Kieran's body found
 Dear friends. Thank you to everyone who shared Sue Anne O'Donnell's post since yesterday morning asking for help in finding Kieran Walsh, your help, support and swift sharing has been so appreciated. Also everyone who both, on Saturday and Sunday, assisted in the search along with the Gardai and Civil Defence and Coast Guards, thank you all so much.
It is with great sadness that I post this message to say the body of Kieran Walsh has been found. We offer our deepest sympathy to Kieran's family.
May Kieran Rest in Peace.
(Sue Anne O'Donnell)
Mass to Remember Adam O'Donnell
Dear friends, Fr. O'Bric will say mass to mark Adam's 2nd anniversary on Saturday, February 13, at 7.30pm in Clerihan. We know life moves, people are busy and so to be at Adam's anniversary mass may not suit everyone. We are okay with this because we know even when you cannot be there you are thinking of us. We know you remember Adam and this is what truly matters.
Join us after mass if you have time as we will have dinner, a cuppa and a whiskey shot at home to toast Adam. With love and gratitude to all of Adams many friends. – Sean, Sue Anne, Rebecca and Leah
Fethard Book Fair on this Sunday, Valentine’s Day
The twenty-first annual Tipperariana Book Fair takes place in Fethard Ballroom this Sunday, February 14, St. Valentine’s Day, beginning at 2pm. The Fethard Book Fair is now established as the biggest and best of its kind in the whole country. It works so well for buyers and sellers and also gives enjoyment at the same time – all for a €2 entry fee.
Some people want to off-load books and others want to look for books, including ‘that special book’ buried somewhere amongst the thousands of books on show. Many just come to the book fair and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere on a dreary February afternoon where they meet friends and can have a chat in the pop-up café or just sit and listen to the piano player Eamon O’Malley.
Authors of Tipperary Books
A feature of the Book Fair from its beginning in 1996 has been the tradition of having Tipperary authors (of books published in the previous year) present at the fair to promote, sell and sign their books. Pride of place this year goes to John Fogarty, a Fethard native, whose wonderful book, ‘Scenes from an Indian Summer’, won the Tipperariana Book of the Year 2015. Many people will also wish to meet Kieran Fagan, author of ‘The Framing of Harry Gleeson’, especially as Harry Gleeson was finally pardoned last year (by the State) of the murder of Moll McCarthy near New Inn in November 1940. Harry was hanged for a crime he never committed.
Present also will be Liam Ó Donnchú, P.R.O. of Semple Stadium (and the man much responsible for the programmes on big match days) with his book ‘Tom Semple and The Thurles Blues’, which is truly a monumental 400 page account of Tom Semple and his beloved Sarsfields club.
Books Wanted
As well as the thirty dealers of mostly antiquarian books, there are also hundreds and hundreds of second -hand books (mostly modern ‘chic-lit and thrillers) which are donated to the Fethard Historical Society for sale on the society’s own stall on the day. Children’s books are also usually in plentiful supply and accompanied children are admitted free. Anyone wishing to donate books to aid the finances of the Historical Society can contact telephone (052) 6131537 or 086 3905373 and books can be collected or you can bring books to Fethard Ballroom on Friday night, after 8pm or on Saturday, between 11am and 4pm.
A National Event for 2016
The Tipperariana Book Fair is now a national event, featuring prominently in Fáilte Ireland’s publicity material for February and attracting Book Dealers from Armagh, Dublin, Wexford, West Cork, Clare and all places in between. On this the Centenary year of The 1916 Rebellion, the dealers will be endeavouring to have books, especially ‘Tipperary’ books, that deal with the whole War of Independence era. Books can also be ‘valued’ at the fair and any member of the society will direct you to an appropriate dealer who may be interested in your type of book. Further contact with the organisers can be made via 086 3905373, email: bookfair@fethard.com or by checking out www.tipperariana.com
Grandparents’ Day celebrated at Holy Trinity National School
‘Effin Eddie’ Moroney photographed with his grandson Sean Moloney (5th Class) at the Grandparents’ Day held at Holy Trinity National School, Fethard.
On Thursday last, February 4, Holy Trinity National School welcomed many grandparents and grandfriends to the school to celebrate Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day. Grandparents and other older people are very special in children’s lives. Children feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when they know that people in their extended family and community are interested in their education.
Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day celebrated this and recognised the importance of our heritage, our community, and relationships across generations.
Photographed at the Grandparents’ Day at Holy Trinity National School are L to R: Esther McCormack and Gus Breen
Firstly, we held a short service in the hall for all the grandparents, grandfriends and the children in the school. Following this, grandparents and grandfriends visited the children in their classrooms. Here they listened to songs, poetry, tin-whistle and they played some games with their grandchildren. Lots of grandparents and grandfriends were interviewed also and children learned about school and games in the past.
Photographed at the Grandparents’ Day at Holy Trinity National School are L to R: Ann Daly, Maura Ryan and Joe Keane.
We would like to thank all the grandparents and grandfriends who attended on the day. The children really loved it and it was a wonderful day in our school.
Joan and Billy O'Donoghue, Clonmel, photographed at the Grandparents’ Day at Holy Trinity National School, Fethard.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on February 3 were: 1, 7, 12 and 29. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winner so the following three drawn tickets received €50 each: Margaret Barrett, c/o Allen’s; Micky Flanagan, Derryluskin, Fethard; and Pat Culligan, The Valley, Fethard.
The three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners who also received €50 each were: Majella Croke (online ticket); Liam Hayes, Red City, Fethard; and Johanna Corbett, Canon Hayes Court, Fethard.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, February 10. The Jackpot is €9,400 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €940. All proceeds go towards community projects in Fethard, and we thank you for your on-going support.
Rememberance Mass on Monday, January 15
 A rememberabce mass for the late Pat Gunne, who died on Saturday, January 30, 2016, in Islington, London, will take place at 10am in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, on Monday, January 15, 2016.
Pat, formerly from The Valley, Fethard, is deeply regretted by his daughter Tracey, son John, his brother Sean (Clonmel) and sister Kathleen (Fethard), relatives and friends.
May he Rest in Peace.
GAA Sports Development Lotto
Fethard GAA / Sports Centre Development Lotto would like to thank all our supporters, far and near, who participate in our weekly lotto draw to promote sport in our community. The numbers drawn on Friday, February 5, were 13, 23, 32 and 35. There was no jackpot winner and no match three winner. The €50 lucky dip winner was Geraldine Brown, c/o Merrys, Clonmel. The following two drawn tickets won €25 each: Siobhan Maher, Tinakelly, Fethard; and Amy Quinn, c/o Merrys, Clonmel. Next week’s draw will take place on Friday, February 12, at 7pm. The jackpot is €18,200 and the sellers prize is €600.
'Sullivan's War' a novel by Andy Clancy
 Andy Clancy, a writer living on the south coast of England, whose father was a native of Fethard, has published his current novel, 'Sullivan's War', which is a work of historical fiction based around the siege of Gibraltar in 1781. The relevance of Fethard is that this is where the main character comes from and is talked about at length. If you are interested in reading the book who will get further details here:
Click Here to view the book on Amazon.co.uk
Synopsis of the novel . . .
Defending Gibraltar from the might of the Spanish and French forces will stretch Sergeant Tom Sullivan to his limits. But if anyone can withstand the siege from land and sea throughout 1781 it is the Irish veteran of the American War of Independence. Outnumbered and outflanked, his band of brothers from the Light Company of the 39th Regiment of Foot, with Tom at their helm, fight for their lives as well as their country. Sullivan's War, just like this beleaguered 18th century British colony, is no place for the faint hearted. But bravery brings its rewards as Sergeant Sullivan soon catches the eye of British high command as well as Gibraltar's tavern owner, Lara. With love comes hate, and old feuds die hard amidst the chaos of siege warfare. Sullivan's War is a thrilling historical adventure in the months leading up to the infamous Grand Attack.
Died recently in Cork
The death has occurred on Monday, February 8, of James (Jim) Murray,
Lackaduve, Clondrohid, Macroom, Cork, and formerly Killusty, Fethard. Reposing on, Tuesday, February 9, from 6pm to 8pm in Carriganima Church. Requiem Mass on Wednesday, at 2pm followed by burial in Clondrohid Cemetery.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred (peacefully) on Monday, February 8, 2016, of Tracy Walsh (née Ryan), Woodlands, Kilnockin, Fethard. Tracy, deeply regretted and sadly missed by her husband Eugene, her sons Ryan and Charlie, her father and mother Bill and Lillian, her brother Dereck, her sister Ann Marie, mother-in-law Breda, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.
May she rest in peace
Reposing at her residence on Tuesday, February 9th, from 5pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass in the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard on Wednesday, February 10th, at 11am followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu to South Tipperary Hospice. House private on Wednesday morning please.
Died Recently in Cebu City, Philippines
The death has occurred on Thursday, February 4, 2016, of Fr. William 'Bill' Skehan C.Ss.R., Redemptorist Community, Cebu City, Philippines and late of Coolbawn, Fethard, in the loving care of the Redemptorist Community and staff Cebu City. Deeply regretted by his sisters Anna Mooney and Mary Hennessey, brother Nicholas, sisters-in-law Ann and Helena, brother-in-law Jim, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and his Redemptorist confreres. Funeral Mass and burial in Cebu on February 9. A mass of remembrance will be held at a later date.
St. Vincent de Paul
Families that may need help with this year’s First Communion or Confirmation expenses are asked to contact any committee member of the Fethard St. Vincent de Paul or Denis Burke at (052) 6131852.
Local author wins ‘Tipperariana Book of the Year’
The ‘Tipperariana Book of the Year 2015’ was presented to Fethard author John Fogarty at a function in the Abymill Theatre Fethard, on Friday night last, January 29, for his highly acclaimed book ‘Scenes from an Indian Summer’. Photographed above at the presentation of the prize are winning author John Fogarty and Dóirín Saurus, Crampscastle Pottery, who designed the especially commissioned piece for the winning book.
The Tipperariana Book of the Year Award took place in the Abymill Theatre, Fethard last Friday night 29th January 2016. The organisers of the upcoming Tipperariana Book Fair, which takes place on February 14, selected ‘ Scenes from an Indian Summer’ by John Fogarty as this year’s winner. John hails from Fethard and his fictionalised memoir tells the story of summer 1963 from the perspective of a twelve-year old boy.
The Fethard Historical Society hosted the event which was attended by a large group of John’s family and friends as well as society members. The evening began with a cheese and wine reception enlivened by a soundtrack of music from the sixties. Terry Cunningham, Chairperson FHS, was MC for the night and he explained how the Tipperariana Book of the Year Award evolved and the history of the event over the last fourteen years.
Winning author, John Fogarty, photographed at the presentation of the ‘Tipperariana Book of the Year for 2015’ in the Abymill Theatre, Fethard, with his brothers and sister L to R: Bernard, Jim, John, Anna, Joseph and Gerry.
Mary Hanrahan, P.R.O. spoke about the selection process, pointing out that a surprisingly large number of books with a Tipperary provenance are published each year, yielding a wealth of writing for consideration. ‘Scenes from an Indian Summer’ was chosen as this year’s winner because it embodies all the qualities necessary: it is beautifully written, professionally produced and, above all, it is intrinsically of and about Tipperary. The fact that John is a Fethard man must be seen as an added bonus!
Winning author, John Fogarty, photographed with his wife Veronica and daughter Maryanne at the presentation of the ‘Tipperariana Book of the Year for 2015’ in the Abymill Theatre, Fethard.
‘Scenes from an Indian Summer’ is a narrative laced with humour, sadness and a searing honesty. The author does not shy away from the more disquieting aspects of life as it unfolds. While the book will strike a chord with readers of a certain vintage it also has a much wider scope. It deals with adolescence, loss, eviction and emigration, all themes that have a universal resonance and are particularly relevant to Ireland 2016. The author wisely refrains from either commenting on, or moralising about, what happens. He tells his story with great skill and leaves the reader to draw his/her own conclusions. ‘Scenes from an Indian Summer’ is both an entertaining read and a very important record of social history.
Photographed at the presentation of the ‘Tipperariana Book of the Year for 2015’ are Fethard students L to R: Darragh Hurley, Keith Morrissey and Robert Hackett with Liam Burke, long time member of Fethard Historical Society. The three students read passages from the winning book, John Fogarty's ‘Scenes from an Indian Summer’.
Pat Looby, FHS, had invited three local boys from Patrician Presentation Secondary School to read excerpts from the book. Keith Morrissey, Robert Hackett and Darragh Hurley brought the narrator’s youthful voice to life as they told of carnival days in Fethard, scrumping apples from McCarthy’s and fishing in the Clashawley.
Doirin Saurus, FHS, then presented John Fogarty with his award, a specially-commissioned platter made by Doirin herself, depicting symbols of Fethard and motifs from the book. Then it was the turn of the author. John read a chapter from the book about going to devotions and the gloom it engendered in him and his young friends. A potentially dismal subject was rendered hilarious in the telling of it; a skilful marriage of John’s way with words and his masterful delivery.
John had very kindly agreed to a question and answer session during which he gave an insight into how the book came about and how he had envisaged it taking shape. Lots of people present also shared their memories of that era.
Photographed at the presentation of the ‘Tipperariana Book of the Year for 2015’ in the Abymill Theatre, Fethard, are L to R: Terry Cunningham (chairperson Fethard Historical Society), Catherine O'Flynn (treasurer), winning author John Fogarty, Dóirín Saurus (Crampscastle Pottery), Mary Hanrahan (PRO) and Pat Looby (vice-chairman). The winning book was ‘Scenes from an Indian Summer’, published by Galway-based publishers, Wordsonthestreet.
The evening concluded with a book signing followed by tea, coffee and lots more chat. John will attend the Tipperariana Book Fair from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday, February 14, and will have copies of his book for sale. So come along, meet the author, buy a book and get it signed.
Community Games officers elected
The AMG of Fethard & Killusty Community Games took place in the Tirry Community Centre on Monday, January 18. There was a small turn out which produced a favourable result as all present were prepared to accept a position to ensure the continuation of the organisation in the area.
The changes in administration were discussed and all entries must now be submitted online and will not be accepted after the closing dates specified by the county. The incoming committee will cater for whatever events they can manage and get support for. All competitors who participated were congratulated especially those who won medals. Sympathy was extended to all families who suffered bereavements during 2015.
The following officers were elected: Joe Keane (chairman), Micheál Maher (vice-chairman), Noreen Sheehy (secretary), Peggy Colville and Joe Keane (joint treasurers), Valerie Connolly (child officer), Ruth O’Meara (company member), John O’Flynn (games director), Peggy Colville and Noreen Sheehy (public relations), Noreen Sheehy and Ruth O’Meara (delegates to county committee), and Aine Tyrell (development officer).
The entries for the winter games programme are closed but entries for the summer games along with dates, venues etc., for various finals of both team and individual events will be decided shortly. If anybody wishes to enter U10 Mixed Football, U11 Hurling, U12 Girls Football, U14 Girls Football, U14 Camogie, or any other team event please contact Noreen Sheehy, Garrinch, as soon as possible.
Dancers ready to ‘Strut Their Stuff
Fethard ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ team ready to strut their stuff on Saturday, February 13, in Hotel Minella, Clonmel, for Fethard’s first ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ in aid of the Convent Community Hall. Tickets are now on sale at €25.
The well-rehearsed Fethard dancing team are now well prepared and ready to ‘strut their stuff’ on Saturday, February 13, in Hotel Minella, Clonmel, for Fethard’s first ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ in aid of the Convent Community Hall. Tickets are now on sale at €25, from Fethard Post Office, Gaules Bar, Roisin's Hair Salon, Hilda Laslett, June Gough and Pamela Sweeney. A great night’s dancing display and competition is guaranteed from the fifteen participating couples, coached by Ruth Quinn, which takes place at 8pm on Saturday, February 13, in Hotel Minella, Clonmel. This should be a great fun night out with after show dancing to the fantastic big band sound of ‘Brass and Co’ from Waterford. There will also be some great prizes to be won in our raffle on the night. Please come along and support your local community.
Side Saddle Day with the gallant Tipps
Tom Freyne MFH photographed with his wife Jacqui, riding side-saddle.
The Tipperary Foxhounds are holding a Side Saddle Day followed by their legendary Hunt Ball on Saturday, February 27. The meet is taking place in Cloneen, and there will be a stirrup cup in the grounds of Friarsgrange, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Tomas Ronan. The Tipps look forward to welcoming side-saddle guests and their partners, and will ensure they have great fun over their lovely country, also it is a great viewing meet for those supporters on foot.
There is a deal in place for those hunting side-saddle and wishing to attend the Ball that evening: €50 for ladies to hunt or €100 for ladies to hunt and attend the Hunt Ball (partners welcome at the same rates). Please contact Jacqui Freyne: Mobile 087 2629950 or email jacqui.freyne@gmail.com with your queries. We ask all guests to please book in. For more details the event is posted on the Tipperary Foxhounds’ Facebook page.
For those wishing to book tickets for the Ball at €60 each, please contact Trish Mulhall, Tel: 087 2750773, who has tickets and is already taking bookings. The venue is the Minella Hotel, Clonmel, and Trish has a great menu picked for dinner, followed by dancing to the one and only Brass & Co. There shall also be an auction, with fabulous lots on offer, not to be missed! Get your tickets booked early and get this show on the road, it promises to be a fabulous night.
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
Killusty Anglers meeting in the 1960s. Back Row L to R: Tom O’Shea, Jim Ryan, Mick Bogue. Middle Row L to R: Jack O’Flynn, Neddie Cummins, Jack ‘Sprig’ Nagle, Capt. Curtin, Dick Fitzgibbon. Front Row L to R: Johnny Keating, Ned O’Shea, Major Hughes and Helen O’Connell.
Nano Nagle Primary Sahool sixth class at Nano Nagle Primary School (October 25, 2001). Back L to R: Aoife O’Meara, Lisa Ryan, Stephanie Lawrence, Danielle Ferncombe, Sinead Coffey. Front L to R: Patricia Cooney, Jenny Quigley, Sinead Delahunty, Sarah Moloney and Patricia Rochford.
Fethard Youth Club members with their Drugs Awareness certificates received on Wednesday, June 27, 2001. Back L to R: John Hannigan, Charlotte Escalon, Brian Conway, Niall Maher, Ashley McCormack-John, Anthony Hanrahan, Kyle O’Donnell. Front L to R: Rita McCormack-John (leader), Adrian Allen, Sinead O’Mahony (Drug Project Worker), Tracy Coady and Claire Hannigan (leader). The following also received certificates: Tara Ryan Louise Nagle, Ciarán Duggan Eoin Maher and Eoin Delahunty.
Confirmation Day April 29, 1982. First cousins L to R: Daren Bradshaw, Karl Cooke, Audrey Moloney, Anna Bradshaw, Kevin Bradshaw and Rory Bradshaw.
Members of the Croom Carroll family photographed in the Abymill Theatre on May 12, 2001.
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.
Share this page on Facebook
|
