On your bike!
Tom Culligan, Market Hill, getting ready to go to town on his 1969 Honda 50. Tom purchased the bike back in 1974 for £50 from Bill Purcell, The Mall, Clonmel. The previous owner Liam Brennan from Seskin Kilsheelan recently made Tom an offer to purchase the bike back.
Tipperariana Book Fair this Sunday
The 15th annual Tipperariana Book Fair will take place this Sunday afternoon, 14th February (St. Valentines Day) in Fethard Ballroom from 2pm to 6pm. An added feature of the day will be the presence of an extra four or five new local ‘book dealers’ from county Tipperary.
Authors coming
Since the beginning it has been the policy of the organisers to invite authors of ‘Tipperary interest’ books to come to the fair so as to sell and especially sign their books, which of course they will be delighted to do. Dr. Risteárd Mulcahy, a famous man in his own right, and the son of an even better known father, General Richard Mulcahy, will be attending the fair with his book, ‘My Father, The General’, published by Liberties Press last year. The Mulcahy family have long Tipperary connections since the Doctor’s grandfather came as Postmaster to Thurles, from Waterford, in the late 1800s. Bob Keating, author of another book with strong War of Independence connections, will also be present with his book, ‘Eamon de Valera & Michael Collins, Still Making History’, which explores the role played by South Tipperary in those troubled times.
Going back further still to the late 1700s, we have the story of ‘Captain Jeremiah Grant –The Highwayman’ from Moyne which is a play written by Margaret Maher Gleeson, and Margaret will also be at the fair. Then we come into very modern times and members of the Nenagh Writers Group will be there with their book, ‘Top of the Pile’, and they will join other Tipperary authors of 2009 books — a great year for quality Tipperary books.
Book Donations
Already many books have been donated to the Historical Society for sale on the day, and further ‘supplies’ can be left into the Ballroom on Friday night between 9pm and 11pm and again on Saturday afternoon between 2pm and 6pm when members will be present making preparations for the big day. Contact can also be made via bookfair@fethard.com or by phoning (052) 6123402 or (052) 6131936.
Nano Nagle Fundraising for Haiti
Fund-Raising for Haiti in Nano Nagle SchoolJunior Infants at Nano Nagle National School used a novel way to raise funds for the Haitian earthquake victims. They held a "Sponsored Letter Recognition", and raised over seven hundred euro. Their teacher, Mrs Margaret Gleeson, would like to thank all parents, families and friends for their generosity and co-operation in this event. Well done to all. Every euro counts for such a trajedy.
Computer Classes Ready To Go
Beginners Computer Classes will commence in the Internet Café at Fethard Youth Centre within the next fortnight. There was a good response to the recent advertisement and now the Community Council, in conjunction with South Tipperary VEC, are in a position to run two classes – one on Tuesday nights from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and another on Wednesday mornings from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Both classes will run for six weeks and will cover the same content, including introduction to computers; using the internet, email and basic typing. If you have already signed-up please contact Marion at Fethard Youth Centre, phone: 6132611, (from 10am to 4.30pm, Monday and Tuesday, and from 10am to 1pm on Wednesday) or the Community Office, phone: 6131000, with your preference for the Tuesday or Wednesday class. There are also a limited number of places still available on a first come basis, pick up the phone and book your place today!
Kathleen back in Fethard
Kathleen O'Connell, Burke Street, photographed with her son Don O'Connell on a visit to the Augustinian Abbey in Fethard last week.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on 3rd February were: 1, 21, 30 and 31. We had no Jackpot winner and no ‘Match 3’ winner so the following drawn tickets received €50 each: Corina Roe, Monkstown, Dublin; Rita Burke, Woodvale Walk, Fethard; Margaret Walshe, Barrack Street, Fethard.
The three following Lucky Dip winners received €50 each: Brendan Kenny, St. Patricks Place, Fethard; Frank Mullins, c/o Tom Purcell; and Bernadette McManus, Burke Street, Fethard.
Next week’s Jackpot continues at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1000.
Enjoying Vyvienne Long concert
Vyvienne Long meeting some of her fans after her gig in the Abymill Theatre last weekend. L to R: Vyvienne Long, Anne Allison, Daithi Allison from Ballypatrick, Eamon Dawson and Denise Dawson from Kilsheelan.
Photographed at the Vyvienne Long concert in the Abymill Theatre last weekend are L to R: Shane Long, Amanda Gibson, Sarah Moloney, Fiona Hyland and Shane Minogue.
Vyvienne Long photographed with Vinny Murphy after the gig.
Third County Title in a row
A new season and another title for Jack Connolly, The Green, after he won the Waterford / Tipperary County Championship 2010, held in Tramore Boxing Club on the 6th and 7th February. Jack boxing out of the red corner on Saturday 6th, in the Boys 3, 54kg semi-final, was up against M. McDonagh from Dungarvan Boxing Club. This had all the hallmarks of being a top contest, but Jack had other ideas and wanted a cushy afternoon, so after 45 seconds of the first round the referee stopped the fight, having seen enough of Jacks lethal power and clean shots to the head and body. He was now on his way to the final.
Sunday was county final day and Jacks next opponent was Mark Lennon from Thurles Boxing Club. This fight went the three rounds with the Fethard man boxing out of the blue corner and winning the fight on a scoreline of 12 points to nil, to become Waterford / Tipperary County Boy 3, 54kg Champion for 2010.
To round off a brilliant weekend for Jack he also won the Frank O’Meara Perpetual Shield for ‘Best Boxer of the Championships’ and Clonmel Boxing Club winning the best boxing club of the championships for the 9th consecutive year.
Next up for Jack is the Munster Championships which will be held this year in Cork. So until then, a few weeks time, it’s intense training and special dieting with Jack’s favourite friend ‘the scales’ out again for another season. Best wishes Jack.
Fethard Macra upcoming events
Fethard Macra will be staging the play ‘Till We Meet Again’ on Tuesday 16th March at the Abymill Theatre in Fethard. This play will be performed in the Macra na Feírme All Ireland National Drama Contest. Cast is as follows: Michael Moclair (old man/young man), Noel Clancy (man), Una Shanahan (old woman), Leha McNamara (woman), and Anne Kennedy (sister).
The next meeting of Fethard Macra will be held on Friday 12th February in the ICA hall in Fethard at 9.30pm. All are welcome to attend. For further information contact Michael at 087 9019443 or email fethardmacra@gmail.com or on Bebo ‘FethardM’ also check out our page on Facebook. Further information can also be found on www.southtippmacra.com or http://fethardmacra.blogspot.com
'Down Your Way' at Lonergan's
Photographed at the recording of 'Down Your Way' at Lonergan's Bar in Fethard last weekend are L to R: Patrice Tobin, Deirdre Dorney, Michael Lyons and Joan Carroll. The programme will be broadcast on Tipp FM on Thursday 11th February from 7pm to 8pm.
Photographed at the recording of 'Down Your Way' at Lonergan's Bar in Fethard last weekend are L to R: Eamon O'Dwyer (Tipp FM), Waltie Moloney, Johnny Murphy and Jimmy O'Shea.
Photographed at the recording of 'Down Your Way' at Lonergan's Bar in Fethard last weekend are L to R: Mary Cummins, Selena Cummins, Kay Cummins, Richard Cummins, Noel Cummins, Tom Cummins, Miceál Breen and Eileen Breen. Richard was also celebrating 28 years service as a member of the Red Cross and Eileen was celebrating her retirement as branch treasurer after 21 years service.
Photographed at the recording of 'Down Your Way' at Lonergan's Bar in Fethard last weekend are L to R: Breda Dwyer, Margaret Flanagan, Declan Flanagan and Micky Flanagan.
Fethard Ladies Football
Officers elected at our AGM were: Tom McCarthy (chairman); Maureen McCarthy (secretary) and Joe Keane (treasurer). Membership fees are now due as follows: Junior €47, Juvenile (10 to 18 years) €32, and Under 10, €18. All fees are to be paid by the 1st March.
Training resumes this Saturday 13th February at 11am in the school field for all juveniles. Registration will also take place on Saturday.
A medal presentation night for last year’s victorious county winning junior team will take place in Butler’s Bar on Friday 19th February at 9pm. All are welcome.
Fethard Bridge Club
On 3rd February we played the second round of the Player of the Year competition, which was a change of partner, and the results were: 1st Gross, Berney Myles and Breda Walsh; 2nd Gross, Carmel Condon and Nora Lawrence; 1st Nett, Brigid Gorey and Mike Burke; 2nd Nett, Ellen Rochford and Mary Delaney.
On Wednesday next, 17th February, we play the third round of the Player of the Year competition. Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 6132038.
Fethard & District Juvenile Rugby
There was a fantastic turnout of players and supporters last Sunday in Fethard Community Field for a dry morning of rugby that was enjoyed by all. Fethard hosted a minis blitz with visiting teams from Galbally and Kilfeacle.
The Under 7s had two great games with some fine tries in both. First up they played Galbally and put in a fine performance with great tackling from Connor Walsh, Éabha Fitzgerald, Michael Scully and Aidan Fitzgerald. Fast pickup consistently came from Connor Neville ably assisted by Shane Neville, Ian Harrington and Aaron Denny. Robert Wall and Lucy Murphy put in some great ball work throughout the game. In the 2nd game against Kilfeacle, a tougher game, saw Connor Neville score a great try with back up from all the team. Well done to you all and keep up the great work.
The Under 8s also played two games during the morning and proved a force to be reckoned with scoring magnificent tries throughout the game. This team are really coming on great and are improving all the time and getting in fine tackles, their recycling of the ball is coming along and they are working together with impressive passing. The team consisted of Eoghain Fitzgerald, James Phillips, Max Maher, Peter Wall, Richard Anglim, Paddy Gaynor, Eoin Walsh, Connor Vaughan, Mathew Burke and Ben Purcell.
The Under 10 team first played Kilfeacle and Galbally with great results. Trojan work displayed by Matthew Gleeson, Gavin Ryan and David McCormack with Darragh Lynch, ably assisted by Ciaran O'Dwyer, proving tough and consistent. Dale Murphy, John Gilman, Joe Carroll and Frankie Meagher put in fine performances on the day.
The Under 11s had two games throughout the morning and it was a pleasure to watch these players taking the game to a new level as they have this year especially from Ned Grogan, Jack Grace and Richard Holohan who have excelled themselves this season. We must not forget the storming work by Jack Dolan, Patrick Scully, Mark Heffernan and Harry Butler. This team was then strengthened again by the work of Jack Kealy, Ross McCormack and Joseph O'Connor. The Under 11's put in fine tackles and scored some great tries off some tough mauling.
The Under 12s had one game against Kilfeacle and proved too strong for them last Sunday. Michael Gaynor and Andrew Phelan consistently tackled with Jason Ryan. Brian Norton and Matthew Lynch providing great bursts of speed with the ball into contact. John Clancy and Phillip Fogarty put in fine tackles during the game. Tries came thick and fast from Mark Collins, Pierce Blackmore, Phillip Maher all one a piece. Padraig Feehan scored twice during the game then both Liam Maher and Keith Cleere scored a hat-trick of tries each.
Training for all continues on Friday evenings in the Community Field from 6.45pm to 8pm from the age of 6 years up to 13 years. Older teams train from 8pm to 9pm. It is great to see a wonderful turnout for training and matches with great support from parents. If you are interested in joining us come along on a Friday evening and we would be delighted to see you.
‘Stars in our Bars’ at Lonergans
The 'Stars in our Bars' competition, which is being run in conjunction with Smithwicks, is giving the Irish public the chance to showcase their abilities in the Vintners' Federation of Ireland's search for new Irish talent.
Lonergan’s Bar invite competitors to take part in their final heats on Saturday 13th February and 20th February. Singers, musicians, comedians and all other stage acts are more than welcome to take part. Lonergan’s final will be held on Saturday 27th March when two acts will be chosen to go forward to the regional final. These two acts will be chosen by all customers present in the bar on the night who will each have a single vote.
'Stars of our Bars' county heats will continue until the end of March. Finalists will be chosen from each participating county to be put forward to the provincial finals in April. The lucky finalists who make it through the county and provincial stages of the competition will then take part in the Grand Final in May. The national winners will receive a chunk of the €50,000 prize pot.
Graduation
Caroline Croke, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard, who recently graduated from WIT with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree in General Nursing.
Hunting News
From Dualla (Boscabell) on Monday the first draw, at Walsh’s, provided a nice run. Finding a brace in the grove beside the avenue, hounds hunted to the top of Meldrum Hill. Looking like they were going to run towards Mocklershill the fox turned right-handed. Crossing the road they ran down to the big covert in Georgesland. Hunting well in covert, while too many cooks spoil the broth, this time too many foxes spoiled the hunting. With at least three brace on foot it was very difficult to get hounds settled on one line so Derry decided to move on. Crossing the Fethard – Cashel Road they found in the fort at O’Connor’s. Running towards Cashel they turned and ran back parallel to the road which they crossed at Killastafford Cross.
Through Mayfield, by Mayfield House and Bricíndonn Graveyard they hunted almost to the Mocklershill – Dualla road and to ground in Ned Tierney’s. Drawing back through Mayfield which was blank they hacked on to the covert close to the Oil Depot at Boscabell which also proved blank. Before moving off a minutes silence was observed in tribute to Ms. Libby Farrell-McManus and Mr. Sean Carew, former members of the Tipperary Foxhounds who recently passed away.
Ardfinnan on Wednesday was described as a day when “foxes were running everywhere and going nowhere”. Every covert drawn held but foxes only ran a short distance before being marked to ground. However as we have said before, “whether foxes run three fields or three miles, hounds can only hunt them as far as they go”.
From the Rosegreen meet, on Thursday, hounds found at the Lowesgreen boundary of Lyonstown Stud Farm. Running back through Lyonstown, towards the Cashel – Rosegreen Road. Hunting a very good circle through Sandyfort and Ballyfoloo they hunted to White’s where they marked to ground. From Railstown they had a short run to Kilbragh House where they lost him. From Tullamaine a fox found in the main covert took a bit of a shifting. Hounds sticking well to their task eventually forced him out on the Kilbragh side. Through Martley’s and Slattery’s he crossed the Kilbragh-Coolmoyne Road. Turning right here they ran to Coolmoyne Hill, close to Ryan’s at Murphy’s Cross. They checked here. A good cast putting them right they hunted back to Railstown. Moving back to Tullamaine the coverts at the Castle and Moate proved blank.
Thick fog on the low lying Ballinlough lands obliged Tipperary Foxhounds to transfer their first draw to the other side of the Lisronagh-Donoughmore road on Saturday. Failing to find from Donoughmore House to the Ha’penny Bridge they crossed the road to Carroll’s and were quickly away. A nice pipe opener chivvy around here and to ground at the rear of the Halfway House provided a bright start to a good day. From Orchardstown House covert they ran across the road through Brett’s towards Clerihan where they lost him. From the big covert in Ballyhomeen their fox took a nice route crossing the Killerk Road through Ballinlough and to ground in Johnny Maher’s near the Golf Course. Good jumping, especially over the Ballinlough banks sent the field home tired but happy when home was blown at 4.30pm.
A reminder that the Tipperary Foxhounds are currently promoting a raffle, for a Bay Hunter (16h), which will be held, next week, on Saturday February 20th, at the Hunt Ball. This fully made hunter is having a brilliant season, hunting two days a week, under Jenny Ronan. Get your tickets now, before it’s too late, from any committee member or by contacting 086 8090709.
With the White Heathers
Due to some of the hounds being ill, the Ballyluskey White Heathers were obliged to cancel their meet at Thorny Bridge on Sunday last. Glad to report they have all recovered well and are back in fine fettle again. The meets have been re-arranged and are now as follows: Sunday next, 14th February, Thorny Bridge; Sunday 21st, Coolbawn and Sunday 28th, Coolmoyne, at 11am.
Fethard GAA Club News
The GAA Lotto Jackpot of €4,500 was not won. The numbers drawn were 7, 12, 15 and 21. We had no match three winner so the following drawn tickets won €30 each: Chloe Burke (c/o Merrys, Clonmel); Danny Kane (Kerry St., Fethard), Christy Aylward, 57 Ard Na Gráinne, Clonmel), Carol Kenny, The Green, Fethard), and Josie Fitzgerald (Kiltinan, Fethard). The €50 Lucky Dip was won by Joan O’Donohoe (Moyglass, Fethard). Thanks to Clonmel Oil for providing the tickets.
Congratulations to Alice Lawrence, Coolmoyne, Fethard, on winning a Car or €15,000 in the February Tipperary County Board Draw, and to ticket seller Gus Fitzgerald, Fethard GAA Club.
Our condolences at this time are with the O’Dwyer family, Strylea, on the death of Christine, a native of Co. Galway, who was a great supporter of GAA. Go ndeana Dia trocaire orthu.
Fethard Juvenile GAA Club
Registration for 2010 is now well underway. We had a very good turn out on Saturday for the first registration evening. Each Member received the GAA Code of Behaviour booklet which outlines the behaviour, practice and conduct expected from players, coaches, supporters, parents and clubs. Along with this we also have our own club rules.
On the registration evening we had a one-off draw of €50 which was won by Brian Healy, well done Brian. Also good luck to those of you who purchased a lotto ticket for next Tuesday's lotto draw.
We have lots in store this year for our Juvenile Club. There will be after school skills/training at St. Patricks Boys School. Day to be decided very soon. We have La na gClub in May, Cul Camp in August, also the Bro Albert Cup and the Danagher Cup to be played for later in the year. And much more, we will keep you posted.
We are delighted to announce that all officer posts were filled this year. Andy O'Donovan is our designated children's officer as well as our treasurer. Thank you to Andy for giving up his time to attend courses/workshop and probably more workshops in order to be recognised by the GAA as qualified for this post. We have our vetting submitted. Our coaches and officers have the field training completed and will be attending a workshop for the protection and welfare of children in sport, some already have done so. These courses/workshops are now mandatory in GAA Juvenile Clubs and are designed to support and educate our coaches and officers to promote respect, fair play and safety in the GAA games with our youth up to the age of 18 years.
We are proud of the fact that Fethard Juvenile GAA Club are well ahead of schedule in implementing all the GAA initiatives for our youth members and all associated with our club.
Fethard was well represented on Saturday at the South Division football trials in Clonmel by Tommy Anglim, Brian Healy, Kyle Walsh, Adam Fitzgerald and Jody Sheehan.
As you are all aware by now, teams need to register with the South Board by March. Therefore anyone who has not registered, make sure you do on or by our next registration evening.
If there is any member who has changed their contact no or is not receiving text from our secretary, Ann, please text your name and number to her on 086 896 3925.
Controversial execution of George Plant – TG4
 The TV channel TG4 is at present broadcasting a series of historical programmes in the series ‘Ceart agus Coir’.
The two final episodes in the series examine the controversial and hugely politicised execution by firing squad of George Plant for the murder of alleged IRA informer, Michael Devereux on Slievenamon Mountain in September 1940. He was executed by firing squad in Portlaoise prison on 5th March 1942. It has been described as one of the most distressing chapters of Irish legal history. Programme five of ‘Ceart agus Coir’ is the first of two episodes that examine the controversial execution of George Plant.
Tune in on 11th February and 18th February at10.15pm to see these two episodes. They will be repeated again on the 15th February and 22nd February at 11.20pm.
Woman bitten on hand in church attack
The Nationalist 11 February 2010 — By Eamonn Wynne
A woman was bitten by a young man who stole her handbag while she was cleaning the Augustinian Abbey in Fethard at lunchtime last Thursday. The attack on the local woman has been condemned as "a sad reflection of the times and society that we live in" by Fr. Tom Breen, the Parish Priest in Fethard. He said the people of the town were dismayed by the attack.
Gardai say they are following a definite line of inquiry, after the woman was bitten when she tried to hold onto her handbag. The woman, who is in her 60s and married with a grown-up family, is part of a weekly rota that cleans the Abbey on a voluntary basis.
Fr. Breen described it as "absolutely unbelievable" that this could happen and it saddened everyone. He said the woman was someone who gave of her time voluntarily to ensure the Abbey church was maintained in a beautiful condition.
He said that we had to ask what we could do as a society to eradicate these problems. The Parish Priest was pleased that the woman was recovering well and he hoped the matter would be brought to a successful conclusion. The woman was brought to her GP in Killenaule for a tetanus injection and will need further medical attention in the coming months.
Fr. Martin Crean, the prior of the Abbey said it was sad when it came to this. The woman had arrived at the church at midday and he and Fr. Tim Walsh were alerted to the incident by a neighbour at around 1.30. He said that the Gardai were quickly on the scene, as was the woman's son.
Fr. Crean described the women who cleaned the church as wonderful, and he was pleased that the woman was in great form when Fr. Walsh visited her on Friday. |
