Celebrating Community Spirit at ‘Pride of Place’

Fethard & Killusty Community Council members who represented South Tipperary County Council in the 1,000-2,000 population section of the national Co-Operation Ireland 'Pride of Place' Awards Ceremony held in Cappoquin on Saturday 9th November. L to R: Cllr Tom Ambrose, Chairman South Tipperary County Council; Edwina Newport, Joe Kenny, and Margo Hayes, Liaison Officer, Community & Enterprise, South Tipperary County Council
Fethard and Killusty Community Council was represented by Chairperson, Joe Kenny, and Secretary, Edwina Newport, at the Pride of Place 2008 Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Cappoquin Community Centre on Saturday night last. This event was hosted by Waterford County Council in association with Co-operation Ireland and the Pride of Place Committee. The Pride of Place Competition was set up in 2003 by Co-operation Ireland in association with the Pride of Place Committee of the Local Authority All-island Steering Forum to recognise the vital contributions that Community Groups make to society. It is recognition of the work being done to create caring, viable, vibrant and visible communities. The competition is also an opportunity for communities to tell their story of the pride they have in their place, or project, to experienced judges. Since its inception hundreds of community groups have participated in the competition, with nominations being received from almost every local authority in Ireland. In fact, according to the Chairman of Co-operation Ireland, Mr Christopher Moran, to be nominated by your local authority is a major achievement in the competition process and one of which a community can be proud. Fethard were nominated for this competition by South Tipperary County Council and judging, by Mssrs. Cormac Logue and Blaise Treacy, took place in July. Other South County Tipperary entries were represented on the night by Mr Shay Hurley and Mr Bernard Lennon, Clonmel Workmen’s Boat Club; Mr Patsy Fitzgerald, Carrick-on-Suir Heritage Centre; Mssrs. Pat Langton and Jim Fitzgerald, Glengoole Community & Development Association. Others in attendance, on behalf of South Tipperary County Council, included Mr. & Mrs. Tom Ambrose, Cathaoirleach 2008; Ms. Margo Hayes, Pride of Place Liaison Officer; Mr Sean Keating and Mr Michael O’Brien.

Clonmel Workmen's Boat Club members who represented South Tipperary County Council in the environmental section of the national Co-Operation Ireland 'Pride of Place' Awards Ceremony held in Cappoquin on Saturday 9th November. L to R: Cllr Tom Ambrose, Chairman South Tipperary County Council; Shay Hurley, Bernard Lennon, and Margo Hayes, Liaison Officer, Community & Enterprise, South Tipperary County Council.
The venue for the Gala Ceremony, Cappoquin Community Centre, a wonderful multi-functional community facility, opened in April 2007, is in itself a testament to what communities can achieve when local people power is harnessed in a focussed and ambitious way. Special guests on the night were President Mary McAleese and her husband Dr. Martin McAleese. President McAleese has visited countless communities around the island and has spoken passionately about the role that communities play in ensuring that the society we develop, is one which is people centred, inclusive and one which we can all be proud of. It was therefore most appropriate that the President honoured the organisers and their guests with her presence.

Glengoole Community Development Association members who represented South Tipperary County Council in the environmental section of the national Co-Operation Ireland 'Pride of Place' Awards Ceremony held in Cappoquin on Saturday 9th November. L to R: Cllr Tom Ambrose, Chairman South Tipperary County Council; Pat Langton, Pat Fitzgerald, and Margo Hayes, Liaison Officer, Community & Enterprise, South Tipperary County Council
In her address, the President commented that without community, we would all be strangers. A community exists when people stretch out to become involved and to get to know one another. She continued by saying that the best government in the world cannot do what community activist do. While governments can provide structure and supports, both financial and otherwise, to enhance communities and promote community development that they do not and cannot know what’s going on at grassroots level. The President continued by commenting that all community projects start with great idea, but that community people actually do something with these ideas – without action they would remain undone forever. People do not become involved in community activites for reward, they get no salary, no pension, the contribution they make and the satisfaction of being involved is their only reward. The voluntary effort and the contribution becomes the heart of the community and the projects therein. Historically, Irish people always respond and the President believes that it is in our DNA to overcome adversity. Indeed, she explained that the old proverb “ní neart go cur le chéile” exemplifies the spirit of community inherent in Irish people. President McAleese as well as complimenting the dedication of the individuals in attendance also acknowledged the dedication of all those who support them, their families and others, so they can be involved and give of their time, night after night attending meetings, etc. To conclude, she thanked the various local authorities for promoting the Pride of Place competition and paid particular tribute to the Liaison Officers for their help and support to the competition entrants. President McAleese’s final remark was a sincere “Thank You” on behalf of all the people who benefit, on a daily basis, from the results of active participation in communities throughout the island of Ireland.
Wedding Anniversary

Congratulations to Joe and Anne Keane, St Patricks Place, Fethard, who recently celebrated their ruby wedding anniversary. They are pictured here with theirbestman and bridesmaid of 40 years ago at a function in the Horse and Hound, Dualla. L to R Michael Keane, Joe Keane, Anne Keane and Kay Quirke. We wish them the very best of luck for the future.
Obama, the Fethard connection!
A gaggle of schoolchildren were discussing a newspaper article about Barack Obama, the new President elect of the United States, in a local newsagent’s shop. They had read that Mr Obama had ancestors in the Irish village of Moneygall. The quick-witted newsagent spotted a chance to wind up the kids. She informed them that it was a little known fact that he also had a strong Fethard connection. The name Barack was a popular Fethard name in years gone by, used by Barack Obama’s Fethard ancestors, thus we have got “Barack Street” and “Barack Field”, which have changed over the years to Barrack’s Street and the Barrack’s field.
The kids were amazed with this new snippet of information and duly returned to school to let everybody know the newsagent’s news. Next week she will be informing people how McCain Street, named after John McCain’s Fethard ancestors, became Main Street!
Died Recently
The death has occurred recently of John ‘Boxer’ Ryan, Clonmel, and formerly of Barrack Street, Fethard. Interment took place in Kilcash.
Fethard Macra
Indoor soccer continues on Thursday nights in Monroe. This has been very well attended with up to 25 attending each week. A bus for the Queen of the Land festival in Tullamore on November 15th has been organised. For further details contact 087-9019443. Slievenamon Macra have organized a table quiz in Josie O’Neill’s bar in Ballyneale for Friday, 21st November. Rathkeevin Macra have organised a new members night for Saturday, 22nd November. The first round of the public speaking competition takes place on 29th November. For further information on the club contact 087-9019443, email fethardmacra@gmail.com or check out our Fethard Macra Bebo page.
Many dreams, no inflation in Cloneen

Members of Slievenamon Musical Society who will present their 2008 production “Many Dreams Will Do” in Cloneen Hall from Thursday November 27th to Sunday November 30th, nightly at 8pm. This Show includes many hits from the big Westend and Broadway musicals including Annie, Chess, Les Miserables, Mamma Mia and many more. Be sure to book your seatss now for this entertaining mix of harmony, heartache and humour. Thursday is Family night, tickets priced at €10, with tickets for the following nights costing €15 each. Tickets for Many Dreams Will Do can be booked by phoning 086 3161882.
‘Many dreams will do’ is the name of Slievenamon Musical Society’s 2008 show, that will go on stage from November 27th till 30th. As the title suggests, the show consists of highlights from a great number of musicals. The best songs from the best musicals: it promises to be a very special show, definitely not to be missed. Producer is Michael Scanlon and choreographer Laura Doheny, who have led the Musical Society to great successes in recent years.
Much to the delight of the society, a group of very talented young members will get lots of opportunities to shine. But the adult cast will also feature prominently, with inspired chorus performances, alternated with beautiful solos. Some of the soloists will be familiar to the audience, having successfully carried leading roles in previous years. Others are newcomers, but they are guaranteed to make an equally big impression on their stage debut.

Photographed at rehearsal for 'Many Dreams Will Do' are Back L to R: Katie O'Rahilly, Jessica Brett, Sophia Noonan, Leah Fox, Rebecca Hearne, Niamh Morrissey. Front L to R: Jordan Freeman, Katie Madigan, Georgia Dorban, Érin Kennedy and Chloe Griffin.
Slievenamon Musical Society does not add to inflation so ticket prices are the same as last year, €15. Thursday is family night with reduced prices.
Booking starts on 17th November. Don’t miss out on this great night of entertainment and book your tickets well in advance by phoning 086 3161882. Alternatively, you can contact any member of Slievenamon Musical Society’s committee.

Photographed at rehearsal for 'Many Dreams Will Do' are L to R: Holly Williamson and Jane Hayes.
AGM of The Well Golf Society
The annual general meeting of The Well Golf Society will take place on Tuesday 18th November at 9.30pm in The Well Bar, Burke Street. All are welcome to attend.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on Wednesday 5th November were 9, 25, 27 and 32. We had no Jackpot winner and one "Match 3" winner who receive €150 each:
Mary Boland, Knockinglass, Fethard.
The three €50 Lucky Dip winners were:
Arthur Daly, St. Patricks Place, Fethard;
Eleanor Roche, Strylea, Fethard;
Therese Ryan, Clerihan.
Next week’s Jackpot continues at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1000. You can now play our lotto online from your own computer by visiting fethard.com
November Rosaries in our parish cemeteries
We commend the large group who attended Calvary last Sunday to pray for their dear departed despite the very bad weather. Next Sunday, 16th November, we visit Rathcoole Cemetery at 2.45pm (note change of time) and Redcity at 3.30pm.
On Sunday 23rd November we pray at Kiltinan 3pm, Tullamaine 3pm and Kilmaclugh at 3.30pm. On Sunday 30th November in Killusty Graveyard after Mass.
Trip to Kilkenny with Gerard Crotty
The Fethard Historical Society are meeting Gerard Crotty under the Design Yard Arch opposite the Kilkenny Castle on Saturday 15th November at 1.30 sharp. On the tour we will view Kilkenny’s Coats of Arms with explanations of the sometimes fantastic imagery. We will go from Kilkenny Castle to St. Canices. On the way we will stop off at the monument room at St. Mary's Church which has been made accessible on request. For car-pooling, first gather at the Town Hall, Fethard, at 12.30. Because of the dark evenings we will head off promptly. Everyone is welcome. Fee is €5. Enquiries/bookings 052 31936 or 31537.

One of the heraldic coat of arms from Canices Cathedral in Kilkenny
Gerard Crotty has just finished his research on the Fethard Coats of Arms. The Historical Society hopes to publish an illustrated booklet by Gerard early in 2009.
Table Quiz for Day Care Centre
A table quiz in aid of Fethard & District Day Care Centre will be held in Butler’s Bar on Friday 14th November at 9pm. All are invited to take part and support this worthy cause.
Christmas Cards
The Parents Association for Nano Nagle School are currently finalising a Christmas Card sale featuring the artwork of the pupils in the school. We hope to have cards ready to sell soon and will soon be available from any member of the Parents Association committee or from some of our local shops.
Fethard Bridge Club Results
The results of Fethard Bridge Club game played on Wednesday 5th November for prizes sponsored by Anna Cooke and Bernie O’Meara were:
1st Gross: Rita Kane and Kay St. John (winners of sponsored prize);
2nd Gross: Betty Walsh and Brigid Gorey;
1st Nett: Rita Holohan and Mary Delaney;
2nd Nett: Carmel Condon and Brendan Kenny.
Subscriptions of €25 are now due. Next Wednesday, 19th November we play for the Gross Turkey prizes. Looking for a partner, please contact Berney Myles at 32038.
Happy 70th Birthday

Ollie Fitzgerald, formerly from St. Patrick's Place, Fethard, is photographed above with his brother and sisters on the occasion of his recent 70th Birthday celebration. Ollie is a regular visitor to Fethard and a great supporter of Fethard GAA Club. L to R: Biddy Kearney, St. Patrick's Place; Mickey Fitzgerald, Castlehiggins, Mary Mulcahy, Clonmel and Ollie Fitzgerald, Melton Mowbray, UK.
Fethard & District Rugby Football News
Our under 11s and 12s travelled to Clanwilliam to participate in a blitz. We had 25 aspiring Munster stars all looking for game time and credit the coaches for giving each player a chance.
They won their first game against Galbally on a scoreline of three tries to one. This victory was achieved by great tackling and tremendous defensive work particularly in the second half, when the taller Galbally lads began to dominate, but “the bigger they come the harder they fall” seemed to have been the mantra of the Fethard lads as the tackles were but in hard and fast. The scorers for Fethard were Kyle Walsh who ran in to great tries and Adam Fitzgerald also scored a great try. All three tries were the result of great passing moves and all the lads had great hands in very difficult conditions.
Fethard then faced our hosts Clanwilliam. Despite great games from four outstanding first timers, Adam Keeley, Denis Fogarty, Ruairi Hayes and Darren Prout. We lost this one on a score line of five tries to nil. The coaches were very pleased with this performance and wish to see all at training next Friday as we prepare to face Cashel next Sunday in what will be a very tough assignment.
Fethard under 9s took on a very strong Clanwilliam side and got off to a great start when Jack Grace scored his first try in a Fethard jersey. Clanwilliam began to dominate but these Fethard lads were not for surrendering and began to play some great rugby which resulted in two well taken tries by Jack Dolan and Patrick Scully, leaving only a try between the sides in favour of Clanwilliam. The Clan lads began to pile on the pressure but the Fethard tackling particularly by Ned Grogan, Harry Butler, Darragh Harcourt and Michael Heffernan was of sufficient standard to repel the Clan offensive, and this powerful defensive work set up Richard Cullinan for a great last minute try to tie up the game at four all. Well done lads great performance.
Kilvemnon School Project Third in the World

Welcome home for teacher Kate O'Connell, from Kilvemnon National School after her school project 'Flying High: Exploring Aviation' came third in the world finals held in China. Kate is a daughter of Don and Mary O'Connell, The Valley, Fethard.

Pupils, teachers and staff members of Kilvemnon National School, Mullinahone, photographed after their school project 'Flying High: Exploring Aviation' came third in the world at the Microsoft Worldwide Innovative Teachers Forum held in China.

Teacher Kate O'Connell, photographed with staff members on her return from China. L to R: Fr. John McGrath P.P. and Chairman Board of Management; Marie Hayes, Learning Support; Liz Lonergan, School Secretary; Kate O'Connell; Barbara Luttrell, Principal; Sara Ryan SNA and Evita Hogan SNA.
Greetings from Eldoret
Good morning to all in Fethard and greetings from Eldoret where we are getting some much-needed rain but should be back to normal sunshine in a few days. Then it may not rain until March!
My apologies for being very late in thanking all those who took part in the Slievenamon Classic on that glorious day in June. Their help on that day is being put to good use here now in the matter of getting clean drinking water for all our children and their families. The people of Kabongo have never had access to clean drinkable water in the normal sense. Hopefully before Christmas it will be a dream come true for them. Margaret Ryan has been looking after our interests brilliantly since the Classic. Also many thanks to those from Fethard who patronised our Classic in Mount Wolseley on 29th September. Without you all, I would just have to retire!
I met a man very recently here in Nairobi and in the course of our general chatter I asked him if he was ever in Ireland. He said he was and then I asked him in what part. He casually said Tipperary and then mentioned that he lived with the Grubbs in Fethard in 1965 (just a year after I had left it for the States). His name is Rowland Minns and he was a steeplechase jockey, among other things. I just wonder if you had ever heard of him or if you recall any stories about the Grubb family that I could share with him after all these years. Maybe Tony Newport would recall something?
Finally, I hope that you are in the best of health and I look forward to the Annual Newsletter. In my own parish in Nobber I have been trying to persuade my PP to spearhead something similar in his Parish. He is reluctant for the present although he is a very active man. He will be coming here hopefully in January along with the PP of Ballivor.
Of course, we sincerely hope that we do not have any repeat of what happened here last January . . . ever again! We can do without that sort of mayhem.
My sincere regards to Austie, to Gus and to the Principal of Killusty National School, Mrs Frances Harrington. Cheers to you all in Fethard and looking forward to hearing from you. You are all waking up to a new Pres-Elect of America from Kenya. I doubt if it will make any real difference here in western Kenya, time will tell. God bless you all and many thanks. Much appreciated.
— Bro. Paul (Eldoret, Kenya)
Hunting News
Moving off from Knockfee on Monday, hounds drew the Gorse Covert at the Watertower. Following some good hound work in covert, Charlie was eventually persuaded to leave. They ran over to the mushroom farm where he went to ground. The sandpits were not drawn as they were being busily worked on the day. Moving across the Main Road Derry took the hounds by the lane near the old Ballalley. They had a nice hunt here of some twenty minutes. They found again in the covert in the valley towards the Knockfee-Kedrah Road. This fox could not be persuaded to leave covert where he eventually got to ground. Moving back across the road at the ballalley they quickly found again and finished the day running a good left-handed circle before losing him just short of the Poulmucka road near the old Ballingeary School. Horse and Jockey on Wednesday was just typical Horse and Jockey.
From Newchapel on Thursday, found quickly on the right of the road just below the cross on the Clerihan road. They hunted towards the main Clonmel Road at Barne before marking to ground in Mr. PJ Long’s. Drawing back they found on a hedgerow. Running very strongly they were quite close to their fox when he crossed the Lavally road where they lost him. From Brett’s in the afternoon they hunted out of covert before marking to ground in a roadside shore after a short run. They gorse in the Glen held a brace and a half. A brace crossed the road, hounds stuck with the one that remained and quickly caught him on top. Giantsgrave was the last covert drawn. They found here. After twenty minutes excellent covert hunting, most of it in the plantation section of this thirty to forty acre covert hounds hunted their fox into the Gorse section where he got to ground.
Saturday at Moyglass drew a good field of fifty mounted riders. Drawing down through Fogarty’s they found in Martin Power’s near the Farnaleen Road. Hunting strongly this fox crossed the road at Magorban bridge. Through the Sandpits they crossed the Silverfort Road underneath the old railway bridge to the big plantation. Hunting up to the Buffana end near the laneway Charlie was not inclined to leave the thick cover here and was left. Hacking back to Tynan’s they found here but after a short burst in the covert he got to ground. Drawn on Knockinglass was blank, a short run was had over to Lahart’s which was also blank. By now the afternoon had turned really nasty. Very heavy rain and hail driven by a gale force wind had everyone thoroughly soaked. At Graystown Castle Derry was quite willing to draw on to Hassett’s. However after a consultation the senior members still out decided that the most sensible thing to do would be to call it a day, perhaps wider counsel prevailed. Hacking back to Moyglass the hardy followers still out proved once again that, “good sporstmen and women do not mind the weather and that Irish rain never goes past your skin”.
With the White Heathers
The Ballyluskey White Heathers at Cloneen on Sunday last had what might be called a day of two halves. A great start and a not so good finish, but such is hunting. Kilbury bogs proved blank, going on to Cantwell’s we quickly found. Running down towards the river hounds hunted right handed by Michael McGrath’s farmyard down to Kilbury house where they crossed the laneway. Running on towards Cloneen village they swung left almost to Cloran Bridge. Doing a u-turn here the fox ran back towards Cloneen crossing the Cloneen Killusty road where they checked at the bridge. Cast across the road they worked lane slowly up to the stone quarry where they came on terms with Charlie. He crossed the Fethard Cloneen road almost at the village from where they hunted up to the quarry in O’Brien’s where they lost him.
Huntsman Donie Slattery they drew the large maize field across the road and right down through O’Halloran’s to Cappah Cross without finding again, so home was blown at 3pm. The White Heather followers with to thank Ms. Peggy Burke sincerely for the hospitality dispensed prior to move off.
The Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers meet next Sunday, November 16th, at Clonacody, on November 23rd at The Rectory, Knockelly Road, Fethard and on Sunday 30th at Grove. All meets at 11am. Tipperary Huntsman, Derry Donegan, was winner of the €200 in our members and friends November draw with B.W.H. Master Philly O’Connor winning 2nd prize. Next draw on December 2nd. Subscription €5.

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