Alice Leahy feature on 'Irish Times'
The Irish Times is due to publish an article on "A day in the Life of Trust" in Tuesday's edition (13th September), by reporter Carl O'Brien and photographer Alan Betson. It will appear in the 'Health Plus' section.
Vice principal retires
Maureen Maher, photographed on the ocassion of her retiring as vice-principal of Holy Trinity National School in Fethard
Mrs Maureen Maher retired from Holy Trinity National School, Fethard on August 31, 2011. Maureen trained as a Primary School teacher in Mary Immaculate Training College Limerick and spent one year teaching in Carlow before joining the staff in Nano Nagle N.S. Fethard in 1974. Maureen taught with us first as Miss Adams before changing her name on marriage as was usual at the time. During her teaching career Maureen taught most classes and she served as vice-principal for her final six years in Nano Nagle, a position she retained for the past year in the amalgamated Holy Trinity N.S. that came into being in September 2010.
Maureen brought boundless enthusiasm and huge commitment to all aspects of her teaching career. Her classroom was a treasure trove of learning materials, educational games and challenging hands-on activities, many devised and handmade by herself, all designed to afford a comprehensive learning experience for her pupils. Maureen's dedication to her schoolwork never waned and she was continually striving to improve the facilities on offer to the children in her care. She readily embraced computer technology and, likewise, her love of photography enriched her teaching and introduced another dimension to the classroom experience. Her passion for the environment and all things ecological enthused staff and pupils alike, and was reflected in our commitment to promoting litter-awareness, healthy eating, energy conservation and the importance of recycling. She was also responsible for our successful involvement in the Tidy schools competitions and other related projects such as tree-planting, water-harvesting and growing flowers, fruits and vegetables. This year, she spearheaded Holy Trinity's first steps towards gaining Green School status and we look forward to inviting her back to be present with us when we receive our first green flag.
As many of those who are familiar with the ethos of our school will be aware, we subscribe to the Adlerian approach to discipline based on mutual respect, inclusiveness and encouragement. This came naturally to Maureen with her innate sense of fair play and her genuine concern for the entire school community. She was always thoughtful, kind and caring and her instinctive modus operandi with her pupils was that of the gentle reprimand as opposed to the stringent rebuke. We, her teaching colleagues, appreciated her habitual good humour, her ready wit and her lively sense of fun. Every school community, just like all other work places, experiences its own challenges and Maureen's calm good sense, her willingness to listen and her ability to see another's point of view, undoubtedly played an important part in promoting a positive working environment for all of us. Incidentally, we came back to school last Thursday to find a "welcome-back" hamper from Maureen awaiting us in the staff room - a typically thoughtful gesture on her part.
As Maureen embarks on this new phase in her life, we wish her all the very best because, as they say nowadays, she so deserves it. We know she won't have time to be bored (or even to miss us!) as she is already busy with plans involving hill-walking, learning Spanish, completing the Camino del Santiago and possibly travelling even further afield. We congratulate her on her involvement with the recent photographic exhibition in the Arts Centre in Clonmel and the stunning pictures she displayed there. We know also that we will stay in touch and that she will be as keen to hear our news as we will be to share hers. We await further developments with interest! We wish her joyful travelling with her husband Seamus and continued happiness with her four wonderful sons, Ross, Niall, Fintan and Kevin. A Mháirín, a chara, go n-éirí do bhóthair leat agus go dté tú slán. Slán go fóill. Adios!
New safe walkway to officially open
Geraldine Hennessy and Margaret Hyde very happy with the new safer walkway for their daily lunchtime stroll
Fethard Tidy Towns committee would like to announce that the official opening of the new safe walkway between Congress Terrace and Jesuits Walk will take place on Wednesday, September 14, at 1pm, at Jesuits Walk. All are welcome to attend.
The new walkway will enable pedestrians to avoid walking on the very narrow dangerous stretch of road after Congress Terrace on the Clonmel Road. This facility is now needed more than ever as the amount of traffic travelling on this narrow road makes it almost impossible for anyone using a buggy or pram to walk safely.
The committee would like to offer their sincere thanks to Mrs Mary Harrington and her family for generously offering a section of their land to facilitate this new walkway which is greatly appreciated by the people of Fethard.
Over the past few months, members of Fethard Tidy Towns did tremendous work in preparing the foundations for the walkway inside the wall of Harrington's field. Mr Eoin Powell, Engineer, South Tipperary County Council, was fully supportive of the project and we are indebted to South Tipperary County Council and particularly local County Council foreman, Jimmy Horan and his team of workers, for their help and work on the project.
The committee are delighted to now have the walk opened and wish safe walking to all who will use it in the future months and years. Again, the official opening will take place on Wednesday, September 14, at 1pm at Jesuits Walk and all are welcome.
Fethard Historical Society lecture
Fethard Historical Society will host a lecture in the Abymill Theatre at 8.30pm on Friday, September 16, entitled 'Geoffrey Keating (Seathrún Céitinn) c.1580-1644, The Man and the Myth', by Dr. Bernadette Cunningham - author of 'The World of Geoffrey Keating' and 'Writing Irish History: The 4 Masters and their World'.
Geoffrey Keating was a 17th Century South Tipperary historian - author of Foras Feasa ar Éirinn one of the most popular and influential histories ever written. He is buried in Tubrid.
Admission is €5 for members and €6 for non-members. Refreshments will be served.
Bluegrass Concert at Croc an Óir
Niall Toner and his band will play a bluegrass concert at Croc an Óir at 8pm, Thursday, September 8. For tickets to this unique concert venue set at the foot of Slievenamon on the way to Mullinahone, contact John Bermingham at (052) 9153117 or 086 8907329. Over the past year John and Monika have cultivated Croc an Óir as an ideal music venue where 'under the mountain sessions' are really taking off.
Croc an Óir, was also selected by the Irish Independent as one of the best ten holiday hideaways in Ireland. WEBSITE
Nature Watch
This Peregrine Falcon was photographed by Kevin Collins on top of the Holy Trinity Church last week.
A Peregrine Falcon was spotted on top of the Holy Trinity Church in Fethard last week by Kevin Collins, Ballygambon. The peregrine falcon is undoubtedly one of Ireland's most impressive birds, considered by many to be the ultimate bird-of-prey. The peregrine is thought to reach speeds of up to 180 mph as it plummets earthward before striking its prey.
Peregrine populations were severely affected by the widespread use of pesticides like DDT during the 1950s and 60s. At the time these pesticides were commonly added to seeds. Since the 1970s a ban on these pesticides has allowed peregrine populations to slowly recover across much of their northern European range, including here in Ireland.
Fethard Bridge Club reopens
Fethard Bridge Club reopens on Wednesday, September 14. We look forward to seeing everyone back playing Bridge and welcome any new members who will be joining us. We will be playing for the Free Sub Gross on September 28 and the Free Sub Nett on October 5.
Are we losing our identity?
Fethard's new Credit Union shopfront on Main Street
Plans to restore a traditional shop front were more than welcomed in Fethard but some locals were not prepared for the unexpected jolt in seeing 'Clonmel' emblazoned on its sign when the paintwork was completed last week. Mixed reactions were experienced unexpectedly. Although locals were aware that Fethard Credit Union was taken over by Clonmel Credit Union and reopened for business on Friday, June 4, 2010, they still regarded their branch as 'Fethard Credit Union'.
As one local stated, "When you are travelling by car and pass through a town, you often look at shop signs to see where you are. I wonder will people passing through Fethard now think they are in Clonmel?"
Died in England
The death has occurred in England of Betty Major, New Malden, Surrey, UK, formerly Betty Shine, Monroe, Fethard.
The late Betty Major Shine is the last of her generation of a very old Fethard family.
Fethard ICA
The month of September is here once more and we hope that all ICA members enjoyed the summer break even though the sun was shy in showing its face for the most part.
Our next meeting will be held in the ICA Hall, Rocklow Road, on Tuesday, September 13, at 8pm. Our guest speaker will be Sharon from Dr. Fish Sole Therapy, Foot Spa, Cashel. Catering for the night by the 'Yellow Group'.
Starting School at Holy Trinity National School
First day at school at Holy Trinity National School L to R: Aoibheann Collum, Lucy Burke Lawrence and Róisín Geoghegan
First day at school at Holy Trinity National School L to R: Leo Makhinya, Isabelle O'Donnell, Robert Thompson Brawders, Olivia Ward, Aoife Harrington, Zoë Prout and Nicole Murphy
Joshua Hall enjoying his first day at at Holy Trinity National School
Cian Murray enjoying his first day at Holy Trinity National School
First day at school at Holy Trinity National School L to R: Ciara Donald Besso and Aoibheann Collum
First day at school at Holy Trinity National School L to R: Charlie Brennan, Danny Hayes and Liam Kiely
L to R: Lucy Brett and Keira Daniel
Zoë Prout and Robert Thompson Brawders
Kate Murphy enjoying her first day at Holy Trinity National School
Leo Makhinya having fun on his first day
L to R: Ben Allen and Roisín Geoghegan
L to R: Emily Spillane and Ben Allen
Rebecca Needham enjoying her first day at school
Jake Fox enjoying his first day at Holy Trinity National School
Angel Louise O'Reilly enjoying her first day at school
L to R: Aoife Harrington and Rebecca Needham
L to R: Ciara Donald Besso, Lucy Brett and Keira Daniel
L to R: Róisín Geoghegan and Lucy Burke Lawrence
L to R: Olivia Ward and Isabelle O'Donnell
Annual Emigrant's Newsletter
Work on the production of this year's Annual Emigrant's Newsletter has now commenced. We invite anyone interested in submitting articles or photographs for this year's issue to contact Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, Tel: 052 6131663 or by email: newsletter@fethard.com
Club secretaries are asked to submit their annual reports and photographs as soon as possible.
If you would like to make a donation towards this years issue, you can do so securely online here MAKE A DONATION All donations over €10 will be acknowledged in this year's Newsletter
Ladies Football through to County Final
Fethard's U14B footballers are through to the County Final for the second year in a row after a thrilling win over Lattin Cullen on Wednesday, August 31. In a game that had goals galore, the Fethard ladies fought hard for their win on a scoreline of 6-7 to 6-4. Best of luck in the final!
Annual Harvest Fete at Clonacody House this Sunday
Clonacody House welcomes the autumn with its first Annual Harvest Fete on this coming Sunday, September 11. Local artisans, chefs, and vendors will showcase their wares at this beautiful country house, which also offers luxurious accommodation in a bucolic setting.
In addition, a treasure hunt has been organised for the children, along with face painting, pony and trap rides, and the always welcome bouncy castle.
Banna Chluain Meala, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, will be on hand to provide the music.
It promises to be a perfect afternoon outing for the whole family. Local artisans, including, Dóirín Saurus of Crampscastle Pottery and Marie Crean Basketing Weaving will be on hand to demonstrate their craft and answer your questions, and local chef, Barbara Russell will host a work shop on home cooking. Vendor Marie Moclair will be selling her chutneys, along with Katie's Cookies, and intricate jewellery from the developing world will be on sale, with some of the proceeds going back to the country of origin.
So, re-introduce yourself to the simpler pleasures of life. Come to Clonacody House on Sunday, September 11. The Harvest Fete starts at 1.30pm and goes until 5pm. For more information please contact Helen Carrigan at 087 1689167 and email: helen@clonacodyhouse.com
Starting School in Moyglass
First Day at School at Moyglass National School Back L to R: Ciara Healy, Caoimhe Murphy, John Lacy, Evie Quirke. Middle L to R: Krystof Hofmann, William McCarthy, Jack Burke, Caoimhe O'Connor, Anna Furno. Front L to R: Shane Boland Prendergast, Robert O'Connell Hayde, Orla Tynan Egan and Abbi Browne.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on August 31, were: 2, 16, 18 and 26. We had no Jackpot winner and three 'Match Three' winners of €50: Lauren McGarry, Woodvale Walk, Fethard; M. Flanagan, c/o Tom Purcell; and Carmel Murphy, Crampscastle, Fethard.
The three following 'Lucky Dip' winners also won €50 each: Frank Fogarty, Congress Terrace, Fethard; Dermot Darcy, St Patricks Place, Fethard; and Mary Danaher, Cedar Grove, 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. Next week's Jackpot commences at €4,850 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €485. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.
Happy 90th Birthday Jimmy
Jimmy Roche, Ballinard, Fethard, who celebrated his 90th birthday 0n the 27th August 2011 with family and friends in Cloneen.
Congratulations to Jimmy Roche, Ballinard, who celebrated his 90th birthday on August 27, 2011, with members of his family and friends in Cloneen. Jimmy, a very popular man renowned for his music and story telling, was one of the stalwarts of the 'Backs to the Walls' traditional music sessions that were held every Monday night in O'Shea's Bar in the mid 1990s.
Jimmy is also well known for his love of nature and developed a great interest in birds as a young child growing-up in Rathkenny. Over the years from his home in Ballinard his relationship with the wild birds grew to the stage that they were feeding from the palm of his hand, particularly in cold weather. A spectacular sight to see the small birds, including Blue Tits, Coal Tits and Robins land on Jimmy's hand to feed.
Happy birthday Jimmy, and may you enjoy many more years of birds, music and song!
Parish Office
Contributions and notices for the Parish Newsletter, published on the reverse of the weekly Mass leaflet, can be handed in at the Parish Office at Fethard Youth Centre or emailed to: fethardparishoffice@gmail.com Deadline is 5pm on Tuesdays.
Killusty Soccer Club golf classic
Killusty Soccer Club will hold a golf classic on Saturday, September 24, at Slievenamon Golf Club. This will be a fourball scramble and the cost per team is €80. Tee times are from 10am to 2pm and to book your tee time contact Slievenamon Golf Club Tel: 052 6132213 or 087 0334797. Our thanks go to Frances O'Hanlon, Mortgages and Investments, Clonmel, who is our main sponsor for this event.
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