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Fethard Community Celebrate 30 Years
On Friday night, January the 13th, over one hundred and forty people attended a dinner dance in the ballroom in Fethard to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the setting up of the Fethard and Killusty Community Council. The attendance was largely made up of past and present members of the council as well as people from the many different organisations and clubs that exist in the area and many an odd ball was also softly tucked into the easy atmosphere.
In the national media and in some of our day-to-day conversations we can have a tendency to bemoan the rampant materialism of our day, the gross emphasis on money or the rising cynical approach to matters within our society. But among this gathering were many people from all walks of life who make a huge and invaluable contribution to the community on a voluntary basis. They give of their free time to sporting clubs, organisations and activities that hugely benefit people’s lives in this district. These activists are the unsung army of modern Ireland who strengthen the ties amidst the different strands of community and they perpetuate civic society. They do not act out of self-interest alone and they know how to party.
The manner of this commemoration was noteworthy. Beyond a brief informal welcome there were no speeches, no political points scored, no sentimentality for the good old days, no harking back to what might have been and no back slapping. We were in safe hands. A series of photographs of various people at various events throughout the thirty years was projected onto a screen during the evening and a video of events, parades and dances from years past was also shown, much to the amused embarrassment of the audience.
A gorgeous meal was provided by Mark and staff from Slievenamon Golf Club. Then there was dancing to the band, ‘Opus 1’, and nearly everyone danced. There is usually something right when everyone goes dancing. Amidst the old fashioned splendour of the ballroom — one of the few ballrooms in the whole country to survive and more precious, to still serve its original function — people of all shapes and skills danced on the splendid maple floor of this impressive venue. The maple floor is a treat with its bouncy and smooth quality, and true to any good community event, the good and the not so good dancers were all able to strut their stuff together.
Members of old established Fethard and Killusty families, people of different financial backgrounds and different faiths and new residents to the area were all equal participants on the night to mark how the Council has, throughout the years, tried to pinpoint local problems within the community and make efforts to solve these problems. So the next time you hear a person say, “why doesn't somebody do something about it”, tell them about the Community Council and tell them that the members would be more then happy for any major or minor contribution to their efforts.
Songs of Praise
The Jubilee Celebrations commemorating 700 years of Augustinian Presence in Fethard continue on Friday 20th January at 7.30pm in Holy Trinity Church of Ireland, where choirs from Cloneen, Drangan, Moyglass, combined national schools in Fethard, and combined choir of the Abbey and Parish Church will perform ‘Songs of Praise’. All are welcome to attend.
Rocklow Road housing decision deferred
South Tipperary County Council members have deferred the planning decision on the proposed housing development at Rocklow Road. Locals are pleased that a common sense approach is being taken with this proposed sensitive development and that local community concerns and efforts to solve the difficulties are being taken into consideration. A meeting with councillors and the relevant people is being planned within the next few weeks.
Feast of Music in Fethard
Next weekend music lovers will have a feast of music performing at Butlers Bar, free of charge. On Friday night, 20th January, the very talented Sonny Condell will perform. Sonny was an integral part of the Irish music scene since the early 1970s, and is probably best known for his innovative collaborations with Leo O'Kelly in Tir na nOg, and with Philip King in Scullion. Both bands are widely acknowledged as having had a huge influence on the overall direction of Irish music, and Sonny has been involved in occasional reunions down through the years, but his primary focus now is on his solo work.
On Sunday night, 22nd January, Philip Donnelly pays a welcome return visit to Butlers Bar. Ireland has produced many truly world-class musicians, but few have remained as relatively unknown as Philip Donnelly. Philip was the Irish musician who spearheaded the country/Celtic crossover sound and is recognised by both his audience and peers as being one of Ireland’s most gifted and popular musicians. He is an active authority on Celtic, Country, Rock and Blues guitar, and his unique style has been employed by some of the world’s greatest recording artists for over 30 years. Philip spent most of the mid seventies recording in all the major studios in Los Angeles with many major artists. He spent the next decade in Nashville where he recorded approximately 2,500 songs with various artists such as: Brenda Lee, Guy Clarke, Towns Van Zants, The Everly Brothers, Nanci Griffiths, John Prine, Don Williams, Clannad and Paul Brady. He co-wrote Crystal Gayle’s number one hit song “Troubled Times”.
Fethard GAA Club News
On Sunday last, 15th January, the AGM was held in the Abymill with Miceál McCormack
present as the South Board Chairman for 2006, which was a great honour for our club. The last
Fethard chairman was John Keating in 1955. The meeting wished Miceál the best of luck in the position and
both the club and Miceál expressed the wish that, during his term of office, he will not have to deal with any member of the Fethard Club before the South Board.
Attendance at this year’s AGM was not
great. Tributes were made to those members who passed to there eternal reward in 2005: Dick Cummins, Margaret Hackett, Noelle O’Dwyer, Dick Wall, Dessie Ward and all
deceased members. A comprehensive report was presented by the secretary and the treasurer’s report was well received, as was the sports centre and juvenile reports.
Officers returned for 2006 were: Dick Fitzgerald (Chairman), Gus Fitzgerald
(Secretary), Nicky O’Shea (Treasurer), Noel Byrne (PRO / Registrar), Austy Godfrey and Michael O’Dwyer (Vice Chairmen), Denis O’Meara (Field Development Officer), Caroline Sheehan (Assistant Sec. & Juvenile Sec.), Mary Godfrey (Assistant Treasurer), Canon Jim Power & Timmy O’Riordan (Life Presidents), Joe Ahearne & Sean Moloney (Vice
Presidents), Fr Tom Breen P.P. (President). Other positions filled at the
meeting were: Noel Byrne (Insurance), Liam Hayes (Coaching), Mary
Godfrey (Scor), Tommy Sheehan (Youth), Stephen McCormack (Membership), Stiofan MacGerailth (Oifig Na Gaeilge), Gus Fitzgerald (County Board Representative), Noel Byrne, Michael O’Dwyer (South Board Representatives), and Austy Godfrey (Football Board Representative).
A history of the club was presented and those who have comments or additional information please pass on same to Noel Byrne (PRO) without delay and before 25th January, 2006.
The members decided to enter the same team categories as in 2005.
Football
Senior, Junior A, Junior B,
Under 21 B, and Minor B.
Hurling
Intermediate, Junior B, Under 21 B, and Minor B.
Under-21
Football is starting shortly with Gerry Ahern in charge. All the rest will be dealt at the adjourned convention on Wednesday, 25th January, which will be held in the Abymill at 8pm sharp.
Membership fees for 2006 are due before 31st March 2006 (deadline for all): Adults €25, Juvenile €15, to be given to the chairman, secretary, treasurer, or membership officer, Stephen
McCormack.
Hard luck on our county senior footballers last Sunday who went out of the McGrath Cup losing to Cork
on a scoreline 1-8 to 0-5. Our representatives on the day were Paul Fitzgerald and Cian Maher.
The Lotto Jackpot €4,500 was not won. The numbers drawn at Burkes Bar were 5,7,10 and 18. We had one
match three winner: Tom Ryan (St Patricks Place), who received €150. The €50 Lucky Dip was won by Michael
Gould (Claremore).
Fethard Bridge Club Results
The results of Fethard Bridge Club game played on Wednesday 11th January were:
1st Gross: Brigid Gorey & Betty Walsh;
1st Nett: Frances Burke & Rosemary Lalor;
2nd Gross: Kay St. John & Rita Kane;
2nd Nett: Carmel Condon & Brendan Kenny.
Anyone looking for a partner please contact Annie O’Brien at Tel: 052 31862.
McCarthy’s Hotel Golf society
McCarthy’s Golf Society is up and running for the 2006 season. The 2005 year concluded with a Christmas outing to Dundrum Golf and Country Cub. It was a very successful and enjoyable year. A great deal of thanks must go to the society captain for the year, Mr Willie Harrington. Membership is now being taken and is payable in the hotel. The cost for the year is €25. There are seven outings planned for the coming year, the first of which is in Adare Manor on Sunday 25th March. This year, the society is also running a four-ball matchplay for members. Entry fee is €10 with final names in, the draw takes place on 1st February. Rules available from any member of the committee. So enjoy your golf again this year and the society wishes the incoming society captain for 2006, Bobbi Holohan, all the best for the year.
Golf Memorabilia for Charity
A piece of sporting memorabilia was given to Frank Purcell and Vincent Murphy the night that Eleanor Shanley played a concert in aid of Alice Leahy’s ‘Trust’ charity. It’s a cap from the 2005 J.P. McManus Pro-Am golf classic, which has been signed by all of the professional golfers that took part in the tournament. Most of the top names in the world of golf have signed the cap, which include Padraig Harrington, Davis Love III, Fred Couples and world number one, Tiger Woods. This unique piece of sporting memorabilia is now being auctioned off for Alice’s charity. To place a bid, contact Vincent on Tel: 086 8119625, Frank on 087 7805492 or joe@fethard.com.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on Wednesday 11th January were: 2, 6, 7 and 27. There was no Jackpot winner and two ‘Match 3’ winners who received €75 each:
Rose Lonergan, The Square, Fethard;
John Pollard, Rocklow Road, Fethard.
The three €50 Lucky Dip winners were:
Peggy O'Reilly, Red City, Fethard;
Brian Sheehy, Garrinch, Fethard;
Aine O'Dwyer, Strylea, Fethard.
Next weeks Jackpot remains at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1,000.
With the White Heathers
The Ballylusky White Heathers met at Clonacody on Sunday 15th January. From the fort in Mr Toby Purcell’s they ran to Killerk. Swinging right-handed here they hunted strongly to Mr Delahunty’s at Market Hill where they checked. Hitting the line again, they crossed the Fethard - Clonmel road at Newtown to Lakefield House. From there they hunted strongly to Grove Wood where they gave him best.
The White Heathers meet on Sunday next 22nd January at Loughcopple, at 11am.
Hunting News
The Tipperary Foxhounds got the second half of the season off to a flying start from their Mullinahone meet on 9th January. Following a nice circle from their first draw at Finnane Wood, hounds found a good fox across the road at Crokes. From the old haggard the fox crossed the Lismolin road to Finnane Wood where hounds followed with great cry. Hard pressed he re-crossed the road at Crokes. Running left-handed he then wheeled right and ran by the old creamery at Knockinult to Modeshill where they lost him by the old Callan road at Modeshill cross. This was a run of almost an hour without a check, during which Pat had no occasion to coach or help the hounds. Horses and followers had quite enough when Pat blew for home at 3.30pm.
The Tipps also had a good day from the Kedrah meet on Saturday 14th January. From the first draw at the sandpit hounds had a fox away immediately. This straight-necked Charlie ran straight to Ms Ursula Ryan’s at Hymanstown, a distance of at least four miles. Unfortunately the field were held up at the start and many of them failed to get on terms with the pack during this very fast hunt.
Traffic problems
Heavy trucks hauling soil, to and fro, from the new Tesco store site in Clonmel to the site of the new Community Hall in Moyglass, have added considerably to the existing traffic congestion on Main Street, Fethard. The trucks, which sometimes travel up to three in convoy, journey to Moyglass via the Killenaule Road and return via the Moyglass – Fethard road, which is already overloaded with traffic from schools etc. The somewhat good news is the problem is only temporary and may finish this week.
Motorists, in the meantime, using these roads would need to do so with extra caution. Remember these roads are very narrow and the trucks are very wide. Fully loaded they weigh over 30 toms and should you have the misfortune to come in contact with one, you will emerge a very poor second, and that is if you emerge at all.
Are you feeling anxious?
Are you feeling anxious, depressed or fearful? Are you shy and without friends? Do you feel inferior and that you don’t belong? Have you lost hope, even feeling suicidal?
GROW is a community of people who suffer like you. They offer friendship, support and guidelines for healthier living and peace of mind. Everyone is welcome and no fees are charged. For further information on local meetings contact: Tel: 056 7761624 or 056 7751615. A church gate collection will take place in Fethard on 28th & 29th January.
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