Died Recently
The death has occurred on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, of Margaret Coffey (née Lonergan), Burke Street, Fethard.

Margaret; deeply regretted by her loving husband Frank, her sons and daughters Assumpta, Kevin, Claire, Anthony and Bryan, her brother Jimmy Lonergan, her sister Mary Fitzgerald, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren Stephen, Ronan, Sophie, Ami, Abbie, Ella, Jack and Alex, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May she rest in peace.

Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Thursday from 5pm to 7.30pm. Funeral to arrive at the Augustinian Abbey Church, Fethard, at 8pm. Funeral Mass on Friday at 11am followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu to St Anthony's Nursing Home.

Fethard Ballroom hosting Festive ‘Christmas Cracker’ Dance

Members of Fethard Ballroom's ‘Christmas Crackers’ festive dance on Sunday, December 29, featuring Gina and The Champions, and radio star ‘Ronan Collins, special guest on the night. Tickets at €25 are available from Fethard Post Office and Marian's Clonmel. Bar extension and disco to follow. L to R: Seamus Barry (Chairman Fethard Ballroom), Eileen Frewen, Sean O'Donovan, Anne Nevin and Michael O'Rahilly.

Fethard Ballroom will again be the focus of the dancing fraternity from Tipperary and further afield when they host their Festive ‘Christmas Cracker’ Dance on Sunday, December 29, featuring Gina and The Champions, and radio star ‘Ronan Collins, who appears as a special guest on the night. The committee are looking forward to a huge crowd and proceeds will go towards the Ballroom’s ongoing renovation programme, which now makes it one of the most popular dancing venues in the county.

All are invited to come along and tickets are now on sale at Fethard Post Office (052) 6131217 and from Marion’s Clonmel at Tel: (052) 6123813. There will also be a Bar Extension on the night followed by a Disco with ‘Mad Mike’ who was extremely popular the last time he played in Fethard! Tickets cost €25 each.

Christmas Cracker fundraiser for Fethard Ballroom featuring Gina & The Champions with special guest Ronan Collins on Sunday, December 29, at 8pm. Tickets €25 available from Fethard Post Office (052) 6131217 and Marions Clonmel (052) 6123813 or online at www.eventbrite.ie Bar Extension with Disco with 'Mad Mike' to follow.

Sacrament of Reconciliation at the Abbey
The annual celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the Christmas season will take place in the Augustinian Abbey on Saturday December 21, at 7.30pm during the vigil mass. Sinners are welcome.

Christmas Carol Service at the Abbey
The annual Christmas Carol Service at the Augustinian Abbey will take place on Sunday, December 15, at 6pm. The service will feature Fethard Choral Society along with the children’s choir from Holy Trinity National School. Additionally, we will have the Drangan Junior Trad Group making their first appearance at the service. All are invited and very welcome to come along and join us in this annual seasonal event.

Augustinian Abbey Novena Christmas Cards
Christmas Cards for the Annual Christmas Novena are available after all masses and at the Abbey House.

Santa lights up Fethard for Christmas

Waiting patiently for Santa to arrive in Fethard on Friday, December 6, are L to R: Tommy Maunsell, Mason Doyle, Saoirse Maunsell, Caoimhe Maunsell and Layla Doyle.

On Friday last, children came from far and near to welcome Santa to Fethard, where he and his many helpers took time to say hello to all his visitors and listen to their singing before switching on the festive lights on the Christmas tree on The Square.


Boys photographed on the Square Fethard waiting for Santa to arrive.

Santa made his way to his grotto at Fethard Convent Community Hall, to give children the opportunity to tell him their wishes’ for Christmas and meet some of his favourite friends, including Minnie and Mikey Mouse, who accompanied him on his sleigh during his visit to Fethard. While people waited for their turn to meet Santa they were entertained by the fantastic ‘Giggles’ group in the hall along with music and refreshments.


Santa arriving at The Square Fethard with his two friends, Minnie and Mikey Mouse

Santa was also delighted with those who helped one of his favourite charities, Temple Street Children’s Hospital, by putting a small donation in the available buckets in the hall.


Helping to distribute free treats for the children who came to greet Santa in Fethard are L to R: Sadhbh Morrissey, Eoin Kelly and Emma Lyons.


Santa photographed with some happy children on The Square Fethard on Friday, December 6.

Carol Service at Holy Trinity Church of Ireland
The annual Carol Service will take place in Holy Trinity Church of Ireland on Sunday, December 22, at 7.30pm. Canon Fryday and the congregation extend a warm welcome to everyone who would like to listen to the Christmas story by listening to the selected readings and singing the much loved carols that help to celebrate the festive season. The Fethard Choral Group under the direction of Ann Barry will also attend. Refreshments will be served after the service organised by Heather Bailey. We would love to see you there.

Well done Neilie
Congratulations to Neilie Hall who raised €2,664 for South Tipperary Hospice in the recent Dublin City Marathon. Neilie, from St. Patrick’s Place, Fethard, has run the Dublin City Marathon every year since 1996. Since he first started running the marathon, he has raised a total of well over €40,000 for South Tipperary Hospice Movement. Well done Neilie.

Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on Sunday, December 15, to the music of ‘Peter Burke’. All are welcome to come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment and social dancing from 9pm to midnight. Admission is €10, which includes tea and cakes. For further information or for booking the ballroom, contact Eileen Coady, Tel: 086 0776420, Email: eileencoady@hotmail.com

'The Tarantula and The Frog' coming to The Abymill

The short film, 'The Tarantula and The Frog', will be screened in the Abymill Theatre, Fethard on Wednesday, December 18, at 8pm. This will be your last chance to see this little gem before it goes to the film festivals. This short film by Brian Clancy, is produced by the Fionn MacCumhaill Players and directed by Anne Williamson, has it all –laughs, great acting and drama at its best. Tickets are just €10, so come along for a chat and get-together before Christmas.

Christmas Floral Demonstration
A big thank you to everyone who attended and supported the recent Christmas Floral Demonstration in Slievenamon Golf Club. Mandy from Fethard Flowers did a wonderful job of showing us lots of beautiful floral arrangements which really impressed us all. All the money raised will be given to a local charity.

Christmas Craft Fair a great success

Photographed at the Craft Fair at FHC Experience are L to R: Jorg Mille, his wife Sandra Mille and Louis Doyle.

This year's Christmas Craft Fair at the FHC Experience was a great success. With eighteen stalls in attendance, it was our largest fair to date. A diverse range of stalls were in attendance, selling a variety of crafts, antiques and baked goods to suit all tastes and ages. Included among them were students from the Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School and from the Killusty National School. Local groups were well represented with a stall from the Fethard ICA and individuals from the Country Markets also in attendance.


Photographed at the Craft Fair at FHC Experience are Back L to R: Colette Shelly, Ella Shelly. Front L to R: Katie O'Brien and Anna Shelly.

A raffle in aid of the Fethard Critical Illness Fund was held and just over five hundred euro was raised to support this vital local charity. Our thanks to those who donated prizes and to Anna Cooke and Catherine Britton who tirelessly sold tickets throughout the day.

An additional thank you to all the stall holders who made this event such a success and to the attendees who came out to support small local businesses this Christmas.


Photographed at the Craft Fair at FHC Experience are L to R: Jackie Leigh and Anna Condon.

The Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School will be back at the FHC Experience this Friday, December 13, for a coffee morning and some carol singing, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. We hope to see you there.

Fethard & District Day Care Centre
The Fethard & District Day Care Centre are holding a Senior Day on Friday, December 13, from 10am. The chiropodist will be in attendance. All seniors welcome.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors in Fethard & District areas who support our Christmas Bazaar, Table Quizzes, Church Gate Collections and Pink Cycle. We would also like to thank our staff, volunteers and committee who work to make the centre a success. Last, but not least, we would like to thank our clients who attend the centre. We wish all a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Sports Achievement Award winner for November

Mary Godfrey (left), representing the selection committee, presenting Sinead Delahunty with the Butler's Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for the month of November. Also included is proprietor, Philip Butler.

The winner of the Butler’s Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for November was Sinead Delahunty, Castlehiggins, Fethard. Sinead completed an amazing season playing senior ladies football with her Foxrock/Cabinteely club in Dublin, who finished 2019 Dublin Senior Cup Champion; 2019 Dublin Senior Club Champions (5 in a row); 2019 Leinster Senior Club Champions (5 in a row), first team to ever achieve this; and 2019 Division 1 League champions. In 2008, Sinead played at corner-back for Tipperary Ladies Football team when they won their first ever All-Ireland intermediate final.


Mary Godfrey (right), representing the selection committee, presenting the 'Mentor of the Month' Award to Mia Treacy, coach with St. Rita's Camogie Club.

Mia Treacy was presented with the ‘Mentor of the Month’ award for her twenty-year involvement with St. Rita’s Camogie Club. St. Rita’s won their first county title in 1999 when Mia was a player on that team. Mia now coaches the current camogie team that repeated the club’s county success this year, winning their second county Senior Camogie title for St. Rita’s.

Mia’s other interest is horse racing and with their family horse, ‘Fethard Player’, was in the winner’s enclosure four times, winning in Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown.

This month’s awards were sponsored by Heineken and were presented on Friday night last at Butlers Bar. Nominations for the December award are now being taken and can be handed in to Butler’s Bar.

Community Games Cross-Country


Sons of former Fethard competitors, Richie Hayes and Richie Butler, finished 1st and 2nd in the u10 boys cross country event in Thurles. Toby Hayes had an amazing run to take gold for Powerstown Lisronagh area with Tom Butler winning silver for Drangan Cloneen area, out of a total of 19 competitors. The parents of both now reside just outside the Fethard Killusty parish boundary so honours go to our neighbouring areas. Well done boys.

Tom Butler was keeping up the family tradition.
Our president Breda Christie founded the games in Tipperary, along with Brother Joyce, back in 1969. She then brought Tom Butler from Coolanure, Fethard, into the fold. Tom did wonderful work at area, county, munster and national level over the years. Tom is still the country patron even though unable to attend events he knows everything that goes on. He still enjoys a close friendship with Breda Christie.

Over the years his children and grandchildren all participated in the games. Tom Junior is the most recent to join the ranks. He already has an athletics medal under his belt and his grandparents, Tom and Mary, and Parents Richie and Helen are very proud of him.

Athletes from Fethard were among those who competed at the first national finals in Santry Stadium, Dublin in 1970. Richard Fallon, Main Street, was a member of U12 boys relay team that won gold medals. Silver medal won by Conor Lonergan, The Square U14 long jump and Pierce Dillon, Main Street, competed in U10 Athletics.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto extra draw for ‘Christmas Turkeys and Hams’
The numbers drawn on Wednesday, December 4, were: 1, 20, 22 and 32. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winner, so the following three drawn tickets won €50 each: William Grant, Barrack Street, Fethard; Andrea Carroll, c/o Lonergans; and Noreen Allen, Cashel Road, Fethard. The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Patsy Lawrence, Woodvale Walk, Fethard; Liam O'Sullivan, Cois Falla, Fethard; and Marie & Michael Allen, Allen's Butchers.

Winners of Hams in the Christmas Special Draw were: Billy Lee, The Green, Fethard; Esther Breen, Barrack Street, Fethard; and Daniella Sabatini, Main Street, Fethard.

Winners of Turkeys in the Christmas Special Draw were: Darren O'Donohoe, Monkstown, Cork; Edwina Newport, Chapel Lane, Fethard; and Nora O'Meara, c/o Friendship Club.

Next week we will also continue our Special Christmas for Hams and Turkeys and on Wednesday, December 18, we will also include ten €50 ‘Lucky Dip’ free draws. This will also be our last draw until the New Year and we sincerely thank all our supporters over the past year for your on-going support. All proceeds go towards community projects in Fethard. The Jackpot is €10,000 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €1,000.

GAA Sports Development Lotto
The numbers drawn on Friday, December 6, were: 1, 18, 23 and 27. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘match three’ winner. One Lucky Dip winner received €50: Mary Keyes, Clonmel, and two Lucky Dip winners received €25: Joan O'Donohoe, Moyglass; and Bernadette McManus, Burke Street, Fethard.

The next draw takes place on Friday, December 13, in Burke’s Bar at 7.30pm, when the jackpot is €24,400 and the seller's 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.

Senior Girls’ Volleyball Team reach All-Ireland Final

Patrician Presentation Secondary School senior girls’ volleyball team who qualified for the All-Ireland final which will will be played in UCD this coming Thursday, December 12. Best of Luck girls!

Congratulations to Patrician Presentation Secondary School senior girls’ volleyball team and to their coach and mentor Ms Walsh for reaching an All-Ireland final. The girls won both of their sets in their semi-final. The final will be played in UCD this coming Thursday, December 12. We wish everybody involved the very best of luck. Congratulations also to our cadette boys’ team and to their coach and mentor Mr McGree on winning their recent match and for progressing to an All-Ireland semi-final. It’s a great achievement for all involved.

CSPE Talk

Councillor Máirín McGrath pictured with Ms McKeogh and her Second Year CSPE class and School Principal Mr Pat Coffey.

Many thanks to Councillor Máirín McGrath who recently spoke to Ms McKeogh’s Second Year CSPE class. The class were very engaged in listening to Máirín’s work as a councillor and of all that is involved with both political life and the political system.

Coffee Morning in Fethard Horse Country Experience
The students of Patrician Presentation Secondary School will host a coffee morning in aid of both ‘Meals on Wheels’ and school funds, in Fethard Horse Country Experience, Main Street Fethard this Friday, December 13, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. The school’s choir will be performing at the event. Please come along if you are free to support this event.

Bunny Hop back at Fethard Convent Community Hall
Bunny Hop, Music and Movement for babies to four-year-olds is returning to Fethard, starting in January at Fethard Convent Community Hall.

To book for January please contact Nicola 087 6742401 or by email: nicola@bunnyhop.ie. Parents, Grandparents and childminders all welcome. Bunny Hop classes an idea for Christmas gift. 

Emigrants’ Newsletter now on sale

Helping with the packing and posting of this year's Fethard & Killusty Emigrant's Newsletter on Thursday, December 5, were Back L to R: Monica Hickey, Johnny Burke, Brud Roche, Ian O’Connor, Rory Walsh. Front L to R: Carol Kenny, Mary Healy, Margaret Walsh, Margaret O’Donnell and Michael Kenrick.

Fethard & Killusty Emigrants Newsletter is now available for sale in the following local shops at €12 each, Centra Supermarket (The Green), Daybreak Supermarket (Kerry Street), Fethard Horse Country (Town Hall, Main Street), Annie’s Grocery (Burke Street), Butler's Off License and Post Office (Main Street). Copies will also be posted this weekend to Fethard emigrants living throughout the world.

We take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported the newsletter with donations and help throughout the year that help to make this annual publication possible. The Annual Newsletter is celebrating 60 Years this year and has been posted free of charge to emigrants ever since it first started in 1959.


Shane Kenny with his band of helpers ready to help pack and post this year’s Emigrant’s Newsletter. L to R: Keavy Condon, Ria Kenny , Holly Kenny and Romy Condon.

Fethard ICA December Meeting
Fethard ICA will hold their December meeting on Tuesday, December 10, at 8pm, in the ICA Hall on Rocklow Road, Fethard. Catering in charge of the ‘yellow group’. New members are very welcome.

Fethard Senior Citizens’ Christmas Raffle winners
On Sunday, December 1, Fethard Senior Citizens Club enjoyed their annual Christmas party in The Anner Hotel. Thank you to our loyal supporters who purchase raffle tickets each year. The following were the lucky winners;

• 1st: €200, Nora O’Meara, St. Patrick’s Place, Fethard.
• 2nd: €100, Hanna McGarry, Tirry Park, Fethard.
• 3rd: Christmas cake & Bottle of Whiskey, Carrie Kavanagh, c/o Coolmore Stud.
• 4th: Bottle of Whiskey & Bottle of Sherry, Patti Thompson, St. Patrick’s Place, Fethard.
• 5th: Tin of Biscuits, Darragh Callanan, Ballyfoyle, Co. Kilkenny.

The committee appreciate the generosity of the local businesses who kindly donate spot prizes for our Christmas celebration.

Coffee Morning for Hope Foundation at Clonacody House

Ellie Devaney is currently fundraising for the Hope Foundation and to reach her fundraising target she is holding a coffee morning and festive treats. at Clonacody house, Fethard, on December 16, from 9am to 2pm. Ellie would greatly appreciate your support for her trip to Kolkata by coming along on Monday, December 16.

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

Some 'seasonal fun' with photographs taken on December 14. 2002, at Burke's Bridge Bar's annual 'Hat Party' in aid of the CRC Santa Bear Appeal. The event was co-ordinated by Marianne Shortall and usually held after the Pheasant Pluckers Carol Singing on the streets of Fethard in aid of the same cause.


Photographed at the Christmas Hat Party run at the Bridge Bar on December 14, 2002, in aid of the CRC Santa Bear Appeal are L to R: Seamus Maher, Martin O'Shea and John Shortall.


L to R: Philomena Shea, Phil Shea, Brendan Morrissey and Joan Carroll photographed at the Christmas Hat Party run at the Bridge Bar Fethard in aid of the CRC Santa Bear Appeal.


Brothers Martin Ryan and John Ryan wearing their 'Christmas Hat Trick' hat at the Christmas Hat Party.


L to R: Gerry Fogarty, Mary Fogarty and Annette O’Donovan at the Christmas Hat Party.


L to R: Andy O’Donovan, Sheila O'Donovan and Helena O’Shea.


Richard Cummins and Kay Walsh (Grangemockler).


Emma Morrissey and Edwina Newport at the Christmas Hat Party run at the Bridge Bar Fethard in aid of the CRC Santa Bear Appeal. December 14, 2002.


L to R: John and Alice Bourke, Nicky Sullivan and John Slattery.


L to R: Maree Moclair, Maureen Maher and Rita Kenny.


Michael Heverin and his wife Ann (Shortall)


Liam Cooney and Marianne Shortall (Hat Party Co-ordinator)


L to R: Davy Tobin and Alice Tobin, Jane O'Dwyer and T.J. Tobin.


Marian Gilpin and Johnny O’Connor


Alfie O'Flynn and organiser Marianne Shortall


Mark Tynan and his wife Liz (Thompson)


Photographed at the Christmas Hat Party run at the Bridge Bar Fethard in aid of the CRC Santa Bear Appeal are L to R: Austin O'Flynn, Janneke and Bert van Dommelen. December 14, 2002.


Bill Kennedy with his entry 'Present Time' at the Christmas Hat Party run at the Bridge Bar Fethard in aid of the CRC Santa Bear Appeal.


Liz Newport and John Fogarty at the Christmas Hat Party


Ann Heverin with her brother John Shortall.


Alfie O’Flynn sitting at the bar with Jonathan Gilpin.

For Facebook members, many of these photos are also published on Fethard Faces and Places from the Past page. This Facebook page is used for sharing old Fethard photographs with members of the group and is open to anyone interested in joining.

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 fethardnews@gmail.com or delivered by hand to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard.