Happy Easter

We take this opportunity to wish all our readers a very Happy Easter in particular all those who travelled home to Fethard to celebrate the religious feast with their families and friends.

George Plant 71st Anniversary Commemoration 
The 71st Anniversary Commemoration of General George Plant takes place in St. Johnstown Churchyard on Easter Sunday, March 31, at 2.30pm. The oration will be given by Barry O'Brien, Cahir. 

Fethard launches a ‘Bring Them Home’ fundraiser and festival 2013

Photographed at the launch of Fethard Business and Tourism Group's ‘Bring Them Home’ fundraiser and 'Gathering' Festival 2013. Back L to R: Phil Wyatt, Ann Gleeson, Peter Grant, Frances Ryan, Conor McGuire, Bernadette Stocksborough, Joe Keane, Mary Healy, Kieran Butler, Mary O'Mahoney, Johnny Neville, David Curran, Mary Hanrahan, Seamus Barry holding daughter Fiona, Pat Looby. Front L to R: Diana Stokes, Maurice Moloney, Catherine Corcoran, Bill O'Sullivan, Tadhg Gleeson and Leo Darcy.

On Friday, March 22, a major new initiative for the development of Fethard was launched at the Tirry Centre. Fethard Business and Tourism Group and the main voluntary, sporting and cultural clubs and organisations in Fethard jointly launched the 2013 ‘Bring Them Home’ initiative. This project has two main planks: a fundraising element and the Fethard Gathering Festival in June 2013.

The Fundraising drive will take place between now and May and all funds raised will go towards the Fethard Town Hall Restoration Project, the Fethard ‘Gathering’ Festival and to nominated voluntary club/organisations in Fethard. It is anticipated that the Fethard diaspora will use this opportunity to buy a ticket to visit home in 2013. The ticket price is €50 per ticket for three fabulous prizes eligible for travel anywhere in the world. 1st Prize is a €3,000 travel voucher; 2nd Prize a €1,500 travel voucher; and 3rd Prize: a €1,000 travel voucher. Tickets may be purchased online at www.fethard.com/draw, from all local clubs and from Bill O’Sullivan at 087-2522885. Also by contacting email: business@fethard.com

Fethard ‘Gathering’ Festival 2013
The Business and Tourism Group have brought together Fethard’s Clubs/Voluntary Organisations and Businesses to support and participate in a massive ‘Gathering’ Festival, which will culminate in the weekend of June 21, 22, and 23, 2013. Event ideas are being sought, but already plans are afoot to hold the following events: National Street Celebration of Country Markets, founded here in 1948; U12 Hurling Blitz; Exiles’ Match; Rugby Match; School Reunions; Opening of New Playground; Marquee by Town Wall for functions including a Saturday night ‘Big Event’; Irish Final of Highland Games; Pub Quiz and Darts Championship; Dog Show; Ballroom Dancing on Sunday; and Fethard Historical Pageant.


All Fethard Clubs and Organisations were invited to submit their ideas for the Festival asap to business@fethard.com
It is our vision that The Fethard Tholsel or Town Hall will become a focal point for the visitor to Ireland’s premier Walled Town. The building will act as the link and the portal for the tourist to the ‘Heart of the Town’. It will offer a welcoming, multi-functional and hospitable environment where visitors and local people can relax and learn more about Fethard.

Please support this and your local club by buying a ticket, contacting friends and family abroad inviting them home or by organising an event for the Festival. This is a unique opportunity for all of us to work together for the development of Fethard.

Fitting farewell for Stevie O’Connor

Family, relatives and friends gave the late Stevie O’Connor, formerly from Kiltinan, Fethard, a fitting send off last weekend following his unexpected death on March 20 at his rented home near Cloneen. The news of Stevie’s passing came as a great shock to the community who in the past few years had come to know this colourful character again after he moved back from England to his native Fethard.

A lover of animals and nature, Stevie was happiest when walking or trekking over hills, byways, valleys and it was very understandable why he later joined ‘The Long Riders Guild’ – the world's first international association of equestrian explorers – an invitation-only organisation that was formed in 1994 to represent men and women of all nations who have ridden more than 1,000 continuous miles on a single equestrian journey. In 2002 Stevie rode his pony ‘Colina’ on the 3000 kilometres trek from Seville in Spain, via Santiago de Compostela and back to his home in Cornwall where he lived at that time. This mammoth journey was recorded in Stevie’s book ‘Dare to Dream’ published in 2006 as an eBook on www.chipmunkapublishing.co.uk
On May 14, 2012, Stevie, after eight years planning, started his ‘Around Ireland Spring Trek’ with his new steed ‘Jess’ which was supplied by his friend Don O’Connell, Fethard. Steve dedicated this trek to the memory of his daughter Jessica who tragically died through suicide on December 2, 2010.



Stevie and ‘Jess’ completed the trek on October 17, finishing where he started in Dungarvan. Steve was the first Irishman to be awarded Fellowship of the Royal Geographic Society in the sphere of Equestrian Exploration and Membership of ‘The Long Riders Guild’ and the first Equestrian Explorer to ride around the Four Provinces of Ireland. Steve was promoting well-being and the IINM Suicide Prevention.
Stevie, who celebrated his 60th birthday on February 18, 2013, regularly attended the music sessions on Friday nights in McCarthys Hotel, Fethard, where he sang songs from his vast repertoire gathered on his travels.

On Friday, March 22, as a tribute to Stevie’s friendship and life, musicians, family and friends gathered in McCarthy’s to give Stevie a ‘wake’ he would be proud of. On Saturday Stevie was removed to Kiltinan Graveyard for a very memorable and intimate burial overlooking his original home and the valley of Slievenamon.
Stevie will always be remembered for the unique person he was and his untimely passing is deeply mourned by his daughter Sabina, his family Elma, Jimmy, Catherine, Patricia and Conor, relatives and his many friends befriended on his travels. May he rest in peace.

Fethard Ladies Football ‘Big Spring Clean’


‘Cash For Clobber’ Spring Clean fundraiser leaflets were distributed last week with regards to our joint fundraiser with St. Rita’s Camogie Club. If you are doing some 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 Friday, April 5, between 7pm and 9pm and on Saturday, April 6, between 10am and 1pm. We can take adult and children’s clothes, paired shoes and boots, handbags, belts, sheets, curtains, towels and soft toys. Please note we cannot take duvets, pillows, dirty or wet clothing, mats or carpets. As in recent years your support is hugely welcome.

‘Gaelic For Mothers’ training will resume this Thursday at the Community Field at 7.15pm, training to start 7.30pm sharp. After the inclement weather last week the GAA field was closed due to waterlogging but hopefully we can resume training at all grades this weekend so watch out for updates over the coming week and keep an eye on our Facebook page.

Fethard Bridge Club
From February 6, to February 27, Fethard Bridge Club played four rounds of our Player of the Year competition. The results of this competition will be announced at our President's Prize dinner in May.
The results of our game on Wednesday, March 6 were:
1st Gross: Kay St. John and Rita Kane; 2nd Gross: Berney Myles and Alice Quinn; 3rd Gross: Carol Kenny and Gemma Burke; 1st Nett: Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh; 2nd Nett: Annie O'Brien and Kathleen Kenny; 3rd Nett: Margaret Mary McCormack and Ellen Rochford.

On Wednesday, March 13, we played for prizes sponsored by Betty Walsh and Monica Anglim and the results were:
1st Nett: Nora Ryan and Gabrielle Schofield (winners of sponsored prize); 2nd Nett: Kathleen Kenny and Noreen Evans; 3rd Nett: Sean O'Dea and Ellen Rochford; 1st Gross: Carol Kenny and Gemma Burke; 2nd Gross: Berney Myles and Alice Quinn; 3rd Gross: Carmel Condon and Brendan Kenny.
Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 6132038.

Daffodil Day in Fethard

L to R: Niamh Crotty and Kate Quigley, pupils from Patrician Presentation Secondary School helping with Daffodil Day at Centra Supermarket in Fethard

Fethard AC Munster Experience
All roads led to Moyglass on Sunday, March 24, for the 2013 Munster Masters Championships. The four-mile course, a repeat of The Ned Kelly four-miler on St. Patrick's Day, attracted a massive entry of athletes from all over the province. In the ladies race Aine Doocey, making her first appearance at this level, finished 35th overall and 9th in the over-35 section. In the mens’ Fintan Rice came home 24th overall and 5th in the over-45 section. Tony Shelley, Fran Tyrrell, Michael ‘Magic’ Ryan and Perry Daniels combined with Fintan to come 14th in the over-35 team standings.

It’s great to see our men and ladies getting out there and doing themselves and our club proud. ‘FACT’ Fethard Athletic Club Training is for both the social and serious runner, jogger or walker so why not come along every Monday and Friday night at 7.15pm. Meeting point is at the Ballroom. Let’s help each other get Fit4Life. Enquiries to 087-9229747 or find us on Facebook. Keep on Running!

Fethard & Killusty Community Council AGM
The Annual General Meeting of Fethard & Killusty Community Council will be held next month on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, in the Tirry Community Centre at 8.30pm. Please put the date in your diary. All are welcome.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on Easter Sunday Night, March 31, to the music of Tommy Carroll. All welcome to come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment and social dancing. Dancing 9pm to midnight and admission is €7.

Scouting Champions

Fethard Scouts continue to dominate as Orienteering champions and for over 20 years have proved to be strong at Navigation/Map Reading as yet again on Sunday last they took 12 of the 14 trophies back to Fethard. Taking 1st, 2nd and team pacings in the U14 and winning the U16 team events. Well done to all especially David Mockler, Cameron Bailey, Dylan Ryan, Eoin O'Donovan, Willie O Meara and Aiden O'Dwyer.

Activity Day for primary school boys and girls
A fun filled activity day for primary school boys and girls will be held in the Convent Community Hall on Wednesday, April 3, from 10am to 4pm. There will be lots of games and activities for all to do. You can book your child’s place on our Facebook page ‘Fethard Convent Community Hall’ or by calling Dee on 086 6006283 or Pamela on 087 8743752 after 6pm. €10 per child

Zumba Classes
Zumba classes take place in the hall every Tuesday night at 8.15pm, great fun workout while still burning the calories

Parent / Minder Toddler group
Parent/Minder Toddler group takes place in the hall every Thursday morn at 11am, with lots of toys to keep the small ones happy while the adults enjoy some adult conversation and a cup of coffee and all for only €2. So if you fancy a break from the housework come down and join us any Thursday morning.

Macra election campaign well under way

Michael Moclair of Fethard Macra Macra and Munster VP Nominee photographed with Catriona Fox of Ballyhoura Macra at the Cork County Drama Competition which took place on Saturday, March 23, in St Mary's Theatre, Rossmore.

With the provincial Macra Vice Presidency election campaign well under way, the South Tipperary candidate Michael Moclair certainly is looking like a good candidate for the job. If elected to Munster Vice President Michael promote greater interaction and integration between Munster clubs through the establishment of a centralised Munster forum. The primary aim of this forum is to share ideas, resources and to facilitate planning of events and competitions, local groups and enhance opportunities for members to travel in club exchanges and abroad.

In addition to this Michael also proposes to lobby and fight for young farmers in respect of the current unsustainable CAP, as this discriminates against young farmers. Michael is seeking a top up to the single farm payment for new entrants who are taking over a farm and also for retiring farmers. Michael would also establish regular workshops for up-skilling and training of competition presiding officers at national and regional level.

Finally an issue, which is extremely prevalent currently, is the issue of mental health, Michael proposes to promote Positive Mental Health through information workshops. Michael stated, “I sincerely believe that people who invest their time, energy and commitment in Macra activities will reap the rewards and benefits ten-fold. As Munster Vice-President, I would be a voice for all members and help your matters be heard. I strive diligently to make Macra a stronger organisation for current and future members.”

Please remember that every vote counts and Michael would like to offer a huge thank you to everyone for your continued support.
Beef stock judging took place on Sunday, March 24, at the well known pedigree breeder, Tom Horan’s farm just outside Cashel. The winner of the senior stock judging was Michael Moclair. A huge ‘thank you’ to all involved and to Tom Horan for the use of his farm.

Clonoulty-Rossmore Macra also held their first fundraiser table quiz for the Annual Miss Macra Event on Friday, March 22, in Kennedy’s Pub Gooldscross. This was a huge success and a wonderful night.

Volleyball continues every Thursday night in Clerihan Hall at 8.30pm and all are welcome. For information contact Liam Cleary on 086 3998711.

Macra is a wonderful organisation for individuals aged from 17-35 and has something for everyone including social events, travel, farming and competitions including sports, public speaking, debating and more which give you skills for life. For more enquiries or if you are interested in joining South Tipp Macra contact Una on 087 4165826 or Laurann on 085 7337432 or find us on Facebook.

Proud father and daughter

John Ryan photographed with his daughter Sandra who was home in Fethard on holiday from Australia. Sandra is very active in playing in the SWAFL (Sydney Women’s Australian Football League) and was one of three Irish out of twenty-seven players selected to play for the NSW state team in 2011.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on March 20, were: 6, 21, 26 and 29. We had no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winner so the following drawn tickets received €50 each: Brud Roche, Woodvale Walk, Fethard; Peter Gough, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard; and Desmond Martin, Fr. Tirry Park, Fethard.

The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners won €50 each: Imelda Ryan, Lismortagh, Killenaule; Christy Looby, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard; and Caroline Sabatini, Main St., 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, March 27 and the Jackpot is €8,200 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €820. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

Fethard & Killusty Community Games
Congratulations to Keenan Aherne, Prospect, Fethard who won a gold medal at the County Final of the Community Games handwriting competition held in Silvermines on Saturday, March 23. Keenan and all the other children who won medals at the area finals made history as this is only the third running of this event at National level and the first time ever there were entries from Fethard and Killusty area. Keenan will now represent Tipperary at the HSE Community Games National Finals in Athlone on the weekend of May 24 to 26 along with Cassie Needham who qualified in the Art event. Well done to all concerned.

Fethard Rugby Club
On Good Friday our under-10s are taking part in a tournament in Clonmel. Please be there for 10.30am. The forecast is for cold weather so please dress appropriately. Looking forward to seeing everybody there and if there’s any change due to weather, a text will be sent out.

Fethard Playground contract signed

Members of Coolmore gardening department helping with tree planting and landscaping at the new Fethard Playground site L to R: Joseph Looney, Christy Fitzgerald (Head Gardener Coolmore), Joe Keane (Fethard Tidy Towns), Tom Cummins, Tony Dolan and Ed Coman.

A big ‘Thank You’ to the many parents, and others, who turned up for the meeting last week. There was palpable enthusiasm and encouragement for the project, and most were willing to get involved. There was much praise for the committee who have brought the playground to this ‘ready-to-go’ stage and have secured over €100,000 in funding already.

This week, contracts have been signed with the contractors Crawford’s Play, a Wexford based company who specialise in playground equipment and on-site work has commenced. It is envisaged that the playground will be completed and in-use by mid-summer.

At the meeting a few fundraising options were outlined which were met with a very positive response and in an effort to advance the discussion and to copper fasten the ideas another meeting was held on Tuesday, March 26. Further details will be available in next week’s publication.

In the meantime detailed plans of the playground are on view in the window of Whyte’s, on Main Street and if you are interested in becoming involved and / or were unable to attend previous meetings, there is another one taking place on Tuesday, April 2, at 7.30pm in the Tirry Centre. Feel free to come along and help us to make it happen!

Clocks go forward this weekend
Don’t forget to set your clocks forward by one hour at 1am on this Sunday, March 31, officially the start of Summer Time. We may be losing an hour in bed but with extra daylight in the evenings and a long summer ahead, there’s plenty to look forward to.

Easter Ceremonies at Fethard Parish Church
Holy Thursday, March 28, Mass of The Lord's Supper at 7pm.
Good Friday, March 29, Stations of The Cross at 3pm; Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 7pm
Holy Saturday, March 30, Easter Vigil Mass at 7pm.

Easter Ceremonies in Killusty
Holy Thursday, March 28, Mass of The Lord's Supper at 7.30pm.
Good Friday, March 29, Stations of The Cross at 3pm; Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 7.30pm
Holy Saturday, March 30, Easter Vigil Mass at 7.30pm.

Easter devotions at the Augustinian Abbey
Details for the Easter Triduum at The Augustinian Abbey, Fethard, are as follows:
Holy Thursday, March 28, Mass of The Lord's Supper at 7.30pm.
Good Friday, March 29, Solemn Liturgy to celebrate Good Friday at 3pm. Stations of The Cross at 7.30pm.
Holy Saturday, March 30, Easter Vigil Mass at 8.30pm.
Easter Sunday, Mass at 9.30am and 11.30am.

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.