Died Recently
The death has occurred on Saturday, February 20, 2016, of Biddy Duggan (née Gleeson) Killusty, Fethard. Biddy, deeply regretted by the Duggan and Gleeson families, relatives and friends. May she rest in peace.
Reposing at her residence on Sunday February 21, from 4pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Killusty, on Wednesday, February 24, at 11am followed by burial in Cloneen Cemetery.
Fethard 'Strictly Come Dancing' re-run on Wednesday
Due to very high demand, a second performance of Fethard's 'Strictly Come Dancing' show will be held Fethard Ballroom on Wednesday night February 24, starting at 7.45 pm. This re-run is give all those whe were unable to get tickets for last Saturday night at Hotel Minella a second chance to see the spectactular dancing of all the participants who took part to raise funds for the Convent Community Hall.
It will run to the same order as in Hotel Minella but this time without judges. It was a brilliant success in Clonmel so we hope those of you that couldn't make it then will really enjoy the show. Thank you all again for your continued support and the proceeds from this show will go to the Fethard Critically Ill Fund. Tickets at the door will cost Adults €10, Children €5 which includes a free raffle.

Vote for 'Connect'
Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School 4th year’s entry for Junk Kouture regional final this year is made from paper, telephone books, envelopes and card thus their title ‘connect’. Four students worked on the making of this piece, Emma Cronin (modelling), Shauna O’Neill, Mark Hayde and Jack Spillane.
Like previous years there will be online public voting from Monday, February 22, until midnight on Friday, February 26. Voting will take place on the Bank of Ireland students’ Facebook page. The online vote helps to bring the message reuse, recycle refashion to a wider audience. We wish the students best of luck in Limerick on Friday, March 11, in the University Concert Hall Limerick.

1916 Display for Fethard
A national, twelve panel ‘1916 Exhibition’ is being brought to Fethard and to all parish schools by the Fethard Historical Society in the coming week as part of their ‘1916 Programme’ of events. The colourful display was commissioned and designed by Conradh na Gaeilge headquarters in Dublin and focuses on the whole Gaelic Revival Movement and its central role in bringing about the 1916 Rebellion.
As well as the general story, there is a panel each devoted to Pearse, MacDiarmada, Ceannt and also to Eoin McNeill and one panel on the central role of women at that time. The exhibition is strong on photographs and the brief focused text is in both Irish and English.
As well as visiting the local schools, the exhibition will also be mounted in the ground floor of the Town Hall on Tuesday next, February 23, from 1pm to 6pm for general public viewing.

The late Liam Ó Duibhir, Clonmel
The death has occurred on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, of Liam Ó Duibhir, Shamrock Hill, Clonmel, peacefully at South Tipperary General Hospital. Liam, formerly of Emly, Co. Tipperary, was a very good friend and supporter of events in Fethard and his eloquent services were often used by various local organisations in Fethard.
Liam is predeceased by his brother Martin, beloved husband of Tríona and much loved father of Máire, Tomás, Daithí, Liam, Gearóid, Maighréad, Thérèse and Dáiríne. Sadly missed by his loving wife, sons, daughters, brother Michael, sister Mary, grandchildren Aoife, Conall, Ciara, Lochlann, Róisín, Ruairí, Niamh, Fionn, Tara, Ciarán, Liam, Oscar, Cathal, Darragh, Sadhbh, Sorcha and Ronán, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. Rest in Peace.
Reposing at Condon’s Funeral Parlour on Friday evening, February 19, from 5pm, with removal at 7.30pm to SS Peter & Paul’s Church. Funeral Mass on Saturday at 1pm followed by burial in St Patrick’s Cemetery. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a Anam Dílis.
Wow! What a Night!

Carrie Sweeney and Kumar Mehta – Fethard & Killusty’s Strictly Come Dancing Champions for 2016
Fethard & Killusty Strictly Come Dancing 2016 was a wonderful success. Held in Hotel Minella on Saturday night last, February 13, it was a fantastic night of entertainment and celebration. The dancing was excellent – very well done to all those who participated; the music was superb and the atmosphere was electric for the close on seven-hundred people who attended.
Thirty dancers, paired into fifteen couples, who had begun rehearsing, as novices, towards the end of 2015, certainly hit the dance-floor with seriously slick moves and fancy footwork that would put many an experienced dancer to shame. Elegant dresses and costumes, beautiful hair-dos and make-up totally set the scene and when added to the appropriate music the event had a very professional flair to it. This touch was further enhanced by the comperes, Niamh Hayes and Roger Mehta, who did such a fantastic job and the four judges, Rita Kenny, Marion Gilpin and the two Johns (Carroll and Ryan), who excelled with their kind compliments and glowing praise. Indeed, they had a very difficult task to adjudicate such was the standard of the competition.

Ciarán O’Meara and Amy Grant taking part in the Fethard & Killusty ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ at Hotel Minella last weekend
Proceedings on the night got underway on a poignant note. Some moments silence were observed for the memory of the late Tracy Walsh, who sadly had lost her exceptionally courageous battle in recent days. Tracy was very much cherished by all who knew her. In tribute, every participant wore a ribbon, fittingly in yellow, Tracy’s favourite colour.
The competition began and the Killusty-Coolmore duo certainly got things off to a good start — a super curtain-opener. As the night progressed, each couple performed their dance superbly. There final number was an energetic effort from the whole ensemble while the judges adjourned to reach were different and varied moves and moods on the floor and the audience were brought from the ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ through to ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’! When all had completed their routines the their decision. The competition was not over yet! The judges returned and, as they were unable to reach a unanimous decision given the high standard of the completion, asked three couples to return to the floor for a dance-off. The atmosphere was greatly enhanced by the encouraging cheers and applause of the audience. And then the well-deserving winners were announced – Carrie Sweeney and Kumar Mehta – Fethard & Killusty’s Strictly Come Dancing Champions for 2016. Congratulations!

Liam O’Connor and Liz McCormack taking part in Strictly Come Dancing at Hotel Minella, Clonmel
Entertainment followed, provided by Brass & Co. and later a DJ, and the party started. The place was rocking with the dance floor full until the early hours. It was a very special event for the town, a proud night for Fethard and a celebration of the wonderful community we are blessed to have. Well done to all those involved – the participants, the sponsors, the helpers and others. Particular credit is due to the organising committee and especially to one nameless individual who inspired the event to raise funds for the Convent Community Hall. Take a bow Pamela Sweeney, you deserve it. What a night to remember.
Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard’s ‘Ballroom of Romance’ on, Sunday, February 21, to the music of ‘Liam Mannering’. 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.
Table Quiz for Day Care Centre
The Fethard & District Day Centre will hold a Table Quiz in Butlers Bar on Friday, February 19, starting at 9pm. A table of four will cost €24. A raffle will also be held on the night. Please come along and give your support by organising a team.
Display and Open Discussion on 1916 in ICA Hall
The display will be re-erected on Tuesday, February 23, in the ICA Hall for open viewing from 8pm to 9m and this will be followed (for anyone who wishes to remain) by a facilitated ‘Open Discussion’ on 1916 and its legacy. The informal evening will be rounded off with tea and coffee. This initiative by Fethard Historical Society, is part in the official County Council’s co-ordinated ‘1916 Centenary Programme’ and further information can be obtained by phoning 087 9009722 or (052) 6131537
Twenty-first Book Fair

Members of the Fahy family, originally from Crampscastle, photographed at the Tipperariana Book Fair L to R: Shea Fahy, Ian Davidson, James Fahy, Catherine Fahy, Kevin Fahy and Bernie Fahy.
Sunday last saw the 21st Tipperariana Book Fair take place in the Fethard Ballroom. Once more it lived up to expectations with thirty-four book dealers from all over Ireland booked into the event. There were also nine Tipperary authors present, including John Fogarty, author of ‘Scenes from an Indian Summer’, taking pride of place as the winner of 2015 Tipperariana Book of the Year.

Michael Moroney, Mullinahone (left), sharing a joke with author John Fogarty, winner of the 'Tipperariana Book of The Year' while signing a copy of his book, 'Scenes from and Indian Summer'. Also included is John's wife, Veronica.
The public also turned up in their hundreds, attracting punters from Waterford, Cork, Limerick and various other destinations. It is now a question of ‘success breeding success’, which comes after a lot of hard work by the organisers - Fethard Historical Society, friends and the Fethard Ballroom committee. The parting words of most book dealers present are, ‘Keep it going if ye can!’

Photographed at the 21st Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard Ballroom are L to R: David Butler (Cahir), Jim Trehy (Donoughmore) and Gearóid Fitzgibbon (Nenagh).

Photographed at the 21st Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard Ballroom are L to R: Tom Pollard (Crohane) and Kathleen McCormack (Monroe).

Colette Uí Ghealbháin holding her baby Aoibheann at the Fethard Book Fair.

Martin O'Shea, Fethard, browsing for some special rare books

L to R: Dóirín Saurus, Marie Murphy, Gemma Burke, Mary Hanrahan and Rita Kenny.
Killusty Soccer Club
We take this opportunity to offer our sincere condolences to our former player Eugene Walsh and his family on the death of his wife Tracy, we also extend our sympathies to Mark Prout and his family on the death of Mark’s father Seanie, May they rest in Gods peace.
St. Vincent de Paul
Families that may need help with this year’s Confirmation expenses are asked to contact any committee member of the Fethard St. Vincent de Paul or Denis Burke at (052) 6131852. Confirmation takes place in Fethard on Friday, March 11.
Fethard Bridge Club Results
On Wednesday, February 3, we had our charity night. Donations can still be made to our treasurer. This year the proceeds of the charity night will go to Fethard Day Care Centre and Fethard Christmas Lights. The results of the game were: 1st Gross, Frances Burke and Noel O’Dwyer; 2nd Gross, Berney Myles and Alice Quinn; 3rd Gross, Carol Kenny and Gemma Burke; 1st Nett, Madeleine O’Donnell and Mary Tierney; 2nd Nett, Ann O’Dea and Eileen Frewen; 3rd Nett, Joan Hayes and Teresa O’Brien.
On Wednesday, February 24, we play the third round of the Player of the Year competition. Please note that bridge now starts at 7.15pm sharp! Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 6132038.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on February 10 were: 11, 12, 24 and 28. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winner so the following three drawn tickets received €50 each: June Gough, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard; John Connolly, Clonmel; and Marie Allen, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard.
The three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners who also received €50 each were: Spud Culligan, Main Street, Fethard; Tossie Lawton, St., Patrick's Place, Fethard; Richard Allen, Cashel Road, Fethard.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, February 17. The Jackpot is €9,550 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €955. All proceeds go towards community projects in Fethard, and we thank you for your on-going support.
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 12, were 4, 16, 29 and 31. There was no jackpot winner and two match three winners of €50 each: William Connolly, The Green; and Cassidy Bradshaw c/o Benny Morrissey.
There will be a registration night for all our clubs in the Community Hall on Saturday February 20, at 7.30pm. The lotto draw will be held on the night. The jackpot is €18,400 and the sellers prize is €610.
Kieran's funeral arrangements
The death has occurred on Friday, February 12, 2016, of Kieran Walsh, Kilnockin, Fethard, following a tragic accident.
Kieran, deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving parents Owen and Maureen, his brothers Eugene, Donal, Patrick and Michael, his grandmother Bell, uncles, aunts, grand uncles, grand aunts, cousins, relatives and many friends. May he rest in peace.
Reposing at home on Wednesday, February 17, from 2pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass on Thursday in the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, at 11am, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. House private on Thursday morning please.
Brickx Club’ comes to Fethard
Fethard Convent Community Hall will host the Brickx Club Kilkenny and South Tipperary on Saturday, February 27 from 10am to 12 noon. The club gives children a platform of basic brick building skills. From there, help them explore their inventiveness through various themes and to use this inspiration to help accelerate learning and social skills in all areas. The Brickx Club was set up in 2013 by Kathy Lambkin who has 30 years experience as a Montessori Teacher.
The cost is €12 per child with sibling discounts available. To book a place please call or text 087 2417568.

'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.
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.Mon
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.
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