Battle of the Bands
A 'Battle of the Bands' will take place in Fethard Ballroom on Saturday 14th August from 1pm to 6pm, in association with Premier Music Clonmel and GAF Studios. First prize will be a full days professional recording time at GAF Studios. Young upcoming bands wishing to take part can contact Pat Doheny at Premier Music Clonmel, Vincent Murphy at McCarthys Hotel or Joe Kenny. Band entry fee is €40 which can be submitted, along with demo recording (tape or cd), to Pat Doheny, Premier Music, O'Connell Street, Clonmel. Admission to the event will be €5. More details to follow.
Self-Help Appeal
Thanks to all who supported the Self-Help Ethiopian Appeal that took place at McCarthys on 19th June. Eleanor Shanley provided the music at the barbecue. Members of the Self-Help Team who will take part in the walk in Ethiopia and turned up to support the event, included RTE personalities Mary Kennedy and Treacy Piggott. At least two hundred people turned up to view the Jordan Formula One car, winner of the Brazilian Grand Prix last year. Team Jordan provided a weekend pass to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone as one of the draw prizes. Siobhán Ryan, Cashel Road, was the winner but decided to give the prize to her husband, Richard Hayes and his cousin Stan Murphy, who were taken under the wing of the Jordan Team for the weekend, attending the post race concert with the Beach Boys.
Over €10,000 was raised on the night. Tom Anglim and Maurice Moloney would like to thank all who partook, helped and sponsored the event. A golf classic to raise more funds for the Self Help Charity will take place in Dundrum on August 11th.
Fethard & Killusty Lotto Jackpot over €8,000
There was no Jackpot winner in the Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto this week. The numbers drawn on Tuesday 20th July were 9, 14, 22 and 30. There was three 'Match 3' winner who received €50 each:
M. Purcell, Burke street, Fethard
F. Holohan, Fethard.
Alice Lawrence, Woodvale Walk, Fethard.
Three €50 Lucky Dip winners were:
John Joe White, Rathkenny, Drangan
Breda Boland, Hoare Abbey, Cashel
Kathleen O'Riordan, Cloran, Cloneen.
Next weeks Jackpot is €8,200 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €710.
Community River Clean Up
A community clean up of the Clashawley River, from the Ballroom to the Weir, will take place on Monday 26th July at 7pm and we invite everyone to help out with this community project. So please bring your wellies and a few large plastic bags and come along and help clear the Riverbank Walk of all the litter and rubbish that has accumulated over the last few months. The Riverside Walk is a wonderful amenity for the town and lets keep it that way. The work will be a lot less for everyone the more that turn up to help out. Please don't leave it to the same old faithful few this time . . . make an effort and encourage others to come along as well.
TRUST Golf Classic
The second annual TRUST Golf Classic will take place at Slievenamon Golf Club on August 6th and 7th. Last year's event raised over €8,000 for the TRUST Charity, which was set up by Fethard native Alice Leahy to help the homeless in Dublin.
Tradition Lives on
This photograph supplied by Eddie Holohan, Cois Falla, Fethard, shows the Rank Cup being presented to Mr Lawrence O'Donovan, Killusty, owner of 'Sailor Boy II', winner of the trophy at the Killarney Summer Meeting of June 1959. The winner was ridden by the owner's son, Larry O'Donovan, who is photographed in the extreme right of the picture in the front row. Included in the photograph also are trainer, Larry Keating, his wife Mai being presented with the trophy by Messer Rank's representative, Paddy Anglim, Eddie Delahunty, Sean and Bridie Hanrahan.
Keeping up with tradition with Killarney races, Laurence O'Donovan's nephew, Edward Holohan, won a 'Bumper' at the Killarney Meeting of May 1978, with 'Killusty Star', trained by John Murphy and ridden by Mr D. Grassick.
Lar O'Donovan's grandniece, Ms Catherine White, is the owner of the 'Gallant John Joe', winner of a handicap race at last week's Killarney Summer Meeting 2004. This is truly a remarkable family record. The 'Gallant John Joe' is trained locally by Mouse Morris and was ridden by B.J. Geraghty.
Further Success Fethard also had a double success at the Ballinrobe Meeting on Sunday last the 'Gallant John Joe' added further to his laurels by winning the Centra Handicap Chase while 'Murrundi', winner of the Westport Handicap Hurdle for the Riverstown Racing Syndicate, is trained locally by Joe Murphy.
Thanks Appreciated
This column has, during the past year, received many 'thank-you' messages from English born daughters and sons of Fethard emigrants whose obituaries appeared here and in the Nationalist. All of them stated, that while their mother or father may not have visited Fethard for years, they had never lost their love of their native town.
The families greatly appreciated the fact that Fethard had not forgotten its long time emigrants. What can we say but, that we also greatly appreciate the fact that a few lines meant so much to them, and more so, the fact that they took the trouble to say 'thank-you'.
Hayde Family
A recent visitor from the USA to Fethard and trying to trace her roots was Laurie Hayde from the USA. Laurie, who incidentally was recently married and on her honeymoon, was told great grandfather was born at Chapel Lane in the late 19th century. After some initial local research we believe the last known members of the Hayde family in question to reside in Fethard were sisters Ellen and Kate Hayde who lived on The Green, and Mrs Jim Halley, Kilknockin Road, who also was a sister.
Laurie (email: VirtualGraFX@cox.net) would be delighted to hear from anyone with further family information about the Hayde family in Fethard.
Councillor's Clinic
Commencing on Tuesday next, 27th July, Councillor Michael O'Brien will hold a weekly clinic each Tuesday at Fr. Tirry Community Centre, Barrack Street, Fethard, at 10am.
Died Recently
The death has occurred in England on 12th July, of Mrs Theresa O'Donovan, formerly Tess O'Flynn, Lower Main Street, Fethard.
Fethard GAA Club
In the senior football south quarterfinal, on this Friday 23rd, we play Mullinahone in Kilsheelan at 7.30pm. On Sunday last we played a challenge against the famed Clare team Coolaclare in Fethard. The last time we met was in the Munster semifinal in 1997 and on that very wet day in Clonmel we won on a scoreline, Fethard 0-6, Coolaclare 0-4. Last week's result was. Fethard 2-16. Coolaclare 0-9. Best of luck on Friday.
Our minor B hurlers were beaten on Wednesday 14th on a scoreline, Fethard 3-8, Ballybacon Grange 5-10. The Minor B football south semifinal is also down for Saturday 24th in Monroe, at 7.30pm, against Kilsheelan. The last game in this competition was played back on the 14th May. The very best of luck to all. Our Junior A football game against Cahir takes place on Sunday 24th in Monroe at 7pm. Check sports page. Juvenile Fixtures the under 14 hurling 5th round against St Patricks takes place on 29th July in Fethard at 7pm. Under 16 B hurling commences on Monday 26th July with a match in Fethard against Kilsheelan at 7pm. Our under 12 hurlers are in the semifinal. Check sports page for details. Our Lotto Jackpot of €5,300 was not won. The numbers drawn in Grant's Bar were: 2, 10, 22 and 24. We had no match threes winners so the following won €30 each: Jamie McCormack (69 Woodvale Walk), Tom Kearney (Killusty), Eddie O'Brien (Burke St), Josie Fitzgerald (Kiltinan), Eddie Croke (42 St Patricks Place). The €50 Lucky Dip went to Margaret Bradshaw (18 Woodvale Walk). Don't forget our Golf Classic takes place on 14th August. Team entry fee is €120 (3 players) available from any committee member.
Juvenile GAA Club
Our under/12 hurlers were away to Mullinahone on Monday of last week in the 4th game of their championship bid and played what had to be the most exciting nail-biting game of hurling. It was a game that was evenly contested and one where either team could have won and the lads showed their skill and determination to came away the winners.
They were two points down in the final stages and a free taken from the sideline left us with only a point to even it out. It felt like a mammoth task but with sheer determination the lads managed to score a goal to go ahead. The pace was then stepped up by Mullinahone and the pressure placed on the backs but the defending by Tommy Sheehan, Gareth Lawrence and Ger Maher in the backs was flawless and they managed to hold them off till the whistle finally blew.
Well done to Mikey Ahearn and Shane Walsh, this is their first season training this team and the results reflect the effort and time spent with them. They are now into the semifinals and are drawn back against Mullinahone. We wish them the very best of luck. It would be good to see some more parental support at this important match.
The under/14 hurlers were at home to Clonmel Og on Thursday of last week in their championship bid and had a great win. Once again it was another great hurling match where goal for goal and point for point were matched and in the last ten minutes Fethard broke away to take the lead. Fethard were the more dominant team and Clonmel Og were not able to break their forward line. The final score stood at, Fethard 3-8, Clonmel Og 2-5.
Training for under/8 to under/10 football continues every Saturday in the GAA field at 3pm. New members are always welcome and if you have any queries please feel free to contact our club secretary, Caroline Sheehan at Tel: 052 32005 or 086 1713503.
Game of Golf at Slievenamon
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Enjoying a game of golf are Marie Quirke and Noreen Woodlock. |
Community Games
Fethard & Killusty area have a total of 15 children qualified for national finals of ESB Community Games, all of whom will compete on the first weekend, which will be held in Mosney commencing Friday 20th August. All Tipperary competitors will return on Sunday night August 22nd. Bus will depart from Thurles Swimming Pool at 11am on Friday. All those requiring a seat on the bus please contact area secretary, Bernard Feery, Tel: 052 31023 as soon as possible. Fare to be confirmed later.
Our annual church gate collection will take place this weekend August 24/25th at all local masses. Your support will be appreciated.
Fethard Ladies Football
Fethard ladies football team defeated Newcastle by 2-3 to 2-1 in the Junior C Final played in Marlfield on Tuesday last. The team are photographed above Front L to R: Tom Anglim (trainer), Evelyn Fogarty, Sandra Maher, Nora O'Meara, Molly O'Meara (mascot), Sharon O'Meara, Lee Lynch, Barbara Ryan, Lisa Ryan, Kelly Walsh (mascot), Gillian O'Connell, Stephanie Fitzgerald, Anne Marie Fitzgerald. Back L to R: Aiden Fitzgerald (trainer), Edel Fitzgerald, Jennifer Keane, Vanessa O'Donnell, Carol Murphy, Marie Holohan, Jenny Fogarty, Amy Hopkins Fiona Conway, Audrey Conway, Melia Noonan, Ollie Noonan, Ailish O'Connell, Jacqui Freyne and Valerie Colville. This was a great win for the Fethard girls and celebrations continued in Grants Bar, Main Street, who are proud sponsors of the team.
Fethard Community Sportsfield
Fethard Community Sportsfield committee are now making arrangements regarding the installation of lighting. A fundraising venture will have to be organised and the committee would like to be informed as soon as possible if the local clubs and individuals are likely to support any venture that may be arranged. The support for the walk last year was poor and if this field is to succeed local support is vital. Manpower is also required. Anyone who is prepared to be involved please contact Secretary, Peggy Colville at Tel: 052 31906 as soon as possible. Now is the time to prove who is interested in working and who is not. Next meeting takes place on August 10th and our chairman, Fr Tom Breen, is anxious to "count his flock" on that night. Please make an effort and let us know your intentions.
HOBBY WITH A DIFFERENCE
Re-enacting or living history is where a specific period in history is taken on and portrayed to give a more real experience of life in that time. For example one might choose the Celtic period, in which case the basic dress was a one piece garment called a lena with simple leather belt and attachments. The weaponry was normally small shield, sword and spear. Research would have to be done on such things as dye used in the cloth, colours used, how weapons were used, battle tactics and daily life in general. This is a past time that involves crafts of all sorts, physical activity and a small degree of acting but with no lines to be learned. There are many such groups across the country, but mostly they are based around the cities, Dublin, Cork, Galway etc.
It is hoped to start up such a re-enactment group here in Fethard. Re-enactment or living history is a great hobby but it can also lead to much more besides. Living history groups are among the first to be called upon by epic movie makers for such films as Brave Heart or the forth coming King Arthur. It is a huge industry in itself all over Europe.
If you think you might be interested in being actively involved in just such a group, for further information call Colm McGrath at 086-3502360. Could be your only chance to be a knight in shining armour or a lady in waiting for such a knight in shining armour!!
Tony's 'Tour de France'
Getting ready for their own local 'Tour de France' on Friday 16th July are Tony Newport and his son-in-law, Bill Kennedy.
Art Exhibition in Cork
A local man on a recent visit to Cork, on paying a visit to the Crawford Art Gallery, thought the scenes in some of the beautiful landscape portraits on view looked rather familiar. Closer inspection showed the paintings were part of an exhibition of the work of Austrian artist, Gottfried Helnwein. Mr Helnwein, who now resides in Kilsheelan Castle, was born in Vienna in 1948. His Cork exhibition, 'Irish and Other Landscapes' includes one local scene 'Kiltinan', kindly loaned by Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, and another landscape titled, 'Tullamaine'.
This internationally renowned artist also exhibits a number of large-scale (some are of seven metres in length), photo-realistic canvases. Mr Helnwein divides his time between Co. Tipperary and Los Angeles and his paintings draw upon the sublimity and drama of these contrasting environments as well as revealing the parallels of Irish and American terrains.
Perhaps more recognised as a painter of highly emotive portraits, this exhibition reveals the influence of landscape throughout his career from the early Vienna cityscapes to the present series of Irish landscapes. He has exhibited extensively at key venues throughout the world and is currently preparing for a one-man show at the Fine Arts Museums, San Francisco (July 31, 2004 January 16, 2005) and will have a retrospective exhibition at the China National Museum of Fine Arts, Beijing in 2005.
Died Recently
The death has occurred on July 9th of Mrs Margaret 'Peg' Shelly, Silverfort. Interment took place at Moyglass Cemetery.
Presidential Visit
Mr Dick Cummins, long time patron of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Fíodh Árd and honorary life member of the club, was one of the party of GAA personalities who visited Her Excellency, Mary McAleese, President of Ireland, on July 7th. Dick, who received his invitation through the Munster Council of the GAA to mark his over 70 years work in promoting GAA activities at all levels and age groups.
No one is more deserving of the honour than Dick Cummins. Now past his ninetieth birthday, he is still very much associated with GAA affairs, especially the promotion of Tipperary football at club and county level.
London Reunion a great success
This year's Fethard & Killusty London Reunion was held in St. Anthony's Parish Centre, Garratt Road, Edgeware, London, and was attended by approximately 80 emigrants from the parish now living in England. St. Anthony's Parish Centre was an ideal venue for the reunion, and with the proprietors, Paddy and Mary (Smith) Hennessy, also having Fethard connections, everyone was made feel at home. Actually, it was even better than home, as one could watch the Tipperary v Limerick hurling qualifier live on the 'big screen' on Satanta TV Channel from the comfort of the Lounge Bar downstairs.
Watching the Munster hurling qualifier game live on the big screen at the reunion in London were Limerick and Tipperary rival supporters, Dermot Kelly and Tracy Smith.
Paul Looby did a fine job organising this year's event again and it was great to get to talk to emigrants from the Fethard area, such as Sean Noonan, who recalled many funny incidents with Brother Albert while he was working in the Patrician Brother's House in Burke Street, now owned by the Hayes family. Bridie Synnott, a sister of Jimmy Roche, Ballinard, also spoke very fondly of her visits to Fethard over the years
Photographed at the Fethard & Killusty London Reunion held at St. Anthony's Parish Centre, Garratt Road, Edgeware, London, are L to R: Sean Noonan, Bridie Synnott (formerly Bridie Roche, Rathkenny, Fethard) and her son Chris Synnott.
Pat Shine and Paddy Ryan, two stalwart supporters of the reunion since they started in the 1960s, where still in great form on the night, both on the dance floor and on the band stand, where Pat received many encores for his beautiful rendition of old favourites.
Members of the Sheehan family originally from Killusty L to R: Josie (Sheehan) Whitney, Colin Mann, Debbie Mann, Bridget (Sheehan) Mann and Pat Sheehan
Killusty families were also well represented at the reunion with gatherings of the Sheehans, Byrnes and Ryans very prominent around the hall. The Fitzgerald family were out in force and we believe Mary and Mickey from Crampscastle haven't returned to Fethard yet
Great credit to Michael Cummins, a son of the late 'Cautious' Cummins, Kerry Street, who travelled all the way down from Yorkshire to attend the reunion. Ena (Curran) Griffin, Helen and Timmy Curran sent greetings home to family members as did Tony Flanagan, formerly from Tullamaine, and a now a partner with the Wilton Group in Mayfair, London. This was Tony's first time attending a reunion
L to R: Kevin Noonan, Paul Looby (reunion organiser), Ray Looby, Patricia and John Looby. (CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS)
Special thanks to the Looby family and the Hennessy family for all their effort and help in organising the event, to their guest local Parish Priest, Fr. Pat Salmon, and to all who made the effort to travel to attend the event. Well done! We look forward to next year.
L to R: Fr Pat Salmon, Caroline Duffey, Kitty O'Connor, June Hennessy, Mary Hennessy and Micky Hennessy.
Bigger and Better
Congratulations and very well done, to the organising committee and promoters of the Pony Show held in the showground field at Claremore, Killusty, on Saturday last 3rd July. The best yet, was how one supporter who has attended every show since its inception, described last Saturday's event.
The problem now seems to be is the show to become a victim of its success and nationwide popularity. Never, such minor positive problems will present no problem to the show committee. The show rings are scarcely large enough to accommodate the large number of entries in each class; the field barely able to contain the number of boxes and trailers attending. Yet, it is hard to realise that such a hugely successful event is organised and run by the voluntary efforts of a very dedicated committee.
Shows such as Killusty are the roots of the high prestige in which Ireland holds internationally in the equestrian world. As long as it produces enthusiasts like those behind the Killusty Pony Show it will continue to do so.
A typical example of the help forthcoming was shown at the show's conclusion. An appeal was made over the public address for helpers to dismantle the posts, rails, fences etc used during the day. Such was the number of volunteers, that within forty-five minutes, it was hard to realise that a show had ever taken place. Long may it continue.
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