This year's Fethard & Killusty Emigrants Newsletter is now on sale in the following local shops at €12 each, Centra Supermarket (The Green), Daybreak Supermarket (Kerry Street), McManus Grocery (Burke Street) and Post Office (Main Street). Copies are also in the post to Fethard emigrants living throughout the world.
We take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported us with donations and help throughout the year and make this annual publication possible.
Views of Fethard taken by Russell O'Meara The following photos were taken recently by Russell O'Meara while on a walk by the Clashawley river.
Died Recently
The death has occurred on Thursday, December 8, 2016, of Geraldine Quinn, Kilbragh, Rosegreen, Fethard. Geraldine, deeply regretted by her loving sister Teresa, brother-in-law Denis, nephews David and Keith, niece Avril, relatives, neighbours, friends and carers in the Brothers of Charity Community.
May she rest in peace
Reposing at her residence in Kilbragh on Saturday, December 10, from 5pm to 8.30pm. Funeral Mass in St Thomas the Apostle Church, Rosegreen on Sunday at 11am followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. House private on Sunday morning please.
Santa Claus is coming to Town!
Santa and his helpers arriving in Fethard last year and on their way back in Fethard on this Friday, December 9, at 2.45pm
All children (and parents) take note that Santa will be arriving by sleigh in Fethard on next Friday, December 9. After making a quick visit to Holy Trinity National School, where he will be welcomed by the children, he will call to The Square at 2.45pm for carol singing and the official turning on of the Christmas Lights in Fethard.
Following this annual duty for Santa he will make his way to the Convent Community Hall where a huge party will take place and the distribution of Christmas gifts. For those waiting to visit Santa in his grotto, there will be lots of side-shows to keep everyone busy such-as disco, ballooning and, of course, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, who are also coming to add to the atmosphere.
Red Ribbons for Christmas
This year’s ‘Red Ribbons’, to remember our deceased loved ones, will be available to purchase outside the Post Office on Main Street and Centra Supermarket, The Green. Please write the name on your ribbon and, if you prefer, leave it at the shop where they will be collected and put up for you on the church railings.
Abbey Carol Service on Sunday
The annual Christmas Carol Service will take place in the Augustinian Abbey on next Sunday, December 11, at 6pm. A cheese and wine reception, sponsored by Kenny’s Centra Supermarket, will take place afterwards in the Abymill Theatre. All are welcome. The Abbey Choir will be joined by pupils from Holy Trinity National School to sing all your favourite carols in celebration for this period of advent and Christmas.
Died in England
The death has occurred on December 5, 2016, of Pat Beavis (nee Finn), who died in England, aged 91. May she rest in peace. The late Pat was originally from Burke Street, and was the last surviving member of the Finn family fondly remembered by so many in Fethard.
GAA Club AGM
Fethard Senior GAA Club will hold their AGM on this Sunday, December 11, in the Fr. Tirry Community Centre at 2pm. All are welcome.
Holy Trinity Church of Ireland Carol Service
The annual Carol Service will take place in the Holy Trinity Church of Ireland on Sunday, December 18, at 7.30pm. Everyone is warmly invited to listen to the Christmas story and enjoy many well-known carols. The Fethard Choral Group with director, Anne Barry, will also perform three pieces during the service. There will be refreshments served afterwards. Canon Barbara Fryday and the congregation of Holy Trinity Church of Ireland would like to wish everyone a Holy and peaceful Christmas.
Ladies’ Football Club’s Dinner Dance
Photographed at the Fethard Ladies’ Football Club’s Dinner Dance are L to R: Peter Stocksborough (secretary), special guest Tipperary All Star hurler John McGrath, Sandra Spillane (public relations officer), Willie Morrissey (chairman), Biddy Ryan (county chairperson), Fr. Tom Breen P.P. and Micheál Spillane (treasurer).
Fethard ladies Football Club held their Dinner Dance and medal presentation on November 18, in Clonmel Park Hotel with medals presented by Tipperary’s All Star hurler, John McGrath, and Tipperary Ladies Football chairperson, Biddy Ryan. All the girls had a very enjoyable night, with their football boots replaced by high heels.
Presentations were made to the most improved players and congratulations to U14 winners, Aine Ryan and Ashley Bradshaw, and to U16 winner, Sally Butler. Also on the night presentations were made to the Fethard girls on the county panels who won Munster and All-Ireland titles; on the U14 team were Alison Connolly, Carrie Davey and Niamh Hayes; and on the U16 team were Muireann O’Connell, Lauren Dowling, Laura Stocksborough and Lucy Spillane; and playing on the Intermediate team was Kate Davey.
Photographed at the Fethard Ladies’ Football Club’s Dinner Dance are county players L to R: special guest Tipperary All Star hurler, John McGrath, Kate Davey, Lauren Dowling, Muireann O’Connell, Alison Connolly, Lucy Spillane, Carrie Davey, Niamh Hayes, Laura Stocksborough and Tipperary Ladies Football chairperson, Biddy Ryan.
A presentation was made to Biddy Ryan who was inducted into the ladies football ‘hall of fame’ the previous weekend after a lifetime of dedication to ladies football. Former club secretary, Bernadette Stocksborough, was fondly remembered by all present on the night. A big thanks to everyone who helped out at organising the dance and to all who sponsored spot prizes on the night.
Fethard U14 Panel at the Ladies’ Football Club’s Dinner Dance.
Fethard Junior Panel at the Ladies’ Football Club’s Dinner Dance
Fethard U16 Panel at the Ladies’ Football Club’s Dinner Dance
Dooks Restaurant's Opening Hours
The new restaurant 'Dooks' at the Ballroom Cross, Fethard, is now open from: Monday to Friday open from 7.30am to 3pm; Saturdays open from 8am to 3pm; Sundays open from 9am to 3pm, until further notice.
On offer will be freshly prepared dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinners to eat on the premises or take away; breads, pastries and cakes to enjoy with hot or cold beverages; special weekend brunch menu; a range of preserves, giftware and kitchen essentials to purchase and take home from the shop.
Dooks will also offer catering service for events, parties and corporate functions – all delivered with a great big smile!
St. Vincent de Paul Collection this Weekend
St. Vincent de Paul remind all our generous supporters that the society’s Annual Church Gate Collection will take place in the parish on the weekend of December 11 and 12, and we ask for your continued support. For those who will not be attending Mass this weekend in Fethard, donations can also be made to any member of the committee.
Visit to Fr. Sheehy’s grave
Photographed at Shanrahan Graveyard outside Clogheen, are L to R: Fr. Pat Butler P.P. Clogheen, Terry Cunningham, Ann Gleeson, Mary Hanrahan and Gerry Long.
As 2016 was the 250th Anniversary of the persecution and hanging of Fethard native Fr. Nicholas Sheehy, which took place on March 15, 1766, in Clonmel, the Fethard Historical Society organised a visit to his grave in old Sharahan graveyard near Clogheen before the year was out.
On Saturday, November 26, members of the society met up with Fr. Patrick Butler, Parish Priest of Clogheen, who led them through Fr. Sheehy’s story and his being falsely accused and finally hanged during those penal times.
The very impressive and beautiful St. Mary’s parish church in Clogheen contains many memorials to Fr. Sheehy, especially the privately (and anonymously) donated stained glass window installed in 2014 in preparation for the 250th anniversary of his death. The widow panels depict the story of Fr. Sheehy’s life and times. Especially noted is the Irish College in Salamanca, Spain, where Fr. Sheehy – like many other Irish priests – was educated. In memory of this, Fr. Butler recently led a group from the parish of Clogheen to Salamanca, where he was given permission to say mass in the old church in the college, which is now a part of the secular University of Salamanca – one of the very oldest universities in the world.
The Fethard group then visited the atmospheric graveyard by the ruin of old Shanrahan Church situated one mile west of Clogheen, to pay their respects and say a prayer at the very impressive tomb of Fr. Sheehy. All in all, the Fethard group agreed that this was a very special visit , to a special place in memory of a very special Fethard man on the 250th Anniversary of his death.
Christmas at Clonacody
An evening of music at Clonacody House with a special seasonal 'Christmas at Clonacody' concert featuring Derek Ryan, Mary Rose and Eva McNally with Pat Marnane on Friday, December 16, commencing at 8pm with mulled wine and mince pies. Tickets are €25 available from Helen or Michael at 087 1689167.
Santa Run on Sunday December 18
Athletic training will continue on Monday nights at the Rugby Grounds up until Christmas and then we will take a short break before resuming in the New Year. The numbers will hopefully improve when the weather softens. Our annual Santa Run is fast approaching and preparations are well in hand for the event, which will take place Sunday, December 18, starting outside the Convent Community Hall at 12 noon and commence up through the Main Street; out the Killenaule Road and finish in the vicinity of where it first stated. Refreshments served afterwards in the Convent Community Hall.
Santa might even appear with some other high profile guests on the occasion of the Run. All proceeds from this charity event will go towards the Childrens Ward in South Tipperary General Hospital and we hope to have a huge turn out for the occasion. Supporting the children from our area is a very worthy cause so if you feel like bringing a spot prize on the day – it will add more to the fun.
Remember the day and please make a special effort to take part - run, walk, pram push or stroll, it doesn’t matter. Prize for the best dressed Santa. See ye all.
Sports Achievement Award for November
Members of Fethard Intermediate Football team accepting the Butler’s Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for November from Ken Moloney, who represented this month’s sponsors, Heineken.
Fethard Intermediate Football team were chosen as the winner of the Butler’s Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for the month of November. The team exceeded expectations in winning both the South and County Intermediate Football Champions titles in November and returning the team back to senior status for the coming year. The November award was presented to members of the winning team by Ken Moloney, who represented this month’s sponsors, Heineken. Ken also presented a mentors award to Polly Murphy from Fethard & District Rugby Club
Ken Moloney, representing this month’s sponsors, Heineken, presenting a sports mentors award to Polly Murphy from Fethard & District Rugby Club.
Day Care Centre
The Fethard & District Day Care Centre wish to thank all their sponsors for their continued support and generosity to our annual Christmas Bazaar and events throughout the year. A huge thanks to our volunteers and staff for all their hard work organising the Bazaar, which was a huge success. We wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Fethard Senior Citizens Christmas Raffle
Fethard Senior Citizens' Christmas Party was held on Sunday, December 4, at The Anne Hotel, Thurles. The committee wish to thank the many local businesses who donate prizes every year and express our gratitude to all who purchased tickets prior to our Christmas raffle.
The following are the winners of our Christmas raffle: 1st prize €200 was won by Brian Sheehy, Garrinch; 2nd €100 was won by Carmel Leavy, Clonmel; 3rd prize a Christmas Cake & bottle Whiskey was won by Mairead Teehan, Dunkerrin; 4th prize a bottle Whiskey and Sherry was won by Sarah Aylward, The Valley; and 5th Prize, a tin of biscuits, was won by Liam Smith, Cashel Rd., Fethard.
Christmas Crackers at Abymill
Community Lotto extra ‘Christmas Prizes’ this week
This week we also start our free Christmas Draw for ticket holders will commence on, Wednesday, December 7, 14 and 21. Each week we will an extra draws for free Christmas Turkey or Christmas Ham. So be sure to purchase your Community Lotto Ticket with lots of chances to win each week.
The numbers drawn on November 30 were: 10, 12, 20 and 22. There was no jackpot winner and two ‘Match Three’ winners who received €75 each: Kathleen Connolly, The Valley, Fethard; and Esther Leahy, Killenaule.
The following three weekly ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Tony Maher, Fr. Tirry Park, Fethard; Anne Butler, Main St., Fethard; and Gus Slattery, Kilnockin, Fethard.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, December 7. 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, December 3, were 5, 6, 18 and 21. There was no jackpot winner and five match three winners who received €30 each: Holly & Poppy Hickey, Clonmel; Mags Dalton c/o Teresa Hurley; Patrick Dreeling c/o Fiona Cummins; Eoin Whyte, Main Street; and Bobby O'Lone Coolmore Stud.
The next draw takes place on Friday, December 10, when the jackpot is €20,000 and the sellers prize is €1,000. 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.
Fethard Rugby Club reach Martin O’Sullivan cup final
It was a busy weekend for rugby in Fethard with the first team making the long journey to Chorca Dhuibhne in what was a double header for both the semi-final of the Martin O’Sullivan cup and the league. Fethard were also short a number of regular first team players so this made the task more challenging. Fethard played with the wind and the quiet considerable hill in the first half and after about ten minutes were rewarded for some fine back play when Connie Coen got in in the corner, Gary Kavanagh converted, With Fethard lineouts and scrums working well a rolling maul was heading for the line when scrum half William Power saw a gap and scored, Kavanagh converted.
It was very much one way traffic with the aid of the elements and when the ball was delivered from a lineout Kavanagh was in under the post then converted, Chorca Dhuibhne then stole a ball from the Fethard lineout and when they spread it wide the speedy fullback was in under the post and the out-half converted, this was a warning to Fethard how dangerous this backline was with three past All-Ireland winning minors in it. Fethard continued to pile on the pressure and when awarded advantage for pulling down a maul Kavanagh chipped over the back line gathered and scored, the conversion from the side also went over, just before half time Fethard added another three points to leave the half time score 31-10 in favour of the visitors.
The second half was always going to be difficult against both a strong wind and a considerable hill, the home team were camped in the Fethard 22 and eventually were awarded with a try, with the elements against them it was difficult to get up the field and again from the back of a scrum the big number 8 crashed over the line to leave the score at 31 to 22,with ten minutes remaining, game on, Fethard introduced the veteran Paul Scully to steady the ship, a number of forward carries by Kieran Power, Mark Ronan and `Luke Keating got Fethard into the opposition 22 and a penalty then saw a lineout close to the line, Richie Carroll gathered and as the opposition went to defend Richie got in in the corner, the conversion hit the post, to be fair to the home team the stayed trying and scored again, but the victory was Fethards and a place in the cup final. James Houlihan, Jonathan Spillane and Cathal Meagher also made great contributions.
Training with Ronan O’Gara
We have a training session and kicking clinic with the former Ireland player and top coach, Ronan O'Gara, this Thursday, December 8, from 4pm to 5.10pm at Fethard Rugby Club.
Fethard Seconds
Fethard Seconds travelled to Clanwilliam on Saturday to play their last game in the Gleeson league and despite dominating proceedings for the first twenty minutes failed to get points on the board. Clan led by six points to nill at the break before Michael Power, assisted by David Heffernan, ran in a fine try. But it was Clan who finished the stronger and ran out deserving winners. Bill Phelan, Oliver McGrath and Martin Murphy had fine games.
Other results
Fethard 18s travelled to Middleton on Saturday morning last and had to give best to the home team. Fethard 16s played Kilfeacle on Saturday night last with a very even game, which finished in a draw at 17 points each. Fethard 14s were host to Waterford City on Sunday morning last and ran out comprehensive winners 31-5 in the cup quarter-final.
Fethard Ballroom 'Christmas Party' Night
Fethard Ballroom will hold their 'Christmas Party' night, with hot meal, on Sunday, December 11, starting at 7pm. Music by the fabulous 'Sam O'Doherty'. Get your tickets at €30 each from any committee member or by contacting Monica at 087 7680328.
Draft Settlement Plan for Fethard
Tipperary County Council has prepared Proposed Variation No. 4 to the South Tipperary County Development Plan 2009 (as varied), which will put in place a new Settlement Plan for Fethard (to replace the existing Fethard Local Area Plan 2011 – 2017). Submissions in relation to same can be submitted up to 4.30pm on Friday, 23rd December, 2016.
This draft plan has included many changes that may affect future developments within the town and it is very important inhabitants are well-informed and have an opprtunity to comment or make alternative suggestions before the plan is implemented. This is your chance – before Friday, December 23, 2016.
A copy of the proposed Variation may also be inspected during normal opening hours from Friday, November 25 to Friday, December 23, 2016 inclusive, at the following locations: Planning Section, Civic Offices, Nenagh; or Planning Section, Civic Offices, Clonmel.
AA Screening Report
Written submissions or observations with respect to the Proposed Variation may be made to the Council within the foregoing said period and will be taken into consideration before the making of the Variation.
Submissions may be made here via the SUBMISSION FORM, or by email to planning@tipperarycoco.ie, or in writing to Brian Clancy, Administrative Officer, Planning Section, Tipperary County Council, Civic Offices, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, by 4.30p.m. on Friday, December 23, 2016. Written submissions should be clearly marked ‘Submission to Proposed Variation No. 4 of the South Tipperary County Development Plan’.
Group or individual meetings with a Planning Official will be facilitated, by appointment, on Thursday, December 8, 2016, at the Civic Offices, Clonmel. Should you wish to make an appointment, please contact Maureen Spain, Planning Section, at 0761 06 5000.
Please note that submissions/observations received may be subject to release under the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 – 2014 and the European Communities (Access to Information on the Environment) Regulations 2007 – 2011 and may be placed on the Council’s website.
'Big Maggie' coming to the Abymill
The Fionn Mac Cumhaill players are on tour yet again – this time it's John B Keane's 'Big Maggie'.
Performance in the Abymill Theatre Fethard, on Saturda night, December 17, at 8pm. Booking now at: Tel: 086 0834208 – Don't miss it!
'Big Maggie' is probably one of the strongest womans' play ever written and tells of the struggles of an Irish woman forced into an arranged marriage. The play opens at her husbands funeral and the following scenes which are a battle of wits between her and her children, make this play a very powerful piece of drama, which will have you laughing crying but most of all entertained.
There is a big cast of 11 actors here and rehearsals continue at the Thatch Pub in Cloneen and also at Fethard Convent Community Hall. Thanks to everyone helping with sets props and rehearsal venues.
Local uncertainty about Flood Management Plan for Fethard
Locals have expressed a lot of concern about the proposed flood defences for Fethard in the OPW Draft Flood Management Plan for the River Suir. The final date for submissions relating to this plan is December 13, and the plan has significant implications for Fethard and the River Clashawley because it includes building walls and embankments and the dredging of a section of the riverbed.
A further matter of concern is that the report rates Fethard as having, “potential for high future increase in flood risk”. This rating is not explained and is especially puzzling given that the OPW provide data comparing flooding events in other towns with Fethard which show that Ardfinnan, Cahir, Golden, Holycross, Knocklofty and Piltown have all suffered two or more severe floods in the past and are rated as at moderate future risk. According to the data, Fethard has never had a severe flood, yet is given a higher risk rating than those towns. The scale of the recommended flood works in Fethard is presumably based on this unexplained high rating score.
The OPW is seeking comments on their draft plans but the deadline for submission is fast approaching Tuesday, December 13. Guidelines for how to structure such feedback is given in the introductory pages of their draft plan. The OPW website states that these plans and submission forms can be viewed and downloaded from the OPW website: www.opw.ie/en/floodplans/
and then clicking on View the Draft FRMPs on-line
but after several attempts – on computer and phone – I was unsuccessful on November 28 to view the floodplans online. Maybe a glitch! Perhaps some more people might try also, or do a Google search for ‘OPW Draft Flood Risk Management Plan’ and see how one can look at the plans and possible make a submission.
Fethard Bridge Club Christmas Party
Fethard Bridge Club will hold their Christmas Party on December 14 and we play for the Change of Partner Turkey prize on this Wednesday night, November 30. Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 6132038.
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
Catherine Noonan posted this photograph of her Mum, Mary Ashby (nee McGrath), and her Auntie Beasie. Taken in Burke Street.
Catherine Noonan also posted these photographs – one taken (below) at a Fethard London Reunion held at the Irish Centre in Camden Town in the 1960s and the other (above) taken forty years ago in Fethard of her Mum and Dad, Catherine, her brother Stephen and cousin Philip McGrath.
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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