Died in England
The death has occurred on Thursday, July 28, of Con Fitzgerald, Queensbury, Bradford, England, and formerly from Knockelly, Fethard. The late Con was a loyal supporter of Fethard & Killusty Emigrants’ Newsletter every year and kept in touch with happenings in his home town. May he rest in peace.
Pilgrimage to Holy Year Cross on August 7
To avoid a ‘clash with the ash’, the Fethard & Killusty annual parish pilgrimage to Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon will take place on Sunday, August 7, with the usual starting time of 1pm from the Hill Wall.
As the walk from the designated car park in O’Donnell’s field to the Hill Wall will take about twenty minutes, we ask you to keep this in mind when you are planning your walk to the starting point, which will commence as close to time as possible. For those unable to make the climb, the Rosary will be recited in the tent from 1.30pm in O’Donnell’s field car park. Please invite your friends to come along and take part in this annual pilgrimage.
The Holy Year Cross was erected by the people of the parish to commemorate the 'Holy Year' and was blessed by the late Rev. Patrick O’Donnell, Archbishop of Brisbane, Australia, on August 15, 1950. The cross was made of wood and extended 12’ by 9’ and each year the Holy Year Cross was illuminated both on Christmas night and Easter time using a lamp powered by wet batteries. In 1974 the wood of the Holy Year Cross had suffered from the extreme climatic conditions on Slievenamon over the years and had to be replaced by a concrete structure. That year the annual procession also had Stations of the Cross with smaller crosses erected at intervals from the entrance to Slievenamon.
Leaving Cert students celebrate
Fethard Leaving Cert class of 2016 enjoying a social night out recently in Fethard. The class included Willie O’Meara, Sarah Looby, Dominic O’Dwyer, Alannah Coady, Michael O’Mahoney, Jamie Cahill, J.J. Freeman, Michael Whelan, Keith Cronin, Nathan Costin, Evan Murphy, Katie Whyte, Kiya Lawrence, Orla Walsh, Annie Prout and Louise Fitzgerald.
Emigrant’s Newsletter time again
As we head into the second half of 2016 and the summer sunlight slowly recedes, our thoughts and plans for this year’s issue of Fethard & Killusty Emigrants’ Newsletter are again with us. With this in mind we ask for your ideas, photographs and articles for inclusion in this year’s publication.
The first Fethard Newsletter, sent by the Legion of Mary, was dated ‘Christmas 1960, but on checking the dates of events and deaths featured, we discovered that they all happened in 1959. We can only conclude that the Newsletter was published in December 1959 and posted before January 1960. The newsletter has progressed immensely from that first double-sided A4 page, back in 1959, to the full colour 252-page book it is today. The appreciation expressed in letters from those living away from home every year, makes our efforts at home very worthwhile.
As life moves along, so does our readership – we lose some of our older long-time readers and supporters, and gain many younger readers who take their places. With this in mind also, it would be lovely to receive articles, long or short, from all sections of our community at home or away. Articles and photographs can be sent by email to: newsletter@fethard.com or by mail to: Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, Co. Tipperary, E91 XR26.
Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing on Sunday Night, July 31, 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.
New Veterinary Clinic open for business
Members of the extended Hennessy family photographed at the official opening Frances and John Hennessy’s new Veterinary Clinic on Main Street, Fethard, last weekend.
Friends, neighbours and customers turned up aplenty at the official opening of Fethard Veterinary Clinic on Main Street on last Friday evening to wish John and Frances Hennessy well in their new veterinary business in Fethard. All present were treated to delightful refreshments and entertainment by the extended Hennessy family, which was must appreciated.
Frances and John Hennessy photographed at the official opening of his new Fethard Veterinary Clinic last Friday evening
John formerly ran his business from his office based at Glanbia at Spittlefield. And can now be contacted on the same number: 052 6131374.
Barry Walsh (left) and Willie Ryan discussing the price of cattle at the official opening of Fethard Veterinary Clinic last weekend
Fethard & Killusty Community Council AGM
A reminder that 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.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on July 20 were: 11, 24, 25 and 31. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winner so the following three drawn tickets received €50 each: Luke Hackett, Strylea, Fethard; Nellie Ryan, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard; and Josephine Shelly, Moyglass.
The three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners who received €50 each were: Willie Harrington, Fr. Tirry Park. Fethard; Niall Connolly, c/o Eileen Connolly; and Alice Quinn, Burke St., 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.
Mouse to present Lord Killanin Cup
‘Mouse’ Morris (right) photographed with Noel Noonan of Manor Connemara Ponies along with ‘Banks Vanilla’, who won the Reserve Champion at the Connemara Pony Show 2015 in Clifden, Co. Galway.
Michael "Mouse" Morris, former jockey and trainer, winner of the Grand National and the Cheltenham Gold Cup and twice winner of the Irish Grand National recently paid a visit to the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society Showgrounds in Clifden, Co. Galway. Mouse is no stranger to the Clifden Show Ring, his father, Lord Killanin was president of the society from 1953 to 1972. Morris will be presenting the Lord Killanin cup for best three-year-old filly at the Clifden Connemara Pony Show on Thursday, August 18, 2016.
GAA Sports Development Lotto
The numbers drawn on Friday, July 22, were 20, 21, 33 and 36. There was no jackpot winner and no match three winner. One lucky dip winner received €50: Eddie Croke, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard. Four lucky dip winners received €25 each: Kay Spillane, Lowesgreen; Marie, Dessie & Paul c/o The Well; Gerry Fogarty, c/o Daybreak; and Rebecca Fleming, Gort An Oir, Fethard.
The next draw taken place on Friday, July 29, when the jackpot is €20,000 and the sellers prize is €840. 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.
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.
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.
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
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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