Died in USA
The death has occurred in USA of Mr Michael Coffey, formerly from Mocklers Terrace, Fethard.


Remains will arrive at Holy Trinity Parish Church Fethard at 6.45pm on Friday 4th May. Requiem Mass at 11am on Saturday 5th May followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery.

Spanish Students
Families with teenage children from 12-16 years are wanted for accommodation for Spanish students who will visit the area for four weeks in July. A total of €850 will be paid for the four weeks. No school. For more details please telephone: 086 1574880.

Fethard RFC Win First Munster Cup

Fethard Rugby Club’s under 14 team who won the under-14 East Munster Cup beating Kilfeacle in the final played at Carrick on Sunday 22nd April. Back L to R: Paul Ronan (coach), Jack Brett, William Croke, Aaron Conran, Colm Shanahan, Thomas Nolan, Alan Casey, Robert Hall, Daniel Hickey (captain), Ciarán Power, Michael John Murphy, Timmy O'Donovan, Declan Fanning, Craig Dorney, Frankie O'Donovan, Paul Kavanagh (coach). Front L to R: Conor McGuire, Shane Power, Ciarán Hayes, Stephen McGuire, Danny Gerard, Conor Kavanagh, Joe Morgan, Colin Meagher, Kevin Hall and Stephen Tierney.

Oh what a day! Oh what a great bunch of young men. Fethard Rugby Club’s under 14 team produced a scintillating display in Carrick on Sunday last to bring home the under-14 East Munster Cup.

Our gallant band of young men, captained by Daniel Hickey who produced another best personnel performance, started nervously and gave up easy ball to Kilfeacle who punished them with a well taken penalty in the first half to leave the score at 3 points to nil in favour of Kilfeacle at half time. All the parents mentors and supporters were on tenterhooks, as stout Kilfeacle defence had kept our team scoreless for the first half, despite having the bulk of the possession and playing the best rugby. 

The half time talk from the coaches was direct and inspirational, with young Paul Ronan giving one of the most concise and motivational half time talks I have ever heard. The captain brought them into a huddle and the players prepared themselves for the battle of the second half and again listening to them as they roared out “Fethard — Fethard — Fethard” one could not but feel that something special was going to follow.

From the start of the second half when Kieran Power claimed the kick off and took route one, to gain fifty yards with all the forwards in support, Fethard showed its intent. Daniel Hickey began to play the corners and with Colm Shanahan playing the best rugby of his career. He conspired with Michael John Murphy and Robert Hall to win a line out on Kilfeacle’s 25 and with quick ball from Conor Kavanagh, who again excelled at scrum half, released Kieran Power for the first and only try of the game. Daniel’s conversion attempt went wide off the post.

The Fethard team were now firing on all cylinders and the attacking runs from the backs was amazing to see. Thomas Nolan, Ciarán Power and Aaron Conran broke the defensive line so many times it lifted the entire team. The Kilfeacle side resorted to kicking out of defence, but our young full back Joe Morgan handled everything they threw at him with the maturity of a professional.

The forwards at this stage were dominating the bigger Kilfeacle pack and Robert Hall and Michael John Murphy were now winning all the line outs and any one they missed, ‘Bomber’ Shanahan contrived to win it back for Fethard. This pressure from Fethard yielded a penalty which Daniel Hickey converted to leave the score at eight points to three.

From the kick off Kilfeacle attacked with purpose which was very well defended by Fethard, but at a cost, as every parent present groaned with anxiety, as two of out stars Thomas Nolan and young Frankie O’Donovan lay prostrate on the field. Thank God both young men were fine with Thomas continuing and almost breaking way for a try on the restart gaining all of 50 yards. Frankie, having played very well, had to retire with an egg size bump on his forehead, but within minutes, this brave young man was cheering on his team mates as he held an ice-pack to his bump.

Frankie’s spirit epitomizes the spirit, purpose, commitment and dedication shown by these young men all season. They, all of them from 1-25, did themselves proud, their parents proud and their club proud, and the promise for these men is, that with the quality of the coaching available to them in Fethard, they can look forward to great and enjoyable careers playing rugby.


Coming home with the cup!

The victorious team were paraded through Fethard and arrived back at the Community Field at 3.30 for the end of season barbecue, where our club president Jimmy O’Sullivan welcomed them back and their coach and our club chairman, Paul Kavanagh, thanked them for their sportsmanship and the sense of pride he felt for their success.


Jack kenny and Mark Sullivan providing music at the Fethard Rugby Club's end of season party.

God smiled on us as the threatened rain never came and with the music blaring out from our D.J. Jack Kenny the games played were great craic and the food tasted so sweet, with loads for everyone. A big thanks to all the parents who donated so much food, and to Conor Murray for sponsoring the beautiful burgers, rumour has it that Conor is thinking of a career on TV — George Hook look out! A big thank you to all the cooks on the day led by super chef Ger Manton and that coach turned head grill chef Tony Fitzgerald.

Photographed at the Fethard Rugby Club's end of season party were L to R: Kym Hahessy, Chloe Devaney and Tommy Sheehan>


Children having fun to the music at the Fethard Rugby Club's end of season party last Sunday


Photographed at the Fethard Rugby Club's end of season party were L to R: Maryanne Keane, Natalie Walsh and Sarah McManus.


Sean Devaney making a run at the Tag Rugby challenge.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on Wednesday 18th April were: 16, 18, 21 and 23. There was no Jackpot winners and no Match 3 winner so three tickets were drawn and the following won €50 each:
Helen Grace, Barrack St. Fethard;
Ml. Monaghan, c/o Joan O’Donohoe;
Niall Higgins, c/o The Well.

The €50 Luck Dip winners were:
John Pollard, Rocklow Rd. Fethard;
Frank Hickey, Ballycullen, Mullinahone;
Eileen Stokes, Coalbrook, Thurles.

Next week’s Jackpot is €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1000. 

Fethard’s Munster Player

Lisa Anglim (centre), Kilnockin, Fethard, photographed with her fellow Clonmel Rugby Club players who were chosen to play in the first ever Munster under-18 Girl rugby squad. L to R: Danni Delahunty, Lisa Anglim and Mollie O'Donnell.

Congratulations are due to Fethard girl Lisa Anglim who has made it on to the Munster under-18 rugby squad. Lisa, age 15, togged out on the squad last week when they played a challenge match against the English under 18 champions, Worchester, in their first game of the season.

The squad will soon be in action against teams from each of the other provinces. Their first match is against Ulster. Both date and venue have yet to be confirmed. We wish Lisa the best of luck for the coming season.

Social Dancing
This Sunday night we will have social dancing at Fethard Ballroom from 9 to 12 to the lovely music maker Peter Burke. All are welcome.

Happy 90th Birthday Pat

Margaret O'Brien sent us this photograph from New York taken at her father's 90th birthday party celebrated at Slievenamon Golf Club. Pat O'Brien from The Valley, is photographed above with family members L to R: Patrick and Margaret O'Brien, Theresa O'Brien, Paul O'Brien, Patrick O'Brien, Margaret O'Brien OSU, Con Ryan, Jean (O'Brien) Collins, Liam O'Brien, Brid (O'Brien) Ryan and Thomas O'Brien

Fethard Bridge Club
The first round of the Club Championship was put back to 18th April because of the unavailability of the Tirry Centre on 11th April. The results of the first round are: 
1st Gross: Berney Myles and Alice Quinn;
2nd Gross: Frances Burke and Breda Walsh;
1st Nett: Olive Looby and Nora Ahearne;
2nd Nett: Rosemary Lalor and David Abell.

On Wednesday next, 2nd May, we play the third round of the Club Championship. Please note the following for your diary: We play for our President’s Prize on 9th May which is one week earlier than originally scheduled, our end of season party will be held at the Fairways Restaurant, Slievenamon Golf Club on Friday 11th May, and our AGM will be held on 16th May, again one week earlier than scheduled.

Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 32038.

Community Games Athletics
Fethard and Killusty Community Games will hold their Area Athletics on Monday next, April 30th in Fethard Community Sportsfield, Killenaule Road, commencing at 6.30pm. Entry fee €2. All competitors must be under the age specified on July 31st and must reside in the parish. Races are under-8, 60m and 80m; under-10, 100m and 200m; under-12, 100m and 600m; under-14, 100m and 800m; under-16, 100m and 1500m. Enquiries to games office at Tel: (052) 31906.

Fethard Ladies Football

Fethard Under-12 ladies football team who were beaten by Ardfinnan in the opening round of the championship.

Fethard Ladies football junior team had an easy victory over Emly in Emly on Sunday last. The under-12 team were beaten by Ardfinnan but will benefit from the experience.

Senior Day at Fethard Day Care Centre
The Fethard & District Day Care Centre will hold a Senior Day on this Friday 27th April commencing at 11am. The chiropodist will attend and the cost of this service if needed is €10. The district nurse will also be in attendance. A hot meal will also be served at a cost of €5. This service is open to all our senior citizens so please come along.

Six months to tour the world

Nuala Sheehan from Clarebeg, Killusty sent us this photograph while taking six months to travel around the world with her boyfriend Paul from Malahide, Co Dublin. Nuala has just been in Australia and is now in New Zealand. She has also had great fun on a white water rafting trip on the Kaituna River in Rotorua, North Island of New Zealand. NUala says a big 'Hello' to the folks back home.

Fethard GAA Club News
The County Senior Football League penultimate stage was just missed by a score difference of two points. Best of luck to all those remaining in the semifinals. Our seniors are busy preparing for the county championship, which is due to start in two weeks time.

Our Minor Footballers are due to play this weekend. Check sports page for details. Well done to Christopher Sheehan who was on Tipperary team that beat Clare in the Munster Minor Football Championship replay last Saturday in Kilmallock and is also on the panel for the game against Waterford on Wednesday 25th April, with our own Brian Burke one of the team selectors.

Our Lotto Draw €4,500 was not won. The numbers drawn were 6, 17, 20 and 21. We had no match three winner so €30 each went to Niall O’Dwyer, Catherine Dempsey (Fairfields, Clonmel), Austy O’Flynn (Burke St), Austy Godfrey (Derryluskin), Dick Fitzgerald (St Patrick’s Place), with the €50 Lucky Dip going to Davy Maher (Barrack Street).

Charity evening at 'Opera'

L to R: Bernie Maher (proprietor) and Faith Amond at the charity evening at 'Opera' boutique in Fethard.


L to R: Carmel Condon, Suzanna Manton, Sally Hayes and Joan Hayes photographed at the charity evening at 'Opera' boutique in Fethard last weekend.


L to R: Breda Lee, Frances Cahill and Ann McGrath photographed at the charity evening at 'Opera' boutique in Fethard.


L to R: Annette Murphy, Niamh Maher, Julie Mulcahy and Mary O'Connell photographed at the charity evening at 'Opera' boutique in Fethard last weekend.


L to R: Geraldine Lyons, Eileen Frewen, Una Ryan and Florence O'Brien photographed at the charity evening at 'Opera' boutique in Fethard.


L to R: Ann Danaher and Monica Moriarty photographed at the charity evening at 'Opera' boutique in Fethard.

Fethard Juvenile GAA Club
It has been a busy few weeks in the Juvenile Club with matches being played at all levels. Our under-10s were at home to Clonmel Commercials in a challenge match on Sunday of last week and it was the first time this team had played together. Some wonderful displays of talent and skills were very evident and a well deserved draw was the final score on the day. Our thanks to Commercials for coming to play us in Fethard.

The under-12s have played two matches in their championship bid and came away with two great wins. Their first match was at home to Mullinahone and they came away with a convincing win. They were then home to St Patricks on Saturday morning of last week and a great game of football was watched by all that turned out to see them play. These young lads did themselves, their club and trainers proud and their one point victory was well deserved. Being two points down in the final minutes of the game, their determination got them the win they deserved, having to fight hard every step of the way up the field. Their outstanding teamwork and strength allowed Dion Butler to score an outstanding goal in the dying minutes to leave them one point clear. A definite nail-biter of a game and one that makes you proud to be a Fethard supporter. This is an outstanding young team many of whom will be available again next year. We wish them the very best of luck.

Our under-14s have had no matches but are out on Thursday evening and we wish them the very best of luck in their championship match.

The under-16s were at home in a challenge match to St. Patricks on Saturday morning of last week and what a great match! They came away with a great win showing  much improvement in their game play, determination and teamwork. They play two matches this week. Well done to the lads and keep up the good work!

Well done also to Cathal Hurley, Tommy Sheehan, Damien Morrissey, Eoin Fitzgerald, Alan Lawrence, Brian Delahunty, Ger Maher, Frankie O'Donovan and Dean Sharpe on playing with the south Tipp Under-14 football team on Saturday last. Unfortunately they were not in the winning enclosure but it was great to see nine of the local boys representing the Fethard Club.

The club would also like to say well done to Willie Morgan, David Hayes and Brian Healy who played with the under-11 Clerihan soccer team who reached the divisional finals by beating many prominent soccer teams including Clonmel Town.

Well done also to Christopher Sheehan who played with the Tipperary minor footballers who beat Clare last week in a thrilling replay. They now go on to play Waterford in the Munster semifinal. Well done Chris and good luck.

Another reminder please that membership fees are now due, €15 per child. Any queries please phone club secretary Caroline Sheehan Tel: 086 1713502.

21st Birthday Party

Linda Kenny with her family on the occasion of her 21st Birthday Party at Slievenamon Golf Club. L to R: Tina Conran, Brian Kenny, Brendan and Mary Kenny, Shane Kenny, Monica Hickey and Linda Kenny.


Adrian Minogue and Linda Kenny


L to R: Benny Hahessy, Sheila Condon, Kevin Condon, Niamh Kenny, Shane Kenny, Brendan O'Dwyer and Wally Mackey.


L to R: Marta Rydlinska, Brian Kenny, Tony O'Dwyer and Catriona Joyce.


L to R: Colette Phelan and Linda Kenny


L to R: Michaél Long, Tracy Coady, Gerard Muren, Linda Kenny, Susan Sayers and Kyle O'Donnell.




L to R: Gerard Muren, Caoimhe Finnegan, Suzie Jameson and Aisling Fleming.


L to R: Shane Kenny, John Paul Looby, Brendan O'Dwyer and Audrey Sheehan.


Photographed at Linda Kenny's 21st Birthday Party are L to R: Eimear Shelly, Breda O'Neill, Melissa Skehan and Róisín Blake.