Learning through the Seasons
Clonacody House, in partnership with SilverWood, have organised a programme of Courses and Events for Gardeners and Smallholders running from 26th February to 29th October.
National awards for Grove Horse Trials
Grove Horse Trials, established in 2001 in running competitions for Eventing Ireland, has been honoured with two awards in the last ten days. First they were awarded the Presidents Award for 'Outstanding Contribution to the Sport' and this weekend they were voted, via Horse Board Ireland, to win the award for 'The Best National Event in 2010', which is a great achievement as it usually goes to a Northern fixture.
The Ponsonby family consider the events here each year as a major team effort, mobilising around one-hundred local volunteers in the construction, safety features, ground preparation and actual running of the days' events, and are very grateful of all this help.
In spite of the recession, over three-hundred horses and ponies competed at each of the major fixtures in July 2009 and 2010. A get-together to celebrate is on the drawing board!
Booked Out!
The 16th annual Tipperariana Book Fair was again 'booked out' last Sunday in Fethard Ballroom. Thirty 'dealers' appeared on the printed programme, but two late runners were also fitted in and twelve authors of Tipperary books were also present to sell and sign their books.
Every year the book dealers - who attend fairs all over the country - are amazed by the size and variety of the crowd who come through the door in Fethard. There are a number of reasons for the success of the Fethard book fair. The organisers, the Fethard Historical Society, go to great lengths to get the message out, with up to five hundred letters and flyers sent all around the county and country to individuals, school, libraries and bookshops.
Rose and Denis O'Donovan, Clonmel and originally from Fethard, photographed at their stall at the Tipperariana Book Fair
Secondly, the venue is very suitable indeed. It is big and well-kept with very good facilities for the dealers and public alike (i.e. parking, access doors, toilets, kitchen, etc). There would not be a fair without the very helpful co-operation of the Ballroom committee. Also people are very good at donating books for sale on the day and this generates money for the society's own stall.
Helping at the Fethard Historical Society's stall at the Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard Ballroom are L to R: Rachael Prout, Annie Prout, Sarah O'Donnell and Kate O'Donnell
However, it is hard work and attention to detail that ensures success year after year. First accolades must go to the top class 'catering corps', because they are the first mentioned by visiting dealers. The truth is, that without a café on site the fair would not work at all. The laying out of the stalls takes a lot of care and physical work and each dealer wants to stay in the same place and have his or her stall arranged in a certain way. Then there is also work installing extra lighting for the event and a lot of meeting and greeting to make sure that everyone is kept happy.
Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard Ballroom are L to R: Louise Norris, Lee Ann McKenna and Amy Norris from Shanbally Lisronagh.
Every year, people make suggestions as to possible changes - and ideas are always looked at - but every year the organisers come to the same conclusion; it seems to work very well, so if there is no problem then don't fix it. Hopefully all can be repeated on the second Sunday in February next year, Sunday, February 12, 2012.
Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard Ballroom are L to R: Larry Kenny, John Ryan and Larry O'Gorman
Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard Ballroom are L to R: Proinsias Ó Drisceoil and Michael Coady.
L to R: Fr. Tom Breen P.P. and Pat Looby
L to R: Mary Hanrahan talking to Maura Barrett (manager Slieveardagh Rural Development Centre).
Photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard Ballroom are L to R: Peter Binder, Rita Kenny and Liz O'Brien.
Fethard Rugby Club
Fethard U13s played their first league game at home on Sunday in Fethard Community Field against Thurles with a twenty-one man strong squad of Michael Gaynor, Mathew Lynch, Gary Kavanagh, Keith Cleere, Killian O'Dwyer, Padraig Feehan, Ritchie Ivors, Luke Grant, Bill Phelan, Andrew Phelan, Thomas Murphy, Liam Maher, Philip Fogarty, Connie Cohen, Mark Collins, Eoin Barry, Griffin Ivors, Larry Gleeson, Dillon Ryan-Hannigan, Gearóid Fahy and Pierce Blackmore.
The Fethard team came out strongly with Thomas Murphy getting over for the first try and Paudie Feehan converting, which he also did twice more during the game, as well as scoring a try in the second half. Eoin Barry also scored a great try along with tries from Andrew Phelan, Liam Maher, Larry Gleeson and Peirce Blackmore. Ritchie Ivors scored three tries all in the first half. The Fethard team worked well together and had the game under their control with a convincing win of 56-7.
The U15s took to the pitch Sunday morning in their last league fixture against Carrick on Suir. In a very well matched game, Carrick were a bigger squad so the tackle count for Fethard was high. The Fethard pack performed very well as a unit led by Cain O'Connell and got clean ball out to their back line. Carrick scored first and Fethard replied through Adam Fitzgerald after great handling through the backs. Captain Kyle Walsh converted and with very effective use of the boot put Denis Fogarty and Darren Prout in for tries and then made it over the line himself. A very exciting finish left Fethard with a two-point lead and putting in massive defensive work to keep the scoreline, 22 points to 20 at the final whistle. There are still some matches to be completed in this pool before we will see how it finishes up. The East Munster Cup competition will keep us busy until the end of the season.
Fethard Minis were also at home on Sunday with neighbours Clonmel traveling. We had great games from our U7s and U8s. The teams consisted of Charlie Cummins, Aidan Fitzgerald, Éabha Fitzgerald, Craig O'Shea, Aaron Denny, Connor Neville, Shane Neville, Eoin O'Dwyer, James Ryan, Sean O'Dwyer, Ben Ruttle, Robert Wall, Connor Walsh, Michael Scully and Cathal Foley.
These players upped their game and again deservedly came away from the morning's rugby with plenty of tries and happy faces. The players put in plenty of tackles and showed good handling skills.
The U9 team of Matthew Burke, Ethan Cohen, Angus Macdonald, Ian Harrington, Lucy Murphy, Richard Robinson and Matthew Gleeson proved a strong team with consistent tackling and great handling skills. They scored a great number of tries in their two games.
The U10 team of Adam O'Sullivan, David Ivors, Will Ruttle, Peter Wall, James Phillips, Paddy Gaynor, David Hayes, Evan Looby, Eoghan Fitzgerald, Ben Purcell and Sean Ryan gave a great performance and played in three parts to see all the players getting plenty of match time. Another very enjoyable game to watch. Keep up your wonderful training. Thanks to the Fethard ladies for the wonderful food and refreshments very kindly laid on after the games.
Training continues every Friday evening from 6.45pm to 8pm at the Fethard Community Field for the ages of 6 to 13 years. New members are always welcome. Don't forget that club jerseys are now in stock and to order please contact Kieran Butler on 087 6824340 for further information. If you are not receiving club text messages, please contact Paul Scully on 087 6885212.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on February 9, were: 2, 12, 15 and 21. We had no Jackpot winner and five 'Match 3' winners who received €30 each: Hannie Leahy, Annsgift, Fethard; John Pollard, Rocklow Road, Fethard; Carol Kenny, The Green, Fethard; Nellie Croke, c/o Kitty O'Donnell; and Jimmy Roche, Ballinard, Fethard.
The three following 'Lucky Dip' winners won €50 each: Pat Hayes, Lurgoe, Killenaule; Bridget Hayes, Main Street, Fethard; and Liz Hunt, Lisronagh, Fethard.
Remember you can purchase your lotto ticket online at www.fethard.com. Buy seven weekly tickets and get one free! Check on the website for lots of special offers including a chance to win a full set of jerseys for your sport's club. Next week's Jackpot continues at €4,950 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €495. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.
Fethard & District Day Care Centre AGM
Fethard & District Day Care Centre will hold their Annual General Meeting on Thursday, March 10, at 8pm in the Fr. Tirry Community Centre, Barrack Street, Fethard. All are welcome.
Business Seminar in Fethard
Photographed at the AIB Business Seminar held in Fethard are L to R: Jer Ryan (JRE Electrical Contractors Ltd, Clonmel), Peter Silke (AIB Branch Manager, Fethard and Killenaule), Fergus Moriarty (Senior Manager AIB Business Banking) and Hugh Mansfield (Head AIB Business Banking)
A business seminar took place at AIB Fethard on Wednesday, February 2. Welcoming the sizeable attendance Peter Silke, Branch Manager, Fethard and Killenaule said, "The past two years were difficult for everybody but AIB is making every effort to play its part in the economic recovery of this country. Lending is core to our business and building customer relationships. It is integral to what we do." AIB will consider all opportunities across all sectors for viable businesses - both new and existing.
He was joined at the top table by Jer Ryan, JRE Group, who outlined the difficulties businesses were experiencing and what they can do to help themselves in the current market. Jer shared his advice and experiences with the audience of over 40 business owners and guests.
John Devane, South Tipperary Development Company outlined the role his organisation plays in the SME sector.
Photographed at the AIB Business Seminar held in Fethard are L to R: John Devane (South Tipperary Development Company), Kevin Bourke, Delores Bourke, Mick Donnelly (Regional Director AIB).
Fergus Moriarty, senior manager Business Banking spoke about the key aspects of the management of cashflow and how to get the best support from your bank. He outlined the banks support for businesses through the current economic cycle.
AIB is currently holding more than 50 such meetings around the country. These seminars are part of AIBs commitment under its SME Lending Plan to have a comprehensive communications and engagement programme with customers to promote the availability of credit to SMEs.
Fethard Credit Union extend opening hours
In the six months since the Fethard and District Credit union became a part of Clonmel Credit Union Ltd the number of members using the office on Main Street has nearly doubled. Based upon the feedback from the members, an extension to the opening hours will occur from March 3, 2011.
The new opening arrangements will see the office on Main Street opening three days a week: Thursdays from 10am to 1pm, Fridays 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5.15pm, and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm.
The following additional services are now also available to the members using the Fethard office. (1.) EFT – salaries & children allowance can now be lodged direct to a members account. Members can also request to send money electronically to other bank accounts. (2.) Savings Stamps - €2 each to help save. (3.) Lending facilities – You can apply by calling in, by phone or via the Credit Union website. (4.) Web services – members can now view their accounts on the Internet and e-statements are also now available. Website: www.clonmelcu.com
Fethard GAA Club News
Members of Fethard GAA presenting Fiona Ryan with the club's Lotto Jackpot prize of €5,600 following her recent win in the weekly draw. L to R: Denis O'Meara, Mary Godfrey, Fiona Ryan, Nicky O'Shea and Austin Godfrey. The lotto committee send best wishes to Gus Fitzgerald who is recovering well from his recent surgery.
On the playing field our season got underway with U21 B footballers taking on Kilsheelan in Monroe on Saturday, February 12, at 2pm. In very difficult conditions and playing against a severe wind in the first half, we struggled to score finishing the first half on a score line, Kilsheelan 6 points, Fethard 1 point.
The second half started on a more positive note with Ciarán Ryan pointing from play. Shortly afterwards Eoin Fitzgerald blasted the net with a very good goal. Our luck continued with Cathal Hurley scoring three points from frees. Both Eoin Fitzgerald and Chris Sheehan scored a further point each from play to end the day at Fethard 1-7 to Kilsheelan's 0-7. All in all it was a good result on a freezing cold day.
Minor and senior training continues as before and training for juveniles as follows: U16/Minor on Wednesday evenings, U14 training on Monday and Thursday evenings, P12s on Wednesday evenings. U10 and Minis will be back training shortly. New players always welcome.
Darragh Hurley, Fethard's U8 Cúl Camp Football Skills county champion was at Semple Stadium on Saturday evening to receive his award, which was presented before the Tipperary v Kilkenny match.
Congratulations to Fiona Ryan who was presented with her 'Lotto Jackpot' cheque of €5,600 earlier this week. The numbers drawn for this week's lotto were 12, 13, 19 and 32. We had no jackpot winner and no 'match 3' winner. The following five drawn tickets received €30 each: Marie O'Donnell, Coolmoyne; Dick Fitzgerald, 56 St Patricks Place; Kay O'Riordan, Cloran; Noel Gleeson, Merry's Clonmel; and Brendan Brett, Killenaule Road. The €50 Lucky Dip was won by Emma Tobin, Kilknockin.
Check out our Facebook site on Fethard Tipperary GAA or our website www.fethard.tipperary.gaa.ie for the latest news, fixtures and information.
Open Day at Patrician Presentation Secondary School
Photographed at the Open Evening at Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School are L to R: Orla Burke, Danny O'Regan and Conor Burke.
Photographed at the Open Evening at Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School are L to R: Ciara Hayes, Amy Needham, Lesley Prendergast, Courtney Walsh, Lisa Mellerick, Sarah O'Donnell and Sadhbh Horan.
Helping at the Open Evening at Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School are Back L to R: Anastasia Blake, Rachael O'Meara, Gráinne Fanning, Christine Fitzgerald. Front L to R: Clodagh Bradshaw, Kayleigh Higgins, Kelly Keating and Shannon Dorney.
Science teacher, Mr Noel Maher, showing students how to dissect a heart at the Open Evening at Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School .
Teacher John Cummins displaying a bodhrán made in the woodworking room to Dylan
Community Games Table Quiz
Fethard and Killusty Community Games under 14 Table Quiz will take place on this Thursday night, February 17, in the Fethard Youth Centre, Lwr Main Street commencing at 7pm. Teams of four cost €6 and although only four players participate in the event it is possible to include two subs on the team panel of six.
Teams may consist of all boys, all girls or mixed, must be under 14 years of age on July 31, 2011 and must live in the parish. This was a very enjoyable competition last year and we look forward to a good turn out again.
Fethard Macra News
All are busy in Fethard Macra currently. Our team took part in the county round of 'Question Time' in Grangemockler on Friday, February 11, and now proceed to the regional finals in Waterford this coming Saturday night, representing South Tipperary alongside Dundrum. The four club members representing us on the night are: Pat Murphy, John McCormack, Michael Mockler and Liam Cleary.
Macra members from around the county attended a briefing in Cashel last Sunday, February 13, concerning what the main issues facing the country are and what topics voters should be targeting when questioning party canvassers on their doorsteps. All who attended found it useful with a view towards the upcoming elections.
The club continues to be busy rehearsing the current play, 'One man Down', for the regional drama finals. Producer, Michael Manley, is busy whipping the actors into shape at the moment and things are progressing nicely.
Volleyball continues every Thursday night in Clerihan hall. All clubs in the surrounding areas are invited to attend.
For those seeking employment, Macra has launched a new free 'e-book'. The book is available online at www.macra.ie and contains practical advice for those hoping to locate a job in the current climate.
For more on Fethard Macra or to join us as a member contact our chairperson, David Ryan on 087 9454384.
Captain's 'Drive-In' at Slievenmaon Golf Club
At the Captains Drive In at Slievenamon Golf Club on 13th February are L to R: Abbie Kiely (Girls Junior Captain), Patricia Walsh (Lady Captain), Brendan Kenny (Gents Captain) and Ciarán O'Meara (Boys Junior Captain)
L to R: Breda Foley, Anne O'Dea, May O'Brien and Norma O'Brien at the Captain's Drive In at Slievenamon Golf Club
L to R: Robert Reid, Ian Gough and Frank English
L to R: Kathleen Shanley, Ann Delahunty, Margaret Lalor (President), Noreen Woodlock and Margaret O'Brien
L to R: Pauline Lucey, Mairead O'Donnell, Gabrielle Schofield, Kay Walsh and Kathleen Kelly At the Captains Drive In at Slievenamon Golf Club 13th Feb 2011
L to R: Seamus McGowan (Vice Captain), Michael O'Meara Billy Phelan and Pat McGarry
Hunting News
Looking like they were going to draw the Elephant Grass across the road from the Mushroom farm blank at Silverfort on Thursday last hounds found in the last patch. Running down parallel to the Coolraine road they ran a left-handed loop. Down through Curraghtarsna to Sean Walsh's they ran to Charles McCarthy's. Left here for Mobarnane their fox got to ground just short of Mobarnane Wood.
Not finding in the wood they crossed the road to Paddy Martin's. Hounds hardly entered when a fox was away from one of the forts. Hitting the line they ran through Woodhouse crossing the Silverfort /Moyglass road above Tommy O'Brien's. Hunting on towards Knockforla they caught him at Beechmount. A fox in the plantation at Knockforla would just not leave despite the hound's best efforts and was left.
On to Balloughbuidhe they found in Burke's. Quickly away they ran towards Kill Hills. Swinging left here they ran through Scart to the Ballinure – Dualla road which they crossed beyond the Builders Hill near Erry Junction. The bitches were flying here with the field playing catch-up as best they could. Right-handed they ran to Sullivan's Plantation their great cry increased if anything here in this huge forest. They forced Charlie to leave at the Ballinure end re-crossing the road to the Scart. Hunting more slowly in the wood, scent seemed to deteriorate as the evening wore on. They hunted along the hillside to the gorse and were working the line over the hill towards Connolly's when they checked and home was blown. This was a very fast run of 35 minutes.
With the White Heathers
The Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers meet on Sunday, February 20, at Kilvemnon School (near Mullinahone) and on Sunday, February 27, at Ballylusky at 11am.
With the hunting season coming to a close the White Heathers are once again promoting their annual draw. Tickets priced at €2 each or €5 for a book of three may be obtained from any member of the committee. The draw will take place on Friday February 18. We feel sure that the great support for this, our 59th Annual Draw, will be forthcoming from all our followers and supporters.
Fethard Coursing Club
Fethard Coursing Club will hold their Annual Coursing meeting on Sunday, February 20. Meet at the Ballroom Car Park at 9.30am. Come along and join us for a healthy, enjoyable day.
The draw for Sunday is as follows.
Top half: Manx Mountain v Alarm Time; Miss Chill v Foidinn Meara; Bearnan Eile v Call Me Ben; and Southern Skyline v Bee Bee Bee.
Bottom half: Judy's Ball v Foxhall Dan; Fethard Dolly v Generous; Mrs Ridiculous v Moonlight Queen; and Fealesuir Dara v Comanche Night.
Reserves: (a) Sheeraghs Redzer, (b) Tochas Tochasach, (c) Kiely's Cross and (d) Key Flower.
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