Community Playground ‘Go to the Dogs’
Site of the newly landscaped Community Playground at Cashel Road, Fethard.
Fethard Community Playground committee are promoting a fundraising event in conjunction with Clonmel Greyhound Stadium on Thursday, May 23, when they ‘Go to the Dogs’. Mark this date in your diary as it promises to be a great night of fun and entertainment and an opportunity to see and experience the splendid new facilities at Clonmel Track. The focus on the night will be the ‘Buster Draw’ when the finishing order of the greyhounds in a particular race will win €1,500 for one lucky ticket-holder. Tickets, priced at €20, are now on sale locally. In addition to being in with a chance to win the prize money the ticket also gains the holder free entry to the track on the night.
Fethard Playground site showing new pathway under construction inside railing on Cashel Road
Residents of Fethard and surrounding area will soon be approached to lend their support to this enjoyable, worthwhile event. There is also the opportunity for businesses and individuals to contribute, by sponsoring a race or placing an advert in the race card. If you are interested in supporting either of these options please contact Carmel on or email playground@fethard.com. More information about the Fethard Playground project is available at www.fethardplayground.com
Died Recently
The late Kathleen O'Connell, Burke Street, photographed with her son Don O'Connell outside the Augustinian Abbey
The death has occurred on Tuesday, April 9, of Mrs Kathleen O'Connell (née Mullins), Burke Street, Fethard, and formerly of Grallagh, Ballinure. Reposing at McCarthys Funeral Home, Fethard, on Wednesday, April 10, from 5pm with removal to the Augustinian Abbey at 6.45pm to arrive at 7pm.
Requiem Mass on Thursday, April 11, at 11am followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations if desired to the Irish Heart Foundation.
Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday Night, April 14, to the music of Gerry Walsh. All welcome to come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment and social dancing. Dancing 9pm to midnight and admission is €7.
St. Vincent de Paul
Fethard families that may need help with this year’s First Communion expenses are asked to contact any member of the local St. Vincent de Paul committee as soon as possible or any of the following telephone numbers: 6131852, 6131698 or 6131354.
Sports Achievement Award for March
Kelly Anne Nevin, Ballintemple, Fethard receiving the Butlers Bar's 'Sports Achievement Award' for March from Barry O’Connor, Accounting & Bookkeeping Service Clonmel (sponsors) and special guest, Bobbi Holohan (left).
Congratulations to Kelly Anne Nevin who was the March winner in Butlers Sports Bar’s ‘Fethard Sports Achievement Awards’. Kelly Anne, daughter of Richie and Ann Nevin, Ballintemple, is a member of the Tipperary class-four badminton team who won Munster and All Ireland titles recently. In the All Ireland series played at National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI Galway) they overcame teams from Galway, Meath and Wexford on route to victory.
 Kelly Anne Nevin photographed with friends and supporters after she was awarded the Butler's Bar 'Sports Achievement Award' for March at a special function on Friday, April 5, in Fethard.
The award was presented by Barry O’Connor, Accounting & Bookkeeping Service Clonmel, on Friday night, April 5, at a function in Butlers Sports Bar. Special guest was Bobbi Holohan, Killusty. In the early 1990s Bobbi’s notable successes on the National and International racquetball circuit included European Ladies Singles and Doubles championship wins. She was a member of the Irish Ladies team which won the European Ladies team title in 1991. Bobbi also won the Ladies Singles and Doubles titles at the Tralee International and the Ulster Open championships in the same year. In 1992 she won the European Ladies Racquetball Championship and was honoured with a Tipperary Cidona Sports Star award.
Butlers Bar's 'Sports Achievement Award' nominees for March at the presentation ceremony L to R: Derek Curran (representing Martin Fennessy), Bobbi Holohan (special guest), Harry Barry (representing Kart Paalma), Kelly Anne Nevin, Barry O’Connor, Accounting & Bookkeeping Service Clonmel (sponsors), Andy McBride (representing Claire Annan) and Niall Higgins.
Nominees for April 2013 are now being taken and can be handed in to Philip Butler at Fethard Sports Bar, Main Street, Fethard, before 6pm on Friday, April 26, or emailed to: sportsaward@fethard.com
Fethard Ladies Football ‘Cash For Clobber’
We would like to thank all those who gave generously to our cash for clobber fundraiser held at the weekend. This was a joint initiative between Fethard Ladies Football and St. Rita’s Camogie Club and again we were successful in raising much needed funding for both clubs. Also a big thank-you to all club members who gave up their time to help out.
Our U16s have played two championship games thus far, a draw with Sliabhnamban and a narrow defeat to Brian Borús. Training continues and, with a bit luck, we will start notching up victories soon.
Gaelic for mothers training continues every Thursday at 7.15pm at the community field. All are welcome.
Support needed for Town Hall Development Project
 Fethard Business and Tourism Group need your support for the refurbishment and development of Fethard Town Hall which will be a huge asset for the whole town in the future. A draw, in conjunction with the ‘Fethard Gathering Festival’ has been organised and tickets at €50 each are now on sale from committee members and participating local organisations that also stand to benefit from the proceeds.
The draw will take place at the end of May and has three fabulous prizes on offer: 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 also be purchased online at www.fethard.com/draw, or from Bill O’Sullivan at 087-2522885; email: business@fethard.com
Please support this draw (and your local club) by buying a ticket, contacting friends and family abroad inviting them home for the Fethard Gathering Festival on the weekend of June 21, 22, and 23. We can all help in making Fethard a better place to live and work for young and old.
Macra news
At the South Tipp Macra Annual Volleyball Competition in Clerihan, members of Fethard Macra, Slievenamon Macra and Suirvale Macra
The South Tipp Macra volleyball competition took place in Clerihan Hall on Sunday, April 7, this was a huge success. A huge congratulations to Slievenamon Macra whose volleyball team are champions for the third year running. They fought a tough final match losing the first set and finally came through to win the next two sets to take the title. The team is now heading on to play in the national finals which will be held in Kilkenny on the Sunday, April 21. Slievenamon Macra are also competing in the National Drama Competition this Friday in Murphy Hall, Tullow, Carlow, and we wish them the best of luck.
Slievenamon Macra Volleyball team, winners of the South Tipp Macra Annual Volleyball Competition 2013. Back L to R: Michael Corcoran, Eamon Cooney, David Fahey, John Kirby. Front L to R: Alma Maher, Ann Marie Kirby and Bernadette Kirby.
Fethard Macra are looking forward to the Mister Personality Competition which takes Place in the Springhill Court Hotel Kilkenny on April 19 and 20. We wish Kevin Byrne who is representing South Tipp the very best of luck.
The election count for the future Munster Macra Vice President takes place in Dublin on Tuesday, April 9. After a fantastic campaign in which Michael Moclair displayed wonderful knowledge and ability, all at South Tipp Macra would like to wish him the very best of luck and support.
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 Laurann on 085-7337432 or Una 087-4165826 or find us on Facebook under South Tipp Macra.
Fethard Athletic club
Stephen Tierney and Jennifer Rice, Tipperary mens and ladies junior road champions 2013.
Sunday, April 7, saw Fethard Athletic Club head for the hills of Ballingarry where Coolquill AC were the hosts for the 2013 County Junior 3K and Masters 6K road championships. With a crew of twelve, our largest number in our current era to attend an event, hope was high of bringing home the club’s first medals of the season. The Junior Race was first and across the finish line came Jennifer Rice and Steven Tierney bagging double gold for Fethard and a place in the record books as 2013 Junior County Champions.
In the ladies, Aine Doocey had a fantastic race finishing fourth overall and second over-35 to bag a silver medal. In the over-50s Imelda Vaughan, making her debut for the club, had a mighty race-long battle with Noreen Harrington and at the 3k mark there was very little between the two club mates. The closing stages saw Imelda use her local knowledge to put some daylight between the pair and with that take the third place bronze medal with Noreen a close fourth. In the ladies team event at least one of our two teams, the ladies over-45s team of Imelda Vaughan, Noreen Harrington and Biddy O'Dwyer were in the medals, the colour of which is unknown at the time of going to print.
Fethard Athletic Club members and supporters photographed at the 2013 County Junior 3K and Masters 6K road championships in Ballingarry
The over 35s team of Aine Doocey, Denise O'Brien and Grainne Ryan may also be placed as we await clarity on the results.
In the mens’ race Fintan Rice continued his fine form with another fourth place finish and a very worthy silver medallist in the over-45 section. Edmond Kinane, also making his debut, had a strong race coming home twenty-ninth overall and Fran Tyrrell and Michael ‘Magic’ Ryan combined with Fintan and Edmond to take sixth place in the over-35 team event.
Sunday, April 14, we head to Moyne for the county mens and ladies Novice B Championships and over the coming weeks there are lots of open races hosted by neighbouring clubs that we hope to support, for example the Faugheen 5k, the Annerville 10k, Cahir 4 miler and the Poulmucka 5k and 8k, before turning our attention to the 13th ‘Walls of Fethard’ four-miler and two-mile Fun Run on May 29 at 8pm.
Fethard Athletic Club Training (FACT) continues every Monday and Friday night at 7.15pm meeting at the Ballroom. For information contact Paraic on 087-9229747 or find us on Facebook.
Day Care Centre AGM
The Fethard and District Day Care Centre will hold their annual general meeting on Thursday, April 25, in the Tirry Community Centre at 8pm. All are welcome.
Fethard & Killusty Anglers
Fethard & Killusty Anglers competition takes place this coming Sunday, April 14, meeting at Thorny Bridge with fishing to start at 11am. Even though we are experiencing very cold weather at the moment there are reports of some very good catches of trout on the Clashawley and Anner rivers.
Fethard GAA
Fethard senior footballers take on Thomas McDonaghs in the county championship on this Sunday, April 14, at 5.30pm in Templemore.
Congratulations to Ronan Fitzgerald who won €150 in the lotto and also to Anthony Coffey who won €50.
Enjoying the sunny weather
Local girls enjoying the sunny weather at Fethard Ballroom last weekend L to R: Leanne McGarry. Rebecca McGarry, Shannon Thompson, Rachel Prout and Nicole Vaughan.
Fethard Tidy Towns
Fethard Tidy Towns committee would like to bring to the attention of all dog walkers that there are free doggie poo scopes available in the Post Office. Pet waste is contaminated with E. Coli and other harmful bacteria. Dog poop doesn’t just ‘wash away’ or disappear so please clean up after your dog.
Fethard National Spring clean takes place on Wednesday, April 17, at 2pm starting at the ballroom. Anyone can get involved just choose an area to clean up and get together with family, friends or colleagues to make the event fun. This will be held in conjunction with Fethard Holy Trinity National School.
Work is on-going at the new playground park area at the Cashel road. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Coolmore Stud for all their help and the beautiful trees that have been planted. A big thank you also to Pat Carroll Framing for the kind use of his shop window for displaying photos of work in progress.
A tidy towns committee meeting will take place in the Tirry centre on Wednesday, April 17, at 8pm.
Fethard Rugby Club Table Quiz
Fethard RFC will hold a table quiz on Friday night, April 12, in Butlers Bar on Main Street at 9.30pm. Table of four will cost €20. Your support would be greatly appreciated. All are welcome. Raffle on the night.
A huge thanks to everyone who donated bags of unwanted clothing, soft toys, shoes etc for our recent fundraiser. There was a great response to our appeal and following on from its success, we have decided to continue to accept bags of the above including old footwear, household textiles and in particular old mobile phones. Bags can be left at the clubhouse any Friday night from 6.45pm to 9pm over the next two or three weeks, or contact Mary Lynch on 086 1688158.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on April 3, were: 4, 15, 18 and 27. We had no jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: Valerie Horan, c/o Butlers Bar, Fethard.
The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners won €50 each: Christine Brett, The Valley, Fethard; David Kane, c/o Rita Kane; and Peg Gleeson, Coolmore, 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, April 10 and the Jackpot is €8,500 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €850. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.
Killusty survive in Second Division
Brian Coen (Killusty United) putting the Rosegreen defence under pressure.
Killusty won't be promoted or relegated but they certainly were centre stage with the ups and downs of this division. A few weeks ago they looked destined for relegation but a shock 3-2 win over title chasing Tipperary Town threw them a lifeline.
Last Sunday's clash against Rosegreen Rangers had a lot hanging on it so a thriller was anticipated. Neither could afford to lose but Rosegreen needed a win to become outright champions, Killusty needed a draw to avoid relegation. It was mission accomplished for Killusty as the draw saw them stay in the second division, sending Kilmanahan down to division three.
L to R: David Conway (Killusty United) and Ger O'Connor (Rosegreen Rangers)
Killusty started brightly and opened the scoring after two minutes when they were awarded a penalty and Karl Maher scored. Midway through the half Rosegreen equalised when a Trevor Downey free kick found Vinny Downey and he fired home from 25 yards. As half-time approached both teams suffered set-backs. Killusty were reduced to 10 players and the Rosegreen goalkeeper had to be replaced following an injury.
L to R: Trevor Downey (Rosegreen Rangers) and Brian Delahunty (Killusty United)
The second half saw Rosegreen on the offensive throughout but chance after chance went a begging. Killusty resisted everything thrown at them thanks to excellent defending and magnificent goalkeeping. When the final whistle sounded Killusty were very relieved but for Rosegreen it was disappointment.
L to R: David Conway (Killusty United) and Trevor Downey (Rosegreen Rangers)
They now face a play-off game against Tipperary Town to decide second division champions. Tipp Town will be very happy with this opportunity to make amends for the slip up against Killusty. They will now be strong favourites to take the trophy as they beat Rosegreen twice in the league. It should be quite a game. (The Nationalist)
L to R: Rory Heffernan (Rosegreen Rangers) and Brian Delahunty (Killusty United)
L to R: Frank Culleton (Rosegreen Rangers) and Colm Nolan (Killusty United).
L to R: Brian Coen (Killusty United) and Rory Heffernan (Rosegreen Rangers)
Fethard & District Rugby Club
On Sunday next our U15 side is set to play Dungarvan in the final of the East Munster U15 Cup and your support would be greatly appreciated on the day. A text will be sent out with regards to the venue which is likely to be Clonmel or Carrick.
Fethard U8s
Fethard U8s travelled to Waterford for their final rugby games of the year. Ana Quigley headed up this team with her great tip offs. Michael Blake scored a great try. Andrew Wall made great runs resulting in multiple tries and new recruit Oscar Croke-Staunton proved a very solid player. Padraig O'Dwyer scored plenty of tries on the wing with Thomas Ryan incredible in his textbook tackling.
Thanks to parents for great support and players for great rugby, making it a really enjoyable season for all. More details will follow on our end of season beach blitz.
Fethard U11s
Saturday, April 6, saw Fethard U11s travel north to Naas RFC to the annual Joe Moran Festival of Rugby where forty clubs from the four provinces descended on this small corner of Co. Kildare. Fethard, in their first game, were narrowly beaten by a strong Cavan side 2-1 with Ryan Walsh the scorer. In our second game, against one of the oldest clubs in the country, Corinthians, Fethard went one down before a stirring revival saw Eoin Walsh charge over the line and leave honours even.
Fethard now settled down to lunch and rising refreshed faced the home side in a fantastic match. Taking Munster rugby to the heart of Leinster with a fired up pack that saw constant pressure exerted on the Naas defence but somehow the Leinster side hung on to finish 0-0.
For their fourth match Fethard faced a very quick Belvedere team. With minutes to go and still 0-0, a strong forward drive saw Ryan Walsh finding a gap to leave three defenders trailing as he reached the line and went down under a pile of defenders where everyone saw the ball over the line – everyone except the referee who cried out ‘no score!’ With all frozen in the agony of the moment it took the cool and collected Dáire O'Connell to pick the ball and ground it over the line. Try! 1-0 to Fethard and that's how it stayed, a most welcome and invigorating victory.
The fifth and final match was against Enniscorthy. The first score was a brilliant run from Richard Robinson after the ball passed through three pairs of Fethard hands. Enniscorthy pulled one back and for a while there was deadlock until Jack Hassett battled his way through the defence and over the line. 2-1 to Fethard. Shortly after Ryan Walsh busted through the defence for another score. Enniscorthy made one reply before the whistle leaving it 3-2. Two wins, two draws and a defeat – a respectable scoreline. This Fethard team won many plaudits, not just for their ability but also the excellent manner in which they conducted themselves.
Fethard U17
Our U17 team travelled to Waterford City on Friday night for the East Munster Plate semi-final. Fethard got off to a great start with Darren Prout nearly scoring and Cian O'Connell scoring a try which Adam Fitzgerald converted. Waterford City came back to leave the teams level at half time. Second half saw Waterford City score early followed by Fethard’s Cathal Meagher, Joedy Sheehan and Paul Maloney each scoring tries and Adam Fitzgerald converting one to leave the final score at 24-12. A great result for Fethard. Well done lads and we will need all players for training and for the final next week.
Hayes secures almost €3.5 million to be spent on Local Infrastructure Improvements in Tipperary
Local Fine Gael T.D. Tom Hayes has announced that €3,374,225 is to be spent on improvements to the water and sewerage services in Tipperary.
“I welcome the announcement that €2.5 million has been secured following extensive lobbying by myself to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Mr. Phil Hogan T.D. which provides funding to South Tipperary County Council to replace 18km of watermains in Fethard, Mullinahone, Drangan and Killenaule to reduce wastage in the water supply in these areas.”
“I am also pleased to announce that €449,500 will be spent on the small sewage scheme in Dundrum, Lisvernane and Kilsheelan, while €424,725 will be spent on water improvements in Dundrum, Graigue, Cordangan, Crotty’s Lane and Lingaun in Carrick on Suir.”
“The investment in the Fethard Regional Water Supply Scheme is key to supporting commercial and industrial activity in South Tipperary and is essential in supporting economic development in the area.”
“Today’s announcement re-enforces the current government’s commitment to investing in Rural Ireland. The money to be spent on these schemes will bring tangible benefits to the people living in these areas such as improvements to the quality of drinking water.”
“At a time when tough decisions are being made about cuts to public expenditure it is important that an investment of nearly €3.5 million can still be brought to Tipperary and be spent on improving local services and infrastructure.
Died in England
The death has occurred on Friday 29th March of Mrs Mary McNulty (nee Maher) in Bedford, England. Formerly of Coolenure, Moyglass. Sister of the late Bill, Mikey, Gus and Phil. Sadly missed by family in Bedford and relatives and friends in Fethard. Funeral Friday 12th April in Bedford.
Fethard ‘Gathering’ Festival 2013
Fethard Business and Tourism Group are looking for your support and participation in a massive ‘Gathering’ Festival, which will culminate in the weekend of June 21, 22, and 23, this year. 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.
The refurbishment and proper development of Fethard Town Hall will be a huge asset for the whole 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.
To support this development and the ‘Gathering’ Festival a draw will take place at the end of May with the help of local participating organisations. 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; or by email: business@fethard.com
Please support this draw (and your local club) by buying a ticket, contacting friends and family abroad inviting them home. This is a unique opportunity for all of us to work together for the development of Fethard.
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.
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