FETHARD TO GET ONE WAY STREETS
(by Sean Ryan, South Tipp Today)
A new one-way traffic street system is been planned for Fethard. The move was called for by Deputy Seamus Healy, because of a dangerous junction at Barrack Street in the town. While it is expected that it will take some time to go through the process of making the streets one-way, the idea has been accepted in principle by the engineering staff.
According to the South Tipperary Dail deputy one of the major problems in the town has been that many of the streets are too narrow to support two way traffic. He added that the new one way system will make many of the streets particularly the Barrack street Junction a lot safer to travel on.
KILLUSTY PONY SHOW BIG SUCCESS
The recent Killusty Pony Show held in Claremore was a huge success. The show is in its 40th year and going from strength to strength. A great day was had by all, congratulations to all concerned.
COMMUNITY GAMES - LORRAINE FOR MOSNEY
Congratulations to Lorraine Feery, Claremore, Killusty who won the Munster Judo championship in the University of Limerick last Saturday and will go on to represent Tipperary and Munster at the National Community Games finals in Mosney on the 15th August.
FETHARD FC YOUTHS
Training for youths resumes next Thursday at 7 o'clock. It is hoped we will run a 7-a-side tournament, same format as last season. Registration will take place at training. Anybody interested in training with the youths are asked to attend.
SILVER FOR KATIE AND SAMANTHA JUDO
Well done to Katie Coen and Samantha Feery who both took second in their judo competitions
DIED RECENTLY
We record the death of Jo (Barrett) O'Connor, The Green, Fethard, who died on Thursday 17th July, aged 99. A prayer service was held in the Augustinian Abbey Fethard at 7.30pm on Friday 18th July. Burial took place in Calvary Cemetery following 11.30am Mass on Saturday.
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER

At a very pleasant function held in Bob Grant’s Bar on Friday night last, a serious wrong was righted. Sean Hanrahan was presented with a South Tipperary Junior Hurling Championship medal won with Killenaule in 1948 and John Hurley, vice-chairman of Fethard GAA Club, presented Grace Pollard and Olwyn O’Brien with a Tipperary Senior Football Championship medal, won in 1942 by their father, the late Derek Wall.
 William O’Grady, president of Killenaule GAA Club, made the presentation to Sean Hanrahan. Tributes to both players were spoken. Derek Wall was an all-round sportsman, and also took a very keen interest in racing being a regular attender to all South of Ireland tracks. Sean Hanrahan in replying and thanking the organisers certainly lived up to his reputations as the locality’s greatest wit. Sean said, in a very hurt tone of voice, “ I’m surprised that the M.C. in stating that I got my second level education in the school of hard knocks and graduated from the ‘University of Life’, never mentioned the fact that I was in Rockwell.”
Stunned silence greeted the remark.
After a suitable pause, Sean added, “ Well I was at the Ploughing Match!”
Sean Walsh was chief coordinator of the event and responsible, with his good wife and daughter, for the refreshments provided. Noel Byrne looked after the supplying of the Fethard 1942 Senior Football medal. The organisers also greatly appreciated the attendance of Miceál McCormack, vice-chairman of South Tipperary GAA Board.
TIPPS TOP
Tipperary Foxhounds were the top prize-winning pack at the Irish Masters of Foxhounds Association Championship Foxhound Show held at Stradbally, Co. Laoise, on July 6th. The Tipps won four first prizes and three second prizes. Their successes were in the following classes, The Nancy Connell Challenge Cup for best unentered dog, with ‘Chopper’; the John Watson Cup for best couple unentered doghounds, with ‘Charmer’ and ‘Chester’; the Dick Russell Cup with ‘Charmer’; the Isaac Bell Cup for best unentered bitch, with ‘Chapel’ and 2nd with ‘Chamber’; second prize in the Horse and Hound Cup, with ‘Chamber’ and ‘Chapel’. The hounds were shown by huntsman Pat O’Brien and 1st Whip, James O’Donnell. Fifteen of Irelands leading foxhound packs competed. Making his first appearance in an official capacity at the show, since taking up position as 1st Whip and Kennel Huntsman to the Kilmoganny Harriers, was Paul O’Brien, son of Tipperary Huntsman, Pat O’Brien. They say that good hurlers, good jockeys and good musicians are born not made. The same could be said, even more so about good huntsmen. Paul O’Brien is certainly a born huntsman. He seems to be gifted with that rapport between man and hound which the late doyen of huntsmen, Capt Ronnie Wallace described as an invisible thread.
Paul is a fully qualified butcher and boner. He worked at the victualler business both at the retail and factory sections before deciding to follow his heart into hunting. His very many friends in Tipperary hunting circles will join in wishing Paul every success in his new career.
CYCLING NEWS
Regular readers of this column will know we have followed the career of cyclist Ray Clarke with interest since he won the under/15 Irish Road Race Championship as a juvenile rider. Ray surpassed all expectations in finishing third to two Korean riders in the track cycling meet in Agile, Switzerland. Track cycling is a highly specialised discipline in the sport. The game is as much about tactics and hard work as speed and skill. When the riders come down off the highest perimeter of the track, into the bends at speeds of up to 50mph, it is certainly no place for the faint hearted. Ray’s performance is nothing short of unbelievable when considering that Ireland has no track racing facilities of note. Competing at present with Cycleways / Lee Strand, Ray was one of a special squad selected for track cycling coaching last February. Organiser Ciarán McKenna brought over Olympic track racing champion Chris Boardman from England to coach the squad. Ray Clarke’s performance in Switzerland was enough to get him on the Irish team that will compete in the Olympic games in Athens next year.
We wish him the very best of luck and will follow his progress with great interest. One thing for sure, he certainly will not be lacking in heart and endeavour.
FETHARD GAA CLUB
On Saturday 12th July our senior footballers secured a quarter final place in the County Championship when we defeated our old rivals Moyle Rovers in a low scoring game played in ideal conditions in Kilsheelan. The final score was, Fethard 0-8 (0-2), Moyle Rovers 0-6 (0-4). This win gives the club football up to September at least. The team was: Paul Fitzgerald (capt), Damien Byrne, Michael Ahearne, Tom Anglim, Alan Phelan, Cian Maher, Stephen O’Donnell, P J Ahearne, Aiden Fitzgerald 0-1, Carl Maher 0-2 (1f), Michael Dillon 0-1, Miceál Spillane 0-1, Conor McCarthy, Brian Coen 0-2, and Willie Morrissey. Subs used: Tomas Keane, Colin Allen 0-1, and Kenneth Byrne. Our next game in the championship is in the South semifinal in around 4 weeks time. We also have one remaining game in the County League against Moyle Rovers.
In intermediate hurling we play Annacarty in the County League on 15th July. Report next week. Our next game in the South Championship will be played on weekending 28th July. Our Junior B football game played on Wednesday 9th July resulted in a loss, on a scoreline, Fethard 1-10 (1-7), Clonmel Commercials 0-16 (0-5). This fine sporting game played in Ned Hall Park, proves that if the players do not go to Fethard Gaa Park and train they will not advance in the competition. Team: Kenny Hackett, Kevin Coffey, Chris Coen, Paraic Cloonan, Paul Hackett, Philly Blake 0-1, Shane Walsh, Garreth Byrne, Colm Coen 0-1, M J Croke, Joe Keane 0-3 (1f), Shane Aylward 0-1, Martin Coen 0-3 (1f), Michael O’Riordan, Shay Coen 1-1. Subs used were Paul McDonald and Kenneth Sheehan.
In the intermediate hurling south championship we beat Fr Sheehys in Clonmel on Sunday last on a scoreline, Fethard 2-14, Fr Sheehys 1-13, giving us six points out of a possible eight, with four games to go. Our county league game against Annacarty takes place in Fethard on Tuesday 15th July at 8pm.
The Junior Hurling B game against Ballybacon Grange takes place on Sunday 20th July at 5pm in Marlfield. The Minor Hurling B game against Cahir takes place on Wednesday 23rd July in Ardfinnan at 7.30 pm.
Our Juvenile under/14 B hurlers are away to St Patricks on Thursday 24th at 7pm, and our under/16 B hurling team are at home to Ballybacon on Monday 21st at 7pm. Last week our jackpot was not won. We had five match three winners who received €30 each: Paula Gahan (Cedar Grove), Josie Fitzgerald (Kiltinan), Michael O’Rahilly (Bawnbrack, Killenaule), Joan O’Brien (Woodvale Walk), and Anna Cooke (St Patricks Place). The €50 Lucky Dip winner was Bernie Byrne (Claremore). The numbers drawn were 3 , 6 , 14 and 15.
We offer our sympathies to the Family of John Treacy (The Valley) on his recent Bereavement. Go nDeanai Trocair Orthu.
HOSPICE COLLECTION
South Tipperary Hospice would like to thank everyone who contributed to their annual Church Gate Collection last weekend in Fethard and Moyglass. A total of €1,581.20 was collected for this very worthy cause.
DEATH OF SR. ÁINE

The death has occurred on 11th July of Sister M. Áine Ryan, Presentation Convent Fethard. The late Sister Áine, who was over 50 years professed, spent her entire teaching career at Fethard Presentation Convent. She will be fondly remembered as Sr. Thomas by many past-pupils of the Presentation Convent National School.
Interment took place in the Presentation Convent Cemetery.
DIED RECENTLY
The death has occurred on Sunday 13th July of Mr John Treacy, The Valley, Fethard, and formerly of Barrettstown. Remains left McCarthy's Funeral Parlour at 7pm on Monday 14th July for Holy Trinity Parish Church Fethard. Burial took place in Calvary Cemetery following 11am Mass on Tuesday.
COMMUNITY GAMES MUNSTER FINALS
Competitors from Fethard/Killusty Area had a good day at the ESB Community Games Munster Finals in the University of Limerick on Saturday last. We had 3 winners and 6 seconds from the area in the Judo competition. Fethard Boys Volleyball Team became Munster Champions and the girls were runners up. Judo winners were: Padraig O’Shea, Lorraine Feery and Richard Gorey. Runners up were: Gary Bradshaw, Emma Walsh, Aobh O’Shea, Katie Coen, Samantha Feery, Cathal Gorey. Other members of Fethard Judo Club who were successful were Niall O’Donnell and Stephanie Lawrence who will represent Cahir and Clerihan. Orla O’Donnell (Cahir) was second. Well done to Eric O’Donnell and the club who never come home empty handed. Thanks to Patricia Bradshaw and Josephine O’Donnell who officiated at the games. Denis Burke was very confident about the strength of his boys volleyball team all year and his hopes were realized when the lads became Munster Champions beating Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, by two sets to nil. This was a great performance and they were worthy winners of the ‘Sean Murphy Mohawk’ trophy, which was presented to Captain Stephen O’Meara, Knockbrack, by Co. Tipperary senior footballer, Aiden Fitzgerald, who was a guest at the games. Team members were: Stephen O’Meara, Christopher Sheehan, Liam Ryan, Aaron O’Donovan, Declan Doyle, Cathal Gorey, Alan O’Connor, Joe Fogarty, Paul McCarthy, Michael Fleming, Lory Kenny and Chris Horan. Team Managers were Denis Burke and Liam Frewen. The girls volleyball team consisted of Emma Walsh, Stephanie Fitzgerald, Sinead Coffey, Sarah Mai Ahearne, Margaret Smyth, Ciara Aylward, Suzanne Gorey and Gillian O’Connell. Team managers were Denis Burke, Mary Gorey and Liam Frewen. This team were out of luck in their final when they were beaten by Tramore. Jennifer Keane was volleyball coordinator. Bernard Feery, Killusty co-ordinated the boy’s under/15 Indoor Soccer, won by Waterford. Judo winners will compete in Mosney on the first weekend which is 15th 17th August, along with David Gorey (Model Making) Cathal Maher and Laura Rice (Art). The boy’s volleyball team compete on the second weekend, 22nd-24th August along with Michael Costello (athletics). The area will have a total of 19 competitors at this year’s National Finals.
Passport type photo must be handed in to Bernard Feery, Secretary, Killusty, or to Community Games Office (Peggy Colville), Grove Road, immediately as there is a closing date on registration.
PROGRESSIVE 25 RESULTS
Results for Progressive 25 game played on Friday 11th July. Winners on 13 games: Hannie Leahy and Michael Phelan. Runners up on 12 games: Jimmy McCarthy and Michael Lonergan, Sean Spillane and Chris Maher, Chris Coleville and Joe Godfrey. Rubber Final Winners: Paddy and Tom McCormack, Phyllis Murray and Breda Nolan, Lory Byrne and Michael Murphy. Next game Friday 18th July at 8.45 sharp.
JUVENILE GAA CLUB
It has been yet another victorious week for our Juvenile Hurling teams and the under/12s have won their 6th match in a row to confirm their place in the semifinal. No date or place has been set but they had a convincing win over Killenaule on Wednesday evening last in Killenaule. It was to date the hardest match played but these young players did their club proud and now await their next match, we wish them the greatest of luck and all credit to Liam, Jim, Martin and Ian.
The under/14s have also done the club proud with their second win in a row in their championship bid with a great win over Ballybacon Grange at home on Thursday last. They are away to Cahir next Thursday and we wish them the best of luck.
The club would also like to congratulate the people that did so well in the Munster Finals in Limerick on Saturday last and we wish them the best of luck in the next round.
FETHARD & KILLUSTY COMMUNITY LOTTO
The numbers drawn in the Fethard and Killusty Community Lotto on Tuesday 8th July were: 7, 17, 20 and 29. There was no Jackpot Winner and three 'Match 3' winners who received €50 each:
Dermot Darcy, Patricks Place, Fethard
Dermot Darcy, Patricks Place, Fethard
Pat Ship, Group Homes, Fethard
The three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners of €50 were:
Breda Fitzgerald, Owen/Biggs Lot, Cashel
Ian Cooke, 49 St. Patricks Place, Fethard
Theresa Cummins, Burke St., Fethard.
The Jackpot remains at €10,000 and next weeks Jackpot sellers prize is €1,000.
FETHARD BOY SCOUTS

On Saturday June 28th, scouts took part in a fun camping weekend in Dundrum, the scout section of the troop went up to the Galtee lakes, Lough Dihneen and Curra, under the shadow of Galtymore mountain. A hike we never done before, with a very tough climb at the start but the reward was a fantastic view which everyone agreed was well worth the walk. In attendance on the hike were leaders, John Noonan, David Kennedy and Philip O'Donnell, and scouts Mike McCarthy, Dermot Culligan, Kieran Barrett, Paul McCarthy, Declan Doyle and Kieran 'Curly' O'Connell, whose first hike it was with the troop - well done Curly! Missing from the hike was Robert Phelan, who remained behind in Dundrum to help out with the cub section of the troop, with cub section leader, John Cloonan. More info to follow on the cubs.

PUPPY SHOW

Tipperary Foxhounds held their annual Puppy Show at the Kennels on the evening of Wednesday 2nd July. Mr. Michael Higgins, former master of the Tipps, and Mr. James Quinlan, Kilkenny Foxhounds huntsman, judged this years young entry of five couple doghounds and five and half couple bitches. Winner of the doghound section was ‘Charmer’, second ‘Chester’, and Third ‘Champion’, all walked at the Kennels. First in the bitches section was ‘Chapel’, second ‘Ramble’, and third ‘Bluebell’. The winner and second were also walked at the Kennels, ‘Bluebell’ walked by Ms. Ginny Hutton. Winner of the best entered hound in the hunting field last season was ‘Radio’ walked by Mr. Tommy Morgan. Mr. Kennedy, hunt chairman thanked the puppy walkers, all sporting landowners, and the judges. He paid a very special tribute to the kennel staff of Pat, James and P.J. on the pristine condition of the kennels and their surrounds, and the excellent condition of the hounds in kennel. The every concluded with the Puppy Show Tea. At the festive fare presentations were made to long time lady followers and great hunt supporters, Ms Neta Ryan, Ms. Yvonne McClintock, Ms Jean O’Brien and Ms. Di Stokes. A presentation was also made to Mr. Timmy Hyde, former master to mark his years of service and interest in the Gallant Tipps. Judging by the enthusiasm of the very large crowd present and the number of the younger generation in attendance the future of the Tipps and indeed hunting in South Tipperary seems assured for many seasons to come.
TIDY TOWNS
Fethard Tidy Towns committee wish to thank sincerely all who contributed to their recent Church Gate Collection. Ireland is reckoned to be one of the worst countries in Europe for littering offences and in this regard Fethard is no exception. However, one has to admit that the litter situation on our streets has improved since the school holiday’s commenced. Fethard Tidy Towns committee, who continue the uphill battle to make our town neater and tidier, meet every second Tuesday in the Tirry Community Centre at 8pm. Anyone interested in joining and helping out would be very welcome to come along.
TRADITION
Centre back on the Offaly minor hurling team beaten by Kilkenny in last Sundays Leinster M.H. final was James Keane. James who also figured on the Offaly minor football team is son of Garda John Keane, Tullamore, and the Green, Fethard. John, a former Fethard and Tipperary senior player was centre back on the Fethard senior football team that won the 1978 County Senior Football title after a gap of twenty one years, the longest interval between county titles in the clubs history. James is under age for the minor grade again next year and is first cousin of the Fitzgerald brothers, current Fethard and Tipperary players.
FETHARD ATHLETIC CLUB
Shane Gorey was Fethard’s top performer at the Munster Championships held in Castleisland on the 30th of June. Shane took the bronze medal in the final of the boys 800M and is thus entitled to represent his club at National track and field championships to be held in Tullamore in two weeks time. Meanwhile at the Munster B Championships, where teams of two compete in each event, Fethard juveniles had a most rewarding day’s racing. The girls U/11 team of Aisha Tobin and Roisín Trehy won bronze in the 65m hurdles. Michelle Ryall and Hannah Trehy won gold in both the girls U12 80m and 65m hurdles. In the boys U/13 Kevin Quigley and Darragh Dwyer won gold in the 800m and silver in the long jump and 80m. Siobhan O’Brien was most unfortunate as her team partner failed to attend, she nonetheless competed in the long jump and 80m.
COMMUNITY GAMES MUNSTER FINALS
A bus will leave the post office for university of Limerick on this Saturday at 9.45 sharp. Return Fare €5. This bus must leave on time as volleyball competitors must be registered at 11.30 and traffic will be heavy. Judo competitors are travelling by car as the weigh in is at 10.30 competition will start at 11am. Judo competitors are: Aobh and Padraig O’Shea, The Valley, Lorraine and Samantha Feery, Killusty, Gary Bradshaw, The green Emma Walsh Main St., Katie Coen, Killusty, Cathal and Richard Gorey, Moanbeg. Other club members taking part but representing other areas are Stephanie Lawrence, Clerihan, Orla and Niall O Donnell, Cahir John O’Brien, Clonmel. Coaches, Eric O’Donnell and Roy Gorey. The girls Volleyball team consists of: Sarah Mai Ahearn, Stephanie Fitzgerald, Margaret Smyth, Suzanne Gorey, Gillian O’Connell, Sinead Coffey, Ciara Aylward. Boys: Christopher Sheehan, Michael Fleming, Liam Ryan, Aaron O’Donovan, Declan Doyle, Stephen O’Meara, Cathal Gorey, Alan O’Connor, Joe Fogarty, Chris Horan, Paul McCarthy and Lory Kenny. Manager both teams Denis Burke assisted by Mary Gorey.
This year Co Tipperary are hosting the games and Munster Judo co-ordinator is Peggy Colville. Volleyball co-ordinators /Ref are Jennifer Keane and Aidan Fitzgerald. The Munster games director is Joe Keane so we hope the Fethard contingent and everybody from Co. Tipp will do well. Good luck to all.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL
The next meeting of Fethard & Killusty Community Council will take place on Tuesday 15th July at 8.30pm in the Tirry Community Centre.
RECENT DEATHS
The death has occurred of Mrs Mary O’Connor, Crampscastle. The late Mary O’Connor, formerly Mary Nagle was the last surviving member of her family of nine boys and one girl. A former camogie player of note on the re-formation of Fethard Camogie Club in 1962, although then in the veteran stage, she joined the newly formed St. Rita’s Camogie Club. Her wholehearted displays gave great leadership and encouragement to her younger colleagues, and played a significant part in St. Rita’s winning two county camogie championships in the sixties. Her coffin was draped in the club colours. Interment took place in Calvary Cemetery.
The death has occurred on July 7th of Mr Jack Fitzgerald, Crampscastle. Remains will leave the residence of his son John for Holy Trinity Church Fethard at 7pm on Tuesday 8th July. Burial in Moyglass cemetery following 11am Mass on Wednesday.
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