Silage Extravaganza 2015 - Records Recorded

Coolmoyne and Moyglass Vintage Club are thrilled with the attendance (estimated to be close to 7000 people on site) for their Silage Extravaganza 2015 and two new machinery record attempts were achieved. The number of double chop harvesters working in a field was 62 and what a sight this was. The crowd were restrained with around 80 marshals holding a rope barrier to create a safe viewing area. When the machines kicked into gear the buzz was so great that English Journalist Peter Love described the scene as Braveheart without the swords. He also said that he felt it was the best Machinery Event that he had attended in Europe in the past ten years with the machinery on display and associated trade stands and side shows and the military precision of the running of the event.

Jimmy Trehy and Sr. Eileen photographed at the homemade Butter demonstration in Moyglass
Michael Moroney of the Farmer’s Journal commented that it set a new high standard for the running of such events. The committee are extremely grateful for all the help that was freely given to make this event a spectacular success, the host family Joe and Mary Trehy of Mobarnane, the neighbours who provided 70 acres for parking, Superintendent William Leahy and his team in executing the road traffic management plan, the team that set up the site and returned it back to a farm after the event, firms that made donations, exhibitors crafts people, (Jimmy Trehy Butter making, Madeline Channon Lady Farrier) people who provided goods and machinery free of charge and the 200 plus stewards on the day. The list of names is too long to mention all but ye can feel proud that you were part of a great team that helped to create the biggest ever event in the history of Moyglass and raised funds for a great cause, ‘South Tipperary Hospice’.

Ballinure National School is hoping to make the month of September very special for GAA followers with a raffle prize of 4 All-Iireland final tickets. But what makes this so special is that it is for the two finals, hurling and football. No chasing, no begging and all your dreams can come true when you enter our draw. Tickets are available in local shops and from parents. Pictured promoting this unique draw are L to R: Danny O'Gorman, Bill Fogarty and Ray Costello.
Following the blessing of the event by Fr. Danny O’ Gorman, curate in Moyglass, the event was officially opened by Paddy Lee of Lee Trailer fame in Waterford, Paddy made almost 4000 Lee trailers and each one was individually stamped by Paddy himself and he has a paper record of each sale. Around 50 lee trailers were on site to honour Paddy and create our second record attempt. A model Lee trailer was presented to Paddy by Jimmy Cotter and Kieran O’Donoghue who helped us organise the event.

Helping out at the Silage Extravaganza were Johnny Cummins and his son Charlie.
The 34 single chop harvesters working on site included early Massey Ferguson models along with others such as Kidd, JF Krone, Gallagher, Spraglese, Ugelose and Taarup. Also working were 5 Precision Chop, one Wagon and Two mowers. This section was highlighted by Martin O’Sullivan’s Hesston Field Queen and the audience were in awe of this novel machine from 1970s. There are only a few of these machines in Ireland and many thanks to Martin who travelled from Inishshannon, Co. Cork. Along with all the harvesters there were around 180 vintage tractors working or in the static section. Another highlight was that one competitor actually travelled from Australia to drive one of the harvesters and he was so delighted that he said he would return again.

The Garda mobile unit and dog-handling unit were a great attraction and the Garda in charge of the dogs was hoarse by the end of the evening, as so many kids were enquiring about the drugs dog (a Labrador) and the crime dog (a German Shepherd). Of course the kids were also entertained by the array of amusements and the dog show sponsored by Moyglass Kennels. Jed O’Brien from Mullinahone had a 60ft display of Vintage model machinery and this also attracted maximum attention. All the Plaques were hand crafted and were greatly appreciated by the exhibitors. Larry Kenny took spectacular photos on behalf of the club and if anyone would like one please contact Larry or a club member. A video of the event will be available shortly and will also be available from club members, for those who missed the occasion or would like to relive the experience, this video is a must. A drone was used to capture close up shots of the harvesting and these shots will be unique to our event.
Eamonn O'Dwyer from 'Down Your Way' on Tipp FM mingled with the crowds and captured interviews in his easy-going manner and I’m sure they will make interesting listening. Irish TV also sent a crew to cover proceedings and can be seen in the near future on channel 191. The comments from all concerned as they left the site to return home to the four corners of Ireland and further afield was that it was a resounding success with something for everyone and great value for money. What more can be said?
Pilgrimage to Holy Year Cross this Sunday
The annual pilgrimage to the Holy year cross takes place on this coming Sunday, August 9, with the usual 1pm start time from the hill wall. This year marks the 65th anniversary and we expect an even larger turnout than usual, once again be reminded that it takes about twenty minutes to walk from the car park in O'Donnell's field to the hill wall. Mass will be celebrated at the Mass Rock when the walkers return, which should be around 2.30pm to 3pm, depending on underfoot conditions on the way down from the cross. The Rosary will be also recited at the Mass Rock for those who are unable to make the climb.
Cross lit up again . . .
To mark the 65th anniversary, thanks to advances in electrics, the Cross has once more been lit up an night, so if you have seen it lately and thought it looked brighter it wasn't your eyes playing tricks on you.
So once again, we hope to see all our hardy annuals, and hopefully many new ones, come and join us on this special day in the parish, get out of your comfort zone and spend some time on this beautiful mountain, and it's right on your doorstep.
Died Recently
The death has occurred on Tuesday, August 4, 2015, of Philip O’Connell, Lismortagh, Killenaule, and formerly from Main Street, Fethard, at South Tipperary Regional Hospital.
Philip, deeply regretted by his heartbroken wife Mabel, his sisters Mary and Jacinta, sisters-in-law Diana and Eva, brother-in-law Austin, nieces-in-law, Suzanne, Gillian, Emily, Debbie and Cathy, nephews-in-law, Eamon, Vincent, Senan, Conor and CJ, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace.
Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Thursday, August 6, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Funeral to arrive at St. Joseph The Worker Church, Moyglass at 8pm. Requiem Mass on Friday, August 7, at 11.30am followed by burial in the adjoining Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu to South Tipperary Hospice.
Sports Achievement Award nominations for July
The following are nominated for the Butler’s Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for July:
- Harry Kelly – a great night recently for Harry at Wexford racetrack when two of his charges ‘Isn’t Dat Right’ and ‘Theatre Sunset’ were both successful.
- Luke Coen – a young horseman with a bright future. He had some fantastic results recently at the Killusty show.
- Lucy Spillane – Brought an All Ireland medal to Fethard during the month when her team Tipperary u/14 Ladies Beat Donegal in the final following a replay,
- Kate Davey – a member of the Tipperary u/18 Ladies recently crowned Munster champions beating Waterford.
- Jamie Strappe – at a recent Paralympic meeting in Statskaanal Holland Jamie won two bronze medals for Discus and Javelin.
- Hazel Gallaway – at the All Ireland Masters athletics championships held in Tullamore Hazel returned with two silver medals in the 100m and 200m.
- Charlie Manton and Jodie Sheehan – two local lads on the Tipperary minor football team narrowly beaten by Kerry in the Munster final.
- Joey Feery – Joey continues his progress at middle distance running with another top 5 finish, this time in Ballynonty.
- P.J. Ahearne, John Hurley, Tom Anglim, Johnny Neville, Jimmy O’Meara, Stephen O’Donnell, Donny Tobin, Tyrone Tobin, Evan Delaney, Chris Coen, Willy Morrissey and Michael Quinlan – this group of local amateur cyclists recently completed the gruelling Ring of Kerry circuit with some distinction.
The winner will be announced on Friday night next, August 7, at a special function in Butler’s Bar at 10pm. All are welcome.
Fundraiser for Rescue Horses
The Fionn Mac Cumhaill Players are organising a fundraiser in aid of ‘Rescue Horses’, in the form of a 1920's Evening which will take place on August 14, in Cloneen Sports and Social Club. We have wonderful prizes for the fancy dress, which should be great fun, and also a raffle, with wonderful prize on the door tickets. Prizes in the fancy dress for the best couple, best male, best female, and most original 1920's style.
All are invited to come along and although fancy dress is optional, it will be worth your while dressing up in your favourite 1920's character with such wonderful prizes on offer which include: B&B for two people for 2 nights, €100 vouchers for top hotels and golfing at The Country Glasson Golf Club and the beautiful Adare Manor plus many more prizes. Music will be by ‘The Pearly Whites’ one of the best bands around and we will even throw in a bit of grub! Tickets are available from 086-0834208 or at Premier Music Clonmel.
Fethard Senior Citizens' Club August Outing
Fethard Senior Citizens' Club members are reminded of our next outing, on Tuesday, August 18. The bus will depart from The Town Hall, Main Street at 1pm.
The Irish Pilgrimage Trust – Thank You
Many thanks to the people of Fethard & Killusty who contributed €2088.47 so generously to the annual church gate collection for The Irish Pilgrimage Trust on the weekend of August 6 and 7. The organisers would also like to thank those who helped with the collection.
The Irish Pilgrimage Trust sends young people, with either a physical disability / illness, a learning disability, those who are socially deprived or emotionally disturbed, annually to Lourdes. This pilgrimage is slightly different from many of the others which go to Lourdes, most importantly it is designed especially for the young people who participate fully in a very varied spiritual and social program during the week. The pilgrimage is divided into groups of approximately 12 young people with a similar number of adult companions, including a Group Leader, Nurse and Chaplain. Each group is assigned to the care of one of the Trust doctors.
This is a holiday as well as a pilgrimage; each group takes in the sights – perhaps a trip to the Pyrenees, or a visit to the local markets to experience the French ‘at home’. There is even time for partying and the ‘craic’. All the adult companions pay their own fares while the Trust covers the cost of those young people selected to travel.
The Irish Pilgrimage Trust welcomes applications from young people with a Physical Disability or Illness (aged 9-18) or a Learning Disability (aged 11-21). For further information please phone Sr. Betty Cagney 086 6322341 or Marie-Therese (051) 646074.
Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on this coming Sunday night, August 9, to the music of ‘Dave Rea’. All welcome to come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment and social dancing from 9pm to midnight. Admission is €8 which includes tea and cakes.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on July 29 were: 1, 6, 11 and 22. There was no jackpot winner and two ‘Match Three’ winners who received €75 each: Orla Kelly, c/o P. Kenny; and Peter Gough, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard. The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Christy Williams, Killusty; Annie Ryan, St. Johnstown; and Pat Looby, The Valley, Fethard.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, August 5. The Jackpot is €5,650 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €565. All proceeds go towards community projects in Fethard, and we thank you for your on-going support.
GAA Sports Development Lotto
Last week’s numbers drawn on July 31, were 11, 12, 19 and 30. There was no jackpot winner and one match three winner who received €100: Keith Lawrence, Woodvale Walk, Fethard.
Next week’s Jackpot is €13,200 and the draw will take place in Fethard GAA Park dressing rooms on Friday, August 7, at 7pm. Sellers Prize €350. All are welcome and thank you for your continued support. All funds raised are used to promote sport in the community.
Road Closure Notice
Irish Water working in partnership with Tipperary County Council would like to inform you that David Walsh Civil Engineering Limited, intends to close Rocklow Road from its junction with Main Street to its junction with the L6310 at Ballybough. The road closure period granted by Tipperary County Council extends from 6am on Tuesday, August 4, to 6pm on Saturday, September 12, 2015. Footpaths will remain open for pedestrian access throughout this period on the Main Street end of the road. Local access for vehicles will be accommodated when safe to do so.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you in advance for your cooperation and apologise for any inconvenience caused. Should you require further information, please contact the project team on 087 769 8546 or 087 691 8071.
Teddy remembered at Class Reunion

Photographed at the the Class of 1990 held a reunion in Burke's Bar on July 25, are Back L to R: Maura Collison, Kumar Metha, Keith Tobin, Tina Kenny, David Purcell, Noelle Russell, Debbie Coen, Micheál Spillane, Sandra Wade, John O'Flynn, Eleanor Sheehan, Jennifer Cummins, Pat Phelan, Mandy O'Donnell, Clara Phelan, Niamh Kenny, John Meagher, P.J. Tobin, Paul O'Meara. Front L to R: Sinead Blake, Martin Coen, Eleanor Maher, Sarah Ryan, Fionnuala Murray and Pamela Morrissey.
On Saturday, July 25, the Class of 1990 held a reunion in Burke's Bar, Main Street. Thanks to Facebook and Niamh Kenny's dedication to the cause, we spread the word hoping for a crowd to turn up. A group of about twenty-five came along and made the night a huge success. Some people we meet regularly around Fethard, but others travelled home to be with us, which was great. Stories were exchanged in many different versions; everyone has different memories of the same event! The fact that none of us had matured too much (mentally, that is) in the 25 years meant that it was like being back in school with the fun and banter flowing freely.
A special word of thanks to Winnie Hickey (AKA Miss Gallagher), our second-class teacher in the girls’ school and Dinny Burke from secondary school who called in to say hello, it was great to meet you both. Thanks to Niamh for tracking down so many of the class in the shop and for organising the food, to Kumar Mehta for his lovely tribute to our fellow classmate, Teddy Morrissey, whose first anniversary took place this weekend. May he rest in peace.
Finally, thanks to Larry Kenny for coming down to take our photo. This class will hopefully continue to meet up at five-year intervals so watch this space in 2020!
Killusty FC looking for new players
As the new soccer season draws near Killusty FC find ourselves low on player numbers, if there are any lads out there who would like to play soccer with us then come along to Killusty this Wednesday night at 7pm, or if you want further details contact Willie on 087 1132313.
St. Patrick’s Place Residents Meeting
A meeting for all residents of St Patrick's Place will be held in the Fr Tirry Community Centre, Barrack Street, on Wednesday, July 29, at 7pm. Agenda will be available on the night.
Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on this coming Sunday night, August 2, to the music of ‘Cupla’. All welcome to come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment and social dancing from 9pm to midnight. Admission is €8 which includes tea and cakes.
The Grim Reality of Life in A Medieval Town
A free talk is taking place on Wednesday 5th August, 2015, at 7.30pm in the Main Guard, Clonmel. The talk is entitled 'The Grim Reality of Life in A Medieval Town', and will be given by Liam Mannix from the Heritage Council /Irish Walled Towns Network. This should be of great interest to all us Fethard people who inhabit one of the most important small medieval towns in Ireland!

Articles invited for Annual Emigrant's Newsletter
Work on the production of this year's Annual Emigrant's Newsletter has now commenced. We invite anyone interested in submitting articles or photographs for this year’s issue to contact Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, Tel: (052) 6131663 or by email: newsletter@fethard.com
Help is always needed gathering articles and photographs, indeed, one of the most time-consuming chores is trying to put captions to the photographs with correct names. Other ways people can help is interviewing, writing articles, typing or inviting others to write articles in good time for publication.
The first issue of the Fethard & Killusty Emigrants' Newsletter was published by the Legion of Mary in December 1959 and is dated 'Christmas 1960'. On checking the dates of the events and deaths featured in the newsletter we discovered that they all happened in 1959 so we concluded that the Newsletter was published in December 1959 and posted in January 1960. This 'first newsletter' was discovered in a drawer by Pat Shine, formerly from Crampscastle and now living in London. Today, over fifty years later, the newsletter has grown into a full colour 200-page production and is still posted free of charge to all our emigrants living throughout the world.
Fethard Faces and Places from the Past
The following are a selection of photographs recently added to the Fethard Faces and Places from the Past page on Facebook, also published here
for the benefit of our readers who are not on Facebook. The Facebook page is used for sharing old Fethard photographs with other members of the group and is open to all interested in joining. Send any comments or photo information to fethardnews@gmail.com

Girls about to perform their 'Re-Mix' dance routine at the 'On Your Toes' show in the Abymill Theatre, June 2004

Tracey Needham and Debbie Lawrence from Nano Nagle working on the school's project 'My Favourite Building' June, 2004. The 6th class girls chose the Abymill Theatre as their favourite building and the project was entered in the national Irish Independent Newspaper competition.

Bernard Fogarty posted this photograph taken of Dot Mullins where she worked in Mrs O'Shea's little sweet shop on lower Main Street (accross the road from Burke's Bar). Anyone know the other people in the photo? Please email fethardnews@gmail.com
Mick Teehan posted this photo "Coolmore team and mentors" taken in the 1970s. Back L to R: Danny Croke, Joe Costello (RIP), Mick Teehan, Davy Sullivan, Willie Fleming, Paddy Walsh, Bill Gleeson (RIP), Frank Fogarty, William Gleeson. Front L to R: Davy Ryan, Michael Gleeson, Pat Tobin and Eddy Sheehan.

Bernard Fogarty also posted this photo of a Moyglass FC team 1975 Back row: Pakie Harrington, Ed Healy, Georgie Williams, Arthur Daly, Ed Sheehan (player/manager), Mick Teehan. Front row: Christy Healy, Noel Sharpe, Philly O'Connell, Mattie Tynan, Davy Williams and Bernie Fogarty.
Fethard & Killusty trip to Medjugorje 2015
Next year’s Fethard & Killusty parish trip to Medjugorje, operated by Joe Walsh Tours, will depart on August 12, 2015, and return on August 19, 2015. A special group rate of €669 per person sharing has been organised which includes flights, accommodation with breakfast and evening meal. There are some single rooms available at an additional cost of €22 per night. Deposit (when booking) €200. For further information contact David Woodlock at Tel: (052) 6131077 or 087 2522028.
Fethard News
Items for inclusion on this website and 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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