Sydney 1798 Memorial
Father Michael O'Sullivan from Sydney, Australia, visited Fethard during the week to promote a book he has published on the renowned 'Sydney 1798 Memorial' designed in 1898 by Dr. Charles MacCarthy from Fethard. The book, costing €16 inc postage, can be purchased by contacting Fr. Michael at Tel: 086 0721012 before he returns to Sydney in a few weeks or by post at Fr. Michael O'Sullivan, 6/55 Gladstone Street, Kogarah, NSW 2217.

In 1885 a group of working class Irishmen in Sydney formed what they called the Shamrock Club, as a social group. From 1886 they organised an annual pilgrimage to the grave of Michael Dwyer. James Sheehan of the Australian National Foresters proposed erecting a monument over Dwyer's grave to celebrate the 1798 centenary. A committee was formed under the leadership of Fethard man, Dr Charles William MacCarthy, to plan and raise funds for a memorial. They paid £50 for a plot of ground at Waverley Cemetery.

Charles William MacCarthy was born in Fethard, Co Tipperary, in 1848. He joined the ambulance corps in the Franco Prussian war and, on his return, gained a medical licence in 1872. He practised in Manchester in England. He returned to Fethard and married Anastasia Cantwell in 1873. His wife died young leaving two boys. Charles married well known Dublin contralto, Marion Cuddihy. In 1884 he graduated as MD from the University of Brussels.
Having poor health, in that same year, 1884, he migrated to Australia with his wife and family. He conducted a practice in Elizabeth St, Sydney, was physician and surgeon at St Vincent's Hospital and personal physician to Cardinal Moran.

He had a natural talent for music, painting and sculpture. In the monument we have a wonderful indication of his talents. He was a gifted orator and, as Chairman, spoke at length at the opening, just as he had done previously at the laying of the foundation stone. At the unveiling he announced that he was retiring from public life due to ill health. He lived nearly twenty years more. In 1912 he organised some Thomas Moore concerts. He died on 7 June 1919 and is buried, in a grave on the right of the monument as you face it, practically in line with the rear wall. The grave is in the front row of the ones that are there.

On his tombstone he is called "a man of unbounded charity and of great talents being a Painter, Sculptor, Musician and Writer." It says he was Chairman of the 98 Memorial Committee. The inscription, which is surmounted by a Celtic cross, can be read from the space immediately behind the rear wall of the memorial. The Irish Community owes Dr MacCarthy a great debt of gratitude for using his various talents to give us in the monument a unique specimen of Irish interest, the like of which is to be found nowhere in the world.

A letter printed in the Catholic Press of 28 May 1898 states that Mr John Sheehy, treasurer of the 98 Committee, was the first to conceive and to prompt the great undertaking, but no matter who was the originator, Dr MacCarthy was the driving force behind the project and designed and modelled most of it.

Anniversary Mass for Fr. Twomey OSA
An anniversary mass for FR Michael Twomey OSA will be celebrated in the Augustinian Abbey Fethard on this Saturday evening at the weekly 7.30pm mass. This mass on Saturday evening will give everyone a chance to attend. There will also be a second anniversary mass for Fr Twomey celebrated in the Abbey on Tuesday 31st August at 10.30am, the actual anniversary date of his death.

Lonely I wander through scenes of my childhood
“Lonely I wander through scenes of my childhood”, might well have been the sentiments of Mr Bill Walsh who paid a very nostalgic visit to his native Fethard last week. Bill, now in his eighties, was born in Crampscastle, the family home being situated on the left of the Saucestown Road, near Downey’s Cross.

Bill left Fethard aged 16 for England almost 70 years ago and his visit last week was his first trip home since then. His memories of Fethard are still clear and strong. He recalls working with his two brothers at the nearby O’Gorman’s “Saucestown Stud Farm” and also has very happy memories of the dance platform at nearby Downey’s Cross.
His visit was, however, tinged with sadness. Each and every one of the old neighbours he enquired for have long since passed on. The Walsh old family cottage has been demolished. The roses, however, that once grew around the door still bloom each year, though now in a wild state. Bill arrived just late to see them bloom this year, as they have so aptly been described in the Francis Ledwidge poem ‘June’, “Will soon blow down the road all roses go”.

Bill also expressed a special wish to see the old Patrician Brothers National School that he attended. The old school is also gone and nothing of it remains except the cut-stone foundation plaque once embedded in the front wall of the school and now set in the wall of what was once the old school yard. This is all of the old school that remained for Bill to see. The stone bears the following inscription, “Dedicated to The Most Adorable and Sacred Heart of Jesus 1887 – T.H.K.”. This foundation stone of the ‘Fethard Monastery School’ was laid in 1887 by Dean Kinane P.P., so we presume the initials T.H.K. would relate to him, unless anyone else has any further information.

Bill Walsh is still a sprightly man and wears his eighty-year plus quite lightly. He greatly enjoyed his brief but rather sad visit to his hometown. He keeps in touch with current local affairs through the Annual Emigrants’ Newsletter. We wish him many more years of health and happiness.

Cheque for South Tipperary Autism Group

Members of Fethard's 'On Your Toes' dance group presenting a cheque for €1,171, to South Tipperary Autism Group, the proceeds of a raffle held at their recent concert. Back L to R: Cliodhna McCarthy, Niamh Fanning, Noel Blake, Annistasia Blake, Sarah O'Meara. Front L to R: Gráinne Fanning, Emma Morrissey, Amy Grant, Aobh O'Shea, Jane Kenny and Robin Blake.

Fethard Judo Club - Medal winners again in Mosney
The Community Games national finals were held last weekend in Mosney and we had nine competitors travelling for the first weekend's events of great sport and craic. No one came home empty-handed with the club collecting 5 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze medals. On the day, the girls doing better than the boys.

We had the Feery sisters of Samantha and Lorraine both winning gold in great form, Natalie Cahill winning gold in amazing style, in this her first year in Judo. Stephanie Lawrence won her fifth gold medal in Judo this year.

Our only male gold medal winner was Cathal Gorey who fought outstandingly on the day, much to his mother Rose's delight who was present to cheer him on. He also pulled off a great performance in his volleyball match to help the Fethard team get 4th place.

Michelle Brannigan was our only silver medal winner, doing one better than her brother Alan who fought well to win bronze. Also doing well in winning bronze medals for the club were Padraig O'Shea and Alan Sutcliff. It was great to see so many parents travelling up for the day to support their kids.

Training is starting back on this Friday 27th August at 7pm and we hope to see everyone there. A referee and table coaching course will be held for over-13s on Saturday morning in the Tirry Centre.

Tipperary Football Debacle
“To get to Croke Park was a great honour for the team and to let the rest of the country know the high standard of football in Clare”, these were just some of the comments expressed with justifiable pride by Clare football team manager, John Kennedy, after Clare’s win over Sligo in the Tommy Murphy Cup Final played at Croke Park last Sunday.

What a great pity, that by giving a walkover to Fermanagh in the qualifiers, Tipperary footballers were deprived the possibility of the same opportunity. Who was responsible is immaterial at this stage.
Judging, however, by the recent very stormy County GAA Board meeting at which the matter was discussed, or to put it more correctly, heatedly debated, all we can say about the debacle, “The song may be ended, but the melody certainly lingers on”.

ESB National Finals Community Games
Competitors from Fethard/Killusty Area enjoyed great success at the ESB Community Games national finals in Mosney. Eric O Donnell, Monroe can certainly take a bow regarding the continued success of members of the Fethard Judo Club who are coached by Eric, now a member of the Garda stationed in Wexford and a former games competitor and gold medallist. Club members won the grand total of 5 gold medals, 1 silver, and 3 bronze medals. Cathal Gorey, Moanbeg won first gold of the day and also added a certificate in volleyball to his collection. Natalie Cahill, Woodvale Walk gave an exhibition of Judo on her first time competing and won a gold medal in the u/30 kg girls events. Supporters were spotted shedding tears of joy on this great occasion. Then the Feery sisters, Lorraine and Samantha from Killusty, had a double gold winning both the u/40 and u/50 kg event. Stephanie Lawrence, a former Fethard competitor now representing Clerihan, rounded things off by winning her 5th gold.  Padraig O’Shea, The Valley, who is such an all round sportsman, won bronze in u/30 kg and Michelle Brannigan, Clonmel, won silver. Alan Brannigan and Alan Sutcliffe, Clonmel, both won bronze, a very satisfying day for the club.

Jane Kenny & Evie O’Sullivan both competed with distinction in the Art competition. This is an extremely competitive event where all 32 counties are represented and both girls did us proud. Our Swimming competitor, Philip Maher, Ballybough, made the long journey to Dundalk where he put in a fine performance but only 2 qualified from each heat. The u/15 boys volleyball team, who received 4th place certificates, played excellent matches. They were narrowly beaten in second semifinal against Drumshanbo and the play off against Milford, Donegal, went to 3 sets and the lads only lost the final set by 2 points. The team consisted of: J.P. McGrath, Robert Ahearne, Jonathan Fleming, Darren Prout, Alan O’Connor, Cathal and David Gorey. Team manager Denis Burke.

Proud parents Alice and Bernard Feery were Judo Manager and Gymnastics Official. Helena O’Shea and Joe Keane were also national officials. Other familiar faces among the supporters included Aiden and Eileen Maher, Jimmy and Fionnuala O’Sullivan, Jim and Marie McGrath, Rose and Richard Gorey, Paul and Anne Marie Kenny, and from neighbouring areas the Yates family Killenaule, Mullane family, Clerihan, and John Power, Cloneen. We certainly felt at home, had a great time and are very proud of our competitors.

Congratulations
Congratulations to Esther Breen, Barrack Street, Fethard, who received her Certificate in Hygiene at Fethard Community Day Care Centre. The course was run be the South Eastern Health Board. Robert O'Riordan and Marie Hannigan also completed the course with distinction. Congratulations and well done to all three.

Lourdes Pilgrimage 2005
Anyone interested in travelling on the 2005 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 September, 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.

Fethard GAA News
The Senior Football South Final played in Kilsheelan on Sunday evening last ended in disappointment for Fethard, on a scoreline, Fethard 1-5 (1-1) to Commercials 2-3 (2-1). We congratulate Commercials on their close hard fought victory and also their 21st South Title. As a bonus they are now back in the County Championship and we may get an opportunity to meet again depending on the draw. This is the first time since the new county system came into play that there are eight teams left (5 teams from the South), with all Matches to be played on weekending 5th September. The team was: Paul Fitzgerald (Capt), Nicky Murphy, Michael Quinlan, Alan Phelan, Willie Morrissey 0-1, Michael Aherne, Cian Maher, Aiden Fitzgerald, Kenneth Byrne, Michael Dillon, Miceál Spillane, Brian Coen 0-1, Karl Maher 1-2 (1f), Eoin Doyle, Kenneth O’Donnell 0-1(f). Subs used were: Tomas Keane, P.J. Aherne and Tom Anglim.

Intermediate hurling continues this Saturday, 28th August, when we play Kilsheelan in Monroe at 6pm. A victory in this game would give us an opportunity to head the League Table.

The fourth and final round of our Junior A Football section was played on Saturday 21st August in O’Sullivan Park, Ballingarry, ending in an a very comfortable win on a scoreline, Fethard 4-14, St Patricks 1-5. This result gives us full eight points and, as winners of our group, we qualify for the South semifinal. The team was: Ronan Maher, Willie O’Meara, Ian Kenrick, Philly Croke, Mike Kelly, Michael Carroll, Jamie McCormack, Kevin O’Donnell, Brian Burke 0-1 (45), Colin Allen 1-4 (2f), Shay Ryan, Brendan Brett 1-4 (3f), Jason Nevin 1-1, Jimmy O’Meara 0-1, John Noonan 1-3. Subs used: John Hanrahan, M.J. Croke, and Philly Prout.

The Lotto Jackpot of €5,700 was not won. We had two match three winners and the following received €75 each: Peter Nagle (Mocklershill), Abigail Doyle (Woodvale Walk). The €50 Lucky Dip winner was: Nicky O’Shea (Tullow). The numbers drawn at Lonergans (The Square), were 3, 8, 17 and 19.

Hard luck on our under 12 juvenile hurlers who lost the South Final to a very strong Killenaule fifteen. Well done also to our under 14s who qualified for the last four of the South Championship. Best of luck to all playing in the remainder of the Championship.

From the ‘Friends of Fethard GAA’ a special word off thanks to John Hurley and his organising committee for a very successfully run Golf Classic.

Patrician Presentation School News

Leaving Cert pupils from Patrician Presentation Secondary School Fethard after receiving their Leaving Cert results. L to R: Niall Maher, Paul Kenny, Shane Aylward, Suzie Harvey, Gavin Ahearne, Evelyn Fogarty and Damien Donovan.

Congratulations to all our Leaving Cert boys and girls who achieved excellent results on Wednesday 18th August.  Many will go on to 3rd Level Institutions to pursue individual career choices in such fields as Biotechnology and Educational Psychology.

A very special well done to Jack Kenny, who achieved 4 A’s and a B in his Leaving Cert.  Jack, being one of the most popular students in the school for the past six years, will be missed by staff and pupils alike, for his positive influence on all whom he met and his great sense of humour. We wish them all well.

School opening dates for the coming year are as follows: 1st Years, Tuesday 31st August; 2nd and 5th Years, Wednesday 1st September; 3rd and 6th Years, Thursday 2nd September; Transition Year (4th), Monday 6th September.

Congratulations Kay
Congratulations to Kay Cummins, Monroe, Fethard, who has just been offered a place in nursing at Waterford Regional Hospital. Kay and her husband Richard also celebrated the christening of their beautiful daughter Anna Kate on Saturday at the parish church in Fethard.

Graduates in beauty and body therapy
Congratulations to Ashley McCormack, Monroe, Fethard, and Susan McCormack, Lisronagh, on their graduation as fully qualified beauty and body therapists from the Clinic and Institute of Beauty and Complimentary Therapies Kilkenny. The graduation took place in Kilkenny on Thursday 19th August. The girls received CIBTAC and ITEC diplomas in the following: Susan McCormack: CIBTAC – Aesthetics (hons), Body Therapy (cred), Electrology (hons), ITEC -Anatomy / Physiology and Body Therapy, Beauty Specialist, Epilation and Facial Electrical Therapy (credits). Ashley McCormack: CIBTAC - Anatomy and Physiology (cred), Full Body Massage (cred), Aesthetics (cred), Electrology (cred),  ITEC - Epilation (cred), Facial Electrical Therapy (cred) Anatomy/Physiology and Holistic Massage (cred), Beauty Specialist (hons).
Susan received a special award for the highest marks given for Electrology. Ashley was the youngest student to have completed the course and achieved these professional diplomas. Well done girls the long hours and hard work paid off.

Introduction to Irish Archaeology
You may be interested to know that (NUI) University College Cork's Centre for Adult Continuing Education is to run a Certificate Course entitled an "Introduction to Irish Archaeology" in the Central Technical Institute on the Mall, Clonmel at 7pm on Thursday evenings between 7 October 2004 and May 2005.

The course is being organised by Fethard archaeologist, Ms Denise (Maher) Sheehan of UCC. Those interested are invited to attend an information and registration evening at the Central Technical Institute Clonmel on Thursday night September 2nd.

Further information is available from Denise Sheehan, Dept of Archaeology, UCC, on 021 490 4032 (email denise.sheehan@ucc.ie) or from Mr Pat Murphy, Centre for Adult Continuing Education, on 021 490 4710 (email pomurphy@ucc.ie).

The Well Golf Society
Just a quick reminder to our members that our 5th outing of the season takes place on Saturday next, August 28th at Callan Golf Club. Tee off time is 11am.

Progressive 25 Results
Results for Progressive 25 Drive game played on Friday 20th August are as follows: winners on 12 games, Nora Lee and Nora O’Donnell; joint runners up on 10 games, Mick O’Brien and Sean O’Callaghan, David Lonergan and Jimmy McCarthy.  Table prize: Chas Keane and Jackie Devitt.  Tickets: Phyllis Murphy, Esther Phelan, Biddy O’Donnell and Paddy O’Dwyer.  Rubber finals: Chris Maher and Sean Spillane, Alice Quinn and Kay St. John, Jackie Devitt and Chas Keane.  Next game takes place in Fethard Ballroom on Friday 27th August at 9pm sharp.

Battle of the Bands

Members of 'Spank' from Cashel receiving the 'Battle of the Bands' winning prize of a full day's recording at a professional recording studio from Pat Doheny, Premier Music Clonmel. Back L to R: Gary Gillespie, Denis Fahey, Colm Patwell. Front L to R: Pat Doheny, Premier Music Clonmel, who supplied all the gear for the event, David Slattery, leader of 'Spank', and event organiser Vincent Murphy, Fethard.

Eight young and upcoming Tipperary bands took to the stage for the revived ‘Battle of the Bands’ held in Fethard Ballroom on Saturday afternoon, August 14th 2004.  The competition was set up with the primary aim of giving young bands a chance to perform in public and for some of the bands it was their first time playing outside of their home garage. 

A wide variety of musical styles were on exhibition over the course of four hours, ranging from blues, to rock, to metal.  It was very refreshing to see the wealth of young talent on stage playing instruments well, having a good time, and with the added attraction of not having a ‘boy band’ or backing track in sight.


Fethard band 'The Wok' who took part in the 'Battle of the Bands' at Fethard Ballroom last weekend. L to R: Lory Kenny, Paul McCarthy, Ciarán Leahy and Kevin Maher.

The bands competing were the ‘Wok’ and ‘Taliesin’, both from Fethard; ‘The Loaded Kings’ from Mitchelstown, ‘Against the Grain’ from Cahir; ‘Fudge’ and ‘Spank’, both from Cashel; ‘Within’ from Clonmel, and ‘My Corduroy’ from Nenagh.

There wasn’t a weak band among them. All were very tight and well rehearsed. There were no delays on stage for simple omissions like tuning guitars or missing leads.  As one act came off stage, the next were lined up ready to go on, which helped the competition to flow with ease. Well done to all concerned.


Fethard band 'Taliesin' who took part in the 'Battle of the Bands' at Fethard Ballroom last weekend. L to R: Fintan Maher, Michael Leahy, James Williams and Mike McCarthy.

At the end of the afternoon, unfortunately there could only be one winner chosen — Cashel band ‘Spank’ took the honours and won the first prize of a day’s recording in a professional recording studio. Thanks to everybody who took part and especially to Premier Music Store Clonmel who supplied all the amplification equipment for the bands on the day.

The Importance of Being Earnest

Fionn MacCumhaill Players from Cloneen will stage their production of Oscar Wilde's "The Important of Being Earnest" in Cloneen on Friday 20th, Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd August. This year's play, commencing at 8.15pm, will have the added attraction of a 'Candlelit Supper' interlude served at your table and accompanied by live music. Tickets (inc supper) are €20 each. Tables of 4 or 6 (if required) can be booked at Tel: 052 53376. The cast, photographed above at rehearsal, are Back L to R: Pat O'Gorman, Peggy O'Brien, Eugene O'Meara, Ann Williamson, Eddie Duggan, Eddie O'Meara. Front L to R: Samantha Outran, Noel Clancy, Aidan Clancy and Aisling Ryan. The play is produced by Anne Williamson.

Fethard & Killusty Lotto Jackpot €8,800
There was no Jackpot winner in the Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto this week.  The numbers drawn on Tuesday 17th August were 6, 18, 23 and 31.  There was two 'Match 3' winner who received €75 each:
Mark Hayde, Saucestown, Fethard
John Ryan, 46 St. Patricks Place, Fethard
Three €50 Lucky Dip winners were:
Mike Burke, Red City, Fethard
Ml. & Paul Walsh, Barrack Street, Fethard
Jack Maher, Killenaule Road, Fethard
Next weeks Jackpot is €8,800 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €770.