Fethard Historical Society members attending an ‘Afternoon Tea’ event in Clonacody House on Sunday last, January 11, to acknowledge the great contribution of Kitty Delany to the society over the past twenty years. Back L to R: Gerry Long, Maree Moclair, Marie O’Donnell, Terry Cunningham, Mary Hanrahan, Colm McGrath, Dóirín Saurus, Jennifer Whyte. Front L to R: Patricia Looby (Chairperson FHS), Catherine O’Flynn, Ann Gleeson, Kitty Delany, John Cooney and Ann Lynch.

Fethard Historical Society will hold their 20th Anniversary Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard Ballroom, Co. Tipperary, on Sunday, 8th February 2015, from 2pm to 6pm.

Ballet Classes starting in Fethard
Ballet Classes are starting in Fethard Convent Community Hall on Friday, January 30. The classes cater for children of all ages & abilities from 3-13 years. Places are limited and early booking is advised. To enrol and reserve a place for your child, Please contact us through our website or call/text on 086 8925336. Our classes are designed to be fun, beneficial in learning movement, musicality, rhythm, gaining confidence and a chance to make new friends! Please contact us for a Registration Form. We look forward to meeting you! For further information: Facebook Page

Fethard Bridge Club
On December 17, we had an open night where beginners joined with seasoned players for a friendly game of bridge. The results of that game were:

1st Gross, Willie Harrington and Brendan Kenny; 2nd Gross, Quinn and Berney Myles; 3rd Gross (joint winners), David O’Meara and Vincent Cummins, and Rita Kane and Kay St. John; 1st Nett, Sean O’Dea and Bridie Lee; 2nd Nett, Joan Hayes and Judy Doyle; 3rd Nett, Jim Lahert and Noel O’Dwyer.

On Wednesday next, January 21, we play the second round of our Player of the Year competition. Please note that bridge now starts at 7.15pm sharp! If you are interested in learning bridge, come along to the Tirry Centre on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm. Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 6132038.

Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on this coming Sunday night, January 18, to the music of ‘Dave Rea’. All welcome to come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment and social dancing for the New Year. Dancing 9pm to midnight and admission is €8 which includes tea and cakes.

Rebecca Story at the Abymill

International star Rebecca Storm (right) photographed with Holly Jean Williamson after her performance in the Abymill Theatre on Saturday, January 10. Holly was invited to sing on stage during the performance.


Musician, Ray O'Riordan, Clonmel, photographed with Rebecca Storm after her performance in the Abymill Theatre, Fethard, on January 10.

Annual Fethard Sports Achievement final for 2014
The Butlers sports achievements awards has just completed its second successful year and are holding its annual " Overall Winner" award presentation on Friday, January 16.

The principle aim of the Sports award scheme is to acknowledge and reward local sporting achievement be it at participation, administration, or coaching level. The competition in confined to Fethard parish but allows for Fethard people who live and work elsewhere as well as for people from outside who live or work in Fethard. Another ambition of the steering group is that all sports get recognised and we are constantly seeking information and updates from the public in order to achieve this aim. We are currently working at designing a Facebook page to facilitate and simplify incoming information to the steering group.

The format of the awards is simply to pick a monthly winner from all nominations received and the twelve winners then go forward as yearly finalists. This year just to complicate things slightly we have thirteen winners due to the fact that we had joint winners in July. The year past was quiet similar to 2013 in that over 100 nominations were received covering 30 different sports.

The steering group who deserve great praise for their overall contribution consists of people from diverse sporting backgrounds and interests. They are, Mary Godfrey, Sandra Maher, M.J. Croke, Tomas Kane, Ciaran Treacy, Austin Godfrey, Paul Kavanagh, Brian Higgins, Paraic Mc Cormack, Bobbi Houlihan, Des O Meara and Philip Butler.

The 2014 Finalists are as follows.

January – Matty Tynan: Horse Racing. According to the Racing Post Matty has staked a claim to the best training feat of 2014 when his mare "Maontri " won 3 races in 2 weeks at Dundalk racetrack. The mare also fulfilled a lifelong ambition for the Tynan family by competing at the Royal Ascot meeting.

February – Bridget O Dwyer: Operation Transformation. This phenomenon took Fethard by storm during February 2014 with Bridget as programme leader, chief fitness instructor and chief motivator.The event which lasted for several weeks and held membership of up to 80 people all of whom benefited greatly from the experience.

March – Niall Higgins: Darts. Niall remains unbeaten as a dart player at local level having won 51 consecutive games and becoming champion once again of the local inter pub league.

April – Paul Fitzgerald: Gaelic Football. Long serving Tipperary and Fethard goalkeeper who helped win Division 4 of the league for Tipp. They also competed admirably during the championship qualifiers with victories over Longford and Cavan eventually losing out narrowly to Galway.

May – Alan O'Connor: Rugby. Alan was captain of Fethard Rugby club J2s which had a remarkable season by finishing runners-up in their section of the East Munster league and by winning the Evans cup. This is the first trophy won by the adult section of Fethard Rugby club sinse its re-forming.

June – Peggy Colville and Joe Keane: Community games. Peggy and Joe have been active as Community Games organisers for up to 40 years. 2014 was another very successful year when local athletes in athletics, swimming, and gaelic games landed a hugh haul of medals.

July (joint winner) – Evana Mc Cutcheon: Having had 2 previous nominations firstly for riding the winnerof the opening race of the Ladies world Cup in Oman, and secondly for training "Maarek" to victory the Group 2 Prince Of Wales at York, she was eventually victorious for July when she won the Irish Ladies Darby at The Curragh on board "Zeptan"

July (joint winner) – Keri Brett: Special Olympics. July Keri won two gold medals at a Special Olympic event held in Limerick. Her victories were in Bowling and Push ball.

August – Bernard Feery: Athletics. Bernard continues to be a prolific successful middle distance runner. He had several nominations during the year but was eventually recognised for his performancs as winner of the Boston Scientific 0/50 event in Clonmel.

September – Kate Davey: Ladies Football. Although still under 16 Katie played a big part in helping Fethard adult ladies to victory in the County league and also reached the County final although beaten by Mullinahone. However her biggest achievement for 2014 was being part of the successful Tipperary u/16 team that won the All Ireland scoring 3 points in the process.

October – Amy Pollard: Soccer/ Gaelic. Amy was chosen in October because as a member of the Killenaule/Moyglass ladies soccer team she won a Munster Intermediate winners medal. Also noteworthy is that she was chosen to play for Tipperary Intermediate ladies gaelic footballers for the first time as well as helping Fethard Ladies defend their county league title.

November – Julie Connolly: Golf. Julie was captain of Cahir Park ladies golfers for 2014. Highlight of the year was victory in the Miele All Ireland Fourball inter club competition. Having accounted for Castletroy in the regional final they beat City Of Derry and Tuam after a playoff on the way to a famous victory.

December – Michael 'Mouse' Morris: Horse Racing. The local well known trainer "Mouse" had a most successful Christmas Festival perion in 2014 with 3 winners at Limerick racecourse. His 3 notable winners were 'Horrendous Hullabaloo', 'Dromnea' and 'Ravished' and completed a fantastic year for the stable.

Winner for 2014 will be announced at a function in Butlers Sports Bar in Fethard on Friday night January 16, and commences at 9pm. preceded by a cheese and wine reception. All are welcome and don't be surprised to meet a few sporting celebrities on the night.

Great start to Operation Transformation
What a lovely start to Operation Transformation last week and great to meet all the 'Transformees', I feel we have a very committed crew this term. Many thanks to Colm McGrath of Tipperary Bootcamp, and Bobbi Holohan from her Circuits Classes for coming along to meet the participants, and also for donating vouchers to their classes. Vouchers were also received from Scoil Ruain Sports Centre, Killenaule, Biddy from Fab Fitness, and Dolores from Curves, Clonmel. Thank you all so much.

Now to do the work, follow the plans online and stick with it, there will be good days and bad ones, just go with it, fill up on homemade soup, fist of almonds, hard boiled eggs or whatever snack keeps you going. If the hardest part is the evening when you come home from work, be prepared, have a snack on the way home so you are not ravenous when you get home.

There is still time to join so if you couldn't make it the first night come along next week or call to O'Sullivan's Pharmacy, Main Street, who have kindly come on board to facilitate a private weigh-in. Remember, ‘You can do this . . . and you will! Come on Fethard!

Health and Well-Being Course
An 8-week Health and Well-Being Course will take place every Tuesday from 10am to 12am in the Convent Community Hall, Fethard starting on Tuesday, January 20. This is an opportunity for you to start your New Year off in a healthy way. Course tutor is Eileen Bowden and she will cover such topics as general nutrition, specialist diets, Colour Me Beautiful, Mindfulness and Meditation to mention a few. The course costs €40 or €5 per class. The course is open to all but book early to avoid disappointment. Contact Margaret O'Neill on 087 6536374.

Community Playgroup places available
Fethard Community Playgroup request parents who have given in their child’s name for 2015 term to collect registration forms now and return them when filled in. The morning sessions are booked up for September 2015 but we still have places for the afternoon sessions from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. If you have your child's name down and do not wish to avail of the place could you please let us know as soon as possible. Our contact number is 052 6132316. Please note that we can’t keep places for people who do not contact us and complete registration.

‘Mouse’ wins December Sports Achievement Award

Michael 'Mouse' Morris (centre), winner of the Butler's Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for December, receiving his award from Anne Marie Butler (sponsor). Also included is special sports guest, well-known retired amateur jockey, Jarleth 'Foxy' Connolly, who is now based in Ballydoyle Stables for the past 13 years.

Michael ‘Mouse’ Morris was chosen as the Butler’s Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award winner for December. ‘Mouse’ has been a prominent figure in Irish National Hunt racing for well over 40 years. Like many racehorse trainers, he first came to prominence as a jockey and was an amateur rider of significant talent. Mouse, took out a training licence in the early 1980s, and has enjoyed continued success since. His recent winning streak, saddling three winners, ‘Horrendous Hulabaloo’, ‘Dromnea’ and ‘Ravished’ at the Christmas Festival Meeting at Limerick racecourse, won him the Fethard Sports Achievement Award for December, the last award for 2014. The twelve monthly winners will now go forward for the 2014 Overall Award.


Photographed at the presentation of the Butler's Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for December are L to R: Michael 'Mouse' Morris (winner), Brien Delahunty, Jarleth 'Foxy' Connolly (special guest), Margaret and David Flanagan, and Ann Marie Butler (sponsor).

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on January 7 were: 1, 7, 26 and 29. We had no jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: Eileen White, Drangan.

The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Amy Sweeney, The Valley, Fethard; Luke Halley, Strylea, Fethard; and Dean Sharpe, The Castle, Fethard.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, January 14. The Jackpot is €10,000 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €1,000. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard, and we thank you for your on-going support.

Fethard GAA Sports Lotto
The numbers drawn on January 9 were 1, 10, 19 and 28. There was no jackpot winner and one match three winner who received €150: Tossie Lawton St Patrick's Place, Fethard. The €50 Lucky Dip winner was: Louie and Mary Coen, Killusty.

Next week’s Jackpot is €7,800 and the draw will take place in Fethard GAA Park on Friday, January 16, at 7pm. All are welcome. Thank you for your continued support.

Fethard get first bonus point win
Fethard travelled to Fermoy on Sunday last for an important league game, Fermoy were two places above them in the league so a though task lay ahead. There was a strong wind which Fethard played into in the first half and some great tight play from J.R. McGrath, Osama Frazh and Andy Walsh. Fethard had plenty of possession which was eventually rewarded when Shane Kavanagh landed s fine penalty into the strong breeze. The rest of the first half was keenly contested and Akim Frazh was unlucky not to score just on half time.

So Fethard led 3-0 at the break but when the drop off was not gathered, Fermoy spread it wide to score in the corner. From here in it was all Fethard, a rolling maul brought Fethard into Fermoy’s twenty-two and the Fethard scrum half Conor Kavanagh took it on himself and somehow managed to get the touch down, Richie Carroll added the conversion. Some good carries from Kieran power and Brian Murphy saw the backs getting a good supply of ball and when William Power kicked ahead Chris McGrath was on hand to gather and score, shortly after, the same player took a long pass from Paddy Cuddy to brake the defence and score again, Richie Carroll converted, so the score stood at 22-5 to Fethard with two minutes remaining, a powerful scrum from Fethard saw Shane Kavanagh gather an uncontrolled ball at the back of the Fermoy scrum and break tackles to score under posts, Richie Carroll knocked over the conversion. So Fethard now move up to fourth in the table which is a great achievement in their first season at JR level. Next week we play Scarriff in Fethard on Sunday at 2.30pm, as always any support would be appreciated.

Fethard 18s travelled to Thurles for a league game on Sunday last, these teams had met twice already this season with Fethard narrowly winning both games. Fethard got into opposition 22 and were awarded a penalty which Gary Kavanagh kicked, more pressure from the Fethard forwards saw Bill Phelan, Michael Gaynor and Griffin Ivors carry ball close to the Thurles line and when scrum half Thomas Murphy fed Gary Kavanagh on the blind side he broke the defence for a try which he also converted. The second half was all Fethard with some great tries from Matthew Walsh, Harry Tobin, Enda Keane and Paul Maloney.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Wednesday, January 14, 2015, of Shelagh Croke (née Gorry), Coleman, Fethard, (peacefully) at Willowbrook Lodge Nursing Home, Mocklershill, Fethard.

Shelagh, deeply regretted by her husband Jim, her sons John and Liam, her daughters-in-law Carmel and Catherine, grandchildren Niamh, Eimer, Nathan and Órlaith, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, relatives and friends. May she rest in peace.

Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Friday January 16, from 5pm with removal to Holy Trinity Parish Church at 7pm. Funeral Mass on Saturday at 11am followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Tuesday, January 13, 2015, of Margaret Thompson (née Slattery), Woodvale Walk, Fethard. Deeply regretted by her family, relatives and friends. May she rest in peace.

Reposing at her residence this Thursday evening, January 15, from 4pm to 7pm. Arriving at St. Joseph the Worker Church, Moyglass at 7.30pm.

Funeral Mass on Friday, January 16, at 2pm followed by burial in adjoining Cemetery.

Tipperary Foxhounds Cross Country Sponsored Ride
All roads will lead to the cross of Ballyluskey on Sunday, January 25, where the Tipperary Foxhounds will hold a Cross Country Sponsored Ride in aid of the ‘Help Bridget’s Family Help Her Fund’. Bridget Quigley, daughter of Jimmy and Breda Quigley, Ballingarry, has been living in Australia for the past 3 years. Sadly 2014 ended with Bridget falling ill and consequently is now recovering from Brain Surgery in Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia.

A great days sport is being organised over natural bank country, by a group of mainly local farmers, landowners, hunt members, family members and friends of the Quigley family, in order to guarantee a successful and enjoyable day.

The ride will commence at 12 noon leaving from Guinan’s Pub, Ballyluskey, Drangan. The price for the day is Adults €40 and Children €20. A lead rein course for the younger members is also being organised priced at €10 per pony. On returning, refreshments will be served in Guinan’s. A raffle will also be held to support the fundraising effort, tickets priced at €5 each and €20 per book are currently on sale locally and will be available on the day. Any other enquiries can be made to Thomas Kearney 086 8090709 or Charles Blackmore 086 3824433.

At the 'Goal Mile Run'

Photographed at the Goal Mile Run in Fethard were L to R: Richie, Ciara, Aoife and Jackie Horan.

Toddler Group back on Thursdays
Just a reminder to all parents/minders with small babies and toddlers the Toddler group is back in the Convent Community Hall on Thursday mornings at 10am. This is a very informal group that meet up and enjoy some adult conversation with a cup of coffee while the toddlers play and get to know each other in a clean safe environment.

This is a community run not for profit group and the more that come along the more successful the group is. We hope to have a nursery rhyme reading morning with a storyteller in the coming weeks or if there’s anything you would like us to do for the toddlers please let us know. Parents or minders with small babies are very welcome to come along to the group.

Recently
The death has occurred on Monday, January 12, 2015 of James (Jimmy) Hurley, Congress Terrace, Fethard, (peacefully) in his 93rd year.

Jimmy, beloved husband of Madge and loving father of Anne, Breda, Victoire and Marjorie, pre-deceased by his son James, he will be sadly missed by his much loved wife, daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sons in law, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace.

Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard on Wednesday January 14th from 5pm to 6.45pm, with removal to Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard at 7pm. Funeral Mass on Thursday at 12 noon followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Family flowers only please.

Died Recently
The death has occurred (peacefully) at Naas General Hospital on January 11, 2015, of Mrs Ann Lucey (née O'Donovan), Craddock House Nursing Home, Naas, Co Kildare and formerly of Main Street, Fethard.

Ann, beloved wife of the late John Lucey, deeply regretted by her loving daughters Breeda, Marie and Linda, son Richard, sons-in-law Damien and Douglas, daughter-in-law Margaret, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May she rest in peace.

Funeral Mass on Friday, January 16, at Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, at 11am followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery.

Fethard & Killusty Youth Club
If any parent in Fethard or Killusty like the idea of having their children participate with Fethard & Killusty Youth Club please ask them for suggestions of what they might like to do in the youth club and these can be posted on the club’s Facbook website. All ideas are welcome. As the youth club is about youth the organisers are hoping to do some great activities that would include challenging the youths to increase their abilities. But, will also include a lot of fun activities and outings as well.

The ‘Beauty Queen’ at Clonacody House


Clonacody House will host three intimate performances of Fionn MacCumhaill Players production of ‘The Beauty Queen of Leenane’ on January 22, 23 and 24. The performance will start at 8pm each night and tickets are €20 each. Food will be served.

‘The Beauty Queen of Leenane’, by Irish playwright Martin McDonagh, was premiered in 1996 by the Druid Theatre Company in Galway and also enjoyed successful runs at London's West End, Broadway and Off-Broadway. It was nominated for an Olivier Award as Best Play for the London production, and the 1998 Broadway production was nominated for six Tony Awards, winning four.

This production features the cast of Mia Treacy, Noel Clancy, Keith MacAdhaimh and Anne Williamson. Booking now at Tel: 083 1355762 or 086 0834208.

Fitness Classes resuming in the Ballroom
The following fitness classes are resuming in Fethard Ballroom. Circuits resume on Tuesday, January 6, from 7.15pm to 8.15pm; Low Impact Aerobics resume on Thursday, January 8, from 10.45am to 11.45am (ideal for those new to exercise). Both classes are suitable for all fitness levels. Cost is €7 per class. For more information contact Bobbi on 087 2130414.

Unwanted books wanted!
The Tipperariana Book Fair committee are busy organising this year’s event which takes place on Sunday, February 8 – the twentieth Book Fair held in Fethard Ballroom, organised by Fethard Historical Society.

The annual Bookfair, held on the second Sunday in February each year, is the main source of income that keeps the society thriving throughout the year and is also used to support projects that further an interest in heritage in the Fethard area.

People have been very good at donating unwanted books to the society over the past twenty years and these are sold at the our second-hand book stall at the fair to generate the much needed cash. If you have books you no longer need at home, the committee will gladly arrange collection if needed. You can contact Tel: 086 3905373 or email: bookfair@fethard.com If anyone would like to get involved or help in any way at this year’s Tipperariana Book Fair, please contact any member of the Fethard Historical Society. All help or support is greatly appreciated.

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.

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