Fethard Local Area Development Plan
Photographed at the review of Fethard Local Area Plan 2005 were L to R: Caroline Conway (Forward Planning), Clare Lee (Forward Planning), Jackie Mullally (Ring-a-Link), Jonathan Flood (Planning Office, South Tipperary County Council) and Edwina Newport (Fethard & Killusty Community Council).
The first local public consultation with the Planning Authority took place at Fethard Youth Centre on Monday afternoon last to review the Fethard Local Area Plan 2005 and discuss changes that may be implemented in the preparation of the new Draft Development Plan for Fethard.
The Council are now accepting written submissions or observations up to Wednesday 5th May. These submissions, marked ‘Fethard LAP Review’ can be posted or handed in to: Mr Tom O’Dwyer, Administrative Officer, Planning Section, South Tipperary County Council, County Hall, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
The process of making the new Fethard Local Area Plan, now at ‘Pre-Draft Stage’, will be ongoing for the next 5-6 months.
National Bed Push
Scoil Aonghusa Special School, Cashel are holding a National Bed Push/Bucket Collection on the 24th April 2010, and on the 1st & 3rd of May 2010. Thank you for all your support over the years and look forward to your continued support in the future.
Fethard Gun Club
Simon Probin, gamekeeper at Dromoland Castle, met Fethard Gun Club at Grove Gate on Saturday morning last to release 120 cock pheasants. The birds were purchased by Fethard Gun Club to boost the local pheasant population in the surrounding area.
Women’s Mini Marathon
If you would like to walk, run or jog the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon on 7th June to raise funds for the Presentation Sisters’ mission in Zimbabwe, Sr. Winnie would love to hear from you. Sponsorship cards will be available. Marathon entry fee is €15 and 27th April is the closing date for registration.
Nano Nagle National School Enrolment
Enrolment for Nano Nagle National School for September 2010 is currently taking place. Please call to the school for registration forms.
Bingo at the Abymill
The Abymill Theatre has hosted a huge variety of events since it opened its doors in 1988. But one event has taken place almost every week since the doors opened twenty-two years ago — Bingo.
The man in charge of this Thursday night task is Gerry Fogarty, who calls the numbers in a very professional manner as patrons mark off their books. Many play more than one book at a time, which increases your chance of winning. Some of the players have been coming since day one and still look forward to the chance of winning a few ‘quid’.
So if you fancy a great night’s entertainment suitable for all ages why not come along at 8.30pm to the Abymill on Thursday nights and, who knows, you may come away with more money than you started with, a lot of people do, every week!
Fethard Rugby win Munster Cup
Our club had its most successful weekend of rugby to date with our under 13s winning the East Munster Cup and our under 19s winning the East Munster Plate.
Fethard Under-13 team celebrating their East Munster Cup success after beating Waterpark in the final played in Carrick-on-Suir. (Rugby photographs supplied by Kieran Butler)
Fethard Under 13's overcame Kilfeacle comfortably last week to book their place in the final, which was played in brilliant sunshine on Sunday against Waterpark in Carrick-on-Suir. Fethard played a consistent game throughout the first half holding off Waterpark defensively. With great tackling and recycling of the ball this game proved a marvel to watch. A great run by Darren Prout to score the first try followed by a brilliant breakthrough of the Waterpark defence by Padraig Feehan to score the second try. The entire team worked hard to achieve this great victory. The final score was Fethard 20, Waterpark 5.
Fethard supporters at the East Munster Final included are Killian O'Dwyer, Gavin Ryan, Darragh Lynch, Jack Dolan and Harry Butler
The whole squad have consistently attended training through wind, rain and snow, well done you all you deserve this: Harry Tobin (captain), Rory Hayes, Paul Moloney, Michael Gaynor, Matthew Walsh, Jack Gleeson, Padraig Feehan (1 try, converted two and two penalties), Jason Ryan, Liam Maher, Killian O'Dwyer, Luke Ryan, Ben Murray, Gary Kavanagh, Adam Fitzgerald, Darren Prout (1 try), Andrew Phelan, Keith Cleere, Tommy Murphy, Philip Fogarty, Mark Collins, Matthew Lynch, Eoin McCormack, Pierce Blackmore and Christian Casey. Josh Lalor, Tom Stakelum, Adam Kirby and Ritchie Ivors played all season but through injury missed the semi and final. Special thanks to Paul Kavanagh, Danny Keogh and Liam O'Dwyer for their wonderful coaching and to all the parents for showing huge support on Sunday and turning up at training.
Fethard supporters at the East Munster Final, includes, Kyle O'Donnell, Trish and Tony Fitzgerald, Polly and Lucy Murphy, and Michael Scully
Our Under 19s played Clonmel in the final of the plate and secured a great victory on a score line of 16 points to 15. These were two evenly matched teams and both played great attacking and defensive rugby, where no quarter was given or asked. Clonmel opened the score with a well-taken penalty inside the first five minutes, which seemed to ignite the Fethard team as they responded immediately with an intensity that yielded a penalty converted by Ben Walsh. Fethard held out under immense pressure from Clonmel with great defensive tackling from Shane Kavanagh, Colm Shanahan and Adam O'Donnell. The siege was eventually lifted when good defensive lineout work by Sam Manton and Robert Hall saw Fethard break up field to pile pressure on the Clonmel defence and were rewarded with a penalty again converted by Ben Walsh, leaving the score at 6 points to 3 points.
Adam O'Donnell breaks through the Clonmel defence in the U-19 East Munster Final
Clonmel again went on the attack and scored a well taken try which was converted given them a 10 point to 6 lead with five minutes remaining in the half. Fethard attacked with purpose on the resumption with backs and forwards involved, a ruck developed on the Clonmel 25, Conor Kavanagh found our hooker Kevin Hayes who broke several tackles to touch down under the posts, Ben Walsh converted to give Fethard the lead at the break by 3 points.
The second half was very tense with both teams putting in great defensive work, but we were treated to great end-to-end rugby. Clonmel was first to score in the second half when a well worked forwards move yielded a try in the corner given them a two point lead with 10 minutes remaining. Fethard dug deep and forced Clonmel to infringe, and while playing the advantage, Ben Walsh took a great drop goal to give Fethard the lead. Fethard controlled the remaining five minutes by constantly attacking proving that attack is the best form of defence. This was a great team performance but the man of the match award would have to go to Ben Walsh who had a great game. The Fethard team were: Mark Ronan, Kevin Hayes, Mathew Fitzgerald, Robert Hall, Matt O’Sullivan, Sam Manton, John Lawlor, Ciaran Power, Connor Kavanagh, Ben Walsh, Adam O'Donnell, Colm Shanahan, Shane Kavanagh, Jonathon Fleming and Andrew Walsh. Subs: Eoin Healy and Timmy O’Donovan. Missing from the panel due to injury and holidays were Andrew Kelly, Davy Hall and Eoin O'Connell who made immense contributions all season. Congratulations to coach Pat Walsh and Paul Shanahan who put in so much work in preparing this team.
Kieran Power picks the ball out of the air in Fethard's lineout in the U-19 East Munster Final
Our J2s hosted Young Munster and though beaten on the day this panel of players can look at their first season playing rugby with immense pride and can look forward to next season with great confidence as the rugby they played improved with every outing and will be force to be reckoned with next season.
Fethard fans enjoying Sunday's sunshine includes Joe Gleeson, Tom Anglim, Conor Murray, Maurice Moloney and Tom Lynch.
Fethard supporters enjoying the sunshine includes Deridre O'Dwyer, Roisin Scully, Theresa Kavanagh, Ann Moloney, Cornelia Ryan, Mary Lynch and Margaret Gleeson
Fethard Bridge Club
On 7th April we played the first round of the Club Championship and the results were: 1st Gross: Betty Walsh and Brigid Gorey; 2nd Gross: Nell Broderick and David O’Meara; 1st Nett: Carmel Condon and Brendan Kenny; 2nd Nett: Carol Kenny and Gemma Burke. On Wednesday next, 21st April, we play the third and final round of our Club Championship. Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 6132038.
Fethard Historical Society
This coming Sunday, 18th April, the Fethard Historical Society have arranged an outing to Kilcooley Abbey and Grounds. The society are delighted that local historian Liam Noonan will be the guide for the day as his knowledge of Kilcooley and the whole Slieveardagh area is unrivalled. The great walled Kilcooley estate and grounds, seat of the Ponsonby family, surrounds the old abbey and the whole complex contains evidence of hundreds of years of history going back to 1182, when the abbey was founded. Those wishing to go to Kilcooley, and all are welcome, can meet first at the Town Hall at 1.45pm for car-pooling. A fee of €3 will be taken up on the day. Further information from Pat at (052) 6131537 or Dóirín (052) 6131936.
The Annual General Meeting of the Fethard Historical Society took place in the Abymill Theatre on Thursday 25th March. The chairman and treasurer were able to report on another positive year for the society and nationally now Fethard is indeed regarded as the most complete walled town in the country.
The officers for the coming year are as follows: Terry Cunningham (chairperson), Colm McGrath (vice-chairman), Catherine O'Flynn (secretary), Ann Gleeson (assistant secretary), Pat Looby (treasurer), Tim Robinson (membership secretary) and Mary Hanrahan (public relations officer).
Following the AGM a draft presentation of the new tourism signage for the medieval town was given and those present made input into the ongoing compiling of the information for the new signs that are being erected by the County Council with the majority of the funding coming from Failte Ireland.
Mention was made at the AGM as to the terrible litter problem in Fethard and all over the county and country for that matter. The society also agreed that the members, both collectively and individually, will give all the help possible to the Tidy Towns Group who are leading the way in their efforts to 'clean up our act' and also to restore some civic pride back into those who are involved in this hugely destructive behaviour.
The meeting concluded with refreshments and the society were very appreciative of the presence of Cllr John Fahey MCC at the meeting.
Geraine 'Mother of the Year' thanks voters
Geraine O'Donnell, voted Tipp FM's 'Mother of the Year', has asked us to thank all those who voted for her at home and abroad to help her win the competition. When collecting her prize, Geraine was told, "You must have lots of friends in high places as we got so many of your votes from abroad, covering five continents."
This week's 'Pic of the Past'
St. Patrick's Place in the 1960s L to R: Jim Sayers, Jimmy Fitzgerald and Danny Ryan.
Fethard Angling Club
Fethard Angling Fishing club competition held on the Anner on Sunday last was fished in weather more suitable for sunbathing than fishing, however, 17 anglers turned out on the day and returned a catch of 24 fish. A very good catch considering the conditions. Winners were: 1st. Sean Maher, 2nd Paddy Prendergast and 3rd T.J. Hackett.
Fethard and Killusty Community Games
Date for swimming entries is now closed. However, the following five participants from the area will contest the county final: Caroline and Zoë Stokes from Ballybough, Thomas, David and William Morgan from Grangebeg. We wish them all the best of luck
Died in California
 The death has occurred in California on 8th March of Patricia Gough Risk, wife of the late Paddy Gough, The Valley, Fethard.
Patricia, aged 89, was interred in Gilroy, Calfornia, on Monday 15th March.
Fethard Youth Centre
In an effort to advance and develop activities at Fethard Youth Centre, training is to commence for new adult volunteers. This training will commence on Monday next, April 19th, from 7.30 to 9.30pm in Fethard Youth Centre and will run for five weeks. The dates are April 19th and 26th, and May 10th, 17th and 24th.
The main target for this training is the establishment of a Youth Club for young people aged from 10 to 14 years who have reached at least Fifth Class in Primary School, to enable them to experience the many benefits of being involved in a youth club and also to encourage them to become familiar with the youth centre.
Alternatively, if you would like to give two hours of your time to volunteer at the Youth Centre now is your chance, a drop-in facility for young people aged between 13 and 19 years operates every Friday and Saturday night from 8 to 10pm and new adult volunteer are always welcome. Already, a number of adults in the community have expressed an interest in getting involved. Please contact Maura Carey, Outreach Worker with Tipperary Regional Youth Services, on 087 2860991 or turn-up at the Youth Centre on Monday night at 7.30pm if you would like to get involved with Fethard Youth Centre.
Fethard Community Sportsfield
A vacancy for a person to carry out work in the Community Sportsfield on the Killenaule Road, under the Community Employment Scheme, is now on the FÁS website. Main duties include pitch lining, grass cutting, litter picking at the moment. Applicants must be over 25 and under 65 years old and be in receipt of a social welfare payment for over one year. Anybody interested might please send their CV (asap) to the Community Games Office, Grove Road, Fethard.
Third National Title for Jack
Jack Connolly's parents Willie and Dorothy photographed with Jack, Darren and Ciara outside the National Stadium after Jacks All- Ireland success
Saturday 10th April Jack Connolly won his 3rd national title to become Boy 3, 54kg, Champion of Ireland 2010. Jack set up base in the Citywest Hotel on Wednesday to avail of the training facilities. The serious business started on Friday when Jack stepped into the ring with Leinster champion James Joyce in the semifinal, but everything went to plan cruising to an empathic 7-1 victory to book his place in the all-Ireland final.
Jacks final opponent on Saturday was the Ulster Champion, Ricardo Letang, from Belfast. Jack’s skill, power, speed and fitness proved too much for the northern boxer and after a brilliant three rounds Jack won his 3rd All-Ireland title on a 8-1 points scoreline, and whose record at the National Stadium in Dublin now stands at 6 fights, 6 wins. Many Fethard supporters and friends of Jack from Dublin and Mullingar travelled to Dublin for who we are truly grateful. We also thank Derry, our bus driver, Owen Walsh who supplied the bus, and the many people who sponsored Jack, and last but not least, Jack, for memories of a nerve racking experience to last a lifetime.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on 7th April were: 3, 13, 28 and 29. We had no Jackpot winner and two ‘Match 3’ winners who received €75 each: Gerry Spillane, Killerk, Fethard; and Susanna Manton, Main Street, Fethard.
The three following Lucky Dip winners received €50 each: Desmond Martin, Fr. Tirry Centre, Fethard; Martin Phelan, Strylea, Fethard; and Angela O'Sullivan, Killeens, Ballynonty.
Next week’s Jackpot continues at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1000.
Recent good weather
Relaxing in the sunshine in Fethard last weekend are L to R: Faye Manton, Jane Kenny and Jean Anglim.
National Coalminers Group
Former coalminers and widows of miners are encouraged to attend an upcoming illustrative slideshow arranged by the Slieveardagh members of the National Coalminers group. This event will help to raise some funds to defray costs involved in the fight for redress for miners whose health is badly affected by the working conditions in the Mines.
This is a national effort to build a ‘Fighting Fund’ in a bid for redress. The slideshow vividly portrays the history of the mines, the mineworkers and the various working conditions. Sadly, many miners died before their time as a result of exposure to coal dust.
In particular, the Slieveardagh Miners are asking all miners and widows of men who worked in the Slieveardagh mines to attend. The event will take place on Saturday 24th April in Ballingarry Community Hall at 8pm, There will be a €5 charge at the door on the night and all donations are greatly appreciated.
Since June 2008, over 50 coalminers across the four coalfields have lost their lives, the vast majority of them as a result of cardiovascular illness caused by excessive exposure to coal dust in the pursuit of their employment with the State Licensed coalmines.
The National Coalminers Group recently addressed the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy & Natural Resources to discuss miner’s compensation. At the meeting, the group told committee members that the State owed to coalminers a statutory duty of care. That statutory duty of care was twofold. They had a right to adequate ventilation while carrying out their duties in the relevant mine and the second important element of that duty of care was that they also had a right not to be exposed to excessive amounts of coal dust.
The committee was told that the law on the Statute Book at the time acted to protect these men and offer a duty of care to them. The National Coalminers Group contended that responsibility ultimately lies with the State to compensate affected miners.
|
