In response to the keen interest shown in the preservation and development of Fethard's Town Wall and other historical sites, the Fethard & Killusty Community Council called a meeting on Tuesday, 23rd March, 1988 to form a Historical Society.

The meeting was very well attended and the ensuing discussion revealed much enthusiasm, interest and knowledge of local history.A committee of fourteen was elected as follows: Peter Grant (Chairman), Joe Ryan (Vice Chairman), Mary Hanrahan (Secretary), Denis Burke (Treasurer), Joe Kenny (PRO), Marie O'Donnell, Pat O'Shea, Christy Mullins, Michael O'Donnell, J.J. Keane, Jimmy O'Connor, Vincent Doocey, Diane Stokes and Mary Healy.


Fethard Historical Society's first committee elected 20 years ago on Tuesday 23rd March 1988. Back L to R: Vincent Doocey, Jimmy O'Connor, Diana Stokes, Christy Mullins, John Joe Keane, Michael O'Donnell, Marie O'Donnell, Joe Kenny (PRO). Front L to R: Joe Ryan (Vice Chairman), Mary Hanrahan (Secretary), Peter Grant (Chairman), Denis Burke (Treasurer), and Mary Healy.

At its inception the proposed aims of the Society were itemised as follows: -

• (a) To Preserve and protect all our remaining historical features.
• (b) To generate a greater awareness and appreciation of our most historical town.
• (c) To actively promote Fethard as a significant Tourist Centre.
• (d) To gather and catalogue a full historical record of the area i.e. songs, folklore, stories, photographs, etc.
• (e) To publish and review progress annually.

A constitution was drawn up and adopted at the A.G.M. of Fethard Historical Society on March 28th 1989. The aims of the Society have been vigorously pursued in the intervening years and we have a policy of fostering positive links with all the other societies and groups in the area and there is a strong crossover of member with these and other local organisations. All our executive meetings are open to all our members as a matter of policy.