New Bus for Day Care Centre

Members of Fethard & District Day Care Centre photographed at the handing over of a new bus for the centre, part-funded by the HSE. L to R: Des Martin, Geraldine McCarthy, Fionnuala O'Sullivan, Jimmy Connolly, Liam Hayes, John Ward and Michael Cleere.

Fethard Day Care Centre is delighted to launch their new minibus with support from the HSE. This will enable the centre to offer a higher level of comfort and security transporting our clients to and from the Tirry Centre. We are currently serving 6,000 meals annually in the centre five days per week and 2,000 meals on wheels three days per week. Our clients enjoy a full range of events and services over the year which include music, exercise, mass, art, cards optician, chiropody and many more events.

This level of service and activities could not be maintained without the staff in the centre. This includes full time and voluntary staff. To Geraldine, Joan, Michael and all the team a huge thank you and to the HSE for their continued support.

If you wish to join Fethard Day Care Centre either as a client or a volunteer we would be delighted to hear from you. If you have a family member that you would feel would benefit from the service, please contact us at (052) 6132917.

A reunion of 'Green' people
A reunion, focusing on people from The Green and Barrack Street, is being provisionally planned for Saturday night, August 18, 2012. A meeting will be called to plan the event and we invite all interested people to come along. If you are interested in getting involved please give your name to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, or by email at joe@fethard.com

Replica medieval statue unveiled

Pictured above Transition year students from Patrician Presentation Secondary school Fethard, dressed in Medieval costumes, with their Papier Mache replicas of the three wooden medieval statues from Fethard that are now housed in The National Museum Dublin. The students created the figure of St. John the Baptist with lamb on the right, while the other figures of Christ at Calvary and the Trinity Statue of God the Father were completed by a previous Transition Year group some years ago. Back L to R: Karen Hayes, Tara Horan, John-Paul Fitzgerald, Paul Norrby, James Walsh. Front L to R: Michelle Walsh, Aobh O'Shea, Sveta Novikova and Danielle Sheehan

On Sunday last, Transition Year pupils from Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School unveiled a papier-mâché replica of St. John the Baptist with Lamb, one of the three Fethard Medieval Statues.

At the event, held in Holy Trinity Church of Ireland, Dr. Andrew Halpin, assistant keeper in the National Museum, gave an interesting illustrated talk on Fethard's Medieval Statues and spoke of the rarity in Irish terms of Medieval Wooden Figure Sculptures in Ireland, with only a handful remaining. Dr. Halpin explained to an audience of about eighty people, how the Fethard Statues are at the centre of the National Museums display on religion in Medieval Ireland. The statues, dating from the 14th to 16th century are on permanent loan from Fethard to the Museum.



After Dr. Halpin's talk people enjoyed hospitality by Revered Canon Barbara Friday and the local community. A drumming workshop was given by John Sutton in the Mural Tower on the grounds of Holy Trinity Church of Ireland enjoyed by many. This project was jointly supported by Fethard Historical Society, South Tipperary Heritage Office the Heritage Council of Ireland and Patrician Presentation Secondary School.

Fethard Tidy Towns judging soon
Fethard Tidy Towns will hold their annual Church Gate Collection on Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10. Please support this collection to help us to continue the great work that is being done around the town. We would appreciate it if people keep the area outside of their premises clean as this would free up the already stretched volunteers and committee members. The committee would like to thank the said volunteers, the 'Brodeen Knitters' for their kind donation and Mark Tynan for the use of his machinery.

The National Tidy Towns Judge will be visiting the town sometime in the near future so a little extra effort on flower boxes and hanging baskets would be greatly appreciated.

Married in New Orleans

Linda Moxley from Union, New Jersey and Philip Furnell, Tinakelly, Fethard, who were married in New Orleans, Louisiana on May 13, 2012 in Jackson Square Park.

Ballroom Dancing
Social dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday, June 17, to the wonderful music of Sam O'Doherty. Dancing from 9pm to midnight. A great nights dancing and entertainment is assured.

Silent Auction
Butler's Bar will host a 'Silent Auction' on Friday, June 8, in aid of Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin. The auction will kick off at 8pm and will include a signed Leeds football and jersey (last bids taken at 10pm for this item).
All are invited to come along and support this great cause. Lots of spot prizes on the night!

Fethard Historical Society Summer Outing

Holy Cross Abbey where Fethard Historical Society will visit on their summer outing on Sunday June 10

The Fethard Historical Society has organised a trip to Holy Cross Abbey on Sunday June 10, where at 2.45pm Willie Hayes will give us a guided tour of the Church and the grounds. Holy Cross is a Cistercian Abbey founded by Donagh O'Brien, King of Thomond in 1180, an ancient site of renowned spiritual, religious and historic significance. The name of the Abbey derives from the famous relic of the True Cross. Willie is the author of 'Holycross, the Awakening of the Abbey' which is also the Tipperariana Book of the Year 2011. Willie has a fund of local knowledge to supplement the history of the Abbey through the ages. We will meet at the Fethard Town Hall at 1.30pm for anyone who wishes to carpool. The guided tour costs €3 for members and €5 for non-members. Pat Looby has organised an optional 'Surprise' costing €4 for those of us who enjoy such things.

Russell meets the President

Russell O'Meara from Fethard meets the President Michael D. Higgins on his visit to Clonmel. Clonmel Borough Council decided to include President Higgins among its list of Freemen in recognition of "his outstanding contribution to the academic, cultural and artistic life of the country and as a token of the high esteem in which he is held by the people of Clonmel".


President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina photographed with members of Clonmel Borough Council.


Members of Clonmel Red Cross photographed with President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina, and Mayor of Clonmel, Cllr Darren Ryan, and Lady Mayoress, Yvonne Hannigan Ryan.


Silversmith Rory Donohoe photographed with President Michael D. Higgins

Athletic Club News
On wed night we held the annual 'Walls of Fethard' 4 miles road race in ideal conditions through the streets of our historic town. The musical entertainment added greatly to the proceedings and will in future be a part of the warm up for the event. Thanks to the musician for his entertainment and his commentary throughout the race. The club had nine athletes taking part and it was nice to see that their preparations had made the race all the more enjoyable for themselves and the large crown assembled to watch the event.

The senior mens section was won by Kevin Shelly, Ballynonty AC, 2nd Place went to Ross Alexandra Coolquill AC. Clonmel AC Ladies winners were Martina Ryan, Thurles AC, 2nd Angela McCann, Clonmel AC, and 3rd Clare Annan, Carrick-on-Suir AC. Full results next week.

On Wednesday night, June 6, we will have a one-mile run in conjunction with the Olympic Torch being in Ireland and every one is encouraged to either walk or run. All monies donated will go to the Fethard Senior Citizens Club. We will assemble at the Ballroom at 7pm sharp and go around the town. Now is a chance to support one of the great works in the town. So go for it!

Married in Brisbane

Mary Carroll-Guerin (nee Shine) photographed with her husband Trevor Brooks, who married in Brisbane, Australia, on 1st October 2011. Mary is formerly from Crampscastle, Fethard.

Fethard ICA
Fethard ICA will hold their next meeting at 8.15pm on Tuesday, June 12, in the ICA Hall, Rocklow Road. Catering by the 'Yellow Group'.
Membership fees are now due before the summer break. We are also taking deposits for our summer outing, which is arranged for Thursday, July 5. We will visit the beautiful Fota House and gardens and then on to Cobh to see the 'Titanic Experience' and take a trip by boat to the spot where people boarded the Titanic on their fateful journey. We end our trip with a meal in Kilcoran Lodge Hotel, Cahir. Non-members are welcome to join us.

Community Lotto Jackpot at €10,000
The numbers drawn on May 30 were: 10, 11, 12 and 32. We had no Jackpot winner and no 'Match Three' winner so the following drawn tickets received €50 each: Peg Gleeson, Coolmore, Fethard; Chris Looby, St. Patricks Place, Fethard; and Carmel Murphy, Crampscastle, Fethard.

The three following 'Lucky Dip' winners also won €50 each: Mick Looby, Kilmore; Robert Hackett, Cashel Road, Fethard; and Hannie Leahy, Annsgift, Fethard.

The next Lotto draw will take place on June 6, and you can also purchase your lotto ticket in local shops or online at www.fethard.com. Buy seven weekly tickets online and get one free! Check on the Fethard website for lots of special offers. Next week's Jackpot is €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1,000. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

Young dancers raise €1,600 for Day Care Centre

Winners of this year's Under-14 'Strictly Come Dancing' competition at Fethard Ballroom, Roisín McDonnell and Harry Butler, receiving their trophies from co-ordinators, Tom Delaney and Marina Mullins.

Congratulations to Marina Mullins and her dance pupils from Holy Trinity National School who staged a wonderful evening display of ballroom dancing at their 'Strictly Come Dancing' event held in Fethard Ballroom, raising €1,600 for Fethard & District Day Care Centre.
Compère for the evening was Ms Rita Kenny and the appointed judges were Mary Delaney and Pat Casey who had a very hard job in picking the winners. The dancers, aged from 6 to 13 years, performed extremely well for the beautiful array of cups and trophies sponsored by Fethard Car Boot Sale.


Winners of this year's Under-10 'Strictly Come Dancing' competition at Fethard Ballroom, Aine Ryan and Oleg Novikova receiving their trophies from co-ordinators, Tom Delaney and Marina Mullins.

The organisers wish to thank Tom Tobin and Fethard Ballroom Committee, judges Mary and Pat, Holy Trinity National School, Fethard Car Boot Sale, compère Rita Kenny, Margaret Mullins for costumes, Jack Kenny for music, Tom Delaney behind the scenes work, sponsors of the raffle prizes, all the parents for their co-operation and last but not least, the stars of the show who made the evening special for all in attendance.


Winners of this year's Under-12 'Strictly Come Dancing' competition at Fethard Ballroom, Emma Jayne Burke, Ben Murphy and Megan Hackett, receiving their trophies from co-ordinators, Tom Delaney and Marina Mullins.

The results are as follows: U10 Quickstep, Alison and Aine Connolly; U10 Foxtrot, Ava Ward and Conor Walsh were joint winners with Melinda Csuzi and Hannah Sheehy; U12 Old Time Waltz, Rebecca McCarthy and Sarah Slattery; U12 Quickstep, Katie Ryan and Sally Nagle; U12 Foxtrot, Shannon Thompson and Laura Cummins were joint winners with Laura Kiely and Kateryna Novikova; U14 Old Time Waltz, Courtney Walsh and Carly Tobin; U14 Quickstep, Amy Cowlard and Sally Butler.


Marina Mullins, co-ordinator of Holy Trinity National School's 'Strictly Come Dancing' competition, presenting the proceeds, €1,612, to Jimmy Connolly, chairman Fethard Day Care Centre.

Strictly Come Dancing U10 winners were Oleg Novikova and Aine Ryan; U12 winners were Emma Jayne Burke, Ben Murphy and Megan Hackett; U14 winners were Roisín McDonnell and Harry Butler. Runners-up were Amy O'Donovan and Farrah Cummins Doyle.


Children admiring the prizes sponsored by Fethard Car Boot Sale at Holy Trinity National School's 'Strictly Come Dancing' competition in aid of Fethard Day Care Centre held at Fethard Ballroom.


Taking part in Holy Trinity National School's 'Strictly Come Dancing' at Fethard Ballroom were L to R: Alison Connolly, Aine Connolly and Megan Hackett.


Taking part in Holy Trinity National School's 'Strictly Come Dancing' at Fethard Ballroom were L to R: Conor Walsh and Ava Ward.


Taking part in Holy Trinity National School's 'Strictly Come Dancing' at Fethard Ballroom were L to R: Emma Jayne Burke, Laura Kiely, Laura Cummins and Shannon Thompson.


Taking part in Holy Trinity National School's 'Strictly Come Dancing' at Fethard Ballroom were L to R: Sarah Slattery, Rebecca McCarthy, Katie Ryan and Sally Neagle.


Taking part in Holy Trinity National School's 'Strictly Come Dancing' at Fethard Ballroom were L to R: Carly Tobin, Courtney Walsh, Amy Cowlard and Sally Butler.


Aine Connolly presenting competition organiser, Marina Mullins, with a bouquet of flowers.


Courtney Walsh (left) and Emma Jayne Burke presenting competition organiser, Marina Mullins, with a bouquet of flowers.

Fethard GAA Club News
There is little to report on the GAA front except that our Junior B footballers are on a roll at the moment, with training going well and a great spirit developing in the squad. Last week we had a good win over our near neighbours Clerihan with a score of 1-3 to 2-13. The team are enjoying the training and craic and long may it continue.
At senior level we had a very competitive game with Moyle Rovers in the South Championship at Kilsheelan losing with a scoreline of Fethard 1-8 to Moyle Rovers 0-17.

The Club are anxious that any person that would like to join the County Board draw to make contact with any committee member and they will sort you out. Our 125 years celebration Dinner dance will go ahead in the Clonmel Park Hotel on next Saturday night June 9. Contact P.J. Aherne for further information.

Local Community Games results

Children who all won medals in the recent Community Games Area Athletics. L to R. Amy Costin, Oisin Ryan, Danny Shelly, Aine Connolly, Emily Spillane, Ciara Daniel, Lily O'Mahoney, Liam Kiely and Kelly Ryan

Fethard and Killusty Community Games recently held their local athletics to determine who would represent the area at the County Athletics finals in Templemore AC on Sunday June 24. The following are the results of those who received medals in all events. The first two in each event have qualified for the county final.

A separate list of those taking part in Templemore will be published asap once we have established who is willing to travel. It is up to the parents to arrange their own transport. This can be a wonderful family day out, especially if the weather is good. The children will get the opportunity to compete on a tartan track, facilities are good, shop provided, there is also a separate park and playground adjacent to the athletic track so parents may come and go as they please once the competitors event is over. Assembly is at 11.30am.

We would also appreciate it if somebody would volunteer to act as Athletics Manager on the day. We would like to congratulate all those who competed in our sports and thank everybody who came out in such big numbers and volunteered to help to run the event. Well done to all.

Results are as follows:

• Girls U8 60m: 1st Kelly Ryan, Cedar Grove; 2nd Lilly O'Mahoney, Tullamaine; 3rd Aine Connolly, Barrettstown.
  
• Boys U8 60m: 1st Shane Lawrence, Woodvale Walk; 2nd Thomas Donegan, Tullamaine; 3rd Jack Quinlan. Tullamaine.
  
• Girls U8 80m: 1st Kelly Ryan, Cedar Grove: 2nd Lily O'Mahoney, Tullamaine; 3rd Eabha Ryan, Killusty.
  
• Boys U8 80m: 1st Dara O'Meara, Killusty; 2nd Michael James Phelan, Jossestown; 3rd Conor Neville, Kilknockin.
  
• Girls U10 100m: 1st Alison Connolly, Barrettstown; 2nd Jennifer Phelan, Jossestown; 3rd Ava Ward, Garrinch.
  
• Boys U10 100m: 1st Ryan Walsh, Killenaule Road; 2nd Michael Conway, Kilknockin View; 3rd Michael Quinlan, Tullamaine.
  
• Girls U10 200m: 1st Alison Connolly, Barrettstown; 2nd Jennifer Phelan, Jossestown; 3rd Ciara Spillane, Tullamaine.
  
• Boys U10 200m: 1st Cathal Ryan, Killusty; 2nd Michael Quinlan, Tullamaine; 3rd Ryan Walsh, Killenaule Road.
  
• Girls U12 100m: 1st Leah Coen, The Green; Lucy Spillane, Tullamaine; Carrie Davey, Everardsgrange.
  
• Boys U12 100m: 1st Ben Coen, Killusty; 2nd Robert Hackett, Cashel Road; 3rd Stephen Crotty, Killusty.
  
• Girls U12 600m: 1st Carrie Davey, Everardsgrange; 2nd Megan Hackett, Cashel Road; 3rd Megan Earl, Slievenamon Close.
  
• Boys U12 600m: 1st Stephen Crotty, Killusty; 2nd Cathal O'Mahoney, Tullamaine; 3rd Dylan Costigan, Jesuits Walk.
  
• Girls U14 100m: 1st Aisling Gorey, Moanbeg.
  
• Boys U14 100m: 1st Jack Dolan, Coolmore; 2nd Mark Heffernan, Ballyvaden; 3rd Jack Spillane, Tullamaine.
  
• Boys U16 100m: 1st David Heffernan, Ballyvaden.

Centra Hurling Skills

Photographed with Tipperary hurling star, Eoin Kelly, are L to R: Cathal Ryan and Oisín Ryan from Fethard, Eoin Kelly and Senan Ryan (Newport), at the Centra Brighten up Your Day Community Event at Semple Stadium on Saturday 2nd June. The free family event featured two of Centra’s GAA Hurling Ambassadors, Eoin Kelly (Tipperary) and John Mullane (Waterford) who both hosted a hurling skills session for children. In addition, there was some cracking family fun, including face painting, a hurling skills simulator and a delicious BBQ by local Centra retailers, Cussen’s (Centra) Bansha, Ryan’s (Centra) Newport, Butler’s (Centra) Dundrum, O’Connell’s (Centra) Templemore, Ryan’s (Centra) Cappawhite.  

Centra, Ireland’s largest convenience retailer who is in its third year as sponsor of the GAA Hurling All Ireland Championship will be spreading the GAA message with top inter-county players across local communities throughout Ireland. The Centra ‘Brighten Up Your Day’ Community Events will take place every Saturday until July 28th.

For more information log onto www.centra.ie or Facebook.com/centraireland

Niall Toner band at Crocanoir June 23rd
The Niall Toner band gave a memorable performance at Crocanoir last year and we are delighted to welcome them back for more of the same on Saturday June 23rd.

Niall has been to the forefront of bluegrass music in Ireland for many years and is also well known for his broadcasting work. In his Roots freeway programme on on RTE Radio 1 Niall has given many favourable mentions to Crocanoir and always plays works by our featured artists.

The other members of the band, Clem O'Brien on guitarvocals and Dick Gladney on double Bass, are also highly acclaimed musicians.
Together they perform a mixture of original bluegrass tunes and songs as well as throwing in a few country standards.

There will a break in concerts until September so if you want to experience some down home foot tapping tunes nows your chance.
Concert starts at 8.30pm. Further information Tel: (052) 9153117
www.crocanoir.com

Heres a sample of last year's concert featuring the Crocanoir Celi band in a support slot . . . . .

Recycling Crutches
In support of the Jack and Jill Foundation, Mattie McGrath TD will hold a Crutches Collection Day on Saturday 9th June in The Tirry Centre, Fethard from 2.30pm until 4.30pm.

Please support this worthy cause and bring along any old crutches, zimmer frames, digital cameras, video console games, old mobile phones and ink cartridges that are no longer in use. All collected on the day will support the Jack and Jill Foundation. For further information please contact (086) 8184307.