Died in England
 The death has occurred on May 12, 2017, of Josie Shine (née Murphy), Waltham Cross, Herts, England. Josie, loving wife to Pat Shine, who is formerly from Crampscastle, Fethard, and organiser of the Fethard London Reunion far many years in the 1960s and 1970s, will be sadly missed by her children, Patricia, Marie, Liam and Chris, also her eleven grandchildren.
The Shine family were always very involved in the promotion of Fethard overseas and a great help to our many emigrants who travelled from Fethard to England for work in recessionary times. Our deepest condolences to her husband Pat and family. May she rest in peace.
Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber to officially open Fethard Horse Country Experience
 Fethard Horse Country Experience will be officially opened by the world-renowned composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber at an opening ceremony on Tuesday, May 30. The Fethard Horse Experience offers visitors the opportunity to discover the rich culture and heritage of the region. Fethard is the finest example of a small medieval walled town in Ireland, and produces some of the greatest horses in the world.
The museum is supported by Failte Ireland and is an unmissable visitor attraction along ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ trail, a follow on from Failte Ireland’s ‘The Wild Atlantic Way’. The museum is home to an exhibition on ‘Sadler’s Wells’, one of the most successful stallions of all time.
Augustinian Fr Martin celebrates golden jubilee
Photographed at the Golden Jubilee Mass of Fr. Martin Crean's ordination to the Augustinian Order in Fethard on April 30, are Back L to R: Fr. John Lyng, Fr. Vincent McCarthy, Fr. Declan Brennan, Fr. Tony Egan, Fr. Michael Leahy. Front L to R: Fr. Lazarus, Fr. John O'Connor, Bishop Senan O'Donnell OSA (Bishop of Maiduguri, Nigeria), Fr. Martin Crean OSA and Fr. David Gibson.
The parish of Fethard & Killusty congratulates Fr. Martin Crean OSA who celebrated the Golden Jubilee Mass of his Ordination in the Augustinian Abbey Fethard on Sunday, April 30. Fr. Martin was joined by family members and friends at this special concelebrated mass and afterwards at a reception held in Hotel Minella. Many Augustinian priests that worked with Fr Martin during his ministry in Africa and Ireland were also present to extend their good wishes.
Fr. Crean was born in Limerick City on May 12, 1941, and baptised in the Parish of St. Marys. His primary and secondary school education commenced at CBS, Sexton Street, Limerick, and from 3rd Year at the Augustinian, Good Council College, New Ross. He entered the Augustinian Novitiate, Orlagh, Templeogue, Dublin, in August 1960 and was solemnly professed at Ballyboden on September 16, 1964. He later studied theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and was ordained on March 11, 1967.
L to R: Bishop Senan O'Donnell OSA (Bishop of Maiduguri, Nigeria), and Johnny Sheehan, Fethard, who met while Johnny was working in Africa.
The following year, January 4, 1968, Fr. Crean was appointed to the Diocese of Maiduguri, Nigeria, to work as a missionary. His first Parish Priest was the late Fr. Timmy Walsh OSA, who worked in the Dioceses of Maiduguri for over 25 years and later returned to the Abbey in Fethard up to his death on April 22, 2011.
After ministering in eight different parishes in Nigeria, Fr. Martin was appointed administrator of the Cathedral under Irish Augustinian Bishop Timothy Cotter – an inspirational figure that Fr. Martin looked up to as a fatherly figure.
In September 1997, Fr. Martin was chosen to open a new Augustinian parish in Lagos, where his senior curate, Fr. Tony Egan OSA, is the now current Prior of Fethard, residing in Dungarvan. Following the successful setting up of the parish, Fr. Crean was recalled to head a parish in the city of Maiduguri, originally opened fifteen years earlier by Fr. Justin Hanley OSA from Moyglass.
Berney Myles talking to Fr John O'Connor OSA who ministered for two spells in the Augustinian Abbey Fethard in the 1960s. He also published a book, 'A Ballad of William Tirry’ in 1976.
Fr. Martin spent eight years in this parish, the “best years of his life”, he recalls, when he had sixty-three altar servers. Thirteen of these were later ordained Augustinian priests for the diocese. Fr. Martin also enjoyed the support of a twenty-four strong parish council to help administer the work in the parish.
Finally Fr. Martin sought the Augustinian way of life and requested the Augustinian Vice-Provincial, Fr. James Daman, to appoint him to an Augustinian Community. This was his stepping-stone to coming home to Ireland on July 22, 2001, after which he was appointed to Cork Community on September 4, 2001, where he served up to his transfer to Fethard on September 1, 2009.
Photographed at Fr Martin Crean’s Golden Jubilee Mass of his OrdinationL to R: Bro Nicholas Kearney, Fr. Martin Crean OSA and his brother Jack Crean.
Photographed at the Golden Jubilee Mass of Fr. Martin Crean's ordination to the Augustinian Order in Fethard on April 30, are family members Back L to R: Bro Kieran Loughran, Stephanie McNamara, Theresa Crean, Noreen Quinlivan, Sean Quinlivan, Fr. David Gibson (Limerick). Middle Row L to R: Alan McNamara, Jack Crean, Fr. Martin Crean OSA, Linda Quinlivan. Front L to R: Thomas, Niall and Louise McNamara.
We wish Fr. Martin Crean many more happy years with the Augustinian Order and indeed, many more years of the Augustinian Order in Fethard.
April Sports Achievement Award winner
The winner of the Butler’s Bar Sports Achievement Award for April which was presented in Butler’s Bar on Friday night, May 5, was local fisherman, young Robert Hackett, from Cashel Road.
Robert was the recent winner of the juvenile fisherman’s award at the Fethard and Killusty angling club championships as well as finishing runner-up in the Munster U18 championships, which were held in Fethard on April 15. Robert was also chosen to represent Ireland at the upcoming European Lake competition to be held in Wales.
Young Robert is following in his father’s footsteps who is also a keen fisherman all his life and current treasurer of the Fethard & Killusty Angling Club.
Month's Mind Mass for Breda Sheehan
 The Month's Mind Mass in memory of Breda Sheehan (née Neville) late of Derryluskin, Fethard, will take place on Sunday, May 21, at 10am in The Sacred Heart Church Killusty. Deeply missed and loved by her family and friends.
Forever in our hearts!
Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday Night, May 14, to the music of ‘Catriona’. All are 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 Bridge Club
This evening Wednesday, May 10, Fethard Bridge Club will play the Kevin O’Dwyer Memorial. The game will be preceded by Mass at 6.45pm in memory of Kevin. On next Wednesday, May 17, we play for our President’s Prize and the following Wednesday we will hold our AGM.
Holy Trinity NS Record Charity Single!
Every year Holy Trinity National School takes part in the annual Challenge to Change project and this year the pupils are working on an entry based on highlighting the issue of Homelessness. It is a huge issue in Irish Society, indeed globally, and the project highlights the difficulties of working with those who are marginalised and focuses children on human rights.
We have come to realise that there are charities right on our doorstep that do a lot of work around this issue and for this reason we have decided to try to raise both awareness and money for the Clonmel Soup Kitchen and The Alice Leahy Fund by recording the song, ‘Home’. You can see our video and hear the song on the homepage of our school website, www.holytrinitynsfethard.com
We launched the ‘Home’ CD track on our Homelessness Action Day, which was held in the school on April, 5. Children and their families donated clothes and food to the Clonmel Soup Kitchen and we were overwhelmed with the goodwill and support from everyone.
We would like to thank all the teachers and staff for their hard-work in preparation for and the recording of the song, ‘Home’. Special thanks to Mrs Leonie McGrath, Ms Sara McGeachy and Ms Eimear Meagher for bringing the project together. Thank you to Ms Gillian Coulter for all her hard work and thanks to Mr Joe Kenny for photographing the children. It is great to be able to give back to our community. Have a listen to our song and we hope that you enjoy it!
Fethard Athletic Club
On Saturday and Sunday last Fethard Athletic Club had eight athletes competing at the Tipperary county track and field championships in Templemore, resulting in great performances from all concerned and four medals won as a reward.
 On Saturday Jake Feery and Johanna Sheehy competed, with Johanna taking silver in the walk and bronze in the 1500 meters. Jake was unlucky not to take a medal but I’m sure there will be many other days to come.
On Sunday, Rosie O’Brien, Lucy Ann O’Brien, Emily May Ryan, Harry Barton, David O’Brien and Jake Feery represented the club and again, all performed well while also gaining great experience from taking part in a competitive outing. Emily May had a great run but fell short on making the podium in both her events. Jake didn’t have a good day at the office by leaving a little too much to do by the final stages of his race. Young David O’Brien got into a tangle at the start of his event and never really a chance to perform, again there will be other days.
 Lucy Ann O’Brien qualifies for the two finals in her event and finished fourth in both events. Harry was flying but, on the day, was up against really stiff opposition – a bit strong for him. In the end we had Rosie O’Brien who finished well, winning her heat in the 60 meters and taking second in a very exciting final. Rosie then went on to take third in her heat in the 300 meters, which was a timed event, and gained her second medal of the day. All in all, it was a rewarding weekend for our club and a great experience for the athletes.
On the previous Wednesday night, we had three members taking part in the Dundrum 5K Road Race. Bernard Feery won his category in a time of 18.50. It was great to see Áine Doocey back on the road with a finishing time of 23.51, and Miceál with a finishing time of 40.03.
A reminder for your diary that our annual ‘Walls of Fethard’ run takes place on the last Thursday in May. Mark it down, Thursday, May 25.
Annual May Procession in Fethard
A section of the crowd taking part in the traditional May Procession in Fethard, from Holy Trinity Parish Church to the Augustinian Abbey, on Sunday last, May 7.
‘The Field’ for Clonmel Theatre Guild
‘The Field’ play will take to the stage at the White Memorial Theatre in Clonmel, from May 16 to May 19, under the direction of Anne Williamson. This powerful piece of drama written by none other than the late John B, Keane, and performed by a large dedicated cast, that will bring the story to life before your eyes.
This is a first for the Clonmel Guild as this play was not performed in Clonmel before, making a piece of history for The Guild and its experienced director. You won't want to miss it. Tickets now on sale at Marian’s Bookshop in Clonmel Tel: (052) 6123813 or online at: www.clonmeltheatreguild.org
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto – PLAY NOW
The numbers drawn on May 3, were: 4, 10, 21 and 29. There was no jackpot winner and two ‘Match Three’ winners who received €75 each: Chalkie Brett, Friarsfield, Fethard; and Abigail Sheehan, Reflections, Fethard.
The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners also received €50 each: David Shelly, Moyglass; Kaycie Aherne, Prospect, Fethard; and Paul Barrett, Market Hill, Fethard.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, May 10. The Jackpot is €10,000 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €1,000. All proceeds go towards community projects in Fethard, and we thank you for your on-going support.
If you would like to support the work of the Community Council by playing our Community Lotto please Click Here to Play.
Community Games Hurling
Fethard & Killusty U11 Community Games Hurling team that lost by just 1 point to Killenaule-Moyglass on Monday May 1. After a well matched and most exciting game the final score was Killenaule 2–4 to Fethard’s 2-3. Back L to R: Rory O’Mahony, Zach Smith, Sean McEvoy, Charlie Walsh, Ben Allen, Danny Hayes, T.J. Keane, Richard Murphy. Front L to R: Criostoir Sheehy, Danny Shelly, Gavin Neville, Sami Laaksonen, Sam Coen and Daniel Barry.
GAA Sports Development Lotto
The numbers drawn on Friday, May 5, were 7, 13, 15 and 22. There was no jackpot winner and one match three winner who received €100: Betty Byrne, Clonmel. Two Lucky Dip winners also received €25 each: Katie Allen c/o Ladies Football Club; and Lauren Connolly, Knockbrack.
The next draw takes place on Friday, May 12, when the jackpot is €20,000 and the sellers prize is €1,000. The committee of Fethard GAA/Sports Centre Development Lotto would like to thank all our supporters near and far who participate in our weekly lotto draw. The funds raised are used to promote sport in the local community.
Tea/Coffee Morning on Friday, May 12, for Alzheimers
Please support our Tea Day (or Coffee) at Fethard Town Hall on this Friday, May 12, from 9am to 12.30pm, in aid of the La Cairde Alzheimer’s Day Care Centre for South Tipperary, situated in Clonmel. Bring your friends along and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and support this very worthy service to our local community.
Died Recently
The death has occurred on Saturday, May 6, 2017, of Bridget 'Bridie' Ahearne, Youghal and late of The Green, Fethard, peacefully, in the exceptional care of the management and staff at Youghal and District Nursing Home. Bridie, beloved sister of the late Kathleen and Ann (Fogarty) and loving aunt of Stella (Flavin), Deirdre (Harrington), Claudette, James and Dominic. Deeply regretted by her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives, neighbours and friends. May she Rest in Peace
Reposing at Egan's Funeral Home, Greencloyne, Youghal from 6pm on Monday, May 8. Removal at 7.30pm to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, The Strand. Requiem Mass on Tuesday, May 9, at 12 noon. Funeral afterwards to the North Abbey Cemetery, Youghal.
Bus Outing to the Nire Valley
On Friday evening, May 19, Fethard Historical Society has organised a bus outing to the lovely Nire Valley situated in the heart of the Comeragh mountains in neighbouring County Waterford. The outing will consist of some sightseeing and an indoor illustrated talk which will be followed by refreshments. The guide and host for the evening will be Nire native, Maura Barrett, who is both a local historian and writer.
The thirty-seated bus will depart from The Square in Fethard at 7pm on Friday evening and will return to base before midnight. The all-in cost, subsidised by the society, is €10 per person. This should prove to be a very enjoyable evening indeed and booking for this popular outing can be made by phoning 087 9009722.
‘Three-ball Champagne Scramble’ at Slievenamon Golf Club
Patrician Presentation Secondary School will hold a ‘Three-ball Champagne Scramble’ at Slievenamon Golf Club on Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13. The event is to help fundraise further sports equipment and improve drama provisions at the school. This is an important fund-raising event for the school and your support would be very much appreciated. It will also provide an opportunity to meet up with old friends and acquaintances and enjoy a game of golf in beautiful surroundings.
We have great prizes on offer for Best Team (male), Best Team (female), Best Team (mixed), Best Team (non GUI), Nearest the Pin (par 3), and Longest drive. The cost per team of three is €75 and this includes refreshments at the clubhouse. Should you be unable to field a team, you can also support the event by having your name on a tee box for €50 or by sponsorship of prizes where names would be displayed prominently on the first tee box. For registration (timesheet) and any queries that you may have, please contact the school on (052) 6131572 or by email: fethardgolfclassic@gmail.com
Table Quiz for Fethard Scouts
Fethard Scouts will hold a table quiz on Friday, May 19, in Butlers Sports Bar, from 8.30pm, and all are welcome. This promises to be a great fun night and any money raised will benefit the Beavers, Cubs and Scout sections and will go towards equipment and camp costs. If anybody would like to donate prizes for our raffle please drop them to our Den held on Mondays or Thursdays or hand them to Philip Butler Bar on Main Street.
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
Pictured at the benefit soccer match between Limerick F.C. and Clonmel played at the Dr. Pat O’Callaghan Sports Complex in Clonmel are L to R: young Paul Johnson and Limerick captain Dave Connell, showing off the Munster Senior Cup to Stephen Napier (Cork United) captain of the Clonmel selection, Alderman Tom Ambrose, Mayor of Clonmel, Ben Johnson, Charles and young Colin Johnson. Proceeds of the match were for the Johnson family, Bianconi Drive, who had their house accidentally destroyed by fire (July 1995).
Emigrants 'Welcome Home' banner across the front of Jimmy Ryan's house at Watergate for the 1995 Fethard/London Reunion Festival.
Group pictured at the presentation of the completed Archaeological Survey of Fethard to the County Council and Friends of Fethard on June 28, 1995, are L to R: Dr. Tadhg O'Keeffe (author); Dóirín Saurus, Fethard Historical Society; Jack O'Keeffe, Friends of Fethard; 'Mouse' Morris, Friends of Fethard; Austin Dunphy, Heritage Council; Maurice Creagh, Architectural Historian; and Liam Hayes, Chairman Fethard & Killusty Council.
Easter Sunday night saw the Fethard Mayoral Election come to a close when David O’Donnell, Coleman, was elected as the new Mayor of Fethard. The two other candidates, Paddy Hickey and Mick Ahearne, were gracious in defeat saying “the better man won”. David is pictured above with his campaign crew and new country singing star, Trudi Lawlor, who played for the ecstatic large crowd at the dance which followed the election on Sunday night. Proceeds of the Mayoral Election will go towards the Ballroom renovation fund. Back L to R: Patricia Byrne, Derry O'Dwyer, Ann O'Dwyer, Chris O'Dwyer, Sheila O'Donnell, Pat Byrne. Front L to R: David O'Donnell, Trudi Lawlor and Conor Maher.
Avonmore Creamery Suppliers Meeting in Fethard on April 6, 1995.
L to R: Mick Aherne, Jim Barry, Tony Lawrence and John O’Flynn.
Abymill Snooker January 1990, photographed at the final of The Hayes Cup, handicap competition, L to R : Johnny Murphy (winner), Jimmy Hayes (sponsor), Vincent Woodlock (runner-up) and Richard Hayes (in front)
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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