Fethard pub gets all dressed up for Hallowe'en
By Sian Moloughney, The Nationalist 20th October 2010
Ghosts, ghouls, werewolves and vampires... no it's not a scary movie - it's Lonergan's Pub in Fethard and it's all dressed up for Halloween.
The family run pub in the centre of Fethard has built up a reputation in recent years as 'the' place to go if you want to revel in the atmosphere of special seasons, but this year patrons should be prepared for a spooky scare with the best decorations yet.
The pub now boasts its very own haunted house. With creepy music playing in the background and ghosts flitting across the ceiling, this year the decorations are so convincing that they come with the warning that small children might be a little too scared.
Proprietors of Lonergan's Bar, John and Roseanne Carroll, are very proud of their pub and are inviting everyone along to see how the place has been transformed, once again.
All credit for the fantastic display goes to Roseanne, John told The Nationalist. This year she didn't even let him see what she was creating until it was finished, despite his offers to help. And it was a sizeable task that Roseanne took on. She had the vision for the haunted house in her head and engaged a local carpenter to help her out.
It took three weeks of building and decorating before the haunted house opened its doors to Lonergan's customers but already it is the talk of more than the town, and a huge hit with patrons.
"Roseanne took it to a whole new level this year," John said. "We've constructed a haunted house on the property. Roseanne wanted something a bit different. She did it up like something you'd see in London. It looks spectacular."
The haunted house opens out on to a spooky graveyard, that the Carrolls have also set up as part of the decor for Halloween.
There are two rooms above the pub that have become storage areas for props and decorating materials used in the pub, at all times of the year. Some of the items have come from as far away as America and the work can be quite costly, but the novelty does attract many families in to the pub, for a quick bite to eat or a drink. Locals also look forward to the different decorations that come with the seasons.
"It's great fun to work here," John says, adding that the atmosphere is great and even the staff get into the spirit of Halloween by dressing up.
The Carrolls took over the pub six years ago. Before that Roseanne loved to decorate at home for her daughter, at Halloween, and for parties. She took that talent into the pub with her, to great affect.
The pub is highly unusual with the effort Roseanne goes to, and John reckons there is not another pub like it in the country.
Lonergan's is still a pub where patrons can do normal things, like have a pint and watch the racing, John reminds people. Of course it's not only Halloween that sees Roseanne decorating the pub, in the coming months she will have the pub decked out for Christmas, with a winter wonderland complete with snow machine.
In the past the pub has also been themed for Arthur's Day, Valentine's Day and St Patrick's Day. "I'm sure there are plenty of places that would like to be done like this. If you saw it in London or New York you'd be impressed," John said.
Lonergan's is open every evening but watch out... is that a barman or a vampire pulling your pint?
‘Stella Days’ film for Fethard ‘Stella Days’ film crew photographed on Main Street, Fethard, discussing sets and locations for production due to start in Fethard in November. L to R: Anna Rackard (Production Designer), Dermot Cleary (Location Manager), Thaddeus O’Sullivan (Director) and John Christian Rosenlund (Cinematographer).
Various scenes from an upcoming feature film, ‘Stella Days’, will be filmed in Fethard in November. Actor Martin Sheen, famous for his roles in ‘The West Wing’, ‘Apocalypse Now’ and ‘Catch Me If You Can’, is the main actor in the film.
His mother was a Tipperary native, so he has a particular fondness for the county. The story revolves around a newly arrived parish priest who wants to open a cinema in a small Irish town in 1950s Ireland, but who attracts the opposition of the Bishop and some of the local community who fear the effects of the outside influence on their way of life.
Filming will take place in the Town Hall, Holy Trinity Church, the Town Square, McCarthy’s Bar and other locations yet to be confirmed. Extras will be required for some of the church and hall scenes and the film company hope to source these from the local community. Notices will be put up in the coming weeks regarding the auditions.
Director Thaddeus O’Sullivan has been around the town for the past few weeks sourcing locations. His adaptation of the wartime years of Winston Churchill (Into the Storm), starring Brendan Gleeson, won many awards last year.
The crew hope to start filming on Monday November 8th. A more detailed schedule of filming will be issued in the next few weeks so that everybody is aware of the film plans.
Dermot Cleary, the location manager will be around Fethard for the next few weeks and can be reached on 087 2600913.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Tuesday 19th October of Mr Eddie Dillon, Cooleagh, Coolbawn, Fethard, following an accident on his farm.
Deeply regretted by his loving sisters Mary and June S.S.L., nieces Anna-Marie and Nikki, relatives and many friends. Rest in peace.
Reposing at his residence. Removal this (Thursday) evening at 7.30pm. to Moyglass Church arriving at 8pm. Funeral Mass on Friday 22nd October at 11.30am, followed by burial in Pepperstown Cemetery.
Fuse Youth Club
Fethard’s new Fuse Youth Club meets every Monday night at Fethard Youth Centre. The members recently had an art competition to design the club’s logo, which was won by Roisín McDonnell; second place was awarded to Amy Cowlard and third place to Sadhbh Horan. Well done to all three.
On Monday nights the members have great choice, they can watch a movie in the cinema, art tables for those who wish to be creative, and game tables for those who prefer some action.
Karaoke is proving a big hit with the members and we have a ‘Mini X-Factor’ competition going on at the moment. When we come back on November 1, we will finish our pool competition.
Overall we’ve had a great start to the club and it is fantastic to see so many children coming to use the great facilities that are there. We still need more for volunteers!
Fethard Players rehearse Hugh Leonard comedy
 Fethard Players are currently in rehearsal for ‘A Life’, a bittersweet comedy by Irish playwright Hugh Leonard.
The play, one of Ireland’s greatest, will be staged in the Abymill Theatre from Friday, November 12, to Wednesday, November 17, inclusive, and early booking is advisable.
(Right — Mia Treacy who plays a leading roll in Fethard Players oncoming comedy 'A Life' by Hugh Leonard).
Booking has now opened at O’Flynn’s Menswear, Burke Street, Fethard, Tel: 052 6131254 or 087 1604260. Tickets are €15 for adults and €10 for children. Curtain 8.15pm.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on October 13 were: 6, 14, 30 and 32. We had no Jackpot winner and two ‘Match 3’ winners who received €75 each: Bridget Purcell, Burke Street, Fethard; and Simon Delahunty, Market Hill, Fethard.
The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners won €50 each: Arthur Daly, St. Patricks Place, Fethard; Breda Wilson, Rathkenny, Drangan; and Chalkie Brett, Kilnockin Road, 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. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.
Fethard GAA News
Thanks too all who supported the club table quiz on Friday night. Our next table quiz takes place on Friday night, October 29, in Butler's Sports Bar. 
Irish Junior Racquetball team photographed in Fethard last weekend (photo by Patrick McDonnell)
We appeal to all for your support, proceeds in aid of the Sports Centre upgrade. The All-Ireland Junior Racquetball Championships took place in Fethard over the weekend and we had very large numbers of players and spectators present.
The competitions were of a very high standard and all were well pleased with the newly upgraded centre.
The club would like to thank all those who contributed to last weekend’s church gate collection also to those who helped at the collection.
The GAA Lotto results for weekending October 2 are. The numbers drawn were 6, 11, 19 and 25. We had no jackpot winner and one match three winner of €150 to Austy Godfrey (Derryluskin, Fethard). The €50 Lucky Dip went to Michael Gould (Claremore, Fethard).
Lotto results for weekending October 9. The numbers drawn were 25, 27, 28 and 32. We had no jackpot winner and no match three winner. The following drawn tickets won €30 each: Nicky O’Shea (Tullow, Fethard), Mary McCormack (Kerry Street, Fethard), Carmel Nevin (Jesuits Walk, Fethard), Denis O’Meara (St Patricks Place, Fethard), and Bernie Byrne (Claremore, Fethard). The €50 Lucky Dip went to Brendan Brett (Kilnockin Road, Fethard).
This week’s €4500 jackpot was not won. The numbers drawn were 5, 7, 13 and 19. We had no match three winner so the following drawn tickets won €30 each: Philip Butler (Main Street, Fethard), Mary Godfrey (Derryluskin, Fethard), Denis O’Meara (St Patricks Place, Fethard), Austy Godfrey (Derryluskin, Fethard), and Garreth Byrne (Claremore, Fethard). The €50 Lucky Dip went to Andrew Cahill (c/o Merrys, Clonmel). Thanks to Clonmel Credit Union for providing the tickets.
Students visit Dublin for history and art
Pictured above are pupils from the Patrician Presentation Secondary School outside the National Gallery, Kildare Street, Dublin, part of their recent tour of Dublin
Patrician Presentation Transition Year students, 5th and 6th year art students, accompanied by teachers, Miss Mary O’Sullivan and Miss Pat Looby, travelled to Dublin to visit The National Gallery, The National Museum, Collins Barracks and Kilmainham Gaol on Thursday, October 14.
In the National Gallery students were introduced to the general collection and a more specific tour of the paintings of Jack B. Yeats.
Out in Collins Barracks students were given a talk and tour on 'Life In the Barracks’, as well as being allowed try on various military costumes.
Senior students were given a talk and tour of their wonderful collection of the work of the Irish designer and architect, Eileen Gray.
The last tour of a full day was to Kilmainham Gaol, where our wonderful guide went through its various histories while taking the pupils to see the prison cells and yards, and explain how the Office of Public Works now maintains it as a historic gaol.
Visitor from Nigeria
Photographed at the Augustinian Abbey in Fethard is Very Rev. James Danom OSA, who is pres ently on holiday in Ireland visiting Augustinian priests who had previously worked in Nigeria. Local priests, Fr Timmy Walsh and Fr. Martin Crean, between them, spent 60 years ministering in Nigeria. L to R: Fr. John Meagher OSA, Fr. Gerry Horan OSA (Provencial), Very Rev. James Danom OSA (Bishop of Shandam, Nigeria), Fr. Martin Crean OSA (Prior), and Fr. Timmy Walsh OSA.
Fethard Ballroom AGM
The AGM of Fethard Ballroom will take place on Saturday, December 4, at 8pm in the ballroom. All are welcome.
Fethard Juvenile GAA
The under-6s and under-8s will have their final training session for 2010 on this coming Saturday, October 23, and will finish off by playing some fun activities.
The club wishes to thank all the boys for their participation this year and look forward to seeing you all again next year. Thanks also to the parents for your support and for bringing the boys to the field every Saturday morning and to the various venues throughout the year.
Our AGM will be held on Friday, October 29, at 8pm in the Fr. Tirry Centre, Fethard. All are welcome.
Two of our under-14s, Kyle Walsh and Tommy Anglim, were chosen to play with Tipperary in a Munster Blitz this weekend. Well done to both lads
.
Dylan Fitzgerald will be presented with his well-earned under-16 All-Ireland medal on Friday, October 22, at The Ragg, Thurles.|
A referees’ course will take place early November. This will consist of four evenings in Thurles, two nights per week. It is very difficult to attain a referee during South Tipperary championship season, so it is really vital that new referees are forthcoming.
It would be great to see Fethard well represented at this important role. If you are aged 18 years or over and a member of Fethard GAA Club, you are eligible to attend. Both males and females are welcome.
Names need to be registered by October 25. Contact: Ann Fleming on 086 8963925 or email your details to: danaghermcgee@eircom.net
We'll meet again!
Photographed above are Sr. Monica Kevin and Tessie O Brien, nee Cantwell. Monica and Tessie were school friends in the same class attending the Presentation Convent in Fethard from 1932 to 1935. Sr. Monica now lives in New York in the Ursuline Convent and on her return visit to Fethard on Wednesday, October 13, met Tessie for the first time since their school days, 75 years ago.
Friends Johanna Johnson nee Carey formerly of Fethard now living Maryland, USA, and Theresa Strange nee Burke formally of Killenaule now living Melbourne, Australia had a happy re-union at the Minella Hotel, Clonmel in September 2010.
Fethard Athletic Club
We had a wonderful turnout at the first cross-country under lights at the Community Sportsfield on Monday, October 11, with thirty athletes facing the starter.
Ballynonty, Clonmel, Coolquill, Sliabh Ardagh, Urlingford and Fethard were in attendance on this historic occasion on what could be a new innovation in athletics.
Angela McCann from Clonmel AC was the first lady to cross the line and Ross Alexandra from Coolquill AC led the men home.
County chairman Leslie Smyth was very satisfied with the outcome of the event and wished it every success in the future.
The second leg of the league was run on Monday, October 18, with results and comment to follow on our next notes.
Training will continue on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm till further notice. New members are more than welcome, just come along to the field on training nights and join in the activity, running or walking.
Gaelic4Mothers Social at the Castle Inn
Irene Sharpe, proprietor of The Castle Inn, photographed with members of the Fethard Gaelic4Mothers team at their social function held in The Castle Inn last weekend.
Photographed at the Gaelic4Mothers social function last weekend in The Castle Inn are L to R: Lisa Doyle, Tina Dorney, Susan McCormack, Wendy Allen and Laura Allen.
Photographed at the Gaelic4Mothers social function last weekend in The Castle Inn are L to R: Freda Hayes, Finola Anglim, Caroline Sheehan and Anne Tillyer.
Photographed at the Gaelic4Mothers social function last weekend in The Castle Inn are L to R: Patricia Fitzgerald, Mary Shanahan, Catriona Davey, Mary O'Mahoney and Noelle Ahearne.
Photographed at the Gaelic4Mothers social function last weekend in The Castle Inn are L to R: Tracey Lawrence, Theresa Roche, Hazel Sheehan and Ann Marie Kenny.
Photographed at the Gaelic4Mothers social function last weekend in The Castle Inn are L to R: Barry Murphy, Brian Kennedy and John Mackey
Photographed at the Gaelic4Mothers social function last weekend in The Castle Inn are L to R: John Conway and Noel Sharpe.
Photographed at the Gaelic4Mothers social function last weekend in The Castle Inn are L to R: Aine Doocey and Francis Tyrrell
Photographed at the Gaelic4Mothers social function last weekend in The Castle Inn are L to R: Emma Morrissey, Eoin McCaffrey, Corina Morrissey, Robin Roe, Pamela O'Donnell and Dermot O'Donnell.
Photographed at the Gaelic4Mothers social function last weekend in The Castle Inn are L to R: Noel Morrissey and Brud Roche.
The Sheehans playing music, Pat Sheehan and his brother Eddie Sheehan
Photographed at the Gaelic4Mothers social function last weekend in The Castle Inn are L to R: Kathy Howlin, Siobhán Grant, Laura Gregory and Lil Grant.
Photographed at the Gaelic4Mothers social function last weekend in The Castle Inn are L to R: Joan Carroll, Deirdre Dorney and Ann Browne.
Hunting News
‘Tis the month of dull November,
We so gladly welcome ‘round,
And, we hear the merry music,
Of the hunting horn and hound.
The above few lines would not, we expect, be accepted by many. Nevertheless, Opening Meet Day of the Tipperary Foxhounds is with us once again, which signals the start of a new hunting season, all hunting folk will rejoice at its arrival.
Tipperary Foxhounds have completed a very successful Autumn hunting campaign. Out on four mornings per week they have enjoyed some excellent hunting. Particularly good mornings were had on opening morning, August 27, at Knockgraffon; on the bog at Lisheen, twice, and on Mr John O’Leary’s side at Lurgo, Laffansbridge.
Their best morning was probably at Ballagh, when from Mr Padraig Kennedy’s they ran to Dromwood and on to Upper Rossmore. Tipperary Foxhounds break new ground this season when they will meet on Sundays. The Opening Meet takes place in Fethard on Monday next, October 25, at 11am.
Rugby Under-8 team
Fethard Under-8 Rugby team
With the White Heathers
The Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers will hold their opening meet in Drangan on Sunday, October 31, at 11am. Hounds have been out from 8am to midday each Sunday morning from early September.
Donie has hounds looking remarkably fit, with the new season puppies entering remarkably well. The White Heathers had very good hunting from Grove Wood on Sunday last.
Having hunted strongly around the wood for forty-five minutes they hunted into the Market Hill plantation. Hunting well here also they ran out on the bottom to Garrinch and caught him on top at Jesuits Walk.
The White Heathers annual members and friends monthly draw is now operating. Subscription is €5 per month, with attractive prize money of 1st: €200 and 2nd: €100.
The winners in the October Draw were 1st Prize: Rachel McCormack, Magoury and 2nd: James and Aiden Buckley, Drangan.
Fethard Bridge Club
On Wednesday 6th October we played for the Free Sub Nett and the results were:
1st Nett, Marie Delaney and Annie O'Brien (Winners of Free Nett Sub); 2nd Nett, Tony Hanrahan and Michael Kenny. Runners Up: 3rd Nett, Philly Kenny and Nora Lawrence.
1st Gross, Bridget Gorey and Betty Walsh; 2nd Gross, Rita Kane and Kay St John. Runners Up: 3rd Gross, Nell Broderick and David O'Meara.
The results of our game on Wednesday 13th October were:
1st Gross, Bridget Gorey and Betty Walsh; 2nd Gross, Carol Kenny and Monica Anglim. Runners Up, 3rd Gross, Nell Broderick and David O'Meara.
1st Nett, Kathleen Kenny and Anne O'Dea; 2nd Nett, Bridie Lee and Mike Burke. Runners Up: 3rd Nett, Philly Kenny and Nora Lawrence.
On November 3, we play for prizes sponsored by Berney Myles and Alice Quinn. Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 6132038.
Happy Birthday
James Curran (right) celebrating his 23rd Birthday at Lonergans with his friend Kenneth Keating.
Photographed at Lonergan's Bar at the weekend are L to R: Laura Doyle, Darren Connolly, Darren Thompson, Olive Curran and Margaret Bradshaw.
L to R: Dorothy Curran, Thelma Coen and James Curran.
James Curran celebrating his 23rd Birthday at Lonergans with his girlfriend Karen Purcell.
Photographed at James Curran's 23rd Birthday party are L to R: Jack Connolly, Padraig O'Shea and Niall Pattison.
Community Development Programme
 Fethard & Killusty Community Council are currently organising a Development Programme to assess the current committee’s work and to help ensure the future work and direction of the Community Council is what best serves the community.
The committee invite participation from community council’s sub-committees, resident associations and especially new individuals interested in getting involved in community work. People who are involved in other community groups are also more than welcome to take part.
Please contact the community office (052) 6131000 for further information or contact any member of the committee.
The six-session programme is due to start October 26, and continue November 2, 9, 23, 30 and December 6 (week break 16 Nov) from 7.30 to 9.45 pm on Tuesday evenings in the Tirry Community Centre.
Ailbhe Harrington will facilitate the Development Programme. Ailbhe draws on over twenty years experience as a facilitator, trainer, educator and coach working within the voluntary, education, public and private sectors.
The proposed programme (below) will include a combination of facilitated discussions, short inputs, practical activities and skills development. The learning environment will be open, fun and allow participants the opportunity to work together.
Evening 1 - ‘Current reality and achievements’
- Introductions, expectations and group agreement;
- Internal analysis; where we are now, achievements etc;
- Introduce Belbin Team Roles.
Evening 2 - ‘Mission, vision and values’
- Mission and purpose- Why do we exist?
- What values are important to our work?
- What is our vision going forward?
Evening 3 - ‘Bridges and gaps to our future vision’
- Belbin team/group roles – Understanding how we all contribute
- Indentify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
Evening 4 - ‘Structures and working together effectively’
- Communication and individual perception
- Roles and managing meetings
- Enhance our facilitation skills
Evening 5 - ‘Stakeholder analysis’
- Who are our current stakeholders and who do we want to communicate with going forward?
- How do we communicate effectively with others?
Evening 6 - ‘Planning our future vision’
- How will what we have already achieved help us going forward?
- Establish and agree the action steps that will enable the achievement of our future vision
- Review and programme evaluation -What are we taking with us to support us into the future?
Emigrants Annual Newsletter
We appeal to all secretaries and club correspondents to submit their reports for inclusion in this year’s Emigrants Annual Newsletter as soon as possible to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road.
Reports should be typed or emailed to newsletter@fethard.com Alternatively they can be handed in to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard.
We also welcome individual articles (long or short), stories of long ago, funny incidents, photographs, particularly old class photographs or photographs of local characters.
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