Music program prevents teen addiction

Roger Mehta photographed with pupils from Fethard's Patrician Presentation Secondary School during his two-day 'Harmony Program - Preventing Drug and Alcohol Misuse' which was very well received by the pupils involved. The program was sponsored by Fethard & KIllusty Community Council.

A pioneering approach to drug and alcohol education that uses pop music videos was recently launched in the Patrician Presentation Secondary School in Fethard to the Second and Transition Year students.

Shortlisted for the Social Entrepreneur of Ireland Awards 2013 and endorsed by the HSE, The Harmony Program 1-day workshops used evidence-based music therapy with the music, lyrics and performance of many artists who have experienced addiction or written about the subject.

The program helps identify whether children are at risk of developing drug or alcohol addiction. Artists used include Amy Winehouse, Eminem, Ed Sheeran and the recent multi-Grammy award winners Macklemore & Ryan.

The Harmony Program is run by Roger Mehta from Clonmel who has studied and worked in the music industry and substance misuse field for many years. “For many years a lot of rock or rap music has glorified drug taking, seducing young people into thinking its all just a bit of fun,” Roger said. “The Harmony Program shows the realities and consequences of misusing drugs or alcohol by rock and rap artists who young people identify with and look up to.”

Roger, who has run many workshops through the Tipperary Regional Youth Service (TRYS), Garda Youth Diversion Projects and is currently running the program in The Aislinn Adolescent Treatment Centre in Kilkenny, is hoping to bring The Harmony Program to more young people. "Awareness of the triggers and impact of substance addiction early on gives young people a head start in making better decisions," he said. Roger explained that because music plays a pivotal role in the development and identity of many teenagers, it makes learning about such a life threatening subject very accessible.

“Students learn about the root causes of alcoholism and drug addiction and discover if they themselves are at risk of developing problems in the future. With this information young people have the tools to firewall themselves against future substance misuse issues,” Roger said.

The most recent Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) report found that 10% of 15-year-olds have been drunk by the age of 13, and that more than half of 15–17-year-olds have been drunk at some point in their lives, leading to a stronger likelihood of taking drugs. Other effects of substance misuse include poor school performance, antisocial behaviour and mental health problems.

In The Harmony Program students also learned how to place preventatives strategies in place such as the importance of staying in education, focusing and developing their strengths as individuals, participating in exercise or sport and how to have the courage to access support if need be.

One of the 2nd Year students who took part in the program said, “I always knew drugs and alcohol were addictive however I didn’t know they were so addictive and dangerous as they are,” adding that he “enjoyed [his] experience very much and found it interesting, informative and fun too.”

The day long workshop also saw the students writing and performing their own raps, poetry or songs, expressing their own feelings and experiences. The finished works are then presented to students so they can feel proud and have ownership of their expression and art. Roger pointed out that many teenagers come from homes where parents are abusing drugs and alcohol. It is vitally important that their voices are heard so they don’t end up going down the same path.

The Fethard students, who Roger found to be very pleasant and engaging to work with are now hoping to turn their collection of raps into a book. Principle Michal O'Sullivan said 'This is an excellent age appropriate approach to drug and alcohol education. The Harmony Program is delivered in a format that is educational, fun, interactive and enjoyable for all the students'.

If you would like more information on The Harmony Program
contact 052 61 48124, www.theharmonyprogram.com or email info@theharmonyprogram.com

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Saturday 1st March 2014 of Tony Nugent, Weir View Villa, Old Bridge, Clonmel, and late of Grangebeg, Fethard. Peacefully at Heywood Lodge. Tony, retired auctioneer, deeply regretted by his wife Joy (Lonergan), beloved daughter Emma, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, extended family and friends. Rest In Peace

Reposing at Fennessy's Funeral Home this Sunday evening from 4pm with removal to SS Peter & Paul's Church at 6pm. Requiem mass on Monday morning at 11am. Funeral thereafter to Powerstown Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired to Heywood Lodge, Clonmel.

The late Dinny Flynn
The ashes of the late Denis Flynn, Redhill, Surrey, England, and formerly of The Green, Fethard, who died on December 30, 2013, will return to be interred in his family grave at Calvary Cemetery, Fethard, at 12 noon on Saturday, March 8. A prayer service will be held at the grave side.

Dinny was a son of the late Mick Flynn, The Green, and was an avid reader and supporter of the Fethard & Killusty Enigrant's Newsletter. He was a regular visitor to Fethard and also to his relatives in Cork. A quiet, gentle and very generous man, Dinny will be sadly missed by all his friends in Fethard, relatives in Cork, England and Australia.

Tidy Towns AGM
Fethard Tidy Towns will hold their AGM on Wednesday, March 5, in the Tirry Community Centre at 8pm. Our secretary will give a full report on work carried out during the past year which includes on-going development work; rain water harvesting; Cashel road tree park; Grove road area; wild flower at Jesuits Walk; litter control at bottle banks; and new green dog walkers pledge for all dog walkers.
If you would you like to take part in our project and help keep Fethard clean and tidy why not come along to our AGM and show your support . . . all are welcome and every offer of help, large or small, is very much appreciated.

Fethard Senior Citizen’s Club
Fethard's Senior Citizens' Club will meet at the Tirry Community Centre at 7.30pm on Shrove Tuesday, March 4.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on this coming Sunday Night, March 2, to the music of ‘Dermot Lyons’. All welcome to come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment and social dancing. Dancing 9pm to midnight and admission is €8.

Pre-Baptism meeting
A pre-Baptism meeting will be held in the Tirry Community Centre on Monday, March 10, at 7.30pm for parents who wish to have their child baptised during the following weeks. Please contact Canon Tom Breen P.P. before attending at Tel: (052) 6131178.

Students dress up for energy saving campaign

Senior infant students Killian Hallinan and Hannah O'Sullivan in their 'Energy' outfits at Holy Trinity National School

Students at Holy Trinity National School, Fethard, held an energy themed dress-up event on February 6 as part of their Energy Flag Campaign. Imaginations were fired and the response was exciting from all classes from Junior Infants to Sixth Class with pupils showing great enthusiasm and innovative ideas.

The energy saving campaign has inspired great interest in the students and their parents who are showing great initiative in the management of the whole project. Great efforts are being made to rethink and reduce the usage of oil and electricity in our everyday life. In school we have adjusted and improved our lighting system, turned down our heating, scrutinised our power bills, monitored bad practises such as doors being left open, appliances being left on standby and so on.


Fourth Class pupils in their 'Energy' outfits at Holy Trinity National School. Back L to R: Emma Lyons, Patrick Kennedy, Ciar án Maguire, David Cowlard, Patrick Walsh, Ava Ward. Front L to R: Eimear O'Sullivan, Laura Harrington, Aine Ryan, Hayley Ryan and Hannah Sheehy.

The children now recognise that there is even more scope at home to monitor, adjust and improve the use of power. Some of the improvements recommended are having a shower instead of a bath; wear warm clothes in cold weather; have meals together (one fell swoop); boil kettle once rather than three times etc.

The children have taken on this campaign with great diligence and we look forward to working further towards the acquisition of our second Green Flag.


First Class pupils in their 'Energy' outfits at Holy Trinity N.S.


Pupils in their 'Energy' outfits at Holy Trinity National School

Parish Novena in March
The Fethard & Killusty Parish annual Novena will take place from Saturday, March 22, to Sunday, March 30, inclusive. Ceremonies will be held nightly in Fethard Parish Church and your attendance would be very much appreciated. Please mark the dates in your diary.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on February 19 were: 1, 2, 3 and 31. We had no jackpot winner and two ‘Match Three’ winners who received €75 each: Alice Quinn, Burke Street, Fethard; and P. Russell, Ballydonnell, Mullinahone.

The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Mary Coen, Killusty, Fethard; Robert Jones, Brighton, UK (online ticket); and Dermot O'Meara, Woodvale Walk, 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 26. The Jackpot is €8,050 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €805. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

GAA Sports Lotto
There was no winner of the GAA Sports Lotto jackpot this week. We had no match three winner so the following five lucky dip winners received €30 each: Davy Maher, Barrack Street; Gus Fitzgerald, Kiltinan; Tyrone Tobin, Kilknockin; Bee Gould, Claremore; and Josie Fitzgerald, Kiltinan. The winner of the €50 lucky dip was Michael Teehan, Moyglass. Next week’s jackpot is €3,400 and the draw will take place in Butlers Bar in February 25. Thanks for all your support.

St. Vincent De Paul help for Confirmation
Anyone who may need St. Vincent De Paul’s help for Confirmation on Friday, March 14, are asked to please contact any member of the conference as soon as possible.

Thanks for your help!

L to R: Jean Morrissey, Fiona and Audrey Conway, Sandra Maher collecting for Epilepsy Ireland in Centra, Fethard

On behalf of Epilepsy Ireland and Sandra Maher we would like to once again thank the following people for their help with Epilepsy Irelands recent ‘Valentines Rose Appeal’ which raised a fantastic €1,039. A huge thank you to all the staff of Centra in Fethard especially Pamela Lawlor who allowed us to sell in the store. Thanks also to all staff of Glenpatrick Spring Water; Scoil Chormaic in Cashel; Lily Maher and the staff in Topaz in Cashel; Edel Fitzgerald and her fellow Gardai in Thomastown Co. Kilkenny; and Philip Butler who also contributed to the event.

A special thanks to Jean Morrissey, Fiona and Audrey Conway, Sandra Maher (pictured) and Mary Hayes for all their hard work in Centra on the day. Thanks to all those who supported us on the day by buying roses - we are extremely grateful for all your support.’

Fethard & District Rugby
Wonderful dry weather was the order of the day for Fethard minis who travelled to Thurles for an enjoyable morning of rugby.

Our U7s played really well and were well matched against Thurles to ensure an exciting game. Lots of tries were recorded for Gavin Neville and Charlie Walsh with fine runs and not to be outdone, Harry Barton and Sam Coen also recorded tries. Brothers Troy and Lee Delaney were fast taggers and great ball carriers. Ned O'Meara worked excellently with Sam Austin and proved fine pairing with great passing. Well done to an exciting team.

The Under 8s proved a strong force and not afraid to step up to the mark were Joey Fitzgerald and Adam Ruttle who had great games and tackled to beat the band. Liam Kiely had a great game with great tackling. Paraic O'Connor paired very well with Sam Rowan and both scored fine tries against a fine Thurles squad.

Fethard U9s played two games. The first against Carrick, winning 7-4 they played extremely well with great tackling from William Cleere, Robbie Noonan, Daithi Hogan and great running from Louis Ryan, Tomas Ryan and Jack Quinlan.

Next up was a big Thurles outfit but that didn't deter our lads with passing from Mark Neville and Matt Coen and some unbelievable rucking from David McCormack helped by Michael Blake. Great carrying of the ball by Andrew Wall helped us run out easy winners on a score of 11-2.

Fethard U10s had two great team performances against Thurles and Carrick with every one playing a terrific style of open rugby, without Connor Neville who was injured. We wish Connor a speedy recovery.
Our 11s showed no ill effects of their long lay off with a terrific display against both Thurles and Carrick. Everything from line out throwing to rucking was very good. We lost Rob Barton and Josh Rowan through injury. Hope ye’re feeling better soon lads.

The wind blew for our U12s in Thurles and a lively Carrick crew were two tries to the good while we were still yawning. Credit to the blue hoops who struck back with a nifty line-out steal. Down the hill in the second half and Ethan Coen started to motor. Eoin Walsh and Aobha Fitzgerald rucked hard to disrupt Carrick. Mark McCormack spun quick ball for Angus McDonald and Lucy Murphy to prosper. Good honest effort saw honours even when the whistle blew.

Thurles up next and Matt Burke’s sticky fingers held the ball well and Lucy Murphy blossomed and harried and hassled to great effect. Teak tough Angus McDonald refused to be beaten while Eoin Walsh squeezed through gaps invisible to others. Mark McCormack continued to impress. With the pace of Coen now bossing the rucks this squad will progress but a full squad is essential to fuel this progress.

Next week, Sunday, March 2, the minis from U7 to U11 are away to Clonmel for a Blitz at 10.30am kick off. Training continues on Friday evening for all at 6.45pm. New members are always welcome. U12s are away to Kilfeacle for their own Blitz on Sunday, March 2.
Please support our Fantasy Cheltenham festival fundraiser for the club. For tickets at €20 please text Polly 086 3394959. This a great chance to win a few quid and also raise funds for our club.

Clodagh in camera club photography final live on TV3

One of Clodagh's nature photographs which can be viewed on her Facbook page HERE

Well done to Clodagh Blake who will appear on TV3's morning show at 10.35am on Wednesday, February 26, as one of three finalists in their Camera Club Photography final which will be broadcast live.

Clodagh is a very keen local photographer and we wish her well in the final tomorrow morning. You can view more of Clodagh's work on her Facebook page.

Financial assistance for your arts project
Applications are invited from individuals and groups in South Tipperary organising an exhibition, performance or other event in 2014, the effect of which when held would stimulate public interest in the Arts, promote knowledge, appreciation and practice of the Arts, and assist in improving the standard of the Arts. The Arts are defined in the act as including painting, sculpture, architecture, music, drama, literature, design in industry, the cinema and the fine arts and applied acts generally.

Application forms are available from Ms Sally O’Leary, Arts Officer, South Tipperary County Council, County Museum, Clonmel, Telephone: (052) 6134565 or by email: sally.oleary@southtippcoco.ie Completed applications must be lodged not later than 4pm on Friday, June 20, 2014.

The Poetry and Wit of Oliver St. John Gogarty

Ulick O’Connor will appear at the Abymill Theatre in Fethard on this Friday, February 28, in his one-man show, ‘The Poetry and Wit of Oliver St. John Gogarty’. Tickets at €10 each are available from Austin O’Flynn Tel: 087 1338961; Bob Lanigan Tel: 086 1742442; Susan Archdeacon, ‘Town and County’, The Square, Fethard, Tel: 086 8553318 or (052) 6132805. The show starts at 8pm.

Gogarty was one of the leading figures of the Irish Literary Renaissance, which reached its peak in the middle of the nineteenth century. Out of it came writers like W.B. Yeats, James Joyce, Sean O’Casey, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett.  It was a striking moment in Irish history and has left behind a significant body of creative work.

Community Library
Just a reminder to everybody that Fethard Community Library is open every Tuesday afternoon from 3.30pm to 4.30pm and Tuesday night from 7pm to 8.30pm. Opening hours will be extended once evenings get brighter and the weather picks up.

Parent / Minder Toddler group
Fethard's Parent/Minder Toddler group takes place in the Convent Community Hall every Thursday morning at 11am. This is a great chance to escape the housework for an hour and have some adult conversation with a cup of tea / coffee while the children play in a clean safe environment. €2 per child. This is a community group and needs your support to survive. All are very welcome.

Students qualify for regional Junk Kouture

Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School's two entries that qualified for the Junk Kouture Southern Regional Final which will take place in the University Concert Hall, Limerick, on Friday, March 14. L to R: Kiya Lawrence modelling 'Candy Crush' and Katie Whyte modelling 'Arctic Queen'.

This year two outfits from pupils at Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School qualified for the Junk Kouture Southern Regional Final which will take place in the University Concert Hall, Limerick, on Friday, March 14, at 7pm. The students, who created their outfits completely from thrash/rubbish ready for the bin, have been working on their designs for several months.

The first outfit, ‘Arctic Queen’, is made from hundreds of plastic milk cartons, old belts, recycled paper and was created by Orla Walsh, Louise Fitzgerald and Katie Whyte who is also modelling the dress in the regional final.

The second outfit, ‘Candy Crush’, is made from sweet wrappers, crisp bags, old Christmas lights, and was created by Annie Prout, Alannah Coady and Kiya Lawrence who is modelling the outfit.

All entries are now promoting their outfits using online voting which is worth 10% of the students’ overall results. This online idea is to give their entries some exposure to the general public and to carry the message, ‘Re-Use, Re-Cycle and Re-fashion’, which is what Junk Kouture is all about. Online voting takes place between 9am on Monday, February 24, and midnight on Friday, February 28.

Fethard News
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.