Died Recently
The death has occurred on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, of Rena Kelly (née Purcell), late of Anne Street, Clonmel and formerly, Jossestown, Fethard. Rena, predeceased by her beloved husband Dr John A Kelly, sister Ella, brothers Cha, Frank and Tom, her nephews Gerard and Derek and great-grandson Freddie, will be sadly missed by her daughters Trisha and Ursula, her sons John D and Paul, her brothers Toby and Ger, her sisters-in-law, daughters-in-law Breda and Linda, sons-in-law Geoffrey and Tom, grandchildren Paul, Ian, David, Luke, John Jnr, Sarah, Peter, James, David, Isobel and Nicholas, great-grandchildren Ben, Ollie, Daíre, Callum, Olivia, Caragh, Rián, Megan and Grace, extended family and friends. Rest In Peace.

Reposing at Fennessy's Funeral Home this Thursday, January 8, evening from 5pm to 7pm with removal to St. Mary's church Irishtown on Friday morning for Requiem Mass on arrival at 12 noon. Funeral immediately afterwards to Powerstown cemetery. Those who would like to leave a message of sympathy online can do so by CLICKING HERE Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu of flowers to South Tipperary Hospice Movement in Memory of Rena Kelly (née Purcell).

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Monday, January 5, 2026, of Matt Kennedy, Morton Place, Clonmel, and late of The Bungalow, Kickham Street, Clonmel, peacefully in Tipperary University Hospital. Matt, predeceased by his parents Mattie and Peggy, is sadly missed by his daughter Rebecca, grandson Darragh, son-in-law Grant, sister Sandra, brothers Pat, Bill and John, sisters-in-law Honora and Liz, brother-in-law Pat, nephews, nieces, relatives and all his friends.

Reposing at John O’Donoghue & Sons Funeral Home, Kickham Street, Clonmel (E91 PK19) on Wednesday evening from 5pm to 7pm. Requiem Mass on Thursday at 1pm in S.S. Peter & Paul’s Church, Clonmel, followed by burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Clonmel.

Messages of condolence for the family cam be left online by CLICKING HERE   May Matt Rest in Peace.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Monday, December 29, 2025, of Thomas 'Tom' Purcell, Burke Street, Fethard, peacefully at Tipperary University Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Tom, beloved husband, father and grandfather, pre-deceased by his parents Tom and Nellie Purcell, Jossestown, Fethard, his brothers Frank and Charlie, and his sister Ella. Tom will be sadly missed by his loving wife Eileen, his much loved daughters Elaine, Yvonne, Trisha and Biddy, sons Barry, Davie, Tommy and Mike, his sister Rena, brothers Toby and Ger, and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, sons-in-law Clive and Hakan, daughters-in-law Sarah, Lizzy, Ciara and Rhoda, Trisha's partner John, his grandchildren Ben, Emma, Bobby, Billy, Bonnie, Ella, Adem, Roisin, Maeve, Lily Mai, Tom and Liam, nieces, nephews, relatives, great neighbours and friends. Messages of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE

Tom will repose at McCarthy's Funeral Home on Thursday, January 1, 2026, from 5pm with removal at 7.30pm to arrive at the Augustinian Abbey Church, Fethard, at 8pm. Funeral Mass on Friday at 11am followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. House private. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu to Tipperary University Hospital. May he rest in peace.

Christmas Ceremonies in Fethard Parish
Holy Trinity Parish Church

• Christmas Eve Mass will be at 6pm
• Christmas Day Mass at 11am.

Killusty Church,

• Christmas Eve Mass at 7pm
• Christmas Day Mass at 10am.

Augustinian Abbey

•  Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, Vigil Mass will commence with Carols from 8pm, followed by Mass at 8.30pm.
• Christmas Day, December 25, mass will be celebrated at 9am and 12 noon.

Holy Trinity Church of Ireland

• Christmas Day, Thursday December 25, a Holy Communion service will be taken by Archdeacon John Murray at 9.30am. Organist. James Clooney. All welcome to attend.

Peppardstown House – A Timeless 18th Century Retreat


Peppardstown House is a beautifully restored 18th century residence, located just 6km from Fethard, Co. Tipperary. Steeped in history and surrounded by peaceful countryside, the house offers an elegant and private setting for unforgettable stays.

Ideal for small, intimate weddings, family celebrations, or special occasions, Peppardstown House combines period charm with modern comfort, providing a warm and exclusive atmosphere for you and your guests.

To discuss availability or event details, please feel free to give us a call — we’d be delighted to help you plan your stay or celebration. Phone: David 086 385 0726 or Nicola 086 076 2810. Visit our website: peppardstownhouse.ie

Carol Service in Holy Trinity Church of Ireland
Thank you to everyone who attended the Carol Service in Holy Trinity Church of Ireland on Sunday, December 21.  The church was beautifully decorated with seasonal foliage, candles, cones and lights, with a spectacular Christmas tree on the altar. The congregation were greeted with welcoming festive lights as they entered the churchyard, and the congregational singing filled the church with a glorious sound, accompanied on the organ by James Clooney, who also played two solo pieces, Marche Triumphale by Elert and Handel's Hallelujah Chorus.

The evening finished with a fine array of tasty home-baked goods consisting of mince pies, sandwiches, sausages, cakes and buns. A collection was taken and donations totalling €300, which will be given to Fethard Meals-on-Wheels. A wonderful evening to celebrate the season of Christmas, and the parishioners were delighted that so many from the local community were able to join our service. 

GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Sunday, December 21, 2025, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 1, 16, 22 and 31. We had no Jackpot winner and no Match 3 winner. One lucky dip winner received €500: Aimee Smyth. Five Lucky Christmas Dip winners received €100 each: Mikey Smyth, Ruby Kennedy, Ronan Maher, Aoife Morgan, and Crissie O'Meara. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, when the jackpot is €6,800.

Fethard 'Split The Cash' Community Draw


Well done to Johnny Breen for winning this week’s Community ‘Split the Cash’ draw for €180. Ticket was drawn by Michael Morrissey. 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, January 8, 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. Also, we have a scan to pay option. Please remember to fill in all three envelopes if you avail of the 'Three for €5' special offer.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday night, December 28, 2025, dancing to the music of, ‘Noel Brody’.  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.

New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, December 31, dancing to the ever-popular Murial O’Connor and Fran Curry. Welcome in the New Year in good company and great music.

Fethard Players hilarious comedy 'Widow's Paradise' booking now open!


Booking has now opened for Fethard Players production of the hilarious comedy 'Widows' Paradise' by Sam Cree, which will be staged in the Abymill Theatre (E91-A4710) from Monday January 19, to Saturday, January 24, 2026. BOOKING NOW OPEN – the perfect Christmas Gift for theatre lovers!

The play is produced by Marian Gilpin with the following cast; Ann Walsh, Liam O'Connor, Niamh Hayes, P.J. Henehan, Una Kiernan, Shane Kenny, Mary Boland-Prendergast, Lisa Anglim, Owen Healy and Joe Hanley.


Members of the cast photographed at rehearsal are Back L to R: Shane Kenny, P.J. Henehan, Liam O'Connor, Joe Hanley, Owen Healy. Front L to R: Niamh Hayes, Una Kiernan, Ann Walsh, and Mary Boland-Prendergast,. Also in the cast is Lisa Anglim.

The play is set somewhere in an Irish peninsula to which five women travel to stay in a caravan, some trying to get away from their male partners and others hoping to find some.

Died Recently in England
The death has occurred on Saturday, November 29, 2025, after a short illness, of Patricia Looby née O’Halloran, formerly Barrettstown, Fethard. Predeceased by her parents Bill and Norah (née Nagle), siblings Kitty, Michael, Mary (O’Meara), Noreen (Maher) and Claire (Sullivan).

Deeply regretted by John, her husband of 60 years, children Paul, Ray, Majella and Johnny, grandchildren Connor, Ellie and Anthony, extended family Marie, Becky, Sebastian and Raquel, sister Frances (Barnes), brothers and sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, neighbours and wide circle of friends. Messages of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE

Watch Patricia's Funeral Mass above which took place on December 18, 2025, at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church, 111 Portsmouth Road, Frimley, Camberley GU16 7AA, United Kingdom.

Rocklow Medical move to Fethard's new Primary Care Centre at Rocklow Road

Rocklow Medical Centre staff photographed in their new premises situated at Fethard Primary Care Centre Eircode: E91 W6K8. L to R: Dr. Victoria Veitch, Margaret Green, Dr. Kelly, Dr. Linsey Mason, Liza Roche, Sandie Gleeson and Dr. Carmel Condon.

On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, Rocklow Medical Centre moved from its premises at Northgate House to the brand-new facility at Fethard Primary Care Centre, Rocklow Road (Eircode E91 W6K8). It is with a degree of sadness and excitement that we have moved after 31 years. The offices at Northgate have been a place of care, trust and connection for generations of patients and extended families over that number of years.


Rocklow Medical Centre moved from its premises at Northgate House (above) on December 10, 2025, to the brand-new facility at Fethard Primary Care Centre, Rocklow Road (Eircode E91 W6K8)

Leaving a space with so much history is not easy but, this move represents progress and the way forward. Our new medical premises will allow us to continue to offer high quality care in a more modern, comfortable, and accessible surrounding.

This practice was started by myself (Carmel Condon), back in 1984 (I started young!), and this is my fourth change of premises in Fethard town. Fortunately, in 2001 my staff and I were joined by Dr Linsey Mason, and more recently by Dr Niamh Scanlon. Together with our staff we have been lucky to be involved in this new development.

Exterior view of the recently opened Fethard Primary Care Centre at Rocklow Road, Fethard, E91 W6K8. Reception through the center doors.

Fethard Primary Care Centre will incorporate HSE services for the Slieveardagh area, who plan to also move here the near future, and will also include the medical practice of Dr Jaco Oosthuysen. This is a great all-inclusive step for medical care in the Fethard area and guarantees ongoing medical care in our town at a time of doctor shortages.

Personally, I would like to thank our patients, staff and the local community for their loyalty and support over the past 41 years. While our address and facilities may have changed, our dedication to your health and wellbeing remains the same.
I would also like to thank Coolmore Stud and the HSE for pushing this initiative forward and overseeing the completion of this fine building in our town.


Lots of parking spaces available at main entrance on Rocklow Road (road to Moyglass), on the right-hand side after you pass Fethard Town Park and Fethard Parochial House.

I would also like to mention my deceased friend and colleague, Dr Molly Owens, who passed away on December 23, 2023. The plan for this centre was formulated by a group of us back in 2020 as an addition to Fethard Town Park. It is also a tribute to Molly that we now have this great facility to provide excellent medical care to the Fethard area for many years to come. – (Carmel Condon)

Died Recently in England
The death has occurred in England on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the age of 97, of  Joan Davin-Looby (née Goldsborough), Burgh Heath, Epsom Downs, Surrey, UK and formerly of Main Street, Fethard.

Predeceased by her husband Dennis, parents Hal and Nan Goldsborough, her sisters Mary Goldsborough and Margaret O'Neill and her niece Anne Connolly. Deeply regretted by her nephews and niece, relatives and friends.

Funeral Service will take place in St. Anne's Church, Banstead, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 1pm followed by burial in All Saints Cemetery. Messages of condolence can be left online by CLICKING HERE.

Crib donated to Fethard Community

The Friars of the Franciscan Church, Clonmel, very kindly donated their beautiful crib to the Fethard and Killusty Community Council, following the closure of the Friary in Clonmel, The crib is currently on display in Henehan's window on The Square, Fethard.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Friars of the Franciscan Church, who very kindly donated their beautiful crib to the Fethard and Killusty Community Council

Following the closure of the Friary in Clonmel we sent a letter to the Franciscan Order asking if they would consider Fethard as a home for their crib, and we were delighted and honoured by their generosity in accepting our request.

This year, the crib is on display in Mrs Anna Henehan’s shop window on The Square. Plans are already underway to construct a suitable frame for the crib, and by next year it will be securely placed in the town Square for everyone to enjoy.

This week's Tipp Echo Free Paper available Online
Read this week's or back issues of the Tipp Echo newspaper online by clicking here. You can read local news and sports from the surrounding districts and also view Recollections from 2002 photographs from the past, and local Fethard News


Recollections from 2002 click image above to view online.

Fethard & Killusty Emigrant’s Newsletter Now on Sale


This year’s Fethard & Killusty Emigrant’s Newsletter is now on sale in local shops from Wednesday, December 10, available at the following shops: Kenny’s Centra Supermarket; Daybreak Supermarket (Kerry Street), and Fethard Post Office (Main Street). Newsletters have also been posted today, free of charge, to our Fethard & Killusty family members and friends living away from home this Christmas and on our mailing list.

We take this opportunity to thank everyone who submitted articles and photographs this year; our crew of voluntary helpers who helped with postage and packing, our local shops who stock and sell the Newsletters locally, and especially all those living at home and away, who make generous annual donations, that help in no small way to make this annual publication possible – now it its 66th year. We wish all our readers a very Happy Christmas and healthy New Year and sincerely for your ongoing support.

Fethard Time Travel Local History Course


The Fethard Historical Society recently hosted the aptly named Fethard Time Travel Local History Course. This was a first for the society in the thirty-seven years of its existence and was undertaken with a certain amount of trepidation. Would anyone be interested? How many people would come? Would they be interested enough to keep coming over seven nights? A major consideration was the fact that all the lectures, bar one, would be delivered by society members. Would they have enough content to make the undertaking viable?

On the first night, Terry Cunningham and Colm McGrath established a timeline for Fethard from 14,000 BC up to the late 1900s and all subsequent lectures were given within that context. Topics covered included the archaeology and mythology of Slievenamon, the Christian era as exemplified by Derrynaflan, medieval Fethard, Crampscastle tower house, the Fethard Medieval Statues, Cromwell and Fr. William Tirry OSA.

The only outside guest speaker was Dr. Noreen Higgins McHugh who spoke about the Aftermath of 1798 Rising, Ireland 1800-1840. Pat O’Donnell gave the final lecture which gave a personal account of one family’s experience of, and response to, events in Ireland post the War of Independence.

On the last night, the lecture was followed by a Christmas tea party, featuring a fun quiz, in the convivial surroundings of the newly refurbished Community Café, which will open to the public in the Tirry Centre in January 2026.

The local history course was a resounding success overall, and it also informed participants as to what the Fethard Historical Society is all about. Terry Cunningham, Chairman, informed the new members that they can suggest further local topics for research and, even better, they can follow up those topics themselves, if they so wish, with the help and encouragement of the long-term members of the society.

New members are always welcome, the annual membership fee is only €10 and the Fethard Historical Society can be contacted on fethard@history.com

Fethard & Killusty Community Council's 'Split The Cash' Lotto Draw


Well done to Amanda and Cathal Brett for winning this week’s Community ‘Split the Cash’ draw for €218.55. Ticket was drawn by Tom Cahill. 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, December 11. 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. Also, we have a scan to pay option. Please remember to fill in all three envelopes if you avail of the 'Three for €5' special offer.

One Final Push for Fethard’s Christmas Lights


A huge thank you to everyone who supported the Festival and Tractor Run last weekend. Your generosity has brought us so close to reaching our goal. We have just €1,335 left to raise. The town looks magical, and with one last community push we can reach the finish line. Any contribution, big or small, will help us light up Fethard for the season. A huge thank you to all our amazing sponsors so far.

You can donate online here: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/FethardLights

Many thanks and Happy Christmas,
The Fethard Business and Tourism Group.

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in the Parish Lotto on Thursday, December 18, 2025. The numbers drawn were 4, 8, 9, and 11. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Frances Harrington. The winners of our local ‘Must Win’ prizes were: Una Kiernan €500 and Paul Trehy €500.

The winners of the ‘National Christmas Giveaway Competition’ were Norma Healy (Kerry) – A Disneyland Paris €5,000 holiday; Lynsey Cullen (Dublin) – Your Christmas Covered  €3,000 cash prize; Mairead Foody (Sligo) – A Mondello Park Adrenaline Supercar Experience for two; Caroline McGowan (Leitrim) – Take That ‘The Circus Live’ - two Premium tickets; and Marie O'Donnell (Limerick) – A Luxury Christmas Hamper.

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

Big Picture: Holy Year Cross Slievenamon 1950s

This photograph was the second pilgrimage to Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon taken on June 29, 1951, and we've had many requests to identify some of those in the photograph while we still have people with us that can. If you are one of those, please email us at: fethardnews@gmail.com and send us your valuable information, using the number on photograph along with the name of the person you recognise. We will publish same at a later stage as we receive them.

You can zoom in closer to see more detail by clicking the photograph to zoom-in, and double-clicking the photograph to zoom-out or use the controls when you hover at the bottom of the photograph. If you can help with names or further information please let us know. Your comments, names or corrections are always welcome to: fethardnews@gmail.com

A Summary of the names received (including duplicates) Latest information received is from Margaret O'Donnell Briggs, who told us that Monica’s brother Tom carried the cross up with others and kept the light on. Also that No. 6 is Tom Carroll from Carroll's pub near the Abbey, and Monica Kane, Killusty Village (married name was O'Donnell).
Miceál McCormack recoginised N0 24 as Bidden Brown .

001 - Garda Dan Evans, Congress Terrace
004 - Bridget Penfold (née Darcy) 1912-1991
004 - Nora O’Shea Quartercross
005 - Hannah Darcy (née Curran) mother of Jim Darcy
006 - Tom Carroll, Carroll's Pub, Burke Street
007 - Pat Byrne Claremore
008 - Tommy O'Connell, Main Street
009 - ? Pollard
010 - Johnny Sheehan?
011 - Mick Kearney
013 - Jim Corr, Cappadrummin  (died 1954 aged just 53)
013 - Tim Tierney, Burke Street
015 - John (Jack) Corr (possibly a brother of Jim}
021 - Mrs Phil Darcy Killusty
022 - Nora Evans, Congress Terrace
024 - Bidden Brown
025 - Connie Ryan Killurney
025 - Jim Kenny Grove (young adult)
026 - Jack Sprig Nagle Tinrush
027 - Pa Gleeson Cloran
032- Monica Kane, Killusty Village (married name O'Donnell)
034 - Sheehan ?
038 - Tommy Pollard Quartercross
044 - Alice O'Neill (née Dunne)
048 – Byrne ?
049 - Mick Halpin Killusty South
051 – Babe Ann McLellan, Main Street
052 - Possibly one of the McLennan boys
053 - Mrs Sergeant Byrne, Main Street
054 - Jim Darcy Killusty South
059 - Joe Ryan, Roebucksland, Fethard.
060 - Dolly Ryan, Roebucksland, Fethard.
065 - Mary Barnable Hill Wall
066 - May Lonergan (helper to Mary Barnable).

Faces and Places from the Past
This week we have a variety of old photographs from our files with little or no information. Maybe someone out there will be able to help. 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

Roseann Carroll presenting the Fethard Juvenile GAA Club with tops at the club's annual party held in the Tirry Centre, Barrack Street on Saturday 4th February, 2006. L to R: Ann Fleming, Caroline Sheehan, Michael Aherne, Rosanne Carroll, P.J. Aherne, Brian Delahunty, John Hurley, Dick Egan (South Juvenile Board Chairman) and Tommy Sheehan.


Fethard Juvenile GAA members photographed at the club's party and presentation of medals held in the Tirry Centre on Saturday 4th February, 2006.


St. Patrick's Boys School Fethard team who won the junior section of the Credit Union Regional Quiz held in Fethard Ballroom on February 3, 2006. L to R: Charlie Manton, Brian Healy, Tommy Anglim and Niall Doocey.


One of Cloneen National School teams that participated in the Credit Union Regional Quiz held in Fethard Ballroom on February 3, 2006. L to R: Niamh Fitzgerald, Hannah Daly, Jessica Hearne and Jane Fitzgerald.

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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