EXTRA NIGHT FOR FETHARD PLAYERS
Due to popular demand and heavy booking, the Fethard Players have decided to run an extra night's performance of their production of Sean O'Casey's, ‘The Plough and the Stars’ on Sunday 23rd November. Booking at O'Flynn's Menswear Tel: 052 31254.

FETHARD & KILLUSTY COMMUNITY LOTTO
The numbers drawn on Tuesday 18th November were: 2, 5, 20, 22, and the bonus number 1. There was no jackpot winner and no 'Match Three' winners so five tickets were drawn and each received €30:
PJ Nagle, Group Homes, Fethard
Amanda Kelly, Rocklow Road, Fethard
Tricia Fitzgerald, Cloneen, Fethard
Pat Looby, The Valley, Fethard
Marie Butler, Garrinch, Fethard
The three 'Lucky Dip' winners of €50 each were:
Mary Brown, Drangan
Margaret Prendergast, Brodeen, Fethard
Desmond Martin, Cloneen, Fethard
Next week's Jackpot is €3,300 and the sellers prize €180. The weekly 'Bonus Number' draw for €1,000 Holiday Break will also continue until further notice.

FURTHER HONOURS FOR ALICE
Alice Leahy was presented with this year’s Belvedere College Unions 2003 Justice Award at the Union’s annual dinner in Dublin on Saturday night last. Alice was a very worthy winner of the award which recognises those who have given selflessly to improve the lives of others.
Alice, a native of Annsgift, Fethard, is now nationally known and recognised with Trust, of which she is a founder member and does such wonderful work to help the homeless. ‘With Trust in Place’, edited by Alice, is now quickly climbing up the best-sellers book chart and is still available locally.

FETHARD BRIDGE CLUB
On Wednesday 12th November we played for sponsored prizes and the winners were:
1st Gross: Teresa Cummins and Alice Quinn;
2nd Gross: Betty Walsh and Brigid Gorey;
1st Nett: Carmel Condon and Brendan Kenny;
2nd Nett: Rose Lonergan and Mary Meagher;
Subscriptions are now due.
Anyone looking for a partner contact Annie O’Brien at Tel: 052 31862.

HUNTING NEWS
Following an indifferent start to the season, local packs, the Ballylusky White Heather Harriers and the Tipperary Foxhounds, with very much improved scenting conditions have been enjoying a welcome change of fortune this week.
The White Heathers had an excellent afternoons hunting in the Grangebeg, Loughcapple, Annesfort and Baptistgrange areas on Sunday. The White Heathers meet next Sunday 23rd November at 12 noon at Coolbawn.
The Tipperary Foxhounds also had a great days hunting from their meet in Lisronagh on Monday. Following a busy morning in Jossestown, Lisronagh, Ballinlough and Ballyhomeen, hounds finished a top-class day with a fast 30 minutes from Donoughmore. Finding under the old church, hounds ran through Orchardstown to the Ha’penny Bridge, and from here they ran right-handed across the Orchardstown Road. Racing through the valley, they ran to Giantsgrave where they were stopped. Hounds were still hunting on but running out of Monday country. As the horses remaining out, whatever about the riders, had had enough, Pat decided to blow for home.
What a thoughtful gesture by huntsman Pat O’Brien, before setting off to request the teachers at Lisronagh School to allow the young children to come out and see the hounds at close quarters. The young pupils were obviously thrilled by the experience and it was also an excellent public relations exercise for hunting.

EMIGRANTS NEWSLETTER
Please hand in your change of addresses or new addresses to be added to the mailing list for this year’s Emigrants Newsletter as soon as possible to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road.

YOUNG BOXER CALLED D’ARCY
Buried in East Maitland, Australia, is a young Irish Australian boxer, Jim D’arcy, who died aged 21 in 1895. Born of Irish emigrants who came from Co. Tipperary, Jim D’arcy, from the age of 15, fought and beat some of the best middle-weight fighters in the world. The legendary promoter, Tex Rickland, described Jim D’arcy as, “The greatest boxer who ever drew a glove on.” His death, however, at such an early age prevented him from ever realising his full potential. Prior to his funeral, an estimated 200,000 people filed past his coffin in his local church.
Our enquirer seems to think Jim D’arcy’s parents came from South Tipperary and maybe from the Slievenamon area. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

CHRISTMAS DINNER
Fethard Historical Society will hold their Christmas Dinner on Tuesday 16th December at 8pm in Sadell’s Restaurant, Main Street, Fethard. The meal will cost €33 per person and as places are limited on a first come basis, members are asked to book their places in advance by contacting, Dóirín Saurus at Tel: 052 31936 or Chris Nevin at Tel: 052 32389.

RETIREMENT OF GARDA MAIREAD O'TOOLE
Our best wishes go to Garda Mairead O'Toole who retired from the Garda Siochana on Sunday 9th November 2003. To mark her retirement, a function will be held in Slievenamon Golf Club on Friday night 21st November at 9.30pm and everyone is invited to attend. Mairead was a very popular and helpful Garda while she was stationed in the Fethard area. We wish her a very happy retirement.

DIED IN ENGLAND
We record the death of James O’Shea, formerly from St. Patrick’s Place Fethard, who died on Wednesday 12th November in Wolverhampton, England, aged 82. James was a terrific musician in his day and was a member of the renowned ‘Twilight Serenaders’ band.

FETHARD PLAYERS 'THE PLOUGH AND THE STARS'

Fethard Players cast of ‘The Plough and the Stars’ photographed after their first nights performance on Sunday 16th November to a packed audience. The play was very well received and continues its run in the Abymill Theatre until Sunday 23rd November. Booking at O'Flynns. Tel: 052 31254. Back L to R: Michael Tillyer (Corporal Stoddart); Eoin Powell (Sergeant Tinley); Robert O’Keeffe (Jack Clitheroe); Joe Hanley (A Bar-tender); Vincent Murphy (Capt. Brennan); Philip O’Meara (The Young Covey); Marian Gilpin (Bessie Burgess); Jimmy O’Sullivan (Fluther Good); Eoin Whyte (Lieut. Langon). Front L to R: Mia Treacy (Nora Clitheroe); Mary O’Connell (Rosie Redmond); Sarah Kennedy and Siobhán Prout (Mollser); Angela Dillon White (Mrs Gogan); and Gerry Fogarty (Peter Flynn).

SLIEVEARDAGH FARMERS FORUM
“After Fischler’s reforms - is there a sustainable future for farmers?”, is the theme of the Slieveardagh Farmers Forum which will take place in Gortnahoe Community Centre at 8pm on Thursday the 27th November. All those interested in the future of farming in the region are invited to attend. Speakers on the night will include Derek Deane of the IFA; John Enright of the ICMSA and Willie Joe Dwyer of Teagasc. T.J. Maher, the former national President of Macra na Feirme will chair the forum.

A GOOD NIGHT OUT
The Table Quiz held recently in the Secondary school attracted a record 34 tables, young and not so young, competing for very attractive prizes. The Parents Association would like to thank all who attended for their support and gratefully acknowledge the generous sponsorship from Merck Sharp & Dohme, Clonmel Oil, Clonmel Glass and Mirrors, Slievenamon Golf Club and others. Thanks to all who provided sandwiches for the tea-break and all who assisted on the night, especially Tracey, Helen, Sarah and Amy who were kept busy with the score-keeping. It was good to have Mrs Prendergast back as quiz-mistress and Mr Broderick kept a watchful eye on proceedings as usual. The next Secondary School Quiz in March 2004 will be in aid of the Lourdes Fund and we look forward to another good night out.

FETHARD RUGBY CLUB
We travelled to Dungarvan on Sunday morning with our under-8s, under-10s and 12s. Our under-8s took on Dungarvan in the first game and a slow start by Fethard saw us trailing by 3 tries at half time. The second half saw Fethard come to life and included some great runs by Colin Kenny, James Mackey and Colin Grant. Cian O’Connell, Joss Murray and the ever improving Shane Cleere got in for fine tries, however, Dungarvan finished the stronger and won by 4 tries to 3.

The Under-8 Fethard rugby team at training. Back L to R: Colin Kenny, Jack Kennedy, Keith Bergin, Joss Murray, Cian O’Connell, Kyle Walsh, Shane Cleere. Front L to R: Luke Keating, Russell Casey, Harvey Blackmore, James Mackey, Colin Grant and Ben Murray.

In the second game we played Clanwilliam. We introduced the new Ben Murray and Conor Synnott for this game. Fethard took control early on and some great runs by Andrew McGuire and Philip Dalton set up tries for Keith Bergin, Luke Keating, Shane Cleere and Cian O’Connell. Clanwilliam came back strongly but some great defending by Harvey Blackmore and Gavin Delaney saw Fethard hold out for a great win.

The Under-10 Fethard rugby team at training. Back L to R: Pio Hartnett, Joseph O’Brien, Luke Mulcahy, Jack Devaney, Brian Delahunty, Philip Maher, Eoin Walshe. Front L to R: Colm Meagher, Stephen Tierney, Gregory Henry, James Holohan, David Bergin and William Croke.

Our under-10s played a great game against Dungarvan which ended in a 4 all draw. Some great drives by the forwards Eoin Walsh, Shane Power and Stephen Tierney saw tries for the new and impressive Brian Delahunty, Colin Meagher and David Bergin. The game continued keenly contested, Philip Meagher getting one for Fethard and Dungarvan equalising before the final whistle.
The next game saw us up against Clanwilliam and this game was also very even with Clan eventually winning by 6 tries to 4. Some great performances in this game were given by James Holohan, Luke Mulcahy and the fast improving Joseph O’Brien and William Croke.

The Under-12 Fethard rugby team at training. Back L to R: Paul Mackey, Aarron Conran, Colin Shanahan, Sam Manton, Jerome Ahearne, Kevin Hayes, Matt Sullivan, Michael John Murphy, Padraig O’Shea. Front L to R: Ben Walsh, Frankie O’Donovan, John Lalor, Daniel Hickey, Conor Kavanagh, Joseph Maher, Andrew Kelly, David Walsh and Paul Tierney.

Our under-12s played Dungarvan in their first match and gave a good account of themselves winning by 3 tries to 2. The foundation of this win was provided by the pack of Stephen McGuire, Mark Ronan, Matt O’Sullivan, Michael John Murphy and Colm Shanahan. These lads provided good possession for Conor Kavanagh to feed Ben Walsh, Johnny Grassick and Aaron Conran, who made the ground for Jack O’Connell, Daniel Hickey and Aidan Purcell to get the tries.
In the second game, we let Clanwilliam in for two easy tries early on but came back well and put Clan under a lot of pressure. Frankie Donovan gathered a ball in his own half and ran the length of the pitch to be just stopped on the line. He then fed Colm Shanahan who crashed over for a great try. Clan scored again to leave the final result 3-1. Andrew Kelly, Padraig O’Shea, Paul Mackey and William Power did some brilliant defending.

The Under-14 Fethard rugby team at training. Back L to R: David Hall, David Gorey, J.P. McGrath, Jack O’Sullivan, Ian Croke, Paddy Teehan. Front L to R: Colin Blackmore, Robert Ahearne, Christopher McGrath, Eoin O’Connell and Joseph Kelly.

Our under-13s played Carrick-on-Suir at home on Sunday morning and were victorious over a strong Carrick side. This was a good performance for our first game on a full size pitch. Indeed the winning margin could have been greater but for some great tackling by the Carrick full back, hauling down Robert Ahearne on four occasions just on the line. The final score was 7 tries to 5 for Fethard. The scorers were: Paul Tierney (2), Robert Ahearne (2), Jack O’Sullivan, Eoin O’Connell and J.P. McGrath.
On Thursday night 20th November we have our table quiz in Grants Bar, Main Street, Fethard, at 8.30pm. Your support would be greatly appreciated. Training on Saturday mornings has been put back to 11.30am to allow viewing of the Rugby World Cup Final.

FETHARD GAA CLUB
Congratulations to Dick Allen, Killusty, and Dick Cummins, Main Street, who will be honoured for their outstanding contribution to the Gaelic Athletic Association at a function to be held in Brú Ború, Cashel on Sunday 23rd November. Cumann na Sean Ghael was formed earlier this year with the primary objective of honouring, by way of annual presentations, persons of over 70 years of age who during their lifetime rendered significant services to the Gaelic Athletic Association in County Tipperary in any capacity whether as a player, official etc., at club or county level.
Dick is the last survivor of the great Tipperary football team that won our last Munster senior title in 1935 and which was so unluckily beaten at the hands of Cavan in the All-Ireland semifinal. He gave huge service in the county playing right through until 1942. He was also to the fore at club level with a Fethard side that enjoyed great success. He had the distinction of playing for six-years in a row with Munster in the Railway Cup but was beaten in three finals and unfortunately never won the medal he deserved so much. Dick was elected to Tipperary's Hall of Fame in 1985.
Dick Cummins has rendered a lifetime of service as a player, officer, follower and generous supporter of Tipperary football. His late father, also Dick, was first chairman of the Munster Council, and Dick (Jnr.) went on to become chairman of the Fethard club, a leading member of the Friends of Tipperary Football and of the County Football Board. He is also life president of the South Board.

ALL-COUNTY ADULT FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Fethard got the better of Aherlow on Saturday 8th November in the Tipperary All-County Adult Football League Final. On a cold day in New Inn, Fethard had the advantage of the strong wind in the first half and should have taken the lead on seven minutes when Michael Spillane hit a bad wide with only the goalie to beat. ARCHIVED FETHARD NEWS 1997-2003

WATER POLO
Selected to play Water Polo for UCC where he is a first year student, is Derek Newport, The Valley. Players from Fethard have participated at various sports and team events at all levels. As far as we can discover, Derek is the first water polo player from Fethard at that level. A member of Clonmel Water Polo team, Derek is a powerful swimmer. The level of physical fitness required for water polo and the training it involves to attain it, makes the hardest training for other sports look like a stroll in the park.

CUMANN NA SEAN GHAEL AWARDS
Dick Allen, Killusty, is to be honoured for his outstanding contribution to Tipperary football when he will receive his award at a function to be held in Brú Ború, Cashel on Sunday 23rd November.
Dick is the last surviving member of the great Tipperary football team, which won our last Senior Football Title in 1935. Dick had the distinction of playing for six years in a row with Munster in the Railway Cup. Dick was elected to Tipperary's Hall of Fame in 1985, An outstanding sportsman on the field and a true gentleman on the field. We salute you Dick on your worthy selection.

VINCENT DE PAUL
Anyone needing our assistance for Christmas please find an application form at the back of both local churches. Complete and return same to any member of the Fethard Conference before November 30th.

FETHARD TOWN ATLAS
A date has not been set yet for the launch of the Fethard Town Atlas, by Dr. Tadhg O’Keeffe. It was originally planned to have it before Christmas in the Abymill Theatre but due to various circumstances the launch has now been put back to early February, possibly the same weekend as the Fethard Tipperariana Book Fair which will be held on Sunday 8th February.
The printing of the Atlas is still on target for the end of November and all pre-publication offers will be delivered as promptly as possible following their receipt from the printers.
This atlas will include historical and archaeological details of over 400 sites, an historical essay, and a range of large-format maps, reconstructions, views and photographs. All trace the growth of Fethard from its possible origins as an early Christian church site, to its foundation as an Anglo-Norman town in the early 1200s, right up to the 20th century. Fethard will join twelve other Irish towns and cities, which have been published as part of the IHTA series. For further details and online order form visit the following website: Read Match Report from The Nationalist

FETHARD NOTES ARCHIVED
We now have all the 'Fethard Notes' submitted to the Nationalist Newspaper, from 1997 to the present day, available on the site. You can access the files by http://www.ria.ie/projects/ihta/offer.html or from the 'CLICKING HERE' page.

CEMETERY ROSARIES DURING NOVEMBER
Sun. Nov 23rd: Kiltinan cemetery 3pm, Kilmaclugh 3.30 pm;
Sun. Nov 30th: Killusty after Sunday Mass, Tullamaine 3pm.

FETHARD BALLROOM AGM
The Annual General Meeting of Fethard and Killusty Ballroom Ltd will be held in the ballroom on Thursday November 20th at 8 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

THIS WEEK'S - 'PICS OF THE PAST'
If you have an old photograph of interest to our readers why not email it to us and we will include it on next week's 'Pic of the Past'

One of the oldest known photographs of a Fethard football team c.1913. The striped jerseys are believed to be knitted by the nuns in the Presentation Convent Fethard. Front L to R: C. Burke (The Green), T. Saddler (Rathkenny), T. King (The Valley), T. O’Gorman (The Green), Frank ‘Scout’ Butler (The Green), T. Curran (The Valley), P. Keating (The Valley). Back L to R: D. McCarthy (The Valley), Laurence Kenny (The Green), D. Lonergan (The Green), D. Heaney (Kerry Street), M. O’Donnell (The Green), T. Conroy (The Green), T. O’Donnell (The Green), J. Coffey (The Green).