Feathered: being a fairy tale

Tom Weston, writing from Boston, USA, to let us know about his new book published this week, called Feathered: being a fairy tale, has given us five hardcover signed copies of his book to distribute locally. We have decided to give three books away through this website: www.fethard.com and the other two books locally.

Tom’s editor is Carmel Trimble (nee Millett), St Johnstown, Fethard, and it was actually stories from Carmel’s childhood in the Castle Inn, on Watergate Street, which inspired this novel. The book is the 3rd in the award winning series called the Alex and Jackie Adventures. Alex and Jackie are two teenage sisters from California, who get involved in mysteries involving ghosts, vampires, etc. The series is targeted to reading ages of 10 and above.

Feathered: being a fairy tale is set for the most part in our town of Fethard, and many of the Fethard landmarks are referenced in this story of the Book of Kells, Vikings, Banshees and the Tuatha Dé Danann. Click to read more



Win a book here. . .
We will raffle one signed hardcover copy of the book per week for the next three weeks commencing Monday, February 18. Please enter once only as your entry, if not drawn, will be carried forward from week to week. To enter our free draw please email your name, full postal address and telephone number to: competition@fethard.com or post to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, Co. Tipperary. The first draw will take place on Monday, February 18.

Go for Life! - Fethard Ballroom Tuesday, 12th Feb
The National Programme for Sport and Physical Activity for Older People have organised a 'Games Afternoon' in Fethard Ballroom on Tuesday, February 12, from 2pm to 4.30pm. All are invited to come along and play the following three games which are very enjoyable and easy to play:

• Lobbers - an adaptation of Petanque (Boules)
• Scidil - an adaptation of Ten-Pin Bowling and Skittles
• Flisk - an adaptation of Frisbee and Horseshoe Pitching

These games are very suitable for older people to get involved in sport where participation is less pressured, more socially orientated and fun. So please come along and maybe this will become a weekly event if we have enough interest.

Cloneen Sports & Social Club
A Traditional Music Night will take place in Cloneen Sports & Social Club on Saturday, February 9, starting at 9pm. Artists will include Truancy, featuring Gavin Strappe on banjo, Niall Preston on bodhran, Donal Linehan on accordion and Cian Dennehy on guitar and vocals. Also introducing 'We Looked Like Giants', featuring Seanie Bermingham and friends. (Scoil Ruain - All Ireland School Talent Finalists). This event is free to members of Cloneen Sports & Social Club on production of membership card. Entrance fee for Non-Members is €5. Bar facilities available. Come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment.

A Fitness Walking Workshop will be held in Cloneen Sports & Social Club over 2.5 hours on Monday, February 11. The FitWalk clinic will identify how to optimise aerobic fitness and fat burning benefits; demonstrate how to incorporate flexibility and strength into a walking programme; show how gadgets such as Step Counters, Heart Rate Monitors and Walking Poles can be used to best effect and also teach the key techniques of Stridewalking, Powerwalking and Nordic Walking. Places are limited - first come, first served.
Course Facilitator: Frank Fahey of Fizzical Ltd. €10 nominal registration fee. As this indoor clinic is activity based participants are advised to wear warm comfortable clothing and good walking shoes/runners. Application Forms available for download at www.cloneenhall.com or www.stsp.ie For additional information & booking contact: Susan Kirby at South Tipperary Sports Partnership at 062-64783 or email info@stsp.ie Details of other upcoming events available on www.cloneenhall.com

Book Fair this Sunday

Members of Fethard Historical Society planning the the first ever ‘Book Fair’ held on February 11, 1996, in Fethard Ballroom. The event opened at 2.30pm with a lecture and valuation of ‘Antiquarian Books’ by the late Rudi Holzapfel from Tipperary Town. Back L to R: Peter Grant, Dóirín Saurus. Front L to R: Mary Hanrahan, Chris Nevin, Kitty Delany and Terry Cunningham.

The eighteenth annual Tipperariana Book Fair takes place in Fethard’s Ballroom of Romance this coming Sunday, February 10, between 2pm and 6pm. It’s a lot of work and preparation for four hours of trading, but it seems to work year on year, so the organisers – Fethard Historical Society – are not about to change the format.

Over thirty book dealers are again booked in from the four corners of the country and they all try to have some special ‘Tipperary stuff’ that they know will be sought after by local Tipperary people for one reason or another.

Books as an investment
It may sound terrible to some ears to treat books just as an investment commodity but there are a few people that look at it in this way. With the invention and popularisation of E-Books and thus the fall off in the publication of ‘hard copy’ books it could mean that some books may indeed become very valuable items.

It is important to remember that only a few books – from the many thousands of books – that do have a high monetary value. A book must be ‘wanted’ for some reason to have any value; this may because of who wrote it, it’s subject matter, the special way it was printed or bound or it may be because of who owned it or signed it or even ‘doodled’ on it, but only if ‘the doodler’ is very famous!

In general, most books to have any real monetary value must also be complete and in good shape, be clean and free of scribbling, have their ‘dust covers’ present and it is an added bonus if signed and dated by the author.

You can bring your books along to the fair on Sunday to have them valued by the dealers. You can ask any committee member of the Fethard Historical Society to direct you to where you may get the best valuation.

Books of all sorts, café, piano player and still €2
As well as the book dealers, the Fethard Historical Society have their own stall, stocked with books donated by friends and supporters of the society and the book fair. You can donate books by phoning; Patricia 087 6908330, Mary 087 9009722 or Terry 086 3905373 or dropping off books at the Ballroom on Friday night after 8pm, or Saturday between 12 noon and 3pm or even Sunday morning.

The Tipperariana Café will again sell the best buns and cakes in the county, the piano player will serenade the crowds, the entrance fee is still €2, so you can still have a day out for a fiver which must be the bargain of the month. See also www.tipperariana.com

Fethard sports achievement award January winner

Michael Ryan, Tullamaine, Fethard, manager of the successful 2012 All-Ireland Tipperary Intermediate Hurling Team, presenting the Butler's Bar Sports Achievement Award for January to Liz Lalor. Also included are proprietors, Ann Butler and Philip Butler.

Congratulations to Liz Lalor who was January’s winner in Butlers Sports Bar’s ‘Fethard Sports Achievement Awards’. Liz overcame serious injury to ride one of her father’s horses, Carrigeen Lucernia, to victory at Fairyhouse in January, and was presented with her award on Friday night, February 1, at a function in Butlers Sports Bar.
Nominees for February 2013 are now being taken and can be handed in to Philip Butler at Fethard Sports Bar, Main Street, Fethard, before 6pm on Friday, February 22, or emailed to: sportsaward@fethard.com


Some of the nominees for Butler's Bar Sports Achievement Award for January photographed at the presentation last Friday night. L to R: Niall Nevin representing Michelle Nevin, Noelle and Donal Leahy representing John Leahy, Liz Lalor, Paul Fitzgerald and Stephanie Johnson.

Hunting News
Hunting with the Tipperary Foxhounds has been particularly good with just two days, Silverfort on January 23, and Drangan on the following day being lost through frost. On Monday, January 21, over one hundred mounted followers plus the usual large number of car followers turned out for the Lawn Meet at Coolmore. Hounds were on the go all afternoon, mostly over the Coolmore farms at Coolmore, Gurteen, Knockkelly and Bawnbrack. The Silverfort meet was held on Saturday with Killenuale meet postponed. On Saturday the Tipps had their best run in late afternoon. Following very good hound work in the plantation at Knockforla they ran over the hill towards Buffana. Turning right-handed they ran into BuffanaWood. Some of the field still out retired at this stage.

However, hounds hunted this big wood in great style, pushing their fox out and to ground with darkness rapidly approaching near Graystown Castle.

From Lisronagh on Saturday their best run was from Ryan’s at Ballyhomuc. They ran through the main covert and left to the Darcy’s Cross Road, turning right here they simply flew straight to ColemanWood. Crossing the road to O’Donnell’s they ran to the Coleman Cross - Barrettstown Cross road where they were stopped heading towards Garraun.

Community Games Art Competition

With the White Heathers
Followers of the Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers have been enjoying some good hunting since Christmas. The large turn-out on Sunday, January 27, at Coolbawn had a further good day. Drawing the fort at the cross blank moving across the Killenaule Road they quickly found in the Elephant Grass in Mortlestown. Hunting very well hounds ran a great circle through Grangebarry, Mortlestown, Kilbreedy, back to ground close to where they first found. Just as hounds were withdrawn from a strong mark their fox bolted. Laid on the line they ran again back over much of the same ground, back to the Elephant Grass where they first found where they lost him. This was a good run of just under one hour. Better was to follow.

Crossing the road to Blackmore’s drew up towards the Waterfall finding again in Kennedy’s. Hunting a few circles through Quigley’s, Aiden Kennedy’s, Blackmore’s and Bawnbrack they crossed the Kilbreedy-Ballyluskey road to Ruttle’s Glen. Hunting strongly around this huge covert for twenty minutes they had their fox away right-handed from the Crohane end, right-handed again they crossed the Killenuale-Ballyluskey road heading towards Lyonshill. Swinging left they ran through Magoury to Shanakyle down towards the Drangan-Ballyluskey road to ground.

This was a run of an hour and forty-five minutes, hounds hunting with great drive and cry throughout. A feature of the days hunting was the fact that followers, car and foot, were able to keep in touch at all times. Fair dues to the number of young, and not so young, followers who ploughed through heavy ground keeping close to hounds all day. All went home tired but happy after a great days sport. Ballyluskey White Heathers meet on Sunday, February 10, at Thorney Bridge starting at 11am.

The Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers are currently promoting their sixty-first annual draw. Draw takes place in the Archway Bar, Drangan, on St.Patrick’s night. Prizes are 1st Prize €400; 2nd: €200 and 3rd €100. Tickets are €2 each or a book of three for €5.
We feel sure that the usual, generous support from followers, supporters and friends of this long established grand old pack will be forthcoming to help in keeping the show on the road for many more seasons to come. E.A.N.

Augustinian Abbey Helpers' Party

Photographed at the Augustinian Abbey party for church helpers are L to R: Mary Sheehan, Fr. Martin Crean OSA and Eddie Sheehan. Photos supplied by Larry Kenny.


Photographed at the Augustinian Abbey party for church helpers are L to R: Joan Halpin, Bernard Walsh and Paddy Broderick


Photographed at the Augustinian Abbey party for church helpers are L to R: John O'Connor, Eileen Connolly and Marie Murphy


Photographed at the Augustinian Abbey party for church helpers are L to R: Eileen Purcell, Alice Quinn and Frances Murphy.


Photographed at the Augustinian Abbey party for church helpers are L to R: Vincent Doocey and Michael Smyth.


Photographed at the Augustinian Abbey party for church helpers are L to R: Dick Prendergast and Willie Needham.

Convent Community Hall change of class time
Please note the following changes to class times at Fethard Convent Community Hall: Zumba classes on Tuesday nights have changed from 8.15pm to 9.15pm, Pilates classes have changed on Wednesday nights from 8.15pm to 9.15.
No need to book, just come down to the hall to join any of the above classes.

New Mother/Minder/Toddler Group
If you would like to meet other parents, minders and have a cup of coffee and a chat while the children play or watch a cartoon on the big screen then make your way down to the Convent Community Hall this Thursday morning, February 7, at 11am. This is a great chance to escape the housework for an hour and for you and the children to make new friends, all for only €2 per adult, which will go towards the electricity in the hall

The convent community hall is now a hive of activity during the week and at the weekends, with classes varying from Zumba to Computer Training. The Youth Club meet there on a Monday night and we have had some visiting youth clubs also book the hall. Birthday parties have become very popular after school and at weekends. The hall offers excellent facilities including a 40 seated cinema, lots of games tables, sit down party area, top of the range music system, disco lights, oven and microwave, it’s the ideal place to have your party or family gathering,
If you would like any more information or to make a booking please phone Joan at Tel: (052) 6131000 or Pamela Tel: 086 8743752 (evenings).

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom next Sunday night, February 10, to the music of Catherine & Images. All welcome to come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment and social dancing.

St Rita's Camogie Club
The AGM for St Rita's Camogie Club will take place this Friday, February 8, at 7.30pm in the Tirry Centre. We hope to see a big turnout, so all players, members and parents of underage players are asked to attend.

Fethard ICA
Fethard ICA will hold their first meeting of 2013 in the ICA Hall, Rocklow Road, on Tuesday, February 12, at 8.15pm. Guest speaker on the night is Mr Peter Butler of ‘Task and Community Care’ and his talk is entitled, ‘A Safer Community and Security in the Home’. Hostesses for the evening are the ‘Yellow Group’.

Fethard Bridge Club Results
On Wednesday, January 23, we played for prizes sponsored by Rita Kane and Kay St. John and the results were:
1st Gross: Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh (winners of sponsored prize);
2nd Gross: Kay St. John and Rita Kane;
3rd Gross: Carol Kenny and Gemma Burke;
1st Nett: Anne Connolly and Marie Delaney;
2nd Nett: Eileen Ryan and Jim Lahert;
3rd Nett: Gabrielle Schofield and Nora Ryan.
On Wednesday, February 13, we play the second round of the Player of the Year competition which is a change of partner. Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles 6132038.

Fethard Ladies Rugby
Our Fethard U18 Girls’ team played a home game of tag rugby under lights on Friday evening against a well-drilled Cashel girls team. Our squad of girls worked well together and sharpened their skills ready for their upcoming three Munster tournaments next month. Great speed from Zoë Maher, Leah Fox and Kora Delaney put Cashel under pressure following their first score on the board. We then had quick thinking from Katie Ryan, Sally Nagle and Amy Tynan with their tagging and great ball carrying. These girls provided great back up for Aoife Delaney, Karen Hayes and Aobh O'Shea who consistently passed the ball out. Cool heads from Aishling Kelly and Molly O'Dwyer organised the girls and showed fine pairs of quick hands. Fethard as the game went on put three scores on the board and preformed very well.

Special thanks to the Cashel coaches Ruth and Ellen and their team for the great game last Friday and wishing you all the best in your County Community Games Final U16 Hybrid Rugby game coming up.
Training continues for all on Friday evenings in the Community field at 6.45pm to 8pm. New members are always welcome. Please note the minis are away on Sunday, February 10, to Clonmel.

Community Games news
Fethard and Killusty Community Games Committee would like to wish the very best of luck to Isobel and Abigail Maher along with Zoë and Caroline Stokes who will all compete in the forthcoming county finals of the girls swimming.

The county finals of the boys’ swimming will take place in Clonmel on Sunday March 3. Entries close on February 24. If anyone would like to enter please contact 086 8110768.

The county finals of the Art and Model Making competitions will take place in the Presentation Convent, Clonmel, on Saturday, March 2. Closing date for entries is February 24. The local competition will have to go ahead as soon as possible.

Schools in Fethard and Killusty will be visited on Wednesday, February 13, to collect entries. If a child would like to enter in any of the following age groups, under 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 but go to school elsewhere they may contact the Community Games Office at 086 8110768 to arrange for collection of their entry before February 13.

Children must be under the age specified on July 31, 2013, and must live in the parish.

County final of the U14 juvenile quiz will take place in the Presentation Convent, Thurles on Friday March 1. Entries will be taken on the night, panel of six (team of four plus two subs) cost €6.

More Abbey Helpers' Party Photographs

More Abbey Helpers Party photographs supplied by Larry Kenny

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on January 30, were: 8, 14, 22 and 32. We had no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winner so the following three drawn tickets received €50 each: Irene Sharpe, The Castle Inn, Fethard; Joan O'Donohoe, Moyglass, Fethard; and Roseanne Carroll, The Square, Fethard.

The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners won €50 each: Bernadette Barrett, c/o Day Care Centre, Fethard; Pat O'Meara, c/o Kathleen Connolly; and Kitty O'Donnell, Slievenamon Close, Fethard.
Remember you can purchase your lotto ticket online at fethard.com. Buy seven weekly tickets and get one free! Check on the website for lots of special offers.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, February 6 and the Jackpot is €7,150 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €715. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Tuesday, February 5, of Gus Maher, Greenhills Nursing Home, Carrick-on-Suir and late of Friarsgrange, Fethard.

Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Parlour, Fethard, from 6pm on Wednesday, February 6, with removal at 7pm to Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard.

Requiem Mass at 11am on Thursday following by interment in Calvary Cemetery.

Lady's Purse Lost near The Green
Lady's purse was lost near Centra Supermarket, Barrack Street on Tuesday last. It would be appreciated if the finder would call 086-8110768 please.

Concerts at Crocanoir
Still a few tickets left for the Albert Niland concert at Crocanoir on Saturday next, February 2. Support act on the night will be Sabrina Dinan, an exciting new talent on the singer songwriter scene. Visit www.crocanoir.com for more information.

There is also some great music to look forward to over the coming months with Jimmy Crowley, Mick Hanly, Kieran Halpin, Niall Toner, Oonagh Derby and many more favourites coming to Crocanoir. John MacKenna will also be back for a two day workshop on Creative Writing on Saturday, February 23 and Sunday 24.

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.