Bernadette Stocksborough remembered

The late Bernadette Stocksborough who will be honoured by Fethard Ladies Football Club in the running of an Under 17 tournament on Saturday, July 23, in Fethard at 12 noon

The late Bernadette Stocksborough was secretary of the Fethard Ladies Football Club and died after a long battle with cancer on March 19, 2016.

Bernadette did not let her illness mar her commitment to the club and like most parents, she got involved by attending matches and was a valued member of the club. Bernadette was humorous and always a valued supporter of the teams at all ages, her witty remarks will sadly be missed on the side-line.

When the need for a new secretary arose, she accepted the challenge without any hesitation from the very start. Like most things in her life she carried out the role with dedication and professionalism. Bernadette instigated the most improved player award which meant a lot to those who received the trophies. This award is still going strong today and will do into the future.

Bernadette was very popular with the players and parents alike and took her position in the club as a mentor as well as supporter very seriously. She attended all the girls’ matches even when weather conditions were against her. One of Bernie's proudest moments was in the Under 16 A county final when the game looked to be slipping away when her daughter Laura scoured the winning goal to win the club’s first Under 16 A County title.

The testament to Bernie’s popularity was the huge turnout at the removal at her home in Knockforlagh and at the funeral mass in Fethard. There was a guard of honour provided by the Fethard Ladies Football Club, Tipperary Ladies Football U16 Team, St Rita’s Camogie Club and Students from Rockwell Collage. We know for sure the Fethard Ladies Football Club’s loss is heaven’s gain.

As a club we can only offer the Stocksborough and Flanagan families our support especially to Peter, Laura and David and for them to know that our time with Bernadette will live long in our memories. Bernadette will be a part of the history of Fethard Ladies Football Club.

In Bernadette’s honour, the club will hold an Under 17 tournament on Saturday, July 23, in Fethard at 12 noon. It will fun day for all the family with teams from Fethard, Abbeyside, St Patrick’s, Clonmel Commercials, Fermoy, Moyle Rovers and Templemore. The teams with be playing for a cup and a shield which will be named in Bernadette’s memory. Your support will be greatly appreciated.

River Suir Public Meeting

The Waters and Communities Office are holding a series of public workshops to discuss the potential of the River Suir and its tributaries, possible management options, funding for various projects and a shared vision for the future. The date for the Fethard Workshop is Wednesday, July 27, at Fethard Convent Community Hall from 7pm to 8pm.

We have no agenda other than to get a conversation started and see where it takes us. The meetings will start at around 7pm in the evenings. Dr Fran Igoe, Regoinal Co-ordinator, who has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in river based projects and his colleagues, as well as a representative from Tipperary County Council will be there to help develop a shared vision and provide practical advice based on past experiences.

On the River Suir the built heritage, historic weirs, navigation towpaths, angling pools and boating traditions illustrate how important the river has been over the centuries. And today this importance continues in the form of angling, tourism, kayaking and other recreational pursuits. The importance of a plentiful supply of clean water is self-explanatory whether it is for drinking, provisioning for livestock or for bathing. It is well known that the River Suir holds the Irish record for a salmon caught on rod and line weighing in at a massive 57 lb. More over the river is also an internationally important brown trout fishery and is recognized internationally for its habitats supporting a range of rare mammals, fish, birds and invertebrates.

Veterinary Clinic opens on Main Street

Local vet John Hennessy with his son James photographed at the Pony Trials held in Grove Estate last Sunday. John has recently moved his Veterinary Clinic for small and large animals to his new premises on Main Street.

Best wishes to John Hennessy who has moved his Veterinary Clinic for small and large animals to his new premises on Main Street. John formerly ran his business from his office based at Glanbia at Spittlefield. In this recessionary times it’s always very welcome to see a new business open on Main Street and we wish him well. John’s phone number remains the same: 052 6131374.

Host families required for students
Host families are required in and around Fethard for visiting secondary school students. One is a German 15 year-old boy who will attend Patrician Presentation Secondary School from September to January 2017; and the second is a 16 year-old student from the USA who also requires a host family from September to May, 2017. Families are paid at the end of each month. For further details please contact: Susan on Tel: 086 1574880.

Outing this Friday to Killurney Gardens
The Fethard Historical Society are going to visit the wonderful gardens of Mildred Stokes at the foot of Slievenamon in Killurney this Friday evening, July 22, at 7.30pm.

The backdrop to these gardens are the great woods of Killurney, Ballyknockin and Kilcash. It was in this same wood that one Edmund Madden was shot by the Cody brothers, Harry and Philip, at 6am on the morning of Friday, July 9, 1847, in the full view of scores of workers who were ‘debarking’ oak trees for the Marquis of Ormond. The broad outline of this story will also be recounted on the evening.
The starting time is 7.30pm and as there is limited parking at the gardens it is best to park at Killurney School and walk up to the gardens (less than 10 minutes on a quiet lane at the rear of the school).

People can meet also at 7pm at Fethard’s Town Hall for car-pooling.
The cost is €5 per adult and all proceeds go to Multiple Sclerosis Ireland. To help gauge numbers the organisers would appreciate if you let them know if you indent to travel by email: history@fethard.com or phone 086 3905373. Thank You.

Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing on Sunday Night, July 24, to the music of ‘Dermot Lyons’. 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.

Pony Trials at Grove

Enjoying the pony trials at Grove Estate last weekend were L to R: Marie Smyth and Concepta Hurley

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on July 13 were: 1, 12, 16 and 22. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: Ellen Croke, c/o Day Care Centre.

The three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners who received €50 each were: William O'Meara, Woodvale Walk, Fethard; Denis O'Meara, c/o Butler's Bar; and Margaret Doocey, Abbey Road, Fethard.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, July 20. The Jackpot is €10,000 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €1,000. All proceeds go towards community projects in Fethard, and we thank you for your on-going support.

GAA Sports Development Lotto
The numbers drawn on Friday, July 15, were 4, 12, 15 and 16. There was no jackpot winner and three match three winners who received €50 each: Anne Marie Moroney, Tullamaine; Danny Kane, Kerry Street; and Gerry Hannon, Crossard.

The next draw taken place on Friday, July 22, when the jackpot is €20,000 and the sellers prize is €830. 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.

June winner of Fethard Sports Achievement Award

Barry O’Connor, Accounting & Bookkeeping Service, Clonmel, presenting the Butler’s Bar Sports Achievement Award for June to Michael Duffey, who represented the winner, racehorse trainer, Joe Murphy.

The winner of the Butler’s Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for June was Joe Murphy in recognition of his ‘purple patch’ during June with a total of six winners along with six placed horses. Unfortunately Joe was unable to attend the award ceremony due to prior commitments and was represented by staff member, Michael Duffy, who accepted the award on his behalf.

The June award was sponsored by Barry O’Connor, Accounting & Bookkeeping Service, Clonmel. Nominations for July are now been taken at Butler’s Bar or by email at: sportsaward@fethard.com


L to R: Alison Connolly and Carrie Davey who represented the Fethard Ladies U14 Camogie Team at the presentation of the Butlers Sports Achievement Award for June.

Fethard & Killusty Community Council AGM
The AGM of Fethard & Killusty Community Council will take place on Tuesday, August 9, at 8pm in the Tirry Community Centre, Barrack Street, Fethard. All are welcome.

Married Recently

The wedding took place at Holy Trinity Chuch of Ireland, Fethard, on Thursday, June 30, of Sarah, daughter of Willie and Catherine Ryan, Rockspring, Cashel Road, Fethard, to Steve Mascord, Sydney, Australia.

Gleeson Clan Gathering
We were asked to notify all the local Gleeson family members that a ‘Gleeson Clan Gathering’ is being organised and will run from August 19-24, in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. There are tours and many social events throughout the week including lectures on Friday 19, and Saturday 20, at the Scouts’ Hall on topics as diverse as chain migration, researching Estate Papers, DNA, the Ancient Annals, and the role of the Gleesons in WWI, 1916, the Eureka Stockade, & the Papal Wars. For information go to: www.gleesongathering.blogspot.ie

UCD King John 800 Conference, Dublin Castle
The story of Fethard began with the coming of the Anglo-Normans to Ireland eight centuries ago. The low hill on which the town is sited was chosen as the location of a major settlement by a Norman lord, almost certainly William de Braose who had been installed by King John in 1201 as the chief tenant of a very substantial territory encompassing most of the modern county Tipperary.

The following information was brought to our attention by architectural historian, Prof. Tadhg O'Keeffe, who is fondly remembered in Fethard for his many informative lectures and his publication in 1995 of the ‘Archaeological and Historical Survey of Fethard’, commissioned by South Tipperary County Council, and in 2003, for his publication. ‘Irish Historic Towns Atlas: No. 13 Fethard’, as part of the Royal Irish Academy's brilliant Historic Town series.
UCD are hosting a major three-day International conference, from September 8-10, 2016, to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the death of King John. It will be the largest ever gathering of specialists in the life and legacy of John.

King John was the most important English king in Irish history, who died 800 years ago this year. This is a unique opportunity to hear the leading experts, Irish and international, historians and archaeologists, speak on King John's career.

We would love to see people attend who have a passion for local history. John was an internationally important king but no corner of Ireland was unaffected by events of his reign.
For further information contact Fethard Historical Society or visit website: www.kingjohn800.com

Hunting News

Ballylusky White Heather Harriers Huntsman Donie Slattery and his son Cillian pictured with Reserve Show Champion 'Damper' and the winning trophy outside Stradbally Hall.

The Ballylusky White Heather Harriers paid a very successful visit to the Irish Master of Foxhounds, Irish Harriers Association and the Irish Master of Beagles All Ireland Championship Show at Stradbally, Co. Laois, on Sunday, July 3, last. In their section, they won First and Second Prizes in the Un-entered Bitch Class with 'Damper' (First) and 'Dapple' Second and First Prize in the Un-entered Couple Class with the same pair. They took Second Prize with 'Cuckoo' in the Entered Bitch Class. They had Fourth Prize with 'Arab' in the Entered Dog Class. They also took Reserve Show Champion with 'Damper'.

Affiliated to the Irish Master of Foot Harriers Association this small pack deserve highest congratulations on their success. To win an All-Ireland in any championship is a great achievement and Stradbally is no exception. The B.W.H.H. are a completely voluntary run outfit, all work being done by willing members. The Hounds shown in Stradbally were shown (an art in itself) by huntsman Donie Slattery ably assisted by his two sons Cillian and Cathal.

Memorial Tractor Run in aid of Fethard School
The Henry Smyth Memorial Tractor Run will take place on Sunday, July 24, from Moyglass Village with registration at 11.30am. This year's run is in aid of Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School and all tractors are welcome to participate.

Over the weekend you will also have a Karaoke competition on Friday, July 22; A Hog Roast with live music on Saturday, July 23, and the 1916 Re-enactment on Sunday with lots of traditional music - all at The Village Inn.

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.

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

'My Home Place’, a history project for schools organised by Fethard Historical Society, attracted a large number of excellent entries from the pupils of Fethard and Killusty primary schools. The project was designed to encourage pupils to ask and learn about their own families, home and environs. Pictured above are the Fethard pupils who were presented with certificates by Terry Cunningham, Chairman Fethard Historical Society. Back L to R: Eimear Gahan, Pamela Burke, Fiona Maher, Gillian O’Keeffe, Pamela Daly, Linda Corcoran, Aideen O’Donnell, Lena O’Connell. Middle L to R: Sr. Mary, Terry Cunningham, Mary Costello, Gillian O’Brien, Julianne Smith, Edwina McGrath, Donna Walsh, Noel Meaney and Shane Walsh (for Paddy Cooney), Maureen Maher (teacher) and Mary Hanrahan (teacher). Front L to R: Lisa O’Donnell, Elaine Williams, Marissa Roche, Nicola Lonergan, Noelle Leahy, Yvette Walsh, Patrice Tobin and Sr. Maureen, Principal Nano Nagle Primary School. (June 23, 1995).

Bill O’Sullivan and Tom Purcell in fancy dress at the ‘Fethard Bachelor of the Year’ competition held at Fethard Ballroom on February 24, 1995.


Fethard bachelor Joe Hanly gets a big congratulatory kiss from competition organiser Catriona Stapleton after he beat stiff competition to win the ‘Fethard Bachelor of the Year 1995’ award before a capacity crowd at Fethard Ballroom on February 24, 1995. Over twenty bachelors, young and old, were interviewed and put through their paces by a very capable Gerry Fogarty and Marie Crean. Pictured above are L to R: Jimmy Mullins (2nd); Joe Hanly (winner); Catriona Stapleton (organiser); Vincent Cummins (3rd). At the back is Fethard Festival Mayoral candidate, Mick Ahearn, who put the proceeds of the night towards his campaign.


Male cast of Fethard Hogan Musical Society's 'Hello Dolly' photographed on stage at rehearsal on March 1, 1995. Back L to R: Gerry Fogarty, Jimmy O'Shea, Michael O'Brien, John Ward, Francis Lonergan, Sean Doyle, Miceál McCormack, Stephen McCormack. Front L to R: Micheál Maher, Barry Connolly, John Fogarty, Michael McCarthy, Paul O'Meara and Fr. Sean Ryan.

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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