Died recently in Ballingarry
 The death has occurred on March 4, 2017, of William (Bill) Martin, Glengall, Ballingarry, Thurles, at his residence. Predeaceased by his loving wife Kathy and sadly missed by his children, Paul, Fiona, Niamh, Damien and Ambrose. Deeply regretted by his brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends. May he Rest in Peace.
Reposing at O'Connell's Funeral Home, Killenaule, on Tuesday evening, March 7, from 4pm with rosary at 7.30pm. Arriving at The Church of the Assumption, Ballingarry, on Wednesday morning at 11.15am for Funeral Mass at 11.30am, followed by burial in Ballinalackin Cemetery, Glengoole.
Fethard Ballroom important public meeting in March
Fethard Ballroom are holding a public meeting in on Saturday, March 25, at 8.15pm in the ballroom, to discuss the running of the ballroom and the election of some new members willing to get involved to help with the continuance of this fantastic community facility. Again, the time has come when those involved in the running of the hall want to take a step back and make room for new voluntary help, which unfortunately is getting harder in these present times.
Fethard and Killusty Community Council’s first Ballroom Committee pictured at the official reopening dance held on St. Patrick’s Night, March 17, 1993. L to R: Peter Grant; Vincent Doocey; David O’Donnell; Chris O’Dwyer (RIP); Bobby Phelan and Joe Keane.
It is now shortly coming up to the 24th anniversary when on St. Patrick’s night, 17 March, 1993, the former Country Club Ballroom, opened its doors under the umbrella of the Fethard & Killusty Community Council. The Community Council purchased the ballroom in very bad repair about twelve months previously. However, community spirit came to light when committee members and various other members of the community spent endless nights working to reinstate this building to its former glory.
A limited company with charitable status was later formed and in 1995 the original debt of £47,341 was reduced to £20,379, with great credit going to the Fethard Festival ‘Mayoral Candidates’ who worked extremely hard to reduce the debt and enable repayments of the subscriber loans to commence. The directors for that year were: Bernard Walsh (chairman); Peter Grant (vice-chairman); Seamus Barry (treasurer); Teresa Roche (asst. treasurer); Robert Phelan (secretary); Joe Keane (asst. secretary); Chris O'Dwyer; David O'Donnell; Catherine O'Connell; Peggy Colville; Pat Byrne and Paddy Hickey. Joan Heffernan, Gay Horan and James Roche were later co-opted on to the board.
In 1997, the Ballroom experienced a very difficult year when they were faced with a large increase in insurance costs due to some claims. Thanks to the dedication of the committee these problems were overcome and they were able to continue and host a variety of activities for the community for the following years.
In 2001, founder member David O’Donnell resigned as chairman. The committee continued to improve the facilities under the direction of new chairman Mick Aherne, fitting new doors and windows, new carpeting, and non-slip floor covering in the kitchen. These improvements helped to eliminate draughts and reduce heat loss and add to the comfort of patrons.
Members of the Ballroom committee photographed at Fethard & Killusty Community Council's 30th Anniversary Dinner Dance held on January 13, 2006, in Fethard Ballroom are Back L to R: Seamus Barry, Gay Horan, Sean Spillane, Mick Ahearne (RIP), Robert Phelan. Front L to R: Pat Horan, Breda Spillane, Monica Ahearne, Margaret Phelan and Sheila O’Donnell (RIP).
In 2007, chairman Mick Ahern sadly died, and for the following years the hall was run by the following committee: Gay Horan (chairman), Monica Aherne (treasurer), Robert Phelan (secretary), Sheila O’Donnell, David O’Donnell, Breda Spillane, Sean Spillane, Pat Horan, Margaret Phelan, Paddy Hickey and Seamus Barry.
Today, the day-to-day running of the Ballroom is now discharged by Monica Aherne, with the help of a participant from Fethard Community Employment Scheme. The public meeting on Saturday, March 25, will hopefully see the start of a new lease of life for this very successful community venue.
Fethard Ballroom, originally the Capitol Cinema which first opened in January, 1946. In 1967 a local group, ‘Fethard Enterprises’, headed by Paddy O’Flynn acquired the premises and officially opened in December of the same year as ‘The Capitol Ballroom'.
Died Recently in Clonmel
 Our sympathy to Dee Brady, St. Patrick's Place, on the recent death of her father, John Brady, Spring Garden, Old Bridge, Clonmel, and formally, 12 Fr Tirry Park, Fethard. The late John died on Sunday, February 26, 2017, peacefully at The Cottage Nursing Home, Clonmel. Very deeply regretted by his sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Rest in Peace.
Reposing at O’Donoghue’s Funeral Home on Tuesday evening, February 28, from 6pm to 8pm. Funeral arriving at St Mary’s Church, Irishtown, Clonmel, on Wednesday, March 1, at 12.45pm for Requiem Mass at 1pm. Burial immediately afterwards in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Waterford Road, Clonmel.
Volleyball Centre of Excellence in Tipperary
Interested in volleyball? If so come and be part of the Ireland National Team and take part in the JR selection process, which is starting in Tipperary on Saturday, March 11, at Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School from 2pm to 4pm
The Irish youth national coaches and volleyball association of Ireland are holding a short meeting to bring together those people around the county who are interested in volleyball and those with family interested in volleyball to hopefully establish our first centre of excellence here in Tipperary. The meeting will be a 45 minute Q&A and a one-hour fun practical session for kids to take part in. So please bring your future stars along.
Due to the increase in volleyball participation in Tipperary, it has been selected as one of ten centres that will be established to compete on a fun basis with other centres of excellence but also to provide our national team with the elite players needed for the upcoming international tournaments.
Photographed at the presentation of VAI (Volleyball Association of Ireland) refereeing Course Certificates by school coaches Helena Walsh and Justin McGree, at Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School are. L to R: Laura O'Donnell, Laura Kiely, Keith Morrissey, Mr Justin McGree (coach), Ms Helena Walsh (coach), Darragh Hurley, Robert Hackett, Caoimhe O'Meara, Lucy Spillane and Eric Costin.
With free volunteer volleyball training and on-going support from our Irish national youth coaches and association, we are especially targeting girls born in and after 2004 for the international squad but we welcome all ages to help build a volleyball future. We are looking for players and coaches, beginner and experienced, to come together for both fun and elite opportunities in Tipperary.
For more details on the meeting and to book a place please contact Tel: 087 0997659
Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing on Sunday Night, March 5, to the music of ‘Brendan McGee’. 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.
Table Quiz for Lourdes Fund
Patrician Presentation Secondary School Parents Association are holding their annual Lourdes Quiz next Monday, March 6, in the Convent Community Hall at 8.15pm. All proceeds will go towards the expenses of sending two of our 5th Year pupils to Lourdes in June as helpers. Any support would be greatly appreciated.
Labour Party looking for a new candidate
The Labour Party in the Fethard-Carrick electoral area is looking for a new candidate to stand for the 2019 local elections as local man, Liam Hayes, has refused all attempts by the Party to get him to stand again, after narrowly missing out last time out.
Deputy Alan Kelly attended the local AGM and following a tour of the town and estates promised to highlight the deplorable state of the roads and streets and the unlit zebra crossings at Barrack Street and Madam's Bridge at the Ballroom.
Fethard & Killusty Anglers AGM
Fethard and Killusty Anglers will hold their AGM on Friday, March 3, at 8pm in the Tirry Community Hall, Barrack Street, Fethard. All members welcome.
Any adults or juveniles wishing to join this club as a new or current member, can contact Seán Maher on 085 7050580 or Colm Hackett at 086 8397868. It has been a mild winter so let’s hope the water temperature is to the liking of the trout come Paddies day, get out the fly rod and waders and get those flies ready to fool some trout.
This club has access to some fantastic water to fish on the Anner and the Clashawley rivers. This invaluable resource is only possible due to the kind permission of all the landowners, so please respect the land, fencing and livestock every time you venture out. Tight lines for the 2017 season.
Sports Achievement Award nominations for January and February
The following nine nominations were received for the Butlers Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Awards for January and February.
- Laura Stocksborough – Laura was a member of a Rockwell College Ladies football team that won a Munster schools final beating Kilkee in the final.
- David Flanagan – David is going through a purple patch at present having trained 5 track and 2 coursing winners. He is also named as private trainer of the year at both Thurles and Kilkenny tracks.
- Patrician/Presentation Ladies Cadet volleyball team – although narrowly beaten by Naas in the All Ireland shield final this group of young ladies have proved that they are well capable of playing at the A level.
- Deirdre Goggin – last years winner of the All Ireland Road Trotting title, Deirdre is again proving difficult to beat this year with six race wins already under her belt.
- Liz Lalor – Liz had fantastic success at Thurles racecourse recently where she both trained and rode ‘Carrigeen Acebo’ to victory in the Mayors Novice Chase at odds of 50/1.
- Jack O’Rourke and Patrick Scully – both members of the Fethard U18 rugby team who have been picked to play for Munster at the upcoming Interprovincial series.
- Miceál McCormack – at the Tipp Masters indoor championships held in Nenagh in January, Miceál won gold in the 2k walk, silver in the 60m sprint and silver in the Shot Putt – all over 70.
- Bernard Feery – also at the Tipp Masters held in Nenagh Bernard won gold in the 800m and 1500m and bronze in the 3000m all over 50.
- Isobel Maher – swimmer Isobel has been upgraded to A grade which is remarkable for a 12 year old. She also achieved bronze last weekend at the Munster championships held in Waterford.
Winners for January and February will be announced at a special presentation function in Butler’s Bar on Friday night next March 3. All are welcome.
Fethard Tidy Towns meeting
A meeting to continue the work of Fethard Tidy Towns will be held in the Tirry Community Centre on this coming 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 the volunteers currently involved slowly and deservedly step back after years of service in their community, we now need willing volunteers to step into their shoes and carry on and maintain the great work already in place.
Fethard GAA all-weather pitch commences
Fethard GAA members Austin Godfrey and Ian Kenrick photographed on the site of Fethard GAA Club’s new AstroTurf all-weather pitch which commenced last week. (Photo by Miceál McCormack)
Fethard GAA Club commenced last week with their development of a new all-weather AstroTurf pitch on their grounds. This facility is badly needed for the growing number of local inhabitants playing sport and will greatly enhance the town’s many other sporting amenities. All going well, the complex should be up and running by early summer.
Site of Fethard GAA Club’s new AstroTurf all-weather pitch which commenced last week. (Photo by Miceál McCormack)
New Tipperary Rangers
The Social Committee of the New Tipperary Rangers invite all to the annual gathering at the Monument at Noan east Ballinure on Saturday, March 11, at 2pm, to remember the neighbours past and present in this lovely region of South Tipperary.
It would be lovely to see those that are resident in the locality and friends and neighbours that are away from the parish to make a small effort to come, and you’d never know who you might meet there. Light refreshments will be served in the hall in Ballinure afterwards. Tiobraid Árainn Abú!
Day Care Centre thanks
A huge ‘thank you’ to all who supported and attended the Table Quiz last weekend for Fethard & District Day Care Centre. We also thank all who donated prizes or bought raffle tickets, and a special word of thanks to Philip Butler and his wife Ann for their continuing support. Philip’s questions were their usual high standard and suitable for the occasion, which added to the enjoyment.
Fethard Bridge Club
The results of our Bridge game played on February 15, for prizes sponsored by Berney Myles and Alice Quinn were: 1st Nett, Margaret Slattery and Mike Burke (winners of sponsored prize; 2nd Nett, Anna Cooke and Bernie O'Meara; 3rd Nett, Frances Burke and Noreen Evans; 1st Gross, Berney Myles and Alice Quinn; 2nd Gross, Carmel Condon and Brendan Kenny; 3rd Gross, Rita Kane and Kay St. John.
This 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 contact Berney Myles at 6132038.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on February 22 were: 3, 4, 8 and 18. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: Abigail Sheehan, Reflections, Fethard.
The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Helen Crotty, Killusty, Fethard; Ann Hahessy, Woodvale Walk, Fethard; and Tony Maher, Fr. Tirry Park, Fethard.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, March 1. 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 24, were 7, 16, 24 and 31. There was no jackpot winner and two match three winners who received €75 each: John Ryan, St Patrick's Place; and Alan Connolly, Grove Road, Fethard.
The next draw takes place on Friday, March 3, 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.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Saturday, February 25, of Tony Wilson, Kickham Street, Mullinahone, and formerly Rathkenny, Fethard, peacefully at his residence. predeceased by his brother Attie (Arthur). Tony, sadly missed by his loving wife Kathleen, his stepchildren John, Fionnuala, Sheila, Una and James, sister Ruth, brother Kevin, nieces, nephews relatives, neighbours and friends. Rest in Peace.
Reposing at his residence, Kickham Street, Mullinahone, on Monday February 27, from 5pm with prayers at 8pm. Removal on Tuesday February 28th from the house to St Michael's Church, Mullinahone, for 12 noon requiem Mass followed by burial afterwards in The Church of The Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Drangan. Family flowers only please, donations if desired to the Irish Heart Foundation.
Fethard & Killusty Community Games
Art, Handwriting and Gymnastics
The closing date for entries in all three competitions – Art, Handwriting and Gymnastics – is Wednesday, March 15, 2017. Submissions for art and handwriting will be collected in the local schools or may be delivered to Noreen Sheehy, Garrinch, Fethard, Tel: 087 3184298 or to Majella at 'On Your Toes'.
Age groups available to enter
Art: boys and girls under 8, 10, 12, 14, 16.
Handwriting: boys and girls under 10 & 12
Gymnastics: under 9, 11, 13, 15.
Competitors must live in the area and be under the age specified on July 31, 2017. Entry fee €2.
Swimming
Anyone interested in taking part in the Swimming events please contact Noreen Sheehy 087-3184298 before Wednesday, next March 1, as this is the CLOSING DATE for entries.
Events as follows Boys & Girls
- Freestyle:- U8-Over 6, U10-Over 8, U12-Over 10, U14-Over 12, U16-Over 14
- Backstroke U10-Over 8, U12-Over 10, U14-Over 12, U16-Over 14
- Breaststroke U12-Over 10, U14-Over 12
- Butterfly U14-Over 12, U16-Over 14
- U16 Breaststroke for boys and girls been run as a 'Pathway Event'. County Competition only for this Event, entries on the day.
County Final will take place in Thurles Pool on Sunday, March 12th. Girls in the morning, Boys in the afternoon. Competitors must be under the age specified on July 31, and must live in the Area. Entry fee is €2 for each event.
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.
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!
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.
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 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
Tipp FM Radio 'Down Your Way' presenter Eamon O'Dwyer interviewing musicians John Pollard and Pauline Morrissey at Fethard & District Day Care Centre. (January 18, 2007)
Members of the Meagher family pictured outside their home in Cloneen after Frank’s return home following his tremendous victory in the Manx International Rally. L to R: Emma, Colin, Theresa, Frank and his parents Mary and Leo. (September 18, 1995)
Tommy Carey looking after the spuds growing in his garden on The Green (1983).
Pupils from Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School pictured with their entry for 1995 Young Scientist Exhibition. L to R: Eric O’Donnell, Miss Margaret O’Neill (teacher), Bridget Purcell, Ursula Bradshaw, Donnacha Prendergast, Leona Holohan and Helen Morrissey. The pupils project was on ‘Water Pollution’.
Pupils from St. Patrick’s National School Fethard who completed a ten week swimming course at Clonmel Swimming Pool. The project was organised by teacher, Miss Denise McGrath, who presented the pupils with their certificates. March 31, 1995
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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