Credit Union Regional Quiz
The annual Primary Schools Credit Union Quiz was successfully held in Fethard Ballroom over last weekend. Twenty-two tables from St. Patrick’s Boys School, Fethard; Nano Nagle National School Fethard; Killusty National School and Cloneen National School attended.

The winners in the under-11 category were St. Patrick’s’ Boys School team consisting of, Cormac Horan, Charlie Manton, Michael Halley and Tommy Anglim. The winners in the under-13 category were also from St. Patrick’s Boys School and the team was: Cathal Hurley, David Hayes, Mark Fogarty and Gerry Horan. Both teams will now go forward to the Chapter Quiz in Hotel Minella on Sunday 4th February at 3pm.

Invaluable assistance at the quiz was received from Patrician Presentation secondary school students of Transition Year — David Gorey, Ida Carroll and Lisa Anglim, also first year’s, Mary-Anne Fogarty, Mary-Jane Kearney, Shannon Keating and Jane Fitzgerald.

Congratulations to Louis Rice (1st Year), who came third at Chapter level in the under-13 category of the Credit Union art competition for schools.

At the Annual General Meeting of Chapter X (comprising of fifteen credit unions in the South East), Jonathan Gilpin of Fethard was elected vice-president of the Chapter.

Fethard GAA Club News
Well done to Aiden Fitzgerald who was on the Tipperary Senior Hurling team that defeated Clare in Meelick in the semifinal of the Waterford Crystal League and we wish them the best of luck in the final against Cork.

With fixtures for the coming up county league to be ratified this week and also awaiting the South Board adjourned convention, the club will be back in action shortly.

The Lotto jackpot of €3,400 was not won. The numbers drawn were 5, 7, 12 and 21. We had three match three winners of  €50 each to, Eamon Drea (Strylea), Noelle Doyle and Noel Byrne (Claremore). The €50 Lucky Dip going to Esther Breen (Barrack St). Tickets were kindly provided by Harrington Developments.

Hunting News
The Lawn Meet at Coolmore on Monday 22nd attracted another large field of sixty-five mounted followers.  Following the welcoming stirrup cup with tea / coffee and refreshments hounds moved off and drew the covert by Gleesons.  A fox from here provided a nice pipe opener with a first twenty minutes to Coolbawn Cross and back to covert.  Anglim’s proved blank as did Skehan’s, O’Donnell’s, St. Johnstown Quarry and Bawnbrack.  One of a brace from the Glebe House screen ran to Graigue before crossing the Killenaule / Fethard road to the large plantation at Rathmoley.  Drawing towards Coolbawn hounds found again in Mortlestown.  This fox provided the best run of the day.  A real flier to the Moyglass road at Ms Liz Grant’s.  Doing a u-turn here hounds hunted with great pace through Mortlestown to Rathmoley Cross where he went to ground.

Wednesday meet at Golden was postponed due to a local bereavement.  Thursday at Ballintaggart hounds found immediately in the big wood.  However, Charlie could not be persuaded to leave its confines and after forty minutes excellent wood hunting he was lost.  Drawing a huge left-handed circle on the other side of the road back to Hanley Park Derry failed to find.  Crossing the road here and heading to Waltons they found in Bartons.  A good run through Waltons and to the hundred-acre plantation at Ballyline concluded the day at almost 5pm.  Foxes proved very hard to find at Ballagh on Saturday. Hounds did not really get going until three o’clock.  From then, however, until 5pm they ran really strongly.  A few drafts from top English packs have greatly improved the Gallant Tipps who are at present providing the best hunting of the season.

With the White Heather Harriers
The White Heather Harriers held a joint meet with the Jessfield Harriers at Ballyluskey on Sunday.  Great to see so many of the old followers plus the big crowd of juveniles out to welcome both packs with a special mention to our friends from the Ballingarry area.  The first draw at the Glen proved blank.  Moving across to Ballyluskey quarry they quickly found.  During the afternoon while no runs of any great distance were recorded hounds were kept quite busy all afternoon.  With foxes plentiful here they covered ground from Whelans to Knockuragh.  Back to Cloughtaney over Crohane Hill, down to Ned Morris’ quarry (close to the two trees cross) and back to Crohane Church.  The day was favoured by glorious weather and proved a great day for hunting and hunting people - long may the sport continue.   A special thank-you to the Clancy family and to the Ballyluskey members for refreshments provided prior to move off and during the day.  The Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers meet next Sunday, 4th February, at Loughcopple and on 11th February, at Clonacody at 11am.

Cathriona Says Goodbye
A much appreciated weekly service ended on Friday last when Cathriona Bates, due to prevailing circumstances, was obliged to discontinue her Friday morning visit to Fethard with her fresh sea fish from Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford.  Cathriona wishes to thank her regular customers for their support during her term in Fethard.

Vandalism Returns
Hard to believe that the recently repaired stained-glass window in the Augustinian Abbey was again smashed on Thursday night last.  On the following night two windows were also smashed in the Fr. Tirry Community Centre.  This too is the second occurrence of vandalism to this property in the recent past. What have we come to as a society, is nothing sacred anymore or do some sections of society just not care?  Perhaps Sr. Joseph McCarthy was right when she said back in the sixties, “We are creating a society in which there will be no religion and no discipline and it just will not work.”

Fethard & District Rugby News
Our under 14 team followed up a very impressive win against Galbally on Tuesday evening with an equally impressive win against Carrick on Saturday last. They dominated Carrick in every aspect of play with Robert Hall being very effective in the lineouts and he continues to improve in all aspects of his play. Daniel Hickey and Jack Brett got on the score sheets and their running and passing game was very impressive.  Tim Donovan and Kieran Hayes were also very influential on the day, but it was a good all round team performance that created this victory.

 Our under 16s won narrowly against a much fancied Cashel team on a score line of 12 points to 10. Both teams served up a classic game that enthralled fans and coaches on both sides. Fethard lifted their game considerably from when they last met Cashel and despite conceding all line out ball to Cashel they finished the worthy winners through an all out team effect. Fethard’s rucking and mauling was particularly impressive with Colm Dunne, Joe Kelly and Matthew Fitzgerald being particularly effective. William Power continues to improve at scrum half and his sniping run of 20 yards released Ben Walsh for our first try on 10 minutes.  Shane Kavanagh made it 7 points with a great convert from the touch line. Fethard continued to run at Cashel and we were rewarded with a great second try by Jonathon Fleming, the ball having being flashed out across the entire back line. James Kelly continues to improve and his defensive tackles frustrated Cashel time and again. Johnny Moroney at full back put in another impressive performance.  The coaches were very pleased with the entire team and how they performed as a unit. 

Our under 18s played a very entertaining game against Clonmel and despite being beaten by 22 points to 14 they could have won this one, as they conceded two very soft tries in the first 10 minutes. Fethard responded with a great try from Richard Gorey having being released by his brother Cathal and pushed across the line by the very impressive Billy Horan. The convert was well taken by Alan O’Connor who continues to improve at scrum half. Cathal Gorey, Billy Horan and Paddy Teehan continued to make the hard yards and were rewarded with a second try by Richard Gorey, which was also converted by Alan. Our relatively inexperienced props Geoff Coady and Dick Walsh were very effective. 

Our under 12s played two games against Cashel and drew both. They continue to show improvement but the coaches feel they have yet to reach the height of their pre Christmas form. Gavin Delaney scored a great try in the first game to draw it after Fethard conceded a very easy try. Their defensive game improved and they showed great spirit and determination to draw both games. James Holohan scored a great try in the second game in what was a carbon copy of the first game. Players are asked to inform the coaches on Friday night if they are unavailable for the Sunday games. 

The under 10s played a fantastic game against Cashel to win by 3 tries, this was a superb victory as Cashel won easily on the previous occasion. The Fethard lads played as a unit and attacked and tackled with intensity and fully deserved this win. Players to impress on the day were Thomas Murphy, Cathal Moloney, Cathal Meagher and Kerry Tobin. It was a tired Fethard team that faced Galbally and were unlucky to be beaten by 1 try. 

Our under 7s had a great win against Cashel with all the lads playing really well. Ciaran O’Dwyer, Aaron Smullen and Harry Butler were particularly effective. 

Our under 8s played against Cashel and Galbally and came away with two great victories. All thirteen players played exceptionally well in these two very tough games and the coaches were unwilling to single out any player as the quality of the team work was of such a high standard.

Fethard Bridge Club
On 17th January we played for prizes sponsored by Alice Quinn and Berney Myles. The winners of the sponsored prize were first nett Suzanne Opray and Ellen Rochford. The rest of the results for that night were:

2nd Nett: Joan Kelly and Anna Ryan;

1st Gross: Nell Broderick and David O’Meara;
2nd Gross: Frances Burke and Breda Walsh.

The results of our club night on Wednesday 24th January are:

1st Gross: Nell Broderick and David O’Meara;
2nd Gross: Anna Cooke and Bernie O’Meara;

1st Nett: Rosemary Lalor and David Abell;
2nd Nett: Mary Quirke and Fr. John Meagher.

 On Wednesday next, 7th February, we play the first round of the Player of the Year competition, which continues for four weeks. Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 32038.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on Wednesday 24th January were 6, 15, 16 and 21. We had no Jackpot winner and three ‘Match 3’ winners who received €50 each:

Joan Hayes, Red City, Fethard;
Jackie Aylward, Roebucksland, Fethard;
Bridget Cuddihy, Carrigbawn, Fethard.

The three €50 Lucky Dip winners were: 

Margaret Phelan, Strylea, Fethard;
Ann Kenny, Castlehiggins, Fethard;
Shelly Duggan, Killusty, Fethard.

Next weeks Jackpot is €9,600 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €960.

Down Your Way
The Tipp FM radio programme recorded recently at Fethard & District Day Care Centre will be broadcast (tonight) Thursday 1st February at 7pm.

One flew over the cuckoo’s nest
Got nowhere to go on the long nights? Fed up of the telly and don't know what to do? Then go along to see the latest production by The Fionn MacCumhaill Players production of ‘One flew over the cuckoos nest’. This play will be staged in Cloneen from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th February inclusive. Curtain is at 8pm.  There will also be an additional performance in the new Source Theatre in Thurles on 15th Thursday.

The play tells the story of Randle McMurphy, a small time criminal who feigns insanity to get off a jail sentence. Sent to the state mental institution he comes head to head with Nurse Ratched, a domineering woman who like McMurphy is used to getting what she wants. What follows is a series of events, which disrupts the everyday running of the institution, and turns the lives of the inmates upside down. If you are a drama lover you will love this play which will make you laugh and cry and challenge each emotions. Not to be missed!

Admission is €10. No booking necessary for Cloneen performances, however, if you are going to Source Theatre in Thurles booking is advised at Tel: 0504-90204. All other enquiries to Tel: 086-0834208 or 087-2544229.

Drug Education Evenings
GAA clubs in South Tipperary in conjunction with the Tipperary Regional Youth Service, Mid Tipperary Drugs Initiative and the HSE Drug Education Officer are to run a series of Drug Education evenings in the coming weeks. Following the release of the GAA's Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Programme, the Tipperary County Board have taken the innovative approach of inviting speakers to highlight the signs and symptoms of substance misuse to coaches, managers and interested parents. These programmes will encompass the five major towns in South Tipperary: Tipperary Town, Cashel, Cahir, Clonmel and Carrick.

The second evening will take place on Wednesday 31st January at 7.30pm in Leahy Park, Cashel. Notification of the event has been sent to all clubs in the vicinity of Cashel and club managers, selectors, coaches and parents are urged to attend. Details of subsequent drug information evenings will be released soon. With the emergence of alcohol and substance misuse as a core issue for the GAA, the Tipperary County Board deserve immense credit for initiating these Drug Education Evenings. The Tipperary Regional Youth Service, Mid Tipperary Drugs Initiative and the HSE are delighted to be associated with these events and commend the GAA for raising awareness of drug related issues in the area.

Fethard Guides
Fethard Guide District have recommenced their meetings in Fethard Ballroom on Wednesday nights from 7pm to 8pm for ages 10 to 15 and would like to invite new members to come along and join. The leaders also remind all past members to come along and take part.

Patrician Presentation Secondary School Jottings
International dimension — We welcome the following students to our school community until June; Franzi Fritz from Hannover, Germany; Ricardo Caiazzo, from near Rimini in Italy and Vitor Vieira Antunes from San Paulo, Brazil. Franzi and Ricardo will follow the TY programme for the rest of the year and Vitor has joined the fifth year class. They are in the Fethard area as part of the International Learning Programme. This programme is an educational and cross-cultural opportunity to live as a member of a host family in another country and while encouraging independence in young people, allows them to achieve fluency in another language. 

American visitor — Recently, Mr William Rogers from the famous Drew University in New Jersey USA, spoke with the transition year students as part of his socio-economic doctrinal research. He was particularly interested in the Americanisation of Irish society and the similarities between Irish and American teenagers. 

Healthy Lifestyle Week — On Monday 29th January, Dr. Julliette O’Sullivan and Ms Marian Toomey (Dental Hygienist) from the South Eastern health Board gave a very interesting presentation to all classes on the relationship between healthy eating and dental hygiene. The presentation involved the examination and analysis of the contents of various snacks and soft drinks commonly popular with teenagers. The seminar was in conjunction with the Healthy Lifestyle Week (29th January- 2nd February) organised by the Sports and SPHE (Social, Personal, Health Education) departments in the school. Dr. O’Sullivan also addressed the Secondary School parents on Monday night. 

Open Evening — Preparations are in full swing for the school’s Open Evening, which will be held on Monday 5th February from 7pm to 8pm. All senior primary school pupils and their parents are welcome and invited to attend. 

Cystic Fibrosis — On Thursday 25th January Ms Mandy Quigley and Ms Biddy O’Dwyer spoke to the transition year class. The presentation was very informative. A lot of the students were unaware of Cystic Fibrosis and its prevalence in Ireland. As a follow-up to this presentation, three transition year students will help out with the Cystic Fibrosis Flag Day in Fethard next Friday 2nd February. Your support for this worthy cause would be greatly appreciated.