Local girl to ride in Punchestown Charity Race
Best of Luck to Mary Jane Kearney who will take part in the 2017 Punchestown Kidney Research Fund Charity Race. This will take place on Saturday, April 29, and is traditionally the last race on the last day of the Punchestown Festival, a meeting regarded as the Irish Cheltenham. This is the twenty-eight year of the Charity Race and to date €1,385,210 has been raised by the fund. Incidentally, the week of April 1–8 was Organ Donor Awareness week, organised by the Irish Kidney Association, so it is fitting that this fundraiser takes place at this time.

Mary Jane is preparing well for the race, is concentrating on her fitness and doing all she can to be fit and ready. She says that is has always been her dream to ride in a race and to be able to raise funds for such a worthwhile cause while doing so is an added bonus.

A fundraising campaign is currently underway. A dedicated Charity Race Account has been opened at AIB, Fethard, and also on Justgiving.com

Should you wish to contribute or if you require any further information please contact Mary Jane (email: maryjanekearney4@gmail.com). Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Thursday, April 20, 2017, of Tom Mackey, Garrane, Killenaule, and formerly, Red City, Fethard. Tom, predeceased by his wife Breda and son Tommy,very deeply regretted by his family Paul, Lisa and Stephen, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, relatives and friends. Rest in Peace.

Reposing at O'Connell's Funeral Home, Killenaule on Saturday evening, April 22, from 4.30pm to 6.15pm, arriving at St. Mary's Church, Killenaule at 6.45pm. Funeral Mass on Sunday at 11 o'c, followed by burial in Crosscannon Cemetery.

Visitors from South Australia

Mary Carroll-Guerin (nee Shine) photographed with her husband Trevor Brooks, on a visit from South Australia to meet her Fethard friends. Mary, formerly from Crampscastle, Fethard, was extremely impressed in how tidy Fethard is today and also with the new developments that have taken place since she was last home in May 2012.

Lisronagh Point to Point hosts Ladies Series Race and Pony Racing
The Tipperary Foxhounds Point to Point is taking place on Bank Holiday Saturday, 29th April in Lisronagh, Clonmel.  The Tipps are hosting a race in The Ladies Series, very kindly sponsored by ITM (Irish Thoroughbred Marketing).   The winner will receive a beautiful piece of jewellery designed and sponsored by Kumari-Doyle Jewellers, Thurles.  This is a five-series race, so the fair sex’s challenge will be heating up in this third race of the series.

The inaugural running of Pony Races will take place immediately after racing.  The two races are divided by age and will be great fun for the jockeys and crowd. 'The Dash', approx. 3 furlongs, straight course, Primary school children minimum age 9years, ponies 148 cm and under. Entry fee €20.‘The Sporting Seven’, approx. 7 furlongs with a pacemaker for first 4 furlongs, Secondary school children maximum age 16years, ponies 158 cm and under. Entry fee €30. Entries close 21st April.  For more details please contact Sue Perry on 086 8253718.
 
Bring your pooches to The Novelty Dog Show, there will be a wide variety of classes for all types and sizes of man’s best friend.  €100 Terrier Derby, thrilling Terrier Racing is on the cards too, maybe your terrier would be brilliant at this?  Give it a go!  Also prizes for the most appropriately dressed Lady and Gentleman and a Fun Fair. 
 Come along and have a great family day out.  First race is at 3.00pm
€10 entry fee and children under 18 years of age are free.

Spring Clean at Drumdeel

Neighbours L to R: Gillian Murray, Paddy Brennan and Rosemary Ponsonby helping with the ‘Spring Clean’ at Drumdeel, Fethard.

Recently, a large group of local residents from the Drumdeel area, met to pick up litter on the roadsides as part of the Spring Clean initiative championed by An Taisce. This has become an annual event, as sadly fly tipping and dumping seems to be as bad as ever. The many black bags collected represent the huge amount of dumped waste, much of which could be recycled for free at the recycling centre on the Cashel Road in Clonmel.

The Spring Clean initiative is supported by local authorities who pick up the waste afterwards and by the volunteers who pick up large quantities of rubbish, much of which is pretty disgusting. Bags of rotting nappies anyone? Lovely!


Emma Jane Burke helping with the ‘Spring Clean’ at Drumdeel.

Here are some interesting facts about waste, from An Taisce. Local Authorities spend tens of millions of euros every year on cleaning the streets in Ireland and trying to prevent people from dumping their waste illegally – an enormous amount of money that could be spent on better things! Estimates indicate that collecting litter is nearly ten times more expensive per tonne than collecting domestic waste.
Most products we buy and use cause greenhouse gas emissions in some way, e.g. during production and distribution. They also contribute towards exhausting our natural resources. Packaging takes energy to produce, therefore by cutting down on packaging production, and also through recycling, we can reduce the amount of energy used and limit the release of further greenhouse gases in to the atmosphere.

Your contribution during the National Spring Clean, however big or small, will have real and measurable benefits for our environment. For example: (a) For every aluminium can collected and recycled enough energy is saved to run your television for three hours! (b) For 1kg of recycled plastics collected, 1.5kg of carbon dioxide is prevented from being released to the atmosphere – the same amount of carbon dioxide released by toasting 30 slices of bread! (c) By recycling 1kg of paper instead of landfilling, enough energy is saved to run an energy-saving bulb non-stop for two days! For 1kg of recycled glass, the saving is 300g of carbon dioxide.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, of Jimmy O'Donnell, Annerview, Killusty South, Fethard, and formerly Lisronagh.

Jimmy (ex Telecom Eireann), is deeply regretted by his loving wife Eileen, son Keith, daughter Denise, grandson Ian, daughter-in-law Breda, colleague of Denise, Sue Donnellan, brother-in-law Leo Darcy, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace.

Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Friday, April 21, from 5pm with removal to the Sacred Heart Church, Killusty, at 7pm, to arrive at 7.30pm. Funeral Mass on Saturday at 11am followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Died suddenly in England
The death has occurred suddenly, on April 18, 2017, of Robert Gorski, Hastings, England. The late Robert was the husband of Alice Fitzgerald, daughter of the late Connie and Nelly Fitzgerald, who lived on The Green, Fethard.

Robert, a very popular man, was a frequent visitor to Fethard over the years, and we extend our deepest sympathy to Alice and all the Fitzgerald and Gorski families, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace.


Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday Night, April 23, to the music of ‘Dermot Lyons’. All are 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.

Locals get first view of Horse Country Experience

Fethard Horse Country Experience opened its doors to the public over the Easter weekend in the 17th Century Town Hall, Main Street, Fethard. It will be now open from Wednesday to Sunday between 10am to 4pm. For enquiries and group bookings please contact Tel: 086 2747044.

Fethard Horse Country Experience, housed in the 17th Century Town Hall, opened its doors to the public over the Easter weekend for locals and visitors to sample the vast amount of interactive information on display.

Fethard Horse Country Experience charts the story of the horse and its various roles in Irish culture over the past 2000 years and is part of Ireland's Ancient East tourism promotion. The elaborate project involved four years of restoration, six years of planning and two thousand years of history, where you can discover the rich and colourful history of the area and how the story of Fethard and the horse have become intertwined through the centuries.

Fethard Horse Country Experience will be officially opened later this year but is currently open from 10am to 4pm from Wednesday to Sunday at the special introductory price of €5. There are special concession prices available to groups with custom opening times if required. For enquiries and group bookings please contact Tel: 086 2747044. Fethard Horse Country Experience is unique and well worth a visit. You will be impressed so remember to allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy the ‘Experience’.

Success at 'Hurling Blitz'

Fethard Holy Trinity NS U13 boys hurling team that won the inaugural Garda District Blitz in Monroe Sports Complex. After the qualifying rounds, Fethard came up against Gaelscoil Carraig an Siuire in the final. Holy Trinity were well deserving winners at the final whistle. Great hurling all round but a special mention goes to Jack Quinlan on being awarded ‘Player of Tournament’.
Back L to R: Michael James Phelan, Conor Neville, Shane Lawrence, Darragh Spillane, Jack Quinlan, Sean Moroney. Front L to R: Michael Flanagan, Tom Murray, Mark Neville, Cain Hall and Joseph O'Flynn.

Easter Lilies on sale last weekend

Selling Easter Lilies in Fethard last weekend were L to R: Éamonn Ó Fogartaigh, Mícheál De Faoite and Douglas Hannigan and Dermot O'Connor.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on April 12, were: 3, 4, 20 and 24. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winners so the following drawn tickets received €50 each: Bob Maher, Barrack Street, Fethard; Teresa Fogarty, Pike Street, Killenaule; and Paddy Tobin, The Commons, Thurles.

The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners also received €50 each: Marie Allen, Allens Meats; Cathy Tobin, Knockinglass, Fethard; and Ger Cahill, Kerry Street, Fethard.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, April 19. 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 Annual Dinner Dance well attended

Members of the Fethard Intermediate Football team – current 2016 South and County Intermediate champions – who received medals at the Fethard GAA Dinner Dance held in Cahir. The team have also regained Senior status for this year’s football championship.

Easter Saturday, April 15, Fethard GAA Club held their annual dinner dance in Cahir House Hotel, where they had a very enjoyable night and honoured past and present players. The evening, organised by John Hurley (chairman), Stephen Fitzgerald and Mary Godfrey, kicked off with an excellent meal followed by speeches and presentations. Noel Byrne did a top class job as he called and introduced each player for their individually presentation. Two great servants to the club and county – Michael ‘Buddy’ Fitzgerald and Brian Burke, carried out the medal presentations.


Former Burke Street neighbours, Jimmy O’Shea and Paddy Kenrick (right), photographed at Fethard GAA Dinner Dance held in Cahir House Hotel.

A high point of the evening was a special presentation to Paul Fitzgerald, who has achieved so much to-date and is still making he presence felt in the GAA. Paul’s achievements were highlighted when Noel Byrne recalled the list of medals and competitions that Paul won throughout his career – a list that extends to both codes of the GAA. Then Jimmy O’Shea, through to character, spoke at the end of the meal and gave an impromptu speech that summed up his life-long association, and friendships made, with Fethard GAA Club.


Fitzgerald cousins at the Fethard GAA Dinner Dance L to R: Gavin Fitzgerald, Paul Fitzgerald, Ronan Fitzgerald and Buddy Fitzherald.

The evening concluded with ‘Super Soul Machine’ playing an eclectic mix of songs that had everyone up dancing, followed by a disco by DJ Kumar.

GAA Sports Development Lotto
The numbers drawn on Friday, April 15, were 11, 19, 30 and 31. There was no jackpot winner and no match three winner. One lucky dip winner of €50 went to Jess Gleeson, c/o Camogie Club and the four €25 lucky dip winners were: Donal Ryan, Tullamaine; Ava Hickey, c/o Ladies Football; Stephanie Johnson, Main Street, Fethard; and Aoife Morrissey, Tullamaine.

The following tickets drawn won Easter Eggs: Ian Kenrick, Camogie Club, Dennis O’Meara, Willie Morrissey, Emily Davey, P.J. Aherne, Donna Keyes, Anne Kelly, Beamy Morrissey, Patsy Lawrence and Darragh Hurley.

The next draw takes place on Friday, April 21, when the jackpot is €20,000 and the sellers prize is €1,000. Fethard GAA Club would like to wish all our supporters and friends, far and near, a Happy Easter.

Holy Trinity National School's 'Challenge to Change'

Holy Trinity National School pupils involved in this year's 'Challenge to Change' project ‘Home’ that highlights 'Homelessness' and raise money for the Clonmel Community Soup Kitchen and The Alice Leahy Trust.

Well done to Fethard Holy Trinity National School teachers and pupils on their video production (below) for this year's 'Challenge to Change' project ‘Home’ that highlights 'Homelessness'.

This has been a special project, with the aim of raising awareness on the topic of homelessness and the project also includes the release of an audio C.D., which is being sold from the school office to raise money for the Clonmel Community Soup Kitchen and The Alice Leahy Trust. If you would like to purchase a C.D. for €5, please contact the school, Tel: (052) 6131493.

Alice, originally from Annesgift, Fethard, was a co-founder and director of TRUST from 1975 to December 2015. The Alice Leahy Trust remains a non-judgemental, befriending, social and health service for people who are homeless.


Challenge to Change is a development education project aimed at young people attending Presentation Sisters' Primary and Post-Primary schools, and embraces the challenge of working with those who are marginalised and excluded, for whatever reason. By informing the students and the wider community the project aims to bring about a heightened awareness, a social consciousness, a broader vision and an appreciation of development issues.

Sports Achievement Award winner for March

Michéal Maher, representing this month's sponsor, Maher Construction Fethard, presenting the Butler's Bar Sports Achievement Award presentation for March to winner Aobh Ní Shé (centre). Also included is Mary Godfrey from the award selection committee.

The winner of the Butlers Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for March was Aobh Ní Shé, daughter of Martin and Helena O’Shea, The Valley, Fethard. Aobh was a gold medallist at the recent Irish Open Judo championships held in Derry, and was also named ‘Judoka of the Year’ at UCC as well as being named captain for 2017.

The presentation of the award was made last Friday night by local building contractor, Michéal Maher, who sponsored this month’s award. Nominations are now being taken for the April Award and can be dropped in to Butler’s Bar or any member of the selection committee.


Photographed at the Butler's Bar Sports Achievement Award presentation for March last weekend are L to R: Bill O'Sullivan and Ted Cummins.


Photographed at the Butler's Bar Sports Achievement Award presentation for March last weekend are L to R: Dean O'Connor, Eoghan McCormack, Gus Browne, Kevin Lawlor and Jack Gleeson.

Fethard Pedallers encourage new cyclists
At a recent Fethard Pedallers committee meeting one of the items covered was the running of a beginners / improvers group to help people new to cycling or those returning after a break from the sport. To that end the group have organised a beginners group, which started on Sunday, April 9, and will run for four weeks, starting at a 20k cycle and working up to 50k.

The distance will increase week by week and at a suitable pace will make sure nobody is left behind. There will be five or more of the main group also on these outings to offer advice to anyone interested. All you need is a bike in good safe working order, a helmet and an interest in cycling and having a bit of fun.

At the end of the four weeks we hope the participants will also join the club and progress further. Club membership is only €10 this year plus cycling Ireland insurance of €40. Please let us know if you are interested. You can e-mail us at fethardpedallers@gmail.com and leave a message. It would be really useful for us to gauge the numbers interested. Looking forward to your feedback.

Golf Classic at Slievenamon Golf Club

Photographed at the launch of the Patrician Presentation Golf Classic at Slievenamon Golf Club are staff members L to R: Michael O’Gorman, Justin McGree, Denis Burke (retired), Pamela O’Donnell (Parents’ Association), MIchael O’Sullivan (Principal), Noel Maher and Ian O’Connor. The ‘Three-ball Champagne Scramble’ will take place on Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13, at Slievenamon Golf Club.

Patrician Presentation Secondary School will hold a ‘Three-ball Champagne Scramble’ at Slievenamon Golf Club on Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13. The event is to help fundraise further sports equipment and improve drama provisions at the school. This is an important fund-raising event for the school and your support would be very much appreciated. It will also provide an opportunity to meet up with old friends and acquaintances and enjoy a game of golf in beautiful surroundings.

We have great prizes on offer for Best Team (male), Best Team (female), Best Team (mixed), Best Team (non GUI), Nearest the Pin (par 3), and Longest drive. The cost per team of three is €75 and this includes refreshments at the clubhouse. Should you be unable to field a team, you can also support the event by having your name on a tee box for €50 or by sponsorship of prizes where names would be displayed prominently on the first tee box. For registration (timesheet) and any queries that you may have, please contact the school on (052) 6131572 or by email: fethardgolfclassic@gmail.com

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

Pictured at the benefit soccer match between Limerick F.C. and Clonmel played at the Dr. Pat O’Callaghan Sports Complex in Clonmel are L to R: young Paul Johnson and Limerick captain Dave Connell, showing off the Munster Senior Cup to Stephen Napier (Cork United) captain of the Clonmel selection, Alderman Tom Ambrose, Mayor of Clonmel, Ben Johnson, Charles and young Colin Johnson. Proceeds of the match were for the Johnson family, Bianconi Drive, who had their house accidentally destroyed by fire (July 1995).


Emigrants 'Welcome Home' banner across the front of Jimmy Ryan's house at Watergate for the 1995 Fethard/London Reunion Festival.

Group pictured at the presentation of the completed Archaeological Survey of Fethard to the County Council and Friends of Fethard on June 28, 1995, are L to R: Dr. Tadhg O'Keeffe (author); Dóirín Saurus, Fethard Historical Society; Jack O'Keeffe, Friends of Fethard; 'Mouse' Morris, Friends of Fethard; Austin Dunphy, Heritage Council; Maurice Creagh, Architectural Historian; and Liam Hayes, Chairman Fethard & Killusty Council.


Easter Sunday night saw the Fethard Mayoral Election come to a close when David O’Donnell, Coleman, was elected as the new Mayor of Fethard. The two other candidates, Paddy Hickey and Mick Ahearne, were gracious in defeat saying “the better man won”. David is pictured above with his campaign crew and new country singing star, Trudi Lawlor, who played for the ecstatic large crowd at the dance which followed the election on Sunday night. Proceeds of the Mayoral Election will go towards the Ballroom renovation fund. Back L to R: Patricia Byrne, Derry O'Dwyer, Ann O'Dwyer, Chris O'Dwyer, Sheila O'Donnell, Pat Byrne. Front L to R: David O'Donnell, Trudi Lawlor and Conor Maher.


Avonmore Creamery Suppliers Meeting in Fethard on April 6, 1995.
L to R: Mick Aherne, Jim Barry, Tony Lawrence and John O’Flynn.


Abymill Snooker January 1990, photographed at the final of The Hayes Cup, handicap competition, L to R : Johnny Murphy (winner), Jimmy Hayes (sponsor), Vincent Woodlock (runner-up) and Richard Hayes (in front)

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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