'An Autumn Evening in Concert'

Fethard Holy Trinity National school presents 'An Autumn Evening in Concert' in the Holy Trinity Parish Church on Friday October 14th 2016 at 8 pm . The Clonmel Concert Band (South of Ireland Band Champions 2016) will perform with the Unity Singers from Kilkenny and very special guest, Bass Baritone Derek Ryan.

Tickets are €10 and the proceeds from the night will fund a new Musical Programme in the Holy Trinity National School. Tickets are available from Holy Trinity National School and the Post Office in Fethard, Marian’s Bookshop , Clonmel, The Village Grill, Clerihan, Cloneen Post Office and Killenaule Post Office.

This will be a unique occasion with sixty musicians and singers performing in the Parish Church in Fethard.

County Junior B title for Fethard Ladies

Fethard Ladies Football team, County Junior B champions 2016.

On Saturday, September 17, Fethard Junior Ladies team headed to Cahir in search for the clubs first Junior B title, having previously played Gortnahoe before and beaten them in the league final. However, a different Gortnahoe team turned out – a more physical and fitter team than before. In the first minute of the game the Fethard girls got off to a fine start with Laura Stocksborough hitting the net and getting the first score. Gortnahoe came back with a vengeance with a point from Deirdre Dunne from play and two frees by Ailish Langton. Fethard went ahead again with a point from play from full forward Leah Coen. Gortnahoe replied with an Alisha Langton point from play. The tension was unbelievable with the two contrasting sides – the physical Gortnahoe and the young Fethard team. Just before half time Laura Stocksborough put Fethard ahead with a point from play leaving the half-time score, Fethard 1-02 Gortnahoe 0-04.

In the second half the Fethard girls started well with two points from Kate Davey putting them 3 points ahead. Gortnahoe introduced sub Aine Fahey who increased the intensity of the game. Both teams fought hard, clashed up and down the field and onlookers could barely draw a breath. Gortnahoe refused to give up as Denise O'Connor got a well-taken goal to level the match. Kate Davey replied with a free and Deirdre Dunne did likewise for Gortnahoe. A well-worked move from Fethard finished with a Laura Stocksborough point but Gortnahoe equalised once more with a point from Ailish Langton. Kate Davey once again put Fethard ahead with time just up but Gortnahoe responded with a equalising point with the last kick of the game.

It was now down to extra time to separate both these teams. Gortnahoe went into the lead for the first time in the game with a point by Denise O'Connor. Fethard refused to give up and a excellent score by sub Niamh Hayes levelled the match once more. The second half of extra time began with a Kate Davey point and Gortnahoe replied with a point from Deirdre Dunne. With time running out and light fading Fethard mounted one last attack and were awarded a free which Kate Davey pointed to put Fethard 1 point ahead. It took some excellent defending from Fethard in the closing stages to hold out and to secure a historic win. It was with much delight joint captains Megan Coen and Ciara Hayes received the cup from Tipp Chairperson Biddy Ryan.

This was a great achievement from a young Fethard team. A ever dependable goalkeeper Rachel Prout supported by a tigerish back line of Maeve Elle Ryan, Sophie Ryan, Carrie Davey, Molly O'Meara, Lauren Dowling and Ciara Hayes. The engines of the team in midfield was ‘player of the match’ Kate Davey, ably assisted by Lucy Spillane. While up front we had trojan work from Muireann O'Connell, Laura Stocksborough, Megan Coen and the inside line of Sophie Delaney, Leah Coen and Aine O'Connell. Subs used on the day were Grainne Horan and Niamh Hayes. While also on the panel were Sadhbh Horan, Jessica Dowling, Katie Ryan, Alison Connolly, Maggie Fitzgerald, Nell Spillane, Sally Butler and Caoimhe O'Meara. Huge credit to manager Chris Coen who trained the girls throughout the year and was instrumental in the team wining both the league and cup double.


Ladies Football chairperson, Biddy Ryan (centre), presenting the County Junior B Cup to joint captains Ciara Hayes (left) and Megan Coen.


Ladies Football chairperson, Biddy Ryan (left), presenting the the ‘Player of the Match’ trophy to Kate Davey.

Died Recently in Kerry
The death has occurred on Thursday, September 22, 2016, of Joan Connolly (née O`Meara), Doon Road, Ballybunion, Kerry, and formerly, Knockbrack, Fethard, peacefully at home in the loving care of her family. Joan, beloved wife of Patsy, loving mother to Marie, Noreen, Carmel, Lynda, Caroline, Elaine and Joanne, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her daughter Ann. Deeply regretted by her sister Mary (Canada), nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends. Joan will be forever in our hearts and sorely missed.

Reposing at Lynch's Funeral Home, Ballybunion Saturday, September 24, from 6pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass at 11.30am on Sunday, 25th September, in St. John's Church, Ballybunion - burial afterwards in adjoining cemetery.

'The Adams Family' coming to The Abymill

In the kooky, upside-down world of the Addams Family, to be sad is to be happy, to feel pain is to feel joy, and death and suffering are the stuff of their dreams. Nonetheless, this quirky family still has to deal with many of the same challenges faced by any other family, and the spookiest nightmare faced by every family creates the focus Lippa, Brickman, and Elice’s musical: the Addams kids are growing up. The Addamses have lived by their unique values for hundreds of years and Gomez and Morticia, the patriarch and matriarch of the clan, would be only too happy to continue living that way. Their dark, macabre, beloved daughter Wednesday however, is now an eighteen year-old young woman who is ready for a life of her own. She has fallen in love with Lucas Beineke, a sweet, smart boy from a normal, respectable Ohio family — the most un-Addams sounding person one could be! And to make matters worse, she has invited the Beinekes, Lucas' parents, Mal and Alice to their home for dinner. In one fateful, hilarious night, secrets are disclosed, relationships are tested, and the Addams family must face up to the one horrible thing they’ve managed to avoid for many generations; Change.

'The Adams Family' will be staged in The Abymill Theatre, Fethard, on Friday, September 30, Saturday, October 1, and Sunday, October 2. Tickets can be booked by calling 087 2345760. Show starts at 8.15pm. Cast as follows: Gomez Addams (Kevin Fahey); Morticia Addams (Holly-Jean Williamson); Wednesday Addams (Jordan Freeman); Pugsley Addams (Jack Mulcahy); Grandma Addams (Anne Williamson); Festor (Patrick Dunne); Lurch (Killian Skorka); Lucas (John-Paul Fitzgerald); Alice Beineke (Olwyn Grogan); and Mal Beineke ( David Hughes).

Bunny Hop Music & Movement
Bunny Hop Music & Movement has recommenced on Monday mornings from 10am to 11am at Fethard Convent Community Hall. For further information contact Nicola at: 087 6742401 or visit www.bunnyhop.ie

Playing for Munster U18 Rugby

Ross McCormack’s photographed with his biggest family fans after his Munster U18 Rugby game against Connacht

Congratulations to Fethard Rugby Club's two U18s, Dorothy Wall and Ross McCormack, who were both chosen to play for Munster on Saturday last. The girls won their first ever U18s Inter Provincial overcoming Connacht 33-7 in Ballincollig, Cork, and the boys Munster U18 Clubs team overcame Connacht 35-17 in their game played in the Sportsground, Galway.


Dorothy Wall playing for Munster U18 Ladies Team

‘Harvest Dance’ in aid of CARE
Fethard Ballroom will host a ‘Harvest Dance’ in aid of CARE (Cancer Aftercare Relaxation Education) support centre in Clonmel, on the bank-holiday weekend Saturday, October 29. Music will be provided by the exciting ‘JigJam’ bluegrass band featuring local musician Gavin Strappe, followed by D.J, Kumar.
Tickets are now on sale from Fethard Post Office and Dalton’s Pharmacy at €10 each. Door’s open at 9.30pm with full bar extension. Over 18s only and a strict door policy will apply.

‘Incredible Years’ Programme starting soon
The Incredible Years Programme will be delivered in the Fr. Tirry Community Centre, Barrack Street, Fethard, on Thursday mornings over a 10-week period, beginning on Thursday, October 6, from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

This programme gives insight into the developing minds of children aged 3–6, and provides a great opportunity for parents, grandparents, child-minders and carers to gain strategies for supporting children in the early years in a positive way. The programme promotes children's confidence and self-esteem.

Cost to participants is free. For more information and to book a place please contact Julie O’Halloran on Tel: (052) 9157992.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Tuesday, September 20, 2016, of Margaret ‘Peg’ Sheehan (née O'Connor), 25 St Patrick's Place, Fethard. Margaret (Peg), predeceased by her loving son Tony, deeply regretted by her loving husband Johnny, daughters, Mary, Terri and Phyllis, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, daughter-in-law Margaret, relatives, neighbours and friends. Rest in Peace.

Reposing at her residence on Friday, September 23, from 3pm with prayers at 7pm. Removal on Sunday morning at 9.15am to The Church of The Sacred Heart, Killusty, for 10am Requiem Mass, followed by burial in adjoining cemetery. House private on Saturday, please.

Happy Birthday Fr. John!

Fr. John Meagher OSA (centre), con-celebrating Mass on the occasion of his 100th Birthday with Fr. Gerry Horan OSA and Fr Francis Ahearn OSA, (right) at St. Augustine's, Ballyboden, Dublin, on Tuesday, September 20, 2016. (Photo by Larry Kenny)

On Tuesday last, September 20, Fr. John Meagher OSA celebrated his 100th Birthday with family and friends in St Augustine’s, Ballyboden, Dublin. To mark the occasion in Fethard, a special Concelebrated Mass will be held in the Augustinian Abbey, Fethard, on this coming Sunday, September 25, at 11.30am.


Fr. John Meagher OSA photographed on the occasion of his 100th Birthday with with family and friends at St. Augustine's, Ballyboden, Dublin, on Tuesday, September 20, 2016.

Father John was born in Limerick city on September 20, 1916, into a family of seven children, he was educated by the CBS. He joined the Augustinian Order in 1933. He was ordained in Rome in September 1939. He was appointed Master of Students in Rome from 1948-1966. Between 1966 and 1975 he ministered in England. He returned to Ireland in 1975 and he was to spend the remainder of his ‘Autumn years’ ministering in Fethard and his home town of Limerick. In 2014 he moved to the Augustinian’s Care Centre in Ballyboden. Despite the inevitable deafness and some forgetfulness, he lives a contented, independent life in St Augustine’s. Congratulations John and we also look forward to celebrating your ‘big’ birthday in Fethard on Sunday next.

Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing on Sunday Night, September 25, to the music of ‘Adrian Ryan’. 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 Bridge Club
Bridge resumed in Fethard on Wednesday, September 14, after the summer break. The results of our game played on the night were: 1st Gross, Carmel Condon and Brendan Kenny; 1st Nett, Bill O'Sullivan and Tony Hanrahan; 2nd Gross, Nell Broderick and David O'Meara; 2nd Nett, Margaret Slattery and Mike Burke; 3rd Gross, Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh; 3rd Nett, Anna Cooke and Bernie O'Meara.
Next Wednesday, September 28, we play for the Free Sub Gross and the following Wednesday, October 5 for the Free Sub Nett. Anyone looking for a partner please contact: Berney Myles at (052) 6132038.

Cup and Shield for Fethard’s under 10 footballers

Fethard U10 Cup and Shield winners: Back L to R: Rory O’Mahoney, Jack Davey, Gavin Neville, Liam Kiely, Andrew Wall, Andrew Connorton, Sean McEvoy, Paddy Ryan, Alex Butler, Killian Hallinan. Front L to R: Noah O’Flynn, Criostóir Sheehy, Oisín Ryan, Danny Hayes, Sami Laaksonen, Mark Neville, Ben Allen, Zach Smith and T.J. Keane.

Fethard U10 boys fielded two teams in Cloneen on Saturday last, September 17, in the Ned Meagher Cup and Shield. As there were only two teams playing for the shield we played St Patricks in a very entertaining game with Fethard coming out on top on a scoreline of 6-8 to 4-4.

In the Cup we played a very strong and physical Kilsheelan/Kilcash side with Fethard really on top from the very start with two quick fire goals and never really looked back coming away with the win on a scoreline of 7-3 to 4-6. We then played St Pats, knowing that a win would ensure winning the Cup, we entered a very tough battle with our local rivals playing exciting ‘end to end’ football. But, it was goals that would win this game, and so it did coming out on top 4-1 to 2-4.

It is a great credit to these young boys who put in so much effort over the last year that really showed on the field of play. This year they have achieved winning a Community Games County title, the Christian Flannery Shield and now, The Ned Meagher Cup and Shield, The future certainly looks bright for Fethard GAA. – (report by Jimmy Smith)

Starting School at Killusty N.S.

Starting school at Killusty National School this year are Back L to R: Callum, Oliver, Adam, Tristan. Front L to R: Ciara, Ruby and Aobhnait.

Full autumn programme for Historical Society
There is a full programme of outings and lectures planned by the Fethard Historical Society for the autumn months. Next Saturday’s bus outing to ‘1916 Dublin’ is booked out, which is a great indication of the interest there is in that period of our history.

James Connolly lecture for October
The society are delighted that Lorcan Collins - one of the national experts on the history of the revolutionary period is coming to talk on the life of James Connolly, date to be confirmed. Lorcan Collins is the author of the ‘James Connolly’ book which is part of the ‘16 Lives’ series published by the O’Brien Press. He is also author of their ‘1916 – The Rising Handbook’ which indicates that he is indeed a foremost authority on that period. If you require further information on this lecture please contact: 086 1271132.

D.P. Walsh lecture for November
Seán Hogan will give the eagerly awaited lecture on Fethard native DP Walsh on Tuesday, November 15. Daniel Pius Walsh was born in The Green, Fethard, in 1892, and was one of only a handful of South Tipperary volunteers arrested after the 1916 Rising and interned in Frongoch in North Wales. His is whole subsequent involvement in the War of Independence is very interesting indeed. The speaker, Sean Hogan, was the winner of the Tipperariana Book of the Year award in 2013 for his book ‘The Black and Tans in North Tipperary.

People willing to make contact with the Historical Society can do so by email history@fethard.com or by phone 087 9009722 or 086 3905373.

Fethard Scout meetings commence
Scout Meetings for our youngest members in the Beaver section, aged from 6 to 8, will commence on Monday, September 19, from 6.30pm to 8pm. Meetings for our Cub Scouts, aged from 9 to 10 years, will commence on Monday, September 26, from 6.30pm to 8pm; and for Scouts, aged 12 to 15, meetings will commence on Thursday, September 22, from 7pm to 9pm.

All meetings will take place at the Scouts premises based in the old boys school on the Rocklow Road. New members are always welcome. For further information contact Robert Phelan, 4 Strylea, Fethard. Tel: (086) 244 6085.

Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School

Junior Cert Results 2106
Congratulations to Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School’s Transition Year and 5th Year Pupils who received their Junior Cert Results on Wednesday last. There were solid results with all pupils performing very well in all subjects. The pupils were congratulated by school principal, Mr Michael O’Sullivan and by deputy principal, Ms Fogarty, and were also reminded to celebrate their results sensibly with their families and friends.

Ploughing Match
Transition Pupils and 5th and 6th Year Agricultural Science students will visit the Ploughing Match in Screggan, Tullamore, with their Ag Science Teacher, Mr Maher, Mr O’Connor and Ms Raggett on Thursday next, September 22. Agricultural Science has become very popular in the school over the last few years with excellent results being achieved in Leaving Cert Agricultural Science.

European Week of Sport
European ‘Week of Sport’, organised by Sport Ireland, was celebrated in Patrician Presentation last week. A number of activities were co-ordinated by P.E. Teacher, Ms Helena Walsh including a ‘Climb the Heights’ Skipping Challenge to see how many of Europe’s mountains that the school could climb. 2nd Year Pupils, Cathal Ryan and Samantha Buckley invited pupils and teachers to participate in the challenge and kept a record of the number of European Mountains climbed, with one skip being the equivalent of one metre. Finally on Friday, there was a ‘Take on the Teachers’ Challenge with a Tug of War, facilitated by Mr Cummins who is part of an All-Ireland winning Tug of War team in his local area.

Parents’ Association 2016-2017
The AGM of the Patrician Presentation Parents’ Association was held in the school on Monday, September 12. The following officers were appointed for the coming year: Pamela O’Donnell (chairperson); Mandy Quigley (vice-chairperson); Catherine Ryan (secretary); and Philomena Whyte (treasurer).

Class representatives on the committee are: Declan Morrissey and Noelle Aherne (1st Year); Annette Connolly and Pamela O’Donnell (2nd Year); Collette Geoghegan and Noreen Hackett (3rd Year); Tina Whyte (TY); Mandy Quigley and Majella Hayde (5th Year); Philomena Whyte and Collette Geoghegan (6th Year); Noel Maher (staff representative).

The school thank the Parents’ Association for their valuable contribution to all aspects of school life and appreciates all their work on behalf of the school. The Parents’ Association’s annual Church Gate Collection in aid of school funds was held outside all churches in the parish last weekend and we thank all those who contributed so generously to the collection.

TY Year of Mercy Celebration in Holycross Abbey
Fethard Secondary School TY pupils, accompanied by the TY Co-ordinator, Ms Barrett and religion teacher, Ms Maher, will attend the Transition Year, Year of Mercy celebration, ‘Gathering and Reflection’ in Holycross Abbey, on Tuesday, September 20. The event will be attended by all schools in the Cashel and Emily Diocese and the guest speaker on the day will be Fr. Peter McVerry. The Diocesan Year of Mercy Committee are the organisers of this important event.

Study Week
Study Week began in the school on Monday last with workshops for all classes on good study habits being organised by Mr McGree, the school’s guidance counsellor and all teachers highlighting study skills for their various subject areas.

Business Studies
Business Studies is back on the Leaving Cert curriculum in Patrician Presentation Secondary School. Our small numbers often make it impossible to offer the full range of Leaving Cert subjects but in the last few years with creative timetabling, dialogue with parents and an effective use of resources, the School Management has managed to provide the senior pupils with their preferred options for Leaving Cert.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on September 14 were: 4, 7, 11 and 31. There was no jackpot winner and twelve ‘Match Three’ winners who received €15 each: Kevin Horan (ticket purchased online); Marie O'Sullivan, Main Street, Fethard; Eileen Purcell, Burke Street, Fethard; Pauline Morrissey, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard; Richie Nevin, Ballintemple, Fethard; Philly Kenny, Hillview, The Green, Fethard; John Maher, Kilnockin Road, Fethard; Richie Nevin, Ballintemple, Fethard; Bridget Lonergan, Newchapel, Clerihan; Michael Lawrence, Woodvale Walk, Fethard; Pat Looby, The Valley, Fethard; and Joan Shine, The Valley, Fethard.

The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Anna Bradshaw, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard; Pat Culligan, The Valley, Fethard; and Robert Jones (ticket purchased online).

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, September 21. 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, September 16, were 15, 25, 26 and 29. There was no jackpot winner and no match three winner. One lucky dip winner received €50: Margaret Hogan, c/o Camogie Club. Four Lucky Dip’ winners received €25 each: Aileash Cahill, Hospital Shop; Jeffrey Brophy, Carrick-on-Suir; Sean Doyle, Strylea; and Linda Phelan, Clonmel.

The next draw takes place on Friday, September 23, when the jackpot is €20,000 and the sellers prize is €920. 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.

Coffee Morning at Town Hall this Thursday
A ‘Coffee Morning’ in aid of Hospice will be held at the Town Hall on this Thursday, September 22, from 9.30am to 5pm. This annual event in Fethard is usually held on the official date of Ireland's Biggest Coffee Morning For Hospice but had to be deferred this year. So please come along on this Thursday for some coffee and chat in aid of this very worthy cause.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Monday, September 19, 2016, of Paddy Martin, Mobarnane, Fethard. Paddy, in the loving care of the staff of St Brigid's Hospital, Carrick-on-Suir, pre-deceased by his wife Kitty and son Eugene, deeply regretted by his son John, his daughters Majella Fahey and Anne Walsh, his sister Sheila Browne, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grand children, great-grand daughter, relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace.

Reposing at his home on Tuesday, September 20, from 3pm with prayers at 7pm. Funeral to arrive at St Joseph the Worker Church, Moyglass, at 7.30pm. Requiem Mass on Wednesday at 11.30am followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Annual Emigrants Newsletter Donations
If you would like to make a donation to Fethard & Killusty Emigrants' Newsletter using PayPal please do so here.

We are also accepting new addresses or change of addresses of family members and emigrants living away from home. The Fethard & Killusty Newsletter is now in operation for over 55 years and posted free of charge to our emigrants living in over 25 different countries throughout the world.

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

Lunchtime in Fethard back in 1999

This photo of Main Street, in the 1980s, was posted by John Healy, originally from The Green, and now living in Australia.

Some of the replies posted on 'Fethard Faces and Places' on Facebook:

Rose Ryan Barry posted this lovely photograph of the Slattery family outside their house at Kilknockin.


This photo was taken around 1913 at a hunt meeting in Fethard (we believe) but the exact location is hard to pinpoint . . . maybe somebody out there would have an idea where it could have been taken?

These are some of the replies from Facebook:

We had other comments from our viewers on this site and the general consensus is that Looby's Yard, Burke Street, is the correct location. Looking at some old photographs from the area would also confirm this, if you can allow the modification of the three upstairs windows in the building across the road, were removed at some period and replaced by two higher-level dormer windows.

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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