Boxing Fundraiser success
The Boxing Night fundraiser organised by Fethard and District Rugby Club on Saturday, July 9, was a great success and will be a significant boost to the operation of the Community Sportsfield. The organising committee led by Paul Scully would like to extend a sincere 'Thank You' to all those who supported the event on the night, to those who sponsored individual boxers, and to the many local companies who provided much needed assistance. We also extend our thanks to the medical staff on standby (especially Dr. John Gillman), to the Ballroom Committee for making the venue available, and to our ‘Master of Ceremonies’ Miceál McCormack. Of course, the event just wouldn't have been possible without the boxers themselves, each of whom gave absolutely everything on the night.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on July 6, were: 12, 25, 28 and 31. We had no Jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winner so the following drawn tickets received €50 each: Eileen Tobin, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard; Maggie Napier, The Green, Fethard; and John Ryan, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard.

The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners also won €50 each: Nellie Donovan, Fr. Tirry Park, Fethard; Eleanor Ryan, Rockspring, Fethard; and Michael Monaghan, Woodstown, Waterford.
Remember you can purchase your lotto ticket online at www.fethard.com. Buy seven weekly tickets and get one free! Check on the website for lots of special offers including a chance to win a full set of jerseys for your sport’s club. Next week’s Jackpot commences at €3,650 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €365. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

Declining Red Squirrel
The Red Squirrel is becoming a rare sight in Ireland and local photographer Clodagh Blake was very lucky to have her camera with her when she spotted one on a recent visit to Kilcooley.

Red Squirrels are small charismatic native mammals which depend on a woodland habitat to live, eat and breed. Red squirrel numbers in Ireland have been on the decline for the better part of a century, indeed, in many parts of the country, particularly the south, they have disappeared completely. The decline in numbers can be attributed to two main factors. The first factor was the reduction in forestry during the mid 19th century and the second the introduction of the American grey squirrel in the late19th century as an ornamental species.

In 1911 a pair of grey squirrels is believed to have been given as a gift to a resident of Longford Castle, Co. Longford, from where they quickly escaped. When the greys arrive into an area of woodland the resident red squirrels usually disappear within 5 to 15 years. No one is sure exactly how this happens but it is believed that the grey can out-compete the reds in accessing food and as a result the reds starve and become unable to gain enough weight to successfully breed. The grey squirrels may also act as a carrier of the pox virus which does them no harm but will kill a red squirrel within 14 days of infection.

Married Recently 
Congratulations and best wishes to Cora O'Donnell, daughter of Eddie and Bridget O'Donnell, Slanestown, and Trevor O'Leary, Cork, who were married on Saturday, June 25. The wedding took place in the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, with the reception held in Ballykisteen Hotel.

New CD recorded for Scoil Chormaic 
Brian Cullivan, a music student of Ann Barry, Tullamaine, Fethard, has recently launched a new cd, 'Brian's Ballads'. Brian is a pupil of Scoil Chormaic, Cashel and all profits from the sales of the CD will go to his school. Brian began voice training only a year and a half ago with Ann. The music was recorded in Hosey Recording Studios, with Ann composing the backing tracks. Cds are now available in all local shops.

Re-enactment Workshop
In preparation for this year’s Medieval Festival on Sunday, August 21, a Re-enactment Workshop will take place on next Saturday, July 16, at 2pm out at ‘Boot Camp at Rathkenny. The workshop is free and open to men or women over 18 who will be trained basically to learn the safe use of medieval weapons with a view to putting on a show at this year’s walled towns day on August 21. A second workshop will take place on Saturday August 6.  For further details contact Colm McGrath, Rathkenny, Fethard. Tel: (052) 9152129 or 086 3502360.

Epic final of Fethard’s X-Factor 
In what was a fantastic and enthralling X-Factor final at Lonergan’s Bar last Saturday night, finalists, Deirdre Dorney, Joe Thompson, Helen O’Brien, Holly Williamson, Mary Boland and Dolores O’Donnell put on a show that everyone, family and friends, should be very proud of.

The performances and singing were of a very high standard with great song choices from the contestants. Mary Boland gave a great rendition of ‘Caledonia’; Holly Williamson, ‘I Dreamed a Dream’; Deirdre Dorney sang a spine tingling version of Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’; Helen O’Brien sang a great version of Shakespear’s Sister ‘Stay’ while Dolores O’Donnell sang a fantastic version of Dr Hook’s, ‘Sylvia’s Mother’. The first round of songs was completed with Joe Thompson’s superb version of Matt Cardle’s, ‘When We Collide’. The atmosphere was electric in front of a massive crowd with everyone cheering on every act. The judges really had their work cut out to pick a winner.

Following a short interval the artists came back to sing their second choice of songs before judges, John Shortall, Joe Kenny, Sarah Purcell and Francis Lonergan submitted their individual votes. The final result would also take the public vote in to account.

The contestants were called to the stage eventually where master of ceremonies, John Carroll, tensely revealed the results from sealed envelopes and announced, in no particular order, the four runners-ups, which left two contestants, Joe Thompson and Deirdre Dorney, for the winning spot. As the winning envelope was opened the cheers and steadily excitement mounted before an emotional Deirdre Dorney was announced as this year’s X-Factor winner. Celebrations and applause continued as contestants were presented with their prizes. A special presentation was made to organisers and hosts, John and Roseanne Carroll, who went on to thank everyone who took part and helped in any way. Over the competition, money raised for Rehab exceeded €3,000.

Entertainment is back to normal at Lonergan’s this coming weekend with renowned ballad group Dublin City Ramblers taking to the stage. Not to be missed.

Hunting News
Tipperary Foxhounds paid a most successful visit to the Irish Master of Foxhounds Association All-Ireland Championship Show at Stradbally, Co. Laois, on Sunday. Due to their successes last year the Gallant Tipps had a smaller entry this time as they were ineligible for the confined and restricted classes. With entries in eight classes the Tipps were in the ribbons in all with one exception, with three firsts, two seconds and three thirds. They won the John Watson Cup for best couple unentered Dog Hound with Cricketer and Ambridge. The Horse and Hound Cup for best couple unentered bitches with Crafty and Crusty, the best unentered bitch class for W.R. Filgate Cup with Crusty. Their Blue Rosettes won in the unentered bitch class with Crafty. With Sable and Raven in the Best entered Couple of Bitches for the Grogan Challenge Cup. Third prizes in the Major McCalmont Challenge Cup, Best Couple entered Dog Hound with Captain and Darius. The Dick Russell Challenge Cup for best unentered Dog Hound with Ambridge and the Waterford Challenge Cup for best Brood Bitch with Anxious. Tipperary Foxhounds also won the Reserve Champion with Crusty, the Champion being Meath Foxhounds Dog Hound Patsy. Competing against the crème de la crème of entries from the top fifteen packs in Ireland, North and South, the Tipperary successes at Stradbally are all the more meritorious. Heartiest congratulations to Huntsman Derry Donegan and his new whipper-in Charlie Daly on showing once again that the Tipperary Foxhounds are the premier pack from the Premier County.

Moyglass Festival
Coolmoyne and Moyglass Vintage Club will hold ‘Moyglass Festival’, in conjunction with Moyglass Hall, on weekending July 22 to 24. In Friday, July 22, a Barbecue will be held at 9pm. Music by Sean Ryan followed by disco and bar extension; on Saturday, July 23, a ‘Tractor Run’ will commence from the village at 3.30pm, followed by social dancing with the ‘Tom Doran Band’ at 9pm; Sunday, July 24, a ‘Static Show & Field Day’ with dog show and numerous side shows, commences at 12.30pm, followed by a Car Run from the village at 4.30pm; Tug-o-War Blitz at 6pm; Family Barbecue in Moyglass Hall from 5pm to 10pm with live music, disco and bar.
All proceeds in aid of St. Patrick’s Hospital, Cashel, and Moyglass Hall Development Fund.

Puppy Show
The Tipperary Foxhounds held their Annual Puppy Show at the Kennels, Tullamaine on the evening of Friday, July 8th. Huntsman Derry Donegan had six-and-a-half couple Dogs and fourteen-and-a-half Couple Bitches on view. The overall standard of the young entry made the task of judges Mr George Chapman, M.F.H. and Mr Tim Hyde a most difficult one indeed. The Dog Hound class was won by Cricketer, walked by the Quirke Family; Second – Decimal, walked by Edward O’Grady and Third – Crowbar, walked by Aiden Fogarty. The Bitch Class was won by Crafty, walked by the Quirke Family; Second – Crusty, walked by William Morgan and Third – Devious, walked by Liz Grant. Champion: Cricketer and Reserve: Crafty.

Hunt Chairman in presenting the prizes paid tribute and thanked all the Puppy Walkers for their work and much esteemed assistance during the year. He sincerely thanked the Judges, and complimented Derry and Whipper-in, Charlie, on the pristine state of the Kennels and surrounds and the wonderful condition of the young entry. Mr Kennedy was also most complimentary to Wendy, Derry’s wife, for her excellent work, unheralded and unseen, behind the scene during the year. The evening concluded with beautiful refreshments provided by the ladies committee. Much admired was the exhibition of hunting and local scenes, painted by Drangan artist, Liam Clancy. The painting of the view of Watergate from the Bridge towards the Square being particularly admired by locals.