Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Saturday, June 24, 2017, of Philomena (Philly) Kenny, Hillview, Fethard. Philomena (Philly), sister of the late Billy Kenny and Mary Newport, deeply regretted by her brothers Joe and Michael, sisters Kathleen, Rita, Bernadette and Carmel, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May she rest in peace.
Reposing at home on Tuesday, June 27, from 6pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass at 11am in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard , on Wednesday, June 28, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Sunday, June 25, 2017, of Moira McInerney (née Greene), Burke Street, Fethard. Moira, pre-deceased by her husband James (Jimmy), deeply regretted by her nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May she rest in peace.
Reposing from 10am to 10.40am in McCarthy's Funeral Parlour, Main Street, Fethard. Funeral Mass in the Augustinian Abbey Church, Fethard, on Tuesday, June 27, at 11am followed by private cremation.
Waters & Communities Public Meeting
Waters & Communities Public Meeting in the Tirry Community Centre, Fethard on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at 7.30pm. All are welcome. Light Refreshments served.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Thursday, June 22, 2017, of Mary Wade (née Hopkins), Cloran Old, Cloneen. Mary, deeply regretted by her sons and daughters Margaret, Richard, Caroline, Noel, Catherine, Sandra and Louise, her grandchildren, great grandchildren, relatives and friends. May she rest in peace.
Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Sunday from 4pm to 7pm. Funeral to arrive at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Killusty at 7.30pm. Funeral Mass on Monday at 11am. followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Sun shines gloriously on bigger and better Festival
The ducks floated, dogs barked and the weather was at its best for the thousands attending this year’s Fethard Festival on Sunday last, June 18. From early morning the town park was buzzing with activity as various colourful structures started to inflate and herald the forthcoming family fun available to all between the town’s medieval town wall and Clashawley river. This year the Fethard Business & Tourism Group and Fethard & Killusty Community Council joined forces to make this year's Fethard Festival bigger and better by promoting the ever-popular Traditional Fancy Dress parade and lots of other family favourites by the town park in the Valley.
This is the fifth Fethard Festival where, due to the generosity of the Magnier family at Coolmore, the family fun day offers free entertainment throughout the day with additional vouchers for free burgers and ice cream to all the local primary schools in the vicinity of Fethard & Killusty parish. This is a tremendous boast to the crowds attending the festival and a great relief to the deep pockets of parents and carers who usually bring children along to similar events. The organising committee and Fethard parish express their sincere thanks to the Magnier family for their continued support to local community events and projects.
Émer O'Donnell having her face paiinted by Jane Hayes at the Fethard Festival/
'Brazilian Carnival Comes to Fethard' part of the entry that took part in the Fethard Festival Fancy Dress Parade L to R: Emily Clancy, Keyla Caroll and Erin Carroll.
The Family Fun Day kicked off in the GAA Field with the annual juvenile football tournament for the Danaher Cup involving various young players from surrounding parishes who play their heart out for the honour of winning the cup from reigning champions Fethard U8 team. The winners of the Danaher Cup this year were the Mullinahone team who beat Kilsheelan by 4-04 to 1-01 in the final and the Plate final was won by Clonmel Commercials who beat Fethard on a scoreline of 3-02 to 1-00. The other two teams taking part were Clerihan and St. Patrick's Cloneen/Drangan.
‘Flower Power’ one of the runners-up in the Group Section at Fethard Fancy Dress Parade.
‘Fethard goes Emoji’ one of the entries in the Fancy Dress Parade
‘The Cowboy’ and some of the many Indians that were part of the 'The Cowboy and Indians' entry in the Fethard Fancy Dress Parade that won First Prize in the Group section.
‘Heidi from The Alps’ one of the runners-up in the Group Section at Fethard Fancy Dress Parade.
Eve Ryan enjoying the experience of meeting new animals at Mike’s Pet World at Fethard Festival.
Photographed at Fethard Festival are L to R: Aisling Slevin-Woodlock, Ellie Anne Woodlock and Ollie Woodlock
Fancy Dress Parade
At 2pm, commencing from the ballroom cross, Banna Cluain Meala made a huge impact when they started to play and lead the Fancy Dress Parade up Main Street to the applause of spectators on both sides of the street. We had a dramatic increase in entries in this year’s parade and it was great to see so many family organised entries from parents who already taken part in traditional parades when they were young. It was also very welcome to see so many new entries taking to the streets and adding to the colourful display of family fun and sunshine.
Fancy Dress Parade organisers and Judges L to R: Lucy Whyte, Tina Whyte, Cecily Purcell and Georgina Conroy
The judges, Cecily Purcell and Georgina Conroy, had a hard task that took considerable time to decide on the eventual winners as follows. Best Float: 1st ‘The Village Blacksmith’, 2nd ‘Mrs Brown visits Fethard’s Chamber of Horrors’. Best Group: 1st ‘The Cowboy and Indians’, Runners-Up Prizes to, ‘Flower Power’, ‘Fethard goes Emoji’, ‘Minions’ and ‘Heidi from The Alps’.
‘Edward Scissor Hands’, Patrick Coffey’s entry in the Fethard Fancy Dress Parade that won First Prize in the individual section.
Maurice Moloney presenting a prize to 'Mrs Brown' part of Lonergan's Bar entry 'Mrs Brown visits Fethard's Chamber of Horrors'.
Kevin Lawlor, on of the Indians that was part of the ‘The Cowboy and Indians' entry in the Fethard Fancy Dress Parade that won First Prize in the Group section.
L to R: Ciara Fitzgerald and Rosie Roche who took part in Fethard Fancy Dress Parade.
Emma and Kate Murphy taking part in the Fancy Dress Parade
The Individual Winner was ‘Edward Scissor Hands’ (Patrick Coffey). Individual Runners-Up Prizes were presented to: ‘Ronaldo’ (Adam O’Donnell), ‘All-Star Waterford Hurler’ (Rowan Fewer), Transformer (Stevie Sheehan), ‘Pirate’ (Jamie Sheehan), Iron Man’ (Cian Feery), ‘Summer Farmer’ (Mikey Brennan), ‘Ghost’ (J.J. Brennan), Indians (Jona and Juliana Power), ‘Executioner’ (Bobby), Slave (J.J.), ‘Fethard’s First Astronaut’ (Miceál Séan McCormack), ‘Cleopatra’ (Anastasia Daly) and ‘Supergirl (Rose Reddy).
Live Music
Following a fantastic display from Banna Cluain Meala’s musicians and majorettes by the town wall, the equally talented Clonmel based blus band, Mojo'd, entertained the large attendance from 3pm to 5.30pm. Fethard Rugby Club manned their barbecue and food stall supplying tables and chairs for those who relaxed by the various stalls or by the riverside on the grass.
Over 500 ducks took to the water for Bill O’Sullivan’s annual Duck Race in aid of the local Secondary School and the winners were: 1st Prize €50 David Curran, Moyglass; 2nd €30, Mike Dalton, Pharmacy; and 3rd €20 Burke Bridge Bar, Fethard.
Kieran Bergin and John ‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer manning their stall ‘Bubbles Hurleys’ where they stocked and promoted everything good about hurling in the county.
Other popular attractions on the day included the Dog Show organised by Pat Culligan and Catherine Kearney; ‘Mikes Pet World’ introducing children to a variety of exotic pats; the traditional ‘Wheel of Fortune’ stall run by a dedicated team of supporters in aid of the local Critical Illness to help defray some of the costs associated with serious illness. We also welcomed Tipperary hurling stars John ‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer and Kieran Bergin who manned their stall ‘Bubbles Hurleys’ where they stocked and promoted everything good about hurling in the county.
The general consensus from locals and visitors alike was that this year’s Fethard Festival was one of the ‘Best Ever’ to date and with promises of even better days to come!
Fethard on RTE Nationwide
The RTE Nationwide programme featuring Fethard and the official opening of the Fethard Horse Country Experience will be broadcast on on RTE1 television at 7pm on this coming Monday, June 26.
Photographed at the recording of Nationwide TV programme on May 30 at the Fethard Horse Country Experience are L to R: cameraman Brian Walsh, Maurice Moloney, RTE presenter Mary Kennedy and Joe Kenny. The programme will be broadcast on RTE1 at 7pm on Monday, June 26, 2017.
Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday Night, June 25, to the music of ‘Michael Sexton. 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.
Fr. Tom shown lots of love and respect at Golden Jubilee Mass
Canon Tom Breen P.P. celebrated 50 years in the priesthood and 16 years as Parish Priest of Fethard & Killusty at a packed thanksgiving Mass in Holy Trinity Parish Church on Thursday, June 15, where he was joined by family members and friends.
Fr. Tom was taken aback with the huge turnout from Fethard and Killusty and neighbouring parishes that came along and showed their love and respect for a man that has spent 50 years serving the people living in the Diocese of Cashel and Emly and far beyond. The vast and varied attendance echoes the work of this popular and colourful priest born in 1942. Following a very relaxed ceremony all were invited to Fethard Ballroom for refreshments.
Canon Tom Breen P.P. officiating at his Golden Jubilee mass of thanksgiving on Thursday, June 15, in Holy Trinity Parish Church.
Members of the Parish and Augustinian Abbey choirs that sang together at Fr. Tom Breen's Golden Jubilee Mass.
Canon Tom Breen P.P. photographed after celebrating his Golden Jubilee mass of thanksgiving on Thursday, June 15, in Holy Trinity Parish Church Fethard. Back L to R: Fr. Michael Hickey (Bansha), Fr. Derry Quirke (Ballingarry), Fr. John McGrath (Mullinahone), Fr. Lazarus Barkindo OSA, Fr. Gerard Hennessy, Fr Gerry Horan OSA, Fr. John O'Rourke (Glengoole), Fr. Danny O'Gorman (Killenaule), Fr. Martin Crean OSA. Front L to R: Anna Hayes, Lily O'Mahoney, Heather Spillane, Aoibheann Collum, Canon Tom Breen P.P., Kaycie Aherne, Emily Spillane, Áine Connolly and Holly Hayes.
Canon Tom Breen P.P. photographed with his two sisters Ita Carrigan (left) and Carmel Melody.
Fr. Tom Breen's relatives L to R: Noreen Blackwell, Bríd Carr, Therese Blackwell, Esther Carr, Peggy O'Dea, Tom Carr and Liza Blackwell.
Fr. Tom Breen's nieces and grandnieces L to R: Bridget Carrigan, Orla Fogarty, Michael Fogarty, Gráinne Fogarty and Eimear Fogarty.
Fr. Tom Breen's relatives Back L to R: Niamh Melody, Carmel Melody, Pat Melody, David O'Loughlin, Trasa (Melody) O'Loughlin. In front L to R are Tom and John O'Loughlin.
Fr. Tom Breen's relatives L to R: Gráinne Fogarty, John Carrigan, Hugh Carrigan and John Carrigan (Junior)
L to R: organist Goldie Newport, Fr. Tom Breen and Elizabeth Breen
Tony Newport and Sr. Maureen Power at Fr. Tom Breen’s Golden Jubilee Mass
Master of ceremonies, Mrs Margaret Prendergast, welcomed all to Fethard Ballroom where and array of food, supplied by Liam Sweeney and staff, was served and enjoyed while people mingled and chatted with old friends seldom met in recent years.
Fr. Tom Breen cutting his special Golden Jubilee cake with Margaret Prendergast and John Barrett looking on.
Margaret then interrupted proceedings and called on Fr. Tom to take a knife in hand and put the first cut in a special Golden Jubilee cake made by our local baker, so that all may partake of a piece of it, in due course.
Margaret Slattery, secretary of the Parish Team, then came forward to present a very impressive framed collage, organised by Maurice Moloney, Coolmore Stud, depicting many of the various events that Fr. Tom attended in the Parish of Fethard & Killusty during the past 16 years since his arrival to this area. The two dedicated sacristans in the parish - John Barrett (Fethard) and Ann Kenny (Killusty) – then jointly presented Fr. Tom with a gift on behalf of the parishioners.
Following a few words from long-time friend and sacristan, John Barrett, Margaret went on to thank all present for the fantastic work achieved into transforming a bare dance floor into a magnificent and ornate setting, creating a pleasant ambience for the huge crowd that came to honour Fr. Tom. She then went on to thank the Ballroom committee and all their helpers, without whom the second part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations would not have been possible. A special thanks was then given to one man - the very efficient co-ordinator and master negotiator – Gus Fitzgerald. Gus did an amazing job keeping an eye on each facet of the planning and implementation process of the event, while also overseeing the very successful celebration on the night. Well done to all and very hearty congratulations to our own Fr. Tom!
Coolmoyne Reunion Launch on July 1st
Coolmoyne School Reunion will hold a 'Midsummer Musical Evening' in the Abymill Theatre on Saturday night, July 1, in the Abymill Theatre, starting at 8.15pm. This musical evening promises a great night's entertainment to mark the launch of their Coolmoyne School Reunion which will be held later in the year. For further details contact Sean O'Donovan Tel: 086 2594337
Fethard & Killusty Community Council AGM
The annual general meeting of Fethard & Killusty Community Council will take place on Tuesday night, July 4, at 8.30pm and all are welcome to come along.
Fethard & District Day Care Centre AGM
The Fethard & District Daycare Centre will hold their Annual General Meeting on Thursday, July 6, at 8pm in the Tirry Community Centre. All are welcome. We would also like to thank all who gave so generously to our annual Church Gate Collection.
The centre will hold their monthly Senior Day on Friday, June 30, from 10.30am. The Chiropodist will also be in attendance. All seniors are welcome.
Patrician Presentation say fond farewell to two loyal staff members
Michael Leonard
 Patrician Presentation bids a sad farewell to two of its colleagues this year. Firstly, Maths and Business teacher, Mr Michael Leonard retires after thirty-six years of loyal service to the community of Fethard. Michael from Newcastlewest, Co. Limerick, was originally recruited to teach on Patrician staff when Br. Virgil Duggan was Principal. After the school’s amalgamation with the Presentation Secondary School in the early nineties, he worked with Principal, Mr Ernan Britton for twenty-three years and for the last four years with Mr Michael O’Sullivan.
A gentle, dedicated and hardworking teacher, Michael went about his work in a quiet and efficient manner and those who worked with him know all too well his many kindnesses to them. Ever ready to serve, he gave generously of his time to his pupils and to staff and had high academic standards. His pupils always achieved their potential under his guidance and he worked diligently to uphold the ethos of Patrician Presentation during his time in the school.
In recent years Michael was well known for his work with the Department of Education as Advising Examiner for LCVP (Leaving Cert Vocational Programme). Michael will be greatly missed in Patrician Presentation. The management and staff would like to wish him all the best on his retirement and in the future.
“Now is the time to enjoy your heart’s desire, to live the dreams you awaited for, to awaken the depths beyond your work, and enter into your infinite source.”
— John O’Donoghue, poet and philosopher
Michael O’Sullivan
 The school and the Fethard Community were also shocked to learn of popular Principal, Mr Michael O’Sullivan’s departure after a four-year term in Patrician Presentation. When he was appointed to the post of principal in 2014, Michael quickly endeared himself to the school and Fethard communities and went about the job of building up the numbers in the school. He made many improvements to the physical appearance of the school and worked tirelessly for the school during his four-year tenure.
Always willing to embrace new ideas, he worked hard in liaison with the Department of Education to ensure that our pupils had good subject choices and were able to participate in their chosen sports. Michael was also a member of the Fethard Business and Tourism group and with Gráinne Bagnall, set up the popular CoderDoJo Club in the school. He is highly respected by our Le Chéile, Trustee Group and will be missed by all the partners in education in Fethard. We wish him every success and happiness in his new post and in the future.
“Awaken your spirit to adventure. Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk. Soon you will be at home in a new rhythm. For your soul senses the world that awaits you.”
— John O’Donoghue, poet and philosopher
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on June 14, were: 3, 5, 10 and 22. There was no jackpot winner and five ‘Match Three’ winner who received €30 each: Kate O'Shea, Woodvale Walk, Fethard; Catherine Kearney, The Green, Fethard; Gus Slattery, Kilnockin, Fethard; Annette Quigley, Killenaule; and Tom Ryan, c/o Nellie Ryan.
The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners also received €50 each: John Slattery, Barrettstown, Fethard; Gus Slattery, Kilnockin, Fethard; and Mary Delahunty, Castlehiggins, Fethard.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, June 21. 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, June 16, were 10, 14, 17 and 25. There was no jackpot winner and one match three winner who received €100, Stephen Fitzgerald, St Patrick's Place, Fethard. Two lucky dip winners received €25 each: Evie Smith, c/o Ladies Football Club; and Ursula Lawrence, Woodvale Walk, Fethard.
The next draw takes place on Friday, June 23, 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.
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
Now that Fethard Festival time is here again and we are hoping to revive the interest in the traditional Fancy Dress Parade and encourage as amany as possible to dress up and take part, Fethard & Killusty Community Council have sposored prizes and Banna Cluain Meala to lead this year's Fancy Fress Parade from the Ballroom at 2pm on Sunday, June 18, to the Festivities at the Town Wall.
These are some black and white photos from Fethard Festival 1987 – just 30 years ago and hopefully this will encourage some of you to encourage others to dress up this year's parade and create memories for future generations . . .
CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE FETHARD FANCY DRESS PARADE PHOTOGRAPHS taken in 1987
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 fethardnews@gmail.com or delivered by hand to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard.
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