Killusty Pony Show best to date

Photographed at the presentation of the Dinny Walsh Perpetual Cup to the winner of the local Champion Cob at the Killusty Show are L to R: Pat Culligan (steward), Barry Walsh, Orla Walsh (owner) and Jane Darragh (judge).
On Saturday, July 1, Killusty Pony Show held its 55th annual show in the scenic valley of Slievenamon. As always, the sun shone brightly and without a doubt it was one of the best shows to date. The entries were magnificent with over 250 competitors on the day. The exceptionally entered classes were the shows own local riding classes for children, to stand and look into Ring 3 and see twenty-five children under the age of eight competing in their classes was a sight to behold. All riding pony classes were well supported. Unfortunately, the young stock classes were not as popular with fewer entries, however, this trend can be seen at shows all around the country, due to the fact that they are not being bred like before.

Jessica Stokes, Fethard, on her pony 'Llanafanfawr Nicolas' after winning the Equitation Jumping Rider (U17) section at the Killusty Pony Show, kindly sponsored by Clonacody House.

Lucy Kelly with her son Triston Kelly on his pony 'Buster' at the Killusty Show.

Nicola Everard with her son Rory Everard on his pony
Last year, for the first time, we introduced riding classes for horses and it was a great success. It was extremely popular again this year with over twelve competitors in the light, middle and heavy weight horse classes. These classes attracted numerous spectators ringside, waiting eagerly to see who would take the title, which was won by Imelda O’Donnell’s mare.

Lorraine Thompson, Killusty, with her daughter Zoë who came fifth in the Lead Rein Equitation section of the Killusty Pony Show

Photographed at Killusty Pony Show are L to R: Barbara Luttrell and Rachel O'Connell

Imogen Lawless Green, who came second in the Lead Rein Equitation section of the Killusty Pony Show
In Ring 1, Pat O’Brien retained the cup for Champion Pony Broodmare with his mare ‘A Touch of Class’. The cob in hand cob classes exceeded expectations with spectators treated to twelve of the finest cobs in Ireland. The judge remarked that some of these cobs would not be out of place at Dublin Horse Show. The cob that won the class was ‘Granddad’s Girl’ owned by Orla Walsh which went on to win the Cob Championship. It was great to see the ‘Dinny Walsh Memorial Cup’ being retained within the Walsh family. Another great success was Pat Culligan winning the part bred Welsh with his lovely pony ‘Secret Ballerina’ bred by Gillian O’Shea. Gillian O’Shea was also winner in the show hunter pony with ‘Windy Girl’.

Enjoying the Killusty Pony Show and the Ice Cream are L to R: Mark Ryan, Camille Ryan, Jane O'Donnell, Robyn O'Reilly, Lily O'Reilly, Isobel O'Donnell and Eve Parratt.

Photographed at the Killusty Pony Show are L to R: Anna O'Callaghan, Ruby ffrench-Davis holding her dog 'Messi', Fred ffrench-Davis and Alice Everard.

Having a welcome snack at the Killusty Pony Show are sisters Caoimhe, Freya and Siún Nevin from Fethard.

Michael Barry, Tullamaine, Fethard, photographed with Annabelle Barry at the Killusty Pony Show.

Photographed at the Killusty Pony Show are L to R: Kathleen O’Brien and Bridget Cuddihy
Cyril Donovan was winner of the special lead class for children 6-10 years with his pony ‘Sportsfield Snowy’ ridden by Sam Donovan. Also in the winners enclosure on the day were Edward Flaherty with his mare ‘It’s Edwina’, Emily Sayers and ‘Forest Guy’ and Hazel and Aoife Sheehan had a lovely show with their cob who came 2nd and went on to win at Clonmel Show. Great to see such local success and this is what Killusty Show is all about.
As always the dog show was very popular with the children, which was kindly sponsored by Iain Meagher of Daybreak, Fethard, which we are very grateful to for his continued support.

Joseph Gaule, Fethard, with his dog 'Coco' at the Killusty Dog Show

A final word of advice for 'Captain' from Lucy Austin and Victoria Burns (right) before entering him in the Killusty Dog Show.

There’s more than one way to eat an Ice Cream demonstrated at Killusty Pony Show L to R: Eamon Mackey and Cian Cussack.
On Facebook one of the leading judges in the country summed up the day, “Rarely do I see a show with so many happy faces, a super job by an amazing committee.” Many thanks to all involved in the show. Roll on 2018!
Cemetery Masses in Calvary and Templemartin
The Annual Cemetery Masses in Fethard this year will take place in Calvary Cemetery on Wednesday, July 12, at 7.30pm and at Templemartin, Jesuits Walk, on Wednesday, July 19, at 7.30pm. This is our chance to remember our departed loved family members and friends who have touched our lives in a special way. Please take note of both dates in your diary.
Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday Night, July 9, 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.
The Fatima Centenary Rosary Rally
A public Rosary to celebrate ‘The Fatima Centenary’ will be recited on Thursday, July 13, at 4pm, at the Fatima Grotto in the Augustinian Abbey Grounds, Fethard. All are welcome to come along.
Coolmoyne Reunion launch well supported

Coolmoyne Reunion Committee photographed at the Midsummer’s Musical Concert to launch the reunion which will be held in September 9 and 10, 2017. Back L to R: Seamus Barry, Catherine (Lawrence) O’Connell, Maura (Frewen) O’Connell, Kay (Barry) Lyons, and Sean O’Donoven. Front L to R: Joan (Leahy) Ryan, Eileen (Leahy) White and Peggy (Ryan) Colville.
Coolmoyne School Reunion Committee were delighted to welcome an excellent attendance to a most enjoyable musical evening in the Abymill on Saturday night last to launch the two-day reunion planned for September 9 and 10. The talent displayed by mainly local individuals and groups was amazing. Former pupil Joan Leahy Ryan got a great reception as she recalled memories of her school days in Coolmoyne in a witty poem which she personally composed. It was wonderful to have the company of Alice (Stapleton) Quinn who was the respected teacher at Coolmoyne National School over 50 years ago, for many of those present.
The committee wish to express their sincere thanks to all those who supported stage one of this venture, especially to each and every one of the performers who made the evening so special, to Musical Director Ann Barry, Musical Accompanist Mary Rose McNally, compere Jimmy O’Sullivan, Austin O’Flynn and the Abymill committee, Pat Doheny for sound and lighting, caretaker Christy Mullins, Barry Connolly for ticket sales at Fethard Post Office and to everybody who made donations or kindly provided prizes for the raffle.
Lucky raffle winners were as follows: Overnight stay at Clonacody House won by Shirley Swift, Sean O’Dea (fruit hamper), Jimmy Barry (bottle whiskey), Austin O’Flynn (pair of cushions), Fiona Barry (box of chocolates), Geraine O’Donnell (Newgrange candle sticks), Tony Lyons (bottle wine), Adrian Morrissey (mini car valet), and Marie Murphy (rose plant & box of Roses).
Stage two will consist of a Mass in Holy Trinity Parish Church at 7pm on Saturday evening, September 9, followed by a meal and music in the Ballroom where people can avail of the opportunity to meet old friends, relax and take a trip down memory lane. Celebrations will continue on Sunday afternoon September 10, with a function in the Handball Alley in Coolmoyne at 2pm where the guest of honour will be former pupil, Alice Leahy, originally from Annesgift. Alice who resides in Dublin is a director of ‘Trust’ charity and known worldwide, has received numerous accolades for her dedication to improving the lives of the less fortunate people in our society. We look forward to Alice sharing her memories with us. Please ensure that all families home and away will be aware of these dates where a warm welcome will await them. Further details may be had from Sean O’Donovan 086-2594337.
Puppy Show at Tullamaine

Clare Gunn with her two sons Jimmy Higgins (left) and Con Higgins at the Tipperary Foxhounds Puppy Show in Tullamaine.


Pat O’Brien and Mickey Flanagan at the Puppy Show in Tullamaine, both past Huntsmen with the Tipp’s.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on June 28, were: 2, 5, 9 and 16. There was no jackpot winner and three ‘Match Three’ winner who received €50 each: Anne Marie Kenny, Killusty, Fethard; Phil Wyatt, Jossestown, Fethard; and Liam Hayes, Redcity, Fethard.
The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners also received €50 each: Abigail Sheehan, Reflections, Fethard; Keenan Aherne, Prospect, Fethard; and Marie Corcoran, The Valley, Fethard.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, July 5. 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.
Security advice for Fethard households
As the holiday season approaches and Fethard children finish their exams and school for the summer, families travelling to warmer climates for their holidays will leave their homes vacant for the duration of these holidays. During this time homes are very vulnerable to being burgled causing distress and upset for the homeowners upon their return.
With this in mind the local Garda are offering a number of tips that can help deter your home being burgled.
- Have a neighbour watch your house. Neighbourhood watch is one of the best things ever started for burglary prevention. Make sure your house looks like someone is living in it while you are away – this may involve a trusted neighbour opening and closing your curtains, turning your lights on and off or parking their car in your driveway.
- Try to avoid discussing your holiday plans where strangers may hear details of your absence from home.
- Have a neighbour collect your mail when you're away. Mail in the mailbox signals burglars that no one is home.
- Try avoid posting Facebook updates from airports or while on holidays. This is an indication that your home is vacant.
- Leave any important documents and valuable items with other family members or a bank. Alternatively if you have a safe installed in your home you should store them in this safe.
- If you normally leave valuable bicycles or similar items in your shed, you may consider putting them into your home.
- Ensure all windows and doors are securely locked and if your home is alarmed ensure it is set before leaving.
- Contact your local Garda Station with the details that your home will be vacant. This allows Gardaí to keep an eye on your home where possible.
For further information and other crime prevention advice please contact Garda Shane O’Neill at Fethard Garda Station on 086 8580355 or (052) 6131202 or contact Sergeant Kieran O’Regan at Clonmel Garda Station on (052) 6177640.
County U16 Ladies Football Champions

Fethard U16 Ladies Football Team who were crowned County Champions following their 3-16 to 0-09 win over reigning champions Aherlow in the county final played in Sean Treacy Park, Tipperary.
Congratulations to Fethard Ladies U16 Football team who, after beating Thurles Sarsfields in the county semifinal on a scoreline 1-14 to 1-05, went on to beat reigning champions Aherlow in the county final on a scoreline of Fethard 3-16 Aherlow 0-09. What made the win sweeter is that Aherlow had defeated the girls in the earlier group stages.
Playing the county final in Sean Treacy Park, Tipperary, the Fethard girls were quickly into their stride and took the game to Aherlow from the start. They played attacking football with some excellent scores taken by the midfielders and forwards, while the backs and goalkeeper never gave their opponents a chance to settle into their game.
This group of girls have shown huge improvement over the years. They were beaten in the U12 C county final in 2013, then went on to win the U14 B in 2015, and now in 2017 are U16 A County Champions. A just reward for the work put in by the girls over the years and their trainers, Micheál Spillane, Chris Coen, Willie Morrissey, Annette Connolly and Pamela O’Donnell.

Fethard Ladies Football trainers photographed with the U16 County Cup after the final. L to R: Micheál Spillane, Pamela O’Donnell, Chris Coen, Annette Connolly and Willie Morrissey.
GAA Sports Development Lotto
The numbers drawn on Friday, June 30, were 1, 5, 8 and 29. There was no jackpot winner and three match three winner who received €50 each, Donal Tobin, Killerk; and Monica Pollard, Rocklow Road.
The next draw takes place on Friday, July 7, 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.
Coolmore Family Day 2017

The annual Coolmore Family Day took place on Saturday, June 17, 2017, and this is a link to view the photographs in a web gallery that can also be shared on Facebook. CLICK TO VIEW PHOTOS
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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