Celebrations for St. Rita a great success
Organising committee photographed at the display for the novena to St. Rita of Cascia as part of the Celebrations held to mark 700 Years of the Augustinians in Fethard. L to R: Margaret Prendergast, Nellie Ryan, Fr. Malachy Loghran OSA, Dick Prendergast, Ciere Flynn and Marion O'Connor.
The third series of events to celebrate 700 years of the Augustinians in Fethard began on 14th May with a Youth Mass in the Abbey, celebrated by Fr. Michael Barry. It was wonderful to see such a big turnout to hear the uplifting words of Fr Michael and to request divine help for forthcoming examinations.
The Novena to St. Rita of Cascia commenced on the following Thursday evening and concluded on Sunday morning, the Feast of St. Rita, with the blessing and distribution of rose petals, shipped specially for the occasion from the garden of Cascia.
St. Rita, illuminated by a constant supply of candles, stood truly resplendent amidst the magnificent array of flowers, most notably red roses, which were so ably arranged on an altar erected for this celebration, to give the public an opportunity to pray to her.
A large congregation attended each of the four days for mass and novena prayers. Fr. Michael Collender, a native of Waterford and currently in the Augustinian Priory in Cork, was the guest preacher on all four occasions. He linked St. Rita, a family woman and concerned mother who endured great hardship and suffering in her lifetime, with the troubled times we live in today. He emphasised that people can transform difficulties firstly through acknowledgement and then through faith, courage, prayer and love. His words were thought provoking and very inspirational.
St. Rita's intercession is invoked especially for those who are sick, for those preparing for examinations and for those experiencing any kind of difficulty in their lives. It was encouraging and heart-warming to witness such devotion expressed in such large numbers by the people of Fethard and surrounding areas.
On Saturday evening, following the novena ceremony in the Abbey, we were all put into a celebratory mood when we were treated to musical entertainment and refreshments in the adjoining Abymill Theatre. Our entertainers were the local ‘Pheasant Pluckers’ and as ever, they proved to be immensely popular.
The centenary committee would like to thank all those who attended any or all of the functions associated with our celebration and all those who helped in so many and varied ways to make the occasion such a success. The co-operation experienced was magnificent, with people willingly giving of their time and expertise. As Fr. John Meagher would say, “Take a bow”.
The Centenary Celebrations will continue in August 2005, when we celebrate the Feasts of St. Augustine and St. Monica. "Ní neart go cur le chéile".
Happy 70th Birthday
Members of the Fitzgerald family from St. Patrick's Place, Fethard, who came together to celebrate their brother, Paddy's, 70th birthday held on Saturday 21st May at Slievenamon Golf Club. L to R: Michael, Dick, Biddy, Tony, Paddy, Ollie, Mary and Jimmy.
Fethard GAA News
The very best of luck to Paul Fitzgerald, Damien Byrne, Glen Burke, Cian Maher who travel on Sunday for Tipperary’s senior football championship match against Kerry in Thurles. We also send best wishes to Tipperary’s ‘Primary Game’ players, Daniel Hickey (Killusty NS) the first time ever the school had a representative, Mathew Fitzgerald (Fethard NS), and Owen Fitzgerald (Gael Scoil NS), who were all chosen to play on the Tipperary Primary School team plays at the half time interval during the senior match in Thurles on Sunday.
Please lend your support as all under-16s are free to the match and it will be great to see the All-Ireland champions of 2004 start their title defence on such a splendid surface as Thurles. Remember what happened in Thurles in 2002 against Cork!
Our intermediate hurlers were beaten by Newcastle in the county league in Fethard and so ended our interest in this competition.
The Lotto Jackpot of €1,200 was not won. The numbers drawn in Butlers Bar were 4, 9, 12 and 16. We had six ‘match threes’ who received €25 each: Paddy O’Flynn (Burke St), Raymond Phelan (Butlerstown), Willie Fitzpatrick (Kilmoganny), Tom Healy (c/o Rita Doyle Woodvale Walk), Alison Condon (Stephanie’s Fethard), and Olive Curran (67 Woodvale Walk). The €50 Lucky Dip going to Tony Maher (56 Woodvale Walk).
Healys meet at The Well
Members of the Healy family, formerly from The Green, photographed in The Well Bar, Fethard. L to R: Jim Healy, Concepta Healy, Tommy Healy and Ann Healy.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on Tuesday 24th May were: 2, 15, 29 and 30. There was no Jackpot winner and no ‘Match 3’ winner. Three tickets were drawn and the following won €50 each:
Jean Cullinane, Kerry Street, Fethard
Mary Kenny, Drangan
Brian Coen, Killusty, Fethard
The three €50 Lucky Dip winners were:
Nellie Fleming, Farrenshea, Fethard
Corina Roe, Monkstown, Fethard
Maura Trehy, The Green, Fethard.
Next weeks Jackpot remains at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1,000.
Fethard Bridge Club President’s Prize
At our President’s Prize dinner in Slievenamon Golf Club on Friday 20th May 2005 the following prizes were presented:
President’s Prize: Nora Lawrence and Madeleine O’Donnell;
Committee Prize: Teresa Cummins and Alice Quinn;
1st Gross: Betty Walsh, Brigid Gorey;
1st Nett: Breda Walsh, Frances Burke;
2nd Gross: Kay St. John, Rita Kane;
2nd Nett: Berney Myles, Fr. J. Meagher;
3rd Gross: Nell Broderick, David O’Meara;
3rd Nett: Carmel Condon, Brendan Kenny;
4th Gross: Bernie O’Meara, Anna Cooke;
4th Nett: Mary Lucey, Tony Hanrahan;
5th Gross: Gemma Burke, Carol Kenny;
5th Nett: Philly Kenny, Margaret Mary McCormack;
6th Gross: Ellen Rochford, Suzanne Opray;
6th Nett: Mary and Patti Tobin;
Player of the Year, for which the O’Flynn trophy is presented: Kay St. John;
Club Champions, for which the Hayes trophy is presented: Betty Walsh and Brigid Gorey;
Individual Champion, for which the Dick Gorey Trophy was presented for the first time: Betty Walsh;
The Suzanne Opray Trophy, presented for the first time this year as well, was won by Nell Broderick as the player who reduced their handicap by the most during the year.
All-Ireland Champions
Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School Boy’s Junior Volleyball team, All-Ireland Champions 2005. Back L to R: Glen Maher, Kevin Hayes, Jerome Ahearne, Darren Prout, Dave Gorey, Stephen Bowes, Joseph Sheehan, Jonathan Fleming, Bernie O’Connor (trainer). Front L to R: Adrian Lawrence, Eoin O’Connell, J.P. McGrath (captain), Ciarán Ryan, Darragh Dwyer and Thomas O’Connell.
Friday the 13th was certainly not an unlucky day for the Junior Boys’ Volleyball team who won the Under-14 All Ireland A Final against Loughrea in an exciting ‘nail biting’ game in Loughrea, Co. Galway. ‘Man of the Match’ was Adrian Lawrence from Woodvale Walk. Huge support from the school travelled with the team and led by a convoy of cars, they arrived victorious back to the Square at 5.30pm on Friday evening.
This is the first flush of success for this young team and great credit is due to them and to their coach and P.E. teacher, Bernie O’Connor. The team’s new jerseys and shorts were sponsored by Coolmore Stud and they looked pretty ‘classy’ on a ‘classic’ day.
"The Home of Champions", once again Coolmore backed a winner in sponsoring the jerseys and shorts of Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School's boys' junior volleyball team. The team lived up to high expectations by winning the Under-14 All Ireland A Final against Loughrea in an exciting ‘nail biting’ game played in Loughrea, Co. Galway on Friday 13th May. Photographed above are L to R: Bernie O'Connor (team coach), Ernan Britton (school principal), Agnes T. Evans (Coolmore), J.P. McGrath (team captain), Christy Grassick (General Manager Coolmore Stud) and Marian Gilpin (vice-principal).
Killusty Soccer Club
The curtain came down on our season last Sunday, when we had a most enjoyable social evening. The night began with a beautiful meal at Slievenamon Golf Club, and afterwards we retired to The Well, where we discoed the night away. Our club awards were also presented on the night and the results are as follows: top scorer award went to Karl Maher, whose goal tally come closing time had reached 106. Our ‘player of the year’ award was a close run thing with a number of players up for nomination. In the end Martin Coen was the deserving winner. Our sportsperson of the year was a three-way tie, between our three lovely committee members, Emma Fitzgerald, Sarah Shelley and Sharon O’Meara. Their work rate and energy this season has given the club a much needed boost.
Chairman Tony Shelly, on behalf of the players, made a presentation to team manager Chris Coen, in recognition of the work he has done for the team. Finally a few thank yous, firstly to all those who made the effort to be with us last Sunday; to Slievenamon Golf Club, especially Mark and his team who provided such an excellent meal; a word of thanks also to Mick and Marie Smyth, The Well, for putting up with us for another season; finally to all those who have supported us, not just vocally but everyone who supports our weekly lotto, and a special word of thanks to all those who supported our advertisement hoarding venture. These are now in place around our pitch and have been commented on most favourably. Last but not least, our inspirational ex captain Nicky Murphy, who has kept in constant touch through the Fethard website. Nicky, we hope Eddie O’Brien hasn't led you astray, we need you (and Eddie) back in one piece.
McCarthy's Golf Society
Photographed at the presentation of prizes after McCarthy's Golf Society outing are L to R: Willie Harrington (captain), Chris Coen (secretary), Michael Knightly (winning team), Sean McLoughney (winning team), Bobbi Holohan and Annette Murphy (president). Also on the winning team was Johnny O'Sullivan.
Parents’ Association Meeting
A meeting of the Parents’ Association of St. Patrick’s Boys School will be held on Thursday 26th May, at 8pm in the school hall. All committee members are asked to attend.
Fethard Ladies Football
Fethard under-12 team had a great victory over Clonmel Commercials in Clonmel on Wednesday last, 18th May on a wet and windy night. This was a first victory for this age group and we now go on to play Galtee Rovers on Saturday next, 28th May at 2pm in Fethard GAA Park in the county quarterfinal.
The under-14 team played Lattin Cullen in Fethard on Saturday last where we had a very easy win. All girls gave a great performance especially Debbie Lawrence who was outstanding on the day. The sponsored walk which was due to take place on Monday last has been rescheduled for this coming Monday, May 30th, commencing in the square at 7pm. All are welcome to take part in this exercise, which will be around the Ballybough circuit. Sponsorship cards are currently in circulation.
Fethard Junior team play their first match of the season against Cappawhite on Wednesday, 25th May, in the GAA Park at 7.30pm.
Community Games County Judo Finals
Town Hall, Fethard was the venue for the County finals of Community Games Judo on Saturday night last. Fethard Club had competitors from Clerihan, Drangan, Fethard, Killenaule and Lisronagh areas. Clonmel Club also had competitors from Fethard, Cahir, Powerstown and St. Marys.
Fethard Community Games Area has a total of five gold medallists who will travel to Ballincollig to contest the Munster Finals on July 9th. Winners are: Emma Walsh, Tullamaine, Natalie Cahill, Woodvale Walk, Samantha Feery, Killusty, Padraig O’Shea, The Valley, Cathal Gorey, Monroe. Silver medal winners from the area were: Aobh O’Shea, Gary Bradshaw, Gerard Gorey, and Lorraine Feery.
Well done to all concerned. Thanks to Fethard Club for providing the venue, mats and equipment, and to Eric O’Donnell, Roy Gorey, Orla O’Donnell and international referee Michael Power, Clonmel, for refereeing all the contests.
Community Games Volleyball
Fethard Area boys and girls volleyball teams will represent County Tipperary at the forthcoming Munster finals in Cork on Saturday 9th July. The boys under-15 team are drawn against Limerick in the semifinal, winners to play Clare in the finals. Team members are: Thomas O’Connell, Eoin O’Connell (both Coolmoyne), Adrian Lawrence, Glen Maher, Michael Costello (all Woodvale Walk), Jonathan Fleming, Jerome Ahearne (both Redcity), Ciarán Ryan (Slievenamon Close), Kevin Hayes (Killerk), Joseph Sheehan (Clarebeg), Darren Prout (Derryluskin) and James Kelly (Rathvin). Team manager is Denis Burke. The girls under-16 team got a bye into the final and will play the winners of Limerick v Clare. Names published next week.
Corpus Christi Procession
The annual Corpus Christi Procession takes place on this coming Sunday evening, 29th June, at 7pm, commencing from outside Fethard Parish Church and proceeding to the Augustinian Abbey. Pope John Paul II declared October 2004 through October 2005 as the "Year of the Eucharist" and urged that Catholics participate in a procession on the Feast of Corpus Christi. Please come along and take part.
The custom of carrying the Blessed Sacrament in procession through the town on Corpus Christi Day developed in the early fourteenth century. During the later Middle Ages these processions developed into splendid pageants of devotion and honour to the Blessed Sacrament. They are still publicly held, and often with the ancient splendour, in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Belgium, Ireland, in the Catholic sections of Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Canada, Hungary, and in the Slavic countries and South America.
St. Rita's Camogie Club
St. Rita's Camogie Club are holding their annual fundraising Barbecue on Friday 3rd June at Butler's Bar, Main Street. Tickets are available from all team members and cost only €5 each. We have lots of spot prizes, good food and great music on the night. Please come along and support.
Fethard Community Sportsfield
This is your last chance to place a bid on the framed Irish Rugby Jersey, signed by all members of the Irish squad, currently on display in McCarthy's Hotel window. There is also the Rowing T-Shirt signed by five times Olympic Gold medallist Steve Redgrave. The phone-in auction closes at the end of May so phone either: 086 1704874 or 052 31906 to acquire either of these desirable items.
Juvenile GAA News
Pride of place will have to go to the under-12 football team who qualified for the South A Final beating local rivals Moyle Rovers in a thrilling game in Ardfinnan last Sunday evening on the scoreline, 2-06 to 2-05. Playing against the wind in the first half we opened the scoring with a great Tommy Sheehan point but then Rovers took control and we found ourselves down by 8 points. In fairness to the boys they gathered themselves and cut the score to 2 with goals from Alan Lawrence and Cathal Hurley.
In the second half we levelled the score with two points from Alan Lawrence and Eoin Fitzgerald, but again Rovers took control and scored 2 more points with the game in the balance. A point from Eoin Fitzgerald and a great Aaron Conran point we levelled the game and in the last minute, up popped Eoin Fitzgerald, who seemed to be the calmest person in Ardfinnan, to kick Fethard into the lead, which they were not to loose.
There were some outstanding displays on the night by the six backs, Ciarán, Gerry, Eoin, Ronan, Frankie, and Brian; the two Eoins in midfield; and Tom, Aaron, Dillon, Philip, Alan and Cathal in the forwards. Subs on the night were Willie, Joe, Mike and Jack.
Great credit must go to both teams and managers. We now meet the favourites, Commercials, in the final and it looks like this weekend. Time and venue to be decided. Best of luck to all involved.
Under-6, 8 and 10 training takes place on Saturdays from 3pm to 4pm. We hope to have games for all these on Saturday week. Will have more information next week.
Under-14 football team played Clonmel Og last week and were unlucky to loose by a point. They have now played three games, winning one and losing two, but with a couple of wins could still make the semifinal. These boys have a couple of games to play which have to be re-fixed so trainers will be informed.
All hurling training is now well under way. So to all players, now is the time to get the ball skills done as to be ready for the championship, which is just around the corner. All fixtures for hurling should be out this week.
At our recent meeting we decided to run our Summer Camp from Monday 15th August to 19th August. We will be sending forms to the schools and inform you more in the coming weeks.
There are still some membership fees outstanding and the club will not be able to play anyone who is not a member as they will not be covered by insurance. We would like to wish Paul Fitzgerald, Damien Byrne, Glen Burke and Cian Maher the best of luck on Sunday. As former juveniles it is great to see the lads represent our club and parish against all All-Ireland champions Kerry. It is also great to see Daniel Hickey, Matt Fitzgerald and Eoin Fitzgerald all playing for the Tipperary Primary Game team against Kerry at the same venue. The juvenile club will run a bus to Thurles on Sunday. Contact Caroline for details.
Fethard Judo Club
Fethard Judo Club took part in the Community Games in Fethard Town Hall on Saturday 21st May and the following were medallists: Emma Walsh 1st (under-30k);
Natalie Cahill 1st (under-35k);
Lorraine Stapleton 2nd (under-45k);
Hanna Stapleton 3rd (under-45k);
Samantha Feery 1st (under-50k);
Stephanie Lawrence 1st (open);
Jake Stapleton 1st (under-25k);
Gary Bradshaw 2nd (under-30k);
Gerard Gorey 2nd (under-40k);
Cathal Gorey 1st (open);
Tom Woodlock 2nd (open);
Padraig Mullally (under-50k).
Thanks to all our supporters and all who participated.
