Community Field Day

Photographed at Fethard Community Family Field Day L to R: Ava Meagher, Aoife Gahan and Orla Gahan.

On Sunday last, 12th September, members of organisations that use the Fethard Community Field organised their second successful ‘Family Field Day’ attracting large crowds from surrounding neighbourhoods.

The event began at 12 noon with four juvenile teams from Fethard, Mullinahone, Ardfinnan and Clonmel competing for the perpetual ‘Danagher Cup’, and after some very exciting games, Clonmel Commercials were the eventual winners beating Ardfinnan in the final.


Gavin Ryan on a donkey at Fethard Community 'Family Field Day'

With various stalls to entertain all ages, there was something for all including a variety of fine food stalls to replenish lost energy. Some of the more brave adults at the event volunteered their services for the ‘Dunk Tank’ and this proved to be a great opportunity for certain people to sink their ‘grudges’ in a positive way.

Miceál McCormack was MC on the day with Jack Kenny supplying backing tracks for his entertaining commentary over the afternoon. One of the highlights was the ‘Donkey Derby’ with adults and children queuing for a tumble in turn. In the main race, Butler’s Sports Bar’s experienced team won by a nose and ear. The childrens event continued as long as the donkeys could run.

Theresa Hurley photographed with her one-year-old Weimaraner dog who was chosen as 'Best in Show' at Fethard Community Family Field Day 'Dog Show' sponsored by Moyglass Kennels. L to R: John Smullen (Moyglass Kennels), Theresa Hurley, Eoghain Hurley and Darragh Hurley.

John Smullen organised a very competitive Dog Show with some fine entries all vying for prizes sponsored by Moyglass Kennels. The eventual ‘Best in Show’ winner was a one-year-old Weimaraner dog owned by Theresa Hurley, Strylea.

Sarah Slattery and her dog 'Scarlet' who won first prize at the Dog Show at Fethard Community Family Field Day

Overall the day was a great success and great credit is due to the ladies and gents involved for their co-operative effort in raising funds for the development of Fethard’s Community Field — a great asset to the town.

Vinny Murphy being dunked in the 'Dunk Tank' at Fethard Community Family Field Day


Eoin Walsh in the 'stocks' at Fethard Community Family Field Day


Photographed at Fethard Community Family Field Day L to R: Laura O'Donnell, Sadhbh Morrissey, Sarah O'Donnell, Oisín Ryan and Éabha Ryan.


Dean Dorney taking part in the Donkey Derby


Emma Jane Burke at Fethard Community Family Field Day.


Jason Ryan photographed on the 'Rodeo' at Fethard Community Family Field Day.


Photographed at Fethard Community Family Field Day L to R: Geraine O'Donnell, Bill Kennedy, Niamh Daly, Aoibhín Daly and Donal Daly.

Fethard Scouts resume meetings
Fethard scouts and cubs will commence their meetings this week. Cubs meetings will take place in Fethard Ballroom from Tuesday 14 September from 6.30 pm to 8pm; and Scouts are back from Friday 17 September, from 7pm to 9pm.

Killusty Centenary Celebrations
Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations will take place on Sunday 3rd October, commencing at 12 noon. A public meeting will take place on Monday 20th September at 7.30pm in the school to discuss preparations. All are welcome to attend.

Junior Ladies County Champions Again

On Sunday 12th September 2010, Fethard's Junior Ladies were crowned County Champions, retaining the title they won in 2009, and adding to the League title they won earlier this year. They beat Ballyporeen in a thrilling final on a score of Fethard 1-08 To Ballyporeen 1-07. Pictured Back L to R: Maureen McCarthy, Emily Noonan, Marie Holohan, Fiona Conway, Sharon O'Meara, Bernadette O'Meara, Amy Pollard, Sandra Maher, Marion Harrington, Edel Fitzgerald, Sarah Smyth, Elaine Kennedy, Audrey Conway, Annie Prout, Tom McCarthy. Front L to R: Gary Hallinan, Sandra Spillane, Kay Ryan, Lucy Butler, Rachel Prout, Anita Manton, Norah O'Meara, Mary Jane Kearney, Jessie McCarthy, Emma Wilson. (Photo supplied by Kieran Butler)

Our junior ladies completed a historic double last Sunday when they won the County Junior C title in a nail-biting finish against Ballyporeen on a scoreline, Fethard 1-08, Ballyporeen 1-07. This group of girls have completed a historic double having won the D county title last year and will now compete in the B championship next year.

Well done to the management team and especially to Gary Hallinan our coach who did a terrific job. The club would also like to thank Philip Butler (Butlers Bar) and Brian Connolly (Clonmel Oil) for sponsoring our polo shirts; to Jimmy O’Brien (Meat at the Square) for the shorts, to ‘Sparky’ for the socks, and to Jaruso Boutique, Main Street, for their generous donation. Without the help and support of these people the club would find it hard to keep going. A big thanks to all of you. Finally to the supporters who have followed this team all year and turned out again in big numbers at New Inn on Sunday, last thanks to you all.

Our under-14s completed a memorable day for the club last Sunday evening when they defeated Arravale Rovers on the scoreline, Fethard 2-05, Arravale Rovers 1-01, in the second round of the championship. Well done girls and great to see the next generation of ladies footballers playing excellent football. The future looks bright.
Our G4Ms (Gaelic 4 Mothers) have recently been selected by Croke Park to play in an exhibition game in Croke Park at half time in one of the All Ireland ladies football finals on Sunday 26th September. This is a great achievement for our bunch of ladies who have only being playing football for the last thirteen weeks. The club will run two buses to Croke Park on the day. Names to be given to our club secretary, Maureen McCarthy, on 086 1518248 before next Friday 17th September. Match tickets can also be ordered through Maureen.

Fethard GAA Club News

Adam Fitzgerald and Joedy Sheehan who earlier in the day helped Fethard to Reach the County U-14 C Hurling final photographed with Tipperary's team doctor, Peter Merchant, holding the All Ireland U21 Hurling Trophy won by Tipperary, shortly after the game.

Fethard Intermediate Hurlers expect to play the County Quarterfinal on weekending 26th September against the North Tipperary intermediate-hurling champions.

Club fundraising draw is coming to a conclusion this week and if you are not in, you will not win. Tickets can be purchased from any officer, committee member or player. Draw will take place in the Fethard Arms on Saturday 18th September at 10pm with refreshments provided. All are welcome.

The lotto numbers drawn last week were 6, 9, 21 and 32. We had one match three winner of €150 to Marie O’Donnell (Coolmoyne, Fethard) and the €50 Lucky Dip was won by Claire Lawless (Red City, Fethard).

This week’s Lotto Jackpot of €4,000 was not won. The numbers drawn were 1, 5, 15 and 24. We had one match three winner of €150 to Pat Sheehan (Killusty, Fethard), and the €50 Lucky Dip was won by Nicky O Shea (Tullow, Fethard). Thanks to AIB Main Street, Fethard, for providing the tickets.

Juvenile GAA Club

Fethard Under-8 football team who took part in the Danagher Cup competition at Fethard Community Family Field Day.

Our under-6s played in a Blitz this weekend in Moyle Rovers, in Memory of David Boland. This was well attended and all the children playing received a beautiful medal. Our under-8s played in the Danagher Cup on Sunday in the Fethard Community Field Day. It was amazing to see how much they have grown in the past year, more confident in the game. Everyone was so proud of our host team.
In the end, the final came down to Ardfinnan losing to Clonmel Commercials who took the Danagher Cup home with them this year. Our players’ representative, Ronan Fitzgerald, presented the cup. We look forward to next year, when Fethard will aim to claim back the Danagher Cup again.

Our under-12s are looking forward to a couple of small hurling blitzes coming up in the next couple of weeks. Will keep everyone informed.
Our under-14s won the county semifinal on Saturday and will now meet Portroe in the final, which is due to be played on this coming Saturday, venue and time to be confirmed. 'Come on Fethard!'

Our under-16s are now out of the hurling championship as we felt it unfair to expect our undere-14 players on the under-16 panel to compete in both grades in the short time allotted, and therefore, were unable to field a team in our last couple of matches. We wish the very best to all the remaining clubs in the championship.

Congratulations to the under-21 Tipperary hurlers on winning so well at the weekend. We are not called the 'Premier County' for nothing!
The date of our AGM will be announced in the next couple of weeks. All members will be notified of the date, time and venue.


Our photograph this week is of Kyle Walsh, with his mother Kay, after receiving the under-14 county trophy for football earlier this year. Kyle loves both hurling and football and has played for club, division and county this year. He is a true inspiration to the younger players in our club for his dedication in all areas.

Fethard Bridge Club
The new season of bridge resumed at the Tirry Centre on Wednesday 8th September. We look forward to welcoming everybody back over the next couple of weeks and a special welcome is extended to the new members who started on Wednesday night. The results of the game on Wednesday 8th September were:

1st Gross - Anna Cooke and Bernie O'Meara; 1st Nett - Michael Kenny and Tony Hanrahan; 2nd Gross - Annie O'Brien and Marie Delaney; 2nd Nett - Suzanne Opray and Jim Lahart. Runners Up: 3rd Gross - Rita Kane and Kay St. John; 3rd Nett - Eileen Ryan and Paddy Martin.
Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at Tel: 6132038.

Jon Kenny at the Abymill this weekend
Tickets for comedian, Jon Kenny, at the Abymill this Saturday 18th September are now available at €20 each from McCarthy’s (052) 6131149 or O’Flynn’s Menswear (052) 6131254.

Slievenamon Musical Society
Slievenamon Musical Society are currently rehearsing for ‘Me & My Girl’ on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights. We would love to see more people getting involved in this great show, so if you want something to help pass the autumn nights please come and join us. For further information contact Pamela on 087 3283074.

Mountain Music Sessions

Croc an Óir, selected by the Irish Independent as one of the best ten holiday hideaways in Ireland, is run by John and Monika Bermingham and set at the foot of Slievenamon on the way to Mullinahone.

John and Monika have also cultivated Crocanoir as an ideal music venue where ‘under the mountain sessions’ are really taking off. Mick Hanly and Charlie McGettigan have already played there and will be back early in the New Year. On Saturday last, singers Nicole Maguire and Sara Corkery from Cork, also performed a great gig at the venue.
Colin Henry, a multi instrumentalist form Belfast, wrote the following in his ‘Bluegrass Ireland Blog’ after also playing a session there.

“It is a magical place at the foot of the mountain – an Irish mountain of course. It is John’s ancestral home and was in a pretty run-down state until John, with a vision that only some are blessed with, decided to completely refurbish (indeed rebuild) the place as a music venue with accommodation. It is the only place I have ever played where my bedroom was ten feet from the concert venue. John is a musician’s musician and a fine guitarist. We had a mighty session after the gig. The hospitality was immense and I reckon this will become a premier place to play.”

The next events planned for Crocanoir are: Saturday 24th September – Mend and Makedo Theatre Company will stage the play Breathless - written by renowned author John MacKenna; Monday 25th October – legendary fiddle player Frankie Gavin comes to Crocanoir to host an evening of music and musings with writers Richard Tillinghast and Grace Wells.

Tickets available from John & Monika at (052) 9153117 or 086 8907329. To learn more about Crocanoir - check out the website at www.crocanoir.com

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on 8th September were: 12, 16, 20 and 30. We had no Jackpot winner and no ‘Match 3’ winners so the following drawn tickets received €50 each: William Needham, Friarsgrange, Fethard; Dick O'Brien, Rocklow Road, Fethard; Chris Mullins, c/o Arthur Daly.

The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners won €50 each: Annie Ryan, St. Patricks Place, Fethard; Bob Maher, Barrack Street, Fethard; and Norma McCarthy, Littleton, Thurles.

Remember you can purchase your lotto ticket online at fethard.com. Buy seven weekly tickets and get one free! Check on the website for lots of special offers. Next week’s Jackpot continues at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1000.

Clashawley Film Club

Anyone interested in joining a ‘film society’ in Fethard are asked to contact Suzanna Manton at Tel: 087- 2345075. This year it is proposed to show the films at the forty-seated mini-cinema at Fethard Youth Centre. The films will be shown on Tuesday nights on the following dates: 5th October and 19th October; 2nd November and 16th November; 7th December and 21st December; 4th January and 18th January 2011; 2nd February and 15th February; 2nd March and 15th March. Contact Suzanna for membership details and further information.

The Fuse Youth Club
The Fuse Youth Club for children from 5th class to 1st year, is starting up on next Monday 20th September from 7.30pm to 9pm. Registration forms were sent to schools and all children attending must bring them on the night. There will also be forms available on the night for parents to fill in if their child hasn't got one.

We also really need more volunteers to help get this Youth Club up and running. If you, or anyone you may know, are interested please come along on Monday night.

Clonacody Country House Accommodation

Congratulations to Helen Carrigan on opening Clonacody Country House Accommodation just two miles from Fethard, set in beautiful countryside with the majestic Comeragh Mountains to the South and famed Slievenamon to the East.



You can now hire this unique Georgian house and grounds for your self-catering dinner parties, wedding reception, family reunions etc, or just come stay overnight and relax away from the pressures and stresses of modern living. For contact details, booking and more photographs visit website CLONACODYHOUSE.COM

Fethard Draft Local Area Plan
A reminder that the Fethard Draft Local Area Plan is still available for inspection up to Monday 20th September, during normal office hours at the following locations: The Planning Department, County Hall, Emmet Street, Clonmel; and Fethard Area Office, Town Hall, New Street, Carrick-on-Suir. The Draft Plan can also be viewed by downloading PDF version here: DOWNLOAD DRAFT FETHARD DEVELOPMENT PLAN

It is important that you have your say in the future development of Fethard as this plan, when operative, will dictate development in Fethard up to 2016.

Submissions may be made in writing and marked for the attention of Mr. Tom O’Dwyer, Administrative Officer, Planning Section, South Tipperary County Council, County Hall, Emmet Street, Clonmel. Submissions in writing must be received before 5 pm on Monday 20th September 2010 and should include your name, address and where relevant the body represented. Submissions by e-mail will be accepted until 12 midnight on Monday 20th September 2010 to: planningsubmissions@southtippcoco.ie

Names Wanted - Killusty Platform 1955

We need your help to identify the people in this photograph taken at Killusty Platform in 1955. As far as we know the following people are correct L to R: (1) May Ryan, Loughcopple, (2) Christy Williams, (3) Jim Noonan, Killenaule (well known as an accordion player), (4) Margaret Noonan (nee Heafey), (5) .....?....., (6) .....?..... , (7) Patsy Fogarty, (8) .....?..... , (9) .....?..... . If you can help please drop us a line at newsletter@fethard.com

Tom Keating's Poetry
We also have a request for missing verses from Tom Keating's 'Lament for Fr. Willie Noonan R.I.P.' We do have the following verse so maybe someone would have a copy somewhere and let us know the missing verses. Drop us a line at newsletter@fethard.com

Clashawleys dark waters seems soothed in sadness,
They chant a lament beneath Fethard's grey walls.
One of our dear one's in silence we cherish,
Whose rapture and beauty we cannot recall.

. . . . . . .next verse missing!

. . . . . . . The last two lines of last verse are:

Our cups were once filled with delight brimming o're
But God took you from us and left us bemoaning
you Sagart Astór.

Tom Keating was born at Brookhill, Fethard, on the 13th April, 1891. He was educated at the Patrician Brothers, Fethard, and began writing during his school days. He trained as a National School teacher and was appointed principal of Cloneen National School in 1927. His health declined shortly after and he died in June 1934 aged 43. He is buried in Cloneen Churchyard.