Fethard Abbey Jubilee 700 Celebrations
The Fethard Augustinian Abbey celebrations to mark 700 years of Augustinian presence in Fethard continued on Friday last 22nd April with a five-day Festival of Prayer at the Augustinian Abbey in honour of Our Lady of Good Council.  The theme for the opening night was ‘Reconciliation’.  The Novena was attended by a large congregation who participated very well in the hymns and prayers with the aid of the beautiful booklets produced for the occasion.  The organist for the opening night was Anne (Kenrick) Walsh, formerly from Burke Street and now living in Dublin.  The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Council in the Abbey was beautifully decorated with flowers and candle lit to add a prayerful atmosphere for all those present.  Well done to the organisers, Joan Anglim, Ann Cooney, Kitty Delany and Joan Halpin.

The Abbey Shrine of Our Lady of Good Counsel was dedicated in the 1880's and is said to be the first in Ireland to Our Lady under that title, a title which originated in Genazzano, Italy, some 50 kilometres south of Rome. It became universally known and revered during the pontificate of Pope Leo XIII, (1878-1903). The feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel is celebrated in Genazzano on 25th April, elsewhere throughout the world on the following day, 26th April.

As I Grow Old
Dear Lord come and make up for all that I am losing as I grow old:

My Strength — by helping me to love more, by giving my heart more generously, more thoughtfully.

My Mind and Energy — by a smile which will encourage others, especially young people; by understanding their attitudes, and being a support to their plans; by not being a "wet blanket" in spite of the depression which I sometimes feel.

My Imagination — by helping me to remember the joys of my own youth, so that I can now live with young people, be enthusiastic with them, and make their joys my own.

My Will — that I may be gracious in agreeing with the sensible suggestions of those close to me. Keep me at the same time, firm in my faith and my convictions. Let me influence others by my example, without being rigid, so that I will show others, Lord, that your yoke really is easy, and your burden light.

My Intelligence — that I may accept humbly that my brain is growing weaker, less lively, less brilliant. Let me use it now to search for you, to know you better, and to try to grasp the meaning of your promise of eternal life. Above all, Lord, make me generous, unselfish, detached, so that I may forget myself, and give all that I have left to you and with you.

Munster Squad visit Fethard
A large number of the Munster Rugby squad accompanied their coach, Alan Gaffney, on a visit to Fethard last week. The visit coincided with a farewell dinner for the coach who is leaving the Munster job to return to his native Australia to coach their National team.

They visiting group paid a visit to Coolmore Stud where they were given a tour of the facilities by Maurice Moloney.  One of the squad said that he thought that they were coming to look at “a few horses running around a field” and couldn’t believe his ears when told that the stallions had air conditioning in their stables. 

The visit concluded in the boardroom where Alan Gaffney was presented with a framed picture of top stallion ‘Saddlers Wells’, and Alan Quinlan, the squad member who organised the tour, was presented with a memento and a promise of a special job if ‘Saddlers Wells’ retires in the near future.

The squad then paid a visit to the Community Sports Field where they were greeted by hordes of kids in search of autographs on pieces of paper, rugby balls and team shirts.  Most in demand were the familiar faces of John Hayes and Donnacha O’Callaghan — the two players who are representing Ireland in the Lions squad travelling to New Zealand later this year.

The squad finished off with a visit to McCarthy’s to enjoy a well earned pint, where once again they were mobbed for autographs and photographs. It was a memorable day for the large number of rugby supporters in Fethard, many of whom remember the visit of the Irish Triple Crown winning team to the town in 1985.  Best wishes to Alan Gaffney in his new job in Australia, to the squad for the remainder of the season in the Celtic League, to those touring with the Lions and finally to Alan Quinlan that he may get ‘Saddlers’ job if he does retire.

(N Gawe)

Fethard and Killusty Community Games
The boys under-13 indoor soccer team reached the semifinal of the Co. Tipperary Community Games event held in Monroe Sports Complex on Thursday night last.  These lads gave a great performance and were unlucky not to reach the final.  They defeated Clerihan by 7 goals to nil in the first match with Eoin Dillon scoring 3 goals, Damien Morrissey and Tommy Sheehan scoring two goals each.  Ronan Fitzgerald was excellent in goal and this win brought the team into the semifinal against Powerstown/Lisronagh, who defeated Grangemockler.

Fethard got off to a great start with two fine goals from Brian Delahunty and led 2-1 at half-time.  Damien Morrissey scored another goal in the 2nd half but the Powerstown lads notched up three goals to give a final score of 4 -3, after a most exciting final between two very evenly matched teams where each boy played a vital part.

The Fethard team was: Eoin Dillon, Damien Morrissey, Brian Delahunty, Tommy Sheehan, Frankie O’Donovan and Ronan Fitzgerald.  Well done to all.

Good luck to Aobh O’Shea, The Valley, and Kevin Hayes, Redcity, who will represent Fethard in the county swimming finals in Nenagh this Saturday.

Earlier Each Year
It appears that the advertising for Christmas begins a little earlier each year, but an ad in one of the national daily papers must surely win an award for being the earliest that we know of.  It was published on Tuesday last advising people to book early to avoid disappointment to see a Bee Gee’s tribute band for their Christmas party — and we’re still only in April!  Most people aren’t sure where they’re going to spend their Summer holidays yet. Merry Christmas.

(N Gawe)

Fethard Community Sportsfield
Fethard & District Rugby Club members, parents and supporters got a nice surprise on Wednesday last when the Munster Rugby Team took time out from their visit to Coolmore Stud and dropped into the community sportsfield where they signed autographs and chatted to a very large number of fans who were delighted to see their heroes in the flesh. 

The team then stopped off at McCarthys Hotel for refreshments before finishing off a long day in Dundrum House Hotel with some of our Fethard mentors who had a most enjoyable and memorable day and night.

A jersey signed by the Irish Rugby Team was presented to the Community Sportsfield committee for auction in aid of sportsfield funding. This valuable jersey has since been framed courtesy of local man, Niall Hickey, Clonmel Glass & Mirrors, and will be auctioned by phone along with a rowing jersey signed by Steve Redgrave. Phone lines are now open at 086 1704874 and 052 31906 and will remain open until 9pm on Sunday, 15th May.  So hurry up and get these bids in as soon as possible.  Both Jerseys will go to highest bidder at 9pm on Sunday 15th May, provided they reach the reserve price.

Fethard GAA Club
The first round of the county senior football championship is approaching fast when we play J K Brackens on the 8th May.  The county intermediate hurling league starts on Tuesday next, 3rd May, when we are away to Aherlow in Lisvernane at 7.30pm.  In our round two game we are at home to Lattin Cullen which will be played on 10th May at 7.30pm
The division two county football league game played last Sunday in Fethard brought our interest in the conclusion stages to an end when we lost on a scoreline, Fethard 1-9 (1-7), Ardfinnan 6-6 (0-1).  This leaves us now with almost two months preparation time for the Junior B Championship which commences on weekending 26th June with a game against Kilsheelan / Kilcash.
In Minor B Football on Wednesday 20th April we played Mullinahone in O’Sullivan Park and came away with a share of the spoils on a scoreline, Fethard 0-7, Mullinahone 0-7.  Our chances of getting to the semifinals are very much alive with Kilsheelan providing the opposition in our next round which is due to be played on Wednesday 27th April in Monroe.
Our Lotto Jackpot of €1,700 was not won. The numbers drawn in Lonergans Bar were 2, 3, 16 and 21.  We had no match three winner so the €30 Lucky Dips went to: Pat Sheehan (Killusty), Vera O’Connell (Cattaganstown), Rose Connolly (c/o Erin Food Thurles), T J Sheehan (Killusty), and Ann McGarry (29 Woodvale Walk).  The €50 Lucky Dip winner was Dolores Cleary (Market Hill).

Please give your support to the promoters for the County Board Draw that starts with the first draw on Friday 6th May.  Tickets are €100 per annum or €10 monthly. Thank you for your continued support.
Our condolences are at this time with O’Donnell family, Garrinch, on the death of Brian who played with Killusty and Fethard football teams.  Interment took place in Killusty on Sunday last.  To his wife Mary, son Philip, and extended family we offer our deepest sympathies. Go Ndeanai Dhia Trocaire orthu.

Fethard & Killusty Angling Club
Fethard & Killusty Angling Club had a great turn out for our competition on Sunday 24th April.  In all, twenty-three anglers fished. Conditions at the start looked very good, dull and overcast with a slight drizzle of rain, no sooner had the fishing got under way when the sky cleared to bright sunshine with an easterly breeze, not very good for fishing.  After the recent heavy rainfall the Anner and Clashawley rivers were still very high so things did not help matters.  However, all the fishermen fished hard all day and were rewarded with a total catch of 70 trout — not a bad return for the day.

Well done to everybody that fished and made this the best-attended competition for many a year. A special word of thanks to Liam Croke for the use of his field for parking.

Competition Results:

John Sayers Trophy, 1st Eddie Casey, 2nd Willie McGrath, 3rd John Burke;

John O'Donnell Cup, for heaviest trout, to Paul Burke;

Tom O’Shea Cup, for second heaviest trout, to Jim Sayers;

Eddie O'Neill Cup, for most trout caught, to Willie McGrath.

The presentation for ‘Club Person of the Year 2004/2005’ was made to Matty Fleming

Fethard Juvenile GAA Club
Our under/6s, 8s, and 10s had a great turnout for training again last Saturday, which will continue every Saturday from 3 to 4pm.  All are welcome.  Our under/12s played their second game against Cahir last Thursday night and came away with another win.  This game was played in terrible conditions but the Fethard boys still managed to play some terrific football.  Great performances were given all round.  Players have a free week this Thursday and their next game is against Clonmel Óg on Thursday 5th May at 7pm.

The under/14 footballers started their championship against Kilsheelan and came away with a great win, after a shaky start.  They went two goals down in the first few minutes but recovered well and went on to play some fine football.  Their next match is on this Thursday away to Moyle Rovers at 7pm.  All players to be at the GAA field by 6.15pm.

The under/16s played Mullinahone and put up a great performance but unfortunately were beaten.  Many of this team are underage again next year and at the moment are playing against bigger and stronger teams. 

Well done to Alan O’Connor on representing his club with South Tipp under/16 football team last weekend.  They are now in the divisional final.

Due to the number of ladies involved in the juvenile club at the moment we decided to run a coaching course in football.  Nine ladies took part and had a very enjoyable evening under the guidance of John Cummins. All membership is now seriously overdue, for any information contact Tel: 086 1713502.

Fethard Bridge Club
We played the third round of our Player of the Year competition on Wednesday 20th April and the results were:

1st Gross: Kay St. John and Betty Walsh

2nd Gross: Nell Broderick and Anna Cooke

1st Nett: Breda Walsh and Ellen Rochford

2nd Nett: Annie O’Brien and Mike Burke

Anyone looking for a partner contact Annie O’Brien, The Square. Tel: 052 31862.

Environmental Award for Nano Nagle School
Nano Nagle Primary School, Fethard, received an Environmental Award certificate from visiting Co. Council representatives.  Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mattie McGrath, Councillor Susan Maher, Brendan Fennessey, Environmental Officer, and Abby McSherry, received a rapturous singing welcome on their arrival. Laura Ryan and Clodagh Bradshaw accepted the award from Councillor McGrath, on behalf of the school. Nano Nagle School is indeed, delighted to win this commendation of their efforts towards environmental awareness, as best school in the Fethard Electoral Area.

We commend South Tipperary County Council on such a fine incentive for positive environmental efforts in schools.

Hanrahan from Drangan
While I am not from Fethard, a friend of mine from the area told me about your excellent newsy page.  Congratulations.  In a recent issue you mentioned a man Patrick Hanrahan, from the area, who died in a dreadful accident in Lanzarote.  You mentioned in the story that he has a sister named Joan O'Halloran, a shopkeeper, in Drangan.

My name is also Patrick Hanrahan and my grandfather also Patrick Hanrahan was from Drangan.  He later moved to Tipperary Town, where I grew up.

I wonder if there is a connection.  I am about to become a grandfather, for the first time, and would like to be able to provide some historical data, connections etc. to my roots in Ireland and especially in Tipperary.

Hope you can help. Thank you, Pat Hanrahan (email: hanrahanpm@optonline.net), 74 Caffrey Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714. USA

Fethard Judo Club
The Leinster Open Judo Championships were held in Finglass, Dublin, weekending 16th / 17th April.  Fethard Judo Club maintained a high standard with the following medallists:

Juniors

Garry Bradshaw (28kg) Silver;

Loraine Ferry (44kg) Silver;

Samantha Feery (52kg & Open) Bronze;

Cathal Gorey (73kg) Gold;

Alan Sutcliffe (55kg) Silver;

Jake Walsh (50kg) Bronze;

Padraig O'Shea (34kg) Gold;

Aobh O'Shea (30kg) Bronze.

Youths

Richard Gorey (73kg) Gold;

DJ Gorey (60kg) Silver.

Seniors

Roy Gorey (73kg) Bronze.

Thanks to all our competitors who fought in the Leinster Open. Keep up the good work. Thanks also to our supporters who cheered our athletes to success.

Table Quiz for Audrey
A table quiz will be held for Audrey Tynan in Butlers Sports Bar on Friday 29th April at 9.30pm. Tables of four will cost €20 and your support is earnestly requested.  Lots of spot prizes on the night.

Volleyball Success for Secondary School Boys
Congratulations to the Patrician Presentation Secondary School boys junior volleyball team who have qualified for the All-Ireland final by beating Drumshambo and Mountmellick CS in Mountmellick on Friday 22nd April.  The final will take place in Callan on 6th May. Well done to all the team and their teacher Ms Bernie O’Connor.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto Results
The numbers on Tuesday 19th April were: 9, 13, 16 and 21. There was no Jackpot winner and two ‘Match 3’ winners who received €75 each:

Michelle Tobin, c/o Eileen Connolly

Leo Darcy, Killusty, Fethard

The three €50 Lucky Dip winners were:

Jessica Moloney, 12 Congress, Fethard

Celia Byrne, Cois Falla, Fethard

Mary McCormack, Kerry Street, Fethard.

Next weeks Jackpot remains at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1,000.

Died Recently
We record the death of Brian O'Donnell, Garrinch, Fethard, who died on Friday 22nd April. Requiem Mass took place at 11am on Sunday 24th April at Holy Trinity Parish Church Fethard followed by burial in Killusty graveyard.

The late Brian was a very active community worker throughout his life, formerly with Fethard & Killusty Community Council and more recently with Fethard & District Day Care Centre.