Articles for Annual Emigrants’ Newsletter
This year’s issue of the Fethard & Killusty Emigrants Newsletter is currently being compiled and we take this opportunity to remind secretaries and club representatives to submit their annual reports before 1st October to ensure inclusion in this year’s issue.

We also invite individuals to submit their own articles (typed where possible) and photographs as soon as possible. Same can be handed in to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, or to Edwina Newport, Newport’s Newsagency, Main Street, Fethard.

Fethard & Killusty Community Council
The next meeting of Fethard & Killusty Community Council will take place on Tuesday night, 18th September at 8.30pm in the Tirry Community Centre. New members are always welcome to come along.

Trust Golf Classic and Barbecue
The Frank Purcell Memorial Golf Classic in aid of the Trust Charity will now take place on Saturday 15th September at Slievenamon Golf Course. All teams that wish to participate can ring Brendan Kenny (052) 32213 at Slievenamon for tee times.

Prizes will be presented that night in McCarthys, followed by a charity auction and barbecue. Admission is free and music on the night will be provided by ‘Supernoodles’ from Kilkenny (better known around Fethard by their old name, Back Door).

Once again, many thanks to all those who have given us so much support over the past few years.

Pavarotti at Lonergans
The death of Luciano Pavarotti on 6th September recalled memories of his visit to Lonergan’s Pub on The Square in February 1990. Paddy Lonergan remembers the day Pavarotti dropped in for lunch with some of his entourage following a visit to Coolmore Stud Farm. Although not as famous then as he was now, Pavarotti was easily recognised by his large smile. Many of Lonergan’s customers were disbelieved when they later told their friends they had lunch with Pavarotti!  May he rest in peace.

Table Quiz in aid of Africa
A table quiz in aid of Tracy Piggott’s ‘Playing for Life’ charity will be held in Butler’s Bar on Friday 14th September at 9pm. Tables cost €25 and the proceeds will help send two local volunteers, Carmel Rice and Mary Cloonan, to work in Tanzania with the project later this month.

On the night there is also a raffle, which includes two very attractive valuable prizes and lots of other smaller prizes. First prize is one year’s membership of Clonmel Park Hotel Leisure Centre, and second prize is two nights bed and breakfast for two people in the Dear Park Hotel, Howth, which includes hot-stone massage at DP Spa.

Fethard Juvenile GAA Club
Our under-14 team qualified for this years south final on Thursday evening of last week when the played Kilsheelan in a much-anticipated match in Monroe. Fethard came away with a very convincing win on the night.

These young men did their club and trainers proud on the night and gave their supporters a thrilling game of hurling with a great team display of talent and some wonderful individual displays from Alan Lawrence, Ger Maher, Owen Fitzgerald and Ronan Fitzgerald in goal who were all on firing form on the night. Damien Morrissey and Frankie Donovan played their socks off as well and we wish them the very best of luck when they head out against St. Mary's on Monday evening. With the teamwork these young men show every time they play together, we can only wish them luck in going all the way.

Our under-10s played host to Rosegreen at home on Sunday morning of last week with a hurling challenge match and what a delight they were to watch. Some of the younger players were under-8 and with their evident skill and determination we can only look forward to what is in store for the hurling future of Fethard. They were not winners on the day but certainly gave all they had to give and did not let up until the final whistle.

Congratulations to the minor football team on winning the South Final against Ballyporeen on Friday evening of last week. Well done lads and best of luck in the County. Go on Fethard!

Congratulations also to Frankie O'Donovan, The Valley, and Brian Healy, The Green, who both won ‘Player of the Year’ awards with Clerihan Schoolboys Soccer Club for the year 2006/2007. Frankie at under-13s and Brian at under-11s. Well done lads, this is a great achievement.

Knitting Group Resumes
The Knitting Group commenced meeting again on 4th September at 7.30pm in the convent.  Anyone with an interest in knitting or crochet is very welcome to come along on any Tuesday night to the convent.  There has been a huge revival of interest in knitting in recent years. Type the word ‘knitting’ into Google on your computer and you will come up with over 21 million (yes, million) results!  With so many different types of yarn available now there is something for everyone.  Don't be put off even if you haven't taken up needles for years.  So why not come along any Tuesday for some knitting in a very relaxed atmosphere, a cup of tea and a chat.

Pilates Classes
A five-week beginners course in Pilate classes will commence in Fethard Ballroom on Tuesday 11th September from 8.30pm to 9.30pm.  Places cost €50 and must be booked in advance. Fully qualified Stott Pilates instructor, for further details contact Karen Morrissey at 087 9152377.

Aerobics with Body Toning
Classes in Aerobics with Body Toning commence in Mullinahone Community Centre on Tuesday 11th September from 7 to 8pm and in Drangan Community Centre from 7 to 8 on Thursday 13th September. All classes cost €7 per session.

Circuit Classes with Aerobics will commence in Ballingarry Community Hall on Thursday 13th September from 8.30pm to 9.30pm also costing €7. Just bring towel, mat and bottle of water.  For further information on any of these classes please contact Esther O’Dwyer (NCEF Fitness Instructor with Occ. First Aid) on Tel: 086 8960369.

Fethard GAA Club News
South Senior Football is very much back on track with a convincing victory over Cahir on Sunday on a scoreline, Fethard 3-10, Cahir 0-11. This has set up yet again another meeting in the semifinal with Ardfinnan to be played in Cahir at 3pm this Saturday 15th September, as part of a double bill. With a solid performance from our team, Aiden Fitzgerald scored 1-3 from centre field and Brian Coen was accurate from frees scoring 4 points, with Willie Morrissey and Eoin Doyle scoring great goals. This was a physical contest that our boys stood up to and played football of the highest standard when they answered the call having been reduced to 14 early in the second half. They struck 2 -1 within five minutes to end the game as a contest. The team was: Paul Fitzgerald, Damien Byrne, Michael Aherne, Ian Kenrick, Benny Hahessy, Cian Maher, Glen Burke, Aiden Fitzgerald, Jamie McCormack, John P Looby, Stephen O’Donnell, Eoin Doyle, Willie Morrissey, Brian Coen and Christopher Sheehan. Sub was Miceál Spillane.

In Junior A Football our section for second and third place is a play-off. The first game is Commercials against Cahir with the losers playing Fethard for a second or third spot.

Our under-14 A hurlers must be complimented on winning the South Final — their fourth title at this grade since 1960.

The St Augustine’s committee are now on the road so please lend your support to this worthy cause. Dance tickets for the Minella Hotel on 26th October are now available at €35 each.

Our Under-21B hurling game is likely to be played w/e 23rd September against Cahir.

The Lotto Jackpot of €6,600 was not won. The numbers drawn were 8, 10, 15 and 19. We had three match three winners of €50 each to: Robert O’Riordan (Cloran Cloneen), Jim Williams (Killusty) and Esther Breen (Barrack St). The €50 Lucky Dip was won by John Nolan (c/o Gus Fitzgerald) Kiltinan.

Killusty Soccer Club Golf Classic
Killusty Soccer Club is organising a golf classic, which will take place on Saturday 6th October at Slievenamon Golf Club. The format is a three ball scramble and the cost is €100 per team. Tee boxes can also be sponsored for €50. The competition is open to both club and non club golfers and with over €1000 in prizes, we are expecting a large turn out, especially from our ex players, many of whom have now taken to the ‘small ball’. For time sheets the contact number is: 087 6868991.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto Results
The numbers drawn on Wednesday 5th September were: 1, 5, 9 and 21. There was no Jackpot winners and five Match 3 winners who received €30 each:

Angela Connery, Rathloose, Powerstown;
Doog O’Donohoe, Moyglass, Fethard;
Lisa O’Donnell, Red City, Fethard;
Martin Burke, Main Street, Fethard;
Nell Joy, Killenaule.

The €50 Luck Dip winners were:
Monica Pollard, Rocklow Road, Fethard;
Niamh Moroney, 13 Ard Alainn, Fethard;
Siobhan Pollard, The Green, Fethard.

Next week’s Jackpot continues at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1000.

Doheny Relatives
I am searching Dohenys in my family tree. Catherine Doheny  was married to my gr. gr. grandfather Thomas Moore. Their first child was born in Ottawa, Canada, in 1832. I have never found their marriage date in order to find her parents or where they came from in Ireland. I will quote from a family tree that I came upon (not confirmed that she is the right one) Catherine Doheny, born October 1813 in Carrigeen, Fethard, County Tipperary, Ireland. Daughter of Walter Doheny & Catherine Connelly, Fethard. I would appreciate if anyone would be kind enough to direct me to any of the above decedents. My regards, Delbert Moore, Maniwaki, Quebec, Canada. Email: delbertmoore@sympatico.ca

Augustinian Mission Appeal
The Augustinian Fathers and the Golf Classic Committee wish to thank most sincerely everyone who contributed, in numerous ways, towards the success of our recent ‘Two Continents, One Gospel’ fundraising Golf Classic, held at Slievenamon Golf Club on 31st August. All of the proceeds will be shared between the Augustinian Fathers working in Ecuador and those based in Baba Dogo, Kenya.

Thirty-eight teams participated, in a three ball scramble, they were blessed with glorious sunshine. The winning teams were: 1st Michael Bulfin, Pat Slattery and Aidan Lawless; 2nd Mary Kendrick, Mary Comerford and Paul Kendrick; 3rd Micheál Broderick, John Kelly and Philip Ryan.

The committee are very grateful to all the golfers, businesses and individuals who sponsored a team, green or tee. Thank you to all who gave donations and to those who bought and sold so many tickets. Due to your tremendous generosity hundreds of malnourished children will enjoy a nutritious meal each day.

Last but by no means least, the committee are indebted to Brendan Kenny, Margaret Lawlor and Mark at Slievenamon Golf Club for their help and co-operation.

Fethard Sister Cities Project
Mike Cahill sent us the following message from Saratoga.

“The news we see about Fethard is a joy to read. I know it's been 20 years in the making, but I can't help thinking we are seeing the birth of a new Fethard in the developments outlined.

In a key decision, the rendering plant has been refused permission to locate in the area by the South Tipperary County Council. Fethard’s agricultural and equine environment and economy will be preserved as a basis for future development.

The Walled Towns Day continues to grow as a regional and international draw. How I wish I could have been there to walk the heraldic walk and see the young people pictured with their coats of arms.

That said, I'm going to cut right to the chase — the Fethard & Town of Saratoga Sister Cities Project — we have one major accomplishment to date which is a formal commitment on both sides to enter into a Sister Cities exchange. I hope we can continue to build on this foundation.

1) We have not yet formally registered with Sister Cities International, and we should do that. The Council has received from Town of Saratoga a hard copy of the portfolio of letters of support and an electronic version of the resolution in favour of the Sister Cities exchange. Is Fethard at a point where they can reciprocate? I know that a number of organizations on the Irish side have expressed interest. Once we begin to have this picture for both sides, we can start to line up organizations with similar interests. I can already see some tandems, for example, Heritage Council and the Irish Walled Town Network = Saratoga National Historical Park; Teagasc = Saratoga County Farm Bureau; Slievenamon Golf Club = Saratoga National Golf Club; Fethard's Equine Group = Cornell Cooperative Extension Equine Program.

I know that the Town of Saratoga is proud to have been mentioned as a Sister Cities partner with Fethard in tourism development in the Fethard.com news story opposing the rendering plant.

The lead community organization for the Sister Cities exchange on the Town of Saratoga side is the Saratoga Chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The Hibernians are a national organization and a major potential source of tourism. Much of the real work on the Saratoga side of the exchange will be done by the Saratoga Chapter.”