Visitors from New Zealand

Deirdre Phelan photographed with her Fethard friends and friends from New Zealand in Lonergans Bar last week. Back L to R: Pat Hunt, Linda (Phelan) Hunt, Dolores O'Donnell, Bernard O'Donnell. Front L to R: Mark Chiaroni, Deirdre Phelan, Amanda Kelly and Margot Wilson.

Strange Brew
“You’ll have a cup of tea?”, can be a  question, a statement or a downright order depending on who is making the offer. We’re all familiar with Mrs Doyle in Father Ted — her offer was not open to question and whether you liked it or not, you were having one. Indeed, most of us are partial to a cup and welcome the offer, but every now and again, we welcome something a little stronger.

Imagine the dismay of the Fethard man who checked into his hotel in Bahrain, looking forward to a beer after the long flight, only to be informed that he was staying in an alcohol free hotel. Instead, he was offered a cup of tea. Resigned to his fate, he sat and watched his tea being poured, only to see a foamy head appear inside the china cup. The hotel had found a way to appease the western guests without drawing the ire of the anti alcohol factions. A few pots of tea later, our man went merrily off to bed.

A few days later, the same man travelled on to Thailand. Upon arrival, he went once more to quench his thirst only to find that he had landed in the middle of the country’s national elections where a two-day ban was placed on the serving of alcohol so as not to arouse drunken political passions. Fearing that he had this time been beaten, he sat down once more to the offered cup of tea, only to see the familiar head rise once more inside the cup.

Military police patrolling the area were surprised to see the Fethard man and his companions in such good spirits while hammering back pots of tea. It just goes to show that no matter where you travel in the world, a cup of tea is yer only man.

Fethard GAA Club News
Intermediate Hurlers were successful in their first outing played in Kilsheelan on 23rd June on a scoreline, Fethard 1-15, Ballyneale 0-16. Despite been short eight of the regulars who had played in the league and due to injuries were unavailable for selection, the game was full of action with score for score and the wining goal coming almost at the final whistle. The team was: Paul Fitzgerald, Michael Ryan, Carl Gahan, Cian Maher 0-1, Willie Morrissey, Stephen O’Donnell, Jamie McCormack, John P Looby 0-2, John Leahy 0-3, Aiden Fitzgerald 0-2, Miceál Spillane 0-2, Michael Dillon 0-1, John Noonan, Michael Aherne 1-0, Kenneth O’Donnell 0-4 (2f). Subs used: William O’Brien and Christopher Sheehan. Our next game will be against Cahir, and the final game of the League/Championship stage against St Marys.

Tipp play Longford in the senior football qualifier and we wish Paul, Cian and Aiden the best of luck.

Our Minor B hurlers had a good win also in their first outing on Thursday 22nd June played in Monroe, on a scoreline, Fethard 4-12, Newcastle 2-6. The team was: J P McGrath (Sparagoulea), Edmond Sheehan (Woodvale Walk), Liam Ryan (Slievenamon Close), Tom O Connell (Coolmoyne), Richard Gorey (Jesuits Walk), Declan Doyle (Strylea), Eoin O Connell 0-1(Coolmoyne), Niall Hayes (Cashel Rd), Dean Tobin 1-4 (3f) (Woodvale Walk), Alan O’Connor 1-1 (St Patricks Place), Christopher Sheehan 0-4 (3f) (Woodvale Walk), Aaron Donovan 0-2 (The Valley), Stephen O’Meara (The Valley), Glen O’Meara 1-0 (Strylea), Adrian Lawrence 1-0 (Woodvale Walk). Subs used were: Tom Gilpin (The Valley), David Prout (Derryluskin), Jack O’Sullivan 0-2 (Main St), and Ben Walsh (Main St). Their next game is against St Marys.

Junior B Footballers had their first outing in Ballingarry on Wednesday 22nd June and had a heavy defeat at the hands of a strong Killenaule side on a scoreline, Fethard 0-8, Killenaule 5-11. Their second game takes place on the 28th June against Grangemockler.

The club apologises to our members and supporters who were unable to get a ticket for last Sunday’s Munster Final in Thurles. Over 100 tickets were distributed.

Club fixture for the coming week is Junior B Football against Kilsheelan/Kilcash in Cloneen at 8pm on Wednesday 5th July.

The Lotto Jackpot of two weeks ago was not won and no match three winners. We had 5 Lucky Dips of €30 to: Mary Godfrey (Derryluskin), Abigail Doyle (Woodvale Walk), Edel Fitzgerald (Kiltinan), Monica O’Shea (Woodvale Walk), Bridget Ryan (Loughcopple), with the €50 Lucky Dip going to Pat Houlihan (c/o Bob Fitzgeralds O’Connell St., Clonmel).

This week’s Lotto Jackpot €2800 was also not won. Numbers drawn were 2, 5, 10 and 22. We had three ‘match threes’ winning €50 each to: John Phelan (Butlerstown), Kate O’Shea (Woodvale Walk), and Stephanie Fitzgerald (Monroe). The €50 Lucky Dip going to Noelle Doyle (St Patricks Place). All tickets kindly supplied by AIB (Main Street).

Famine 1848 Walk
There will be a Public Walk commemorating the Great Famine, and the 1848 Rising which took place in the middle of the Famine, in Ballingarry, Co Tipperary. The Walk is being held on Saturday, 29 July at 3pm. The Walk set out from the national flag monument in the village of The Commons to the Famine Warhouse 1848, an OPW national monument, which was the scene of the 1848 Rising. The distance of the Walk is one-and-a-half miles. The Walk will remember all those who died during the Great Famine and the 1848 Rising. Walkers and visitors will have an opportunity to see the Exhibition in the Famine Warhouse 1848. All are welcome to attend.

Fethard to Fethard Cycling News
A cold and windy Wednesday saw a total of seven cyclists brave the elements for our weekly training session, although the new face was a welcome sight.  There seems to be a lack of female cyclists turning up on Wednesdays — I wonder are they out there or are they just shy.  Remember, this is not a race, it is fun and exercise for all.  The ‘super’ seven cycled up towards Knockelly, passing Peppardstown graveyard and turning right at St. Johnstown and then immediately left in the direction of Ballylusky.  Thankfully, nobody needed the assistance of Martin Heffernan!  At least we know where he is if we need him.

At the pub we turned right for Drangan and, after some debate, we went on to Cloneen.  Veering left at the Post Office, the cycle continued into Killusty where we were still feeling okay, despite the wind.  At the church we went left for Kiltinan Barracks and then back towards Fethard.

Not as many miles were covered as last week but the wind factor must be taken into consideration.  Apparently, there are a number of people unable to make the group cycle on Wednesdays but are training in their own time, this is a good idea as all are welcome to join us on 28th July.  If you come along without putting in the training you will strongly be discouraged — you wouldn’t swim the Channel without first doing a few lengths in the pool now would you?  All it takes is a little dedication and effort and you’ll get there.  It’s a far cry from the days when a trusty old Raleigh, Rudge or B.S.A was the order of the day.

The dedicated cyclist is like the dedicated wife I met in the shop recently — he gets as much pleasure out of cycling as she gets out of washing her husbands boot with a toothbrush! You know who you are!
— (Bi.Ke)

Lest We Forget

Photographed in Moyglass village 1963 are L to R: John Dillon, Saucestown; Tom Carroll, Coolbawn, Jack Carey, The Green; and Jimmy Walsh, Coolenure (boy at window). Jack Carey (1888-1976) worked at Blackmores, Mortlestown, prior to the Great War. He then left with three other farm labourers and joined the Irish Fusiliers. He was captured in 1917 and looked after mules and horses while imprisoned. In his later years he lived on The Green until his death in March 1976.

This Saturday, 1st July, marks the 90th anniversary of the first battle of the Somme, which took place on 1st July 1916.  Ireland is in recent years honouring the 10,000 Irishmen who died in the Great War of 1914-18.  This week an Irish national daily ran three-day series on the 90th anniversary of the Somme and An Post are using a commemorative stamp to mark the occasion.

We in Fethard should remember especially the 40 plus Fethard men who died on the Somme and in the Great War. Some of their graves are known, while those whose remains were never found are recorded on the Menin Gate at Ypres and the war memorial at Thiepval. We should also remember the men who returned safely from that terrible conflict and have long since died, remembering that all were Irish Soldiers too. Some went through economic necessity others through a spirit of adventure.

Maybe in the not too distant future a plaque will be erected to commemorate the Fethard men who fell in the Great War.  “They fought not for flag, nor King, nor Emperor – but for a dream, born in a herdsman’s shed.”

McCarthy’s Hotel Golf Society
Captain’s Day was held in Dundrum on Saturday 24th June with a huge turnout of over 50 golfers. With a beautiful day and a beautiful course, the standard was very high and some excellent scores recorded. The winning team of Brendan Carroll (the Dub), Jack Bergin, James Ryan and Frances Boyle held their nerve to just about hold on. In his acceptance speech, Jack thanked everyone, but especially the Society Captain, Bobbi Holohan, for a fantastic day out.

In second place was the team of Dicey, Paul Kelly (bearing the sheep shearing injury to his finger with a stiff upper lip), Eoin Whyte and Annette. The longest drive was a bit of a surprise with Trish Kelleher out driving everybody with her new clubs. It’s great to see a beginner like Trish picking up a prize so early in her golfing career. Refreshments were provided during the round, so stamina was maintained with a low fat diet of burgers and Miller. Our next outing is on Saturday 8th July to Dungarvan Golf Course at 11.30am. The poster is now on display in the Hotel.

Killusty Pony Show
The forty-third Killusty Pony Show takes place at Claremore, Killusty, on this Saturday 1st July. This annual show goes from strength to strength every year with lots to see and do — an ideal family day out with competitions, fancy dress and dog show — all under the beautiful setting of Slievenamon.

Wedding Bells
Congratulations to Edwina McGrath, Kilnockin View, and Diarmuid O'Sullivan, Clogheen, who were married in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Killusty, on Saturday 17th June.

Congratulations to Deirdre Brady, St. Patricks Place and James Smith, Monroe, who were married in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Killusty, on Saturday 17th June.

Ladies Football Club
Fethard Ladies Football Club would like to thank all those who subscribed to their church gate collection taken up last weekend.

It is intended to organise a 7-a-side tournament for the underage group in the near future.  Further details later.

Fethard Juvenile GAA Club
Our under-6, 8 and 10s continue to work and develop their skills, and as from next week, training for under-6, 8 and 10s will be on Friday night from 7pm to 8pm. Under-10s will also train on Tuesdays at 7pm. There are games being organised for all players during the summer and parents will be notified by text of fixtures and training.

Our u/10s played a hurling challenge last Saturday against Killenaule and although defeated by a very narrow margin these boys played tremendously and the level of skill by both teams was outstanding. Our next games will be against Carrick Swan in both football and hurling.  It would be great to se some new faces present and both young and old getting involved and joining in the fun. Due to players away on holidays our two remaining games in the under-12 championship have been put on hold and will be played in due course. Training continues as usual.

Our under-14s will have played their 1st game by now and their second game is fixed for 13th July in Fethard against Swan. Best of luck to all involved.

The under-16 championship will begin on the 10th July with a game away to Ballingarry. Good luck to all.  This will be a big test this year as we play in the A Championship.

Well done to Tommy Sheehan, Frankie Donovan, Daniel Hickey and Matt Fitzgerald on playing for the under-14 South Tipp Development Squad in Rathkeale last Saturday with all four playing very well. Congratulations also to J.P. McGrath, Alan Lawrence, Chris Sheehan and Cathal Gorey who are selected on the county under-16 football panel that played a challenge match against Waterford last Saturday with all four playing extremely well.  This is a great achievement for these boys to play for their division and county.

We wish a speedy recovery to James (Tina) Kelly who was very unlucky to pick up a serious injury in training that will unfortunately put him out of action for some time. Looking forward to your comeback Tina!

Finally, our annual Summer Camp commences from 21st August to the 25th August and forms for the camp can be collected from the secretary or any of the coaches. As their is a playing kit and bag included, all forms must be completed and returned not later than the 10th July. Playing gear cannot be guaranteed to any child without the completed form, so avoid the disappointment and book early.  Any queries to the club secretary on Tel: 086 1713502.

Presentation Sisters Raise €2505
Sisters Juliana, Betty and Winnie wish to thank most sincerely everybody who supported their recent marathon walk. The magnificent total of €2505 was raised to support the work of the Presentation Sisters in Zimbabwe.

The Glamour’s World Record
The rosary was in full swing inside the house. Outside, a group of men were having a chat and the topics ranged from the deceased to politics, to a world record attempt that one of the men is currently attempting to break. The man in question is Sean ‘Glamour’ Walsh who is currently setting a record for playing cards in the most card venues and is well on the way to achieving a world record and an entry into the Guinness Book of Records.

Sean is better known to all and sundry by his nickname, ‘Glamour’. As a younger man, Sean played hurling with Coolmoyne, Fethard and Killenaule, as well as wearing the blue and gold for Tipperary. He also won a county final with a team in Cork, which got him banned from the Tipperary team when he was found out, although this deed did get him immortalized in a poem that he heard recently when he revisited the parish whilst on his record drive.

Sean has always been a flamboyant character. To quote a neighbouring farmer, “If you see a man walking down the Main Street in Fethard in the middle of the week wearing a white suit, it’s probably the Glamour.” With his blonde hair and white boots in the 1960’s, he was the David Beckham of Tipperary hurling.

Card playing has always been his hobby. He has travelled the length and breath of Ireland playing 25s, 31s and 45s, in different venues. So many in fact that a friend suggested that he might be eligible for an entry into the Guinness Book of Records. He inquired and was informed that proof was necessary from each venue visited. The organizer in each venue has got to verify his presence at the venue, which has got to be counter signed by a witness, and all of this has got to be signed off at the end by a peace commissioner before being presented for the record. So far, he has played in over 170 venues all over the country.

A week after our initial meeting, we met again, at yet another funeral. “I was in Aghabullogue last night”, he declared. “That’s the team that I played with in Cork that got me banned from the Tipperary team. They were stuck for a few players as five of their team were trainee priests, and when they returned to the seminary after their holidays they weren’t allowed out again, so a man was sent to Tipperary to find five players. We played illegally and got caught, but we played away anyway and won the county final. I was given a great welcome there last night and they recited all 20 verses of the poem that was written about the event and wished me well on my record attempt.”

For Sean, each venue seems to lead to another unplayed venue. People approach and inform him of other venues in the far corners of the country, which he duly travels to on his World Record attempt. Sean is aiming for 200 venues, but will probably continue notching up the card games after he submits his initial record. We wish him the best of luck.
— (VM)

Appreciation —The late Tony Sheehan
Ballycarron, Bansha and Fethard. 1954 – 2006


The late Tony Sheehan in the 1970s — his prime clay pigeon shooting success period

Born in June, 1954 Tony started his education in Killusty National School, he then attended Fethard Patrician Brothers and progressed to St Kieran’s College and Crawford Technical Institute in Cork where he studied while serving his apprenticeship as a mechanical fitter. He served part of that apprenticeship with Mulcon Ltd., a company owned by John A Mulcahy, and the remainder was served with J.V. Duffy Plant Ltd., in Dublin, who later sent him to Saudi Arabia for six months managing their plant fleet there.

Tony took up clay pigeon shooting at the age of 15 and was soon winning trophies against senior competitors and was Irish under-18 runner up in 1969. He won that same competition in 1970 and 1971 and was runner up again in 1972. Tony won the Irish Juvenile Skeet Championships in 1970 and went to England in 1972 where he was runner up in the British u/18 Championship.

Tony was selected on the Irish International Sporting Team in 1971. The competition was held at Killeek, Dublin, and that year Ireland won the Luigi Franchi Trophy for the first time in 40 years. He held his place on that team in 1971, 72, 73, 74, 75, and 76 when he retired for a while and made a comeback in 1979.  He won a Tipperary Sports Star award in 1972 and also secured 3rd place for Ireland against Wales in the same year.

Tony was Irish Closed Champion in 1973, Irish Open Champion in 1974, runner-up High Gun v Wales 1974, Munster Sporting Champion 1974, and Irish Representative at European Skeet Champions in England 1974.  In 1975 he became Munster Skeet Champion, Irish International Skeet and Irish High Gun Champion. He was Irish International Skeet champion again in 1976.

International Sporting and Skeet Clay Pigeon Competitions used to be held between Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales and were later joined by Jersey, being staged one year Ireland, next year England and so on.  Prior to all home Internationals Tony was taken to Dublin on the Friday before the shoot on Saturday as a guest of Dr. ‘Nap’ Keeling and his wife ‘Doe’ to make sure he was fresh for the competition and avoided travelling from Fethard on the morning of the events.

Tony was one of Irelands top competitors and his regular high scores are testimony to this. In his prime Tony was to Clay Pigeon Shooting what Pelé was to football. In 1974 at the international sporting championships in Dublin the ICPSA did not put up the coveted trophy for the Irish Open Championships because they feared it may be won by a UK team member. But evergreen Tony was High Gun over the two days with the highest second day score ever recorded at Killeek shooting grounds and again at the international skeet event in 1975. He was also Irish High Gun on both days and was unlucky to lose the international championship by two targets (after a marathon shoot off with three other Englishmen in a 100 bird shoot off) to the British team captain Jack Pennington who had 20 years international competitions behind him, but was high in his praise of Tony. This earned Tony a great write up in a shooting magazine and a treasured letter from the Irish Team Captain, solicitor Arthur McMahon.  Over three hundred people watched that epic shoot off. Tony had shot 100 targets on Saturday, another 100 on Sunday, and then had to shoot another 100 that same evening to decide the winner.

In 1976 he lost the Irish Open Skeet Championship by one target and the left the sport for a couple of years.  In 1979 he made a comeback and was the first man to break 25 straight on the new Clogheen layout and earned a wonderful mention in the Shooting Magazine Rod and Gun. In 1981 he made another come back and competed in the ‘Victor Ludorum All Round Championships’, but through lack of practice he lost by two targets.  That same year he had his place again on the Irish International Sporting team and in June 1982 he competed in the Irish Open Skeet Championships, a two-day event with 100 targets each day.  Tony was amongst the three leaders after the first days shoot and his first round of twenty five targets next morning was broken (twenty five straight) and up to the last twenty of the day Tony was in contention but again due his lack of practice he ‘dropped’ too many in the last round, but earned a great write up from a Northern Ireland shooter and correspondent in a shooting magazine.  He was William ‘Bill’ Johnston and he said of Tony, “When he first came south of the border to shoot skeet, Tony was one of the stars to watch.”

In 1976 he was earmarked for the Montreal Olympics as International Shooters Union Skeet in one of the clay pigeon competitions but would have to attend two major shoots in Europe and that would cost big money. Tony represented his country at Caerphilly in Wales, Northolt, Devon, Mill Hill and Bedford in England, Blairgowire in Scotland and of course, Dublin.

As a young boy he was an accomplished Irish Step Dancer and won many medals for same. Until his teens he lived with his parents, Johnny and Peg, in St. Patricks Place in Fethard. He was a wonderful son to them. Both parents and his sisters Phyllis and Terry were very proud of his achievements. For some years he then resided wherever his work took him and eventually returned to live in Fethard with his wife Margaret and children for a while before deciding to make his home in Ballycarron, Bansha.

Tony was a natural champion and a great ambassador for the sport of clay pigeon shooting in Ireland. On 10th February this year he lost the most important challenge of his life and after a hard fought battle with a long illness he was laid to rest in his native Killusty, just across the road from the school he attended as a young boy.   During a short life he achieved so much and gave so many people such wonderful memories.  He will not be forgotten.

May the green sward of Killusty Churchyard rest lightly on his grave.  

The Late Sr Mary Macnamara
We record the death of Sr. Mary Macnamara who died on Monday 19th June at Our Lady’s Hospital, Cashel. Sr. Mary (formerly Sr. Gemma), who was born and raised in Gormanstown, Knockainey, Co. Limerick, spent her whole teaching life in Fethard.  She came to the Presentation Convent in 1969 and taught in various capacities here until her retirement in 2005. She will be particularly remembered for her role with those preparing for Confirmation and those transferring to Secondary school during the 80s and 90s. In more recent years Sr. Mary was involved in Resource Teaching in the school.  Her many skills and talents are acknowledged as she was a very dedicated teacher and was very highly thought of.

This recognition of her dedication was reflected in the high attendance at her removal and funeral mass. It was most fitting that the children of Nano Nagle N.S. sang at the Mass and provided a Guard of Honour as she left the Parish Church for the last time.

In recent years she bore her illness with great dignity. May she rest in peace.

'Loudest Whisper' return visit to Fethard
A treat for Fethard music lovers is in store on Friday next, 30th June, with the welcome return of Loudest Whisper to Butler's Bar, Main Street. The band received a tremendous reception at their last gig in Fethard and are not to be missed this time around.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn in the Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto on Wednesday 21st June were 19, 21, 28 and 31. There was no Jackpot winner and no ‘Match 3’ winner so three tickets were drawn and the following won €50 each:
Trevor Gough, Coolmore, Fethard;
Celia Byrne, 7 Cois Falla, Fethard;
Anna Cooke, 49 St. Patricks Place, Fethard.