FETHARD GAA CLUB
Fethard's under 21 A football campaign for 2004 came to an end on last Sunday when we were defeated by Moyle Rovers on a scoreline, Fethard 1-3, Moyle Rovers 1-14.
The under 21 B hurling gets underway on Sunday 14th March when we play St Marys in Monroe at 12.00.
The Senior Football County League continues also on Sunday 14th March when we play Commercials in Fethard at 4.30pm.

Our Lotto Jackpot of €3,300 was not won. The numbers drawn in Burke’s Pub were 1, 18, 19 and 22. We had three match three winners who received €50 each: Bernie Byrne (Claremore), Miceál Sean McCormack (Kerry Street), and Brian Higgins (Strylea). The €50 Lucky Dip went to Cora McGarry (10 Woodvale Walk).

FIVE COUNTY STARS
Congratulations to the five Fethard footballers who played on the senior Tipperary team who defeated Louth in their league game played in Clonmel last Sunday. The five players were: Paul Fitzgerald, Aidan Fitzgerald, Cian Maher, Damien Byrne and Glen Burke. Well done lads!

FR PAT KILLIAN OSA

The late Fr Pat Killian OSA photographed above with some of his friends on a return visit to Fethard c.1980. Back L to R: Brendan Kenny, Philip Ryan (RIP), Tony McCarthy, Tony Hanrahan, Willie O'Donnell. Front L to R: Miceál McCormack, the late Fr. Pat Killian OSA (RIP), Don McCarthy and Tony Fitzgerald. The photograph was taken in the snooker room at Gerry Brennan's Bar, Clonmel.

We record the death of Fr. Patrick Killian OSA who died in London on 2nd February 2004. Fr Killian ministered in the Augustinian Abbey Fethard from approximately 1967 to 1971. While living in Fethard he worked extensively with the youth of the town and became very popular. In the period c.1968, following a meeting to consider the feasibility of starting a brass band in Fethard, Fr Killian helped an interested group to form the first Fethard Youth Club in the Tirry Club and later on, facilitated regular committee meetings in the Abbey House to help keep running expenses at a minimum.

The clubs first chairman was Michael 'Waxie' Kenny, vice chairman was Brendan Kenny, other committee members were Don McCarthy, Tom O'Connell, Thomas Barrett and Miceál 'Korky' McCormack.

At the club's Annual General Meeting held in 1969 the following officers and committee were elected: Patron, Canon Lee PP; Chaplain, Fr O'Brien CC; Chairman, Fr Pat Killian OSA; Secretary, Danny Kane; Treasurer, Miceál McCormack. Committee members: Thomas Barrett, John Littleton and Philip Ryan.

To raise funds, the club ran a ‘hop’ once a week and charged a sixpence entrance fee. They were later to discover from the late Sergeant Con Healy that, not having a licence, this charge was illegal. Seeing the committee’s disappointment at the prospect of losing their only regular source of income, the good sergeant, with the wisdom of Solomon, solved the problem. "You must allow everyone in free," he said, "but having got them in you then go around and insist that they make a voluntary contribution of sixpence each!"

Fr Killian positively influenced the lives of many of the young people he worked with in Fethard and was also a role model in July 1971 when he calmly accepted his superior’s decision to transfer him to Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, at a time when it broke the hearts of all the young people who had grown to love him. He gave them faith to struggle on, survive and be independent. We have never forgotten that faith, or Fr. Killian. May he rest in peace.

HUNTING NEWS
We are glad to report that Tipperary Foxhounds huntsman, Pat O’Brien, is making very satisfactory progress in recovering from the serious knee injury sustained in a hunting fall near Rosegreen. Pat and his whipper-in, James O’Donnell, who so successfully carried the horn during the last two weeks of the season, wish to personally thank all landowners over whose lands the pack hunted during the season.

The new joint-masters of the ‘Gallant Tipps’ for the 2004-05 season are Peter Reilly, Paul Ronan and Patrick Kennedy. Each of the new joint masters have impeccable records in their service to hunting over the years. All hunting followers and supporters will join in wishing them well and the best of luck.

WITH THE WHITE HEATHERS
Master Philly O’Connor has decided to call an end to the current season following last Sunday’s meet at Ballylusky. This is the first season, which even long time followers can recall, that the traditional finishing day, St Patrick’s Day, has been brought forward. The extraordinary mild weather has resulted in livestock being out to grass at least two weeks earlier than usual, so it was decided that it was better to finish.

The Ballylusky White Heather Harriers would also like to thank all landowners for their co-operation during the season.

RECENT DEATHS
The death has occurred recently of Ms Ida Kiely, Curraghdobbin, Carrick-on-Suir, formerly Ida Quinlan, Garraun House, Fethard. Interment took place in Ballyneale Cemetery.

The death has occurred in Portsmouth, England, of Mrs Kathleen Broomfield, formerly Kathleen Cunningham, Tullamaine.

The death has occurred on 2nd March in Leicestershire, England, of Mr James ‘Jim’ Walsh, formerly of Monroe, Fethard. Prior to emigrating in 1961, the late Jim Walsh was in long time employment with the Holway family at Madamsland. He also worked nights and on Sundays as usher and caretaker at the Capital Cinema from where he will be well remembered by cinema patrons of the forties and fifties. Interment took place in England.

KELLETT INFORMATION
My daughter found your address on the web, and I am writing now to see if you can help me to trace my Irish ancestors. My father, Edward Orlando Kellett, born in 1902 was killed in action in March 1943. His elder brother, Richard Henry Villiers Kellett was killed in the first war. Their father was Major General Richard Orlando Kellett, and their mother had been Eleanor Emily Mallock. After she died my grandfather marred - after I was born - Jessie Longbottom. I met her once on our honeymoon in 1947 - but had near been told about her. She had been my father’s governess and my parents were bored by, and disapproved of, her. As a result they said so - when very young and my grandfather left all his money to the parson at Fethard, Mr. Patten. Clonacody and all the things, which Admiral Sir Henry Kellett had left in entail, went to my father. He and my mother sold Clonacody as she would not live In Ireland, and I have the Admiral's pictures, medals, a few small things and the family silver.

I was an only child. I have a miniature of John Dalton Kellett - and over the years I have tried to trace any relations of my father's and indeed of my grandmother's, who was a Mallock, but have not been at all successful. He had one very nice, and very remote, cousin called Evedne who married Sir somebody Wildbore Smith and I used to see her until she died many years ago. I also met Mr Patten's daughters once, an equally long time ago, and Mrs Patten left me the family medals. She wanted to leave me my grandmother's jewellery but understood that my grandfather had given it to Jessie Kellett and in old age she had lost her memory and sold it all for nothing to dealers.

And that is about all I know. I would love to know more, and also who now lives at Clonacody. If I knew I could perhaps write to them and go over with my daughter to see the house.

I married in 1947 when I was 19, Richard Wood, the youngest son of Lord Halifax - who had been Viceroy of India and was Foreign Secretary at the time of Munich. Richard was an MP for Bridlington for many years and then went to the House of Lords as Lord Holderness. He died very suddenly in August 2002.

Yours sincerely,
Diana Holderness (email: holdernessd@aol.com)

CARELESS DRIVING
We have had two further reports during the week of downright careless if not dangerous driving at the pedestrian crossing on Main Street. Both motorists having stopped to let pedestrians cross were overtaken at the crossing by motorists who failed to do so. We have had similar reports of the same happenings in the past. Perhaps in future if anyone witnesses a similar occurrence, they should take the number of the offending car and report it to the Gardai. When will they ever learn?

TOWN HALL CONSERVATION PROJECT

On Tuesday 2nd March, Joe Kenny, chairman Fethard and Killusty Community Council and Terry Cunningham, chairman Fethard Historical Society, met with Stephen Fallon, Conservation Officer, South Tipperary County Council; John Moloney, Housing Department, South Tipperary County Council; and Cllr John Fahey, in the Council Offices Clonmel to discuss the next stage needed to apply for funding for the conservation and development of Fethard Town Hall. At the meeting Mr Stephen Fallon gave the following status report update on Fethard Town Hall:

Introduction

In my earlier report on the Fethard Old Town Hall I described the three interconnected and mutually dependent items that were required in order to progress this project:

An Architectural assessment of the Fethard Old Town Hall building. The Dublin Civic Trust were commissioned to carry out this work. This research has been completed and was issued in mid November 2003.

A condition report on the structure A brief over view assessment was prepared by architect James O’Connor and issued in September 2003. While this assessment is not exhaustive, nor did it involve any opening up, it did indicate that the generally robust condition of the structure would allow an adaptive reuse of this building.

A well-researched and practical Project Brief is also required. The project brief will allow a project design and supporting budget to be prepared. This project brief is critical to determine the extent of the financial commitment that will be required of the various parties to deliver the project

Following from the brief will be the scheme design and review, all the way to planning stage including the preparation of a detailed project budget, establishing both of the new build and conservation elements, the fitting out, professional fees, VAT etc required to deliver the project.

The Next Stage (Commencing March 2004)

The next stage is to progress the items outlined in point 3 (above).

A project brief to be agreed by the principal parties to the project: including the County Council, the Tipperary Library Board and the Fethard & Killusty Community Council and to a lesser extent the potential grant providers: for example (DoE/H/LG), the Heritage Council and any other significant 'players' or individuals locally or nationally. Following the adoption of the agreed brief a design scheme proposal for the project and resultant costs can be prepared. This proposal can then be brought forward through the planning process. The conservation information and method statements will form the central part of the conservation grant application to be made in mid January 2005 (to DoE/H/LG).

In parallel throughout 2004 the parties to the project must turn secure the much more significant sums required for the non conservation new elements of the project identified by the project brief. These include in no particular order disabled access, new services including plumbing, sewerage connections, heating, telecoms, fire, security, new staff and visitor areas toilets, kitchens, reception areas and library.

My own 'guesstimate feel' for project cost would indicate costs for new versus conservation works at a 3:5 or 4:1 ratio.

Stephen Fallon, Conservation Officer Forward Planning.

FETHARD'S BIG TEST AGAINST MOYLE ROVERS
(from The Nationalist Saturday 6th March)

The clash of Moyle Rovers and Fethard in the South Tipp under-21 football 'A' championship is the major game of the weekend in the division. It will be played in Kilsheelan on Sunday at 4.30. Fethard were comprehensively defeated by Commercials last weekend and face a daunting task against opponents in recent minor championships. The other game in the 'A' championship is the clash of Kilsheelan / Kilcash and Ardfinnan which is scheduled for Ned Hall park on Saturday at 4.15.

Both sides suffered defeats last weekend and will be hoping to bounce back. Little should separate the them and perhaps Ardfinnan might just he good enough to shade the issue. In the 'B' group Carrick Swans will be favourites to account for Ballingarry at Fethard on Saturday (4.15pm) whilst in an interesting clash at Cloneen on Sunday at 12 noon, Mullinahone will start marginal favourites to account for Grangemockler.

KING GIVES A ROYAL PERFORMANCE
Cashel Town 5, Killusty 1.
As the scoreline suggests this was a one-sided game and an unfortunate result for Killusty. Michael King was on fire for the home side, scoring two early goals in the first half to leave it 2-0 at the interval. Cashel dominated from there on in and King completed his hat-trick early in the second half to leave it 3-0. This was followed by a goal each from William Fitzell and Henry Flynn. William Doyle got a late consolation goal for Killusty but it was too little too late as it finished 5-1.

KILLUSTY NOTES
(from South Tipp Today)

FETHARD & KILLUSTY COMMUNITY GAMES QUIZ
Congratulations to all who took part in the Fethard and Killusty Community Games table quiz which took place in Fethard ballroom last Saturday night. Participants from throughout the county took part. A big thank you to the Fethard ballroom committee for the use of the hall and to Tony Lyons for putting the questions together. Sincere thanks also to Dr Carmel Condon, our quizmaster for the evening, who did an excellent job.

We are very lucky in the Fethard and Killusty area to have some wonderful people who are willing to give of their time to promote sporting activities for our youth. Lots of prizes were on offer on the night, a big thank you to all who helped to make the evening such an outstanding success. We hope to make this a yearly event. We had twenty-six tables.

COMMUNITY GAMES SOCCER
A big crowd turned up for our get together once again in Killusty on last Sunday evening in the sports grounds. We have entered teams this year in the U/12 indoor soccer which will begin in the next few weeks. We also have a team entered in the U/12 soccer outdoor. If your child lives in the Fethard and Killusty area, they are welcome to attend training on any Sunday evening at 4.45 training ends at 6 o'clock.

YOUTHS-SOCCER
Another disappointing result for he local youth side going down on a 5-1 scoreline to Cashel last Saturday.

JUNIORS - SOCCER
Following Killusty's most recent league win against Clonmel Celtic, their Cup game, last Sunday, due to be played against local rivals Moyglass United was postponed due to a frozen pitch. The game involving the above two teams has to be rearranged to decide who will meet St Michaels in the Paddy Purtill Cup final. St Michaels defeated Galbally 6-2 last Sunday and they now await the winner of the Killusty v Moyglass game in the final.

ATHLETICS TIPPERARY CHAMPIONS
Clonmel Athletic Club were crowned Tipperary champions in the County Novice Road Race which took place in Ballynonty last Sunday. Killusty was represented by local athlete Anthony Feery who ran a great race to help Clonmel win the county title. Anthony who has dominated cross country this season showed great ability, taking the silver, finishing second making it two for Clonmel, Pat Sullivan, Johnny Brunnock and John Walsh were other winning team winners. Congratulations to one and all on bringing the Cup back to Clonmel.

FETHARD RUGBY CLUB NOTES
We played Carrick-on-Suir on Sunday morning last at U/9 and U/10 level. Our U/9s came from two tries down to earn a draw at 3 all. It was a fast moving game, which saw some great passing movements put together also some great tackling by Charlie Manton, Adam Fitzgerald, Padraig Hayes and Shane Cleere held the Carrick lads out. In attack Tomas Keavney, James Holohan, Cian O'Connell and Luke Keating were always to the fore.

Our U/10s had a narrow 4-3 victory over a spirited Carrick team. This was a good performance with Colin Meagher, Michael Smith and Eoin Walsh having fine games in the forwards, while Shane Power, Stephen Tierney and Brian Delahunty always posed problems for the opposition. Our U/13s came up against a very strong Clonmel side on Sunday and were comprehensively beaten.

Next weekend training as usual on Saturday at 11.00am. We travel to Cashel with 8, 10 and 12 year olds on Sunday morning, while U/13 game is being arranged.

COMMERCIALS RECOVER FROM EARLY GOAL SETBACK
(from The Nationalist Saturday 6th March)

Clonmel Commercials 2-16, Fethard 2-5.

Clonmel Commercials began their South Tipperary under-21 football 'A' championship tie at Fethard on Sunday morning by conceding an early goal to the home side, before taking control to lead 2-9 to 1-0 at halftime.

After the shock of the early goal they held Fethard scoreless for 39 minutes and were leading 213 to 1-0 when corner-forward Darren O'Meara had Fethard's first point on the 43rd minute. Everything went right for Commercials in the opening thirty minutes, as Fethard failed to get their challenge off the ground and kicked eight wides to Clonmel's five.

Commercials responded with two points to the Fethard goal and took the lead when right half forward John Harney broke through to send a sliding shot into the corner of the net. He was injured in the tackle as he scored, and was replaced by Padraig Dempsey.

Full-forward Adrian Barry grabbed Commercials second goal with his first touch of the ball in the 15th minute, and while Fethard wasted a number of scoring chances they had no answer to opponents who chalked up seven points in the closing eleven minutes of the first half, with Kenneth Kiely, Brian Carroll, Kevin O'Callaghan and Niall Kelly delivering the all important scores.

Commercials midfielder Kenneth Kiely, who landed some great long-range frees, had the first two points of the second-half, and they were sixteen points clear (2-13 to 1-0) when Fethard had their second score, a point from Darren O'Meara in the 43rd minute.

Fethard then rallied with four more points and were trailing 2-14 to 1-5 when on 53 minutes substitute Shane Aylward had their second goal, but Commercials had the final say with the last two points of the game.

Fethard's first attack saw full-forward William Doyle take a pass from John Noonan to beat the Clonmel keeper with an unstoppable shot to the corner of the net after four minutes.

Commercials responded with points from Kevin O'Callaghan and Kenneth Kiely (free) and took the lead with Harney's well earned goal in the 11th minute. They then took up a 2-2 to 1-0 lead at the end of the first quarter when Adrian Barry's piledriver bulged the Fethard net.

An improving Commercials attack piled on the agony when points from Niall Kelly, Brian Carroll (2), Kenneth Kiely (2) and Kevin O'Callaghan gave them a 2-9 to 1-0 interval lead.

Clonmel's onward march continued when play resumed with Kelly (2), Adrian Barry and wingback Kevin Harney landing points before Darren O'Meara had Fethard's first score for 39 minutes with a 43rd minute point.

They then hit three unanswered points from Johnny Leahy and P. J. Morrissey (2) before Brian Carroll had his third point for Commercials, leaving it 2-14 to 1-4. A John Noonan point and a Shane Aylward goal closed the gap for Fethard but Commercials had the last two points from Ian Kavanagh and a Brian Carroll free, leaving eleven points separating the sides at the final whistle.

The impressive Clonmel side had fine performances from Liam Murphy, Kevin Harney, Thomas O'Mahony, Declan Power, Kenneth Kiely, Niall Kelly, John Harney (until injured), Brian O'Carroll, Adrian Barry and Kevin O'Callaghan.

Best for a Fethard side, who will now have to come through the losers group to get back in contention, were Shane Walsh, Michael Dillon, Eoin Doyle, James McCormack, John Hanrahan, John Noonan, William Doyle, Darren O'Meara and P. J. Morrissey. Substitute Shane Aylward also took his goal very well.

Clonmel Commercials: Kenneth Kiely 0-5 (0-3 frees), Brian Carroll 0-4 (0-2 frees), Kevin O'Callaghan 0-3 (0-2 frees), John Harney 1-0, Aidan Barry 1-1, Kevin Harney, Niall Kelly and Ian Kavanagh 0-1 each.

Fethard: William Doyle 1-0, Shane Aylward 1-0, Shane Aylward 1-0. P. J. Morrissey 0-2, Darren O'Meara, Johnny Leahy and John Noonan 0-1 each.

Clonmel Commercials: Barry Hanley, Ciarán O'Connell, Liam Murphy, Niall Kelly, Kevin Harney, Thomas O'Mahoney, Declan Power, Kenneth Kiely, Niall Kelly, John Harney, Brian O'Carroll, Barry Gibbons, Ian Kavanagh, Aidan Barry, Kevin O'Callaghan. Sub: Padraig Dempsey for J. Harney.

Fethard: Paul Kenny, Mike Kelly, Ian Kenrick, Paul Hackett, Emmet Burke, Shane Walsh, Connie O'Flynn, Michael Dillon, Eoin Doyle, James McCormack, John Hanrahan, William Harrington, John Noonan, William Doyle, Darren O'Meara. Subs: Ronan Maher for M. Kenny, Shane Aylward for C. Flynn, P. J. Morrissey for W. Doyle and Johnny Leahy for E. Burke.

Referee: Brian White, Clonmel.

CARROLLS PUB, BURKE STREET

Carroll's Pub, originally Kennedy's Bar, was demolished on Tuesday 2nd March 2004, to make way for a new development. Many of our readers will have fond memories of the many card games, dart competitions and bag-a-tell games played when the pub was owned by the late Sadie Carroll.

This photograph was taken on Wednesday 3rd March. You also can see the new housing development on the site of Kennedy's Garage behind the site of Carrolls Pub.

New housing developments at Lower Green

DISABLED INTEGRATED YOUTH CLUB

Members of Clonmel Disabled Integrated Youth Club photographed with Mayor of Clonmel, Alderman Phil Prendergast, after she presented Red Cross First Aid certificates to participants who attended the course run by Darren Ryan, Red Cross. The Mayor complemented the members and leaders on their excellent club which caters for the needs of both disabled and able-bodied youth in Clonmel and surrounding areas between the ages of 13 and 18. Meetings are held every Tuesday night from 7.30pm to 9.00pm in the Wilderness Youth and Community Centre, Clonmel, and new members are always very welcome. Contact Club Secretary, Rosaleen O'Leary at 086 8279038. Back L to R: Christopher Hogg, Michael Freiberg, Rosie Whitely, Claire Darmody, Andrew Kerr. Middle L to R: Geraldine Carey (leader), Elaine Diggins, Annemarie Carew, Niamh Lynch, Brian Pollard, Marcus McGrath, Simon Dargan, Aoife Ryan, Bernie O’Leary (leader). Front L to R: Rosaleen O’Leary (leader), Laura Kenneally, Mayor of Clonmel, Alderman Phil Prendergast, Darren Ryan (Red Cross) and Jack Kenny.

ST. RITA'S CAMOGIE CLUB
The AGM of St. Rita's Camogie Club took place in the Tirry Community Centre last Thursday night, 26th February, and despite the small number, it proved to be a very successful night.
A presentation was made to Stephen Fitzgerald in recognition of his appointment as County Camogie Chairperson, and we would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere best wishes to him for his forthcoming term of office.
Tossie Lawton was unanimously elected as the clubs Life President in recognition of her role as a player, founder and supporter of the club. We also wish to acknowledge and thank Tony Shelley for his work as trainer of the intermediate team last year. Due to commitments, Tony will not be training the team this year, and the club would like to wish him every success.
This year the club has been re-graded to Junior A and will be participating in the County Championship and League.
Training will resume on Wednesday night, 3rd March in the Barrack Field at 7pm. Membership rates have been set at €20 for adults and €10 for students.
Officers Elected were: President, Fr. Tom Breen; Life President, Tossie Lawton; Chairperson, Martha Sheehan; Secretary, Emma Fitzgerald; Treasurer, Sharon O'Meara; PRO, Ailish Sheehan. Junior A Selectors: Denis O'Meara and Stephen Fitzgerald. Trainer: To be appointed by committee.
Committee members: Martha Sheehan, Sharon O'Meara, Emma Fitzgerald. Ailish Sheehan, Stephen Fitzgerald, Denis O'Meara, Marie Holohan, Jean Morrissey, Sarah Mai Ahearne, Emma Walsh and Gussy Fitzgerald.

LADIES GROUP
Forget your Monday morning blues and come and join Fethard ladies Group in the Abymill Theatre from 10.30am to noon. Courses on the agenda are, Women’s Health, Alternative Therapy, Assertiveness and Self Awareness, Computer for Beginners, which will be followed by lots of others. You are more than welcome to come along. We hope to keep it informal, have some craic and tea and coffee will be served. What better way to spend a Monday morning!

DIED IN ENGLAND
The death has occurred in England of Mr William ‘Billy’ Mullins, formerly of Knockbrack, Fethard. Billy Mullins was a very promising cross-country runner with the newly formed Fethard NACA athletic club. Running on ninety per cent natural ability with very little training, he finished in the top 15 in fields of a hundred runners in the 1953 county novice and junior championships. He never had the opportunity, however, to develop his full potential. Like so many young Fethard men of twenty of the era, including his two brothers Michael and Jimmy, his sister Kathleen, and the late Danny and Tommy, Billy was obliged to take the emigrant ship to England in 1954.
His death took place in Buckinghamshire on 24th February. Sincere sympathy is extended to his sister Kathleen and brothers Michael, Jimmy and Christy.

FETHARD ICA MEETING
The next meeting of Fethard ICA will take place on Tuesday 9th March in the ICA Hall on Rocklow Road. Our guest speaker is Kevin Collins from Birdwatch Ireland. A lot of members may be familiar with Kevin through his weekly column on Wildlife Matters published in the Nationalist newspaper. Hostesses for the night are the Blue Group and the competition theme is ‘Vase of Flowers. New members are always welcome to come along.

PARISH NOVENA
The Fethard Parish Church Novena will be held from March 22nd to March 30th. The Parish Novena has now replaced the traditional Parish Mission. The devotions commence each evening at 7.30pm and the following is a list of the visiting priests and the themes of their respective sermons:

Monday 22nd: Mgr. M. Olden, Tramore — ‘Religion & The People’.
Tuesday 23rd: Rev. C. Hayes, Cashel — ‘Mary Our Mother’.
Wednesday 24th: Rev. J. Delaney, Newport — ‘Hope’.
Thursday 25th: Rev. J. Egan, Lattin & Cullen — ‘Christian Marriage & Family Values’.
Friday 26th: Rev. Seamus Ryan, Walkinstown, Dublin.
Saturday 27th: Rev. Joe Walsh, Thurles — ‘Young People & Christian Principles’.
Sunday 28th: Rev. Joe Egan, Boherlahan — ‘Death and its Christian Meaning’.
Monday 29th: Rev. T. J. Breen, Holycross — ‘Forgiveness & Penitential Service’.
Tuesday 30th: Rev. G. Horan, The Abbey. Fethard.

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
'

This photograph of a Fair Day in Fethard was taken c. 1900s. Many will remember the barriers erected outside shops and houses to prevent the livestock from entering your premises.

Noel Mooney, observing the poles in the above photograph, contacted us and asked if we had electricity in Fethard in the 1900s. Checking up on old Emigrants Newsletters, I found the following references:

Emigrants Newsletter 1979
Fethard was the first town in Ireland to have electricity. The scheme was started by a man named Stewart who was originally from Scotland, in the early 1900’s in the Kennels. It was later transferred to the Old Mill now the County Council Yard in the Valley and was run by Danny Hyland, John Coffey and a native of the town Mattie Higgins who lived in the Green. The supply was available from 8 am to 12 pm.

Emigrants Newsletter 1988 (Tony Newport)
The Street Lighting in Fethard has recently been replaced by a new system called Sodium lighting. The advantage of the new lights is primary that they cast their glow much more evenly, thereby eliminating the pool of light, pool of shadow of the former system and are therefore much safer for motorists and pedestrians.
The introduction of the new lights remind us that Fethard was actually one of the first towns in Ireland to have an electricity supply. Electric current was introduced to Fethard by a Mr. Frederick Richard Webb. Mr. Webb’s source of power was the Clashawley and the generators were situated in the old Mill at the ‘Kennels’. The Mill, Mill Race, Weir, etc. were held on lease from Mr. John Schofield from 1900 to 1908 at £20 per year. The late Ned Butler, Kerry Street, was one of the local men employed by Mr. Webb, and the old footbridge, which spanned the river opposite the ‘Cattle Passage’, was erected for the convenience of employees walking from the Town to the ‘Kennels’. Copper piping was the method through which houses availing of the supply were wired and this piping is still in evidence today in a number of the older houses in the Town.
Unfortunately, the Mill, bulldozed only last year, the Kennel Boreen, the Weir and Swimming Hole, are now no more, the place is actually inaccessible.
On the expiration of the Lease in 1908, in agreement with Mr. Webb and Mr. Schofield, the supply of electricity to Fethard was taken over by the Munster Electric Light Company, most of whose directors were actually English. The new Company changed from the ‘Kennels’ to the Mill at the Valley, formerly Heffernan’s Sawmill, and currently H.Q. of local Co. Council Outdoor Staff. The two men in charge of operations there were Danny Hines from Athlone, and John Coffey from Waterford. Danny Hines married “Babbie” Healy of the Green, and John Coffey married Nell Mockler of Watergate. The Munster Electric Light Company only gave supply up to midnight. Shortly before 12 the lights would flicker three times. Mrs. Browne, Congress Terrace, recalls dances and parties coming to an abrupt end, before the “light went out”. This Company was in operation until the ESB took over, and so remains to the present day.
Electricity is, of course, taken for granted. However, the next time we plug in or switch on, let us recall the pioneers in this field and remember especially Richard Frederick Webb, the man who gave Fethard electricity, before New York.

This photograph of Burke Street, Fethard, was also taken c. 1900's. O'Shea's Shop (now owned by Jimmy and Moira McInerney) still has the same original hand-carved (by women) wooden shop front today.

This photograph of The Presentation Convent, Fethard, was probably taken in the 1960's. The old school was demolished in 1994. The Convent Lodge (inside front gate), which was also demolished, can be seen on the right hand side.

Tommy Healy signed the Fethard Guestbook and referred to the above photograph: "The photograph of the Presentation Convent is, I believe, pre 1958. I notice that the Hall is missing from it. This building was, I think, opened in 1958 to mark the Centenary of the Apparition of Our Lady at Lourdes. The public examinations for 1958, Inter and Leaving were held in it for both schools that year. I took the Inter that year along with Philip Ward (RIP), Tom Burke, Lory Dineen et al. Perhaps the use of that now departed facility by both schools set in motion the events which resulted in the two secondary schools joining forces in the late '60s. By then I had long departed over here. Photographs like these set me off on bouts of quite shameless nostalgia."