Killusty's First Field Day, August, 24, 1980

See how many faces you can recognise in this photograph taken at the 'First Ever' Killusty Field Day held on August 24, 1980, which attracted young athletes from Fethard and Killusty to be part of this historic event. Where you there? You can zoom in closer to see more detail by clicking the photograph to zoom-in and double-clicking the photograph to zoom-out. If you can help with further information please let us know. Your comments, names or corrections are always welcome to: fethardnews@gmail.com

Tipperariana 'Book of the Year' goes to the Glen of Aherlow

James Hayes, Chairman, Lisnagaul Memorial Committee and Editorial Committee, receiving the Tipperariana ‘Book of the Year 2020’ award for their book, 'The Troubles in The Glen’, at a presentation function hosted by the Fethard Historical Society in the Fethard Town Hall on Saturday, January 24. L to R: local potter Dóirín Saurus who designed the award piece, James Hayes, chairman, Lisnagaul Memorial Committee, and Elaine Fitzpatrick.

The Tipperariana Book of the Year for 2020 was awarded to ‘The Troubles in the Glen’, which was compiled by The Lisnagaul Memorial Committee, headed by its chairman, James Hayes. The book commemorates especially the Lisnagaul ambush of November 13, 1920, but it also chronicles the whole social and political situation in the Glen of Aherlow one hundred years ago.
The presentation of the award - usually presented in the month of January - had to be postponed due to the Covid pandemic and it finally took place in the Fethard Town Hall on Saturday last, September 18.

This award, begun in 2002 by the Fethard Historical Society (organisers of the annual Tipperariana Book Fair), is to highlight the great tradition of the publishing of books on or about Tipperary, its people and history. The Glen of Aherlow book was the 19th book to be so honoured and the chairman James Hayes, in his acceptance speech, said that he and the group, were very pleased and honoured that their endeavours had been noted and appreciated by the Tipperariana Bookfair organisers. He thanked and named the members of the Editorial Committee – many of whom were present – and he also thanked the many contributors and patrons who are all mentioned in the publication. He had a special word of thanks for Elaine Fitzpatrick for her work in ensuring the superb presentation and printing of the book.


Members of Fethard Historical Society and the Lisnagaul Memorial Committee, who were winners of the Tipperariana ‘Book of the Year 2020’ award for their book, 'The Troubles in The Glen’, photographed at a presentation function hosted by Fethard Historical Society on Saturday, January 24, in Fethard Town Hall. Back L to R: Terry Cunningham (FHS), Breda Hayes, Fr. Iggy O’Donovan OSA (Fethard), Nancy Leahy, Johnny Murphy, Mary Alice O’Connor, Mary Hanrahan (chairperson Fethard Historical Society), Tom Toomey, Dóirín Saurus (FHS), Michael Mallon (FHS), Liam O’Brien. Front L to R: Gerry Long (FHS), James Hayes (chairman), Elaine Fitzpatrick, Paul Merrigan, and Marie Murphy (FHS).

The Glen group were greeted and hosted by Mary Hanrahan, chairperson of the Fethard Historical Society, and with fellow guides, Colm McGrath and Michael Mallon the group were taken around the medieval walled town.
Terry Cunningham spoke on behalf of the Awards Committee, and said that. the book was everything the committee appreciated in a ‘Tipperary’ book; it was “of the people and by the people” of a very special part of Tipperary. He also noted that many of the articles were by descendants of the very people who were involved in the struggle for freedom in the early years of the last century.

The presentation to James Hayes was made by Dóirín Saurus, Fethard artist and potter, who had fashioned an unique framed ceramic piece which proudly stated that ‘The Troubles in the Glen’ was the Tipperariana Book of the Year for 2020.

Fethard Rugby Club support 'Bumblebee Ambulance'

Fethard Rugby Club members handing a cheque over to Ken Imbusch (Munster Rugby) in support of 'Bumblebee Ambulance' - a Munster Rugby Charity. The proceeds for the Children's Ambulance Service were raised at the club's recent 10K Slievenamon Hike covering historic sites, that took place on September 4, 2021. Well done to all concerned. Photographed at the presentation of the cheque were L to R: Louise O'Donnell, Michael Lawrence, Ken Imbusch (Munster Rugby), Paul Kavanagh and Kevin Hayes.

Fethard Ballroom renovations
We are happy to report that the replacement of Fethard Ballroom roof is now well underway, and work is expected to be completed in time for the lifting of Covid restrictions on indoor dancing at the end of October. Something that the social dancing community have being waiting patiently for since March 2020.

Scrap Metal Collection this weekend
Saturday and Sunday, September 25 and 26, Fethard Town Park will hold their ‘Scrap Metal Collection’ fundraiser at Fethard Town Park from 10am to 4pm. Please bring along your scrap metal which can be left at the Car Park at Fethard Town Park.

Keep AIB counter services OPEN in Fethard

Fethard AIB is the only bank in the Slieveardagh area. If COUNTER SERVICES are CLOSED in FETHARD it will affect businesses and customers from Fethard, Killusty, Moyglass, Killenaule, Drangan, Cloneen, Mullinahone and surrounding areas.

A letter from AIB states "Fethard branch will no longer offer over the counter transactions such as cash, cheques, coin, foreign exchange and bank draft services, from Monday, December 6, 2021.” – AIB is forcing Fethard customers to drive up to 30 kilometres and more to use their decreasing ‘nearest’ full-service branches if they wish to use the Night Safe, Foreign Exchange, or the many counter services that non-internet users require on a daily basis – in particular our senior citizens. Now is the time to speak out against this pathway to complete CLOSURE. PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION by clicking link.

Fethard GAA Match Reports
Grangemockler/ Ballyneale 2-25, Fethard 3-20
On Saturday morning last, September 18, Fethard played Grangemockler / Ballyneale in the South Tipperary Under-19 B Hurling Final, in Monroe before a fine attendance. Spectators were treated to a feast of hurling from both teams who gave it everything from the start to the last puck in extra time, with both teams very evenly matched on the day.  It took an error on the last puck of the match that deceived the Fethard defence and dribbled over the line for a goal and victory.

Fethard, who had the best player on the field in Darragh Spillane, were also impressed with many others who played well including, Cathal O Mahony, Conor Neville, Adam Ryan, Darragh Hurley, Jack Quinlan, Michael Quinlan and Robert Wall, who all caught the eye.

Fethard team: Sean Moroney, Michael O’Meara, Darragh Spillane, James Barry, Conor Neville, Cathal O Mahony 1-7 (all frees), Shane Neville, James Phelan, Adam Ryan 0-2, Cathal Ryan, Darragh Hurley, Matt Coen 0-1, Jack Quinlan 1-8 (six frees), Michael Quinlan 1-1, Robert Wall. Subs Used: Dara O’Meara and Tom Murray 0-1.

Fethard 0-10, Clonmel Commercials 2-4
On Saturday last, September 18, in Monroe, great rivalry was also on view when, in the County Intermediate Football Round 2 clash, Fethard and Commercials met with both sides playing good clean football that ended in a draw – a fair result to the game.

A recent trend coming into our game exploits the use of goalies, in this game both goalies scored a point each from play, with long runs up field adding to the excitement.  In the final minute a free was awarded 50 meters out, and Fethard introduced Cathal O’Mahony to take the free. Cathal duly obliged and scored a great equalising point. This currently leaves two teams, Golden and Clonmel Commercials, on 3 points in the group; one team, Loughmore / Castleiney, on 0 points; and Fethard on 2 points. The Round 3 games should be very exciting.

On Saturday we had fine displays from Paul Moloney, Willie Morgan and Brian Healy. The Fethard team: Jack Dolan 0-1, Peter Wall, Paul Moloney, Alan O’Connor, Richard Anglim 0-1, Joedy Sheehan, Brian Delahunty, Willie Morgan, David Hayes, Jack Devaney, Gavin Fitzgerald 0-1, Conor Harrington, Jack Purcell, Jack Ward 0-1, Brian Healy 0-5 (four frees), Subs Used Jamie Mc Cormack, Shane Neville, Stephen Crotty and Cathal O Mahony 0-1 (free).

Greening our Towns – a talk with Professor Gerald Mills

Large group who came along at short notice to support the 'Fethard Chainsaw Massacre' protest in Fethard, Co. Tipperary, to object to the County Council's massacre of trees in the town back in January 2019.

Those of you who remember 2019, when we lost many of our mature trees in Fethard, may be interested in a talk next Friday, September 24, at 7.30pm under the Main Guard in Clonmel, with Professor Gerald Mills from UCD, an expert on the values of urban trees. This will be a free seated event with limited tickets available by REGISTERING HERE.

About this event
How important are urban trees in mitigating the worst effects of Climate change? UCD Professor Gerald Mills will be talking to Alan Moore, chairman of Suircan Environmental, about the importance of urban trees and their increasing importance in mitigating a number of the challenges of global warming. Gerald Mills is Head of the School of Geography at UCD. As a physical geographer with a special interest in the climates of cities, he has been involved in The Dublin Tree Map initiative which seeks to identify and assess Dublin City’s tree species and evaluate where deficits might be.

Fethard Rugby 'Minis' back in training


Fethard Rugby Club 'minis' were back on the pitch on Friday night last, September 17, following a long lay off due to Covid restrictions. It was great to see so many young players back having fun in a controlled and safe environment with all covid protocol been strictly adhered to.

Rugby is a great game and a major help in the development of young boy and girls in their coordination, skills and general development, where they also meet children from all areas and develop life-long friendships. So why not bring your child along and give it a try, girls minis take place on Monday evenings and boys on Friday evenings.

For further information please contact us on Tel: 086 8388205.

GAA Sports Development Lotto
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Friday, September 17, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 3, 29, 30 and 35. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘match three’ winner. One Luck Dip winner received €100: Natalie Whelan, Clonmel. Three Lucky Dip winners received €50 each: Aine Proudfoot, Strylea, Fethard; Harry Smyth, Cloneen; and Josie Costello, Strylea, Fethard.

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 next draw takes place on Friday, September 24, when the jackpot is €30,000 and the seller's prize is €1,000. The funds raised are used to promote sport in the local community.

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, September 16. The numbers were: 1, 3, 18 and 22. The winner of the weekly draw of €30 was Catherine Ryan. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, September 23, will be €1,700.

Please pass the word on and invite friends and family to take part. You can help our Parish in a real, practical way.  Thank you for your support and the best of luck in the weekly draw. PLAY OUR LOTTO NOW.

Patrician Presentation First Year Classes


School Principal, Mr Billy Walsh and Deputy Principal, Ms Catriona McKeogh, photographed above with this year's First Year classes starting their post-primary (second-level) education at Fethard's Patrician Presentation Secondary School.



New Staff Members welcomed


Patrician Presentation Secondary School are delighted to welcome new additions to our staff this year, and are confident they will be a huge asset to the school and our students. Back L to R: Mr Paul Kelly, Fr Iggy O'Donovan, Ms Beckey Fogarty, Mr Shane McIlroy. Front L to R: Ms Pamela O'Donnell, Ms Lauren Whelan, Ms Yui Walsh, Mr Daniel O'Shaughnessy and Ms Oonagh Gunne.

The Premier – South Tipperary News (Issue 6)
The sixth issue of The Premier free local newspaper is now available in local shops and is also available online by CLICKING HERE or front page image.



You can also visit The Premier newspaper's website for further details of distribution in your area or for submitting articles or photographs for publication.

Faces and Places from the Past
The following are a selection of photographs of faces and places taken in our locality that may bring back memories to many of our readers and visitors to fethard.com Please send any comments or photo information, names and event, to fethardnews@gmail.com

Fethard & District Photos from the past . . .

This week we have a selection of photographs, some taken in 1989 and others are copies of old photographs, some that we have identified, others we need your help with names if known? If you can help with names, comments or further information, we would love to hear from you. Email: fethardnews@gmail.com


Many of this young Fethard Football Team played on the Patrician Brothers Under 14 team that were crowned Schools County Champions four years earlier. Back L to R: Micheál Broderick, Christy Looby, John O'Riordan, Paddy Ryan, John Hurly, Shay Ryan, Liam Ryan, Dermot Kane. Front L to R: Micheál Spillane, Martin Coen, Eamon Holohan, Johnny Cummins, Owen Cummins, Jim Connolly and Kevin Burke.

Some old photos to be identified?

Any ideas of the faces or place . . .?


Maybe somebody will remember having a 'cuppa' in this very traditional friendly kitchen or who the visitors were on this occasion?


This trio were about to carve or eat the dressed pigs head and trays of food before them . . . anyone remember the occasion or people in the photograph ?

The following groups were taken at a reception following the laying of the foundation stone for the new church in Moyglass on March 22, 1989. Thanks to Majella Walsh for her help with names.


Photographed at the reception in Moyglass Hall after laying of the foundation stone for new Moyglass Church on March 22, 1989, are L to R: Chrissie Healy, Mai Boland, Jimmy Boland and Mary Graham.


Photographed at the reception in Moyglass Hall after laying of the foundation stone for new Moyglass Church on March 22, 1989, are L to R: Willie O’Dywer, Mrs Grant and ?


Photographed at the reception in Moyglass Hall after laying of the foundation stone for new Moyglass Church on March 22, 1989, are L to R: Tessie Kennedy, Din Fahey, Tommy Kennedy and Paddy Martin.


Photographed at the reception in Moyglass Hall after laying of the foundation stone for new Moyglass Church on March 22, 1989, are L to R: Paddy Browne, Jimmy Hunt, Paddy Hunt and Jack Guinan.

Fethard News
Comments or items for inclusion on this website can be emailed to fethardnews@gmail.com or delivered by hand to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard.

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