Camogie first came to Fethard in 1912 but no records of that club have sur-vived. St Rita's Camogie club was founded in 1962. The revival of the camogie club was brought about by the popular star camogie player, Kitty O'Flaherty (R.I.P.), and the late Fr. Cooke who throughout the sixties did tremendous work for the club.

The first annual general meeting of St Rita's Camogie club was held in 1963 and the following were the officers elected: Rev Fr. Cooke, Chairman; Miss A Mahon, vice-chairman; M Moloney, secretary and A O'Brien, treasurer.

The panel of players was Vera Purcell, Peggy Carroll, Joan Russell, Louise O'Meara, Breda Delahunty, Patricia O'Halloran, Mary Moloney, Tossie Carroll, Peggy Russell, Ann Sheehan, Margaret Fitzgerald, Nancy Purcell, Pauline Ryan, Teresa Ryan, Ester Ryan, Alice Long, Kathleen Byrne and Mary McCormack.

The girls did the town of Fethard proud by winning both the South and County Intermediate titles in both 1964 and 1965. Two titles back to back in such a short time was a remarkable achievement but by 1966 the camogie club in Fethard had started to fade away.

The more recent revival of camogie in Fethard was due mainly to the work of Tossie Lawton, who was better known as Tossie Carroll from the winning teams of the sixties. The club retained the successful name of St Rita's and the annual general meeting took place on the 30th July 1987. The following officers were elected: Tossie Lawton, Chairperson; Margaret Quinlan, secretary and Mary Kenrick, treasurer.

Camogie was played at junior level for the first two years but with little success. In 1989, following the interest shown by the large number of girls, an under 16 and under 18 team were also entered. It was not until 1991 and 1992 that St Rita's club in Fethard started to make an impact on camogie in the county. In 1991 the under 14 team reached the county semifinal but they were narrowly beaten by Toomyvara. The under 14 team also reached the semifinal of the Féile na nGael competition but once again suffered a narrow defeat.

In 1992 the junior team were rather unlucky when they just failed to qualify for the semifinal of the Junior League. The under 14 team was beaten in the early stages of their competition but the under 16 team qualified for the county final and were just pipped at the post by Cashel.

This year St Rita's camogie club entered a team in the under 12 competition. They had a great run in the championship and reached the county final where they were defeated by a much stronger and more experienced Templemore side. Once again the under 14 girls were knocked out in the early stages of their competition. The under 16 panel reached the county final for the second successive year but this time were defeated by a more experienced Drom/Inch side. It was Drom/Inch who again prevented the under 18 team from winning a county title. This year's junior team was very unlucky not to make it to the county semifinal having been defeated by Cashel by the narrowest of margins.

However, the club had its moments of glory. Winning medals may be scarce amongst the members but two members of St Rita's camogie club in Fethard hold All-Ireland minor medals. They are Sharon Lawton and Lisa McCormack who were members of the Tipperary team that beat Galway in this year's final. Congratulations must go to the players but great credit is due to the club officials especially those who helped with transport. The members of the club wish to thank all those who helped and supported them in the past and look forward to it again in 1994.

The club officers are Canon James Power (president), Joe Keane (chairman), Mary Ryan (chairperson), Sandra Wade (secretary), Sharon Lawton (treasurer). Committee: Martha Sheehan, Nora O'Meara, Jean Morrissey, Tossie Lawton and Denis O'Meara.

Contact: Mrs Tossie Lawton, 5 St. Patrick's Place, Fethard. 052 31555