on sale at €10 each.
Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School’s production ‘Cinderella’ finished its run last week in the Abymill Theatre to packed houses. The pantomime was very professionally produced and thoroughly enjoyable to watch. The cast, joined by senior students from Holy Trinity National School, can be very proud of their production and school principal, Mr Michael O’Sullivan, and his staff must be congratulated for their support and encouragement in reviving the annual school show.
There were many star performances during the weekend and as a member of the audience stated: “This production of Cinderella was as good as the best, if not better”. Two members of the RTE Mooney Show visited the Abymill for rehearsals and spoke to members of the cast. This recording was aired on RTE 1 the next day. Great credit is due to the production quartet of Ms Megan Raggett, Ms Majella Whelan, Mr Justin McGree and Mr Ian O’Connor, without whose dedication, the show would not have come to fruition. A fantastic achievement by all involved.
Cinderella DVDs now on sale
For those who didn’t get tickets to see the show, there is a top quality souvenir DVD now available at €10 to purchase at the school office from this Friday, December 19, Tel: (052) 6131572 or contact Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard. Email: fethardnews@gmail.com
Pilgrimage to Medjugorje 2015
A seven-day Pilgrimage to Medjugorje is being planned for August 12 to 19, 2015. The total cost is €669 per person sharing, which includes flights, accommodation, breakfast and evening meal. For those interested please contact David Woodlock at Tel: 087 2522028 or (052) 6131077. Deposit of €200 required when booking.
Special discounts for early payments: €150 discount if paid in full by December 10, 2014; €100 discount if paid in full by February 2, 2015; and €50 discount if deposit paid by February 2, 2015. Single Rooms cost an additional €22 extra per night. The trip is organised by Joe Walsh Tours
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.
|