Died Recently The death has occurred on Thursday 12th April, of Denis Byard, son of the late Don Byard (Burke Street, Fethard) and Nora Byard, Ballingarry.
Reposing at his residence at Castleknock, Dublin, with removal to the Church of Our Lady Mother of the Church, Castleknock on Monday morning, 16th April, arriving for Requiem Mass at 11am, followed by burial in Clonsilla Churchyard. Family flowers only, please. Donations if desired to the Irish Cancer Society.
Our deepest sympathy to his wife Áine, mother Nora, brothers Michael, Donal, Brian, Thomas, sisters Marie-Claire and Marguerite. Sadly missed by his loving family, relatives and friends.
Abbey Choir in harmony for Easter Augustinian Abbey Choir photographed with organist, Ann Barry, at Mass on Easter Sunday morning.
Easter mass goers this year were treated to a pleasant surprise at the Augustinian Abbey when the local choir performed a well-practiced flawless performance of Händel's 'Hallelujah Chorus' (listen below). Organist Ann Barry and her dedicated choir worked extremely hard over the past few weeks perfecting this piece in time for Easter and their efforts certainly paid off, receiving sustained applause after each performance. Congratulations to Ann for taking this choir to a new level with such ease and harmony, not alone in the 'Hallelujah Chorus' but in all their singing at the Augustinian Abbey.
The choir members are Nell Broderick, Paddy Broderick, Gemma Burke, Chrissie Cummins, Josie Fitzgerald, Michael Kenrick, Geraldine McCarthy, Michael McCarthy, Marie Murphy, Alice Quinn, Mary Smyth, Ciara Tillyer and Bernard Walsh. Missing from photo are Agnes Evans, Joan Halpin, Paul Hayes and Mary Healy.
Presentation on "Creating Fethard's Civic Centre"
Mr. Michael O'Boyle, B.Arch MUBC MRIAI, Grade 1 Accredited Conservation Architect of Bluett & O'Donohoe Architects will deliver a Presentation on Town Hall / The Tholsel – "Creating Fethard's Civic Centre" on Tuesday next, April 17th, in the Tirry Community Centre at 7pm. All are welcome.
Tipperary nuns asked the British army to send a sniper to shoot jackdaws and crows which were “ruining” potatoes in the convent garden during the War of Independence.
The quintessential Irish solution to an Irish problem is revealed in a letter – sent more than 90 years ago during the final years of British rule in Ireland – which has turned up in an auction saleroom.
The Presentation Order of nuns in Fethard, Co Tipperary, had a convent garden to grow their own food. However the nuns were pestered by birds swooping on the crops and the reverend mother called on the might of the world’s most powerful imperial army to defeat the feathered attackers.
Sr Imelda was delegated to write to the “Officer in Command” at the local military barracks, home to soldiers of the Royal Field Artillery. She asked if he “could kindly send down one of your men to shoot some jackdaws and crows which are ruining our potatoes, peas and other vegetables in our garden”.
The nuns were forced to ask the British military to do the dirty deed because the Irish were not, officially, allowed to carry guns. The War of Independence was under way and Co Tipperary was a hotbed of rebels. Explaining the nuns’ predicament, Sr Imelda wrote: “We have asked several farmers around to shoot them [the birds] but all say they can’t use a gun even to protect their crops.”
The despondent nuns were also “very much inconvenienced” by the birds eating chickenfeed left out for their fowl. Sr Imelda concluded by asking the officer to let her know if he “could do anything in this matter”.
Sadly, it is not known if the officer responded to the request. Fethard military barracks was evacuated by the British after the Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed in December 1921, and subsequently taken over by Republican rebels and burnt down.
The nuns’ letter is to be auctioned by Mealy’s, a rare book and manuscript auctioneers, in Dublin on April 25th, and has a modest presale estimate of between €60 and €80.
Gig for Africa 'Playing for Life'
A fundraising night for
'Playing for Life' projects in Africa will take place on Saturday, April 28, in Brú Ború, Cashel, featuring 'Folk The Recession' (as seen on The Late Late Show) with an evening of Folk, Trad, Old Timey, Gospel, Gossip and God knows what! presented by the fantastic lineup of Eleanor Shanley, Frankie Lane, Paul Kelly, Mick Hanly and Brendan Begley.
This is a night not to be missed . . . Tickets are available locally from Joe Kenny at €25 or you can 'BUY NOW' by clicking button below. . . By supporting this gig you are also supporting 'Playing for Life's' ongoing work in Africa.
Ireland's Strongmen strut their stuff in Fethard
Daniel Gannon attempting a new Irish record lift at Irelands Strongest Man Qualifier at Fethard Town Wall
Fethard's medieval town wall was the venue chosen by the Irish Strength Association (ISA) for the Republic of Ireland Strongest Man Qualifier 2012 held on Saturday, March 31. A large crowd of spectators turned out to see local competitor, Brian O'Meara, and Ireland's strongest men compete for a place in the last sixteen of this year's 'Republic of Ireland Strongest Man' competition.
Local spectators enjoying Irelands Strongest Man Qualifier in Fethard
Observers to this well disciplined support were fascinated to watch these men lift weights of over 44 stone over their head while others threw barrels over a 13-foot height barrier in quick succession against the clock. Other events included lifting a 145kg Husafell stone over a distance marked on the well-kept grassed area at Fethard's Town Wall. The original Husafell Stone, weighing roughly 190kg, was a legendary lifting stone located in Husafell, Iceland, over two hundred years ago. The stone has been used as a test of strength by either simply lifting the stone, or by lifting and carrying the stone around the goat pen where it is located.
Enjoying the Irelands Strongest Man Qualifier in Fethard are L to R: Amy Roche, Katie O'Flynn and Alex Freeman.
The event in Fethard was well organised and entertaining with safety to the fore at all times. The spectators and visitors were treated to a spectacular feat of strength in glorious sunshine in a perfect medieval setting. We look forward to their return.
Keith Maher feeling the pressure of the lift
Looking at the Irelands Strongest Man Qualifier in Fethard are L to R: Jake Fox and Cian Lawrence.
Brian O'Meara with family members at the Irelands Strongest Man Qualifier at Fethard Town Wall
Fethard Scouting
Congratulations to Fethard Cub Scout's winning Pack at the County Sports Day which took place on Sunday, April 1, in Ardfinnan. Individual winners were: Conor Harrington - Gold for Clothesline Race and Bronze for Wellie throw; Cathal Ryan and Kyle Allen - Gold for the wheelbarrow race; Kyle Allen - Silver for spud and spoon race; Katie Ryan - Gold for spud and spoon race; Aisling Prendergast and Katie Ryan - Gold for 3 legged race; Aisling Prendergast, Katie Ryan, Sarah Slattery and Edel Walsh - Gold for chair team race.
We are very proud of each cub for playing his/her part for a great result. Leaders were: Venturer, Lorna Quigley; Scouters: John Walsh, Denis Larkin and Michelle Hennebry.
A date for the diary
Fethard and District Rugby Club will hold their AGM in the Abymill Theatre at 8pm, on Thursday, May 3, everybody welcome see you there.
Thanks for your support
The Ballroom Committee would like to thank all who supported the card game on Good Friday night. All proceeds were in aid of Parish Fund and the clergy are most grateful for your support.
Happy Birthday Francis!
Francis Lonergan photographed with family and friends on the occasion of his 50th birthday celebrated last weekend in Butler's Sports Bar, Fethard.
Francis Lonergan photographed with family on the occasion of his 50th birthday celebrated last weekend in Butler's Sports Bar, Fethard.
Fethard Ladies Football Club
Twice in the last week, teams from the Fethard Ladies Football Club were held to a draw in championship matches. The Under 14s played Clerihan in the first round of their championship on a bitterly cold Wednesday evening, April 3. The score was 2 goals to nil in favour of Clerihan at half time, but in the second half Fethard had an extra little energy and found the back of the net three times - with one of the goals coming from a superbly-taken penalty. Clerihan also scored a penalty in the second half, leaving the full-time score a draw at 3 goals each. On Saturday, April 7, the Under 12s played Mullinahone in the first round of the A/B championship. Playing against a strong breeze in the first half, Fethard did very well to hold Mullinahone to just a single point thanks in large part to a strong Fethard defence. Mullinahone made a great start to the second half, scoring a goal to put them ahead by 1-1 to no score. But with the breeze behind us, the Fethard girls fought back bravely to score four points before the end of the game. The final result was a draw: Fethard 0-4, Mullinahone 1-1.
On the fundraising side of things, this week we are launching our Cash for Clobber fundraising initiative which will help the Club raise a little extra funds for any unwanted clothing that we collect. If you are doing your spring cleaning this month, keep us in mind for any clothing that you no longer need - we will be collecting outside the GAA Field in Fethard on Saturday April 28 between 11am and 1pm. Finally, there are just three people remaining in our Last Man Standing competition at the time of going to press. Keep an eye on all the Club's activities via our Fethard Ladies Football Facebook page.
Easter Bonnets
Pictured above at the Senior Citizens Club annual Easter Bonnet Competition are the winners L to R: 1st prize Margaret Thompson, centre in 2nd place Nellie Ryan and 3rd Eileen Ryan. Well done to all who submitted a wonderful array of Easter Bonnets.
Fethard Macra News
Members of the club hit Clonmel last Friday night for some Easter fun and games in 'Hot Shots' bowling club, Clonmel and a good night was had by us all.
The 2012 South Tipp Macra farm skills competition takes place on Sunday, April 15, on the farm of John Murray. Sign in deadline for teams of three is 12.30pm. Team skills on the day will involve the Ag. question time, tractor driving and erecting a fence. Teams are asked to bring their own fencing equipment, drilling tools, stakes and wire on the day. Gates will be provided on site. The two top teams on the day will go on to represent South Tipp at the Munster final and the winners from this will go on to take part in the All-Ireland final at the national livestock show in Tullamore this August.
Soccer takes place every Friday night at 9pm in Munroe. All are welcome to take part and come for a bit of exercise and craic on the night.
The next meeting of Fethard Macra takes place in Butler's Bar at 8pm on Friday, April 13. We thank Butlers for their continued support in facilitating our monthly meetings.
For more on Fethard Macra or to become a member, phone our chairperson, Liam Cleary on 086 3998711.
Easter Lilies on sale in Fethard Selling Easter Lilies in Fethard last weekend were L to R: Éamonn Ó Fogartaigh, Marcus Fogarty, Ollie Ryan and Douglas Hannigan
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on April 4 were: 20, 22, 23 and 25. We had no Jackpot winner and two 'Match Three' winners who received €75: Bobbi Holohan (online ticket); and Christine Brett, The Valley, Fethard.
The three following 'Lucky Dip' winners also won €50 each: Kathleen Kenny, The Green, Fethard; Mary O'Riordan, Red City, Fethard; and Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard.
The next Lotto draw will take place on April 11, and you can also 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 is €9,200 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €920. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.
Fethard GAA Club News
Congratulations to our minor football combination football team, St Josephs, in their victory in the championship recently over Ballyporeen with a score of St Josephs 3-12 to Ballyporeen's 4-7. We had a walkover this weekend. Playing in the A Championship will certainly improve our standard of football for the future and with a little luck and perseverance we will make it to the latter stages of the competition.
At senior level we played a great game against Killenaule in the south Senior Football championship and came away with a well deserved draw and some would say we were kind of unlucky not to have won .
Our Intermediate hurlers should be playing shortly and on their way to some positive action for the coming season.
Condolences to the Matthews family in Kerry Street on the death of their father, Georgie Matthews. Georgie was a former playing member of the club in years gone by, but will probably be remembered more for the many times he safely delivered our many juvenile teams both hurling and football by bus to various venues through the country to play games.
He had the patience of a saint dealing with the lads and could get them to do his will at any time. They still talk about the trip to the All-Ireland Sevens in Cavan or the weekend we went to Portlaoise for a hurling tournament and when we were late leaving after the parade he drove straight to Clonmel to deliver some of the mentors and players to a Intermediate hurling game, with all the juveniles in tow.
Talking of loyal service on Gene Walsh's buses, Georgie Mathews was the man! A Legend! May he rest in peace and may the sod rest lightly on his soul.
Our lotto has picked up in the last couple of weeks and the personnel in charge must be complimented for sticking with it. If you are not in you can't win so meet our sellers and buy a ticket and maybe hit the jackpot.
The GAA Sports Lotto Results for draw that took place on April 3 are as follows. The numbers drawn were: 6, 22, 25 and 31. There was no jackpot winner and one 'Match Three' winner who received €150: Aidan Fitzgerald, Kiltinan. The €50 Lucky Dip winner was Anthony Leo, c/o Bob Fitzgerald.
Thanks to all promoters, supporters and to AIB Fethard who kindly sponsored printing of tickets. Next week's jackpot is €2,800 and the draw will take place on April 10.
Ray for 5K Ray Darcy (centre) photographed with Magic and Mary Ryan with their daughter Milly at the 'Ray for 5K' run in Kilkenny on Monday, April 2.
Community Outreach Digital Switchover Programme
RTE Television is switching from Analogue to Digital Transmission on October 24, 2012. A new Outreach Programme will help mobilise people from community and voluntary organisations in Fethard and surrounding areas to identify and reach people they know in their communities who are in danger of being left behind, and assist them in making the switch to digital TV before Wednesday, October 24, 2012.
Individuals and community organisation representatives in Fethard and the surrounding areas are invited to attend a meeting in Fethard Community Centre, on Tuesday, April 24, at 8pm. The objective of the meeting is to discuss the best way of getting information to people in the community who for whatever reason may not be ready for the changeover. All input into the meeting would be greatly appreciated. If you're interested in getting involved or would like further information, please contact: Maura Carey, Tipperary Digital Outreach Champion, Tipperary Regional Youth Service, Hogan Square, Cashel, Co. Tipperary. E-mail: maura.carey@trys.ie Mobile: 087 2860991.
Fethard Bridge Club Results
On Wednesday, March 28, we played for Easter Prizes and the results were:
1st Gross: Marian Walsh and Sean O'Dea;
2nd Gross: Anna Cooke and David O'Meara;
3rd Gross: Kay St. John and Rita Kane;
1st Nett: Joan Kelly and Breda O'Grady;
2nd Nett: Annie O'Brien and Marie Delaney;
3rd Nett: Nora Lawrence and Philly Kenny.
Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 6132038.
Fethard and Killusty Community Games
Community Games season is now well underway and the first round games for our teams in South Tipperary are as follows:
U12 Girls Football: (A) Ardfinnan v Mullinahone, (B) Fethard v Ballyclerihan, (C) Cahir Bye. Winners of A versus C, South Final A or C versus B.
U11 Hurling: (A) Cashel Rosegreen v Ballyclerihan, (B) Carrick-on-Suir v Fethard, (C) Kilsheelan v Cahir, (D) Mullinahone v Powerstown, (E) Ballingarry v Drangan.
Under 10 GAA: (A) Cahir v Cashel Rosegreen, (B) Ardfinnan v Carrick-on-Suir, (C) Powerstown v Ballingarry, (D) Ballyclerihan v Kilsheelan, (E) Fethard v Clogheen
All first round games must be played before April 30. Panel Forms may be downloaded from the website: www.communitygames.ie
Anybody interested in entering the Swimming Competitions please contact the community games office: 086 8110768 before Wednesday, April 18, providing information on date of birth and event you wish to take part in. Events are for boys and girls from U8 to U16 Freestyle, U10 to U16 Backstroke, U12 to U14 Breaststroke; U14 to U16 Butterfly.
South Tipperary Heritage Plan
The revised South Tipperary Heritage Plan 2012-2016 is now available for you comment. You are welcome to comment on the draft plan before the 29th April 2012. Please send your comments by email to heritage@southtippcoco.ie or in writing to South Tipperary County Council Heritage Office, County Hall, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
The draft plan is available to view and download on www.southtippheritage.ie
You can also view a copy of the plan at your local library; at the Planning Counter, South Tipperary County Council, County Hall or at the County Museum, Clonmel.
For further info please contact the Heritage Officer, Labhaoise McKenna at heritage@southtippcoco.ie
'Junk Kouture' girls qualify for All-Ireland Finals Fethard Presentation Patrician Secondary School pupils who have qualified for the finals of Junk Kouture in Dublin. The girls are photographed at the semifinals held in the Strand Hotel in Limerick on Sunday, April 1. L to R: Karen Hayes, Svetlana Novikova (Punkture), Aobh O'Shea (Bright Ideas), Michelle Walsh and Danielle Sheehan. Voting (free) now open until April 13 - you can vote once per day.
Congratulations to Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School pupils Junk Kouture entries, 'Bright Ideas' and 'Punkture', who have both qualified for the grand All-Ireland final, which will be held in the City West Hotel in Dublin on April 20. Fethard had 100% success at the semi-finals in Limerick on Sunday, April 1, when both teams got through to the all-Ireland final. Competition was extremely high at the semi-finals from the fifty costumes that were shown on the night from the Munster schools that qualified. Eighteen were chosen to go forward to the all Ireland final.
'Bright Ideas', created by Aobh O'Shea and Danielle Sheehan, is made entirely from crisp bags while 'Punkture', created by Karen Hayes, Michelle Walsh and Svetlana Novikova, is made from bicycle tubes.
For the final, 10% of the voting is online so we are again looking for your votes for this final round. Voting has already begun and lines will stay open until April 13.
We wish both teams every success with their costumes at the final, and acknowledge all the many hours of work put in to their haute Junk Kouture outfits.
Night with The Stars in Moyglass
Moyglass will hold a ‘Night With The Stars’ in association with the Irish Cancer Society, in the new sports hall on April 21, at 8pm. The artists include Trudi Lawlor, Larry Cunningham, Louise Morrissey and Daniel O’Donnell tribute artist, Gary Gamble. The MC for the night will be well known Tipp FM presenter, Norman Morrissey. Tickets are €25 and you can buy them now at www.moyglass.net or from any member of the committee. This will be a limited seated concert and light refreshments will be available.
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This site is maintained by Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, Co. Tipperary, Ireland.
By using this site you accept the conditions of our Disclaimer document which can be read by clicking below. DISCLAIMER
The death has occurred on Thursday 12th April, of Denis Byard, son of the late Don Byard (Burke Street, Fethard) and Nora Byard, Ballingarry. 
