FETHARD & DISTRICT RUGBY CLUB
On Friday last in Cashel we fielded 15 under-12 players from no fewer than four different parishes.  All players adjusted very well from their usual 10 a side games played on a smaller pitch.  This was an excellent game of rugby with some great tackles, in particular, David Walsh, who headed the tackle count for Fethard.  Cashel scored 2 tries in the first half but didn’t have it all their own way in the second, with Fethard having most of the possession, but unfortunately, only breaking the opposition line on one occasion.

The club will finish their season on this Friday evening with an Inter-Club Blitz and Barbecue.  Starting time is 6.30pm which will be followed by a tag rugby match in which Clonmel Ladies will take on our team of coaches and parents.

Members please note the club’s AGM will be held on Thursday 29th April and not as previously noted.

NEWBRIDGE REVISITED
Two notice boards erected on the entrance to the local swimming hole at Newbridge will be greeted with dismay and regret by local swimmers of all ages.  The notices simply states, “Sorry, No Swimming, No Insurance”.

A plaque on the upstream side of the bridge says, “Richard Burke M.F.H. 1890”.  Though now 114 years erected, it is still known as the Newbridge.  Since then, the deep hole on the down stream side of the bridge has been used as the local ‘Sandybanks’, Tramore and Clonea, all rolled into one.

Having personally swam there annually for over 60 years, I paid a nostalgic visit to Newbridge during the week to see the notices at first hand.  As we looked from the bridge, we remembered all the happy hours spent there when, “All the world was young, and all the fields were green”.  We recalled the good and not so good swimmers of yesteryear and remembered especially the very few experts such as Dick Gough, Derek Wall and Paddy O’Sullivan, all now alas no longer with us, who were able to dive from the bridge.  This feat required the diver to clear about 12 feet of concrete from the not so high bridge, and then make a shallow dive, as the water was none to deep.

The opening line of The Old House, “Lonely I wander through scenes of my childhood”, come very much to mind and no doubt former Newbridge swimmers, some now scattered world wide, will also have very happy memories of long lazy summer days spent near the crystal clear cool waters, fed by Mullinbawn springs.

Insurance problems have closed down many local amenities nationwide.  Mr and Mrs Ponsonby have, with great regret, been obliged to withdraw the swimming facility at Newbridge.  We feel sure the locals will respect their decision.

On behalf of all who enjoyed the privilege of swimming at Newbridge over the years, we would like to thank them sincerely for their courtesy, especially in recent years, when the privilege was more than somewhat abused by leaving litter, breaking fencing, on what, after all, is private property. (T.N.)

DIED RECENTLY
The death has occurred recently in London, England, of Mr. Johnny ‘Taxer’ Ryan, formerly of St. Patrick’s Place, Fethard.  Johnny, who attended last year’s Fethard & Killusty London Reunion, was a very popular local young man in his native Fethard.  His death at the comparatively early age of 58 came as a great shock to a wide circle of friends.

SOCCER FOR FUN
The ‘Badgers’ over 30s soccer club started last week in the Community Sportsfield on Wednesday night at 7.30pm.  Although the numbers were small on the opening night, we are confident that a lot of our over 30s just couldn’t remember where they left their boots and will be along next week.  We’ll be waiting!  Anyone in the 30-40 age group, and upwards, wanting a bit of fun and exercise are welcome to come along and join us in the new Community Sports Field on the Killenaule Road on Wednesday nights at 7.30pm.  For further information contact Colm McGrath at Tel: 086 3502360 or Liam Harrington at Tel: 086 8436546.

WALKING FOR HEALTH
A meeting will be held on this Friday, 23rd April, at 8.30pm in the Tirry Community Centre for all those interested in starting a 'Slí na Sláinte' walking route around Fethard. Mr Leo D'Arcy, Killusty, will give an introductory presentation on the night, which will be followed by a discussion and election of a group to steer the project. Tea will be served afterwards. Please come along all are welcome!

BLUEGRASS DOUBLE BILL FOR ABYMILL
On Sunday 25th April, the Abymill Theatre will stage a Bluegrass double-bill, at 8.15pm, featuring "New York Bluegrass Maestro", Orrin Star, and top UK bluegrass band 'Grassroots'. Tickets cost €12.50 and are available on the door or from John Shortall Tel: 052 31175 or Tel: 086 3325260.

'Brooklyn Bluegrass Maestro' Orrin Star is a nationally recognized folk & bluegrass performer and teacher based in Brooklyn, NY. Winner of the 1976 National Flatpicking Championship (the largest bluegrass guitar contest in the country), he plays guitar, banjo, mandolin, sings, and performs solo, duo and with his band Orrin Star & the Sultans of String.  His repertoire spans old-time, western swing, Celtic and original songwriting in addition to more mainstream bluegrass and folk material. An accomplished storyteller and entertainer (he worked as a stand-up comic for five years in the Boston area) he has appeared on A Prairie Home Companion and has three recordings on Flying Fish Records. He is the author of a popular guitar instruction book (“Hot Licks for Bluegrass Guitar”, Oak Publications) and a columnist for Flatpicking Guitar magazine.  He is also a recording engineer/producer specializing in acoustic music.  An avocational graphic designer, his hobbies include table tennis, zydeco dancing and cribbage.

The members of Grassroots have enjoyed playing and singing bluegrass music for over thirty years. The band was formed in 1973 with the line up of Kelvin Fosberry on banjo and harmony vocals, Barry Martyn on mandolin and fiddle, Terry McCarthy on lead and harmony vocals and Ron Nesbitt on bass, lead and harmony vocals. The late 1970's early 80's were extremely busy for the band, with success coming in numerous country music competitions and the release of three LP's. Without doubt the high spot for the group was an invitation to represent Great Britain at the 1979 Nashville Fan Fair where they played on both the International and Bluegrass Shows and performed on stage with the father of bluegrass, Bill Monroe.

Today some 31 years after its conception the band is still going strong, playing numerous concerts and festivals both in the U.K. and continental Europe. Their latest CD, released in February 2004,  'The Original And Genuine' consists entirely of original material, written and performed by the band.

COMMUNITY JACKPOT NOW €6,100
The numbers drawn in the Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto on Tuesday 13th April were: 8, 17, 19 and 28. There was no Jackpot winner, and one "Match 3" winner who received €150:

Margaret Doocey, Abbey Road, Fethard

Lucky dip winners of €50 each were:

Nellie Heffernan, Barrack St., Fethard.

Eamon Keane, Barrack St., Fethard,

Liam Daly, Fethard.

Next weeks Jackpot is €6,100. Jackpot sellers prize €500.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
The senior citizens annual holiday to Cairne, Co. Wexford, will take place in early June. Anybody wishing to travel please contact any member of the Society before the end of April.  Families on social welfare assistance who need our help with Confirmation or First Communion please contact us as soon as possible.

FETHARD & KILLUSTY LONDON REUNION
This years Fethard & Killusty London Reunion will take place on Saturday 26th June at St. Anthony’s Parish Centre, Garratt Road, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 9AN, from 6.30pm ‘til late! Buffet food will be available, with music from 8pm onwards and all are welcome. Further details from Paul Looby (London), Tel: 0044 (0)1276 459080, email: paullooby@btconnect.com or from Joe Kenny (Fethard), Tel: 052 31663.

THE WELL GOLF SOCIETY
The results of our Easter Draw are as follows:
1st prize Hamper: Doris Higgins, St. Patrick’s Place.
2nd prize Meat Voucher: Christy Aylward, Ard na Greine.
3rd prize Meal Voucher: Teresa Cummins, Burke St.
4th prize Meal Voucher: Craig Mullins, Mountain Road.
5th prize Bob Fitzgerald Voucher: Margaret Hassett, 35 Elm Park.
6th prize Tickets to Irish Guineas: Kevin Barry, c/o Clonmel Plumbing.
7th prize Meal Voucher: Kayleigh Higgins, Strylea.
8th prize Bottle of Brandy: Andy Walsh, c/o Clonmel Plumbing.
9th prize Easter Egg: Ann Mullins, c/o Brian Mullins.
Thanks to everyone who supported our Easter Draw and a special thanks to our sponsors, without whose generosity this would not have been possible.
Our second outing of the season took place last Saturday, at a wet and windy Rathdowney G.C. Despite the conditions, some good results were recorded. The results are as follows:
Mens: 1st on 35pts (back nine), Ray Morrissey; 2nd on 35pts, Dan O’Riordan; 3rd on 31pts (back nine), Davy Williams; 4th on 31pts, Jim Smyth; 5th on 29pts, Donal O’Grady.
Ladies: 1st on 33pts, Ann Delahunty; 2nd on 31pts, Mary Stakelum.

Juniors: 1st Brian Kennedy, 29pts; 2nd James Smyth, 27pts.
Visitor: Peter Moore, 34pts.
Nearest the pin: Paul Hayes.
Our next outing takes place at Adare Manor on Saturday, June 5th. Those who intend to go are asked to forward their name and €10 deposit on or before May 20th to Kevin Ryan, Danny Mullins or Michael Kenrick.
Finally, a word of congratulations to junior member Paul Kenrick who qualified for the final round of the Munster Youth Championships which were held at Clonmel Golf Course over the weekend.

COMMUNITY GAMES
Rugby

The County Finals of under 11 Rugby took place in Fethard Community Sportsfield on Sunday, April 18th.  Our local team were defeated by Nenagh in the semifinal who then played Powerstown/Lisronagh in the final.  Powerstown emerged County Champions and we wish them the best of luck in Munster finals in July.

Indoor Soccer

Quarterfinals and semifinals of the under/13 boys Indoor Soccer took place in Rockwell College on Thursday last.  Fethard boys had a great victory over Powerstown with a final score of 9-2 (full report in main sports notes).  Fethard team consisted of Ciaran Ryan, Darren Connolly, Adam Lyons, Damien Morrissey, Jake Maher and Ben Walsh.  Also on the team was Daniel Hickey.

Outdoor Soccer

Fethard played Mullinahone on Thursday last in Mullinahone and had a 4-1 win.  Tommy Sheehan scored 2 goals.  Dylan Fitzgerald and Alan Lawrence scored a goal each.

Athletics

Area athletics will take place in Fethard Community Sportsfield on Friday, April 30th

Commencing at 6.30 pm.  Entry fee €2 covers all events.

FETHARD GAA CLUB
The final of the 2004 Senior Football County League, on this Friday 23rd April in Cahir, brings together the two most consistent teams in the league for the last five years, when Fethard take on Aherlow at 7pm.  The very best of luck to our team in their attempt to win ‘back to back’ titles.
Our Intermediate Hurling County League game was played in Clonakenny and thanks to all those who travelled.  We came away with a share of the spoils under our new manager, Martin Shanahan, on a final score of, Fethard 4-9, Clonakenny 3-12.  The team on the evening was: David Flanagan, Tommy Gahan, Michael Ryan, William Harrington, Ian Kenrick, Michael Aherne, Philly Croke, Stephen O’Donnell, Tomas Keane, Colin Allen, Aiden Fitzgerald, Kenneth O’Donnell, Gerry Aherne, Miceál Spillane and John Noonan.  Our next game is on this Sunday 24th in Fethard at 7pm.
The Under 16 juvenile football team are away to St Patricks on 26th April and their final game will be at home on Monday 3rd May at 7pm.  The Under 14 A Football commences with a home game against Moyle Rovers on 29th April at 7pm.  The Under 12s play at home on Saturday 1st May at 12pm.

Out Lotto Jackpot of €3,900 was not won.  The numbers drawn at Lonergans Bar were 10, 13, 19 and 24.   We had three match threes winners of €50 each: Eileen Burke (Redcity), Lisa Nolan, c/o Noelle Doyle (St Patricks Place), and Austy Godfrey (Derryluskin).  The €50 Lucky Dip winner was Denis Burke (Redcity).
The 1978 County Senior Football Champions were honoured at the Clubs Dinner Dance on Saturday last where a most enjoyable night was had by all.
Our sympathies are at this time with Neddy Britton (family), Clonmel, and Willie Wall (family), Faugheen and Carrick Swans. Go nDeanai Dhia Trocaire Orthu.

FETHARD BRIDGE CLUB

On Wednesday 14th April we played the first round of the Club Championship and the results were:

1st Gross: Anna Cooke and Bernie O’Meara;

2nd Gross: Teresa Cummins and Alice Quinn;

1st Nett: Mary and Pattie Tobin;

2nd Nett: Philly Kenny and Margaret Mary McCormack.

Our game on 7th April was sponsored by FBD Investments which was omitted from our notes last week.  Next Wednesday, 28th April we will play the final round of the Club Championship.  Just a reminder that we will be playing for the President’s Prize on 12th May, which is one week earlier than originally scheduled, and our AGM will be on 19th May. Anyone looking for a partner contact Annie O’Brien at Tel: 052 31862.

PROGRESSIVE 25 RESULTS
The Progressive 25 game results played on 9th April were: Joint winners on 11 games David O’Donnell and Peggy Colville; P.J. and Mary Anglim; Paddy McCormack and Tom McCormack.  Table Prizes: Willie and Nora Heffernan; Paddy Murphy and Una Mullane; Jackie Devite and Chas Keane.  Rubber Finals: John Martin and Bridie Lee; Paddy Hickey and Mary Lee; Una Mullane and Paddy Murphy; Tom McCormack and Paddy McCormack.

Results for game played on 16th April were: Winners on 13 games: Tony Kelly and Pat O’Dwyer.  Runners up on 11 games: Sean O’Callaghan and Michael O’Brien.  Table Prize: Bernie and Robert Phelan. Rubber Finals: Sean Spillane and Chris Maher; Biddy O’Donnell and Mick Holohan.  Tickets: Margaret Phelan, Nora Lee and Willie Kennedy. Next game takes place in Fethard Ballroom on Friday 23rd April at 8.45 sharp.

WALKERS WANTED
A group of local ladies have, over the past few years, taken part in the Ladies Dublin City Mini Marathon.  Their efforts have raised much needed funds on behalf of the ‘Friends of St. Joseph’s Hospital Clonmel’, now the ‘South Tipperary General Hospital’.

This year, however, a number of the group are unable to take part and a few new recruits are urgently needed.  Judging by the number of ladies regularly seen walking the Ballybough – Cashel Road and other local circuits, these should not be too difficult to find.  Any local ladies willing to help are asked to contact, Diane Halpin on 052 31013 or Bernadette O’Meara on 052 32329.

ACE OF TRUMPS
“He was well known in the district”, is a line often written about the recently departed!  However, Sean ‘Glamour’ Walsh, Curraghtarsna, is apparently very well known in several districts.  Sean, a very keen card player, plays his favourite game of ‘25s’ most nights of the week.  He has, so far, played at 67 different venues in six different counties.  These range from, Pallasgreen in Co. Limerick, to Grain in Co. Kilkenny, and from Cullahill, Co. Laoise, to Doneraile, Co. Cork.

At most of these far flung halls, at least one, sometimes more, come up to him and ask, “Are you Sean Walsh?”, usually followed by, “that used to hurl with Killenaule”.  Indeed, Sean with his blonde hair, white boots, which were 40 years before their time, and usual excellent performances at center-full, made him stand out on the playing field.  Sean, in his playing days, was known as ‘3D Walsh’, having played in three Tipperary divisions in own year.  Maybe from now on he will be known as the ‘Six County Card Player’.

Sean says, it is his intention to play cards at 100 different venues.  When he accomplishes this it will perhaps, entitle him to be included in the Guinness Book of Records.