Fr. Meagher OSA celebrates 70 years of priesthood

Fr John Meagher OSA concelebrated a special Mass in the Augustinian Abbey on Sunday 22nd November to mark his 70th year in the priesthood. L to R: Fr. Gerry Horan OSA, Provincial; Fr Martin Crean OSA, Prior; Fr John Meagher OSA; Canon Tom Breen P.P.; and Fr. Timmy Walsh OSA.

Congratulations to Fr. John Meagher OSA, aged 93, who celebrated 70 years of priesthood at a special con-celebrated Mass in the Augustinian Abbey on Sunday 22nd November.



Fr. John was born in Limerick on 20th September 1916. He had his first profession on 16th September 1934 and his final profession on 20th September 1937. He was ordained to the priesthood in Rome on 23rd September 1939 and, due to the Second World War, it took him twelve months to make it back to Ireland, having spent three months in Lisbon on the way.


Photographed at Fr. John Meagher's celebration of 70 years of Priesthood are Back L to R: Barry Grace, Maria Grace, John Fogarty, Seamus Kennedy. Front L to R: Anne Kennedy, Lauren Grace, Fr. John Meagher OSA, and Madge Fogarty.

Fr Meagher first served in Fethard Abbey from 1975 to 1981, again from 1989 to 1993, and returned once more in 1997 where he now lives and works in the community. Both the current Augustinian Provincial, Fr. Gerry Horan, and Prior, Fr. Martin Crean, remember serving Fr. Meagher as altar boys in Limerick.


Photographed at Fr. John Meagher's celebration of 70 years of Priesthood are L to R: Gus Nevill, Michael and Geraldine McCarthy

While working as a young priest in London, Fr. Meagher relates a funny incident calling on visitation to his first house — a large flat. A man came to answer the door, “Can I help you?”. Fr. John replied, “This is my first time around and I’d like to know if there are any Catholics here?”

“I beg your pardon Sir,” he said. So I repeated my question and he replied, “Just a minute Sir.” He then went inside and called loudly, “Julia! . . . Julia! . . . are we Catholics?” A few moments later he arrived back saying, “Sorry Sir . . . try next door!”

Fr. Meagher is held in very high esteem by Fethard community and his sense of humour never fails to raise a smile as he mingles with residents on his daily walk around town. We wish him many more years of religious life and health.


Anne and Paddy Lonergan photographed at Fr. John Meagher's celebration of 70 years of Priesthood


Fr. John Meagher with his nephew Sean Mc Govern and his wife Anne


Kathleen Kenny and Fr. John Meagher


Fr. John Meagher and Jimmy O'Shea


L to R: Majella Walsh, Mary Healy, Jill Maher and Anne Kenrick


L to R: Noreen Evans, Gemma Burke, Agnes Evans and Patsy Burke


L to R: Alice and Breda Walsh


L to R: Abbie Tillyer, Anne Tillyer, Laura Hards, KIra Tillyer and Chrissie Cummins.


Aisling and Cian Hennessy


John and Anne Kenrick with Fr. John Meagher

Santa Bear Appeal
This week sees the launch of the CRC’s annual Santa Bear Appeal when you are asked to, ‘Buy a Bear and Show you Care’. This year they have a variety of Santa Bears available for sale in local shops, something for everyone! Badges and key rings for just €2 each. Mini bears cost €5 each. Later in December we will donate proceeds from our annual Carol Singing on the streets of Fethard also to the Santa Bear Appeal.

The Central Remedial Clinic carries out a wide range of free services for children in need, carrying out assessment, diagnosis and treatment of children and adults with a wide range of physical conditions. The CRC is a registered charity based in Dublin and are currently building another new centre in Waterford to cater for the South East area.

St. Vincent De Paul Collection
St. Vincent de Paul annual church gate collection takes place this weekend, Saturday 5th December and Sunday 6th December. Demand for help has increased enormously this year and we ask people to be generous as they can. We know that in an economic recession money is much tighter than before and we only ask to give what you can manage. Donations can also be sent directly to our treasurer, Mr Denis Burke, Redcity, Fethard.

Legendary Loudest Whisper
Loudest Whisper will make a welcome return visit to Butler's Bar, Fethard, on this Friday 4th December, when they play their unique blend of Folk/Rock music. The band is considered ‘Legendary’ in many quarters and should not to be missed.

Slievenamon Musical Society
The members and cast of Slievenamon Musical Society are in the final stages of preparation for their 2009 Production ‘West End Musical Moments’. The show will run from this Thursday 3rd December to Sunday 6th December in Cloneen Hall, nightly at 8.15pm, and tickets, priced at €13 (adults) and €10 (children), are now on sale. Tickets can be booked by ringing 086 3161882, from 11am to 2pm, and 087 328 3074, from 6 to 9pm. An enjoyable nights entertainment is guaranteed, just what is needed as a welcome distraction from the recession!

National Barman’s Wax Appeal
The Castle Inn will support the National Barman’s Wax Appeal in aid of Childline on Saturday 5th December with a night of music supplied by The Sheehans, a ‘Leg Wax’ for the Childline charity and lots of spot prizes. We ask for your support for this great charity and come along and enjoy a great nights entertainment.

Fethard GAA Club AGM
The Annual General Meeting of Fethard GAA Club takes place on Saturday 5th December in the Abymill at 7pm.

Glanbia Christmas Market
All are invited to attend the Glanbia Christmas Market on Saturday 5th December from 10am to 4pm. All proceeds in aid of South Tipp Hospice. All local produce and crafts will be available for sale. For the younger members, Santa will arrive and be available from 12 noon to 4pm. At 4pm we will have an auction of some local art and an original Peter Curling print. All are invited so please come along with your children and enjoy the fun.

Visitors from Australia

John Healy (left) formerly from The Green, Fethard, and now living in Australia is photographed with his son Conor while home on holidays last week.

Fethard Rugby Club
The J3s faced a much fancied Waterpark side at home and showed a great improvement on their performance of the previous week. Waterpark won the game by 25 points to 5 but the scoreline did not do justice to the Fethard side who played some great rugby and their defensive line certainly repulsed the Waterpark side in the first half. Fethard were first to score when a great forward move was well finished by Brian McCormack. The conversion was narrowly missed. On the restart Fethard attacked again and a quick ball from a ruck released Alan O’Connor down the wing who ran all of 40 yards before being pushed into touch just on the try line, a drier day would have yielded a certain try. Fethard went into the break five points behind.
Fethard started the second half in determined fashion and broke the gain line on numerous occasions and when Paul Scully rucked forward a try looked certain but the covering Waterpark player got a foot to the ball just as Paul was about to tuck down a score he would have richly deserved as he was very impressive throughout. Tommy Anglim put in another good performance as did Nigel O’Connell at hooker and the Doyle brothers, Eoin and Declan, also looked sharp. This team is in the building stage and with more experience will be a match for any of the more long established clubs.

The Under 19s played Nenagh at home and opened with a well taken penalty by Ben Walsh following sustained Fethard pressure on the Nenagh line. Nenagh had two players sin binned in the first 20 minutes but handling errors and stout Nenagh defence prevented Fethard from taking advantage of their numerical strength.
When Nenagh were returned to the full 15 Fethard’s defence was under immense pressure and it resulted in a Nenagh try, they missed the conversion and led at the break by 5 points to 3.

Fethard opened the second half with resolve and were camped on the Nenagh line for long periods but could not get the final touch down. It was Fethard’s turn to absorb pressure and when Fethard miss-rucked from their 25 it was gathered by Nenagh who crossed the line to make the final score 10-3 to Nenagh. These lads are out against Kilfeacle on Friday night so they all need to be at training on Tuesday night at 8pm.

Our under 15s travelled to Cashel to play a friendly and ended up taking on Cashel and Kilfeacle. Their unbeaten run continues as they came away with two victories. They played a very strong Kilfeacle side in the first game and put in a great team performance but the weather conditions made it a day for forward play and Fethard rucked their way up field before Jack McCarthy grabbed the ball and burst over for Fethard’s first try, Joss Murray converted. Luke Keating put in his best game of the season while David Hayes gave a tackling demonstration. The Fethard forwards again rucked up field when Ger Gorey took the ball and crossed for Fethard’s second try, Ger is improving with every outing. Tom Anglim, Shane Cleere and Keith Brunnock also had great games.

The second game was much tighter and injuries to a number of players forced us to borrow a player from Cashel. As in the previous game much of the work was done through the forwards but when they released the backs a great passing movement involving David Hayes, Tom Anglim and Paul Butler released Cian O’Connell to score under the posts, which Joss Murray converted. Cashel rallied and came up field to cross for their only score. Adam Fitzgerald and Willie Ryan also put in great games in the Fethard jersey.

Please remember to book your tickets for the rugby club Christmas Party. Cost is €35 per ticket, strictly limited. Music from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s by Tipp FM D.J.

Thanks Matty!

A presentation was made to Mary and Matty Tynan last weekend in Moyglass in recognition of their effort and work in researching and organising the function that honoured the Moyglass senior hurlers, South Champions 1934, which was sincerely appreciated by the families of the original team. L to R: Derry O'Dwyer, Mick O'Neill, Mary Tynan and Matty Tynan.

Fethard ICA Guild
Reminding to all ICA members that we meet at Raheen House on 12th December at 2pm for our Christmas Party Lunch. All members wishing to attend and who haven't given their names please contact Margaret at 6131378 or Anne at 6131411 before Tuesday 8th December. This gathering will replace the December meeting. Reminding members also of the Christmas Market taking place at Glanbia Fethard on Saturday 5th December in aid of South Tipperary Hospice. Your support will be much appreciated.

Mother and Toddler Group
Are you interested in joining a Mothers and Toddlers Group in Fethard Youth Centre (Convent Hall) week mornings from 10am to 12 noon. For further details contact Marian at Tel: (052) 6132611 from 10am to 4pm on Mondays and Tuesdays, or Wednesdays from 10am to 12noon.

Hunting News
Tipperary Foxhounds from their Rosegreen meet on Monday 23rd had a very good run from Railstown. Finding near the graveyard they ran towards Kilbragh House, swinging right-handed from here they hunted strongly to the Coolmoyne Road which they crossed above the Coolmoyne Couriers depot. Hunting on to Eamonn Walsh’s and Martley’s they ran down to Tullamaine. The fox turned right-handed short of the covert and ran a circle back through Martley’s again and back to the main Tullamaine covert where he went to ground.

Ballysloe on Wednesday featured some great hound work in a big forest where they accounted for a brace. With a few foxes still on foot here the pack split with the main body hunting to Coalbrook and Ballingarry. From Skehan’s, from St. Johnstown on Thursday, hounds got off to a flier. Through O’Donnell’s and Sparrow’s they crossed the St. Johnstown road. Even by then there was at least a good half mile between the Huntsman and the tail followers. Up to Blackmore’s the fox turned short of the road and ran back down to the river and marked to ground in Bawnbrack.

The saying that “there is nothing as mysterious as scent” was certainly proved on Thursday. While hounds were flying on this run it was a case of noses to the ground for the remainder of the day. Nevertheless they finished the day with a good afternoon’s hunting at the Waterfall and across the Killenaule Road, through Mortlestown, Grangebarry and finished the day hunting across the road again and back to Coolbawn Cross.

On Saturday, from Thomastown, they found in Mrs Valentine’s. Hounds however were stopped in Victor Stud due to stock being out. Moving on to Heney’s they found and marked to ground, caught on top in Mossie’s Glen and from Tommy Stack’s ran back to the Glen. Drew Matthew Lyon’s blank. Hunted from Phil Morrissey’s to Long Grove and to ground in Purcell’s. Finishing the day with a run from The Long Grove to ground in Burke’s. It was great to see Derry back hunting hounds from the Rosegreen meet and a very well done to Sam on his excellent job hunting hounds while Derry was out of commission.

With the White Heathers

Ballylusky White Heather Harriers ready for road on Sunday morning last following refreshments at The Rectory House, Fethard.

The White Heathers enjoyed another very good day from Coolbawn Cross on Sunday. They quickly chopped a fox found in Coolagh Graveyard. Moving on to the fort on Skehan’s Farm they had a nice run on one of a brace from here. Running back to Prendergast’s they ran down to St. Johnstown Bridge where they crossed the road. Hunting well around Guiry’s their fox ran back to the fort at Coolbawn Cross where he got to ground. Hounds were then laid on to a fox which was viewed on foot while they were marking to ground. Holding the line off straight away they ran towards Blackmore’s, doing a U-turn short of here Charlie ran back almost to Coolbawn Cross again where he crossed the road. Hunting on they pushed him through Grangebarry, by Ms Liz Grant’s they crossed the Coolbawn Cross – Moyglass Road. Running down through the Airport the fox turned left-handed once again and crossed the Fethard – Killenaule Road to Dillon’s where they lost him.

Hounds were vanned from here to the entrance to Blackmore’s. Finding quickly here once again they crossed the road to the Laurels in Mortlestown. Hunting strongly now they pushed their fox out at the bottom. Running again towards Ms Liz Grant’s, Charlie wheeled left-handed and ran straight to the New Line which he crossed at Sue Perry’s. Hounds were running towards Knockanglass when they checked and were stopped bringing an excellent days hunting to a close. This was the White Heather Harriers best days hunting so far this season.


L to R: Tom Sayers and Michael McCormack

The pack met on Sunday last, 29th November, at The Rectory House, Fethard. Sincere thanks to Laurence and Rosina Kenny for their hearty Céad Míle Fáilte and lavish refreshments dispensed on the day. A great afternoon’s hunting followed in the Crampscastle, Everardsgrange, Bennetshill, Carraigbawn and Muillean Bawn districts. The day concluded with a run from Byrneskill across the Killusty – Fethard road to Kiltinan, Loughcopple and back to Carrigeen Gorse where they lost him.

Extra Christmas prizes for Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
Extra draws for Christmas turkeys and hams will take place on 2nd, 9th and 16th December. We will have draws for three turkeys and three hams each week. We then take a two-week break so there will be no lotto draw on 23rd and 30th December. The next Lotto draw after Christmas and the New Year will take place on Wednesday 6th January 2010. The Lotto Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people at home and away who support the lotto each week. It is greatly appreciated and we hope you will continue to do so in 2010.
The numbers drawn on 25th November were 3, 19, 20 and 29. We had no Jackpot winner and 0ne ‘Match 3’ winner who received €150.
Breda Carroll, c/o Ryan's, Coolmoyne Cross

The three following Lucky Dip winners received €50 each:
Carol Kenny, The Green, Fethard
Gwen Cooke, St. Patricks Place, Fethard
Richard O'Brien, c/o Arthur Daly.
Next week’s Jackpot continues at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1000.

Annual Newsletter Donations
The Annual Emigrant's Newsletter ask you to please support this year's issue by making a donation here. All proceeds go to the publishing and delivery of the Annual Newsletter, free of charge, to our emigrants living throughout the world. Donations of €10 and over will be acknowledged in this year's issue.