Community Awareness Night – a great success!

Guest speakers at the Community Awareness Evening held on Tuesday, February 17, at the Convent Community Hall. L to R: John Leahy, Drug Education Officer HSE; local lady Tracey Lawrence, who spoke about her personal journey to recovery; and Joe Leahy, founder C-Saw Suicide Awareness Group.

What an incredible turnout Fethard & Killusty Community Council had at their Community Awareness Evening held on Tuesday, February 17, when the Convent Community Hall was absolutely packed! A huge thank you to everyone who came along to support such an important and meaningful evening focused on awareness around drink, drugs, and suicide. These conversations are not always easy, but they are so necessary.
We would like to sincerely thank our three fantastic speakers: John Leahy, Drug Education Officer HSE; Joe Leahy, founder C-Saw Suicide Awareness Group and special guest local lady Tracey Lawrence, who spoke about her personal journey to recovery. Each speaker delivered powerful and informative talks, and we are so grateful for the honesty and insight they shared.


Guest speaker Tracey Lawrence (right) photographed with her supportive daughter Ava, after receiving a special boquet of flowers.

A very special mention to Tracey. We cannot praise her enough for speaking so openly and bravely about her road to recovery. Tracey's courage, honesty, and strength was truly inspiring. You should be incredibly proud of yourself – you were absolutely amazing. Tracey’s daughter Ava was there to support her mam, and the incredible strong bond between mother and daughter was very obvious on the night.

Tracey made the following comments afterwards:“If you had asked me two-and-a-half years ago to speak in the Convent Hall, Fethard, alongside John Leahy and Joe Leahy, I would of said, ‘not a hope’. But this is one of the joys of ‘recovery’ – it gives you your confidence back, along with the determination to help others."
“What a great evening on Tuesday, raising awareness surrounding addiction and suicide. I was very grateful to be a part of it. Thanks to Pamela Sweeney, John Leahy and Joe Leahy who all made me feel so welcome, and thanks for the beautiful bouquet of flowers I received – it made my night  – it’s not often I say it, but I'm proud of myself!"

Thanks again to everyone who attended and supported this community awareness event. Together, by raising awareness and having these important conversations, we can continue to support and strengthen our community in Fethard.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, of Paul Ronan, Glengaddy (formerly Rocklow), Fethard, peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at the Bon Secours Hospital, Cork, on February 18th 2026.

Devoted husband of Jane, proud father of Jennifer, Paul, Kim and Mark and cherished 'Grumps' to his two grandsons. Adored son of Dorothy and the late Thomas, and treasured brother of Pamela, Rosemary, Dorothy and Thomas. Deeply missed by his extended family, former colleagues and countless friends. May he rest in peace. Donations in lieu of flowers to Irish Cancer Society in memory of Paul Ronan

Removal to Holy Trinity Parish Church, Main Street, Fethard, (E91 FD85) on Friday, February 20, 2026, where he will repose between 5pm and 7pm. Messages of condolence can be left online by CLICKING HERE

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday night, March 1, 2026, dancing to the music of, ‘Brian McDermott’.  All are welcome to come along and enjoy a terrific night’s social dancing from 8.30pm to 11.30pm. Admission is €10, which includes refreshments.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Sunday, February 15, 2026, of Tina Kenny, Harbour View, Glengarriff, Co Cork and formerly of Fethard, Co Tipperary, peacefully at Cork University Hospital. Tina will be sadly missed by her partner John Downey, her daughter Jessica and son Arron, her parents Brendan and Mary, sisters Monica and Linda, brothers Shane and Brian, grandchildren Ashton, Ayda and Sofia, uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives and friends.

Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Thursday February 19th from 5pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass in the Augustinian Abbey Church , Fethard, on Friday, February 20, at 12 noon followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Tina's Mass can be watched online at www.fethardabbey.com Messages of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE May Tina rest in peace.

Fethard & Killusty Community Games AGM
Fethard & Killusty Community Games will hold their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 7.30pm in the Tirry Community Centre, Barrack Street. All are welcome to come along.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, of Margaret Croke, Willowbrook Lodge Nursing Home, and late of St Patrick's Place, Fethard, peacefully in the care of the staff of Tipperary University Hospital.

Predeceased by her husband Paddy. Deeply regretted by her family, sons Thomas and Patrick and her daughter Mairéad, stepdaughters Marie, Martina and Dorothy, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers Connie and Joe, sister-in-law Josie, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Margaret's Funeral will take place in the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard at 11am on Thursday, February 19, 2026 followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. The funeral service can be watched online at parishchurch.net

Messages of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE Sincere thanks to all the staff in Willowbrook Lodge Nursing Home for all the care Margaret received over the years. May she rest in peace.

Fethard 'Split The Cash' Community Draw

CLICK HERE 
to enter the next draw online!

Congratulations to Johnny Breen (3rd time winner) who won this week’s Community ‘Split the Cash’ draw for €217. Ticket was drawn by Mark Sullivan. Thank you to everyone who supports our weekly draw. All money raised from this draw will be used to benefit our town.

Our next draw takes place on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Envelopes are €2 each or 3 for €5 and are available at the Tirry Community Centre, Kennys Centra Fethard, Lonergan's Bar, Fethard, and Butlers Off Licence, Fethard. CLICK HERE  to play online.

Died Recently in Australia
The deaths have occurred recently in Australia of a brother and sister formerly from Coleman, Fethard. Peter O'Connell (died February 2026) and his sister Mary Hopkins, née O'Connell (died December 2025). Both Mary, in her 97th year, and Peter, in his early eighties, emigrated to Melbourne many years ago but never lost their love for Ireland and in particular the Fethard area. Both travelled home whenever they could, to visit family and friends.

Peter was a great lover of the Fethard and Killusty Emigrants’ Newsletter and, over the years, some of his many photographs appeared in the newsletter. He travelled back nearly every second year and, on his visits, took the opportunity to research his family tree, The amount of information and old photographs he gathered and recorded is amazing. He was rarely seen without a camera in his hand.


O'Connell family from Coleman photographed at a past family reunion. L to R: Mary Hopkins, Tommy O'Connell, Josie (O'Connell) Gildea, Joe O'Connell Margaret Croke, Connie O''Connell, Peter O'Connell and James O'Connell. (missing Nora Heffernan, Jackie O'Connell, KIlsheelan; MIchael O'Connell, Paddy O'Connell, Billy O'Connell.)

A few years ago, on one of his many fact-finding research visits, he went up to the Ryan's former home on Slievenamon This house was next to Pat Maher's home where Maggie Maher, the woman who saved Emily Dickinson' s poetry in America, came from. Mary and Peter were from a large family, some of whom emigrated to England and Australia, while others lived locally.


One of the many interesting photographs that Peter O'Connell supplied to the Fethard & Killusty Newsletter. L to R: Pat Halpin, Quartercross, Josie O'Connell, Coleman, and Nicky O'Shea, Quartercross.

No doubt Peter is busy researching the family tree in his new home. Peter's ashes will be brought home to Fethard later this year, to be interred with his beloved parents, Mick and Ellen O'Connell, in Calvary Cemetery.

GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 19, 25, 26 and 34. We had no Jackpot winner and no Match 3 winner. One lucky dip winner received €100: Leanne, Tom & Aoife. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, February 24, 2025, when the jackpot is €8,400.

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.

Doagh Equestrian Clearance Sale
Doagh Equestrian will hold their 'Pop-Up' Clearance Sale at Fethard Convent Community Hall on Friday, February 27, from 4pm to 7pm, with Bargains Galore available for all interested.

Cuan Aoise Memory Cafe monthly meeting

The next monthly Cuan Aoise Memory Cafe will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 11.30am to 1pm, in Fethard and District Daycare Centre CLG E91 RR94. This is a free event aimed at those living with dementia, their families, friends and carers.  There will be advisers from The Irish DementCafe Network in attendance to offer support and advice. There will also be a guest speaker on the day. 

Tipperariana ‘Book of the Year’ announced

Tipperariana 'Book of The Year 2025' winner was 'Silvermines, A Heritage of Mines and Minors', photographed above with the book's editors, Greg Finnegan and Laura Mc Sherry.

The Tipperariana Book of the Year Award was due to take place in January but, due to unforeseen circumstances, the official presentation had to be deferred until later in the year. However, the Fethard Historical Society was delighted to announce the winners of the award last week and to invite them to the Book Fair. ‘Silvermines, A Heritage of Mines and Miners: Interpreting an Ancient Mining Landscape’, edited by Greg Finnegan and Laura McSherry, is the recipient of the Tipperariana Book of the Year Award 2025. The book is a collection of erudite essays on the geology and history of mining in the Silvermines. It gives a comprehensive insight into the various aspects of that history, is beautifully illustrated throughout and it is an invaluable addition to the Tipperary archives.



This year’s Tipperariana Book Fair, organised by the Fethard Historical Society, took place in Ballroom Fethard on Sunday, February 8, from 12pm to 4.30pm. Once again, the venue was a vibrant hub of energy with a constant stream of visitors from the time the doors opened. The book dealers had turned up in force from across the country, offering a huge range of books from the antiquarian and historical to general interest. The dealers have proved very loyal to the Book Fair down through the years, coming from places as far afield as Armagh, Wexford, West Cork and Dublin.

Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair's 'second hand books stall are L to R: Catherine O'Gorman, Cecily Purcell and Pat Looby.




Photographed at Sean Nugent's GAA Stand at the Tipperariana Book Fair held at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday, February 8, 2026, were L to R: Miceál McCormack, Sean Nugent, Con Hogan and Paul Merrigan.

Mellow piano music courtesy of the accomplished Clonmel musician Eamon O’Malley provided a relaxed background to the activity throughout the hall. The pop-up café, under the skilful management of Joan Looby and Mary O’Sullivan, provided a welcome chance to chat with friends and enjoy the delicious homemade treats on offer. The café was beautifully decorated as usual but, in a delightful touch, for the first time the flower arrangements on each table featured a very apposite book quote.


‘Children’s Corner’ –  where Dani McGrath and her daughter Paola kept the little ones occupied with storytelling and lots of book related activities.

A brand-new feature this year proved very popular with parents and offspring alike – the ‘Children’s Corner’ –  where Dani McGrath and her daughter Paola kept the little ones occupied with storytelling and lots of book related activities. This year, the Fethard Historical Society received a record number of books donated to their second-hand stall, the proceeds of which go to fund the society’s activities during the year. As always, there were lots of bargains to be had and lots of very happy buyers.

L to R: James Ryan, author of 'John O’Mahony’s “INSURRECTION The Insurrection in Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary, South Kilkenny and East Waterford 1848', photographed with author Margaret O’Sullivan holding her book, 'The Lismore estate under William Robert Hood Rochfort,1891-1902, in Counties Cork, Limerick and Tipperary'. Both were in attendance promoting their books published in 2025.


Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair are L to R: Michael Mallon and Michael Croome Carroll.


Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair are L to R: Rosemary Ponsonby and Jean Farrelly.


Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair are L to R: Eamon Keane, Anne Ryan and Joe Ryan.


Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair are L to R: Geraldine Mullins, holding baby Aoibhínn Cuddihy, Liam Harrington and Theresa Harrington.

The organisers were once again delighted to invite Tipperary authors to display their books. The society sees it as an opportunity to support local writers. Julie Kennedy Fogarty from Moyglass brought along her enchanting children’s books, Theresa Jones and Rosemary Joyce offered poetry, while Fitzpatrick printers brought along a selection of historical journals. Also present were Margaret O’Sullivan, ‘The Lismore estate under William Robert Hood Rochfort, 1891-1902 in Counties Cork, Limerick and Tipperary’, James Ryan, ‘Insurrection – The Insurrection in Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary, South Kilkenny and East Waterford 1848’ and the Moycarkey-Borris group with ‘The Oldest of the Old Kriegies’. Susan Imaginario’s ‘Clash of the Tricksters’ and ‘R.A.T.S. The Random Artists of Tipperary’ rounded out the author’s circle.

Well-known radio presenter Eamon O'Dwyer, 'Down Your Way', interviewing Julie Kennedy Fogarty, who was present at the book fair to sign copies of her new book 'The Coolest Pet' and her other children's books published.


Well-known radio presenter Eamon O'Dwyer photographed with Michael Dempsey, Moycarkey Borris Littleton Men’s Shed, holding their recently published book, 'The Oldest Of Old Kriegies', published by Moycarkey-Borris, Littleton Men’s Shed History Group.

Eamon O’Dwyer who presents the ‘Down Your Way’ programme on Tipp FM radio, elected to visit the Book Fair for the third consecutive year to record a selection of those present, including the winners of the Tipperariana Book of the Year Award, members of the Fethard Historical Society, authors, book dealers and members of the public. All Eamon’s programmes are available to listen to online at TippFMRadio YouTube channel.

Photographed at the Information Stand at the Tipperariana Book Fair are L to R: Edwina Newport and Marie Murphy.


Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair are L to R: Catherine Corcoran and Bernie Grant


Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair are L to R: Con Hogan and Paddy Guiney.

Planning for next year’s Tipperariana Book Fair which will take place on Valentine’s Day, Sunday 14th February 14, 2027. It will be the 30th Book Fair so the organisers look forward to hosting a special celebration of what has become known as “the best one-day book fair in Ireland.”

St. Vincent de Paul help?
Confirmation and First Communion ceremonies are just around the  corner. Any parent who needs help with the many expenses of this very special time can contact us by approaching any of our members or texting 085 808 6099 in complete confidence and we will be delighted to help in any way we can.

We wish to thank everybody who donated to our Christmas fundraising and also to the very generous shoppers who donate their change to us in the shops and retail premises We really appreciate your support and help.

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in the Parish Lotto on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The numbers drawn were 6, 8, 18, and 22. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Jennifer Fogarty. Next week's draw takes place on Thursday, February 26, when the Jackpot is €4,775.

We are delighted with the support shown for our Parish Lotto, it is a fundraising initiative that is of great benefit to the parish. Please pass the word on and invite friends and family to take part. You can join, see the draw results, and details of how your support is making a big difference at: https://www.ourfundraiser.ie/org/fethardkillusty

Fethard Bridge Club
The results of our game on January 28 were:

• 1st Nett Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh
• 2nd Nett Geraldine Meagher and Majella Smyth
• 3rd Nett Kathleen Maher and Margaret Slattery
• 1st Gross Anna Cooke and Eileen Frewen
• 2nd Gross Ann O’Dea and Gemma Burke
• 3rd Gross Tony Hanrahan and Billy 0’Sullivan

Bridge continues at 7pm every Wednesday in Fethard Ballroom. New members welcome.

Ballroom Dancing Classes in Fethard Ballroom


What's On Clonmel – weekly guide to entertainment

Welcome to the online version of What’s On Clonmel, your weekly guide to events and entertainment. Find your copy in pubs and shops across town, or subscribe to receive it in your inbox. Now you can also browse and submit events in our interactive calendar!

Fethard’s Oldest Citizen in 1980


This photograph was taken in 1980 for the Fethard & Killusty Emigrants' Newsletter to go with an article 'Fethard’s Oldest Citizen' published below. Pat O’Shea, born in 1888, was Fethard’s oldest citizen in 1980. Pat is photographed above with his wife Kathleen (Farrell) whom he married in 1924. They had four daughters Joanna, Mary, Nellie and Peggy.

Article from the Emigrants' Newsletter published 1980

"Pat O’Shea is Fethard’s Oldest Citizen. Born in 1888, he celebrated his 92nd birthday on September 16, 1979. Pat, stocky and well built, his appearance belying his age, can recall his long life in great detail.

He was born, the fourth child in a family of nine to James O’Shea and his wife Johanna of Curraghscarteen in the parish of Fethard. The oldest of four boys, he remembers that growing up in the latter part of the last century was not easy, especially if you lived in the country.

Having attended Moyglass School where he got a good basic education, he was forced by circumstances to quit school early in life and got work with local farmers to supplement the family income. His father was killed by a cattle-train at Blacksbridge not far from Fethard in 1905 and times got tougher still. That very same year he started work with the railway. He was employed as a plate layer with wages at seventeen shillings and six pence per week. He recalls the paycar arriving from Dublin every fortnight to pay the workmen, who numbered about 60. Fethard station was the headquarters for this large workforce and was a dominating factor in the life of the town. During a strike in 1911 the British Army were forced to replace the men, including the train drivers. However, the strike did not last long and things soon got back to normal.

Pat left the railway in 1914 and joined the British Army - to fight for small nations as he thought. He trained at the Curragh and was shipped to France in 1915. He spent three long years as a Lance-Corporal with the Flying Machine Corps for the duration of the First World War. He took part in all the great battles including the battle of Mons and the battle of Somme. The principal task of his outfit was to launch a barrage on the enemy trenches prior to an assault. Many of his friends did not survive but Pat was more fortunate and came home in 1918. He returned to his old job on the railways.

1919 saw him with the Denis Lacey Flying Colum where he put his vast knowledge of army life at the disposal of his fellow Irishmen in their war against the Black and Tans. He was missing from work on many occasions and was only saved from discovery by the help of a friendly supervisor.

In 1924 Pat married Kathleen Farrell and lived in a house on Rocklow Road prior to moving to his present home in St. Patricks place. He has four daughters Joanna, Mary, Nellie and Peggy. In 1953 he retired and has spent most of his life since then working with local people. The people of Fethard are proud to have Pat O’Shea as their oldest member and wish him many more years of happy life."
–Fethard & Killusty Emigrants Newsletter 1980

Faces and Places from the Past
This week we have a variety of photographs received over 20 years ago from the family album of the late musician Johnny Casey, Cahir, and who formerly lived in the The Valley Fethard, where most of these photographs were taken. We invite people to let us know any names, or any other information that we can add to our files for future generations. If anyone can help us, please do and send any comments, photo information, names, to fethardnews@gmail.com

Johnny Casey celebrating his 21st Birthday


Neighbours Bill Mulligan and Johnny Casey playing some music at The Valley


Group photographed at The Valley L to R: Johnny Casey (father), John Casey, Kit (Catherine) Mackey (mother) and Johnny Mackey (uncle), Mary Cassidy (sister). In front Molly Mackey (grandmother) and child is Eileen Cassidy (niece).


L to R: Johnny Casey (sen), Mary Cassidy, Kit Mackey, Kathleen Jenkins (sister), Johnny Casey. Front: Joan Jenkins, Eileen Cassidy and Kathleen Jenkins.


We think this lady is Maggie O'Brien. She lived in The Valley and died around the time we went to live there in the nineteen-fifties. We eventually moved in to her house which had three bedrooms and a loft and seemed like a palace compared to the one-roomed house we had been living in. It must be a very old photo as she seems much younger than the old lady with a shawl that I remember from around 1955-56, in my pre-school days. I showed it to my mother and she thought it was a young Maggie as well. Wasn't a hundred per cent sure, though. The late Nellie Shortall would probably have remember her more clearly.


Winnie Caplice and Johnny Casey photographed on their wedding day by Justin Nelson on April 23, 1958


Three men ?


Johnny Mackey and John Casey

Please send any comments, photo information, names or stories, to fethardnews@gmail.com

Fethard News for inclusion on this website
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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