Saving the Town Hall?

Photographed at the Fethard Business & Tourism Group's presentation on 'Fethard Town Hall' are Back L to R: Marie Murphy, Edwina Newport, Anthony Fitzgerald (Business Advisor-South Tipperary Co Council), Colm McGrath, Cllr John Fahey, Leo Darcy, Peter Grant, Terry Cunningham. Middle L to R: Diana Stokes, Pat Looby, Gerard Manton, Catherine Corcoran, Peter Silke (AIB), Marie Phelan (Tipperary Co Council-Tourism and Public Awareness), Paddy McEvoy, Bill O'Sullivan. Front L to R: Maurice Moloney, Susanna Manton, Michael OBoyle (B.Arch MUBC MRIAI), Jenny Butler, Bernadette Stocksborough and Isobel Cambie (South Tipperary Development Company)

On Tuesday, April 17, a meeting was organised by the Fethard Business and Tourism group to present ideas regarding the renovation of Fethard Town Hall. The event was attended by representatives of local organisations, South Tipperary Co Council and the South Tipperary Development Company. The meeting focused on a presentation by Conservation Architect Michael O'Boyle who was commissioned by the group, with support from South Tipperary Co Council, to prepare a feasibility study regarding the development of the Town Hall as a focal point for the visitor to Fethard.

Michael's presentation underlined the importance of the Town Hall as a very important building with several medieval features that could be revealed and restored. It is one of the very few buildings of its kind in the Country and is of great architectural and historic significance.

Attendees at the meeting agreed that while Fethard has much to offer the visitor it has no central meeting area or information point and has limited snack/lunch and toilet facilities besides pubs and is not on the main Tourist Track. The Town Hall offers the potential to provide a combined cafe and tourist information area; a viewing platform over the medieval area, an expanded Country Market, an exhibition space for local arts and a meeting and reception area for all groups in the town.

The proposal met with a very enthusiastic response. The Fethard Business and Tourism group will now continue its work by seeking further support for this exciting proposal.

Fethard Ladies Football

On Saturday April 20, Fiona Ryan and Michael Tillyer helped the Under 8 girls with their first game of football against Commercials. With the Under 6 and Under 10 girls also having games, there were almost thirty girls wearing the blue and white on the day. Well done to everyone.

The Under 14 girls had a convincing win over Clonmel Og on Tuesday April 17, making it two wins and a draw for the girls in their championship so far. The Under 16 girls played the County Semi Final of the B division on Sunday April 21, hoping to book a place in the County Final for the third year in a row. Unfortunately, Cappawhite proved to be just a little too strong. The Fethard girls were superb, and showed great heart to keep fighting right until the final whistle.

Our Cash for Clobber initiative hopes to raise funds using any unwanted clothing that we collect. So, if you are doing your spring-cleaning, 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. Also, we are looking for blue Fethard jerseys to fit girls aged between 6 and 10; we have terrific numbers of younger girls playing with us and would like to have jerseys for them all when they play. If you have a spare jersey that you no longer need, please contact any member of the Club.

First Steps to IT course at Fethard Youth Centre

Photographed at the completion of the 'First Steps to IT' course at Fethard Youth Centre are Back L to R: Cinta O'Flynn, Gabrielle Schofield, Mary Quinlan, Patricia Cronin, Frankie Napier. Front L to R: Margaret Ward, Mary Butler, Margaret O'Neill (co-ordinator), Annette O'Meara and Sheila Butler. Others who completed the ourse were: Siobhan Dunne, Joan Hayes, Dolores O’Donnell, Mary Reilly, Breda Ryan, Alice Walsh, Tina Whyte, Kitty Bowes, Dolores Cleary, Elsie Kennedy and Ann O’Dee.

A ten-week course held in Fethard Youth Centre covered a basic introduction to Computers, Internet Safety and FIT (First Steps to IT). The tutor for the ten weeks was Mary O'Dwyer and she made the course content very accessible to all. It was partly funded by Tipperary South VEC Community Education budget and co-ordinated by Margaret O'Neill, Home-School-Community Liaison Co-ordinator, Killenaule and Fethard. The course was also made possible with the support of the Centre Manager, Nick Casey and staff. It is hoped to run more classes again in September.

A training course was developed called 'First Steps to IT' incorporating the criteria and guidelines set out by the Dept of Communication, Energy & Natural Resources. Commenting on the announcement of the scheme, Minister Pat Rabbitte said, "There are thousands of people living in Ireland today who have been left behind when it comes to the internet. These people miss out on opportunities most people now take for granted. For example, those not yet engaged cannot, send and receive emails; do a quick internet search to find the information or the products they need on-line; play back the TV or radio programme they missed yesterday on-line when it suits them; conduct their transactions with Government on-line saving themselves time, effort and often money. Summing up, the Minister said "Firstly and most importantly this initiative is about people – not leaving them behind."

Surprise by post!

Gemma Burke (right), Redcity, Fethard, photographed with Darina Allen at a cookery demonstration in Dublin last week.

Gemma Burke, Redcity, Fethard, was pleasantly surprised when she opened a package received by post recently. Inside was a copy of Darina Allen's book 'Irish Traditional Cooking' with a personal message from Darina thanking Gemma for sharing her 'Curney Cake' recipe which she had included in her latest cookery book.

Gemma's family recipe, learned from her late mother, Mon Kenny, The Green, was submitted some time ago to Darina when she decided to compile a book of traditional Irish recipes to revive our culinary heritage.

Mon's 'Curney Cake' is a rich, sweet bread using eggs and fresh milk with self-raising flour. It can be seen on page 247 of Darina Allen's book 'Irish Traditional Cooking'.



Fethard Historical Society guided tour
There will be a guided tour by the Diocesan Archivist, Fr. Christy O' Dwyer of the Croke Library in St Patrick's College, Thurles on Sunday, April 29, at 3pm. This library was established in 1888/9 in the old chapel where the Synod of Bishops was held in 1850.

Meet at Fethard Town Hall for car-pooling at two o'clock. Departure at 2.15pm. Refreshments provided. Fee is €3 and all are welcome

Spring Cleanup

Back L to R: Joe Burke, Matthew Burke, Siobhán Burke, Harry Phelan, Eimear Phealan, Jack Phelan, Lorcan O'Keeffe, Lucy Moore, William O'Keeffe. Front L to R: Michael Phelan, Gillian Burke, Shane Neville, Cillian O'Keeffe and Cian O'Keeffe.

The annual Spring Cleanup of Ballygambon/Drumdeel/Shanbally and surrounding areas ear Fethard took place on Tuesday, April 3, on a piercingly cold but mercifully dry evening. There was a great turnout with many children participating, and tea and buns were enjoyed afterwards. Good fun was had, though as usual participants were amazed that so many antisocial members of the community still don't 'get it' when it comes to disposing of rubbish responsibly.

Fethard & Killusty Angling Club
Fethard and Killusty Angling Club's competition held on the Anner river on Sunday last produced some very good catches of trout, in spite of less than favourable weather conditions. Forty-six trout were presented at the weigh in by the seventeen anglers that fished on the day. This was the best return of fish we have seen in recent years.
The John Sayers trophy for first place went to Sean Maher. The John O'Donnell cup for second place went to Paul Burke, and the Eddie O'Neill cup for third place went to Paddy Prendergast. The Tom Shea cup for heaviest trout went to Albert Adcock.

Surprise Birthday Party for Tracy

Tracy Needham photographed with friends at a surprise 20th Birthday Party held for her at Lonergan's Bar, Fethard, last weekend. Back L to R: Junie Lawless, Samantha O'Brien, Tracy Needham, Roseanne Needham. Front L to R: Katie O'Shea and Tina Ryan.

Fethard Bridge Club results
The results of our game on Wednesday, April 4, were:
1st Gross: Frances Burke and Breda Walsh;
2nd Gross: Kay St. John and Rita Kane;
3rd Gross: David O'Meara and Nell Broderick;
1st Nett: Betty Walsh and Monica Anglim;
2nd Nett: Annie O'Brien and Marie Delaney;
3rd Nett: Jim Lahert and Eileen Ryan.
The results of our game on April 11 were:
1st Gross: Gemma Burke and Carol Kenny;
2nd Gross: Frances Burke and Breda Walsh;
3rd Gross: Betty Walsh and Monica Anglim;
1st Nett:  Breda O'Grady and Joan Kelly;
2nd Nett: Marian Walsh and Sean O'Dea;
3rd Nett: Rita Holohan and Mary Delaney.
Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 6132038.

A quiet night out!

Justyna Adam and Michael Moclair having a quiet night out at Lonergan's Bar in Fethard last weekend

Senior Citizens Club
Fethard Senior Citizens Club will meet at the Tirry Centre on May 15, for their annual Mass at 7.30pm. Please note change of date.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on April 18 were: 7, 14, 21 and 32. We had no Jackpot winner and three 'Match Three' winners who received €50 each: Larry Keogh, c/o Arthur Daly; Martin Shelly, c/o Tom Purcell; and Michael Cahill, Barrack Street, Fethard.

The three following 'Lucky Dip' winners also won €50 each: Fiona O'Donohoe Lahart, Coolmoyne, Fethard; Jessica Moloney, Abbey View, Fethard; and Mary O'Dwyer, Knockelly Road, Fethard.

The next Lotto draw will take place on April 25, and you can also purchase your lotto ticket online at www.fethard.com. Buy seven weekly tickets and get one free! Check on the Fethard website for lots of special offers. Next week's Jackpot is €9,500 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €950. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

Presentation Sisters celebrate 150 years in Fethard

An artists impression of Presentation Convent in Fethard before the foundation stone was laid in 1869. The Presentation Sisters moved from Main Street to their new home on May 13, 1871.

On May 1, 2012, the Presentation Sisters will celebrate one hundred and fifty years of presence and ministry in Fethard. A special concelebrated Mass will take place in Tuesday, May 1, at 7pm in the Parish Church to mark this special landmark occasion. All parishioners, past-pupils, are invited to attend and share in this special celebration. Refreshment will be served after Mass in the convent and adjoining grounds.

Rugby Club AGM
Fethard and District Rugby Club will hold their AGM in the Abymill Theatre at 8pm, on Thursday, May 3, everybody welcome see you there.

Community Council Annual General Meeting
The AGM of Fethard and Killusty Community Council will take place on Tuesday, May 8, at 8.30pm in the Tirry Community Centre. We would like to invite all who are interested in community affairs, members of community organisations and particularly those interested in getting involved.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Saturday, May 5, of Mr. Arthur Daly, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard. Reposing at his son, Liam's home on Rocklow Road, on Sunday, May 6, from 5pm to 8pm.

Requiem Mass at 11am on Monday followed by Interment at Calvary Cemetery.




The late Seamie Dineen
The remains (ashes) of the late Seamie Dineen, formerly from Kerry Street, Fethard, who died on Wednesday, April 18, 2012, in Claremont, California, USA, will return to Fethard on Saturday next, May 12, for a funeral service at 10am in Holy Trinity Parish Church, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery.