Scouts remember John Cloonan

Memebrs of the Cloonan family photographed at the Fethard Scouts Remembrance Mass for John 'Lofty' Cloonan

On Sunday, Fethard’s Scout Group gathered for a Mass of Remembrance for the late John Cloonan, concelebrated by Fr. Tom Breen P.P. and Fr. Martin Crean, OSA, in the grounds of the Scout Den on Rocklow Road. Special guests at the Mass were John’s wife, Susan, her daughters Alma and Blathnid, members of the Cloonan family including John’s parents, Liam and Mary, his brother and sisters, nieces and nephews.

John, affectionately known as ‘Lofty’, joined scouts shortly after the Fethard group began in 1987 and his involvement and commitment to Scouting continued throughout his college years and later. He rose steadily through the ranks to become County Commissioner in 2009 and continued to take an active role in Fethard’s Scout Group while carrying out the additional role of County Commissioner. At the time of John’s passing on Tuesday, February 11, 2014, he was a Venture Leader with the Fethard group and had put an application in motion, to have Robert Phelan’s steadfast commitment to Scouting, at local and county level, recognised and accredited.


Photographed at the Scouts Remembrance Mass for John Cloonan are L to R: Orla Tynan, Olivia Ward, Jenny Roberts and Maria Brett

In honour of John, Chief scout, Michael John Shinnick and County Commissioner, Michael Dempsey, were present at the Mass, together with Scout leaders, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers from various groups in the county, including some parents. Former scout members also returned to celebrate the life of a dear friend and scouting comrade, who gave of his time and shared his knowledge and skills with so many, throughout his life long involvement with scouting.

John is sadly missed by adult scouters and youth members alike. Ar dheis Dé a anam, solas na bhflaitheas air go deo.

Robert conferred with Order of Cú Chullainn award

Chief scout, Michael John Shinnick (left) conferring the Order of Cú Chullainn award, the highest level in scouting, to Robert Phelan.

Following the Remembrance Mass for John Cloonan, Chief Scout, Michael John Shinnick said he had a second reason for coming to Fethard. After a brief introduction to keep people guessing, he concluded to announce that a much deserved, and flabbergasted, Robert Phelan, was to be conferred with the Order of Cú Chullainn award, the highest level in scouting. This award recommendation for Robert was first initiated by the late John Cloonan and what more fitting place to present it than at John’s remembrance Mass.

Robert Phelan has been an active member of the 27th Tipperary Scout Group since its foundation in 1987, firstly, as an Assistant Scout Leader. In 1988 he took on the role of Scout Leader. In 2003 Robert became the unit’s Group Leader, leading the Fethard Group under the new title ‘Scouting Ireland’.


Robert Phelan photographed with his wife Magaret and members of his family after being conferred with the Order of Cú Chullainn award, the highest level in scouting.

Bobby, as he’s generally known in scouting circles, is the only remaining member of the Group’s original leadership team. Today the Group is at its strongest, with active Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venture Scout and Rover Scout Sections, supported by an enthusiastic team of adult scouters. One of the key changes introduced by Bobby was the engagement of all concerned in decision making, particularly the engagement of the youth members.

Over the years Bobby has played a key role in ensuring the Scout Group had a base in the town. Fethard Ballroom was the home of the scout group for many years, and through Bobby’s efforts, the group was able to secure an equipment store there, in addition to having a venue for weekly meetings. As the Group grew, its needs and activities expanded and in January 2013, with Bobby’s intervention, the recently vacated St. Patrick’s Boys School became the new Scout Den.


Photographed at the Scouts Remembrance Mass for John Cloonan are L to R: Patrick Kennedy, Ciarán McGuire and Patrick Walsh

Robert Phelan is a worthy recipient of the Order of Cú Chulainn. He has been steadfast in his commitment to scouting at local and county level since 1987. The Scouting community in Fethard and Co. Tipperary have benefited from Bobby’s many scouting and personal experiences and skills. He acts as mentor and guide to adult scouters and scouting children. Throughout the wider community, Bobby is highly regarded for his voluntary contribution to various aspects of Fethard life. In the words of our young Scouts, – ‘He’s a Legend’.

Clocks go back this weekend!
Don't forget to set your clocks back by one hour at 2am on Sunday, October 26, and gain an extra hour for that extended lie-in this bank holiday weekend.

Newsletter collection this weekend
The Annual Church Gate Collection in aid of the Fethard & Killusty Emigrants Newsletter will take place in the parish on this coming Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26. Proceeds will go towards covering the cost of posting over 900 Newsletters free of charge to our emigrants living throughout the world. It is now 55 years since the Fethard Legion of Mary sent the first Newsletter in 1959.
The Annual Emigrant's Newsletter asks you to please support this year's issue by making a donation. All proceeds go to the publishing and delivery of the Annual Newsletter, free of charge, to our emigrants living throughout the world. Donations of €10 and over will be acknowledged in this year's issue.

Ladies Football Club

Fethard U16 girls who brought yet another piece of silverware back to Fethard after an epic battle with Thurles Sarsfields last week under lights in Littleton.

Congrats to our U16 girls who brought yet another piece of silverware back to the club this year after an epic battle with Thurles Sarsfields last week under lights in Littleton. Fethard made a lightening start blitzing their opponents in the early exchanges and soon found themselves with what looked like an assailable lead. Fethard dominated the1st half and were 11 points to the good at half time.
To their credit, Thurles were still to have a big say in the final outcome and after some positional changes the game turned on its head. Within minutes of the restart Thurles had swung the balance in their favour turning into a 2 point lead.

Where a lot of teams would panic at this stage, Fethard girls showed and incredible strength and determination to force themselves back into the game. The latter stages, with neither side willing to let the game get away from them, battled for every ball. In the end the Fethard girls dug deepest and reclaimed their lead at the final whistle and another county league title. Well done to all.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on this coming Sunday night, October 26, to the music of ‘Sam O’Doherty. 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.

Help make Fethard a ‘Safe Town’
A meeting to implement the Community Text Alert in Fethard town will be held in the Tirry Centre on Tuesday night, November 11, at 8pm. Volunteers are needed from the various areas within Fethard to circulate forms to their neighbours and collect them afterwards. Please give your names to the Community Office in Barrack Street, Tel: 052 613100, or come along to the meeting.

A fully-functional Community CCTV system plan for Fethard is also scheduled to progress in the very near future and we appeal for the support of local businesses and groups to support the installation of an effective system – presently the best way to combat crime, antisocial behaviour and help make our town a safer place to live.

Fethard Family Support Group
If you are affected by problems with alcohol or drug use of a relative you may be confused, frightened and not know how to deal with the problem. The Fethard Family Support Group is a confidential and safe place for you to get help. Help for yourself can also help the whole family!

To attend or to get further 'Support in the Community' information contact: 087 6188075 0r 086 6045805

November Cemetery Rosaries for the Holy Souls

L to R Seamus Barry, Joe Lee and Michael Tynan putting in the base for the new Cross to be erected at Kilmaclugh Cemetery, kindly donated by Tipperary County Councel.

Rosaries for the Holy Souls will be recited in the following cemeteries during the month of November. All are invited to come along and remember our loved ones who have passed on to their eternal reward.

Saturday, November 1, the Rosary will be recited in the Parish Church Cemetery at 3pm and Holy Trinity Cemetery at 3.30pm.
Sunday, November 2, Augustinian Abbey at 3pm and Everardsgrange Cemetery at 3.30pm.
Sunday, November 9, Calvary Cemetery at 3pm and Peppardstown Cemetery at 3.30pm.
Sunday, November 16, Rathcoole Cemetery at 2.45pm and Redcity Cemetery at 3.30pm.
Sunday, November 23, Tullamaine Cemetery at 2.30pm and Kiltinan Cemetery at 3.30pm.
Sunday, November 30, Killusty Cemetery after Mass; Presentation Convent Cemetery after 11am Mass; and Kilmaclugh Cemetery at 2.30pm.

Please also note that Graveyard Rosaries in the parish of Killenaule & Moyglass are held every Sunday for the month of November in Moyglass after 10am Mass; Magorban at 4pm; St. Johnston at 3pm; Colleagh 2.30pm; Ballinure at 3pm; Garden of Remembrance at 3pm; St. Mary’s at 2pm; River Street at 2.30pm; Crosscannon at 3pm; Lanespark at 3.30pm.

Fethard Athletic Club
Well done to club members Noreen Sheehy and Elaine Daly on their great performances in the carers association 10k in Clonmel last Sunday, a popular event which was enjoyed by large crowd.

Club training continues every Monday and Friday but for the moment Monday's training sessions will be in the community field at 7.30pm where experienced club runner Bernard Feery will be on hand to coach the session. All levels welcome, from those wanting to start running, to the more experienced athlete. Friday’s training remains unchanged at 7.15pm starting from the ballroom carpark.

Our aim is to get as many interested people involved as possible. Remember it's never too late to start and now is the ideal time to get prepared for our annual 5k Santa Run due to be held on Sunday, December 21.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on October 15 were: 1, 15, 17 and 32. We had no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winner so the following drawn tickets received €50 each: Maura Trehy, The Green, Fethard; William Grant, Barrack Street, Fethard; and Marie Butler, Garrinch, Fethard.
The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Martin Burke, Bridge Bar, Fethard; Tom Kearney, Killusty, Fethard; and Anne Connolly, Main Street, Fethard.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, October 22. The Jackpot is €10,000 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €1,000. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

Fethard GAA Sports Lotto
The numbers drawn on October 17 were 1, 7, 29 and 30. There was no jackpot winner and no match three winner so the following five drawn tickets received €30: Esther Breen, Barrack Street; Philip Butler, Main Street; Alice Lawrence, Woodvale Walk; Esther Breen, Barrack Street; and Louis Coen, Killusty. The €50 Lucky Dip winner was: Dick Fitzgerald, St. Patricks Place, Fethard.

Next week’s Jackpot is €6,800 and the draw will take place in Fethard GAA Park on Friday, October 24, at 7pm. All are welcome. Thank you for your continued support.

Fethard Rugby Girls Munster Blitz
Fethard hosted the first U13 Girls Munster blitz last Saturday and played teams from the province including St Mary's of Limerick and Shannon. Newcomers Molly Keane, Lucy Fogarty and Jennifer Fogarty worked tirelessly and have improved their skills of tackling and ball handling.

Emma Jayne Burke worked really well with Kellie Hunt and Caoimhe O'Donnell with great passing and fine runs. Aisling Lonergan tackled well with Ciara Moloney and provided great support for excellent ball carrier Anneka Maxwell. Eimear O'Brien and Sinead Crowe, being new to the sport, had no issues with fine tackles and great support play. Mairead McCarthy showed fine speed on the wing with Maria O'Meara kicking well and tackling strong. Kate Flannery was tough and consistent throughout the games with great effect. Emer McCarthy gave great support and Eabha Fitzgerald tackled well with great work in the line outs - not forgetting the quick hands and good work from Lucy Murphy. Thanks to all the referees and parents who provided support on the day to make it a great success. We have more U13 Blitzes planned for the next two months so plenty of enjoyment to come.

Our U18s and U15s Girls travelled recently to Carrick and Shannon and played expansive 7’s Rugby. Special mention to our U15, Katie Ryan, for great work at scrum half and also Orla O'Donnell who started well in the forwards and tackled throughout. The older girls were not to be outdone with Aoife Delaney recycling quickly and putting in fine tackles. We had another fine performance from Kora Delaney who provided great speed on the wing and was quick to the breakdowns.

Training continues from 8pm-9pm on Friday evenings for girls 11 years up to 18 years. New members are always welcome and any enquiries please contact Polly on Tel: 086 3394959.

Minis Rugby
Fethard minis turned out in force to enjoy fun rugby with visitors Waterpark and Waterford City. Our Under 7s are improving with every match and this week with Alec Knightly scoring great tries and Cormac O'Donnell also registering on the board. Conor Hayes played super and scored well with great passing to Sam Knightly. Harry Barton worked well with Josh Britton and his brother Luke Britton who both recycled the ball well.

Our U8s had enough numbers and made two teams. Lead by Ivan Movchan with Sean Fitzgerald, Emily Cuddihy, Adam Ruttle, Pierce Vaughan, Joey Fitzgerald, Mark Ryan and Philly Gilman the tries flowed with everyone scoring. Tackling and rucking was also strong especially from Cody Grogan. Newcomers Alex Britton and Tadhg O'Brien put in countless tackles with great ball recycling from Ben McCormack and Sam Austin. These U8s make for exciting viewing. Brothers Lee Delaney and Troy Delaney are very fast to the breakdown and Noah O'Flynn and Ned O'Meara continue to shine with fine tackles and tries.

Our Under 9s and 10s have put in sterling work in the past few weeks and are a credit to their coaches.

Fethard & District U14s take on Dungarvan
The first outing of the season for the Fethard & District U14 rugby team saw us travel south to Dungarvan. A big transition this for this young troupe who finally get to play a 15 a side match on a full pitch.

This step-up is a big one, would the blue and white be up for it? A good start and within two minutes our pack were rucking ten yards from the hosts line, quick ball and hands by Ian Harrington fed Matthew Burke who drove for the line but had the ball stripped by a stray hand giving Dungarvan a relieving scrum. Dungarvan had a very mature looking forward pack and set down a challenge from the first scrum. The kicked ball was gathered by jack hassett who set about his trade mark sprinting straight back at the opposition. Ruck followed ruck and Dungarvan sensed they could bully their younger opponents at the breakdown. Eventually with back and forth play Dungarvn broke to sprint in from half way (5-0). The district boys knew now that they faced a tough morning. The kick off was won and moves forward repelled but at the breakdown Sam Quigley, Eoin Fitzgerald and Paddy Gaynor fought hard against bigger men.

Out from this tussle sprang Ethan Coen who flew like a rocket into the corner and with Hawkeye not available was eventually awarded a well deserved try (5-5). Dungarvan were annoyed, the big number eight took big yards with ball in hand, tackles slipped while our brave boys clung too high to stop him. A surging tackle and a full-on ruck put paid to Gaynor’s (ankle) & Burke’s (wrist) day. On came Sean Prendergast his first ever game, but within seconds he found that a nifty tackle will stop the biggest. Dungarvan broke again from far out and converted (12-5), the day was hotting up as half time approached.

Challenged at the break to show some steel in the tackle and with their backs to the wall, our lads lead on by the hard tackles of Charlie Pearson and Matthew Gleeson reminded the Dungarvan lads that this half was going to be different. Pushed hard up the field with straight strong carries from Evan Looby the opponents line drew close. Young Andrew Wall with the approval of his Dad threw himself into the fray and his pace and bravery shone bright. A surge closer and Will Ruttle carved into the Dungarvan pack and touched down to make it close (12-10). A startled Dungarvan came back quick but with an 80 yard gallop Coen was eventually felled by three tacklers with forced his withdrawal. The injured Burke stepped back on the paddock.

Picking and driving on again saw the try of the game when Richard Anglim wriggled through to release the rampaging Jack Lonergan who made ten and fed Pearson beautifully, who brought the looping Anglim back in to get the ball over – mighty stuff (12-15).

Within minutes they were at it again with another touch-down, alas to be halled back for a very dubious call. Dungarvan now had seven minutes and came to within five yards and here our lads excelled Eoin Walsh tackles and then tackles again, stripping the ball and pushing us out. The big number eight flew at Peter Wall all guns blazing, Wall ducked low and the giant fell to be pounced on by Anglim. Time and again Pearson, Walsh, Fitzgerald, Anglim, Harrington, Wall, Looby, Ruttle, Gleeson knocked them back. With a final knock forward and scrum to Fethard the day was ours 12-15.

A proud day, against all odds, the boys battled and fought. The smiles said it all.

Annual Newsletter change of addresses
Please hand in your change of addresses and any new address for the Emigrants' Newsletter mailing list to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, or Carmel Rice, Brookhill, as soon as possible. Every year, a certain number of Newsletters are returned because people have changed address or come back home to live. Please help us avoid this waste of postage costs by checking if your family member's address is up to date and let us know if changed since last Christmas.

The Annual Church Gate Collection in aid of the Fethard & Killusty Emigrants Newsletter will take place in the parish on Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26. Proceeds will go towards covering the cost of posting over 900 Newsletters free of charge to our emigrants living throughout the world. It is now 55 years since the Fethard Legion of Mary sent the first Newsletter in 1959.

The Annual Emigrant's Newsletter ask you to please support this year's issue by making a donation. All proceeds go to the publishing and delivery of the Annual Newsletter, free of charge, to our emigrants living throughout the world. Donations of €10 and over will be acknowledged in this year's issue. MAKE A DONATION

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.