Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Tuesday, August 2, 2016, of Kevin O'Dwyer, Woodhouse, Fethard, suddenly, after a short illness. Very deeply regretted by his brothers, Liam, Gerry and Noel, sisters-in-law, Áine and Stephanie, niece Dara, cousins, relatives and many friends. Rest in Peace.
Reposing at O'Connell's Funeral Home, Killenaule, on Friday evening, August 5, from 5.30pm to 8pm, and arriving at St. Joseph the Worker Church, Moyglass, at 8.30pm. Funeral Mass on Saturday at 11.30am, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Support the Cappanagarrane Horse Rescue
Your support is asked for the Cappanagarrane Horse Rescue in Mullinahone by attending a special fundraising night's entertainment on Saturday, August 27, in the Clonmel Park Hotel, with music supplied by The Indians showband with special guest Noel Brady
This fundraiser is hoped to assist the superb work at the Cappanagarrane Horse Rescue by raising much needed funds for the day-to-day operation of looking after the horses. Tickets ar €15 each are available from the Park Hotel, Tel: (052) 6188700 or Anne at 086 0834208.
Killusty Tidy Village meeting
Killusty Tidy Village committee will hold a meeting on Thursday, August 11, at 7.30pm in the school hall, where we hope to plan for the year ahead and elect new members. All interested are invited to attend.
Bernadette Stocksborough Cup
Fethard’s ‘Blue’ and ‘White’ teams who both had tremendous performances in the inaugural Bernadette Stocksborough Under 17 Tournament, winning both the Shield and Cup finals.
On July 23, Fethard Ladies Football Club hosted the inaugural Bernadette Stocksborough Under 17 Tournament. Bernadette had been secretary of the Fethard Ladies Football Club and despite a long battle with cancer continued in her position to the end so it seemed a fitting tribute to her involvement and dedication to the club.
From the early stages of planning it was clear that every club member, committee member and supporter were behind the idea and it was no surprise that there were so many girls interested in playing that Fethard had to enter two teams in the blitz. Fethard’s ‘White’ and ‘Blue’ teams were accompanied in competition by Abbeyside, Fermoy, Moyle Rovers, Moycarkey, St.Pat’s/Commercials combination team and Templemore. From early morning it was clear that there was a certain buzz at the Barrack and School Fields as the sun came out and enough buns and sandwiches arrived to feed an army.
The blitz kicked off with the first game between Fethard White and St. Pat’s/Commercials combination team. It was fitting that the first goal of the tournament was scored in this game by Laura Stocksborough. Fethard had a good win and followed this with successive wins over Abbeyside and Moycarkey to top the group. St Pat’s/Commercials, Abbeyside and Moycarkey all finished level on points after their games which resulted in a 21 metre shoot out – St.Pat’s/Commericals won this and claimed second place in the Group to contest the Cup Semi-Final.
Fethard ‘Blue’ captain, Caoimhe O’Meara, receiving the the inaugural Bernadette Stocksborough Shield from the late Bernadette’s mother, Margaret Flanagan.
In Group B, a thrilling opening game resulted in a win for Moyle Rovers over Fermoy who went on to top the group undefeated. Fethard Blue opened with a draw against Templemore followed by a narrow loss to Moyle Rovers conceding a last minute goal. Fermoy defeated Fethard Blue in the final game of the group to go forward to the Cup Semi-Final.
In the Shield semi-final, Fethard Blue had a great win over Abbeyside while in the other semi-final Moycarkey defeated Templemore. In the final, following a very close encounter, Fethard Blue recorded a thrilling victory for this young team to huge roars from the supporters.
In the Cup semi-final, Fethard White defeated Fermoy 3-08 to 1-02 while Moyle Rovers came from behind to defeat St. Pat’s/Commercials setting up a repeat of last year’s County U16 Final between Moyle Rovers and Fethard. Fethard had a great win in a tough game on a scoreline of 1-6 to 0-4. It was a fitting end when the final goal of the day was also scored by Laura Stocksborough. Fethard recorded their fifth win to become deserving winners of a very memorable tournament.
Fethard ‘White’ captain, Sophie Ryan, receiving the the inaugural Bernadette Stocksborough Cup from the late Bernadette’s father, Mickey Flanagan.
The Stocksborough and Flanagan families along with the Fethard Ladies Football Club would like to extend their warm appreciation to all teams who participated on the day, to those who provided refreshments, refereed or helped in any way to make the day such a success. After the games a BBQ was enjoyed by all in Lonergans, thanks to Paul and Angela for the delicious food which finished off a great day for all involved.
Harp Concert highlight of Heritage Week
This year National Heritage Week runs from Saturday, August 20, to Sunday, August 28. Fethard Historical Society have drawn up an interesting programme of events for the week and have also arranged their 2016 outing to ‘1916 Dublin’ for Saturday, September 24, 2016.
The local highlight for Heritage Week, and for south Tipperary, will be the ‘Rising Stars Harp Concert’ in Old Holy Trinity Church on Saturday, August 27, at 8pm. This concert, jointly organised with The Royal Irish Academy of Music, will feature four of their best young harpists – ranging in age from 12 years to 31 years - and the entrance fee is only €5 per person, with children going free. The evening also includes a cheese and wine reception, so without doubt this concert will prove very popular indeed, especially with families who have budding musicians in their midst - whether traditional or classical, as the harpists will play from both repertoires. Tickets can be booked at mphanrahan@hotmail.com or by texting/phoning 087 900 97 22
Free Public Tours of Medieval Fethard
For Heritage Week also, the Historical Society have organised two Free Guided Tours of Medieval Fethard for locals and visitors alike. The Tours will take place on : Friday, August 26, at 7.30pm and Saturday, August 27, at 2.30pm. Tours will take one and a half hours (approx.) and will begin at The Footbridge in The Valley. Put the date and times in your diary, no need to book, just turn up for these free tours which are sponsored by the national Heritage Council. Information can be got from history@fethard.com or by texting /phoning 086 3905373.
Outing to ‘1916 Dublin’ on Saturday, September 24
Because this is the Centenary Year of the 1916 Rebellion the Historical Society have organised their main annual outing to Dublin City on Saturday, September 24. The tour will include Kilmainham Jail, Arbour Hill and Glasnevin Cemetery. Special tour slots have been booked in advance as these centres are all booked out during 2016, especially at weekends. As Guided Groups to the Dublin centres can only accommodate limited numbers, it is advisable to book your place as soon as possible if you ‘really’ want to join this outing.
Bookings and information for all events can be got from history@fethard.com or by texting or phoning 087 9009722.
Fethard Athletes compete in Munster Masters
Bernard Feery and Miceál McCormack, two Fethard AC athletes who performed well at the Munster Masters track and field championships held in Waterford Athletic Arena.
On Sunday last Fethard Athletic Club had only two participants at the Munster Masters track and field championships held in Waterford Athletic Arena. Early in the morning at 11am, club secretary Miceál McCormack lead the charge for a good while in the 3,000 meter walking event, eventually winning a gold medal in the over-65 age group in a personal best time. The track in the Arena was only laid two years ago and it was a wonderful experience to compete on it.
In the early afternoon Bernard Feery had his first race of the day – the 1,500 meters race - coming away with a good time and bronze medal. Bernard was well warmed up for his speciality event, the 3000 meters, which was to follow later. Needless to say, Bernard lead from the gun right up to the end, and after giving a flawless run to took the top honours.
The amount of hours these two athletes have put in over the year are a great example and yielded their deserved awards on Sunday. Well done boys. Training continues on Monday nights as usual at the Ballroom at 7pm, see ye there.
Nominations for Fethard Sports Achievement Award for July
The following nominees were received for the Butler’s Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for July:
- Paraic McCormack – Paraic was a member of the Tipperary Raceway team that won the Rosegreen Road Bowling tournament held last weekend.
- Willie Morrissey – Willie was this year’s Captain’s Prize winner at Cahir Park Golf Club.
- Kate Davey – a winner, with Tipperary, of the Munster U18 Ladies Football title.
- Paul Fitzgerald – selector on the Tipperary senior football team who had a fantastic win over Derry and Galway to reach the All-Ireland SF semi-finals.
- Lucy Spillane, Lauren Dowling, Laura Stocksborough, Muireann O'Connell, Alison Connolly, Carrie Davey, Niamh Hayes – seven All Ireland winners medals for these young Tipperary footballers during July.
- Paul Morrissey – this year’s Captains Prize winner at Slievenamon Golf Club.
- Michael Quinlan (jnr) – named as U13 player of the year at St Kevin’s Soccer Club.
The winner will be announced at 10pm on Friday night next, August 5, at a special function at Butlers Bar. All are welcome to come along.
Celebrating Tipp's win in Indonesia
Joe and Jack Lacy from Moyglass celebrating Tipp's great win over Derry in the Senior Football Championship, from the crater rim of Mt Rinjani in Indonesia. Rinjani is one of 129 active volcanoes in the ring of fire in Indonesia.
Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing on Sunday Night, August 7, to the music of ‘Peter Burke’. 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.
Readings for ‘Big Maggie’ production
Readings for Fionn Mac Cumhaill’s drama group’s November production of ‘Big Maggie’, by John B Keane, will take place on Wednesday, August 31, in The Thatch Cloneen at 8pm. This play will be staged end November/December in the following venues: Fethard Thurles and Kilkenny. For further details please phone: 086 0834208.
Sincere Thanks
Sincere thanks to the generous people of Fethard & Killusty who contributed to the annual collection of The Irish Pilgrimage Trust. €845 was donated. Many thanks also to those, who every year, do the collecting. This organisation takes local young people, with special needs to Lourdes at Eastertime. Application forms available now for future trips from Sr. Betty Cagney 086 6322341.
St. Patrick’s Place Reunion Meeting
Fethard Football Team from 1942 – one year after St. Patrick’s Place was built. Back L to R: Br. Albert Small, D. Wall, ?, B. Connors, M. Hayes, M. Byrne, J. Noonan, M. Fogarty, M. Cummins. Middle: M. Prout, D. Allen, J. O'Dwyer, P. Ahearne, M. Hickey. Front L to R: R. Hayes, M. O'Connor and J. Hayes.
A meeting for those interesting in holding a St. Patrick’s Place reunion will be held in the Tirry Centre at 8pm on Tuesday, August 16. If you have any ideas or are willing to get involved we would love for you to come along on the night. The reunion would include all the houses of St. Patrick’s Place and the people and relatives of people who lived there for any length of time. We would need to set up a small steering committee of interested people to make it happen so your attendance at this meeting is essential if we are to proceed. The reunion will be supported by Fethard & Killusty Community Council. Please spread the word to anybody interested in getting involved.
Moyglass schoolboys’ soccer registration
Moyglass Schoolboys Soccer Academy are holding their first training and registration session in the Community Hall field in Moyglass on Thursday, August 4, at 7.30pm for U11s to U14s. The soccer season starts back on August 27, and the under 6/8/10 academy will start back in Scoil Ruain’s Astroturf pitch in Killenaule on Saturday, September 3, at 10am. All welcome.
Fethard Rugby Club back training
Fethard Rugby Club’s senior and under-18s are back training on Friday nights at 8pm. There is also a coaching clinic held in the sportsfield starting on Tuesday, August 9, at 8pm. A clean up of the clubhouse and the environs will take place on Saturday, August 6, followed by complementary Budweiser barbecue. All welcome.
Pilgrimage to Holy Year Cross this Sunday
A final reminder that our annual pilgrimage to the Holy Year Cross, takes place this coming Sunday, August 7. The starting time is 1pm from the hill wall. Rosary will be recited in the tent by the Mass Rock from 1.30pm and Mass will be celebrated at 3pm approx, when the walkers return.
In the past your generous donations went for the upkeep of the crosses, this year all donations will go to the Fethard Scouts, who have been great supporters of ours down through the years and their tent has protected us from sun and rain, so please give what you can.
We hope that many of you can join us on this special day in the parish and spend a little time on this beautiful mountain that is right on our doorstep.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on July 27 were: 3, 11, 16 and 17. There was no jackpot winner and three ‘Match Three’ winners who received €50 each: Tom Tobin, Knockinglass; Jennifer and Rachel Cooke, c/o Anna Cooke; Teresa Roche, Woodvale Walk, Fethard.
The ‘Lucky Dip’ winners who received €50 each were:
Peter Gough, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard; and Marie Barton, Kilbury, Cloneen.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, August 3. 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 29, were 3, 14, 23 and 24. There was no jackpot winner and two match three winners who received €100 each. Two lucky dip winners received €25 each: Tossie Lawton, St. Patrick’s Place; and Breda Walsh, Tullamaine.
The next draw takes place on Friday, August 5, when the jackpot is €20,000 and the sellers prize is €850. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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