Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in the Parish Lotto on Thursday, February 6, 2025. The numbers drawn were 9, 15, 21, and 24. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Gus Neville. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, February 13, 2025, will be €5,000.

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

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, of Rickard 'Rick' Flynn, Tullow, Killusty, Fethard, peacefully, surrounded by his family, in the care of the exceptional staff of Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel. Predeceased by his parents Tom and Helen and his brother Frank. Rick will be sadly missed by his beloved wife Margaret, his daughters Helena, Jacinta and Yvonne, his sons Anthony, Rick, Adrian, Eoin and Jason, his grandchildren Chloe, Sophia, Erin, Kyle and Aodhlá, sister Mary, brothers Alfie, Tom, Noel and Billy, daughters-in-law Mary and Liz, sons-in-law Matt, Les and Richard and partner Marta, cousins, neighbours, relatives and friends.

Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Friday, February 7, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Funeral Mass on Saturday, February 8, in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Killusty, at 11am, followed by burial in the adjoining Cemetery. Messages of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE May he rest in peace.

Died Recently in Dublin
The death has occurred on Saturday, February 1, 2025, of Nora McDonnell (née O’Donnell), Clontarf, Dublin 3, and formerly Grangebeg, Fethard, peacefully, in the care of the staff at The Mater Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her loving husband Phillip, granddaughter Lucy, brothers Pierce, Michael, Tom and James, very sadly missed by her children Donal, Pierce and Eoin, daughters-in-law Annette and Nirmal, grandchildren Aisling, Noreen, Ellie, Finn and Juliette, great grandchildren Kieron and Fionnula, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Nora will be reposing at Jennings Funeral Home, Springdale Road, Raheny, on Wednesday, February 12, from 4pm to 6pm. Funeral Mass at St Gabriel’s Church, Dollymount at 10.30am on Thursday, February 13, followed by Cremation in Glasnevin Cemetery, Dublin. Messages of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE May Nora Rest in Peace.

Tipp Echo Free Newspaper available Online

Read this week's or back issues of the Tipp Echo newspaper online by clicking here. You can read local news from the surrounding districts and also view the Recollections from 2009 photographs from the past, Sean O'Donovan, Chairman South Tipperary Hospice, introduces new music therapy; and local Fethard News.

GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for February 4, 2025, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 4, 16, 23 and 29. We had no Jackpot winner and two Match 3 winners who received €75 each: Morgan Ryan and Marie Barton. One' lucky dip winner received €100: Isobel Moore. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, when the jackpot is €30,000.

Thank You for Your Support!
Emma Jayne Burke would like to sincerely thank everyone in the Fethard community for their incredible generosity in supporting her volunteering trip to Tanzania, where she will be teaching children. Donations—both online and in person—as well as the fantastic support for the bake sale and table quiz, have made a huge difference.

A special thank you to Fethard Community Group for their initial donation and ongoing support, and to Sadlers for generously sponsoring prizes. A big thank you to everyone who contributed in any way—your kindness and generosity are truly appreciated. An update will follow soon!

GAA Sporting Scholarships for Students

Fethard GAA Chairman Willie Morgan, presenting a sporting scholarship cheque for €1,000, to Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School. L to R: Billy Walsh (Principal), Willie Morgan (Chairman of Fethard GAA), Caitríona Mc Keogh (Deputy Principal), Sarah Smith (Fethard GAA star), and Daniel Gleeson (Fethard GAA star).

Fethard GAA proudly show their support to Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School as they annually commit to awarding sporting scholarships worth €1,000, to incoming students. Fethard has a great tradition in GAA sport and it’s encouraging to see the Fethard Club nurture new talent in our local schools. The cheque was presented to the school by club chairman Willie Morgan.

'Sweet Inniscarra' documentary airs on Tipp Mid West Radio over six consecutive Fridays at 11am, starting on February 7

In December 1931, scenes for a landmark film were shot in Cashel, Co. Tipperary by a film crew consisting of Irish, British and US personnel. Entitled Sweet Inniscarra, the film was based on the play of the same name written back in 1897 by American - Augustus Pitou. The updated film version of Sweet Innisicarra which was set in 1930s Ireland was significant in that it was publicised as the first 'all talking picture' (ie talkie) to be shot entirely in the country with an all-Irish cast and scenes.

'Sweet Inniscarra' was directed and produced by an Irish-American named Emmett Moore. His background was in producing silent films and this was his first talkie. The actors in 'Sweet Inniscarra' who were all amateurs, hailed from dramatic societies in Cashel, Fethard and Portarlington. The leading roles were played by Sean Rodgers (a founding member of Cashel Choral & Dramatic Society) and Mae Ryan (of Ryan's Hotel on the town). Frank Kenrick was one of the actors from Fethard, his daughter Frances Hetterley is interviewed for the documentary.

The plot of Sweet Inniscarra was centered around Gerald O'Carroll's love for Kate O'Donoghue. Her father however wished her to marry a wealthy major who unbeknownst to everyone was in fact a penniless villain at heart. Ultimately O'Carroll transpires to be the heir to a fortune in Jamaica and wins the day. The film concludes with the marriage of Gerald O'Carroll and Kate O'Donoghue.

Sweet Inniscarra was promoted as an Irish romance film depicting the habits, customs and mannerisms of the natives besides revealing many Irish beauty spots to the silver screen for the first time. The film encompassed music, song and dance, was 72 minutes in duration and shot in black & white. It was shown in cinemas in the USA in 1932 and in Ireland in 1933 receiving both positive and negative reviews. Unfortunately in the years that followed the film was believed to have been lost or destroyed.

This six part documentary will investigate the story of Ireland's first talkie, its cast, its producer Emmett Moore and examine some of the efforts made over the years to try and locate a copy of the film. Tom Hurley who produced the series will also be revealing the outcome of his own attempt to find a copy.

The documentary entitled 'Sweet Inniscarra' will be aired over six consecutive Fridays at 11am on Tipp Mid West Radio beginning on February 7, there will be a repeat of each episode on the following Tuesday evening at 6:30pm and the programmes will also be streamed on www.tippmidwestradio.com

Author Noreen Higgins McHugh Awarded Tipperariana Book of The Year for 2024
The winner of the Tipperariana Book of the Year for 2024 is a book authored by Noreen Higgins McHugh. Noreen is native of Golden and lives near the Ragg outside Thurles. The book is titled the 'Revolutionary Women of Tipperary 1914-1923', covers the history of the Cumann na mBan in Tipperary and East Limerick.

The secretary of the Fethard Historical Society, Mary Hanrahan, describes Ms McHugh as an eminently respected historian who has completed extensive research of several sources including the archives of Military Pensions to compile the book.

The Tipperariana Book Fair celebrates books in general but is particularly supportive of publications originating in Tipperary about any topic.The annual book Fair takes place in the Fethard Ballroom on this Sunday, February 9, from 12 noon to 4.30pm.

St. Rita's Camogie Club

Well done to Faye Lavin and Torrie Doyle who played on the Tipperary U-17 team for their recent challenge game against Dublin, and also lined out for the Tipperary versus Cork game in the Munster U-17 League on Saturday, February 1. A fantastic achievement by both girls.

Safeguarding Information Evening  at The Abbey


A Safeguarding information evening will take place in the Augustinian Abbey Church, Fethard, on Thursday, February 13, at 7pm. This awareness evening is for all who volunteer and help out in our churches. Our guest speaker is Avril Halley, who is Safeguarding Co-ordinator for the Augustinians. Refreshments afterwards.

January 'Granny Pot' winner

Congratulations to Bobbi Holohan, winner of January's Split The Granny Pot Draw in aid of Fethard & District Day Care Centre. The winning envelope was drawn by Mary O’Connor. A huge thanks to Bobbi and all our supporters.

Johnny Sheehan celebrates his 100th Birthday
Our congratulations to Johnny Sheehan, St. Patricke's Place, Fethard, who celebrated his 100th Birthday on Monday, January 27, 2025, in Cloneen, attended by a large group of family members, relatives from at home and abroad, friends, and neighbours. (Photographs supplied by Larry Kenny)


Johnny Sheehan, photographed on the occasion of his 100th Birthday with his two daughters, Terri and Phyllis, celebrated with family and friends on Monday, January 27, 2025.

Johnny, a carpenter by trade from his early years, is now an accomplished wood turner, turning out a wide range of wood products from his workshop at the rear of his home in St. Patrick’s Place. “I might take a rest in the morning, and then after lunch I will go out to the workshop and work on the lathe”, says Johnny. His range of finely crafted products includes lamp stands, candlesticks, bowls and pens.

Johnny Sheehan, photographed on the occasion of his 100th Birthday with members of his late brother Ned and his wife Lizzy's family from Fethard. Back L to R: Josie (Costello), Michael, Mary (Fogarty), Pat, Annette (O'Donovan). Front L to R: Tommy, Johnny and Liz (McCormack).

Johnny Sheehan, photographed on the occasion of his 100th Birthday on Monday, January 27, 2025, with Fr. Liam Everard P.P. and Fr. Tom Breen A.P. (right).

Johnny Sheehan, photographed on the occasion of his 100th Birthday with his siblings on Monday, January 27, 2025. Back L to R: Michael Sheehan, Ann (Sheehan) Baker, Dick Sheehan, Bridget (Sheehan) Mann, and Dan Sheehan.


Johnny Sheehan, photographed on the occasion of his 100th Birthday with Liz Sheehan and her extended McCormack family


Johnny Sheehan, photographed on the occasion of his 100th Birthday with members of his brother Dick and his wife Bridget's extended family.

Johnny Sheehan, photographed on the occasion of his 100th Birthday with Jacinta Kearney (left) and Joanne Kearney (right) and Rosemary Ponsonby (back).


Johnny Sheehan, photographed on the occasion of his 100th Birthday with Rena Sheehan.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday night, February 9, 2025, to the music and the first visit to Fethard Ballroom of, ‘Andy Ferry’. All are welcome to come along and enjoy us for a terrific night’s social dancing from 8.30pm to 11.30pm. Admission is €10, which includes tea and cakes and raffle.

Senior Citizens’ Club’s meeting postponed
Please Note that Fethard Senior Citizens’ Club’s meeting for February is postponed, and our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 4, at 7.30pm.

‘Juno’ – A Roaring Success!

Fethard Players cast of 'Juno and the Paycock' photographed after their performance in the Abymill Theatre last week. Back L to R: standing Marian Fenton, Mary Fitzpatrick, Lar Fanning, Pat Brophy, Alan Bourke, Liam O'Connor, P.J. Henehan, Mark Fitzgerald, Pat Dunne, Craig O'Brien. Seated L to R: Mary Boland Prendergast, Una Kiernan Byrne, Ann Walsh, Mia Treacy, Lisa Anglim, Owen Healy, and Tom Gilpin.

Fethard Players cast enjoyed packed houses and standing ovations for their performance of Seán Casey’s ‘Juno and the Paycock’ for six nights at the Abymill Theatre. The large, experienced cast captured the essence of the O’Casey drama, set in a Dublin tenement at Ireland’s Civil War. The performance was literally flawless from all the cast, which was echoed by the appreciative response from the audiences present. The play was produced by Marian Gilpin who deserves great credit for another great and successful production.

Happy Birthday to Deirdre Dorney

Deirdre Dorney photographed with her father, Seamus Dorney, family members and friends at her 50th Birthday Party celebrated in Lonergan's Bar Fethard

Congratulations to Deirdre Dorney, Fethard, who celebrated her 50th Birthday with family and friends at a special function held at Lonergan’s Bar, The Square, Fethard, om January 20, 2025.

Tipperariana Book Fair on Sunday, February 9, 2025

Students from Patrician Presentation School Fethard, preparing their selection of books for their stall at this year's Tipperariana Book Fair, which takes place on Sunday, February 9, in Fethard Ballroom from 12 noon to 4.30pm. L to R: Amy Costin, Ciara Donald Besso, Margaret Keane and Catriona Mc Keogh Deputy Principal.

Fethard Historical Society hold their annual Tipperariana Book Fair on the second Sunday in February each year. This year’s event takes place on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Fethard Ballroom, from 12 noon to 4.30pm.

The Book Fair was first held in 1996 and has now grown to be one of the largest, if not the largest, book fairs in Ireland. Dealers come from places as far away as Armagh City to West Cork, and from many places in between. It’s a great place to find a book that you may have been seeking for years - and if it is not available on the day you can be sure the dealers will find it for you. If you have valuable books at home you can also bring them along and get them valued without obligation. Further Information Tel: 086 3777348.

Big Picture - Fethard Presentation Convent Class 1950s, anybody help with names ?

This class photograph was taken we guess was taken in the 1950s at the Presentation Convent Primary School in Fethard. We would love to have the pupils names if anybody can help identify the faces or the date. So far we have identified Bernadette McManus (née Kenny) in the back row (4th from left); and Breda Walsh (née Tobin) middle row (5th from left).

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

Faces and Places from the Past
This week we have a variety of photographs taken from the past. We invite people to let us know any missing names, including first 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

One of the many emigration scenes that many will remember from the 1940s and 1950s, as these two lads, with bags packed, are photographed with neighbours before leaving The Green for England in the early 1940s. L to R: Alice Carey, Katie (Kenny) O'Brien, Ursula O'Brien, Mary O'Brien, Bridget and Maggie Carey, Jimmy Walsh and Mattie Higgins.

Martin Stapleton and Tommy Carey photographed outside Martin's house in Dublin on the morning of the Fethard Legion of Mary were at the Late Late Show on Television. They were returning from the Fethard London Annual Reunion.


Tommy Carey's parents, Eileen and Michael Carey, Kilnockin.

Tommy Carey, Josie Carey, and Peggy Stapleton, the horse belonged to Trehys and grazed Carey's half acre at Kilnockin.


Willie and Josie (Croke) Leahy, St. Patrick's Place. Rita (O'Grady) Stapleton, Kitty O'Sullivan, Margaret (Keane) O'Sullivan, Rory Walsh's grandmother and aunt of 'Gike' Keane.


Annie Sayers and Biddy Dwyer (Mackey). Stephen Dwyer was her father and Bríd Loughlin was her mother. Biddy was married to Jack Mackey who lived near Ballroom.


Lory Kenny, and possibly Josie Kenny, Drumdeel, playing with a young Brendan Kenny (centre), Larry Kenny (right) and another girl in the background.


Bill Higgins and his son Kevin, lived in Johnny Carey's house on The Green, next door to Bob Byrne.

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.

Listen to Tipp FM Radio Live for local News