Celebrating 10 Years in Business
This September, Iain and Claire Meagher are celebrating 10 years in business with their Garage and Daybreak Supermarket in Kerry Street. To commemorate this achievement the owners are holding an anniversary party and fundraising event on Saturday, August 27, 2016, from 11am to 3pm and all are welcome to come along.
With the Audi A1 Beat Fleet in attendance between noon and 2pm, there will also be a car display, face painting, BBQ and raffle - with the chance of winning a 32 inch LED TV, Manchester United jersey and lots more! Collections and donations made on the day will be donated to St Vincent De Paul and the Fethard Local Community Playground.
Garden of Remembrance Mass
Mass will be celebrated in the Garden of Remembrance, Ballynonty, on Thursday, August 18, at 7pm, for the lives of loved ones, friends and family members who tragically died on the roads near Ballynonty and the surrounding areas. All are very welcome.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Thursday, August 11, 2016, of James Curran, Barrack Street, Fethard. James, deeply regretted by his daughter Lily, father Derry, brother Stephen, sisters Dorothy and Siobhan, brother-in-law William, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace.
Reposing at his father's home in Woodvale Walk, Fethard, on Saturday, August 13, from 4pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass in the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, on Sunday, August 14, at 11am followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. House private on Sunday morning please.
‘Atlantic’ film to be screened in Abymill, Fethard
Fethard’s Abymill Theatre will screen the award-winning documentary ‘Atlantic’ at 8.15pm on Thursday night, August 25, as part of National Heritage Week. Admission is €2.
‘Atlantic’, directed by Risteard O’Domhnaill (Cahir) and narrated by Emmy Award-winning actor Brendan Gleeson, was awarded Best Irish Documentary at the Dublin International Film Festival 2016.
The film follows the fortunes of three small fishing communities in Ireland, Newfoundland and Norway, as they struggle to maintain their way of life in the face of mounting economic and ecological challenges. As the oil majors drive deeper into their fragile seas, and the world’s largest fishing companies push fish stocks to the brink, coastal people and the species they rely on may be reaching a point of no return.
Filmed in some of the most remote and breath-taking locations in the North Atlantic, and at close quarters with some of the sea’s most captivating characters, Atlantic will bring the very personal stories in the vital resource debate to the fore, exploring how three modern day communities must learn from the past, in order to secure a brighter future.
Irish Times review: “Entertaining, informative and essential” – 4 Stars.
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.
Pilgrimage to Holy Year Cross
Fethard and Killusty parishioners photographed at the Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon last Sunday, August 7.
Last Sunday afternoon we had another beautiful day on Sliabh Na mBan, the sun shone, the crowds came and the cup of tea never tasted better. We started at the hill wall where Fr Gerry Horan OSA led the prayers from the wall to the cross.
When we arrived back down to O'Donnells field, Mass was celebrated by Canon Tom Breen P.P. and Fr Gerry Horan. After Mass everyone enjoyed a much-appreciated cup of tea and refreshments. We’re not sure where the huge amount of food came from, but thank you to all who played their part in supplying it.
Members of the Keane family from The Green photograped at the annual pilgrimage to Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon. L to R: Kathleen Keane, Joisie Kennedy, Paul Keane, John Keane, Sennan Keane, Margaret Keane, Laoise Keane and Margaret Keane (wife of the late Joe Keane).
While on the subject of ‘thank yous’, I must say a word of thanks to all those who helped out in any way to make this such a special and enjoyable day in the parish. Firstly, a big thank you as always to the O'Donnell family for letting us invade their field and for the hours of work they put in in preparation. Canon Tom Breen and Fr Gerry Horan, thank you both for giving your time and your kind words for keeping the tradition alive. Also a huge thank you to each of the following for their part played in making this day happen: Laurence Kenny, John and Joe Lee, Billy and Josephine Prout, Gus and Josie Fitzgerald, Sean Collins, Jack Ormond, Pat and Bobbi Holohan, Kieran Butler, Rena Sheehan, Paul Duggan, Leo Darcy, Bobby Phelan, John Walsh, Fethard & District Day Care Centre and our grand marshal, Christy Williams. If anyone is omitted please forgive me.
We collected over €200 on the day which was donated to Fethard Scouts who are extremely helpful with organising the facilities every year. We thank and appreciate all who gave money for this very active and deserving group of boys and girls.
The biggest appreciation, of course, goes to all of you who took the time and effort to join us on this special day, as we have said in the past, your presence makes all our efforts worthwhile, and if God spares us the health, we will do it again next year.
– K.T. R.
Community Games
Fethard & Killusty Community Games Committee wish to thank everybody who contributed to their church gate collection last weekend. Proceeds of which go towards the high cost involved in sending 17 competitors to the National Finals in Athlone over the next two weekends.
 Best of luck to Mark O’Meara, Redcity who will represent Tipperary for the second successive year in U10 Handwriting and to the U12 girls football team, Munster champions, who play Leinster in the first semifinal on weekend two. The team consists of Heather Spillane (captain), Kelly Ryan, Lily O’Mahony, Rose O’Donnell, Katie Wyse, Isobel Maher, Aoife Harrington, Jessica Moloney, Lucy Kenny, Emily Davey, Ciara O’Meara, Grainne Murray, Emily Spillane, Kaycie Aherne, Aine Connolly and Nicole Delaney. The team managers are: Micheál Spillane, Sean Og Ryan and Sandra Spillane.
Meeting for St. Patrick’s Place Reunion
A meeting for those interesting in help organise a St. Patrick’s Place reunion will be held in the Tirry Centre at 8pm on Tuesday next, 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 help 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.
Charity Opera Night at Clonacody House
Clonacody House will host two evenings of Opera, Music, Tapas and Wine in the gardens of Clonacody House, in support of Fethard & District Day Care Centre, on Friday, August 26 at 8pm and Saturday, August 27, at 7.15pm. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by internationally known tenor Marco Bianco, soprano Barbara Grossi, baritone bass Derek Ryan, contralto Sarah-Ellen Murphy, accompanied by concert pianist Massimiliano Franchina.
Tickets at €50 per person (limited) with smart dress code suitable for outdoor marquee venue. To reserve your seat contact: Helen at (087) 1689167 Email: helen@clonacodyhouse.com
'Magnificent Seven' win July Sports Award
Fethard’s All-Ireland medal winners with the Tipperary Ladies football team, and winners of the Fethard Sports Achievement Award for July are photographed here at the presentation held in Butler’s Sports Bar last weekend. Back L to R: Michael ‘Mouse’ Morris (sporting guest), Laura Stocksborough, Carrie Davey, Kevin Coffey (representing sponsor Thurles Cash & Carry), Liam Hayes (team coach). Front L to R: Lauren Dowling, Lucy Spillane, Alison Connolly and Muireann O’Connell.
The joint winners of the Butler’s Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for July, presented on Friday night last, were seven of our local young ladies who have enjoyed a tremendous month, resulting in taking home seven All-Ireland winners medals playing with the County Tipperary ladies football team. All seven – Lucy Spillane, Lauren Dowling, Laura Stocksborough, Muireann O’Connell, Alison Connolly, Carrie Davey and Niamh Hayes were presented with their award by special sporting guest, Michael ‘Mouse’ Morris. This month’s awards were sponsored by Thurles Cash and Carry, represented by Kevin Coffey.
Special Sports Guest, Mouse Morris, photographed at the presentation of the July Award last weekend, with L to R: Rena Sheehan, Maura Ryan, Ann Daly and Monica Pollard.
Nominations are now being taken for the August award, which will be presented early next month.
Killusty Soccer Club
We take this opportunity to offer our deepest condolences to the family of the late Kevin O’Dwyer, Woodhouse, Fethard, who died last week. To our club lotto partners, Moyglass United, you too have lost a great friend and a fantastic clubman. Our sympathies also go to our former player, Eddie Fox, and his family on the recent death of his wife Verona. May they both rest in God’s peace.
Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing on Sunday Night, August 14, 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.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on August 3 were: 5, 9, 18 and 25. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: Geraldine McCarthy, Kerry Street, Fethard.
The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Andrea Carroll, Lonergan's Bar, Fethard; Simon Delahunty, Market Hill, Fethard; and John Maher, Kilnockin Road, Fethard.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, August 10. 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, August 5, were 2, 12, 23 and 29. There was no jackpot winner and one match three winner who received €100: The Abymill Theatre. Two lucky dip winners received €25 each: Paddy Brett, c/o Eoin Whyte; and Stephanie Johnson, Main Street, Fethard.
The next draw takes place on Friday, August 12, when the jackpot is €20,000 and the sellers prize is €860. 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.
All Ireland Feile Football Title for Fethard Girls
All-Ireland Feile Champions - Fethard U14 girls team, winners of the U14 All Ireland Feile football final against the giants of Kerry, Laune Rangers.
On Friday, June 24, the U14 girls left Fethard to play in the U14 All Ireland Feile football finals to our hosts Ballymacelligott in Kerry. Abbeydorney was the venue for our first two fixtures where we played Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, and Abbeydorney, Co. Kerry.
After our games in Abbeydorney we all met up in the Earl of Desmond Hotel in Tralee where the girls were introduced to their host families. Dinner and entertainment was provided by the Ballymacelligott club, which was greatly appreciated. On Saturday morning our final group game was against our host team, which ended in a draw. We travelled to Knocknagree in Cork for our quarter-final against Mallow where the Fethard girls proved far to strong for their opponents running out winners on a scoreline of Fethard 4-13 Mallow 1-03.
This put us into a semi final ironically against our host Ballymacelligott which was to be played on Sunday morning in Na Gael park in Tralee. On Saturday evening we all travelled to Tralee for the traditional Feile parade where all teams marched through the town behind their club flags with crowds cheering each club on.
Sunday morning was an early start with all the girls attending a special Feile mass at 8am in Clogher church. At Na Gael Park, 10.30am was throw in time for the semifinal against our hosts Ballymacelligott. In an exciting game of football, which could have gone either way, the Fethard girls to the delight of their supporters were victorious on a scoreline of Fethard 3-04, Ballymacelligott 1-06. After the game a presentation was made to the Ballymacelligott ladies football club in appreciation of the welcome and hospitality shown to all the girls and parents over the three days.
We were now in an All Ireland Final against the giants of Kerry’s Laune Rangers which was to be played in the famed Austin Stacks Park Tralee. Even though the girls were tired they took up the challenge with great determination. Laune Rangers proved tough opposition and immediately went on the attack playing some super football. They kicked some great points to take an early lead but the Fethard girls kept in touch and before half time scored an excellent goal to go in at half time 1 point ahead.
The second half proved to be very close and we trailed by a point with two minutes remaining when the Fethard girls attacked from deep in search of an equalising point, when a long range shot where we hoped for a point dipped under the crossbar for a goal, to put Fethard two points ahead.
The Laune Rangers girls came searching for a match winning goal but were denied by some excellent defending and when the final whistle sounded there was great celebrations from the large crowd of Fethard supporters who were thrilled to have witnessed this historic occasion – a first All-Ireland for Fethard Ladies.
On our arrival back to Fethard the girls were paraded around the town on a trailer and finished up at the GAA field where a large crowd had gathered to greet the All-Ireland winning panel. Amid a sea of blue flags the girls were called up individually and presented with their medals by Fr. Tom Breen P.P.
Celebrations continued long into the night to finish off what was a perfect weekend. We offer our host families and the Ballymacelligott club a sincere thank you as the girls were treated extremely well and had a great weekend. A huge thank you to everyone who helped out over the weekend especially the selectors, Annette Connolly, Adrian Bradshaw, Micheál Spillane, Willie Morrissey and P.J. Hayes. As this was our first time representing Tipperary in Feile we travelled to Kerry on Friday unsure what was facing us, but to come home All-Ireland winners was a dream come true and it will be long remembered by the girls and all Fethard people present.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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