Sun shines brightly for Killusty School Centenary

Sunday, October 3, dawned a beautiful sunny day at the foot of Slievenamon for the centenary of Killusty National School.
The school was built in 1910 to accommodate the growing number of pupils at the time. Through the years the school has continued to provide top quality education for generations of families. This was in evidence at Sunday's celebration, with several generations of many families attending with fond memories of their time at the school.

Members of the Byrne family photographed after the unveiling of a plaque by oldest living past-pupil, Mrs Chrissie Byrne, to mark the opening of the new extension at Killusty National School. L to R: John Byrne, Noel Byrne, Canon Tom Breen P.P., Mrs Chrissie Byrne, Bridget (Byrne) Gould, Fr. John Meagher OSA and Mrs Frances Harrington (Principal). In front is Jack Sheehan.
Mrs Chrissie Byrne, who officially opened the new extension of the school was joined by her children and grandchildren, who have all been pupils and her great grandchildren who will soon be pupils.
The proceedings started at 12 noon when the pupils of the school performed a drama in the church recalling times past and present.

Great credit must go to Martha Sheehan who put the play together and worked so hard with the pupils and teachers over the past few weeks. The pupils were excellent in their roles and their renditions of old favourites such as Slievenamon, Beigh Aonach Amarach and Trasna na Donnta almost raised the roof. The children provided the choir for Mass which was fantastic. Fr Tom Breen P.P. and Fr John Meagher OSA celebrated the Mass.

Photographed after unveiling a plaque to the new extension at Killusty National School are L to R: Cathriona Morrissey (teacher), Frances Harrington (principal), Cllr. Siobhán Ambrose, Canon Tom Breen P.P. and Edel Meaney, Department of Education.

Staff members photographed at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations on Sunday 3rd October. L to R: Sarah O'Sullivan (S.E.T.), Canon Tom Breen P.P., Cathriona Morrissey (Teacher), Tracy Wallace (S.N.A.), Josephine Mackey (Secretary Part-time) and Frances Harrington (Principal).

Members of the Killusty NS Parents Association who helped at the centenary celebrations. Back L to R: Bernadette O'Meara, Ann Marie Kenny, Mary Morgan, Debbie Hackett, Michelle Harrington, Lorraine Coen, Catriona Davy, Anne Coen. Front L to R: Catherine Ryan, Pamela O'Donnell, Ann Smyth and Louise Purcell
After Mass, we went over to officially open the new extension which brings the school facility up to very modern standards with bigger brighter classrooms, computerized white boards, a new resource room, office and staff room. All the new technology was put to great use with slide show presentations of photos, memories and facts about the school. Mrs Harrington was very busy over the last few weeks putting it all together. There was also a great collection of old photos in one room for people to reminisce over.

Photographed at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations are the oldest living past-pupil, Mrs Chrissie Byrne, holding the youngest child at the celebrations, baby Sean Kelly at three weeks old.
The Parents’ Association in conjunction with the Board of Management organized the catering for the day. Thanks to Margaret O'Flaherty for the hot food and sandwiches and the parents and others who donated buns and cakes.
While the socializing was going on the children were entertained with a disco and a few games of football. The weather was ideal for the day, the rain didn't fall until 4.30 pm when the celebration was almost over.

Cutting the cake at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations are L to R: Frances Harrington (principal) and Catriona Morrissey (teacher)
Thanks to everyone who helped out on the day especially the Boy Scouts who supplied and erected their tent for the children, the Civil Defence who were present for the day, the parents and locals who gave up so much of their time to ensure that the day ran smoothly and above all, the teachers, management and staff of the school for their time and dedication.
A commemorative DVD was recorded on the day and anyone who wishes to order one can contact Pamela O'Donnell on 086 1632475.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on September 29 were: 1, 7, 9 and 26. We had no Jackpot winner and one ‘Match 3’ winner who received €150 each: Angela Connery, Rath Luas, Clonmel.
The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners won €50 each: Breda Burke, Main Street, Fethard; Maggie Napier, The Green, Fethard; and The Smyths, The Well, Burke Street, Fethard.
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.
Fethard Bridge Club
On Wednesday, September 29, we played for the Free Sub Gross and the results were:
1st Gross: Carmel Condon and Brendan Kenny (winners of Free Sub Gross);
2nd Gross: Alice Quinn & Berney Myles;
Runners Up - 3rd Gross: Annie O'Brien and Marie Delaney.
1st Nett: Joan Kelly and Breda O'Grady;
2nd Nett: Nora Lawrence and Philly Kenny;
Runners Up - 3rd Nett: Bridie Lee and Mike Burke.
On Wednesday, October 20, we will be playing for Hallowe'en Prizes. Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 6132038.
Fethard Rugby Club
On Saturday night last Fethard J2s took to the field against Thurles, for the first round of the Gleeson League. Fethard were really up for this game with some painful memories of last season to be put to bed.
Thurles opened the scoring with a penalty which was quickly answered by Declan Doyle. Fethard then went on to score four great tries from Paul Scully, Niko Hynes, Alan O’Connor and Cathal Gorey. It was a great win for Fethard who are now looking forward to their next encounter with Newcastle West
Our ‘Minis’ played on Sunday against Carrick-on-Suir with all the Fethard teams emerging victorious. It was great to see so many children and their parents turning up giving their support.
Looking forward to seeing you all on Friday night at 6.45 pm for training.
Fethard ICA Guild
The next meeting of Fethard ICA Guild will be held on Tuesday next, October 12, at 8 pm in the ICA Hall on Rocklow Road.
Our speaker for the night will be Mrs Bríd McDonald, who took part as tutor on the recent ICA Bootcamp programme broadcast on RTE Television. Bríd plans to give a demonstration on the art of butter making and no doubt, will also give us a bit of background information on the making of the television show.
The ‘Blue Group’ are in charge of catering on the night.
Fethard Sports Centre
A major upgrade of Fethard Sports Centre has been in progress over the past two years and is now nearing completion. The Racquetball Association of Ireland are holding their Junior All-Ireland Championships in Fethard weekending October 16 and 17, which should be a big attraction locally.
Bunny Hop for 0-4 year olds
Bunny Hop, music and movement for 0-4 year olds, takes place on Monday mornings from 10 am to 11am in the ICA Hall on Rocklow Road.
Bunny Hop is an hour of stimulating songs and rhymes with actions, musical instruments and lots more. Parents and carers can spend quality time with special little ones, interacting with those of same or similar age. For details and to join us contact Nicola 087 6742401.
Fethard Juvenile GAA Club

Our photo this week is of our club players ranging from Mini GAA players to our U-16 players.
Fethard under-6 and under-8s continue to train on Saturday mornings at 11 am, unless playing a blitz.
Our under-10s have finished for the time being. Numbers were very low this year, which resulted in no blitzes being attended by Fethard. We hope this will change next season.
A few of our under-12s will attend the trials/training for the under-12 hurling squad held at Duneske, Cahir, this week, in preparation for games against Waterford later this month. We wish you all well and please remember to give your feedback to the juvenile club secretary.
Our under-13s are due to play Mullinahone in the South/West Under-13s tournament on Saturday, October 23, in Clonmel Og grounds at 11 am sharp.
The Fethard Juvenile AGM will take place on Friday, October 29, in the Tirry Community Centre, at 8 pm sharp. All are welcome. Nominations or motions to be given to GAA club secretary (Mary Godfrey) by Monday, October 18, at 8pm. Nominations or motions can only be considered if membership requirements as stated in Rule 6.2 of the GAA club constitution has been met.
Award for Cathal

Congratulations to Cathal Fogarty who received a special award for full attendance in St. Michael's National School, Clerihan, 2002–2010, Cathal is a son of Paula and Martin Fogarty, formerly from Congress Terrace, Fethard, and now living at Knockeevan, Clerihan.
Fethard Athletic Club
On Sunday last the club travelled to Powerstown Park for the even age Tipperary Cross Country championships. Even though our numbers were down, we had great performances from all the athletes that attended. We had two individual entries and teams in the girl’s under-18 and ladies novice.
The first to face the starter was young Emma Cronin in the girls’ under-12 race who stayed up with the bunch for a good while but naturally got tired and finished in 17th position. A great run in this her maiden race.
A young French student, Cyril Foure, ran in the boys’ under-16 race and finished 7th overall.
The girls’ under-18 race was 5,000 meters to run, nearly three laps of the park. They ran their hearts out with another student, Neele Drews from Germany, leading the team home closely followed by Rachel Prout and Lyubov Novikova.
Our novice ladies team of Pamela Lynch (4th), Niamh Bergin (18th) and Edel Roche, according to my calculations were 4th in their event. In my view this was a brilliant performance.
Michael Mockler was our only entry in the men’s novice race finishing in 28th position from a very large field. Well done Mike.
Over the three following Monday nights, October 11, 18 and 26, the club will hold a cross-country league under lights in the community field on the Killenaule Road, starting at 7.30 pm each night. Please come along and participate at your own pace.
Entry fee is €3 and a draw for prizes on finishing positions will take place after each race. The more people that take part the more prizes. This is an opportunity for people to get fit and stay fit. For further information contact Miceál at 087 9775096.
Christmas Shoebox Appeal

The Christmas Shoebox Appeal is an Irish project that promises to get your ‘Christmas Shoebox’ into the hands of a needy child in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union or Africa. All they ask is for you to fill a shoebox with a range of simple Christmas gifts, and drop it off at your local drop off point before November 10th, and they will do the rest! Download PDF leaflet
All you need to do is get an average size shoebox (or a plastic storage container would also be great), and wrap it with Christmas paper. Choose who you’d like to receive your gift – a boy or a girl, in one of three age groups: 2-4 years, 5-9 years or 10-14 years.
For further information contact Monica Pollard, Rocklow Road, on Tel: 087 1258591 or visit www.teamhope.ie
Fethard Tidy Towns
Fethard Tidy Towns have come to the end of the season and the committee has achieved outstanding results for our fist year receiving a very creditable 240 marks out of the maximum mark of 400 from the Tidy Towns Competition for 2010.
Our main project for this year was the cleaning of the river. We have now completed from Madams Bridge down to the Clashawley Bridge. Their were also numerous small projects completed throughout the season.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank most sincerely the Brodeen Stitches for the contribution of €300. These funds will assist us purchase a third flower planter which we intend to place on Main Street.
We would also like to thank all the volunteers who came out on Wednesday nights to assist us and on our Sunday morning ‘Litter Pick’.
We will meet during the winter months and draw up a work schedule for next spring and liaise with the various agencies to seek their help on issues outside the scope of the Tidy Town group. With the help of the community, we can further enhance the town’s environment to the benefit of all.
More Killusty School Centenary Photographs

O'Shea family members photographed at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations L to R: Mary Coen, Nora McCole, Jimmy O'Shea and Kathy Aylward.

Christy Williams photographed with sisters Peggy Bowes and Kitty Nicoles (right)

Photographed at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations are past-pupils L to R: Breda Moore, Verona Walsh, Sandra Spillane, Marie Holohan, Serena Prout and Fionnuala Prout.

Photographed at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations are L to R: Paddy Butler, Canon Tom Breen P.P. and Tom Butler

Mrs Mary Donovan (front) photographed with family members L to R: Michelle Walsh, Kathleen Donovan, Mary Walsh and Orla Walsh.

Photographed at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations are L to R: Mick Ryan and Johnny Sheehan

Mrs Bab Halpin (centre) photographed with her siblings at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations L to R: Tom Halpin, Alice Gorman, Bab Halpin, Mary Cahill and Bridie Kearney.

Photographed at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations are L to R: John Lee, Joan Ryan Yeatman and Peter Yeatman.

Photographed at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations are L to R: Chris Lee, Joe Lee and Michael Kenny

Photographed at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations are past-pupils L to R: Leo Darcy, Professor Michael Kane, Dan Sheehan and Dick Sheehan.

Photographed at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations are past-pupils L to R: Sheila Duggan, Marian Duggan, Eileen Duggan and Rose Murray

Photographed at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations are pupils L to R: Laura O'Donnell, Jessica Gainford and Caoimhe O'Meara.

Photographed at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations are L to R: Stephanie Aylward, Christy Aylward, Kathy Aylward, Peggy Bowes and Kitty Nicoles

Photographed at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations are L to R: T.J. Sheehan, Paul Duggan, Jim O'Donnell and Kevin Ryan

Photographed at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations are L to R: Linda Delaney, Paul Kenny, Declan Kenny and Ann Kenny in front.

Photographed at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations are L to R: Mary Butler, Gay Horan and Pat Horan

Photographed at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations are L to R: John Pollard, Canon Tom Breen P.P. and Jim O'Donnell.

Photographed at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations are L to R: Alice Lonergan and Eileen O'Donnell

Photographed at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations are L to R: Louis Coen, Gus Phelan, Ned Holohan and Nellie Ryan

Louis and Mary Coen photographed with their nine grandchildren at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations. Back L to R: Leah Coen, Karen Purcell, Jade Coen, Louis Coen, Ella Mai Hackett, Mary Coen (back), Megan Coen, Charlie Hackett. Front L to R: Matt Coen, Ben Coen and Luke Coen.

Spillane family members photographed at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations are L to R: Emily, Jack, Lucy, Heather and Nell Spillane, all children of Miceál and Sandra Spillane, Tullamaine, Fethard.

Mick Ryan (centre) photographed with his sisters Nora Browne (left) and Joan Ryan Yeatman who came back to Killusty for the Centenary Celebrations

Lee family members photographed at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations. Back L to R: John Lee, Joe Lee. Front L to R: Jim Lee, Bridie Lee (mother) and Gerry Lee

L to R: Catherine O'Donnell and Jacquie Cuddihy who looked after children's entertainment at the Killusty National School Centenary Celebrations
Fethard Macra News
Recently three club officers took part in the county officer training in Ennis. Three hundred members from around the country took part. An interesting weekend was had by all, hopefully what our own officers have learned can be utilised in our Fethard club and be put to could use as they fulfill their roles over the coming year.
Fethard took part in the county round of the 'Know Your Ag' quiz last Friday night in Dundrum, sadly we came fourth and missed out on a chance to go on to the next round at the Macra annual conference in Wicklow at the end of October. Clonoulty Rossmore won on the night and will proceed to represent south Tipperary in the final.
A social gathering took place on October 2, in Dungarvan. Members from various South Tipperary clubs were bussed up to meet their Waterford counterparts for a night on the tiles as part of a 'County Exchange' initiative. This is a great way to facilitate club networking in an informal way.
This coming Saturday, October 9, Slievenamon Macra will hold a 'U-Bet' challenge night in Josie O'Neill's, Ballyneale (just off the Grangemockler to Carrick-on-Suir road). Kicking off at 9 pm, it promises to be a great night's craic. All welcome. For more information contact Mick on 086 0880780

Two members of local Macra clubs have been doing their bit for charity recently. Noel Clancy, PRO of our own club and Philip Daniels of Callan Macra agreed to take part in a photo shoot for the 2011 Farmer's calendar in aid of the Limerick based charity, Bothar.
The calendar features a variety of young farmers from around Ireland and are available for only €10, making them an affordable and fun present for every housewife's Christmas stocking. For more info and a preview of the calendar visit www.farmercalendar.com
The next meeting of Fethard Macra will take place on Sunday, October 10, in Butler's Bar, Main Street, Fethard.
St Rita’s Camogie Club
This year saw the revival of St Rita’s Camogie Club, our AGM was held in February 2010 and the following officers were elected: chairperson Emily Noonan; vice chairperson Sharon O’Meara; treasurer Fiona Conway; assistant treasurer Jennifer Fogarty; and secretary Sandra Maher.
County Board Delegates are Audrey Conway and Edel Fitzgerald. Committee members: Joe Keane, Norah O’Meara, Jennifer Keane, Jean Morrissey, Lylah Condon, Stephanie Fitzgerald and Jillian O’Connell.
The Junior team competed in the Junior B League and had a successful campaign beating teams like Borrisoleigh and Silvermines. We reached the county league final but were beaten by 3 points on the day by Kilruane McDonaghs in a well-contested game.
Our championship campaign got off to a bad start, firstly beaten by Kilruane McDonaghs by a single point scored late in injury time and then beaten by Thurles by 2 points. We then played Portroe and won comfortably. We received walkovers from Moyle Rovers and St. Cronan’s. Unfortunately the narrow defeats at the start of the championship left us in third place in our group with the top two going through to the semi-finals. No silverware this year, but overall a good year during the rebuilding process of the club.
The club would like to sincerely thank our coaches Frankie Flannery and John Leahy, for their time, commitment and hard work throughout the year, also a special thanks to our selectors Mia Treacy, Caroline Quinlan and Lisa McCormack.
A special word of thanks to all our sponsors for supporting our table quiz held on the 26th March in Butler’s Bar. Thanks to Tom Hennessy Spar, Ian Meagher Londis, Centra, Stephanie’s Hair Salon, Abigail’s Hair Salon, Carol Murphy Beauty Clinic, McCarthy’s Hotel, Glanbia Country Life Shop, Butlers Sports Bar, The Well Bar, O’Sullivan’s Chemist, Sam McCauley’s, Tom and Maureen McCarthy, Annette O’Meara, Fitzgerald & Nash Ltd, Tom and Paula Gahan. We raised a total of €801 on the night.
Our Annual Church Gate Collection was held in August, a total of €635 was collected between the parishes of Fethard & Killusty, once again thank you to everyone for your kind donations and generosity. Thanks also to Butlers Bar and the Well Bar for sponsoring sliothars for the year.
We look forward to 2011, when we hope to get our juvenile club up and running. Our AGM will be held in early February 2011 we look forward to seeing you all there. Finally St Rita’s Camogie club are always recruiting new players. All are welcome.
|