Cloneen & Killusty launch Community Text Alert Scheme

Photographed at the launch of the Cloneen & Killusty Community Text Alert Schemes in Cloneen Hall are L to R: Sean Aylward and Kevin Ryan representing the Killusty Community Text Alert Committee; Superintendent William Leahy, James O'Neill, Muintir na Tire; Chief Superintendent Catherine Kehoe; John O’Rourke and Monica Barrett representing the Cloneen Community Text Alert Committee.

On Friday night, September 5, a joint launch of both Cloneen and Killusty Text Alert Schemes took place in Cloneen Hall. Following a presentation by Mr James O’Neill, Community Alert Development Officer with Muintir na Tire, both schemes were launched by Chief Superintendent Catherine Kehoe, Tipperary Division.


Section of the large crowd at the launch of the Cloneen & Killusty Community Text Alert Schemes

Chief Superintendent Kehoe thanked both Community Alert Committees for their dedicated efforts in getting both crime prevention schemes up and running and was looking forward to working with both communities. Superintendent William Leahy, Clonmel, also thanked everyone who contributed to both schemes and encouraged members of both communities to report any activity they deem to be of concern by using the Garda phone number on local text alert signs and to ensure that such reports be made on a timely basis. Sgt Kieran O’Regan, Community Liaison Officer, and Garda Denis O’Brien also gave presentations. The joint launch was also attended by councillors Imelda Goldsboro, Eddie O’Meara and John Fahey, who welcomed the initiatives and confirmed their support for both schemes.


James O'Neill (Muintir na Tire) addressing the meeting L to R: Garda Denis O'Brien, Sergeant Kieran O'Regan, Superintendent William Leahy, Kevin Ryan (Killlusty), John O'Brien (Cloneen), James O'Neill (Muintir na Tire) and Chief Superintendent Catherine Kehoe.


Photographed at the launch of the Cloneen & Killusty Community Text Alert Schemes in Cloneen Hall are L to R: Chief Superintendent Catherine Kehoe, Cllr John Fahey and Cllr Imelda Goldsboro.


Members of the Killusty Community Text Alert Committee photographed at the launch in Cloneen L to R: Sean Aylward, Louise Coen,Damien Byrne and Kevin Ryan.


Members of the Cloneen Community Text Alert Committee photographed at the launch in Cloneen L to R: Noel Fitzgerald (Joint Treasurer), John O’Rourke (Chairman), Monica Barrett (Secretary) and Paul Holohan (Joint Treasurer).

The committees of Cloneen and Killusty Community Alert Groups would also like to sincerely thank all those who attended the launch and look forward to the local communities participation in this important crime prevention initiative.


Photographed at the launch of the Cloneen & Killusty Community Text Alert Schemes in Cloneen Hall are L to R: Mark Holden, Garda Denis O'Brien, Chief Superintendent Catherine Kehoe, Superintendent William Leahy and Sergeant Kieran O'Regan.


Photographed at the launch of the Cloneen & Killusty Community Text Alert Schemes in Cloneen Hall are L to R: Alan Britton, Frank Britton, Marie Meaney, Harry Smyth and Michael O'Gorman.


Photographed at the launch of the Cloneen & Killusty Community Text Alert Schemes in Cloneen Hall are L to R: Margaret Smyth, Mary Britton and Catherine Britton


Photographed at the launch of the Cloneen & Killusty Community Text Alert Schemes in Cloneen Hall are L to R: Mary Fitzgerald, Michael Mallon, Thelma Griffith and Donncha Doyle.


Photographed at the launch of the Cloneen & Killusty Community Text Alert Schemes in Cloneen Hall are L to R: Patricia Clancy, Maura Shanahan, Moira O'Halloran and Annie Anglim.


Photographed at the launch of the Cloneen & Killusty Community Text Alert Schemes in Cloneen Hall are L to R: Joe Lee, Kevin Ryan and John O'Rourke.

Killusty Soccer Jackpot won
Our heartiest congratulations go to Joan Halpin, St. Patricks Place, who was the winner last week of Killusty Soccer Club’s €10,000 lotto jackpot. Joan and her husband Paddy have been long time supporters of our lotto and we wish them all the best with this fantastic win.

Benefit night at The Castle well supported

Photographed at the Benefit night at The Castle Inn for baby Danny Molloy are L to R: Katie Fleming, Gillian O'Dwyer and Rosemary Fleming.

A large crowd turned our to support the Benefit Night for baby Danny Molloy at The Castle Inn on Saturday night last, September 6. One-month-old Danny is currently attending Crumlin Hospital, Dublin, and we send him our best wishes for a speedy recovery and also to his parents Carol Fleming and Dermot Molloy.

The Castle Inn would like to thank all who supported the event, the band 'Shindig', all who sponsored prizes, and everyone who helped in any way to make the night a succes.


Photographed at the Benefit night at The Castle Inn for baby Danny Molloy are L to R: Conor Lonergan, Stephen Barnes, Christine Needham and Ross White.


Photographed at the Benefit night at The Castle Inn for baby Danny Molloy are L to R: David Hennessy, Declan Allen, Christopher Souch, Sean Long and Ronan Harrington.


Photographed at the Benefit night at The Castle Inn, for baby Danny Molloy are L to R: sisters Wendy, Mandy and Laura Allen.


Photographed at the Benefit night at The Castle Inn for baby Danny Molloy are L to R: Thomas Purcell, Dathí Shine and Dessie Allen.


Photographed at the Benefit night at The Castle Inn, for baby Danny Molloy are L to R: Tommy Hayes, Kelly Fox, Amy Lyons and Adam Lyons.


Photographed at the Benefit night at The Castle Inn for baby Danny Molloy are L to R: Glen Maher, Michael Lawrence and Russell O'Meara.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on this coming Sunday night, September 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 €8 which includes tea and cakes.

Ed wins Two All-Ireland Tickets

Ed Healy (left) winner of two All-Ireland Hurling Final tickets at the recent Centra fundraiser in aid of Fethard Hospice Support Group, receiving his prize from shop proprietor, Larry Kenny. Over €1,800 was raised overall.

Patrician Presentation Secondary School news
The Homework Club, run by Ms Sinead Burke and open to First and Second Year pupils, will resume on Monday, September 15. Pupils attending have a light snack before settling down to study for one hour in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.

Well done to Transition Year Pupil, Kate Davey and the under 16 Tipperary Ladies Football team on winning the All Ireland Title against Laois in Nenagh. The school is proud of Kate and her great achievement. She and the other lady footballers are role models in the school and also represent the school in Ladies Football.

Congratulations to the Leaving Certs of 2014 on their excellent performances in their Leaving Cert Exams. All our students were happy with their results and many of them are now either preparing to go to Third Level Institutions or are preparing to take up an apprenticeship in the area. We congratulate them on reaching their potential and wish them well on their chosen paths in life.

August Sports Achievement Award Winner

Photographed at the presentation of the Fethard Sports Achievement Award for August at Butler's Bar are L to R: Liam Downey representing this months sponsor J.C. Kenny Wine Distributors, Galway; Bernard Feery (August Winner) and Paul Fitzgerald, special sporting guest.

Congratulations to popular athlete, referee and past soccer player, Bernard Feery, Killusty, on winning the ‘Fethard Sports Achievement Award’ for the month of August. The monthly award, organised by Butler’s Sports Bar, culminates at the end of the year when an overall winner will be picked for 2014.

Bernard is a prolific athletic down through the years and continued with victory recently in the over 50s race at the Boston Scientific Half Marathon in Clonmel. He is also a current soccer referee with the Tipperary Southern District League and a former player with Killusty Soccer Club. Liam Downey, representing this months sponsor, J.C. Kenny Wine Distributors, Galway, presented the award on Friday, September 5, in Butler’s Sports Bar. Special sporting guest on the night was recently retired Tipperary senior football goalie, Paul Fitzgerald, Fethard, who has enjoyed a tremendous successful football career with Tipperary and his home club Fethard.


Some of the nominees photographed at the presentation of the Fethard Sports Achievement Award. Back L to R: Liam Downey representing this months sponsor J.C. Kenny Wine Distributors, Galway; Philip Butler (Butlers' Bar), Paul Fitzgerald, special sporting guest. Front L to R: Monica Pollard representing her daughter Aimee Pollard; Jenny Hutton, Bernard Feery (winner) and Michaél Maher representing his daughter Isobel Maher.

Singer 'Johnny B' visits Patrician Presentation Secondary School

Japanese Success in Patrician/Presentation, Fethard. 5th Year pupil, Meunemitzu Ishibashi, from Japan pictured here with Johnny B (left) and the School Principal, Mr MIchael O'Sullivan (right) after winning a Tipperary Jersey, signed by members of the Tipperary Senior Hurling Team. All the pupils were entered in the draw and the jersey was very kindly presented to the school by Mr Ian O'Connor of Tipp FM. Thanks to Ian for organising the event and to Johnny B who performed his latest Tipperary song for the pupils.


Singer 'Johnny B' photographed with pupils from Patrician Presentation Secondary School, Fethard




Singer 'Johnny B' photographed with pupils from Patrician Presentation Secondary School, Fethard



Singer 'Johnny B' photographed with pupils from Patrician Presentation Secondary School, Fethard.




Singer 'Johnny B' photographed with pupils from Patrician Presentation Secondary School, Fethard.




Singer 'Johnny B' photographed with pupils from Patrician Presentation Secondary School, Fethard.







Fethard seniors bow out of Mansergh cup
Fethard senior team played their first cup game at J1 level on Saturday evening last against a Galbally side who have performed well in Division 1 for the last number of years. Fethard were first to score when Declan Doyle landed a penalty but shortly after this the Galbally out-half made a fine break to score under the posts. As half time approached Osama Frazh broke from the back of a scrum and rounded the full back to score in the corner, but the strong Galbally pack mauled up field to score again leaving the half time score 14-8 in favour of the visitors.

Galbally added another try but this young Fethard team never gave up and scored two more tries from Kieran Power and Frazh again, leaving the final score 26-20 in favour of Galbally. Fethard have a lot to work on over the coming weeks, but it was nice to see some new players togging out especially Ian Gibbs, Paudie Kennedy and Philip Ryan.

Underage Training Resumed
On Friday last the underage and minis resumed training for the coming season, it was great to see such numbers enjoying themselves on what was a beautiful evening. Minis and U14 and U16s train at 6.45 and new players are always welcome.
U18, 20s and seniors train at 8,any enquiries please contact 086 8388205.

Girls rugby
The girls also returned last Friday; the club caters for all ages with under 12 girls training with the minis at 6.45pm and the older age groups training at 8pm under the guidance of Polly who can be contacted on 086 3394959.

Long awaited funding announced for Fethard Tholsel

Minister Alan Kelly photographed with members of Fethard Business & Tourism Group at the announcement of significant funding for the Fethard Town Hall project. L to R: Peter Steele (Coolmore Stud), Hazel Quinn (Personal Assistant to Minister Alan Kelly), Liam Hayes, Mary Hanrahan, Terry Cunningham, Sean Keating (Director of Services at Tipperary County Council), Suzanna Manton, Tom Hayes (Minister of State for Food, Horticulture and Food Safety), Ken Hennessy (Architects Ltd), Alan Kelly (Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government); Jimmy O'Sullivan, Isabel Cambie (South Tipperary Development Company), Anthony Fitzgerald (Business Development Manager), Edwina Newport, Peter Grant and Bill O'Sullivan. (Photo by Colin Kenny)

Minister Alan Kelly, Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government announced significant funding for the Fethard Tholsel project on Thursday, September 4. Minister Kelly announced an allocation of €245,000 under the Rural Development Programme managed locally by South Tipperary Development Company. This funding is additional to €105,000 from Tipperary County Council as part of the Community Grants scheme (2012). Local fundraising has resulted in the required matching funding being raised.

The Fethard Tholsel project is the primary initiative of the Fethard Business and Tourism Group Limited which was established in May 2011 as a sub-committee of Fethard and Killusty Community Council. The main objective of the company is to promote business and tourism in Fethard and its environs; the promotion of local festivals and events; provision of tourism information and the restoration of the building known as the Tholsel as a historical and cultural focal point on main street. This will be a tourism hub for the many visitors to the town and region, leveraging on its rich medieval heritage and equine tradition of Fethard.

The Tholsel (Town Hall), is a 17th century building. Owned by Tipperary County Council, it has recently been leased to Fethard Business and Tourism Group Ltd on a twenty-year lease to be restored and used as multi-functional centre for the development of tourism in Fethard and also as a location for the presentation and interpretation of the many facets of Fethard and its history. Fethard is a significant Walled Town and it has many building structures of historical significance e.g. the Augustinian Abbey (1305); Edmond’s Castle (15th century), Court Castle (1450) etc.

The Tholsel is of prime importance from a historical, architectural, archaeological, social and community perspective. Dating back to the early 17th century, it has served as an alms house, the location for Fethard Corporation, courthouse, weighbridge, fire station, library and in more recent times the lobby has been used for the weekly country markets.

The redevelopment will incorporate a tourism information and service centre, public toilets, viewing area (rear of the building looks on to the medieval back lands which includes the Holy Trinity Church and town walls), interpretative space, country and farmer market space, community offices and craft retail area. Works are expected to begin in early October and due for opening for the tourist season in 2015.


Photographed in Fethard at the announcement of significant funding for the Fethard Town Hall project. are L to R: Isabel Cambie, South Tipperary Development Company; Tom Hayes, Minister of State for Food, Horticulture and Food Safety; Alan Kelly, Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government; and Sean Keating, Director of Services at Tipperary County Council. (Photo by Colin Kenny)

Speaking at the announcement of the allocation Minister Tom Hayes said the project arose out of a community gathering in 2011.

“The Fethard Business and Tourism Group is a unique group made up of representatives of Fethard civil and business life, backed up with firm support from South Tipperary Development Company and Tipperary Co Council, the Heritage Community and by the people of the town,” he said. “This is an important and prestigious project, a unique building in a unique setting led by a group with strong vision, leadership and support.”

The Heritage Council, and the Irish Walled Town Network describe Fethard as ‘one of the finest medieval walled towns in existence in Ireland, if not Europe . . . a treasure trove of historical features, with several castles and churches, all located within a short walking distance of one another. They also identify the medieval Tholsel as having potential as ‘the hub of future tourist activity in the town.’

Combined with the nearby Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle and other historic locations, today’s announcement is another important step in the enhancing Tipperary’s reputation as a premier tourist attraction.


TV3 national television crew recording Minister Kelly's funding announcements in the grounds of Holy Trinity Church of Ireland. (Photo by Colin Kenny)

Culture Night in Fethard on September 19
Culture night is an annual all island public event that celebrates culture, creativity and the arts. It comprises of hundreds of events across Ireland and overseas and has grown from a relatively small scale event staged only in Dublin in 2006 to the significant national event it is now, with 350,000 people visiting museums, galleries, historic houses, artists studios and cultural centres across the country.
This year, it will also take place in Fethard on Friday, September 19, as part of this national event. Two workshops will take place in Holy Trinity Church of Ireland. The workshops, led by artist Patricia Looby, will investigate the 12 graveslabs contained within the Church, and involve looking at the translations and taking rubbings.


Students taking rubbings from the graveslabs in Holy Trinity Church of Ireland

Students from Patrician Presentation Secondary School Fethard recently completed a project based on these graveslabs. The exhibition of their rubbings are till in place in the church, so a more detailed look at these will be part of the workshops, with the students available to talk about their part in the project.

The evening is being hosted by Fethard Historical society and workshop times are children from 2pm to 4pm and adults from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. All events are free and everyone is invited and more than welcome to attend.

Culture night in Tipperary is supported by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in partnership with Tipperary County Council. For more information visit: www.culturenight.ie

Junior Infants start School at Holy Trinity N.S.

Starting school at Holy Trinity National School Fethard are L to R: Paddy Reilly and James Clooney.


Starting school at Holy Trinity National School Fethard are L to R: Patrick Coffey, Daniel Gleeson and Jimmy Higgins.


Starting school at Holy Trinity National School Fethard are L to R: Charlotte Walsh and Emma Power.


Starting school at Holy Trinity National School Fethard are L to R: Seán Woods, Adam Fox and Christopher Houlihan.


Lauren Donegan starting school at Holy Trinity National School.


Sinita Reilly starting school at Holy Trinity National School Fethard


Starting school at Holy Trinity National School Fethard are L to R: Lauren Connolly and Mai Hayes.


Starting school at Holy Trinity National School Fethard are L to R: Hayley Power-Farrell, Lilianna McGrath and Emma Murphy.


Starting school at Holy Trinity National School Fethard are L to R: Mikey Brennan and Dion Toohey-Power.

Bunny Hop resumes at Convent Community Hall
Bunny Hop, music and movement for 0-4 year olds, has resumed again on Monday 8th September, at the Convent Community Hall, Fethard, 10-11am.

Bunny Hop is an hour of stimulating songs and rhymes with actions, musical instruments and lots more. Parents and carers can spend quality time with special little ones, interacting with those of same or similar age. For details and to join us contact Nicola 087 6742401.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on September 3 were: 3, 8, 12 and 13. We had no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ so the following drawn tickets received €50: Ger McCarthy, Kerry Street, Fethard; Anne Marie Corcoran (online ticket); and Christy Devitt, Strylea, Fethard.
The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Dermot Darcy, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard; Joan Gleeson, Knockelly, Fethard; and Hannah Leahy, Annsgift, Fethard.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, September 10. The Jackpot is €10,000 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €1,000. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

Starting school in Moyglass National School

Moyglass National School's Junior Infant Class that started school on August 28. Back L to R: Georgia Cleary, Stevie Skehan, Oisín Murphy, Freya Doran, Aisling McGrath, Lilly Hall, Mary Kate Fogarty, Sam Knightly. Front L to R: Rylii McGrath, Andrew Munro, Caoimhe Cleere, Nikki Hayes and Ben Browne.

Fethard GAA Sports Lotto
The numbers drawn on September 5 were 12, 17, 23 and 32. There was no jackpot winner and no match three winners so the following drawn tickets received €30 each: Ester Breen, Barrack Street; Kathleen Fleming, Coolmore; Jim Smith, c/o Butlers Bar; Davy Maher, Barrack Street; and Michael Quinlan Tullamaine. The €50 Lucky Dip winner was Jill Schubert, Barrack Street, Fethard.

Next week’s Jackpot is €6,200 and the draw will take place in Fethard GAA Park on Friday, September 12, at 7pm. All are welcome. Thanking you for your continued support.

Fethard Cúl Camp

Some of the local girls photographed at Fethard GAA Cúl Camp held at Fethard GAA Park

Fethard GAA held there Cúl Camp on week commencing, August 18, when close to one hundred boys and girls enjoyed a week of great sporting activities and great weather. The coaches for the week did a great job and all children enjoyed being involved.


Group of local boys and girls who took part in this year's GAA Cúl Camp week held at Fethard GAA Park.

On Friday, Tipperary Senior Hurler, Cathal Barrett, dropped in to visit and chat to the children and sign autographs and jerseys for the young GAA fans. Paul Fitzgerald, the now retired Tipperary Senior Football goal keeper who plays for Fethard, could not make it on this occasion but he did arrange for two other Tipperary senior footballers to drop in, Conor Sweeney and Peter Acheson, who also signed autographs and jerseys and talked to all the children. At the end of the day Conor and Peter handed out a sliotar and hurley handgrip to all players. The club thank all the camp's coaches, under-16 helpers and parents who assisted over the week’s camp.

Articles for Emigrants’ Newsletter
We are now inviting submissions of articles and photographs for inclusion in this year’s Emigrants’ Newsletter which will be published in November this year. Articles or photographs can be submitted to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, or by email to newsletter@fethard.com

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.