Christmas Carol Concert
Fethard Choral Society present a concert of Christmas carols on Sunday, December 14, at 7pm in the Augustinian Abbey. Choirs from Holy Trinity National School and Patrician Presentation Secondary School will also join the Choral Society. A collection in aid of Fethard Youth Centre will be taken up on the night. The concert will be followed by a complimentary cheese and wine reception in the Abymill Theatre next door, kindly sponsored by Centra, Fethard.
Red Ribbons to remember your loved ones
In keeping with the last two year’s tradition, the Red Ribbons will be on sale next Friday outside the Post Office. The Ribbons will cost €3 each and you can write the name of a deceased loved one you would like to remember over Christmas on the ribbon. The ribbons will be put on the church railings and blessed on Christmas Day. This is a very simple idea but a lovely way to say Happy Christmas to a departed loved one. If you can't get to the post office this Friday to buy your ribbon, please let us know at the Convent Community Centre and we can arrange to have your ribbon put up with the others.
Christmas Street Lights collection
A Church Gate Collection, to help defray the annual cost of maintaining and erecting the seasonal Christmas lights on Main Street and Burke Street, will be held on this coming weekend, Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14. We ask for your continued support for this community event.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Thursday, December 4, 2014, of Patrick (Paddy) Lonergan, The Square, Fethard, peacefully at the Blackrock Clinic, Dublin.
Paddy, dearly loved husband of Rose and adoring father to Conor, Caroline, Margaret, Christina, Martina, John and P.J. Pre-deceased by his brother Maurice. Sadly missed by his loving wife, sons, daughters, brothers Connie and Liam, son- in-law, daughter-in-law, partners, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. May he reset in peace.
Reposing at his family home this Saturday from 5pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass in the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, on Sunday at 11am followed by burial at the Augustinian Abbey Cemetery." Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h anam dílis"
St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Collection
St. Vincent De Paul Society will hold their Annual Christmas Collection on this coming weekend, Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7.
All funds raised are used within the parish and we are blessed to be so well-supported up to now. Our collection has risen every year since the recession started. We have an energetic team of volunteers. We are greatly helped by the various businesses in the parish but most of all we have people who trust us and allow us to help them. If you wish to donate to our collection we will be most grateful.
Santa Claus is coming to town!
‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!’ and the jolly, ol` man himself – ‘Santa Claus’ - will be visiting Fethard this Friday, December 5, at 3pm. He will turn on the Christmas lights in The Square and then make his way down to Fethard Convent Community Hall, where all the lovely boys and girls wanting to talk to Santa about what’s on their gift list this year or who may want to explain their naughty behaviour, can have a chat with him. They will also be greeted with a fun filled party of sweets and treats, balloon modelling and a disco with DJ Roger-M. This will be a ‘Free’ community event and we look forward to seeing you all there.
On Sunday, Santa will visit Lonergan’s winter wonderland on The Square at 3pm and will also be available to meet families. Proceeds in aid of the Hope Foundation.
‘Tale as Old as Time’ launched by new theatrical company
Directer Stefan J. Doyle and producer Holly-Jean Williamson, photographed with Deputy Mattie McGrath and cast members at the launch of their new production 'Tale as Old as Time' which will be staged in Cloneen Hall.
New theatrical company, JW Productions, launched their new hit show with full supporting cast full of local talent, ‘Tale as Old as Time’, in Fethard last week. The musical extravaganza features hits from your favourite Disney movies meeting hits from your favourite musicals, including hits from such movies as ‘Aladdin’, ‘The Little Mermaid’ and a selection from the musicals ‘Les Misérables, ‘Oliver’ and ‘Fiddler on the Roof’.
Directed and written by Stefan J. Doyle, produced and choreographed by Holly-Jean Williamson, this is a Christmas event not to be missed whether you’re young, old or simply young at heart. Come along, sing along and join us in our ‘Tale as Old as Time’ and Cloneen Sports & Social Club, December 19, 20 and 21, at 8pm. Tickets only €10, available on the door, doors at 7pm, come early to avoid disappointment as tickets are in high demand.
JW Productions is a new theatrical company founded by Stefan J. Doyle, international musical director, producer and actor, and Holly Jean Williamson, national producer, director and actress. This fantastic company is not only a dramatic society but also facilitates new and upcoming musicians and talents, young and old.
Want to trace your ancestors?
If there is sufficient interest, the Fethard Historical Society are planning to run a six week course (one night per week) during February and March for all those who would like professional help in tracing their family history. The course will be conducted by Dr. Noreen Higgins-McHugh and will focus especially on Tipperary sources but would still be very useful to anyone wishing to trace their ancestors anywhere in Ireland.
The fee for the course will depend somewhat on the numbers involved but a fee of at least sixty euro is to be expected. Anyone interested should email: history@fethard.com stating, (A) Preferred week night(s); (B) weeknight(s) that are not possible; and (C) If you have your own laptop and whether you need Wi-Fi to connect to the internet. Interested people who do not have a laptop should still register your interest and course planning will then take account of this. Contact again is email: history@fethard.com
Kilmaclugh Cemetery cleaned and accessible
Photographed at the blessing of the new cross erected at Kilmaclugh Cemetery are L to R: Paddy Power, Gerry Long, Mary Carroll (Environmental Dept, Tipperary County Council), Fr. Tom Breen P.P., Seamus Barry, Richard Wood (TÚS), Re Canon Barbara Fryday, Terry Cunningham, Michael Tynan, Gus Fitzgerald, Vincent Cummins, Christy Williams, Linda Furnell, Joe Lea and Joe Keane (Fethard Tidy Towns).
On June 10, work cleaning commenced at Kilmaclugh graveyard on Grove Estate. This 10th century graveyard was completely overgrown and almost inaccessible to the public. The graveyard is now cleared with a new cross erected thanks to the help of Tipperary County Council, South Tipperary Development Company and a group of volunteer workers. The project leader was Mr Michael Tynan (TÚS). On Thursday November 20, Fr Tom Breen P.P. Fethard and Rev Canon Barbara Fryday, Clonmel Union of Churches, jointly conducted a blessing ceremony.
Fethard Tidy Towns has now started a new project clearing the wall and removing all the overgrown dogwood and briars from the ballroom to the Valley Park. The old stone wall is now visible and the trees were cut back and pruned. This had become a dumping area for bottles and bags so we hope this will help stop this happening from now on. The area is now more open and a lot more spacious. Work will not be completed for another while yet as the winter weather has halted progress for the moment.
Mr Gussy FitzGerald, led a small, but dedicated group of local Parishioners, in praying the Rosary within the open walls of Kiltinan Church on Sunday, November 23.
Fethard Bridge Club
For the past two weeks Fethard Bridge Club have been playing for Christmas Turkey prizes, with the final Change of Partner Turkey competition this Wednesday. Next Wednesday, December 10, we play for our Christmas Prizes. The winners of all the turkey prizes and Christmas prizes will be announced at our Christmas Party lunch in Hotel Minella on December 14. Please note that bridge now starts at 7.15pm sharp! If you are interested in learning bridge, come along to the Tirry Centre on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm. Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 6132038.
Now lights installed at Community Field
Fethard & District Rugby Club's installation of the new pitch lights at the Community Sportsfield, which began on Monday, November 24. The lights will significantly improve the light levels and uniformity on the playing areas, as well as reducing the amount of "wasted" light spilling beyond the area required to be illuminated.
Fethard & District Rugby Club will complete the installation of the new pitch floodlighting at the Community Sportsfield during the first week of December. The lights look really impressive, and we're looking forward to switching them on in the next few days. Our table quiz at McCormack's Ardagh House in Killenaule last Friday, and the IRFU Club Draw were both very successful. We would like sincerely to thank all of those who supported both events; it is greatly appreciated.
Our ‘Cash for Clobber’ event will come to a close on Friday, December 5. Please drop any items of unwanted clothing, footwear or soft toys up to the rugby club during training on Friday night, or contact Alice 086 0612306 or Mary 086 1688158. Many thanks for your generous support.
Sports Achievement Awards for October and November
This month we have bundled both month’s nominees for October and November together.
- Michelle Nevin – Originally from Fethard and now training in the USA, Michelle recently had her first Group 1 winner when her filly ‘By The Moon’ won the valuable Frizette Stakes at Belmont racecourse New York.
- Fethard Primary School – At the recent schools Cross Country Championships held at Marlfield, the school emerged with a haul of 4 gold 3 silver and 2 bronze medals. The girls also won the shield for best overall large school.
- Dean Tobin – Dean is a member of the Killenaule Junior B hurling team who recently won South and County titles. They now await the winners between the Cork and Limerick champions in the Munster championship.
- Billy Treacy – Local trainer Billy was successful in October when his charge ‘Fethard Player’ had his third win of the year at Tipperary Racetrack over 2 miles.
- Michael Hayes, Bernadette O’Meara – Selectors and mentors to Fethard U16 ladies footballers who successfully retained their county league title following an epic battle against Thurles Sarsfields in Littleton.
- Amy Pollard – Amy is a member of the Killenaule/Moyglass ladies soccer team who were crowned Munster Intermediate Champions following their fine victory over Lakewood Rangers of Ballincollig Cork.
- Shane Harris – Clonmel native now living in Fethard has just been picked for Irelands Polocrosse team for the upcoming world cup, which takes place in South Africa next July.
- Eoin O’Connell – A successful member of the Killenaule Senior Football team who recently won the south title for the second time in 3 years beating Clonmel Commercials by 1 point in the final.
- Julie Connolly – Captain of Cahir Park ladies golfers for 2014 and had a major success in October with victory in the Miele All Ireland Fourball inter club competition. They beat City of Derry in the semifinal and Tuam in the final following a playoff.
- Magnier Family Coolmore – One of their racing superstars ‘Adelaide’ trained by Aiden O’Brien recently won the Sportingbet Cox Plate at Moonee Valley racecourse in Melbourne Australia.
- Benny Morrissey – Well known local racquetball player had another victory recently with victory in the Over-50 singles event at Kilkenny.
- John McCarthy – The sport of Drifting recently held their annual awards ceremony and local man John received two awards for ‘Showman of the year’ and ‘Drivers’ driver of the year’, both achieved in his 5 Litre BMW M5V8.
Both winners, October and November, will be announced on Friday night next, December 5, at a function in Butlers Bar. All are welcome.
Christmas Bazaar
Photographed at the fundraising 'Christmas Bizaar' at Fethard & District Day Care Centre are L to R: Noreen Allen, Thelma Griffith and Geraldine McCarthy.
A big ‘thank you’ to all who contributed to and supported the Christmas Bazaar in aid Fethard & District Day Care Centre. Your support for this marvellous local organisation is greatly appreciated.
Photographed at the fundraising 'Christmas Bizaar' at Fethard & District Day Care Centre are L to R: Dan Joseph Hickey and Tommy Keane. Dan is originally from West Cork.
Christmas Cookery Demonstration
Prepare for Christmas with a once off cookery demonstration by Eileen Bowden in Fethard Convent Community Hall on Tuesday, December 16, from 10am to 1pm. Cost is €10. This is an opportunity to get new ideas for the traditional Christmas dishes and tips on using those Christmas leftovers. To book your place, call or text Margaret O'Neill at 087 6536374. All are welcome.
Pilgrimage to Medjugorje 2015
A seven-day Pilgrimage to Medjugorje is being planned for August 12 to 19, 2015. The total cost is €669 per person sharing, which includes flights, accommodation, breakfast and evening meal. For those interested please contact David Woodlock at Tel: 087 2522028 or (052) 6131077. Deposit of €200 required when booking.
Special discounts for early payments: €150 discount if paid in full by December 10, 2014; €100 discount if paid in full by February 2, 2015; and €50 discount if deposit paid by February 2, 2015. Single Rooms cost an additional €22 extra per night. The trip is organised by Joe Walsh Tours
With The White Heathers
Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers held a joint meet with Mr Rory Dicker, Rockview Harriers, at Conahy Rocks, near Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny, on Sunday last. The combined pack of eight couple (White Heathers) and seven-and-a-half couple (Rockview Harriers), were jointly handled by Rory Dicker, Master of Harriers, and Donie Slattery, W.H. Huntsman. Finding close to the meet the combined pack had a brisk twenty-five minutes and to ground. Finding again, the combined pack hunted a large circle to a large plantation. Hunting well here, they again marked to ground after one hour; found again and marked to ground after twenty-five minutes. They finished a very good day with a sharp fifteen minutes from a small patch of gorse with light quickly fading.
Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers will meet at Rocklow on Sunday next, December 7; Loughcopple on Sunday, December 14; Clonacody, December 21; Drangan, December 26 (St. Stephen’s Day) and Orchardstown on Sunday, December 28.
The Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers extend sincere sympathy to their esteemed member, Paddy Clancy, on the recent death of his brother, Billy, RIP. The Clancy family have a traceable over one-hundred year connection with the pack and always kept a few hounds when the pack was trencher fed.
'Cinderella' looking for her slipper in the Abymill
Patrician Presentation Secondary School and 5th and 6th class pupils from Holy Trinity Nationals School photographed at rehearsal for their school production of 'Cinderella' which will take place in the Abymill Theatre from December 5th to December 7th (Matinee on the Sunday, December 7th).
Rebecca Storm returns to Abymill
Following her hugely successful performance in the Abymill Theatre the renowned singer, Rebecca Storm, will return for another ‘intimate’ performance on Saturday, January 10, 2015. This show is not to be missed and gives an opportunity to see and hear Rebecca sing in one of the most intimate theatres in Ireland. Tickets can now be booked by contacting Anne Williamson 086 0834208 or Premier Music, Clonmel (052) 6129811.
Hospice Support Group in Fethard
 The Fethard Support Group of South Tipperary Hospice wish to most sincerely thank all who sponsored our great runners in the recent Dublin City Marathon. The amount raised this year was €2,095.
Our grateful thanks to all our marathon runners, Diana Halpin, Tom Halpin, Paddy Halpin, Paul Walsh and the evergreen Neilie Hall who has not missed a single marathon for the past 20 years. Through their efforts a total of €32,567 has been raised for Hospice over the years. They are truly our local heroes – thanks to all of them.
Fethard Athletic Club
Our Christmas party night out is coming up on Friday, December 12, at Clonacody House. We had a fabulous night last year and this year we have Frank Feery coming to provide music for the night so should be a good one. Bookings are still being taken; contact any committee member if interested in coming, partners welcome.
Also our annual Christmas 5k Santa Run takes place on, Sunday, December 21, so we hope as many as possible will get involved, walkers, bugger pushers and runners alike. All proceeds will go towards the paediatric ward at South Tipperary General Hospital, a really worthy cause. Training continues each Monday and Friday evening at 7.15pm from the ballroom carpark. New members always welcomed.
Fethard senior team continue good run in there first year at J1 level
J.R. McGrath drives for the line on Sunday, November 30, to score a try for Fethard in the J1 match against Killorglin, with team mates Kieran Power, Conor Kavanagh and Osama Frazh in support. The match ended in a draw, 17-17.
Fethard senior team drew 17-17 with Killorglin on Sunday last but were in hard luck not to secure a win when a few handling errors cost them certain tries. This was a fine performance by this young team in their first season at this level. Trailing, by 17 points at half time the second half was dominated by Fethard and some great running rugby saw the ball spread wide for Akim Frazh to score in the corner, some clever box kicking by scrum half Connor Kavanagh saw a ruck in the opposition’s 22 and out half Shane Kavanagh broke the defence to score. Richie Carroll converted leaving just five points between the teams. Fethard dominance continued and Michael Power was over for another try, the conversion shaved the outside of the post. So with 15 minutes left the sides were level, Fethard continued to attack and we're very unlucky not to secure the win. This was a fine team performance and hopefully can be built on. Other good performance s came from Paddy Cuddihy, Beany, Andy Walsh and Jonathan Spillane.
Fethard U16s qualify for pan Munster
Fethard U16 made their way to Nenagh on Sunday morning last to play the quarter-final of the East Munster league. Despite been underdogs and going behind by 7 points early on, this young team knuckled down and secured a fine 35-12 victory. Padraig Harrington, Ross and Jessie McCormack, Jack Grace, Jack Kealy and Josef O’Connor had fine games. It's a great honour for the club to qualify for pan Munster for the second year in a row. The team plays Waterford city away next Sunday morning in the semi final of the league.
U9s and U10s put in good performances in Sunday's blitz
Fethard U9s and U10s played very well in a blitz held in Fethard on Sunday morning last against both Clanwilliam and Clonmel. For the U10s, Michael Blake, David McCormack, Jack Quinlan, Padraig O’Dwyer and Robert Noonan put in fine performances, For the U9s, Padraig Duggan, Wally and Mark Neville were outstanding.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto extra ‘Christmas Prizes
This week we will start our seasonal extra free Christmas Draws for turkeys and hams, which will take place for draws on December 3, 10 and 17. All purchased Community Lotto tickets will entered in the draws.
The numbers drawn on November 26 were: 1, 17, 24 and 31. We had no jackpot winner and two ‘Match Three’ winners who received €75 each: Tanya Lawrence, Woodvale Walk, Fethard; and Noel Sharpe, The Castle, Fethard.
The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Mary Keane, Knockelly, Fethard; June Gough, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard; and Darren O'Donohoe, Monkstown, Cork.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, December 3. The Jackpot is €10,000 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €1,000. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard, and we thank you for your on-going support.
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto
The numbers drawn on November 28 were 2, 24, 26 and 27. There was no jackpot winner and no match three winner so the following drawn tickets received €30 each: Jim Smith, c/o Butlers; Tyrone Tobin, Kilknockin; P.J. Aherne, Prospect; Michael Smyth Jnr, Burke Street; and Geraldine O’Donnell, Moyglass. The €50 Lucky Dip winner was: Kay O'Riordan, Cloneen.
Next week’s Jackpot is €7,400 and the draw will take place in Fethard GAA Park on Friday, December 5, at 7pm. All are welcome. Thank you for your continued support.
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.
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