Happy Birthday Karin and Bob! Huntsman Pat O’Brien Retires after 40 years Mr John Ryan, chairman Tipperary Foxhounds, in a very well worded address, paid tribute to Pat’s devoted service to the Tipperary Foxhounds and to hunting during his 40 years service. He said Pat’s relations with landowners, the masters he served under and followers, contributed enormously to the smooth running of hunting in Tipperary County during Pat’s years of service. Mr Michael Higgens MFH, who Pat served under during his 17 years mastership from 1971-1988, also paid glowing tributes to Pat, especially his genial manner. Always courteous and smiling with a word of greeting for everyone, Mr Higgens said, “Never did I see him in bad humour, loose his cool, or have a cross word for anyone.” On behalf of the Tipperary Hunt Committee, Mr Higgens made Pat a presentation of a beautiful flying fox statuette suitable inscribed. He was also presented with a black hunting coat and made an honorary life member of Tipperary Foxhounds. Presentations were also made on Saturday to Tipperary Foxhounds whipper-in, James O’Donnell, and to Pat’s wife, Bridget. Amongst the large crowd present on Saturday, we noticed representatives from a very wide circle of hunting people from adjacent packs. Included were representatives from: Kilkenny, Laois, Golden Vale, West Waterford, Kilmoganny Mounted Packs, Ballylusky White Heathers, Jessfield and Cashel Harrier Foot Packs, and the long established Ballydine Beagles. When Pat blew for home on Saturday evening, he brought his hounds out on to the road opposite the gates of Kiltinan Castle, where the Tipp Foxhounds were once kennelled, and quite close to Grove where it all started over 200 years ago when Mr Hugh Barton hunted the Grove Hounds and where his successor, William Barton, in 1821 founded the Tipperary Foxhounds that are still with us today. There on Saturday we witnessed the end of the day, the end of the season and the end of an era. Mr Higgens, in one of his humorous stories on Saturday, mentioned, “There are two Ps in Tipperary, one for past and one for present.” Might we mention there is also an ‘F’ in foxhounds and ‘F’ is for future. What is the future on hunting in Tipperary? Well if Saturday’s crowd and the scores of children, from toddlers to teenagers, who turned up for the season’s childrens’ meet at Grove and Kilcooley are anything to go by, the future looks very bright indeed. We may not produce another Pat O’Brien but here’s hoping the Tipperary Foxhounds will be still hunting over the green fields of Tipperary for another 200 years at least. This is my last hunting news report of this season. When I started to write it weekly on the Fethard News Page at the request of Joe Kenny, I never realised it would create such interest, even amongst people who never actually go out hunting. Even some have been heard to remark, “the best hunting of the week is in The Nationalist”. We will conclude with our toast to the future of hunting in Tipperary and beyond! Here’s to the Tipperarys,
The Well Golf Society St. Rita's Camogie Club Augustinian 700 Youth Mass The opening hymn, “Lord I lift your name on high”, was sung by fifth and sixth class pupils of Killusty National School, Nano Nagle National School and St. Patrick’s Boys’ National School. The primary pupils were accompanied by Miss Elaine Brady and Miss Aoife Gleeson, and conducted by Mrs Rita Kenny. Evelyn O’Connor read the first reading, the responsorial psalm was sung by Jewel Burke and Suzanne Gorey read the second reading. Fr. Joe Walsh, now based in Thurles, grew up in Knockbrett and is a past-pupil of the schools in Fethard. His uncle, another Fr. Joe Walsh, is an Augustinian ministering in Echuca, Victoria, Australia. Fr. Joe visited his alma mater to assist in the preparation of his youth liturgy. Mrs Marion Gilpin and Mr Dick Prendergast coordinated the wonderful contribution by the students of Patrician Presentation Secondary School. Aisling Dwyer and Laura Rice sang the gospel acclamation and, “I am the Bread of Life”, accompanied by Fintan Maher and Mike McCarthy on guitar, together with Kevin Hickey, organist for the night. In his homily, Fr. Joe spoke directly to the youth saying: “Learn to suss out things, in the sense that some times we all go along with the crowd to be popular or for peace sake, but you have to be yourself. If you are to give your life trying to please other people, or to be the popular person, then you will always be a prisoner to yourself. I know that this world can be tough going and can be a lonely place at times. Yet when trials or crosses come our way, please trust someone to talk to about it. So often I meet young people and they are bent over carrying some worry or mistake in their hearts and minds. The person who hasn't made a mistake hasn't been born yet. Learn from it and try and move on. You are not perfect, neither am I, no one is. Talk to someone, life is for living, life is a gift that is why we call it the present. Talking to someone can help so much, please don't eat yourself up. Talk. You all have so much to offer, so many gifts and promises. Don't throw them away with out opening them and giving them a chance. Family and friends should have a big bearing in your life. Someone once said, “Friends are like angels who lift us to our feet when our wings won't fly”. There are times when we will fall out with our friends, and that is life. But true friends are like a pieces of gold, don't lose them. I believe some of the best friends in life that we can have are of our own blood. That is, within our family circle parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles. Yes, there are many times that family will test your patience, but your family is real and can be a safe haven in times of storm. In my life and from listening to many other people who have gone through the good, the bad and the ugly, so many have said that their families were their rock when needed and the only ones who really loved them honestly, come what may. Another important point to remember, when it comes to people who add to your life, tell them! Let them know that they are special. We find it so hard to express ourselves, why wait till they are gone, or even dead, to express what they mean to you.” At the close of his homily, Fr. Joe received a rapturous applause from the huge congregation. The ‘prayers of the faithful’ were recited by Siobhán O’Brien, Stephen Brady, Joseph Sheehan (2nd Year), Dylan Fitzgerald (St. Patrick’s Boys School), Rebecca O’Donnell (Nano Nagle N.S.) and Lee Ann Sheehan (Killusty N.S.). The offertory gifts were presented to Fr Joe by Chloe Gough (3rd Year), Ciarán Ryan (3rd Year), Adam O’Donnell (St. Patrick’s Boys N.S.), Michelle Walsh (Killusty N.S.) and Edel O’Sullivan (Nano Nagle N.S.), while Jillian O’Connell read the commentary. The primary school students sang a beautiful rendition of, “Hear me call You”. Prior to communion, Jewel Burke sang, “Jesus, Oh Jesus”. Jodie Gilpin sang, “The Cloud’s Veil”, during communion, its lyrics echoing the words spoken by Fr. Joe in his homily . . . “Never give up, Jesus is by your side”. Before mass concluded Fr. Joe invited the examination students of 3rd and 6th year to take a votive candle and a prayer card to assist them through this challenging year. Fr. Peter Haughey OSA, thanked Fr. Joe, the teachers, the organising committee and everyone who prepared for or participated in the special liturgy for the youth of Fethard. The young people shared their many God given talents so admirably within the historic Abbey walls, the congregation applauded spontaneously, many times during this memorable ceremony. Mass ended with an uplifting “Hallelujah” sung by Jewel Burke and Jodie Gilpin, joined by Adam O’Donnell, Laura Rice and Aisling Dwyer of the Patrician Presentation Secondary School. Following mass the results of the “Abbey 700 Young Writer” competition for primary schools were announced. Fr. Peter Haughey OSA presented the prizes to the winners: 1st Nicholas Cleverly (Killusty N.S.), 2nd Lucy Butler (Nano Nagle N.S.), and certificates to those highly commended: Cathal Hurley, Mark Fogarty, Noel O’Brien of St. Patrick’s Boys School Fethard; Mary-Anne Fogarty and Mary Jane Kearney of Nano Nagle National School Fethard; and Joseph Morgan of Killusty National School. Congratulations to all of the above and well done to all the students of 5th and 6th class who gave of their time and energy to compose very impressive poetry and essays about the life of Blessed William Tirry OSA. On Ash Wednesday, 1st March, Fethard Historical Society will present a talk on the history of Fethard during the time of Blessed William Tirry. The talk will commence at 8pm in the Abymill Theatre and all are welcome. Local wood carver, David Gorey, has been busy for several months sculpting a memorial statue of Blessed William Tirry. The unveiling will take place at 11.30am Mass on Sunday 5th March (First Sunday of Lent). Fr. Gerry Horan OSA, Prior Provincial, will be the main concelebrant. Fethard GAA Club News Ballingarry started the game in Mullinahone without their full complement of players and they only got to full strength after 10 minutes with some late arrivals. During this period Fethard were in command in all departments, racing into a four points to no score lead, with all scores coming from frees three from Paul Kenrick and one from Shane Aylward but this was interrupted in the 13th minute when Ballingarry had their first score from James Logue, one of their best players. It took a great passing movement from Fethard's Paul Kenrick to Shane Aylward to Darren O'Meara who hit a blistering shot pass Kevin Croke to put Fethard back in the driving seat after 15 minutes, 1-4 to 0-1. Then Ballingarry woke up and played some lovely football from Daniel Fennelly, James Maher, James Logue, Seanie Cahill and Richard Butler who all had their moments and they tagged on 1-2 without reply with the goal coming after Fethard's Glen O'Meara saved from Richard Butler into the path of Billy Horan who shot past the goalie and points from Richard Butler, one from a free and the other a splendid 45, again after a great save from Glen O'Meara was parried out over the line at the expense of the 45. Fethard's only reply was a point from Darren O'Meara and two scorable frees sent wide to leave the half time score Fethard 1-5 Ballingarry 1-3. Fethard came out in the second half and meant business in taking the game to Ballingarry with Jamie McCormack and William O'Brien dominating the middle of the field and with Darren O'Meara playing some fine football on the 40 metre line they picked off scores at will to race into a third quarter lead of 2-9 to 1-3 with three pointed frees from Darren O'Meara, William O'Brien getting the best point of the day from 50 metres and the goal coming from Ronan O'Meara. Fethard introduced Liam Frewen for the injured Shane Aylward and Damien Donovan for the injured John Leahy. Ballingarry were handed a lifeline when the Fethard goalie failed to hold a ball and Matthew Treacy pounced to hit a goal. This was shortly followed by two points from Richard Butler and Matthew Treacy to leave the game nicely poised entering the last five minutes, 2-9 to 2-5. But Fethard tagged on two great points from man of the match at wing forward Darren O'Meara to end Ballingarry's chance of a comeback and leave the final score 2-11 to 2-5. Fethard introduced two other subs during the fourth quarter, Liam Ryan for Darragh Corbett and Stephen O'Meara for Ronan O'Meara. Scorers - Fethard: Darren O'Meara 1-7 (5f), Ronan O'Meara 1-0, Paul Kenrick 0-3 (3f), and William O'Brien 0-1. Ballingarry: Matthew Treacy 1-1, Richard Butler 0-3 (2f), Billy Horan 1-0, and James Logue 0-1. Fethard: Glen O'Meara, Mike Kelly, Alan Burke, Darragh Corbett, Niall Hayes, Connie Flynn, Richard Gorey, Jamie McCormack, William O'Brien, Ronan O'Meara, James Smyth, Darren O'Meara, Shane Aylward, Paul Kenrick John Leahy. Subs Used - Liam Frewen, Damien Donovan, Liam Ryan and Stephen O'Meara. We now await the conclusion of the Losers group. With the Minor B Football Championship just around the corner we played a challenge game with Commercials on last Sunday in Fethard and it was a very worthwhile outing with Paddy Cooney in command of the whistle. Thanks Paddy for coming to the rescue. Our Lotto Jackpot €5,100 was not won. The numbers drawn in Burkes Bar were, 7, 15, 16 and 18. Tickets sponsored by Dawn Fresh Foods. There was one Match three winner of €150, to Niall O Dwyer (c/o Bob Fitzgeralds, O'Connell Street Clonmel). The €50 Lucky Dip going to Audrey Sheehan (Derryluskin). Our condolences are at this time with the O'Dwyer family and the Ahearne family on the passing away of Elsie O'Dwyer (nee Ahearne), Derryluskin, last week. Interment took place in Cahir and the large attendance on both days was a recognition of her fine achievements as a camogie player during her playing days with Coolmoyne and Tipperary. Go ndeana Dia trocaire orthu. Fethard Bridge Club Results Lourdes Table Quiz Fethard Scouts action packed weekend The day was finished off nicely with the lads singing until they were nearly hoarse at a campfire, until the late hours of Saturday night. Sunday morning saw more fun and games for the cubs, while the scouts went on a training exercise for the up coming county orienteering competition at the end of March. Mass at noon, followed by lunch and it was nearly time for home. Our return to Fethard saw the entire troop of cubs and scouts, as well as leaders get invested into the scouts, at the ballroom. The ceremony was conducted by Paul Collins, County Commissioner for Camping, and Sheila Power, County Commissioner. Service Awards were also presented to leaders Robert Phelan, John Cloonan, Philip O’Donnell and John Noonan for 15, 10 and 5 years. Congratulations to all. Light refreshments served afterwards marked the end of what was a great weekend for everybody. Thanks to the parents who drove to and from Mellary, to Sheila and Paul for representing the County, to all those who helped with the catering, a special thanks to the leaders, especially parent Dennis Gahan who stayed for most of the weekend, what can I say, a natural born leader! Finally to the lads themselves, well done on officially becoming cubs and scouts this weekend, hopefully it’s the start of a long and interesting road for you! With the White Heathers The covert on his land by the roadside held a brace. One fox quickly left cover and provided a top class hunt of sixty-five minutes. After two circles crossing and re-crossing the road, our pilot struck a straight line towards Jessfield. The erg of the joint pack of sixteen and half couple was just mighty. Straight on they flew to Ballintaggart. Turning right they ran towards Ballingarry village, turning right again at the river bridge, hounds fairly raced back to Foyle where the fox went to ground on Foyle Hill. This was almost the same route the White Heathers hunted on their earlier visit to Ballingarry and more than likely the same fox. Drawing back to Fitzgeralds, hounds found the second fox but lost him rather quickly on top of the hill. They quickly found again and hunted in great style down the moor across the road from the Jessfield Harrier Kennels. Charlie crossed the road at Mr Horan’s but were suddenly at fault in the small grove. Cast forward, they hit the line again. Scent, however, seemed to suddenly disimprove and hounds hunted back to Corcoran’s where they lost him. A fox from Mr Tom O’Dwyer’s in late afternoon provided a nice run back to Hayes grove where hounds were stopped at 4.45pm. This concluded a really red-letter day’s hunting thoroughly enjoyed by the large number of followers out. A most unusual feature of the day’s hunting was the fact that no less than four huntsmen were present: Pat O’Brien of the Tipperary Foxhounds, Paul O’Brien of the Kilmoganny, Donnie Slattery of the White Heathers, and Seamus Kelly of the Jessfield Harriers. The Ballylusky White Heathers would like to thank sincerely, the Jessfield Harriers for their kind invitation and for their courtesy to the visitors and hospitality dispersed before move-off and indeed, throughout the day. Thanks to our own Cyril, who says, he was on meals on wheels for the afternoon and had not time to enjoy the hunting. The White Heathers promote their annual draw on St. Patrick’s Night, 17th March. The B.S.E. regulations, with regard to the movement of animal carcases, has increased enormously the purchase cost of feeding for the hounds. The committee feel sure that, with the support of the pack’s members and supporters, the increased costs of running the pack will be overcome. Lines for the draw are currently available from any committee member at €5. The White Heathers meet on Sunday next 5th March at Drangan at 11am. Patrician Presentation Jottings IMTA final in Trinity College, Dublin The team with their teacher, Ms Lysaght, have been invited to lunch, sponsored by Citigroup, at the college and the boys will proceed on to participate in the final for the Hamilton Trophy. Runners-up will receive the Sean O'Tuama Memorial Silver medal. All four boys are looking forward to this event. They are wished the best of luck and we hope that they have a very enjoyable day. Youth Mass Blessed William Tirry Mock Exams The Late Elsie Ahearne The late Elsie O’Dwyer was a lady of many talents. A devoted wife and mother, she was a woman of great faith and deeply religious a fact commented upon by Canon Power in his homily at her funeral mass. She followed in her late father’s footsteps in her love of gardening. An excellent gardener and horticulturist, the flowers and vegetables grown in her garden at Derryluskin were her pride and joy. Elsie was also a very skilled knitter and crochet worker. All of her work in this sphere, especially in her later life, was for charitable causes. In her younger days, Elsie was an outstanding camogie player. She was one of the very few survivors of the Coolmoyne camogie team that won the Tipperary Senior Camogie Championship in 1933. She also played with distinction with the Tipperary senior camogie team and was indeed honoured by the Tipperary County Board not to long ago for her service to camogie. Elsie was very well read and a brilliant conversationalist. You never had a conversation with Elsie O’Dwyer without learning something. Though one of the oldest residents of the parish, she enjoyed excellent health, both mental and physical, up to quite recently. She will be sadly missed by her five daughters and son; her sister, Rev M. Benignus in Africa; her brother Joe Ahearne and immediate relatives, to whom sincere sympathy is extended. Interment took place in St. Mary’s Churchyard, Cahir. Fethard and Killusty Community Lotto Results Fethard & Killusty Anglers Badgers Over 30s Soccer Youth Soccer Fethard & Killusty Community Council Following the chairman’s report the following board of directors were elected for the coming year: Joe Kenny (Chairman), Peter Grant (Vice-Chairman), Edwina Newport (Secretary), Jimmy Connolly (Treasurer), Marie Murphy (PRO), Paddy McEvoy, Diana Stokes, Liam Hayes, Ger Manton, Waltie Moloney, Fr. Tom Breen, Brian Sheehy, Thelma Griffith and Nellie O’Donovan. The chairman thanked Cllrs John Fahey and Michael O’Brien for their attendance at all the Community Council’s meetings throughout the year and expressed his disappointment at the apparent breakdown in communication and cooperation with the County Council officials that has occurred in the past few months. A letter from the County Council Housing Section, received two days after the Council passed a decision to go ahead with the controversial Strylea Housing Development, stating, “I wish to inform you that the Town Hall is not presently available for any sporting purposes”, was deemed nothing short of disgraceful. The letter was in reply to the Community Council’s request to reform the Fethard Badminton Club in the Town Hall, as recommended in the recent Youth Study for the area. It was pointed out to Councillors present, that if this is indication of the County Council’s commitment to provide facilities to meet the extra housing in Fethard, we have a very poor outlook for the future, considering they will not even maintain the facilities we already have had for the past forty years. The Town Hall is the only local hall under the maintenance of South Tipperary County Council. The next meeting of Fethard & Killusty Community Council will take place on Tuesday 21st March at 8.30pm in the Tirry Community Centre. |
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