Fethard Festival ‘Family Fun Day’ date set for June 18
Plans are now underway for this year’s Fethard Festival ‘Family Fun Day’ which will take place on Sunday, June 18, and offer the same exceptional family experience and entertainment for little or no cost.
This annual event, coordinated by Fethard Business & Tourism Group, will offer free Fun-Fair entertainment by the scenic Medieval Town Wall at The Valley, along with many other attractions including Bouncy Castles, Bungee Run, Trampolines, Climbing Wall, Craft stalls, plus lots, lots more. Other attractions will include a barbecue run by Fethard Rugby Club, local Country Market stalls, Dog Show and live music.
Fancy Dress Parade sponsored by Fethard & Killusty Community Council
‘Fethard-on-Sea’, one of the colourful entries in last year’s Fancy Dress Parade at Fethard Festival 'Family Fun Day'.
Fethard & Killusty Community Council have agreed to organise and sponsor this year’s Fancy Dress Parade and invite anyone interested in helping with this task to give their names to Joan at the Community Office, Tirry Centre, Barrack Street, or by telephone at (052) 6131000. A meeting will then be called to run the Fancy Dress Parade on the day and all suggestions and ideas are more than welcome.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, of Hollie Gilson, Coolbawn, Fethard. Beautiful beloved and adored daughter of Declan and Michelle Walsh, sister of Ewan and Dara Harcourt, Rachel and Nigel Walsh, fiancée of John Kearney, deeply missed by her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and her wide circle of friends, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in South Tipperary General Hospital on Wednesday, May 17. Finally reunited with her brother Aaron and at peace. Sleep well my love until we meet again.
Reposing at O’Donoghue’s Funeral Home, Kickham Street, Clonmel on Thursday, May 18, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Cremation on Friday, May 19, in the Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy, Cork at 3pm. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to Pieta House.
Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday Night, May 21, to the music of ‘Adrian Ryan’. 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.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, of Evelyn Kearney, Cloran Old, Cloneen, Evelyn, deeply regretted by her loving daughters Tina and Tracie, sister Phyllis, granddaughter Stephanie, grandson Jamie, extended family, relatives and friends. May she rest in peace.
Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Thursday, May 18, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Funeral Mass in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Killusty, on Friday at 11am followed by burial in the adjoining Cemetery.
Fethard Bridge Club results
Fethard Bridge Club results for their game played on May 3 were as follows: 1st Gross, Nell Broderick and David O'Meara; 2nd Gross, Kay St. John and Rita Kane; 3rd Gross, Tony Hanrahan and Vincent Cummins; 1st Nett, Betty Walsh and Noreen Evans; 2nd Nett, Rita Holohan and Ellen Rochford; 3rd Nett, Mary Nolan and Teresa O'Brien.
This Wednesday, May 17, we play for our President’s Prize, and the following Wednesday, May 24, we have our AGM. Anyone looking for a partner please contact Berney Myles at (052) 6132038.
Fethard Historical Society committee visit Fethard Horse Country Experience
Reception area at the new Fethard Horse Country Experience on Main Street, Fethard
The Committee of the Fethard Historical Society visited the Fethard Horse Country Experience - located in the Town Hall - on Wednesday, May 3, and for most, it was a first chance to view the newly installed interactive museum and explore this latest addition to Fethard’s Main Street.
The group began by viewing the eight-minute audio-visual which gives an overview of Fethard through the ages, its many places of historic interest and its links to the horse industry. It has to be said that Fethard and the surrounding countryside are shown off to full advantage in the film. Then it was upstairs to explore the interactive experience, which is spread over two floors. The various screens and interactive stations tell the story both of Fethard and the history of ‘The Horse’ in Ireland from earliest days down to the present.
Everyone present was struck by how wonderfully the Town Hall has been restored and all credit must go both to the builder, Pat Tallis, and to the members of the Fethard Business and Tourism Group who were responsible for overseeing the restoration during the past four years. It’s great to see that the wooden stairs and the lovely wooded dance floor have been retained – a fitting reminders of the more recent past.
The restoration uncovered three of the original fireplaces (dating from the early 1600s) and these are now exposed in all their glory. A fourth fireplace was removed at some stage in history, but the builder has very cleverly traced its outline on the wall as a permanent indication of where it used to be. Similarly, the original gables are differentiated by the use of a darker hued paint, again assisting in the reading of the evolution of the building over its four hundred years. The final stage of the restoration saw the reinstatement on the rooftop of the third chimney, complete with the very distinctive finial that adorns its two fellows, thus re-establishing the original symmetry of the skyline.
A most effective innovation was the introduction of a viewing window on the second floor that allows a panoramic view encompassing Slievenamon, Court Castle, the medieval Holy Trinity Church, the Town Wall, the Mural Tower and the countryside beyond. In effect, one is looking out over a landscape that has changed very little since the town itself was first laid out and built by the incoming Anglo Norman colonists around 1200AD – all of eight-hundred-years ago.
The visit concluded with tea and cakes downstairs in the beautifully appointed Stable Café, with the group taking time to review what had been seen. The Fethard Horse Country Experience should prove a great attraction for visitors and locals alike. Hopefully, it will inspire visitors to venture out to explore the unique heritage of Fethard as embodied in our Town Wall and the many historic features of the town and surrounding countryside.
‘Walls of Fethard’ run on May 25
Thursday, May 25, will be a red-letter day with the annual running of the world famous ‘Walls of Fethard’ four-mile road race. Now running for almost twenty years, the annual event has attracted participants from all over the world and hopefully this year will be no different. We would love to also invite boys and girls from the African continent but alas our purse strings would not extend to that. Hopefully this may happen in the future.
Presently, for our athletic brethren at home, we have everything in apple pie order and a prize list for all including, masters mens and ladies, and not forgetting our juniors boys and girls, and of course, our true following from the ‘run for fun’ gang, including Andy’s crowd from Cahir, the Clonmel gang and Patsy’s warriors from Thurles.
Athletics is our sport and it would be nice and desirable if club vests were worn on the night, to add to the colour and festivities. Starting time is 8pm. This year we will also have a walk, starting a little earlier and a bit shorter, to encourage outdoor activity for all. Training continues as per usual on Mondays at 7pm and all are welcome.
Meet Shane O'Neill - your new Community Garda
 A very welcome Community Garda Initiative, 'Know Your Patch’, was recently introduced and was warmly accepted in the local organisations already contacted, in particular, those catering for the vulnerable members of our community.
The introductory letter distributed in Fethard is as follows:
“I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself, my name is Garda Shane O'Neill and I have been assigned as the new Community Garda under the Divisional Initiative 'Know Your Patch’ attached to Fethard Garda Station.
As your assigned Community Garda I will be your point of contact and will be here to assist and engage with you should you require support, crime prevention advice or assistance with initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch, Community Alert and Text Alert.
While you will appreciate I may not be available at all times at Fethard station, I wish to advise you that should you require urgent assistance you can contact Clonmel Garda Station at (052) 6177647, which is open 24 hours a day. I am committed to ensuring that Policing and Community Policing remains a priority for Fethard and I believe by working together we can bring about a greater feeling of safety in Fethard Community.
Should you wish to contact me or if I can be of any assistance, I can be contacted at the Fethard Garda Station at 086 8580355 or (052) 6131202.
Is mise le meas, Shane O’Neill, Fethard Garda Station.”
Day Care Centre ‘Senior Day’
Fethard & District Daycare Centre will hold their next ‘Senior Day’ on Friday, May 26, in Barrack Street from 10.30am. The chiropodist will also be in attendance and all seniors are welcome.
The Day Care Centre will also hold their annual Church Gate Collection on weekending Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28. Your support is very necessary and much appreciated.
Thanks for your kindness
Teresa Roche (Walsh) would like to thank all those who sympathised with her on the recent sad loss of her father, Mick Walsh, Wexford, and to those who travelled to the removal and funeral, sent Mass cards, sympathy cards, and to all of her neighbours and friends who were very kind and supportive during this difficult time.
Area Athletics in Community Field on Wednesday May 24
Fethard Killusty Camogie team due to play Cashel in the Community Games South Final. Back L to R: Aine Ryan, Nicole Delaney, Kelly Ryan, Grainne Murray, Isobel Maher, Hannah Sheehy, Mary Anne Fitzgerald. Front L to R: Jessica Moloney, Heather Spillane, Ciara Spillane, Lily O’Mahoney, Aoife Morrissey, Rose O’Donnell and Ciara O’Meara. Missing from photo is Jess Glesson.
Fethard & Killusty will hold their Area Athletics on Wednesday, May 24, in the Community Sportsfield, Killenaule Road, commencing at 6pm. Races as follows: 60m and 80m for O6 to U8; 100m and 200m for O8 to U10; 100m and 600m for O10 to U12; 100m for O12 to U14; 100m and 1500m for O14 to U16. There will also be fun races for Tots for U5s and for O5 to U6; also Long Puck for Boys U12 and Girls U14.
Anyone interested in cycling on grass U12 or U14 are asked to please contact Noreen Sheehy as soon as possible. Competitors must be under the age specified on July 31, 2017, and must live in the area. Entry fee of €2 will cover all events. Our sincere thanks go to the Community Field committee for providing the facilities.
Fethard Killusty U14 Girls Football Team that defeated Powerstown Lisronagh.
Back L to R: Ciara Spillane, Jess Gleeson, Nicole Delaney, Abbie Tillyer, Isobel Maher, Hannah Sheehy, Kelly Ryan, Aine Ryan, Heather Spillane. Front L to R: Emma Lyons, Ella Mai Hackett, Katie Wyse, Rose O’Donnell, Lily O’Mahoney, Aoife Morrissey and Hannah Connorton.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto – PLAY NOW
The numbers drawn on May 10, were: 6, 25, 26 and 27. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: Christine Brett, The Valley, Fethard.
The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners also received €50 each: Melissa Wallace, Saucestown, Fethard; Abigail Sheehan, Reflections, Fethard; and Bobbi Holohan (online ticket).
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, May 17. 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.
If you would like to support the work of the Community Council by playing our Community Lotto please Click Here to Play.
Died in England
 The death has occurred on May 12, 2017, of Josie Shine (née Murphy), Waltham Cross, Herts, England. Josie, loving wife to Pat Shine, who is formerly from Crampscastle, Fethard, and organiser of the Fethard London Reunion far many years in the 1960s and 1970s, will be sadly missed by her children, Patricia, Marie, Liam and Chris, also her eleven grandchildren.
The Shine family were always very involved in the promotion of Fethard overseas and a great help to our many emigrants who travelled from Fethard to England for work in recessionary times. Our deepest condolences to her husband Pat and family. May she rest in peace.
Requiem Mass will take place at 10am on Friday, May 26, in St. Josephs Catholic Church (Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and St Joseph), Waltham Cross in Hertfordshire, followed by burial at Cheshunt Cemetery, Bury Green Road, Waltham Cross, EN7 5AG. Reception afterwards at Cheshunt Golf Club.
GAA Sports Development Lotto
The numbers drawn on Friday, May 12, were 8, 21, 27 and 30. There was no jackpot winner and one match three winner who received €100: Sarah Smith, St Patrick's Place, Fethard. Two Lucky Dip winners also received €25 each: Stephen O'Donnell, Coolmoyne; and Mary Ward, Clonmel.
The next draw takes place on Friday, May 19, when the jackpot is €20,000 and the sellers prize is €1,000. The committee of Fethard GAA/Sports Centre Development Lotto would like to thank all our supporters near and far who participate in our weekly lotto draw. The funds raised are used to promote sport in the local community.
Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber to officially open Fethard Horse Country Experience
 Fethard Horse Country Experience will be officially opened by the world-renowned composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber at an opening ceremony on Tuesday, May 30. The Fethard Horse Experience offers visitors the opportunity to discover the rich culture and heritage of the region. Fethard is the finest example of a small medieval walled town in Ireland, and produces some of the greatest horses in the world.
The museum is supported by Failte Ireland and is an unmissable visitor attraction along ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ trail, a follow on from Failte Ireland’s ‘The Wild Atlantic Way’. The museum is home to an exhibition on ‘Sadler’s Wells’, one of the most successful stallions of all time.
Month's Mind Mass for Breda Sheehan
 The Month's Mind Mass in memory of Breda Sheehan (née Neville) late of Derryluskin, Fethard, will take place on Sunday, May 21, at 10am in The Sacred Heart Church Killusty. Deeply missed and loved by her family and friends.
Forever in our hearts!
Table Quiz for Fethard Scouts
Fethard Scouts will hold a table quiz on Friday, May 19, in Butlers Sports Bar, from 8.30pm, and all are welcome. This promises to be a great fun night and any money raised will benefit the Beavers, Cubs and Scout sections and will go towards equipment and camp costs. If anybody would like to donate prizes for our raffle please drop them to our Den held on Mondays or Thursdays or hand them to Philip Butler Bar on Main Street.
‘The Field’ for Clonmel Theatre Guild
‘The Field’ play will take to the stage at the White Memorial Theatre in Clonmel, from May 16 to May 19, under the direction of Anne Williamson. This powerful piece of drama written by none other than the late John B, Keane, and performed by a large dedicated cast, that will bring the story to life before your eyes.
This is a first for the Clonmel Guild as this play was not performed in Clonmel before, making a piece of history for The Guild and its experienced director. You won't want to miss it. Tickets now on sale at Marian’s Bookshop in Clonmel Tel: (052) 6123813 or online at: www.clonmeltheatreguild.org
Bus Outing to the Nire Valley
On Friday evening, May 19, Fethard Historical Society has organised a bus outing to the lovely Nire Valley situated in the heart of the Comeragh mountains in neighbouring County Waterford. The outing will consist of some sightseeing and an indoor illustrated talk which will be followed by refreshments. The guide and host for the evening will be Nire native, Maura Barrett, who is both a local historian and writer.
The thirty-seated bus will depart from The Square in Fethard at 7pm on Friday evening and will return to base before midnight. The all-in cost, subsidised by the society, is €10 per person. This should prove to be a very enjoyable evening indeed and booking for this popular outing can be made by phoning 087 9009722.
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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