Acts of Kindness!

27th Tipperary Cub Scouts handing over their gifts to Vincent Doocey and Denis Burke from Fethard St. Vincent de Paul, as part of their 'Acts of Kindness' project. The Cubs gave up their pocket money to help ensure that all kids get a gift this year for Christmas.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Sunday, December 30, of Rita Looby (née Smyth), Carriconeen, Clonmel, formerly of Tower View, Old Bridge, Clonmel. Pre-deceased by her husband Bill Looby. Beloved mother of Pat (Kerry Street), Joan, Jimmy and Tina. Sadly missed by her loving family, grandchildren, daughter-in-law Catherine, son-in-law Johnny, sister-in-law Kit, nephews, nieces and friends.

Reposing at her home on Monday, December 31, from 4.30pm, with rosary at 7pm. Removal on Tuesday at 11.30am to St Nicholas Church, Grange. Funeral Mass on arrival at 12 noon followed by interment in adjoining cemetery. House private on Tuesday please.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a h-Anam Dílis

Hilda’s head shave raises over €8,000 for CARE

Photographd at the presentation of a cheque for €8,257 to C.A.R.E. are L to R: Pat Morrissey, Monica Pollard, Dr. Fiuza Castineira, Paddy Derivan (Trustee C.A.R.E.) Imelda Fitzpatrick (Trustee C.A.R.E.) and Hilda Laslett.

Hilda Laslett recently had her head shaved and raised the fantastic sum of €8,257.69 for cancer care. This was a very courageous and unselfish act and Hilda deserves great praise for her efforts. Hilda is extremely grateful to her hard working committee of Pamela Sweeney, Niamh Kenny, Pat and Angela Keavney, Monica Pollard, Pat Morrissey and Abigail Sheehan who performed the shave. Hilda also wishes to thank all the people who very kindly allowed their premises to be used for the bucket collections. The head shave took place in The Village Inn, Moyglass, and was attended by a large and generous crowd.


Abigail Sheehan shaving Hilda's hair at the Village Inn, Moyglass

Pat Morrissey was a brilliant auctioneer on the night and managed to sell all lots. The committee are very appreciative of those who very kindly donated items for auction. Kumar Mehta supplied the entertainment and sound system and managed to fill the dance floor with his choice of music. A great night was enjoyed by all and ‘Junior’ received great praise for his culinary prowess. Hilda was overwhelmed by the generosity of the public and the huge amount of money raised justified her brave decision and hard work. The money raised was presented to CARE in Clonmel and everyone who helped in any way can feel proud that they are making a difference to people’s lives. Dr. Constantino Fiuza Castineira who specialises in breast cancer accepted the cheque on behalf of CARE and the following details explain what the funds raised will be used for.


Committee members L to R: Pamela Sweeney, Hilda Laslett and Monica Pollard.


Committee members L to R: Angela Keaveney and Pat Morrissey

CARE (Cancer Aftercare Relaxation Education) Cancer Support Centre Clonmel
At CARE we aim to provide a warm, safe and confidential environment for people diagnosed with Cancer and their families. We offer support, information, counselling, holistic therapies and healing work shops to all. Person’s visiting the centre find a warm, relaxed and supportive environment where they can chat in confidence over a cup of tea or coffee with a trained volunteer or staff member. All our services are provided free of charge and all are welcome.

Dragon Boat Project by Dr. Constantino Fiuza Castineira

One out of every ten women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their life time. With the new treatments available, the number of women who survive after diagnoses is increasing all the time. Life style changes, diet and exercise help to reduce the probability of recurrence, after diagnosis, and also to prevent it.

Exercise after diagnoses, in patients with early breast cancer (non metastatic), has been shown to reduce breast cancer deaths by 34 percent and breast recurrence by up to 50 percent. Exercise prior to diagnoses can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 50 percent also. Research has shown that exercise is also beneficial for other cancers like prostate and colon.

The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) is promoting the implementation of exercise programs throughout the country through Cancer support groups.

In South Tipperary the CARE support group is in the process of developing a project to encourage people that have suffered breast cancer to get involved in doing exercise, but at the same time have fun in doing so. Team sports facilitate this aim, and the benefits are more extensive, although perhaps not recognized immediately (ICS).
Dragon boats have been around for over 2000 years. Their origin is in the River Milo in China. The use of Dragon Boats in Breast Cancer survivors dates back to 1996. A team in Canada was formed under the auspices of Dr McKenzie (Abreast in a boat) to prove that upper body exercise is not detrimental for patients who have suffered from breast cancer, even in the presence of lymphedema. Nowadays they are over 140 breast cancer dragon boat teams in the world. Last year, the first world competition of breast cancer dragon boats team took place in Malaysia. There was Irish presence and we even brought home a medal.

The Plurabelle paddlers are the first Irish Breast cancer survivors dragon boat team. They are based in Dublin and you can read about them on their web site.

In South Tipperary a group of people is working to get a team going in Clonmel. This is becoming a community effort. The organizations involved are:Clonmel Rowing Club, CARE cancer support group, Europa Donna, The Plurabelle paddlers, The Irish Dragon Boat Association and also the people who create our funds, our fund raisers include: South Tipperary and Waterford Cancer Support Group, chaired by Mrs Catherine Phelan, and the people of Tipperary like the group that got together headed by Ms Hilda Laslett et al, who shaved her head and donated the money to us to help with our project.
So thank you very much to you all, the citizens of this county who in times of hardship are so generous.

I wish to take this opportunity, to encourage all of those who wish to come out from themselves after a breast cancer diagnoses, to get in touch with the CARE support group at Wellington St, and give your name and contact number if you are interested; if you wish to form part of CRC-DRAGON PADDLERS.

Our dragon boat will be arriving to Clonmel, if no problems are encountered, by the middle of February.

Fethard Tae Kwon Do awards and family night

Group photographed at the Fethard Tae Kwon Do awards and family night in Fethard Ballroom featuring new members and senior members. Instructor Paul Tobin is delighted with this great bunch of new children who started up this year.


Sisters Kati eand Laura Ryan, Fethard, photographed with their well deserved award at the Fethad TaeKwon-Do awards and family night in Fethard Ballroom. Katie won her award for her assistance to instructor Mr Paul Tobin throughout the past year with new students, and Laura's award was for her dedication and achievement over the past year. Laura was a member of the Irish Colour Belt squad who were very successfull in Competitions in the UK.

Unwanted Books Wanted
On Sunday, February 10, 2012, the Fethard Historical Society will hold their 18th annual Tipperariana Book Fair which has established itself as a major event in County Tipperary’s cultural calendar.

The Book Fair is the Historical Society’s main source of funds for the whole year and so every effort is made to ensure that the event stays popular with people from all over the county and beyond.

Every year, in addition to the thirty book dealers present, the Historical Society has its own book stall selling books donated by the public. This is a great source of funds for the society with the added bonus of ‘de-cluttering’ someone’s house and finding a good home for valuable books. So if you are de-cluttering, downsizing or received a present of a book that you already have, well then the Historical Society will gladly receive donation of books to sell at the book fair on February 10. Contact any member of the society or phone 086 3905373 and arrangements will be made to receive the books in time for the fair in February.

Abbey Carol Service

Pupils from Holy Trinity National School who sang at the Carol Service held in the Augustinian Abbey.


Photographed at the Fethard choral society's reception in the Abymill Theatre are L to R: Judy Doyle, Sean Doyle, Agnes Evans and Sr. Maria Fletcher.


L to R: Michael McCarthy, Geraldine McCarthy and Larry O'Gorman


Fr. Martin Crean OSA photographed with Geraldine Maher, formerly from Main Street, at the Carol Service in the Augustinian Abbey.

Historical Society plans for 2013
Next year, 2013, is the twenty fifth anniversary of the founding of the Fethard Historical Society and funds will be needed to lay on suitable events throughout the year.

A new ‘Medieval Town Trail’ brochure has actually been printed and is ready to be launched at a special event around Eastertime at the beginning of the tourist season. The brochure contains a very expert drawing of what the town looked like in 1650 and the society hope that a model of the town can be made and put on display for the benefit of locals and visitors.

The society is also very supportive of the plans to turn the Town Hall into a civic centre for the town, as a tourist office / reception / display area is vitally needed if Fethard wants to generate a real income-generating tourism business in the area.

So, with Coolmore’s new visitor centre also coming on stream, 2013 could be a very interesting year indeed for Fethard.

Tipperary Cups visit Fethard

Photographed in the Fethard Arms with the 'Tipperary Cups' are L to R: Fiona Ryan, Michael Ryan, manager of the Tipperary Intermediate Hurling All-Ireland winning team, Joe Ahearne and Canon Tom Breen P.P.

Community Spirit!
On Saturday evening last in McCarthy’s there was a terrific show of Community spirit all in aid of The Tracey Walsh Benefit fund. We saw a huge number of local people digging deep into their pockets at a testing time. John Looby from Kilfeacle started the auction and with tremendous spirit and swift bidding we saw over 50 lots sold in quick fashion. Special thanks to Johnny for doing such a tremendous job, he is true Irish character.

Thanks for the great plug Johnny on Tipp FM on Monday morning. Also huge thanks to all the local business and friends who donated the fantastic prizes for the auction. Earlier in the evening there was a special showing of our local film Stella Days in the Abymill Theatre. There was a huge turnout and thank you to McCarthy’s and Cashel Blue Cheese for the wine and cheese reception on arrival.

We would also like to thank all those who supported the evening events. There was a draw for the Fethard Rugby Clubs players in aid of the benefit fund, the prize of a day with the Munster Rugby squad. Well done to our lucky players Conor Vaughan and David Heffernan for being the names pulled of the hat to enjoy a wonderful day in Spring.
Wishing all the players and followers of Fethard & District Rugby Club a Happy, healthy and safe 2013. All squads are back training on Friday, January 4.

Fethard Day Care Centre Christmas Party

The following photographs were taken by Brendan Kenny at the Fethard Day Care Centre Christmas Party held at Slievenamon Golf Club.


L to R: Mary Murphy, Maura Trehy, Josephine Donaghy, Breda Burke


L to R: Kitty O’Donnell, Ellen Sugrue, Margaret Brett


L to R: Sarah Mullins and Kitty O’Sullivan, who was presented with the Billy Smith Memorial Trophy for 2012.


L to R: Mary Harrington, Nora O’flynn, Breda Burke, Margaret Burke, Margaret Thompson, Eileen Ryan, Esther McCormack, Margaret Grant, Molly Cleary, Margaret Carroll and Nellie O’Sullivan.


L to R: Josephine Donaghy, Eileen Butler, Mary Fleming.


L to R: Margaret Grant, Fr Anthony McSweeney.


L to R: musicians Stefan Grace, Mike Allen.


L to R: Mary Maher, Sarah Mullins, Breda Nolan


L to R: Kitty O’Donnell, Sr. Clement Wall, Sr. Marie Fletcher.


L to R: Margaret Carroll, Maura Meagher, Mary Fanning


L to R: Margaret Thompson, Esther McCormack


L to R: Joan Gleeson, Eileen Gleeson, Jimmy Connolly


L to R: Annette Quigley, Stefan Grace, Fr. Tom Breen, Margaret Lawlor, Fr. Martin Crean OSA.


L to R: Sr. Marie Fletcher, Sr. Clement Wall, Peg O’Reilly, Cathy Aylward, Des Martin.


L to R: Eileen Butler, Mary Fleming


L to R: Mike Allen, Pat Grant, Michael Griffin, Mary Maher, Esther Leahy.


L to R: Fr. Anthony McSweeney C.C. dancing the 'Brush Dance', musicians Stefan Grace and Mike Allen.

Emigrants Newsletter on Sale
The Annual Fethard & Killusty Emigrants’ Newsletter is now on sale in local shops at €12 each. This year’s issue is the largest yet with over 248 pages of articles and photographs including many interesting features. We expect this year’s issue to sell out fast so we advise early purchase to avoid disappointment.

Fethard & Killusty Lotto extra Christmas Prizes
The lucky numbers drawn on December 19 were: 2, 23, 27 and 29.
There was no Jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: Alice Lawrence, Woodvale Walk, Fethard.
The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners also won €50 each: Martin Burke, Main Street, Fethard; John Maher, Kilnockin Road, Fethard; and Philly Kenny, Hillview, Fethard.

Winners of Christmas Hams were: Katy O'Shea, Woodvale Walk, Fethard; Joan O'Meara, The Green, Fethard; and Maureen Whyte, Main Street, Fethard.

Winners of Christmas Turkeys were: Marilyn Kehoe, c/o Eileen Connolly; John Morrissey, Main Street, Fethard; and Margaret Doocey, Abbey Road, Fethard.

The next Lotto draw will take place on January 9. The Jackpot prize is €6,550 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €655. Lotto tickets can be purchased 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. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

We wish all our supporters a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year from all the Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto. We thank you for your support in 2012 and look forward to your continued suppot in 2013.

Heffernan Information required
I am trying to trace details of my grand-uncle, RIC Constable Michael (Mick) Heffernan who was stationed in Fethard from 1912 to 1920. He married his wife Elizabeth (Lizzie) Duggan from Templeorum in Co Kilkenny on September 15, 1908.

Are there any photographs of the old RIC station or RIC men in Fethard from this period? I would appreciate any help or advice you can give.

Ger Heffernan, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary. Tel: 087 9232010. Email: grheffernan@gmail.com

Happy Christmas to all our readers

We take this opportunity to wish all our contributors to the Fethard Page and readers a very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year, and sincere thanks for your help in supplying news items and photographs over the past year.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Monday, December 24, of Rev. Fr. James Holway, (peacefully) at his residence, Moymore, Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick and late of Madamsland, Fethard.

Fr. Jim, deeply regretted by his sister Alice, brother John, cousins, his devoted housekeeper Mary, the O'Connor family, his relations and many friends, the Parishioners of Pallasgreen and Templebraden, the Priests of the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly.

Reposing at Ryan's Funeral Home, Pallasgreen on Wednesday, December 26, from 3pm with removal at 5pm to St. Michael's Church, Tipperary Town, to arrive at 6pm. Concelebrated Funeral Mass on Thursday at 1.30pm followed by burial immediately afterwards in St Columba's Cemetery, Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick.

Trad for Trocáire winners play at The Well
A great night’s entertainment is promised at The Well Bar, Burke Street, on Friday, December 28, when Gavin Strappe and his band will play a gig. Gavin is a son of Susan and Tommy Strappe, Fethard, and the band were winners of the ‘Trad for Trocáire’ Fleadh Cheoil Na hÉireann.

Fethard Macra News

Photographed at the official launch of South Tipp Macra’s Annual New Years Eve Ball 2012, which will be held in Cahir House Hotel, which is very befitting to the mystical Winter Wonderland theme. L to R: South Tipp Macra Miss Blue Jean Amanda Joyce, Secretary Emma Flynn, South Tipp Macra Queen of the Land Michelle Keating, Chair Una Ryan and Michael Moclair.

Well done to some of our members who took part in the indoor soccer competition on Sunday last, December 16, in Monroe Sport’s Complex. Unfortunately Fethard were not successful this time around but well done to Suirvale Macra Club who now go on to the next round of the competition.

Tickets for the New Year’s Eve Ball are on sale from our member Laurann O’Reilly on Tel: 085 7337432. This is guaranteed to be a great night in Cahir House Hotel starting at 8pm. Tickets are only €40 which includes drink reception, three course meal, band and D.J.

If you would like to get involved in ‘capers’ which is now taking place, and you can either sing, dance, play music, act, or do a bit of comedy, please contact any of our members.

Volleyball continues every Thursday night at 8.30pm in Clerihan Hall, new members always welcome. For more information about Fethard Macra or would like to join contact our chairman Liam Cleary on 086 3998711.

Since this is our last notice for 2012, we would like to wish everybody involved in Fethard Macra and all those who supported us in the last year a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Items for Fethard News and Website
Items for inclusion on the weekly Fethard News page on The Nationalist can be emailed before noon on Mondays to news@fethard.com or delivered by hand to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard.