Died Recently
The late Martin Stapleton (centre) photographed in the Abymill Theatre at Fethard Players production of 'My Three Angels', November 2008. L to R: Rita Stapleton, Jackie Aylward, Martin Stapleton, Austin O'Flynn, Joan Ryan and Kathy Aylward.
The death has occurred on March 19, 2015, of Martin Stapleton, Glenbeigh Road, Dublin 7 and formerly Brodeen, Fethard (peacefully) in the excellent care of nurses and staff of Churchview Nursing Home, Cabra Road.
Martin, beloved and loving husband of Rita, predeceased by his brother Willie, sisters Mary and Peggy; deeply regretted by his wife Rita (O'Grady), sister-in-law Joan and family, cousins, relatives and friends. R.I.P.
Reposing at McCarthy’s Funeral Home, Fethard, on this Sunday, March 22, from 5.30pm to 7pm. Followed by removal to Holy Trinity Church. Funeral Mass 11am on Monday, March 23, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery.
Successful outing to Limerick
Augustinian Abbey Choir / Choral Society who were awarded 1st prize in the Church Choirs (Unison) section at the Limerick Choral Festival Church Choirs (Unison) competition held in the Augustinian Church, Limerick on March 7. Missing on the day were Maree Moclair, Marie Murphy, Catherine Smyth, Mary Smyth, Joan Halpin and Majella Walsh.
The Fethard Choral society were very successful in the recent Limerick Choral Festival securing first place in the church music competition and a merit of recommendation in the sacred music section. Well done to all members for their hard work and commitment.
Ann Barry, musical director of the Augustinian Abbey choir and Fethard Choral Society, being presented with the trophy for first place in the Limerick Choral Festival Church Choirs (Unison) competition held in the Augustinian Church, Limerick on March 7.
George Plant information
Hello. I am doing some research for American writer, Kathleen Hegarty Thorne, who is presently working on Volume 111, the last part of a trilogy on Irish history from 1913 to 1948.
I am particularly interested in the events known as 'The Devereux Affair' and the involvement of George Plant. I am in possession of Michael Moroney's excellent work on the subject, published 1988, also a document written, I think, some years ago by Ronnie Plant who died last year.
Nollaig Ó Gadhra did an interview with Elizabeth Plant, George's sister, shortly before she died. Can you say if there is any record of this interview available?
As you are probably aware, there are many contradictions in the story of George Plant. Some writers say that the father, William John Arthur, turned to alcoholism after the deaths of three children, and abandoned the family, returning to his native Wicklow. However, when George arrived in Port Huron, Michigan in 1926 and Detroit in 1927, he gave the name of his nearest relative in Ireland as John Plant, father, St. Johnstown. Also when his brother James arrived in Port Huron in 1926, he gave the name of his nearest relative in Ireland as father, William Plant, St. Johnstown. Any assistance or further information you may be able to offer will be much appreciated.
Patsy Flanagan. Email: pjaflanagan@gmail.com
Work of Tidy Towns praised
Joe Keane (right), chairman Fethard Tidy Towns, photographed with local teachers Sarah O'Sullivan and Keith MacAmhaidh, and pupils from local schools on a tree planting project in Fethard.
The work of Fethard Tidy Towns group from 2010 to 2014 was recognised and praised by Tipperary County Council’s Environment Section recently. Following the groups compilation of a colourful booklet outlining their various projects undertaken over that period, the following letter was received from Mary Carroll, Environmental Officer, Tipperary County Council.
“On behalf of the Environment Section, I would like to acknowledge the excellent work undertaken by Fethard Tidy Towns Committee within the environs of the town and surrounding area.
This success can only be achieved through the generosity of volunteers and a huge level of commitment from members of the committee.
Please convey our congratulations and appreciation to all concerned.
Is mise le meas,
Mary Carroll, Environmental Section, Tipperary County Council.”
Fethard and Killusty Anglers riverbank cleaning
Fethard & Killusty Anglers photographed at their riverbank cleaning project on the river Anner on March 8.
Thanks very much to all who attended Thorny Bridge to carry out some essential riverbank cleaning on March 8, before the coming season. Special mention for the efforts of our brave Fireman Billy Reilly who sees no fear be it water or fire and thanks also to Rink Vanderwal, Colm Hackett, Robert Hackett, Paddy Prendergast, and Norman Regan for all their efforts. There was a huge amount achieved in a few hours and a lot of banter and exaggerations along the way, we even managed to reveal some very impressive freshwater crayfish specimens that were admired and then left in their natural environment.
Contact Seán Maher, Tel: 085 7050580, or Tom Fogarty, Tel: 087 7477218 for membership cards or to update your details. Please mark Sunday. April 19, in your calendar for the annual trout fishing competition. Tight lines for the coming season and enjoy every minute on the river!
Fethard Teacher Awarded National Research Bursary
Mia Treacy is pictured here receiving her bursary from Seán McMahon, President of the INTO at the award ceremony in Dublin.
Congratulation to local primary school teacher Mia Treacy from Fethard has been awarded a national research bursary from the Irish National Teachers Organisation. Mia was awarded this bursary for her doctoral research, which focuses on the teaching and learning of mathematics in primary schools. Mia is on secondment from St. Patrick’s NS, Drangan to the Department of Education and Skills and is currently Deputy Director with the Professional Development Service for Teachers. Mia was presented with her bursary by Seán McMahon, President of the INTO at the award ceremony in Dublin.
Rugby Club Church Gate Collection
Fethard & District Rugby Club will hold a church gate collection in Fethard and Killusty this weekend, March 21-22. Your support would be greatly appreciated. Garda permit granted.
Killusty National School enrolment
Killusty National School, Fethard, is now taking enrolments for September 2015. Please contact the school on (052) 6132314 for more information. Thank you.
Fethard Faces and Places from the Past
The following are a selection of photographs recently added to the Fethard Faces and Places from the Past page on Facebook, also published here
for the benefit of our readers who are not on Facebook. The Facebook page is used for sharing old Fethard photographs with other members of the group and is open to all interested in joining.
Halloween at Strylea, Fethard, 1985
Knitting class with Sr. Maureen at Nano Nagle Primary School, Fethard, in 1985
Nano Nagle Primary School, Fethard, 1985
Fun on the bars at Nano Nagle Primary School, Fethard, in 1985
Cllr. Willie Ryan presenting the County Council Tidy Schools award to Bro Raymond, Principal St. Patrick's Boys School, Fethard. November 1985.
Cllr. Willie Ryan presenting the County Council Tidy Schools award to Bro Raymond, Principal St. Patrick's Boys School, Fethard. November 1985.
Tracing your Family in Tipperary
You often hear someone say, “I’d love to search my family tree but I don’t know where to begin”. Well, on Tuesday next, March 24, Fethard Historical Society have organised a lecture and question and answer session with Dr Noreen Higgins McHugh in the Abymill Theatre at 8.15pm.
Dr Higgins McHugh, a native of Golden and now living in Holymount, is one of the most experienced genealogists in County Tipperary and will indicate the initial steps you need to take to begin the search into your family origins. The evening will consist of a short introductory talk followed by plenty time for a ‘question and answer’ session. People often need individual advice as every family is different, as is every parish and every diocese. The sources of information can be quite scattered, although the digitisation of source material, and especially the 2001 and 2011 censuses does make the task somewhat easier at the present time.
There is no ‘quick fix’ to tracing your family tree, but it can be very rewarding indeed. It may, and probably will, involve contact with older distant cousins, visiting ancient graveyards and searching through old records in the ‘quarest’ of places.
All are welcome to the Abymill Theatre at 8.15p, on Tuesday, March 24, and the evening will be rounded off with tea and coffee. The entrance fee is €3.
The lecture will be preceded by the Fethard Historical Society AGM which will take place from 7.30pm to 8pm, to which all interested people are also very welcome. Membership, should you wish to join, is as follows: Individual €7, Family €10 and Student/Unwaged/OAP €5. Further information from 052 6131537 or 086 3905373.
Garden Animals decorating class
Fethard Convent Community Hall will host a Cookie Decorating Class this Wednesday from 6pm to 7pm with the very talented Alla Dediuk. This week’s class will have ‘Garden Animals’ as the theme which promises to be great fun. The class will cost €8 per child and is suitable for boys and girls. Places must be pre-booked with Alla who can be contacted at: Tel: 086 0639127.
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on this coming Sunday night, March 22, to the music of ‘Peter Burke’. All welcome to come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment and social dancing from 9pm to midnight. Admission is €8 which includes tea and cakes.
Fethard Senior Citizens' Club
Due to inclement weather our February and March meetings at the Tirry Centre were cancelled. On Easter Tuesday, April 7, a short outing is planned. Members are asked to meet the coach at 2pm on Main Street. Please bring your self-designed Easter Bonnet to enter our annual competition.
JW Productions are back with ‘Musical Mayhem’
Following their out Christmas show, ‘Tale as old as Time’, JW Productions are back with their new spectacular ‘Musical Mayhem’. This show is a musical variety production with a twist, featuring all your sing-along hits from such great musicals as ‘My Fair Lady’, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’, ‘Pirates of Penzance’, ‘Evita’, and many more. The show, written and directed by Stefan J. Doyle, and produced by Holly-Jean Williamson, will be performed at Clonacody House, Fethard, for three nights only. April 3, 4 & 5. Tickets are €20, which includes wine and tapas served at the interval. Please note there are only 50 seats available per night so early booking is advised. Booking contact: Helen Carrigan Tel: 087 1689167, or Holly Jean Williamson Tel: 087 2345760.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
Michael Brennan, River Street, Killenaule, collecting his €10,000 check after winning the jackpot in the Fethard & Killusty Community Council's weekly community lotto draw. Also included is Kathleen Connolly who sold the winning ticket and received a seller's prize of €1,000. L to R: Kathleen Connolly, Michael Brennan (winner) and Joan O'Donohoe, Community Office, Tirry Centre, Barrack Street, Fethard.
The numbers drawn on March 11 were: 8, 13, 24 and 27. We had no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winners so the following drawn tickets received €50 each: Mary Newport, Congress Tce, Fethard; Joan Gleeson, Knockelly, Fethard; and Mary Keane, Knockelly, Fethard.
The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Chrissy Nash, Ballylusky, Drangan; J. O'Dwyer, c/o Tom Purcell; and Molly Cleary, Ballinure.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, March 18. The Jackpot is €2,650 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €265. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard, and we thank you for your on-going support.
Fethard Bridge Club
The results of our game on March 4 were: 1st Gross, Mary Tierney and Madeleine O’Donnell; 2nd Gross, Alice Quinn and Berney Myles; 3rd Gross, Carmel Condon and Brendan Kenny; 1st Nett, Gabrielle Schofield and Nora Ryan; 2nd Nett, Bill O’Sullivan and Tony Hanrahan; 3rd Nett, Frances Burke and Breda Walsh.
Please note that bridge now starts at 7.15pm sharp! Next Wednesday, March 25, we play for Easter Prizes. Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 6132038.
Fethard Athletic Club
All roads now lead to our 53rd annual ‘Walls of Fethard’ road race on Thursday, May 28, this year at 8pm. We've decided to do a one lap 6k route as was used for the recent masters and enjoyed by all. Start training now and set yourself a suitable goal such as this ever-popular local event on the summer running circuit.
Meet and Train continues each Monday and Friday evening at 7.15pm from the ballroom carpark, new members always welcome, walkers, joggers and runners alike.
Date set for County Swimming final entries
Fethard and Killusty Community Games wish to announce that the date for entries for the county swimming finals is Sunday, April 5. Anyone interested in competing please contact Peggy at 086 8110768 as soon as possible in case there are more than two competitors in any one event and if so, we will have to have a local competition to determine the qualifiers.
The county finals will take place in Clonmel Swimming Pool. Girls’ finals take place on Saturday, April 18, and the boys finals on Sunday, April 19. The county final of Art has been postponed from April 18 to a new date which will be confirmed shortly.
Patrician Presentation Secondary School
Junk Kouture - Fashion Extravaganza
Best of Luck to the Transition Year pupils and their teacher Ms Patricia Looby in the regional finals of the Junk Kouture Competition in Limerick on Friday, March 13.
The following outfits were selected for the finals: 'Tinder-ella' modelled by Kate Davey and designed by Megan Coen, Kate Davey and Dylan Fenlon, 'Golden Goddess' modelled by Chloe Lawrence and designed by Timmy Hurley and Tony O’Reilly, 'Red Alert', modelled by Molly O’Meara and designed by Molly O’Meara and Ciara Hayes, and finally 'Angel od Darkness', modelled by Rachel O’Meara and designed by Sadhbh Horan, Rachel O’Meara and Cassie Needham. Go n-éirí an t-ádh leo!
Butler’s Sports’ Achievement Award
Fethard Patrician Presentation Cadette Volleyball team members who won the All-Ireland B Cadette Girls Volleyball final photographed with Mr Michael O'Sullivan (Principal) and Helen Walsh (team coach) at the award presentation in Butlers.
Well done to the All-Ireland Volleyball Winning Team and their teacher Ms. Helena Walsh for winning the Butler's Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for January for their recent All-Ireland Victory. The team members were as follows: Molly O’Meara (captain), Megan Coen, Ciara Hayes, Emma Cronin, Kate Davey, Lucy Spillane, Shauna O’Neill, Amye O’Donovan, Sadhbh Horan, Carly Tobin and Maggie Fitzgerald.
Entrance Assessment Day
The entrance assessment for the coming school year was held in the school on Saturday last, March 7th. Any further parents wishing to enrol their children in the school should contact the Principal, Mr. O’Sullivan directly at (052) 6131572
Tricolour Presentation
Ms Fogarty and two of the student council representatives, Mark Hayde, 3rd Year and Emily Whyte T.Y., will travel to Waterford on Thursday next to accept a tricolour flag from the Thomas Francis Meagher Foundation. The ceremony will be attended by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins and by the French and Canadian Ambassadors to Ireland. Thomas F. Meagher first raised the tricolour in Waterford in 1848 and said, “A National Flag is the most sacred thing a nation can possess”, and “The white in the centre signified a lasting truce between the Orange and Green. I trust that beneath its folds the hands of the Irish Catholic and the Irish Protestant may be clasped in generous and heroic brotherhood”.
Information Evening On Drugs, Family Support And Addiction Services
The Parents’ Association will host an information evening on Drugs in the school on Monday evening, March 9th at 7.30 pm. There will be guest speakers from the Drug Services, An Garda Siochána and from Family Services. All are welcome to the event.
Lourdes Quiz results
There was a good turnout at the Lourdes Quiz held in Fethard Convent Community Hall on March 2, organised by the Patrician Presentation Parents’ Association. The winning team members in the adult section was led by Maureen Whyte, Main Street, who was joined by her sister Rena Norris and her niece Maeve Moclair. This was quite a family affair as Mrs Whyte’s grand-daughter, Katie Whyte, was also on the student winning team with Orla Walsh, Sadhbh Horan and Sarah O’Donnell.
The money raised on the night will be used to send two 5th Year pupils as helpers to Lourdes with the Diocesan Pilgrimage in June. It will be a wonderful experience for the pupils selected. The project is co-ordinated by Ms Caitriona McKeogh and the school has a long association with the local Lourdes Committee. Thank you the Parents’ Association for running the event each year and to Mr John Fitzgerald for being quizmaster on the night. Well done to everybody.
Happy St. Patrick's Day to all our Readers
Fethard & District Rugby Club News
Fethard Under 7s travelled with their elder minis teams to Kilfeacle for progressive rugby last Sunday. Even though The Under 7's were small in numbers the enthusiasm was there in bags. It was great to see the two Clubs share players and enjoy the game of Rugby for the young players tries were scored by Josh Britton, Alec Knightly and Luke Britton. Sam Knightly carried great ball and passed well. Wishing Cormac O'Donnell a speedy recovery
Fethard Under 8s played their hearts out last Sunday. All our players got stuck in with lots of tackles and great passing skills and wonderful ball carrying with a handful of fine tries scored. Alex Britton, Paddy Ryan, Emileigh Cuddihy, Sam Austin, Jack Tobin, Gavin Neville, Darragh Colman, Charlie Walsh, Noah O'Flynn, Sean Fitzgerald, Darren Mullins Kane, Aine Connolly, Bill Smyth and Adam Ruttle. Thank you to all the players, parents and assistant coach Elise O'Connor for great help and refereeing. Thank you also to Kilfeacle for the great refreshments and snacks after the games.
Training continues next Friday evening for all minis (5year olds to 12 year olds) at 6.45pm to 8pm and new members are always welcome. We still has a few games left to play with more fun guaranteed
Our Girls Rugby is going from strength to strength in Fethard and fun was had by all when the girls travelled to Ashbourne last week to cheer on the Irish women’s’ team to victory over the English Ladies. Our girls 13s and 15s are travelling to Dingle in two weeks for a weekend of rugby against some fine Kerry teams. The girls under 15s played Shannon last week in their Munster league game and put a good performance to score two tries and a conversion. Great work from Kate Gayson Molloy (try and conversion), Therese Ryan tackled strongly from start to finish, as did Lucy Murphy. Thanks to Thurles girls Aoife Flanagan, Katelyn Fitzgerald and Catherine Shaw for fantastic rugby.
Our girls under 18s also play with Thurles in the league and gave a great account of themselves with the strong Thurles ladies to record a won over Shannon to go joint second in the Munster league. Great work from Elise O'Connor, who scored two tries, with Leah Scott and Amy Kirby. Our under 18 girls play the St Mary's / Abbeyfeale combined team next Saturday in Limerick so all girls needed for this match please.
Fethard U18 played their final match in the league and had a great win against Galbally Kilfeacle combination. Fethard started well with Harry Tobin soring 3 tries in the first half and Gary Kavanagh converting all three. Our forwards played great attacking rugby against a much bigger pack, Enda and Gearóid had great games taking ball on and making hard yards. Tommy Murphy scoring a great block down try which helped put our lad well ahead going into the second half. Galbally Kilfeacle came out very strong in the second half but our lads responded with Gary scoring a great try. The lads were defending really well and got a great break away try scored by Connie Cone. The final score was 36-13. Well done lads another great win.
Butler's Sports Achievement Awards
Butler’s Sports Achievement Award winner for January was Fethard Patrician Presentation Cadette Volleyball Team who won the All-Ireland B Cadette Girls Volleyball final on January 29. Photographed at the presentation were L to R: Ann Butler (sponsor), Trudy Kirwan (special sports guest), Molly O’Meara (captain) who accepted the award on behalf of the team, and Helen Walsh (team coach).
Butler’s Sports Achievement Award winner for February was Liz Lalor who trained one and rode three winners during February, her first winner as a trainer. Photographed at the presentation were L to R: Trudy Kirwan (special sports guest), Deirdre Goggin who accepted the award on behalf of Liz Lalor; and Ann Butler (sponsor).
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Thursday, March 12, 2015, of Ann Healy, Strylea, Fethard, (peacefully) following a long illness bravely borne and surrounded by her loving family.
Ann will be sadly missed by her brothers Tommy, Jim and Ed, her sister Con, (pre deceased by her sister Catherine), her partner Bill O'Sullivan and family, nephews, nieces, extended family and wide circle of friends, including former colleagues in the Civil Service at the Valuation Office in Dublin and the Office of Social Protection, Clonmel. May she rest in peace.
Reposing at her residence on Saturday March 14th from 4 pm to 7 pm. Requiem Mass on Sunday in the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard at 11 o clock followed by interment in Calvary Cemetery.
Fethard Athletic Club
Fethard Athletic Club meet and train Monday's and Fridays at 7.15pm from the ballroom carpark, new members are invited to come along. Why not start training and aim for our annual 4 mile 'Walls of Fethard' road race which takes place on Thursday, May 28, this year.
Club will meet in McCarthy's Hotel, Main Street, on this Thursday evening, March 12, at 9pm, all members welcome.
Free Dementia Clinic
Are you concerned about forgetting things, memory loss? Do you need help with dealing with a loved one with dementia? Visit our dementia expert at O’Sullivan’s Pharmacy, Main Street, on Tuesday, March 24, for a free consultation. Get help and tips to live a full, enriched and happy life. Call us on Tel: (052) 6132111 for your free appointment.
National School enrolments for September taken now
Holy Trinity National School, Fethard are now taking enrolments for September 2015. Please contact the school office on (052) 6131493 for more information. Enrolment forms are also available from the office. Thank you.
Fethard News
Items for inclusion on this website and 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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