Died Recently
The death has occurred on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, of Mary O'Shea, St Patrick's Place, Fethard. Mary is deeply regretted by her brothers Michael and Tom, sisters Bridget and Elizabeth, brother-in-law Tony, nephew Anthony, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard on Thursday, September 12, from 6pm with removal to Holy Trinity Parish Church at 7pm. Funeral Mass on Friday morning at 11am, followed by burial in Cloneen Cemetery. May she rest in peace.

Coffee Morning in aid of South Tipp Hospice Movement

Fethard Bridge Club are holding a Coffee Morning on Thursday, September 19, from 9am to 2pm in Fethard Horse Country Experience, Town Hall, Fethard, in aid of South Tipperary Hospice Movement. Remember, every euro raised during the Coffee Morning will support South Tipperary Hospice Movement, who are committed to providing a high-quality, specialist and person-centered service and it is thanks to the support received through events such as Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice, together with Bewley’s, that they can continue to provide the incredibly high levels of care that they do.

Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice Together with Bewley’s has become one of the most vital fundraisers of the year for South Tipperary Hospice and we thank you in advance for your support.

Cashel Arts Festival 2019

LUXE Street Spectacle on Culture Night - Friday, September 20

Now in its 17th year, Cashel Arts Festival takes place from Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd September. The significant heritage sites in the town form a dramatic backdrop to a fine selection of contemporary arts events. The theme of the 2019 festival is Walls – both in celebration of the physical walls that surround the town, 700 years old this year, and a reflection of walls imposed or self-imposed that create a feeling of separation or boundaries in us and in our society.

Rock-Constellation-Courtesy-VISUAL-Carlow

The festival aims to create an atmosphere of togetherness and a feeling of community and we hope to allow for experiences that inspire and celebrate a breaking out of our ‘walls’. Headline acts and highlights include Irish musician/producer David Kitt, Trinitones, Bolton Lecture with leading international human rights lawyer Philippe Sands, Timmy Creed’s hard-hitting one man show Spliced, Arán agus Im with Manchán Magan, LUXE Street Spectacle on Culture Night, a retrospective exhibition of the work of Cashel native Pádraig Ó’Mathúna; silversmith, goldsmith, painter and enamellist, Rock Stars-a further constellation curated by Emma-Lucy O'Brien, Poetry on the Rock with poets Grace Wells, Thomas McCarthy, Rachel Hegarty, Mark Granier and Taste of Cashel. DOWNLOAD ART FESTIVAL BROCHURE

Booking/information at Heritage Centre, Main Street, Cashel, Co. Tipperary- 062 61333 or at cashelartsfest.com. Check out social media for regular updates.

Sports Achievement Award Winners for August

Overall winners in the Butlers Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award Presentation for August were the five young Fethard ladies who played on the Tipperary U17 Gaelic Football team that won the All Ireland title. The girls are photographed above receiving their awards from Nicky Harding, representing this month's sponsor, Murphy Candles, Cahir. L to R: Alison Connolly, Carrie Davey, Nicky Harding (Murphy Candles, Cahir), Nell Spillane and Leah Coen. Missing from photo is Niamh Hayes who was unable to attend the presentation.

The August winners for the Butlers Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Awards were announced at a special presentation function on Friday night, September 6. This month’s awards were sponsored by Murphy Candles, Cahir, represented on the night by Nicky Harding who presented the awards.

The first award was for ‘Mentor of the Month’ which was won by Jimmy Smith, who has worked with the Juvenile GAA Club and Community Games for the past six years, building a young team that has succeeded at all levels. His major achievement was coaching the Fethard & Killusty U12 Boys Soccer Team to win the County and Munster finals, and going on to the National Community Games finals where they were narrowly beaten by Cavan in the final. This superb team, All-Ireland silver medallists, really punched above their weight at all levels thanks to the coaching Jimmy Smith. Incidentally, many may not know that Jimmy, a past player himself with Fethard GAA Club, also played minor-hurling for two years with Derry.


Jimmy Smith (left) winner of the ‘Mentor of the Month’ for August receiving his award from Nicky Harding, representing this month's sponsor, Murphy Candles, Cahir.

The August overall winner was won by the five young Fethard ladies who played on the Tipperary U17 Gaelic Football team that won the All Ireland title – Alison Connolly, Nell Spillane, Carrie Davey, Niamh Hayes and Leah Coen. The competition took place over a weekend in Abbotstown and Tipp won all seven matches.


Photographed at the Sports Achievement Award presentations were L to R: Martin Coen, John O'Flynn, Michael Quinlan and Micheál Spillane.

Nominations for the September award are now being accepted at Butler’s Bar or by any member of the selection committee.

Representatives of the U-12 Soccer team who were runners-up in the Community Games All-Ireland U-12 Soccer final receiving their certificate from Nicky Harding, representing this month's sponsor, Murphy Candles, Cahir. L to R: Zack Smith, Noah O'Flynn, Sam Coen and Nicky Harding.

New Appointments at Patrician Presentation Secondary School
Congratulations and best wishes to Mr Billy Walsh on his recent appointment as Deputy Principal to Patrician Presentation Secondary School. Mr Walsh is a teacher of Maths and Business in the school since 2015. He has steered students to great success in the National Maths Eyes Competition over the years and he has also been heavily involved with the promotion of sport within the school. More recently Mr Walsh had been the school’s Programme Coordinator. We wish him every success on his appointment.

Best wishes also to Ms Coffey, Ms Haines and Ms Doody on their appointments to the teaching staff. We would also like to welcome Ms Aileen White to the school staff.

Induction Programmes
Our first-year students enjoyed a recent trip to Mahon Falls as part of their induction programme. Many thanks to Mr McGree, Ms Walsh and Ms Slattery for facilitating this trip. Our Transition Year students recently enjoyed a cycling excursion to the Greenway in Waterford as part of their introduction to the Transition Year programme. They were accompanied by Mr Maher and Ms Murphy.

Congratulations and Best wishes

Patrician Presentation pupils who were successful at county and national level in their various recent sporting pursuits L to R: Zoe Prout, Carrie Davey, Nell Spillane, Robert Hackett, Lucy Spillane, Leah Coen, Alison Connolly and Rebekah Cuddihy.

Congratulations to both Zoe Prout and Rebekah Cuddihy on their recent success in winning the U12 County Championship with Fethard. Congratulations to Robert Hackett on winning the All-Ireland U18 Rivers Fishing Competition for the second consecutive year. What a great achievement!

Well done to Alison Connolly on captaining the U17 Munster Camogie Team to All-Ireland success. Not alone this but Alison, along with Patrician Presentation students Nell Spillane, Carrie Davey, and Leah Coen were also part of the Tipperary U17 Ladies Football team that won an All-Ireland in Abbotstown last month. What remarkable achievements by all. We are very proud of your great success. The very best of luck to Lucy Spillane, past-pupil Emma Cronin and all of the Tipperary Ladies team in the All-Ireland Intermediate Football final in Croke Park this Sunday.

Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on Sunday, September 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

Liam Connolly Cup U10 Hurling Blitz on Saturday
Fethard GAA Club are delighted to run its prestigious cup that honours one the greats of the game – not alone Fethard GAA. This year out tournament takes place on Saturday, September 14, at 10.30am at Fethard GAA field. The blitz will be run for our youngest and finest in an U10 hurling blitz and we are delighted to welcome teams from Killenaule, Grangemockler, Clerihan, Kilsheelan and Carrick Davins to take part.

Our thanks to Clonmel Oil for their kind sponsorship of this tournament that is close to both them and us. The tournament is about the fun, the games and of course the refreshments that our committee make a great effort to ensure is equal to the occasion itself.

Come along, enjoy the morning's games and have a cuppa with some likeminded friends.

Fethard Bridge Club resumes on Wednesday
Fethard Bridge Club resumes this Wednesday, September 11, at 7.15pm in the Tirry Community Centre, Barrack Street. On September 25 we play for the Free Sub Gross.

New members are very welcome. Anyone looking for a partner contact Gemma Burke at 086-6064148. Bridge lessons continue Monday evenings at 7.30pm in the Tirry Centre.

New members invited for Fethard Choral Society
Calling all singers (specially men!) who would like to join Fethard Choral Society. Rehearsals have resumed in the Abymill Theatre on Sunday evenings at 8pm. If you can sing in tune just come along and join in - there is no audition. You will be made very welcome! For further information contact Tel: 087 6194215 or 086 6064148.

Killusty Soccer Club takes a breather!

After a good number of meetings and a lot of soul searching the committee for Killusty Soccer Club have decided not to enter a junior team in this season's TSDL (Tipperary Southern District League).

This decision was not made lightly but the reality is that we were unable to put together a strong enough panel of players who would do themselves and the club justice, anyone who has followed our form in recent years would have seen our struggle to field teams week in week out, so for this season at least we will step back and regroup and we will see what the future holds.

Thanks to all of you who have supported us down through the years both vocally and financially , and speaking of money, the running of our weekly lotto will be taken over by the Killusty development group and our lotto partners Moyglass.

FHS Autumn Outing very interesting and varied

Fethard Historical Society members waiting for the boat to take them to Inis Cealtra

The Fethard Historical Society’s Autumn outing comprised a very interesting and varied programme. An early morning start was offset by a timely stopover in Agalloe Community Centre where Kate and her lovely group of ladies provided warm welcome, coffee and delicious scones.

Then it was on to the Irish Seedsavers Association which was founded by an American woman, Anita Hayes, in 1991. The work was initially carried out on a small farm in County Carlow before moving to its current location in Capparoe, Scarriff, Co. Clare. The group was shown around by a most informative guide, Félice, who is one of the twenty staff members who keep the operation going. She explained that what began as a one room operation now occupies twenty acres featuring a number of purpose-built buildings, orchards, vegetable gardens, polytunnels, nurseries, a shop and a small café.


Fethard Historical Society members photographed in the drying room at the Irish Seedsaver's Association in Carrick, Co. Clare.

The Irish Seedsaver’s main objective is to conserve Ireland’s very special and threatened plant genetic resources. Their work focuses on the preservation of heirloom and heritage food crop varieties that are suitable for Ireland’s unique growing conditions. They also trial plants and vegetables from other countries in the same latitude as Ireland and, if such trials prove successful, they then harvest those seeds for propagation. Everything is done organically, using green fertilisers and natural remedies for the control of such things as aphids. It obviously works because all the produce on display throughout was flourishing.

The Seedsavers Association welcomes visitors throughout the year as well as facilitating workshops. It is certainly well worth a visit for anyone with an interest in growing things in a sustainable, environmentally-friendly way.


Enjoying the boat trip to Inis Cealtra are L to R: Anne Horan, Anne Gleeson and Sr. Marie Fletcher.

Following a picnic lunch outside in the sunshine, it was time to head for Lough Derg. Local historian Gerard Madden took the group by boat across to Holy Island or Inis Cealtra as it is known in Irish. Inis Cealtra means the Island of the Churches and it is well named as originally there were seven churches on this small island - six of which remain today. There is also a fine example of a round tower, four high crosses, a holy well and a bargaining stone- which was used to settle disputes and also to seal marriage vows! Gerard was the perfect guide with a wealth of knowledge, an obvious passion for his subject and a deep respect for everything the island embodies. It was a place of pilgrimage down through the ages and the group all agreed that it is indeed a very special place.


Members photographed on a guided tour of Inis Cealtra L to R: Mollie Moclair, Rosemary Purcell, Bernard Fogarty, Jim Fogarty, Mary Lincoln, Ann Horan, Gerard Madden (guid) and Sr. Maria Fletcher.

Béal Ború, Tobar Murragh, Kincora, all names to conjure with in telling the story of Brian Ború. The fabled palace of Kincora is long gone and today St. Flannan’s R.C. Church in Killaloe stands on the site. Fortunately, the other two sites are still in existence and Béal Ború was the next destination where Arlene White of the local Killaloe-Ballina Historical Society awaited. She guided the group through the impressive ringfort where Brian was born before leading on to Tobar Murragh, the well where his son Murrough was said to have been christened. Having fleshed out the Ború story, Arlene then led the way along the Shannon into the town of Killaloe itself where there was time for a quick reprise of the history of the town.


Mareé Moclair and her daughter Mollie testing out the bargaining stone on Inis Cealtra - believed to be used to settle disputes and seal marriage vows.


Jennifer Whyte and Terry Cunningham testing out the bargaining stone on Inis Cealtra.

The society rounded off the Autumn Outing day with dinner in the lovely Lakeview hotel in Ballina.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on Wednesday, September 4, were: 16, 20, 22 and 29. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winner. The following drawn tickets received €50 each: Oisín Kenny, c/o Carol Kenny: John O'Meara, Grove Road, Fethard; and Luke Hackett, Strylea, Fethard.

The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Susan Sayers, Crampscastle, Fethard; Tara Corbett, Drangan; Alice Quinn, Burke Street, Fethard.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, September 11. The Jackpot is €10,000 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €1,000. All proceeds go towards community projects in Fethard, and we thank you for your on-going support.

GAA Sports Development Lotto
The numbers drawn on Friday, September 6, were: 2, 8, 15 and 22. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘match three’ winner who received €100: Sinead O’Brien, Powerstown.

The next draw takes place on Friday, September 13, in Burke’s Bar at 7.30pm, when the jackpot is €23,100 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.

‘Pride of Place’ – Fethard chosen as Tipperary’s entry in Community Tourism category

Photographed at Fethard's presentation for the 'Pride of Place' Community Tourism award. L to R: Mairéad Winters (Tourism Office Tipperary County Council), Tim Corballis, Deirdre Cox (Tipperary County Council), Catherine Britton, Aisling O'Callaghan (Co-operation Ireland), Eddie Sheehy (Judge), John Briggs (Judge), Laura Condon (Manager FHC Experience), Terry Cunningham and Mary Hanrahan (chairperson Fethard Historical Society).

On Monday last, September 2, judges John Briggs and Edward Sheehy from the prestigious IPB Pride of Place Awards visited Fethard. Known as the ‘Oscars’ of the community sector, IPB Pride of Place is an annual all island competition organised by Co-operation Ireland and sponsored by IPB Insurance. It aims to acknowledge and celebrate the vital work being done by community groups to improve their local area.

Fethard was nominated by Tipperary County Council in the Community Tourism category. The judging started in the Fethard Horse Country Experience with a presentation which encompassed everything from Fethard’s foundation in the early 1200s to the restoration of the Abymill Theatre in the 1980s. After this, the judges, accompanied by Aisling O’Callaghan, from Co-operation Ireland, were shown around the FHC Experience. On the way they met with a variety of representatives from the local community who spoke to them about the rich history and heritage of Fethard. This was followed by a tour of the town which included Holy Trinity Church of Ireland, the Medieval Town Wall, the Watergate Sheela-na-gig, the Augustinian Abbey, the Abymill Theatre and the new East Gate Park.

The results of the competition will be announced at the end of November. Fethard Community Heritage Centre would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who gave their time to meet and speak with the judges on the day. In particular, we wish to thank Deirdre Cox, from Tipperary County Council, who guided us throughout the entire process.

Mary Anne retires after 41 years of excellent service

Mary Anne Fogarty who retired as Deputy Principal of Fethard Patrician Presentatiopn Secondary School this week after 41 years of excellent service.

This week Patrician Presentation Secondary School bade farewell to our wonderful colleague and friend, Mary Anne Fogarty. Mary Anne has given 41 years of excellent service to the management, teachers, students and community of Fethard and we wish her all the very best in her retirement.

Not a person of half-measures, Mary Anne gave everything to her roles as both teacher and Deputy Principal. Mary Anne was that rarest of people both a traditionalist and a modern thinker. She reflected the values of our founders in word and deed – her aim being to bring quality education to all. Yet, Mary Anne was also very well versed in the educational changes in a modern and rapidly changing Ireland. She was a consummate professional – personable, compassionate and approachable.

Patrician Presentation Secondary School and community is indebted to her for the French exchanges that she organised, bringing many students abroad for their first time. Students stayed in French families' homes and so got a real insight into French culture, as well as visiting the tourist sites.

For those who were lucky enough to work with Mary Anne, her ability to see the good in everyone is inspiring. She is a 'people person' with understanding and compassion. Every individual is seen as unique and she devoted her time and talents to bringing out the best in her pupils-inspiring hope and gently igniting imagination. Fethard will always have a special place in Mary Anne's heart. She is wished well and will be remembered with affection by all.

New First Year Students welcomed

Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School’s First Year pupils photographed with staff teacher Ms Yvonne Murphy and Mr Justin McGree, Mr Pat Coffey, principal; Mr Billy Walsh, deputy principal and Ms Caitríona McKeogh, year head.

We are delighted to welcome a new cohort of First Year students to Patrician Presentation Secondary School this year. We very much look forward to working with them and their families over the next 5-6 years here in the school. The new Junior Cycle offers many opportunities for exciting teaching and learning in Patrician Presentation that will equip students with the knowledge, values and skills that they will require for their senior cycle and beyond. We also offer a wide array of extra-curricular activities.

Fethard Ballroom Annual General Meeting
Fethard Ballroom will hold their Annual General Meeting on Monday, September 23, at 8pm in Fethard Ballroom. All are welcome to come along.

Portrait for Alice

Local artist, Marie O’Hara, presenting Alice Leahy with a portrait she painted to mark Alice’s work with the homeless in Dublin for the past 40 years. L to R: Charlie Best, Marie O’Hara, Donal Leahy and Alice Leahy.

South Tipperary Beekeepers ‘Honey Show’
South Tipperary Beekeepers Honey Show will take place on Sunday, September 22, in the old Clonmel Technical School. Judging will take place on Saturday and the show is open to the public on Sunday where there’s a super display of all products of the hive, plus lots more! Club officers are Gerry Clancy (chairman), Erika Reeves (secretary) and Anne Ryan (treasurer). For further information and lots of hints and advice on beekeeping you can visit their website at www.southtippbees.com

Fethard Ballroom Annual General Meeting
Fethard Ballroom will hold their Annual General Meeting on Monday, September 23, at 8pm in Fethard Ballroom. All are welcome to come along.

Credit Union Opening Hours
Please take note. The current opening hours for Fethard Credit Union on Saturdays (10am to 1pm) are changing to 1pm to 3pm, coming into effect on Thursday, October 3. All other days are staying the same.

The new opening hours in Fethard are as follows: Thursdays from 10am to 1pm; Fridays from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm; Saturdays from 1pm to 3pm.

Yoga Classes starting soon
Eight weeks of Yoga classes will commence in the Tirry Community Centre, Barrack Street, Fethard, on Monday, September 16, starting at 7pm. The classes are suitable for both beginners and intermediate.

Yoga is a great means of enhancing physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. In health terms, yoga can help develop flexibility, suppleness and muscular strength without causing strain. It also increases energy levels and help tone the body. Booking is essential. For further details contact Peg at Tel: 086 3027927.

Annual Harvest Festival
The annual Harvest Festival Service will take place on Sunday, September 15, at 7.30pm in Holy Trinity Church of Ireland, Fethard. At this service we give thanks for God's created world and the bountiful harvest we all enjoy but, at the same time, remembering those who are not as fortunate as ourselves. Everyone is very welcome to attend, and we are very pleased that Fethard Choral Society will sing at the service as usual. Refreshments will be served after the service.

Articles invited for Annual Emigrant's Newsletter
Work on compiling this year's Annual Emigrant's Newsletter has now commenced. We invite anyone interested in submitting articles or photographs for this year’s issue to contact Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, Tel: (052) 6131663 or by email: emigrantsnewsletter@gmail.com

Clonmel Arms Hotel on 21st February, 1979. A lot of the Five Star staff and friends in the background holding up the bar including Frank Carroll, Joe Carroll (Ardfinnan), Mary Carroll (Fethard), Mary Casey, Frank Olney and Marianne Butler. The four sitting in front are L to R: Anne Bonelli, Alan Doyle, Marie Doyle and Gus Bonelli.

Enjoying the sunshine at Rás Sliabh-na-mBan in Kilcash on Sunday, June 27, 1993 are Front L to R: Ciara and Sara Egan, Ballypatrick; Claire Foley, Kilcash; Niamh Tobin, Cashel. Back: Claire and Brian Egan from Ballypatrick.

Caroline, Kenneth and Julie Cahill from Kilsheelan, pictured at Feile Chill Chais on Sunday, June 27, 1993


Fidelma O’Neill, Elm Park, Clonmel, minding baby Daniel McGurn at Strawberry Fair, Ferryhouse, Clonmel on Sunday, June 27, 1993


Jimmy Ryan, Powerstown, and Brenda Ryan, Wolf Tone Street, Clonmel, at Strawberry Fair on Sunday, June 27, 1993.


Willie O’Connell, Clonmel A.C. at Rás Sliabh-na-mBan in Kilcash on Sunday, June 27, 1993.


Local Ballingarry boys getting ready to have a game of hurling on June 29, 1993. L to R: Thomas Hayes, Tony Walsh, Noel Webster, Adrian Webster and Liam Cleere.


Susan Hayes and Patsy Ivors pictured on June 29, 1993, at a plaque erected by Comhaltas Ceoltóiri Éireann in honour of local musician Larry Wall-Fitzpatrick who died in 1955.


Br. Raymond Forde, principal of St. Patrick’s National School Fethard, pictured with pupils on his last day teaching in Fethard on June 30, 1993. Br. Raymond’s retirement marks the end of 120 years of the Patrician Brothers association with the town.


Standing with the Parish Priest outside the Patrician Brothers Monastery in Fethard on June 30, 1993, are the last Brothers to live there. L to R: Br. Paul (retired), Canon James Power, Br. Raymond, and Br. Ultan (retired).

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.