Graveyard Masses in June
The following are the dates for this year’s Graveyard masses in June. All are at 7.30pm;

• Calvary on June 5th 
• Killusty on June 12th, the Feast of the Sacred Heart
• The Abbey on June 19th 
• The Parish Church on June 26th.

Corpus Christi Procession Sunday June 7th
The Corpus Christi Procession is going ahead this weekend, on Sunday, June 7, after the 11am mass. It will proceed from the Parish Church to the Abbey. “Let us come together as a community to honour the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and celebrate this special feast with joy and faithh"

Died Recently in New Zealand
The death has occurred on Monday 1st June 2026 of John Culligan, Whakatane, North Island, New Zealand and formerly of Clonacody, Fethard. Deeply regretted by his family and friends in Ireland and New Zealand.

John's Funeral Service can be streamed online from New Zealand and can be viewed by CLICKING HERE from 12.15 New Zealand Time (We are 11 hours behind, so this is at 1.15am Irish Time on Thursday Morning).

Messages of condolence can be sent online by CLICKING HERE A Mass in John's memory will take place in St John the Baptist Church, Lisronagh, on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 12 noon. All are welcome.

Kintyre Peninsula Barn Owl Project
Eleanor O'Riordan, formerly from Kerry Street, Fethard, and now living in Campbeltown, Scotland, sent us this interesting report published on June 3, 2026, by the Kintyre Peninsula Barn Owl Project – a conservation project aimed at Barn owl population and breeding.

"One of the great things about bird ringing is getting a recovery, especially one that’s a bit unexpected. The chick on the left (above photo) was ringed at a site in South Kintyre in July, 2025. It was the fourth youngest chick in a brood of five. On June 3, 2026, We received notification that it had been found in Fethard, Co. Tipperary, Ireland. The owl was a road casualty, however, it has since been released and is back in the wild. Barn Owls do not usually disperse so far after leaving the nest but a few have have headed south into Wales and England."


The flight from Scotland to Fethard.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday night, June 7, to the music of 'Brian McDermot'. 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 Monday, June 1, 2026, of Marie Crean (née O'Meara), Moanbeg, Fethard. Marie passed away peacefully in the loving care of the staff of Willowbrook Lodge Nursing Home, Mocklers Hill, Fethard.

Pre deceased by her husband Jimmy, her sister Breda, and her brothers-in-law Pat Costello and James Keane. Deeply regretted by her sons Michael and Philip, daughters-in-law Catherine and Mary, her brother David, her sisters Noreen and Ailbhe, sisters-in-law Bernie O'Meara and Noreen Crean, brother-in-law Peter Curran, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends. Messages of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE

Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Tuesday June 2, 2026, from 5pm to 7pm. Funeral Mass in the Augustinian Abbey Church, Fethard, on Wednesday, June 3, at 11am followed by burial in Red City Cemetery. Marie's Mass on Wednesday can be watched online at fethardabbey.com May she rest in peace.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Saturday, May 30, 2026, of Noel Reddy, St Patrick's Place, Fethard, who passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. Pre-deceased by his beloved parents John and Catherine, his brother Tom and his sister Joan. Noel will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his devoted wife Joan, his children Catherina (Davey), Lizzie, Ollie and Donna (Browne), sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, brothers John and Ned, sisters-in-law ,brothers-in-law, cherished grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbours and many friends.

Noel's family would like to say a big thank you to the staff at Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel, Carmel Condon GP and her staff and the local pharmacists for their care towards Noel. Messages of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE Family flowers only please.

Reposing at home at 40 St Patrick's Place, Fethard (E91 HH32) from 5pm to 8pm on Monday June 1. Funeral Mass in the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, at 11am on Tuesday June 2, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Noel's Mass can be watched online at parishchurch.net. May He Rest In Peace.

Died Recently in Wexford
The death has occurred on Saturday, May 30, 2026, of James (Jim) Dobbyn, Fethard, Tipperary; Kilkenny and Wexford. Jim passed away peacefully following a short illness. Beloved husband to Margaret (née Lee). Adored father to Lorraine and Vincent. Dearly loved Father in Law to Tony and Alison. Wonderful grandfather to Aidan, Ellen and Gareth. Jim will be sadly missed by his sisters in law, brothers in law, nieces, nephews, 'Blackie' the cat, Bobby the Bichon and Jim's many friends. Jim was loved by everyone who knew him.

Reposing in Mackens Funeral Home, Distillery Road, Wexford Y35 HP29 on Monday, June 1, from 4pm to 7pm. Funeral arriving to The Church of the Assumption, Bride Street, Wexford on Tuesday, June 2, for funeral mass at 12 noon. You can watch funeral mass online on Tuesday, June 2, by CLICKING HERE. Cremation will take place privately. No flowers please. Instead please raise a glass over the coming days to the beautiful soul of Jim Dobbyn – he would love that! For those who would like to leave a message of condolence online please CLICK HERE. May He Rest In Peace.

‘Bridget’ film wins ‘Best First Time Film Director’ award

VIP Guests at the IndieX Fest Awards ceremony in Los Angeles L to R: Vicky Maher, Anne Williamson (Best First Time Film Director) and Deirdre Bourke.


Anne Williamson after receiving the Best First Time Film Director award for 'Bridget' at the IndieX Fest Awards ceremony in Los Angeles


Cast members of Fionn MacCumhaill Players production of 'Bridget' photographed at a showing of the film in the Abymill Theatre after it was nominated for three awards at the Indie Short Film Festival in Los Angeles in May 2026: best young actor Cathal Fahey, best female director, Anne Williamson, and best ensemble cast, Vicky Maher, John Peter Morris, Eugene O’Meara and Cathal Fahey. L to R: John Peter Morris, Vicky Maher, Eugene O'Meara, Peggy O'Brien, Anne Williamson and Deirdre Bourke.

Congratulations Anne Williamson and Fionn Mac Cumhaill players for winning the Best First Time Film Director at the Indie X Short Film Festival Awards in Los Angeles for the film ‘Bridget’.  

Photographed at a showing of the film 'Bridget' in the Abymill Theatre are L to R: Mary Hanrahan, Cllr Mark Fitzgerald, Leas Chathaoirleach Tipperary County Council, Lisa Hanrahan, Josephine O'Hagan, Rosemary Ponsonby and Cllr David Dunne, Cathaoirleach Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District.

The short film ‘Bridget’ was nominated for three awards in Los Angeles in May 2026: best young actor Cathal Fahey, best female director, Anne Williamson, and best ensemble cast, Vicky Maher, John Peter Morris, Eugene O’Meara and Cathal Fahey. It was also nominated for the London Director’s short film festival later this year. Writer and director, Anne Williamson said it was “a wonderful achievement for a low budget film to receive so many nominations”, and added, that she hopes to travel to Los Angeles to attend the awards ceremony.


Photographed at a showing of the film 'Bridget' in the Abymill Theatre are L to R: Maria, Lauren, Jamie and Ann Kennedy.


Photographed at a showing of the film 'Bridget' in the Abymill Theatre are Ann and Michael Walsh, Jossestown.


Photographed at a showing of the film 'Bridget' in the Abymill Theatre are L to R: Jayne Sutcliffe and Regina Byrne.


Photographed at a showing of the film 'Bridget' in the Abymill Theatre are L to R: Eve O'Mahoney and Marian O'Mahoney Walsh.

The screenplay was co-written by friends Anne Williamson and Brian Clancy and filmed in July 2024. Long time collaborators in their local drama group ‘The Fionn MacCumhaill Players’, they cast the film from local actors and actresses, and the production was filmed by ‘Dicemen Productions’, based in Kilkenny.

Photographed at a showing of the film 'Bridget' in the Abymill Theatre are L to R: Gerry Marshall and Eileen Marshall, Kilsheelan.


Photographed at a showing of the film 'Bridget' in the Abymill Theatre are L to R: Paddy Commins, Edel Commins, Áine Power, Padraig Power and Paddy Power.


Photographed at a showing of the film 'Bridget' in the Abymill Theatre are L to R: Cllr. Richie Molloy, Sarah Murphy and Vincent Murphy (cast member).


Photographed at a showing of the film 'Bridget' in the Abymill Theatre are L to R: Breege Phelan, Will Mclellan and Eileen Croke.


Photographed at a showing of the film 'Bridget' in the Abymill Theatre are L to R: Anne Williamson (Anne Williamson winner of the Best First Time Film Director at the Indie X Short Film Festival Awards in Los Angeles), Jane Hayes and Cllr Mark Fitzgerald, Leas Chathaoirleach Tipperary County Council.


Photographed at a showing of the film 'Bridget' in the Abymill Theatre are L to R: Marie Brennan, Kathleen Rafter and Sinead Brennan.

Bridget was filmed on location on Kylenagranagh and The Thatch Cloneen. Sound recordist was Adrian Brett from Mullinahone. The beautiful song ‘The maid of old Cloneen’ was written especially for the film by Chris Kavanagh, a well-known singer songwriter. The evening ended in the Abymill with a question-and-answer session with members of the cast, production team and audience.

Walls of Fethard 5K Report

Members of Fethard Athletic Club photographed before the start of the 2026 'Walls of Fethard' 5K.

The 2026 Walls of Fethard 5km proved to be another outstanding success for Fethard AC, with fantastic numbers taking part, a brilliant atmosphere throughout the town, and perfect running conditions helping produce a host of superb performances and several course records.

From the first race numbers collected to the final refreshments served, the event showcased everything that is great about community athletics in Fethard. The continued growth of the race is a credit to everyone involved and reflects the hard work put in year after year by the club and volunteers.

Fethard AC would like to extend a sincere thank you to our main sponsors, Fethard Electrical Hardware and David O'Mahony Electrical, whose continued support is greatly appreciated and plays a huge role in making the event possible each year. We would also like to thank all the local businesses who generously sponsored spot prizes and category prizes. Your support of community athletics in Fethard is hugely valued.

A huge thank you also goes to our marshals who kept the route safe and encouraging for all participants, to Fethard Town Park for their support and facilities, to our hardworking committee for the months of preparation behind the scenes, and to our catering volunteers who looked after everyone so well afterwards. Events like this simply could not happen without the support and generosity of so many people.

Most importantly, well done to all of our own Fethard AC members who competed, volunteered and represented the club so proudly on the day.


The first three home in the mens L to R: Pawel Hoc 3rd place (Clonmel AC), Sean Tobin, 1st place (Clonmel AC) and Dermot Gorman 2nd place (Carrick-on-Suir AC).

The men’s race produced a blistering performance from Sean Tobin of Clonmel AC, who stormed home in 14:42 to break the male course record. Tobin set a relentless pace from the start and thrilled spectators with a top-class display of front running.

Second place went to Dermot Gorman of Carrick-on-Suir AC in an excellent 15:53. Gorman’s consistency and strength also earned him victory in the M40 category. Third overall was Pawel Hoc of Clonmel AC in 16:35, continuing Clonmel’s strong showing with a composed and powerful run.

In the remaining men’s categories, Danny Brosnan of Clonmel AC claimed the M40 title in 16:40 with a strong and experienced run. Robert Speer of Clonmel AC took the M45 category in 18:14 after a very steady performance, while Eelco Beckers impressed greatly in the M50 division, setting a new course record with a superb 17:41.

Another course record fell in the M55 category where Eugene O'Keeffe of Carrick-on-Suir AC clocked 17:58 in a brilliant effort. Anthony Power of Clonmel AC won the M60 category in 20:06, while Ben English of Dundrum AC showed his experience and endurance to win the M65 category in 21:56.

Joe Gough of West Waterford AC added yet another course record to the day’s achievements, winning the M70 category in 20:38 with an exceptional run. Home club member Noel Howley received warm applause from supporters as he claimed victory in the M75 category in 27:30, while Myles McHugh of Clonmel AC completed the M80 category in 32:56.

The Male Juvenile race produced another outstanding performance as Dylan Magorrian of Grange Fermoy AC set a new Male Juvenile course record with a superb winning time of 16:58. Jack Browne of Cashel ran strongly for second place in 18:23, while Harry Weymouth of Clonmel AC finished third in 19:07.

The women’s race was equally competitive, with Laura Cooney of Clonmel AC taking an impressive victory in 17:14. Cooney ran confidently throughout and finished strongly to lead the women home. Second place went to Muireann Duffy of Clonmel AC in 17:32, while Laura Earley of Fethard AC delighted the local supporters by taking third place in 18:44 with an excellent performance on home roads.

The Female Juvenile category was won by Siun Cunningham of West Waterford AC, who ran a determined race to finish in 20:25. Ludmila Podzimkova of Clonmel AC finished second in 20:32, closely followed by Eadoin Duffy of Clonmel AC in 20:56.

First three women home L to R: Muireann Duffy 2nd place (Clonmel AC), Laura Cooney 1st place (Clonmel AC) and Laura Early 3rd place (Fethard AC).

In the women’s masters categories, Ruth Hally of Clonmel AC claimed the F40 title in 21:13 with a strong run. A particularly proud moment for the home club came with Edel Roche of Fethard AC winning the F45 category in 20:03 while also setting a new course record.

Mairead O'Rourke of J&N Coaching ran superbly to take the F50 category in 20:02, while Shiela Magorrian of Grange Fermoy AC secured the F55 title in 23:17 with a controlled and consistent performance.

Another excellent result for the host club saw Eleanor Walsh proudly represent Fethard AC in winning the F60 category in 27:17, while Esme Alexander of Coolquill AC claimed victory in the F65 category in 27:03.

The Walls of Fethard 5km continues to go from strength to strength and this year’s event will long be remembered for its atmosphere, community spirit and remarkable performances. Fethard AC would like to sincerely thank every runner, volunteer, sponsor and supporter who helped make the 2026 race such a memorable occasion, and we already look forward to welcoming everyone back again next year!

Fethard & District Rugby Club 'Split The Bucket'


Fethard and District Rugby Club's 'Split the Bucket' weekly draw with cash up for grabes every Friday. You can enter the draw online at: https://www.fethardrfc.ie/draws.

GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 1, 9, 30 and 33. We had no Jackpot winner and one Match 3 winner, Edwina Newport, who won €150. One lucky dip winner Eoin O'Connor, who received €100. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, when the jackpot is €11,000.

Fethard 'Split The Cash' Community Draw

PLEASE CLICK TO SUPPORT FETHARD & KILLUSTY
COMMUNITY COUNCIL PROJECTS
BY JOINING OUR WEEKLY DRAW
Click Above to enter the next draw online!

Congratulations to Mary Fogarty, who won this week’s Community ‘Split the Cash’ draw for €145 on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Ticket was drawn by Killian Hallinan. 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, June 4, 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.

Parish Church Lotto Results
There was no jackpot winner in the Parish Lotto on Thursday, Thursday, May 28, 2026. The numbers drawn were 3, 8, 15, and 17. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Mary Morrissey. Next week's draw takes place on Thursday, June 4, when the Jackpot is €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/fethardkillust

Fethard Town Park Family Fun Day


Join us at Fethard Town Park for our Family Fun Day on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 1pm to 5pm for Bouncy castles, Kids games & activities, Live music from Brass & Co, BBQ, coffee & ice cream. Fun stalls for all ages. Entry fee is €5 per person or €10 per family. Every entry is included in a free draw to win a 56” Smart TV!

All support on the day goes towards the ongoing upkeep and development of the park for the whole community to enjoy. Bring the whole family and help support the park and local community.

Cash for Clobber clothes collection!

Holy Trinity National School Parents Association are holding a cash for clothes collection fundraiser from May 11, to June 23. Please support by donating unwanted clothing as listed on poster above, which can be dropped off at the school. Alternatively, contact 087 6918183 to arrange a suitable time.

Accepted items are: clothing, including uniforms, paired shoes, belts, scarves, ties, hats, bags, handbags, school bags, sports bags, soft toys, bed linen and curtains (bagged separately).

Unacceptable items are: No Bric a Brac (toys or books), No dirty/wet clothing, No mats/carpets, No single shoes, No pillows/duvets, No cut-off materials, No cushions, No towels, No blankets. Please place your items for recycling in a black bag.

The Clonmel Union of Parishes host concerts
The parishioners of Old St. Mary’s Church are delighted to announce that they will host three different concerts over the next few weeks, all with different genres, with something for all musical tastes. The concertwill enable us to raise funds towards the repairs of the church roof over the chancel area and interior work, both of which are major projects. Old St Mary’s Church has built up a fine reputation for hosting concerts and has outstanding acoustics and a wonderful ambience. The Select Vestry continually work very hard to maintain this building for future generations and appreciate any support that the local community can give.

The next concert will take place:

• On Sunday June 7, we are delighted to welcome back the Clonmel Concert Band for an afternoon concert of well known music which is always very popular. The concert begins at 3pm and will last approximately one hour. Admission is free and there will be a retiring collection for the ongoing work in the church.

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!

Faces and Places from the Past
This week we feature photographs from our archives that we have little or only some information for and ask your help with supplying missing names or information where possible. I've also used some more photos taken at the Kilcash Fancy Dress, Baby Show at Field Day held on July 25, 1982, that may have a few local faces included. Other names would be much appreciated.

Please 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 contact us by email at:  fethardnews@gmail.com

The late Jack Gunne photographed in his blacksmith's forge on The Green, Fethard, in the early 1970s. It was November 23, 1982 when Jack Gunne last worked in his forge which was located in the Lower Green. He remembers the date well because that night he suffered from a stroke. Very little now marks the site where the smithy on the Green shaped shoes for this horse or that with the aid of his hand operated bellows. Jack was the third generation to carry on the family business and while in the latter years of his life he concentrated mainly on shoeing horses, all types of work associated with the blacksmith was undertaken. Indeed Gunne's forge once had the finest set of dies for miles around. Jack's father Iived in the Back Green and his parents were one of the original families to get one of the new eight cottages in The Green. Jack reckons that he was the second child to be born in the new cottages and when asked who was the first he quickly replied 'the late Jimmy Weston! Jack Gunne died on September 11, 1992, aged 78.


The late Jack Gunne photographed inside the door of his blacksmith's forge on The Green, Fethard, in 1972.


Mary Kenny and her daughter Monica on her First Communion Day. Monica celebrates her birthday on May 30. Happy Birthday!


Fethard Coursing Club presentation at Sparagoleith. Sean Henehan presenting the Inter-County Cup following the meet between Blackrock Club, Cork and Fethard Club held at Derryluskin on February 28, 1978. L to R: John Donovan, Derry Curran, Sean Henehan, Jimmy Ryan, Hugh Lynch, winner Gerry Hennerby from Blackrock Coursing Club, Cork, T.J. Ryan, Timmy O’Riordan, Martin Power, Johnny O’Brien, Michael ‘Gike’ Keane, and the child in front is John Morrissey.

The 1977-78 Coursing season was one of the best ever, and the highlight of the season was the Inter-County meet between Blackrock Club, Cork and Fethard Club held at Derryluskin on February 28, 1978. The Cork Club came in strength, complete with a beautiful perpetual trophy and after a great days coursing in brilliant sunshine, the Blackrock Club were victorious in the final. A very enjoyable day was had by the 200 people or more who turned, all of whom agreed how well organised the meet was. Hearty appetites were appeased by the kind ladies who supplied tea and sandwiches in the I.C.A. Hall. And then the moment of glory! The presentation of the Cup at the Fethard Arms, where music and frivolity were the order of the day. The P.J. Henehan Cup was won by Michael Flanagan. The Tom Carroll Cup was awarded by Jimmy Ryan. The Beaters Cup went to Michael Croke and the Dick Hayes Inter-Club Trophy went to Tony Flanagan.

A print from an old negative scanned around 1983 ?


Sr. Betty Cagney photographed with some children from St. Bernard Group homes outside Coffey's Mill c.1983 which was the proposed site for the new Abymill Theatre.


Photo of a large group of children in the Barrack field c.1983 getting ready to start a parade for Fethard A.C. including Lydia Newport, Bro. Virgil Duggan, Mr Hayes (Bank Manager), John Looby, young children include Michael Coen, Sharon Carroll, Michael O’Riordan, Teddy Morrissey, Tommy Sheehan, and John Hurley.

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