Fethard Tidy Towns looking for support

L to R: Jimmy O'Shea and Joe Keane, both members of Fethard Tidy Towns who have worked tirelessly to keeping the town tidy and clean for many years and continue to do so.

Fethard Tidy Towns, led by chairman Joe Keane since 2009, is now appealing for more local support to maintain the high-quality work achieved over the past eight years in the town. Due to other commitments and a residential move, Joe will not be able to offer the same level of support as he has done in the past, but has offered to remain and be of assistance in an advisory capacity. A meeting to continue the work of Fethard Tidy Towns will be held in the Tirry Community Centre on Thursday, March 2, at 8pm and you are earnestly asked to come along and give your ideas and suggestions.
In these present times we notice it is getting harder and more difficult to find people willing to give their voluntary time to community work. As these seasoned volunteers currently involved slowly and deservedly step back from years of service in their community, it is unfortunate that no others appear to be willing to step into their shoes and carry on their great work.

Fethard a very attractive place to live
Fethard Community has always had a great community spirit, resulting in the above average infrastructure of community driven facilities in the town, such as the many sporting facilities and community organisations, community centre, youth centre, day-care centre, theatre, ballroom, playground, walks and historical features such as the renovated Town Hall. All these help to make Fethard a very attractive place to live but they should not be taken for granted as they all very much depend on voluntary support. Let’s not wait until they are all closed down before we decide to act!

Labour Party AGM
The Fethard branch of the Labour Party will hold their annual general meeting on this Friday night, February 24, in the Fr Tirry Community Centre, Barrack Street, Fethard, at 7pm. Senator Denis Landy and Deputy Alan Kelly will be in attendance. All are welcome to come along.

Coolmoyne National School reunion proposed

Coolmoyne School in the early 1960s. Back L to R: Celia Flanagan, Geraldine Moroney, Ann Neville, Josephine Ryan. Middle Row L to R: Joseph Leahy, Frank O'Connell, Andrew O'Rourke, John O'Connell, Peter Nagle, Mrs J. Ryan (principal). Front L to R: Breda Ryan, Hanna Frewen, Eileen Moroney and Marguerite Neville.

The following message was received from Ailish Maher, originally from Coolmoyne, Fethard, and now living in Spain.

“Hello Fethard! I was born in Coolmoyne, with four brothers, Denis, Seamus, Paul and Kevin. Most of us attended Coolmoyne National School and were then transferred to Fethard when Coolmoyne NS closed.

Around the time I was aged 11, I really lost contact with my home area from as I then went to various boarding schools, starting with Coláiste na Rinne, then on to Dublin to study, followed by London, Catalonia and Galicia (Spain) and Portugal. I also started working summers away from home from about the age of 15. Until recently I lived in Barcelona, and now about to move to Montblanc, in the Spanish province of Tarragona, just 5 kms from a haybarn with a small plot of land I'm now fixing up.

I am a freelancer, working as a translator and academic editor of non-native English. In recent years I've been spending a few months of each year in Coolmoyne, along with Seamus Maher and Kevin, who now live in Australia. We are, incidentally, hoping to organise a Coolmoyne Reunion on Saturday, September 9, 2017, to mark 50 years since the national school closed. The main instigator of this reunion is Sean O'Donovan, who advised me to make contact. I hope to someday maybe meet up with people I went to school with at the Presentation Convent.”

For those interested in getting involved or attending this proposed reunion, they should contact Sean O’Donovan, Coolmoyne, Tel: 086 2594337.

Scripture Classes During Lent
Diocesan Scripture Classes During Lent will begin at Fr. Tirry Community Hall, Barrack Street, Fethard, on Thursday next February 2, at 7.30pm. A very warm welcome to all from surrounding parishes to attend and value such learning and participation.

Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing on Sunday Night, February 26, 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.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Thursday, February 23, 2017, of Edmond Phelan, Mullinarinka, Clonmel, peacefully at South Tipperary General Hospital. Edmond, husband of the late Sheila, deeply regretted by his loving son Finbarr, daughters Antoinette and Niamh, grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, relatives and friends. Rest in Peace.

Reposing at O’Donoghue’s Funeral Home, Clonmel, on Friday evening from 5pm with removal at 7pm to St John the Baptist Church, Powerstown. Requiem Mass on Saturday at 12 noon with burial immediately afterwards in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Waterford Road, Clonmel. House private please. Family flowers only please.

Voting open now for Junk Kouture
This is the 7th year of the national Junk Kouture competition, and this year, Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School has two successful entries made by 4th Year students, that have qualified for the regional semifinals, which will be held in the Concert Hall, Limerick, on March 10.

How to vote
Click either of the two images below and this will take you to the 'Voting Page', then click the flashing arrows saying 'Click Here To Vote', then click 'South' on the 'Region Map of Ireland', which will bring you to your voting choice below from the Fethard entries.






The first entry, ‘Amours’ Reign’, was designed and made by Amy Byrne (model), Lucy Whyte and Noelle O’Meara. The dress design is all about love and its romantic embrace. It was made from thousands of hearts cut from card, paper and tin. These were then made into flower shapes and placed around the bodice of the dress. Using recycled plastic, students then worked on the crown or headpiece of their outfit, getting inspiration by looking at the hats of Stephen Jones and Philip Treacy. A lot of light newspaper was used in the skirts before the final assemblage of a romantic red carpet evening gown/wedding dress.


Patrician Presentation Secondary School student Amy Byrne modelling ‘Amours’ Reign’ that qualified for this year’s regional Junk Kouture semifinals in Limerick .



The second entry was ‘The Lone Rhino’, designed and made by Damien Cahill (model), Juan Ortega Otero and Dillon Costin. This outfit brings to attention the plight of the rhinoceros, and how in being hunted for his single horn, is on the endangered animals list. The outfit is made from lots of suede factory waste, metals, old belts, film canisters, plastics and discarded knitted fabrics and lots of old buttons. The single lone rhinoceros was a discarded child’s toy, placed on an old cowboy hat.


Damien Cahill modelling the detail from ‘The Lone Rhino’ costume that qualified for the regional semifinals in Limerick.

Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School students photographed with their ‘The Lone Rhino’, design for Junk Kouture. Back L to R: Dean O’Brien, Joseph Healy, Damien Cahill (model), Juan Ortega Otera. In front is Dillon Costin. Also on the team was Gavin Mullally. All six boys contributed to the assemblage and making of this costume.

Voting for the costumes has now opened on Facebook from Monday, February 20, to midnight on Friday, February 24, with 10 percent of the marks on the night going through a public voting system. Junk Kouture is an annual national competition, sponsored by Bank of Ireland, which encourages young designers in 2nd level education to create striking couture designs and impressive works of wearable art from everyday junk that would normally find its way to the bin. It also aims to inspire passion in these teenagers while at the same time subtly educating them about the importance of recycling and reusing waste.


Patrician Presentation Secondary School students modelling their creation ‘Amours’ Reign’ that qualified for this year’s regional Junk Kouture semifinals in Limerick L to R: Amy Byrne (model), Lucy Whyte and Noelle O’Meara.

Fethard Bridge Club
The results of our Bridge game played on February 8 were: 1st Gross, Berney Myles and Alice Quinn; 2nd Gross, Anna Cooke and Bernie O'Meara; 3rd Gross, Jim Lahert and Eileen Ryan; 1st Nett, Noreen Evans and Eileen Frewen; 2nd Nett, Margaret Mary McCormack and Breda O'Grady; 3rd Nett, Joan Hayes and Judy Doyle.
Next Wednesday, March 1, we play the third round of our Player of the Year competition, which is a change of partner. Anyone looking for a partner, please contact Berney Myles at 6132038.

Senior Day on this Friday
The Fethard & District Daycare Centre will hold their ‘Senior Day’ on Friday next, February 24, from 10.30am. The Chiropodist will be in attendance and All seniors are more than welcome to attend.

Great progression from our Fethard Girls U10 and U12 Rugby teams

Coach Polly Murphy and her Fethard girls U10 and U12 rugby players all ready to go at the Munster Blitz in Youghal

Congratulations to our Girls Mini U10 and U12 teams on their fantastic victories at the Munster Girls Blitz in Youghal. Between the two teams we were extremely well represented in talent and the twelve girls played their hearts out.

Lead by Captain Sophia O'Brien who, with two fine runs, placed two powerful tries down. Ciara Fleming was constant in her tackling and scored numerous tries with very strong runs through a tough defence. Not to be outdone was her twin sister, Aoife Fleming, who, with great ball carrying skills, also tackled well and scored for her team.

Siobhan Bergin was great in the centre with fine off-loads and good support. Lia Coady showed great speed on the wing and scored many times with good tackling. Our scrum half Evelyn Gayson showed the importance of quick ball and fine speed and set up a good few tries. Not forgetting Niamh Flatley for her tough tackling, strong runs Resulting in tries. Our other scrum-half, pocket rocket tackler, Aine Connolly, also scored great tries. Christine Gaynor showed super passing skills and fine support to her teammates. Miley Morrissey was tough at the breakdowns and fine support to Emmaleigh Cuddihy who put in big tackles and a handful of tries. Last but by no means least Zoe Prout was extremely strong in defence with top tackles and great try scoring.

Fethard through to Munster Junior Rugby Bowl final
Fethard Rugby team took on Killorglin in the semifinal of the Munster Junior Bowl on Sunday last in Fethard, in ideal conditions for open rugby. A good start saw Fethard dominate territory and play much of their first half in the opposition’s twenty-two. Reward for this came when Gary Kavanagh landed a long-range penalty and shortly after, Chris Large made a great line break but was stopped just short of the line. Just on half time Kavanagh landed another great kick from the touchline to leave the half time score, 6-0 to the home side.

The second half was a tough forwards battle with Killorglin using their big forwards to carry, but Fethard’s defence was solid with Oliver McGrath, Bill Phelan, Emmet O’Shea and Griffin Ivors, tackling and driving back the opposition. A clearance kick from Willie Power was chased down field and turned over by Kieran Power. Conor Kavanagh was on hand to make a break and on drawing the full back, allowed Matthew Walsh to score. Kavanagh converted. Killorglin reacted with a good break and were rewarded with a try, which they converted. But it was Fethard who finished stronger and ran out deserving winners.
The final of the Munster Junior bowl will be played on the second weekend in March against Dungarvan, who beat Killarney last weekend. Next Sunday we play the final of the Martin O’Sullivan Cup in Ballincollig against Killarney.

U16s travel to Highfield
Our U16s travelled to Highfield on Saturday morning to play in the Pan Munster. A slow start from our team saw Highfield score three times and it was only then Fethard got going. A great break by Eoin Walsh saw Paddy Gaynor score in the corner and good work by Sam Quigley and Matthew Burke resulted in another try.
In the second half a break by Bob Barton resulted in another try but it was the home team ran out winners in the end. Next week we play Middleton away.

Tipperary Foxhounds Grove Meet

Tipperary Foxhounds photographed at their Grove Meet last weekend. A similar photograph was taken in the same place at Grove Estate in c1900 with Richard Burke MHF

Lourdes Diocesan Pilgrimage
Those wishing to travel on the forthcoming Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes in June are asked to give their names to Fr. Tom Breen P.P. or to any member of the organising committee as soon as possible, as places are limited.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on February 15 were: 2, 3, 4 and 15. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winner so the following three drawn tickets received €50 each: Joan O'Meara, The Green, Fethard; Mary O'Sullivan, Clerihan; and Dinny Shine, The Valley, Fethard.
The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Billy Lee, The Green, Fethard; Jim Keane, Knockelly, Fethard; and Kathleen O'Riordan, c/o Seamus Moloney.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, February 22. 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, February 17, were 22, 26, 32 and 34. There was no jackpot winner and no match three winner. The €50 ‘lucky dip’ winner was Stephanie O'Halloran, c/o St. Rita’s Camogie Club. The four €25 ‘luck dip’ winners were: T.J. Sheehan, Killusty; Anna Lynch, c/o Ladies Football Club; Jim Smith, St Patrick's Place, Fethard; and Siobhán Maher, c/o St. Rita’s Camogie Club.

The next draw takes place on Friday, February 24, 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 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

Fethard Carnival c.1960s passing outside the Parish Church where it is interesting to see all the business premises in operation across the road from L to R: Percy Dillon's Chemist Shop, Lil McCarthy's Sweet Shop, Kay Fahy's Ladies Hairdressing, Fethard Bakery, O'Connell's Furniture and Electrical Shop, Jack O'Shea's 'While U Wait' and another shop premises but can't make out the name. Maybe some one will be able to pinpoint the year thses Carnival photographs were taken. Information to fethardnews@gmail.com

Fethard Carnival Fancy Dress entries 'My Story by Nicky Rackard' and 'Padraig Puirseal, Irish Press Reporter'.


Fethard Carnival Fancy Dress entry 'Black & White'.


Fethard Carnival Fancy Dress entry 'Stars from Cork Film Festival visit Fethard'.


Fethard Carnival Fancy Dress entry 'Flower Queen'.

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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