THE PLOUGH FOR ABYMILL
Fethard Players will stage Sean O’Casey’s, ‘The Plough and The Stars’ in the Abymill Theatre on Sunday 16th November for a six-night run. Sean O’Casey’s classic needs little introduction to Irish audiences as it has long been recognised as one of Ireland’s greatest plays. Its mixture of tragedy and comedy captures the dramatic events in Dublin during and prior to the Easter Rising of 1916.
A large cast in this production includes: Marian Gilpin, Angela Dillon Whyte, Mary O’Connell, Mia Treacy, Sarah Kennedy, Siobhán Prout, Jimmy O’Sullivan, Gerry Fogarty, Philip O’Meara, Robert O’Keeffe, Vincent Murphy, Eoin Whyte, Joe Hanley, Michael Tillyer and Eoin Powell. The play is produced by Austin O’Flynn and booking is now open at Tel: 052 31254 or 086 3082088 and at O’Flynn’s Mens Shop, Burke Street.

FETHARD GIRL TO PLAY MUNSTER RUGBY
Congratulations to Mary Gorey, Main Street, Fethard, who has been selected to play on the Munster under/19 Ladies Squad. This is a major honour for 16-year-old Mary considering she has only been playing competitive rugby with Clonmel ladies since January of this year. We wish Mary every success with the Munster team and her future rugby career.

BROTHERS IN ARMS
A feature of the Fethard junior football team that defeated Ballingarry in the South Tipperary junior football final at Kilsheelan on Saturday last was the inclusion of four Coen brothers from Killusty, Chris, Shay, Martin and Colm, on the Fethard winning team. A fifth brother, Brian, is a playing member of the Fethard senior football team.
As far as we know, this is the first occasion in the club’s history on which four brothers have played on a Fethard championship winning team. We recall an occasion in 1956 when Killusty junior football team travelled to play Grangemockler in a championship match at Kilsheelan. When the Grangemockler team had not appeared 30 minutes after the official starting time, it was decided to play a Fethard v Killusty practice game. Two 13-a-side teams were made up from players and supporters. The Killusty team included seven Sheehan brothers from another very prominent GAA family — Jimmy, Ned, Johnny, Michael, Tom, Dan and Dick.
The Coen family also hold another unique playing record. The Killusty F.C. team that won the Tipperary FAI Junior Cup included a father and three sons — Louis, Chris, Shay and Martin Coen.
These are unique local sporting records of which the Coen and Sheehan families can be justifiably proud.
Incidentally, on that day long ago in Kilsheelan, when the challenge match concluded having played a full hour, the Grangemockler team turned up. Apparently, as it was the last Sunday of Summer Time, there was some confusion on their part in regard to the official starting time. Killusty turned out again with 15 players who had already played the challenge game, and won that game also.

BRENDAN PRESENTS CHEQUE TO ALZHEIMER SOCIETY

Brendan Morrissey photographed above presenting the proceeds of his Guinness World Record attempt to the South Tipperary Branch of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland on Friday night 17th October in Lonergans. L to R: Rena O'Neill (secretary), Brendan Morrissey, Elaine Johnson (chairperson) and Margaret Brannigan (treasurer).

DIED RECENTLY

We record the death of Mrs Eleanor Delahunty, Market Hill, Fethard, who died on Friday 17th October, at Rathkeevan Nursing Home, Clonmel. Remains left McCarthy's Funeral Parlour at 7pm on Sunday for Holy Trinity Parish Church Fethard. Burial took place in Calvary Cemetery following 11am Mass on Monday 20th October.

FETHARD & KILLUSTY COMMUNITY LOTTO
The numbers drawn on Tuesday 14th October were: 6, 7, 10, 17 and the Bonus number was 14. There was no Jackpot winner and three "Match 3" winners who received €50 each:
Greta O'Dwyer, Red City Road, Fethard
Marie Murphy, Coleman, Fethard
Chrissie Moloney, 35 St. Patricks Place, Fethard
The three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners of €50 were:
Tom Freyne, Fethard
Hazel Sheehan, Killusty, Fethard
Pat O'Meara, Ballinure, Thurles.
The Jackpot remains at €10,000 and next weeks Jackpot sellers prize is €1,000.

YOUTHS MUNSTER YOUTH CUP 1ST ROUND
Welcome Win For Killusty Youths
Killusty Youths won their first game of the season when they beat Bansha Celtic 3-1. Bansha Celtic were first to score and led 1-0 at the break. Killusty introduced Jamie McCormack in the second half and he made an immediate impact by scoring within 5 minutes of his introduction at 1-1. Killusty took control and further goals from William Doyle and Shane Aylward secured a valuable win for Killusty. Final score: Killusty 3, Bansha Celtic 1. Next Saturday 18th October, Killusty Youths take on Clonmel Celtic in the 1st Division League.

JUNIOR 1ST DIVISION LEAGUE
Fanning Heads Winner
Killusty made it two wins from two league games when they beat Clonmel Celtic 1-0. Celtic, who were short several of their regular players, had their chances to equalise but Killusty held out for a deserved win. Final score: Killusty 1, Clonmel Celtic 0,.

LOTTO WIN FOR SHEEHAN FAMILY

T.J. Sheehan, Killusty, winner of the first €1,000 Holiday Voucher in Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto's new 'Bonus Number Draw' held in addition to the €10,000 Jackpot for 4 numbers. The prize was presented by Jimmy Connolly (left), treasurer Fethard and Killusty Community Council.

Well done to the Sheehan family, Walshbog, Killusty, who have enjoyed great luck lately. A few months back Pat won a car in the Credit Union Draw. Not to be outdone mam got in the action with a modest but nice win in local Lotto. Then we had T.J. winning the €1,000 holiday first prize in the new Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto ‘Bonus Number Draw’, and Vera Sheehan also coming up trumps with a nice little cash prize. Well done to one and all.

FETHARD BRIDGE CLUB
On Wednesday 8th October we ran a charity night and the proceeds will go to South Tipperary Hospice. The results on the night were:
1st Gross: Teresa Cummins and Alice Quinn
2nd Gross: Nell Broderick and Breda Walsh
1st Nett: Tony Hanrahan and David O’Meara
2nd Nett: Anna Ryan and Rita Holohan
Subscriptions of €25 are now due. New members welcome. Anyone looking for a partner contact Annie O’Brien at Tel: 052 31862.

COOLMOYNE CONNECTION
Coolmoyne had a very strong connection with the Carrick Swan Minor hurling team that drew with Moycarkey in the county Tipperary minor hurling championship on Sunday. Star of the Carrick team with an exhilarating display was Kevin Hannigan. Kevin’s mother is formerly Helen O’Dea of Ballyvaden. His grandfather and granduncle, Tom and Jack O’Dea would not be unknown to a former generation of south Tipperary GAA players and supporters. Sixteen year old, Kevin and his brother, would seem to be stars of the future in Tipperary hurling.

FETHARD JUVENILE GAA CLUB
The hurling season ended on a high note on Saturday last when our U/10's won the South Championship in their division.
They had previously played Kilsheelan and St. Pats to make it through to the next round.
On Saturday last a team of players set off to Cahir to play Skeheenarinky in the semi-final, they had a very convincing win over them and were then on to meet Cahir in the Final. It was a great match to watch and the final score stood at Fethard 4-06 Skins - 2 - 00.
The final was a wonder to watch and these young players were a credit to their club and to themselves and they excelled in every aspect of the game. Their team work and team spirit was very much evident throughout the match, with all members encouraging each other on whether it was a point scored or missed.
Each and every member of this team were outstanding on the day but credit is due to their captain Eoin Fitzgerald who captained the team to a great victory, and notched up some mighty scores on the day, Cathal Hurley who made some wonderful clearances in the backs, Ronan Fitzgerald whose goal from the sideline was a proud moment, Ciaran O'Meara, who made some saves that would have made Brendan Cummins proud, Alan Lawrence no-matter where he was on the field was dependable and notched up a few points himself. Frankie O'Donovan outdid himself on the day and no matter where you looked Frankie was there, meeting any challenge that came his way. Owen Dillon in the forward line was a handful for the Cahir backline and was lucky second time round after his first goal being disallowed. Dylan Fitzgerald was back in form with the opening goal that put us in the lead and Tommy Sheehan in flying form in the wings providing some great runs up the field with Damien Morrissey showing some really great skill and clearing some great balls that came his way. Well done to these young lads and to all their trainers and mentors.
The Juvenile Club would also like to thank everyone that generously supported their Table Quiz and to all those that donated spot prizes.

THE WELL GOLF SOCIETY
These are the results of last Saturday's outing to Dunmore East.
Nearest the pin: Ollie and Davy Woodlock.
Visitor's Prize: Ray Morrissey 28pts.
1st: Donal O'Grady, 37pts.
2nd: Mary Kenrick, 35pts Back 9.
3rd: Ollie Woodlock, 35pts.
4th: Michael Kenrick, 33pts.
5th: Kevin Ryan: 31pts.
6th: Brian Mullins, 30pts.
This was our final outing on what has been a successful season for the society. We must take this opportunity to thank a few people, firstly all of our members, especially those who turned up for all outings. To all the golf courses we visited this year, to the people who sponsored and supported our Easter Draw and, last but not least, our hard working committee for all your time and effort. Our AGM will be held later this year. Watch this space!

BRENDAN'S NEW WORLD RECORD (by Conor Kane, Nationalist)

Shaking hands with someone is an action which doesn't cost us a thought - but to shake hands with over 14,000 people in the space of just eight hours is a different matter. However, that's exactly what a Fethard man did last week at the National Ploughing Championships, and all to raise money for a very worthy cause. READ REPORT

PIPER NOT BEING PAID
The Fethard / Killenaule Community TV committee unfortunately feel at this stage they have no alternative but to pull the plug on the entire service. Despite numerous requests to peoples integrity and the appointing of a door-to-door collector thy have failed to collect subscriptions from most of the householders utilising the service. This is a very sad refection on our society. Many have openly declared their non-intention of paying on the assumption, ‘why pay for something you can have for nothing’. This opinion has been expressed by some who could well afford to do so.
The innocent will now be punished with the guilty if the committee are obliged to discontinue the source. The installation of the equipment, the maintenance of same, the licence to operate, are just a few of the reasons for the high overheads in maintaining the signal. The committee, a completely voluntary body, can just not afford to operate the source without the co-operation of those using it.
As every other avenue has been tried at this stage, it is probably pointless making a last appeal to the defaulters. The excellent BBC1, BBC2, UTV and Channel 4 signal provided now looks like being a thing of the past for the long winter evenings ahead. The Piper if not being paid, expectantly will not provided the tune.

FETHARD ATHLETIC CLUB
Last Sunday, Dunkerrin was the venue for the County uneven-age Cross Country Championships. The club was represented by 22 juvenile athletes in what turned out to be our least successful championships of recent years. Our team was badly weakened by several key last minute defections with the girls under-13 being the only event in which Fethard fielded a full team. Fethard’s top performers on the day were the ever dependable Mary Gleeson, who ran bravely to win silver in the girls under-15 race and the talented Gregory Henry who showed his class by taking bronze in the boys under-11 race. Both these athletes are under age and should be serious contenders in the even-age championships. Other performances of note came from Wayne Laslett who ran impressively to finish 4th in the boys under-15 race and Darragh Dwyer who was 5th in the boys under-13 event. The Fethard team were: Girls under-9, Emma Walsh and Hannah Stapleton; Boys under-9, Ashley Laslett, Anthony Hartnett and Vincent Lawrence; Girls under-11, Roisín Trehy; Boys under-11, Gregory Henry and Louis Rice; Girls under-13, Hannah Trehy, Aisling O’Connor, Michelle Ryall, Aisling Dwyer, Laura Rice and Siobhan O’Brien; Boys under-13, Darragh Dwyer, Michael Costello and Ben Walsh; Girls under-15, Mary Gleeson, Bernadette Costello and Kate O’Brien; Boys under-15, Wayne Laslett and Lolo Trehy.
Meanwhile, our top senior man Pat Heffernan continued his good form of late with an impressive string of results from top road races throughout the country. On the 7th September Pat was 2nd in the Naval Service 4 miler in Cork with a time of 20:37. The following Sunday he was 2nd in the Cork half marathon (73:45) and was 4th in the Adidas half marathon in the Phoenix Park on the 20th September (72:30). More recently Pat took 3rd spot in the famous Cork to Cobh 15 miler with an excellent time of 81 minutes. These results auger well for Pats participation in the Dublin City Marathon which takes place on Mon 27th October.
Our next juvenile outing takes place next Sunday in Dundrum with the staging of the County even-age Cross Country Championships. Training continues on Monday and Wednesday at the new time of 4.15pm in the Community Sports Field. All are welcome to attend.

LOCAL HISTORY DAY A GREAT SUCCESS

Photographed at the County Tipperary Local History Day in Fethard are L to R: Neddy Delahunty, Fethard, Terry Cunningham, chairman Fethard Historical Society, Dermot and John O’Halloran, Dualla.

Fethard Historical Society hosted the first ever County Local History Day on Saturday 11th October. The day-long seminar was very successful and attracted over 80 people from all parts of County Tipperary interested or involved in local history.

FETHARD GAA CLUB
On Sunday last, 12th October, in the county Senior Football league Semifinal played in Kilsheelan, we recovered from the defeat in the county semifinal to play excellent possession football with a much changed team. Even though we squandered  a lot off scoring chances, we still recorded a memorable victory over Moyle Rovers on a score line, Fethard 0-9 (0-4), Moyle Rovers 0-6 (0-2), and in so doing set up a league final with old rivals, Aherlow to be played at a future date. The team was: Paul Fitzgerald, Alan Phelan, Michael Aherne, Willie Morrissey, Damien Byrne, Michael Quinlan, Stephen O'Donnell, Aiden Fitzgerald, P J Aherne, Glen Burke 0-1, Miceál Spillane, Michael Dillon 0-1, Conor McCarthy 0-5 (2f), Kenneth Byrne, Eoin Doyle 0-1. Subs used were: John P Looby and Brendan Brett 0-1. Our other sub was Tommy Gahan.
The Junior A South football semifinal was played on Saturday 11th October in Monroe against St Patricks. Fethard were winners on a scoreline Fethard 2-12 (0-5), St Patricks 2-05 (1-3). Our last meeting in this grade was in the South Final of 1989 when the ' Blues' were also successful against all odds. Team on Saturday last were Michael (Buddy) Fitzgerald, Chris Coen, Diarmuid Burke , Philly Blake, Ian Kenrick 0-1, Shane Walsh, Jamie McCormack, Eoin Doyle 0-1, Colm Coen 1-1, Shane Aylward, Shay Ryan, Brendan Brett 0-1, Tommy Sheehan 0-4 (2f),  Shay Coen 0-2, John Noonan 0-1. Subs used were: Martin Coen, Ronan Maher and Paul Hackett 1-0. Other subs were: Garreth Byrne, Paul Kenrick and John Hurley. Best off Luck in the South Final against Ballingarry on the 18th October.
The club is now involved in three finals in the coming weeks, Intermediate Hurling (South), Senior Football (County League), and Junior A Football (South).  Please lend your support and attendance which will be much appreciated.
Our Lotto  Jackpot of €1,300 was not won. We had four match threes  who received €40 each: Bernadette McManus (Burke St), Megan Coen (Fethard), Tom Kearney (Killusty), and Con Doyle (Woodvale Walk). Our €50 Lucky Dip went to John Shortall (The Valley). The numbers drawn at Fethard Arms were 5, 8, 9 and 15.

FETHARD RUGBY CLUB NOTES
We played our first game of the season in Fethard on Sunday morning last Our under-12s had a great victory over Waterpark by 7 tries to five. The foundation for this win was a great display by our forwards of which Sam Manton, Kevin Hayes, Jerome Ahearne, Michael John Murphy and the try scoring Mark Ronan were very impressive. These players gave a great supply of ball back to both scrumhalves who played Conor Kavanagh and Johnny Grassick. This set up some great back movements with Padraig O'Shea, Paul Tierney, Jack O'Connell and Daniel Hickey, making some great runs.
A bright aspect to this game wins the great tackling of Glen Maher, Ben Walsh and Andrew Kelly. We have training as usual on Saturday morning at 11.00am, however, some coaches will be gone on a coaching course. On Sunday we have matches for under-8s, under-10s, under-12s and under-13s against Cashel in Fethard at 11am.

KILLUSTY EVENTUALLY BREAK DOWN ST KIERAN’S
Killusty 5, St Kieran s 1
The home team were well on top running out comfortable winners against the Saints but it took them long enough to master the opposition who put up stiff resistance in the first 25 minutes. Jamie McCormack opened the scoring for the home team on 26 minutes when he latched on to a mistake in the Saints defence to shoot home. They were 2 up on 30 minutes when Jason Nevin scored with a header. Declan Fanning made it 3-0 just on the stroke of half time.
In the second half the home team were completely dominant and Jamie McCormack got his second and Killusty’s fourth on 50 minutes. Willie Murphy pulled one back for St Kierans on 60 minutes but John Noonan got the home team's fifth on 85 minutes to let Killusty run out easy winners.

KILLUSTY YOUTHS HIT FOR FIVE
In a game Killusty needed to win at home after a poor start to the season they would have hoped for a better result. St. Michaels who also had not started the season brightly had other ideas and Killusty found themselves going in at half time 2-0 down. A further three goals followed in the second half without reply and Killusty had conceded five goals, an improvement is needed quickly or Killusty will be facing relegation worries at the end of the season. Final score Killusty 0, St. Michaels 5.

HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICE

A very successful Harvest Thanksgiving Service took place in the Holy Trinity Church of Ireland, Main Street, on Friday night, October 10. The service was organised by the Clonmel Union of Parishes with Rev. George A. Knowd, Rector, presiding. Special preacher on the night was The Very Rev. W. Beare. Organist Kevin Hickey accompanied the hymns sung during the ceremony. Refreshments and wine were served to all present afterwards. Photographed above are L to R: Rev George Knowd, Gwen Knowd, Hillary Carter, Barbara Essame, Rose Beare, Judy Butler and Rev. Arthur Carter.

BIRDS EYE VIEW

This is a recent birds eye view of Fethard. If your eyesight isn't as good as a birds — CLICK HERE

DEATH OF PAULINE COFFEY
The death has occurred on October 10th of Mrs Pauline Coffey, Burke Street. The late Pauline Coffey in her 97th year was one of Fethard’s oldest residents. During her long life Pauline Coffey played a leading role, as did her late husband Joe Coffey, in the social and cultural life of Fethard. Possessed of a beautiful singing voice she was a long time member of the Augustinian Abbey Choir. She also played leading parts in the Famous Fethard Pantomimes of the fifties. A lady of very decided opinions, she attended many public meetings when the welfare of Fethard was considered, where she was very forthright in voicing her sometimes-controversial ideas.
Following her husbands death, Pauline Coffey continued to allow Fethard Tennis Club in its best years, free use of the three magnificent grass courts situated at the rear of her residence, the Lilacs, in Burke Street. Her last magnificent gesture was to present Coffey’s Mill, now the Abymill Theatre, for a nominal fee to the Fethard Players, in memory of her husband Joe. She was the last surviving member of her generation of the Coffey family of Fethard, that for over a century played such a leading role in the business life of the town.
She will be greatly missed by her relatives and a very large circle of friends. Her remains were removed to Fethard Augustinian Abbey church on Saturday October 11th. Internment took place in the Coffey family burial plot at Fethard Parish Church Cemetery

DIED RECENTLY
We record the death of Jimmy Gibbs, Ballypatrick, who died on the 8th October. Remains left Condon's Funeral Parlour Clonmel at 7.30pm on Friday 10th October for St. John the Baptist Church Kilcash. Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery following 11am Mass on Saturday.

CHRISTMAS FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
The Irish Countrywomen’s Association will hold their next meeting on Tuesday 14th October in the ICA Hall at 8pm. Mary Joe Murphy from Maigue Flower Club in Adare will demonstrate some floral arrangements suitable for Christmas. All are welcome. Admission to non-members is €5. Hostesses for the night are the Red Group. Competition theme is ‘Last Blooms of Summer.
Please note that the demonstration will begin at 8pm sharp, before the meeting.

BUS SERVICE
Good news for passengers who regularly use the Thurles-Fethard-Clonmel Shamrock bus service. From 1st October, there is a full service each day from Monday to Saturday. Heretofore, the bus, which was put on service when the Thurles-Clonmel railway line closed down, did not operate on Wednesday or Thursday. This meant there was no service provided on Thursday. Fethard now will have a bus to Clonmel on Thursdays for the first time since the service was established.
Departure times from Fethard to Clonmel are, 9.10am, 1.10pm 4.10pm and 8.10pm. Departure times from Fethard to Thurles are 8am, 11.45am, 3.50pm and 6.20pm. The departure times from Clonmel to Thurles are approximately 30 minutes before the Fethard times.

EMIGRANTS NEWSLETTER
Club secretaries are asked to submit their annual reports for inclusion in this years Emigrant’s Newsletter as soon as possible. Photographs and articles can be handed in to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard. We also remind emigrants to hand in change of addresses or new addresses for those wishing to be added to the mailing list. An up-to-date list is essential to avoid unnecessary postage costs, so please let us know if your children or loved ones living away from home have changed flat or house in the past twelve months.
This year’s annual church gate collection for the Emigrant’s Newsletter will take place in a few weeks time on weekending 25th and 26th October. All donations of €10 or more will be acknowledged in this years issue. If you wish to be acknowledged, please put your donation in an envelope with your name and address or else hand it to Carmel Rice, Brookhill, or Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road.

LOURDES PILGRIMAGE 2004
Anyone interested in travelling on the 2004 pilgrimage to Lourdes and would like to pay their fare by weekly instalments can do so now. Kathleen Barry, Tullamaine, has organised a 30-week saving scheme, commencing on 12th October, where you pay €20 per week and save your fare in time for the trip. If you would like to join the scheme or get further details contact Kathleen at Tel: 052 31630.