Missing Dog at Grove

Border Terrier x long legged Jack Russell dog missing from Grove since 2pm on Sunday last, August 16. The dog answers to the name of ‘Stanley’ and is microchipped. If anyone was walking through Grove at that time, we would love to hear if he was noticed.

Please contact us with any information at Grove telephone number (052) 61 31295 or mobile 0044 07740 041697. Thank you.

Perfect conditions for Anniversary Pilgrimage to Slievenamon

Group of climbers waiting at the 'hill wall' for the start of this year's 65th Anniversary Pilgrimage to the Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon.

What a fantastic day we had last Sunday, no rain, the sun shone and a gentle breeze to cool us down, it nearly felt like summer. As expected we had a great turnout for our 65th year with visitors coming from Australia, Cork, Tullamore, Monasterevin and Tramore just to name but a few. We also had our band of trusted regulars and it’s great to see them every year whatever the weather.

We started proceedings at the hill wall, our cross bearers led the procession while the Rosary and prayers were recited during the walk to the Holy Year Cross. After a quick photo shoot and time to admire the wonderful view, we headed back to the Mass Rock where Canon Tom Breen P.P. celebrated Mass. When Mass was over we had a much appreciated cup of tea, with many a person saying it was the best tea they ever drank. It’s amazing when you spend a couple of hours on the mountain how it can improve the taste of a cup of tea!


Some of the large turnout that climbed to the Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon last Sunday, August 9.

We have many people to thank for the work they put in to make this day run smoothly, firstly the O'Donnell family, not just for letting us invade their property but also for their efforts preparing over recent weeks. As you are no doubt aware, or at least you should be by now, the Cross has once again been lit up at night, for the work that made this possible a huge debt of thanks goes to Michael Maher, electrician from Drangan, Joe Lee, John Darcy, Ken Lee and Adrian Morrissey.
A massive thank you also to Billy Prout, Jack Ormond, Gerry Lee, Pat Holohan and Sean Collins. To the few who fed the many, John and Joan Allen, Josie Fitzgerald, Mary and Orla Walsh, Josephine Prout, Jim and Kate O'Donnell well done one and all. We must also thank the Fethard Day Care Centre for their help and we are once more indebted to Bobby Phelan and the Fethard Boy Scouts for the use of their marquee. This year we also say a big thank you to Paul and Mary Shanahan for keeping us under cover, we also had not one, but two, photographers to capture events, thank you Kieran Butler for the video below and photographs, along with Larry Kenny – can't wait to see the fruits of your labour.



While the walk was under way Gus Fitzgerald and Christy Williams made sure things went as planned at the Mass Rock. Canon Tom Breen, thank you for saying what was your fourth Mass of the day and for your kind words about this special day in the parish. When you start thanking people someone usually gets left out, so if I have missed out on anyone please forgive me. I'm not going to forget to thank each and everyone who took the time and effort to be with us, just seeing such a large gathering and having people tell us how much they enjoyed the day is a huge boost to all of us who worked so hard during the last few weeks, and if God spares us all the health we will do it again next year. – K.T.R.

Killusty Soccer Club
Last week the sad news came to us about the death of our former teammate Philip O’Connell. Philip was a cornerstone of our League Division 1 winning side of 1978/79, a tenacious and wholehearted player on the pitch and a gentleman off it. To Mabel, his sisters Mary and Jacinta, and extended family we extend our sincere condolences. Philip, may you rest in God’s peace.

Moyglass N.S. Celebrations

Photographed at the recent Moyglass N.S. 50th Anniversary celebrations are L to R: Anne Harrington, Donna Browne, Aoibhe Browne, Laura Stocksborough, Freda Hayes and Sophie Ryan

Minor Team of 1985 reunion planned for August
On weekend of August 21 and 22, a reunion of the Fethard Minor Football Team of 1985 is planned. It is now 30 years since this team won both the South and County Minor Championships and to mark this anniversary a ‘small’ get-together is being organised for the above weekend in August.

For more details for anyone involved with this team including players managers, selectors, supporters etc, you can contact Chris Coen on Tel: 086 0334797. Looking forward to meeting you all again.

Recent deaths outside the Parish.
We record the deaths of two Noonan brothers, formerly from Farranshea, Fethard, who died earlier this year.

Denis Noonan, 74 St. Aidan's Villas, Enniscorty, Co. Wexford, who died on April 22, 2015, at Wexford General Hospital at the age of 79. Interment took place in St. Mary's Cemetery, Enniscorty.

His brother Seán Noonan, Beaumont Road, Broxbourne, Herts UK, who died on January 15, 2015. Interment took place at Cheshunt Cemetery, Bury Green Road, Cheshunt UK.

Both Sean and Denis were big fans of the Fethard & Killusty Emigrants' Newsletter and are survived by their brother Jimmy, who also lives in Cheshunt, Herts, and their sisters Nancy (Buckley) and Nelly Noonan. May they rest in peace.

Are you worried about cancer?
Marie Keating mobile unit and staff nurse will be available on Main Street, Fethard (outside O’Sullivan’s Chemist), on Thursday, August 20. If you have any questions about cancer and how to spot the early signs please call in. This is a free advice service and the nurse can also advise on a healthy lifestyle to prevent cancer.

The Marie Keating Foundation’s work focuses on raising awareness of all of the common cancers affecting men and women in Ireland and the healthy lifestyle choices to reduce the risk of cancer.

Fethard Senior Citizens' Club August Outing
Fethard Senior Citizens' Club members are reminded of our next outing, on Tuesday, August 18. The bus will depart from The Town Hall, Main Street at 1pm.

Sports Achievement Award July winner

Lucy Spillane winner of the Butler’s Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for July photographed with special guests Colm O'Donoghue (left) multiple Group 1 and Classic winning flat jockey, based at the Ballydoyle racing stables in Rosegreen; and Ken Moloney (right).

Congratulations to Lucy Spillane who won the Butler’s Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for July at a special function held on Friday night last, August 7. Lucy was nominated for the award after winning an All-Ireland medal playing with the Tipperary Under-14 Ladies Football team that beat Donegal in a replay of the final.

Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on this coming Sunday night, August 16, to the music of ‘Sam O’Doherty’. 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.

Community Games

Oleg Shabrat, Fethard, who will represent Tipperary in the Under-12 Handwriting at the HSE Community Games National Finals.

Fethard and Killusty Community Games wish to thank all those who contributed to their annual church gate collection last weekend and to wish the best of luck to the four competitors who will represent Tipperary at the forthcoming National Finals in Athlone. The games wish to congratulate both Lucy Spillane and Kate Davey both of who won All-Ireland Ladies Football titles in recent weeks. Fethard seems rich in sporting talent at the moment and long may it last.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on August 5, were: 7, 23, 30 and 31. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: Breeda Conway, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard. The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Bridget Ryan, Loughcopple, Fethard; Margaret Bradshaw, Congress Terrace, Fethard; and Kersty McCarthy, Kerry Street, Fethard.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, August 12. The Jackpot is €5,800 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €580. All proceeds go towards community projects in Fethard, and we thank you for your on-going support.

Evening of Music at St. Mary's Church in Killenaule
St. Mary's Church in Killenaule celebrates 150 years with an evening of music on Friday, August 28, at 8pm, featuring some of the top choirs in the county, including the Fethard Augustinian Abbey Choir.

Tickets are free and are available in Fethard from O'Sullivan's Chemist. Donations if required can be made on the night in aid of the repair costs of the stained glass windows in St. Mary's Church.

GAA Sports Development Lotto
Last week’s numbers drawn on August 7, were 9, 11, 19 and 36. There was no jackpot winner and two match three winners who received €50 each: Peter Stocksborough c/o Ladies Football; and Annette O'Donovan, The Valley. Fethard.

Next week’s Jackpot is €13,400 and the draw will take place in Fethard GAA Park dressing rooms on Friday, August 14, at 7pm. Sellers Prize €360. All are welcome and thank you for your continued support. All funds raised are used to promote sport in the community.

Died recently
The death has occurred, suddenly, on Saturday, August 8, 2015, of Kathleen 'Kitty' Brennan, nee McCarthy, at her home in Swinford, Co. Mayo. Kathleen, aged 84, was the last of the surviving McCarthy family who formerly lived in Kerry Street, Fethard, and will be sadly missed by her family, extended family and friends. May she rest in peace.

Reposing in Campbells Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4.30pm until 6.30pm with removal to the Church of Our Lady Help of Christians, Swinford, arriving at 7pm. Mass on Wednesday at 12 noon with funeral proceeding to Kilconduff Cemetery.

Fethard Senior Citizens' Club August Outing
Fethard Senior Citizens' Club members are reminded of our next outing, on Tuesday, August 18. The bus will depart from The Town Hall, Main Street at 1pm.

Gatsby Ball – 1920s night
The Fionn MacCumhaill Players will host a 'Gatsby Ball – 1920s night' in Cloneen Sports & Social Club on Friday, August 14, with music by 'The Pearly Whites'. Fancy Dress (optional). For tickets contact Tel: 086 0834208.

Many great prizes on the night including two nights B&B for two people in Bantry; two nights B&B in Antrim; €100 voucher for hotel stay in Mayo; family tickets to Bunratty Castle; four green fees to Country House Hotel & Golf Club Athlone; two tickets for Guinness Storehouse; and many more . . .

We have wonderful prizes for the fancy dress, which should be great fun, and also a raffle, with wonderful prize on the door tickets. Prizes in the fancy dress for the best couple, best male, best female, and most original 1920's style. All are invited to come along and although fancy dress is optional, it will be worth your while dressing up in your favourite 1920's character with such wonderful prizes on offer which include: B&B for two people for 2 nights, €100 vouchers for top hotels and golfing at The Country Glasson Golf Club and the beautiful Adare Manor plus many more prizes. Music will be by ‘The Pearly Whites’ one of the best bands around and we will even throw in a bit of grub! Tickets are available from 086-0834208 or at Premier Music Clonmel.

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. Send any comments or photo information to fethardnews@gmail.com


Girls about to perform their 'Re-Mix' dance routine at the 'On Your Toes' show in the Abymill Theatre, June 2004


Tracey Needham and Debbie Lawrence from Nano Nagle working on the school's project 'My Favourite Building' June, 2004. The 6th class girls chose the Abymill Theatre as their favourite building and the project was entered in the national Irish Independent Newspaper competition.


Bernard Fogarty posted this photograph taken of Dot Mullins where she worked in Mrs O'Shea's little sweet shop on lower Main Street (accross the road from Burke's Bar). Anyone know the other people in the photo? Please email fethardnews@gmail.com

Mick Teehan posted this photo "Coolmore team and mentors" taken in the 1970s. Back L to R: Danny Croke, Joe Costello (RIP), Mick Teehan, Davy Sullivan, Willie Fleming, Paddy Walsh, Bill Gleeson (RIP), Frank Fogarty, William Gleeson. Front L to R: Davy Ryan, Michael Gleeson, Pat Tobin and Eddy Sheehan.


Bernard Fogarty also posted this photo of a Moyglass FC team 1975 Back row: Pakie Harrington, Ed Healy, Georgie Williams, Arthur Daly, Ed Sheehan (player/manager), Mick Teehan. Front row: Christy Healy, Noel Sharpe, Philly O'Connell, Mattie Tynan, Davy Williams and Bernie Fogarty.

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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