Fethard fans overjoyed with Tipperary's All-Ireland win

Celebrating Tipperary’s All-Ireland win in Fethard were Back L to R: Tara Regan, Paddy Casey, Joan Browne. Front L to R: Bernadette Browne, Joan O’Brien and Ger Browne.

What a Team! What a Manager! What a Win! What else can one say to describe the feelings of all Tipperary sporting fans after last Sunday’s tremendous win over our arch-rivals and neighbours Kilkenny. After a nervous twenty-five-minutes start holding off an un-ending Kilkenny assault on the Tipperary goal and players, normal play resumed leaving Tipperary only three points in arrears. From that moment on Tipperary never looked like losing.

Here in Fethard the churches were almost empty for Sunday morning mass, as the locals made their ‘mass exit’ for Croke Park, as they do when Tipperary play in an All-Ireland final. The churches may have been empty but by 3.30pm the bars were full as the big screens were unrolled to help spot every puck of the ball and every foul committed, accompanied by involuntary shrieks of excitement.


Tipperary fans celebrating in Fethard after Tipperary beating Kilkenny in the All-Ireland hurling final

What Fans! Almost all the Fethard spectators agreed that Tipperary would have won the match even if Richie Hogan wasn’t sent off. There was even a sense of compassion for Kilkenny in the second half as Tipperary scored two fast goals and looking like they could score six more. It wasn’t a close a finish as many expected but knowing Brian Coady’s leadership, no Tipperary fan could relax until the final whistle. Not many agree, but personally speaking, I’ve always felt that a ‘red card’ can often ruin a game, maybe a better solution will be found in the future that will have less impact on the overall game and still manage to punish the offender.


Tipperary fans celebrating in Lonergan’s Bar, Fethard after the match last Sunday

What a Result! Liam Sheedy breathed new hope into Tipperary hurling when he returned to manage this team, complemented by his choice of backroom advisors. It was very encouraging to see the former number of ‘Tipperary Supporters Club’ members return in force to support and acknowledge Liam’s team’s achievements on the playing field, culminating in fulfilling his dream by winning another fantastic All-Ireland for Tipperary. Well done to all involved and thanks for the memories that will last a lifetime and beyond.

Guided Tour of Medieval Fethard this Saturday

As part of national Heritage Week (August 17-24), Fethard Historical Society is holding a Guided Walk of the Medieval Town on Saturday next, August 24, at 2.30pm. The group will meet at the footbridge in the Valley and there is no need to book as the tour will proceed whether there are two or twenty-two present. The cost is €5 per adult and all school-going children go free. An umbrella or a raincoat may be needed if the day is showery, but normal footwear will suffice.

National Heritage Week has been a great success all over the country and it both motivates groups to put on events and it also motivates the general population to get ‘up’, ‘out’ and ‘explore’ the world around us

Fethard is still recognised, at national level also, as being a unique place. For instance, it will be used by the Munster Vales tourism group as a location on their ‘Tour Guide Training’ course, which is being run over three days, in three different towns in Cork, Limerick and Tipperary this September. Two further members of the Historical Society will join the course, as it is important that the town has a bank of trained guides that can receive visiting groups to the historic town. Further Information on all Heritage Week events can be viewed on www.heritageweek.ie

Walkers make their way to Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon


A slight shower didn't dampen the spirits of our walkers as they made their annual way to the Holy Year Cross ion Slievenamon on Sunday, August 11. The group, led by Fr. Liam Everard PP, gave a rousing rendition of ‘Slievenamon’ before they headed back to O'Donnells field where Mass was celebrated by Fr. Liam, assisted by Fr. Tom Breen and Fr Iggy O’Donovan OSA.

After Mass everyone enjoyed the tea and refreshments on offer. No one is sure where all this food comes from but it is hugely appreciated and thanks to one and all involved. This year we saw many new faces on the walk, and it is great to see parents bringing their young children to the event, you are giving them memories that will last a lifetime.


L to R: Philly Prout and Fr. Iggy O’Donovan OSA carrying crosses on the pilgrimage to Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon

Our thanks firstly to our hosts the O'Donnell family for the use of their field every year, thanks also to the Fethard Scouts and the Fethard and District Day Care Centre. It is almost impossible to name all who help make this event materialise, but thankfully, that list is getting longer each year and believe me we need each and every one of you.


Chris and Breda Lee, Killusty, taking part in this year’s pilgrimage to Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon

Next year will mark the 70th anniversary of the erecting of the first Cross on Slievenamon, and we hope that many of you will be able to join us on this special day where we will remember all those who began this tradition and say thanks to all of you who turn up, year in year out. You keep this great Parish tradition alive.

All-Ireland runners-up

Congratulations to the Community Games U12 Fethard Soccer team who were runners-up in the All Ireland final coming away with silver medals - a fantastac achievement for this young team who already won County and Munster titles, and the All-Ireland semifinal by beating Drum-Clonown (Roscommon) by 2-1 to reach the All Ireland Final where they were beaten 3-1 by the Cavan champions.

Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on Sunday, August 25, to the music of ‘Michael Cahill’. 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

Died Recently
Our sincere sympathy to the family of Damir Tomic and his partner, Anna Sobloher, on the tragic death of Damir who died following a freak accident at around 3pm on Friday, August 16, at Gladstone Street, Clonmel, when a car driven by a woman in her early 70s was in a collision with a pole, which then struck him. He was rushed to South Tipperary Hospital, where he died in the early hours of Saturday, August 17. The woman is uninjured but has been treated for shock.

The late Damir, from Croatia, has worked and lived in Fethard for many years and will be well-remembered by locals for his very friendly countenance and smiles for all who met him in Fethard.  Damir worked at RibWorld, Fethard, and lived at The Lilacs, Burke Street, Fethard. Damir’s devastated partner, Anna Sobloher, has returned early from a holiday in Croatia, to assist with arrangements following this tragic accident.  May he rest in peace.

The staff at RibWorld, Fethard, have arranged a special Mass in memory of their colleague Damir Tomic in Holy Trinity Parish Church this Friday, August 23, at 10am.  Damir's remains will be returned to his family home in Croatia for burial in the the coming days.

Outing to Lough Derg and Killaloe, Saturday, August 31

Lough Derg, as seen from above Holy Island. Pic: Niall Culligan

The summer ‘outing’ of Fethard Historical Society on Saturday week, August 31, promises to be very diverse and interesting indeed. It will be very much a day of ‘outdoorsy’ events with a guided visit to the national Irish Seed Savers Centre, followed by a short boat trip out to Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) in Lough Derg and a guided tour of its Round Tower and monastery.

A special event included will be a ‘guided walk’, firstly to tree covered Béál Ború (Brian Ború’s family ring-fort), and then continue walking by the Shannon into the town of Killaloe with its many Brian Ború locations; St. Flannan’s Cathedral (13th century), the Killaloe Canal and Washerwomen’s Bridge.

People are asked to bring a packed lunch and one of the coffee breaks will include a stop in a community run enterprise, whose workings will be of interest to the Fethard visitors. The total cost of the day, including three coffee/tea stops, is €40. An evening meal, at people’s own discretion, will round off the evening in Killaloe.

Bus will leave the Town Hall, Fethard, at 8.30am and we envisage it will be 10pm approximately when we return to Fethard. Bookings, limited to 30 people, can be made by emailing: history@fethard.com or by texting 087 9305232.

Emily competes well at Dublin Horse Show

Congratulations to Emily Sayers, Fethard, on her success at the Dublin Horse Show on Saturday, August 10, where she finished second on her horse ‘HSB Limited Edition’ in Class 19: Sportsman (Middle/Heavy-Weights) for mares or geldings, four years old and upwards.

Emily also won the Ridden Horse Championship with ‘HSB Limited Edition’ at the recent Killusty Show, who also send their best wishes to Emily on her success in Dublin.

Bridge lessons for beginners
Fethard Bridge Club will commence bridge lessons for beginners on Monday, September 2, at 7.30pm in the Tirry Centre. Anyone interested in taking lessons should contact Margaret Slattery 086 2187744, David O’Meara 087 7697474, Tony Hanrahan 087 6771139 or Gemma Burke 086 6064148.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on Wednesday, August 14, were: 1, 15, 17 and 22. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winners. The following drawn tickets received €50 each: Teresa Fogarty, Pike St., Killenaule; Dermot Darcy, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard; and Michael Monaghan, Waterford.

The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Mary Delahunty, Castlehiggins, Fethard; Brendan Kenny (online ticket); and Peggy O'Reilly, c/o Friendship Club, Fethard.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, August 21. 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, August 16, were: 7, 8, 24 and 30. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘match three’ winner who received €100: Alan Connolly, Grove Road, Fethard.

The next draw takes place on Friday, August 23, in Burke’s Bar at 7.30pm, when the jackpot is €22,800 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.

Newfoundland-Irish group looking for Fethard Family Hosts in 2020

The Ireland Newfoundland Connections group (based in south Tipperary and Waterford) are already planning their ‘2020 exchange visit’ of Newfoundlanders to Ireland in late August of next year. On Friday, August 23, a ‘coach load’ of people from the South East of Ireland are flying to Newfoundland – some for the fifth time – to stay mainly with families. The following year, 2020, the Newfoundlanders come to Ireland, and so it goes every year, and this is where Fethard becomes involved in 2020.

The friendship group have contacted the Fethard Historical Society to see if Fethard would ‘host’ the Newfoundland group for ‘three nights B&B and one ‘getting to know you’ evening meal in August 2020. The same Newfoundland group will also spend three nights in Co. Waterford and three nights in county Wexford.

The organising tour group, and Fethard Historical Society at local level, will look after all other arrangements and arrange daytime and evening programmes for the visitors. One evening - going by what happened other years - is a ‘concert/music session’ where local Irish and Newfoundlanders get together to trade music and stories.

The Fethard Historical Society, are willing to act as the ‘Fethard host group 2020 ‘ if sufficient offers of three free nights B&B are provisionally indicated before the Irish group fly out to stay with the Newfoundland families on August 23.

Up to half the population of Newfoundland have Irish ancestry and the forbearers of these Irish Canadians nearly came exclusively from counties Waterford, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Wexford. They all left in the 1700s and early 1800s (before the Great Famine) to work in the fishing industry. In fact, the Irish word for Newfoundland is Talamh an Éisc, which literally means ‘the fishing grounds’. Many people from the Fethard area also travelled their for work and some eventually settled there where their existence is recorded on the local headstones.

Some of the Fethard deaths recorded in Newfoundland include:

• 1861 (October 29) – John Trahy, Age 28. Native of Fethard, Co. Tipperary, Ireland. Funeral from residence of Michael Farrell.
• 1864 (January 11) – John O'Donnell, Age 64. Native of Fethard, County Tipperary, Ireland. 50 years in Newfoundland.
• 1868 (January 7) – Mr E. St. John, Age 55. Native of Fethard, Co. Tipperary, Ireland. Came here 31 years ago.

Anyone who would wish to host a couple or a single person(s) in August 2020, can contact the Fethard Historical Society by phone: 087 9009722, or email: history@fethard.com

We look forward to enough volunteers coming forward to ensure our ‘exiles’ will be welcomed home as they welcome the Irish to Newfoundland every second year.

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

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.