County Development Plan
Please note that Tipperary County Council is currently undertaking a variation process of its County Development Plan. This will affect the rural towns and villages (not including Fethard as the settlement plan was reviewed recently).
Fethard Horse Country Experience shortlisted in prestigious IDI Irish Design Awards 2017
Fethard Horse Country Experience has been shortlisted as a Finalist in the 'Collaborative Design' category of the IDI Awards 2017. The 19th annual Institute of Designers in Ireland (IDI) Irish Design Awards, recognise, celebrate and promote exemplary design vision, uncovering emerging talent and honouring outstanding achievement across all disciplines of Design in Ireland. Event Communications, designers of Titanic Museum Belfast and Guinness Storehouse Dublin, put forward FHC Experience for the prestigious award and winners will be announced at an awards gala ceremony in Temple Bar on Friday, September 15, in Meeting House Square.
The 'Collaborative Design' award will recognise an extended team of designers working together from different disciplines. Approaching a design problem with different perspectives can provide for remarkable successful and interesting results.
Since opening in May 2017, FHC Experience has welcomed over 3,000 native and international visitors and is continuing to drive footfall into the beautiful medieval town of Fethard. To keep up to date with all news and events from Fethard Horse Country Experience please visit www.fhcexperience.ie
Ameniety Area open for viewing on Tuesday next at 4pm
Tipperary County Council will open the proposed new amenity area between Burke Street and Barrack Street on Tuesday next, August 8, at 4pm for anyone who wishes to see the site and the area involved. Please wear strong shoes or boots as ground is uneven. All are welcome to come along.
Fethard to honour its Fenian Leaders in Song and Story
 Saturday, August 19, will see the Abymill Theatre in Fethard host a special event to commemorate the Fenian Uprising, which occurred 150 years ago in 1867, at Ballyhurst, near Tipperary Town. Central to the whole Fenian movement were two Fethard men: Thomas Francis Bourke, who was born in Fethard on December 10, 1840, and was baptised in the local Catholic Church three days later. From the register we learn that the family name was spelled Burke; and Michael Doheny, who was born on May 22, 1806, in what he called Rockfield, Brookhill, outside Fethard. As fate would have it, both men now lie buried close together in Calvary Cemetery in New York City.
The celebrate the amazing life and times of these Fenian 'rebels against the crown' the Fethard Historical Society are holding an unique evening of 'History in Songs' on Saturday, August 19, in the Abymill Theatre at 8pm. This event with special guest, folk singer Seán Tyrrell, a native of the slower moving West of Ireland, is priced at €10 so as to allow as many as possible to participate in the 150th Anniversary of an event that was led by natives of Fethard and that ultimately led to Irish independence in the 1920s.
Seán Tyrrell, one of Ireland's leading singers and musicians
Sean Tyrrell who will perform his 'Message of Peace' show, in the Abymill on Saturday August 19.
Central to the evening will be the'Message of Peace' show; a one man performance by the acclaimed folksinger SeánTyrrell from County Clare. Seán Tyrrell is a much-recorded artist who is regarded as one of the best interpreters of both song and poetry performing nationally at the present time. The show focuses on the life of another Fenian Leader, one John Boyle O'Reilly from County Meath who was also buried for a time in Calvary Cemetery, New York. The show consists of song, music and storytelling that brings to life the deeds and times of an exceptional group of thinkers, poets, politicians and soldiers whose life’s labours only came to fruition a generation later with the Easter Rising in 1916.
Bourke and Doheny fought on opposite sides in the American Civil War
 A fascinating aspect of the two Fethard men's story is that, while they both fought together for Irish freedom, they fought on opposite sides in the American Civil War (1861-1865). Michael Doheny sided with Abraham Lincoln and The Union, while Bourke fought on the Confederate side with the '7th Louisiana Infantry'. Bourke was badly wounded during the Civil War and walked with a limp for the rest of his life. However, that didn't stop him from coming back to Tipperary and leading the failed uprising at Ballyhurst on horseback on March 5, 1867, where he was captured.
The late Mary Healy from The Green, Fethard, unveiling a plaque marking the birthplace of Michael Doheny at Brookhill, Fethard, on Sunday, December 4, 1988.
Heritage Week events
The major Seán Tyrrell event on Saturday, August 19, is one of three events being promoted by the Fethard Historical Society during Heritage Week, which takes place nationwide from Saturday, August 19, to Sunday, August 27, (see www.heritageweek.ie). The other two events are: 'Fethard Mason's Marks and Carvings' with Dr Louise Nugent on Thursday evening, August 24, at 8pm, tour €5 and meeting at the Town Hall; and a Guided Tour of Medieval Fethard on Saturday, August 26, starting at 2.30pm and meeting at the footbridge in The Valley Park. Tour €3 Adult, and €5 Family. For further information email: history@fethard.com or Tel: 086 3905373 or 087 9009722.
Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday Night, August 6, to the music of 'Images'. 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.
Fethard Ballroom AGM
Fethard Ballroom will hold their AGM in the ballroom on Tuesday, August 22, at 8pm, and all are more than welcome to come along.
Presentation Convent Leaving Cert Class of 1971 Reunion
Fethard Presentation Convent Leaving Cert Class of 1971 photographed at their reunion held recently in Fethard. Back L to R: Grace (Smith) Corcoran, Mary (Cunningham) Saunders, Mary (Gorey) Moore, Mary (O'Connell) Wall, Marian (Anglim) Tuohy, Mary (Meagher) Malone, Marian (Teehan) O'Hanlon, Sr. Nora Delaney, Rainy (Healy) Devlin. Front L to R: Patsy (O'Meara) Roche, Mary O'Connor, Breda (Croke) Brodgen, Anne (O'Meara) Cooke and Catherine (Dargan) Croke. Missing from photo: Ann (Skehan) Kennedy, Patricia (O'Dwyer) Dunne and Gaye O'Shea.
Sports Achievement Award Nominees for June and July
Due to holidays Butler's Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award committee decided to hold two months presentation, June and July, together on Friday next, August 4, at Butlers's Bar and all are welcome. The eleven nominees covering both months are as follows:
- Fethard U10 hurling team - beaten finalists in the Annual Liam Connolly memorial cup played at Fethard.
- David Casey – Cork man David, racing from the local Rosegreen raceway finished second in the world Hot Rods which was held in Ipswich UK.
- Noah O'Flynn – won a silver medal for the second year in a row at the National Community Games U10 100 metres.
- Luke Coen - Luke had the great honour of representing Ireland at the European Junior Eventing championships, which were held this year in Millstreet Co. Cork.
- Fethard Ladies Rugby team – under the guise of Orchard Thieves and coached by Polly Murphy won the Ladies Tag Team event organised by Clonmel Rugby Club.
- Ben Coen - at a pony-racing event held last weekend in Navan, Ben brought home a haul of 3 wins, 1 second and 1 third.
- Joe Murphy – Joe's stables have had a remarkable run recently with seven winners on the board including two listed races at The Curragh and Navan.
- Sean Thompson - Kickboxing . These following nominations go to four young lads who have become involved in Kickboxing, a relatively new sport to the town. Coached by Daniel Coffey, all these four have won bouts at a completion held in Waterford.
- Adam McGarry - Kickboxing (as above)
- Jayden Setters - Kickboxing (as above)
- Aaron Nolan - Kickboxing (as above)
Winner will be announced on Friday night next August 4 at Butlers Sports Bar.
Schoolboys Soccer starting in Moyglass
Moyglass schoolboys soccer club will hold a registration night for the coming season for U11 to U15 on Tuesday, August 8, in Moyglass Community Hall from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Registrations for U6 to U10 will take place later in September. New members very welcome. Any queries please contact 086 8521906.
A lot of interest expressed in new Fethard amenity
A lot of local concern and ideas were expressed at the Council's Public Consultation meeting on the proposed public amenity between Burke Street and Barrack Street. The planners and designers held the meeting on Friday, June 28, in Fethard Town Hall, to listen to local views on what would be the best use of the area. One of the main concerns of locals living adjacent to the area was it could encourage anti-social behaviour, a very valid issue due to the recent activities by a very small percentage of our community whose actions affect many, including the future development of the town.
Overall those present were taking all issues on board and also looked favourably to this opportunity to take a step closer to the long-term plan of having a round-the-wall walk open eventually in our unique medieval town. Others stressed the importance of having the entrances gated at night-time to prevent access for unwelcome gatherings or unsocial activities. The need for CCTV coverage and bright lights in the area was also discussed. One of the designers who worked on the Derry Walls said that new practically indestructible lighting is available for use on historic structures such as town walls and could well be implemented in the Fethard plan.
The planners have much feedback from this public consultation and the next stage is to prepare a suggested plan that will be again brought to the public for their opinions. If you were unable to attend the consultation meeting you can still submit your suggestions or views up to next Friday, August 4, by email to fethardpark@tipperarycoco.ie or by letter post, clearly marked with the heading 'New Park in Fethard' to: Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Office, Civic Offices, New Street, Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary. You can also fill out submission online from the County Council website www.tipperarycoco.ie that has a link from that page.
Walk to Rathcoole Graveyard, Thursday, August 10
Rathcoole Graveyard, Fethard
As part of Fethard Historical Society's effort to, 'Connect people to their home place!'; they are organising a visit to another local graveyard this summer. Last year Kilmaclugh Graveyard (Coolmundry) was visited on June 21, and this year the society have organised a walk to Rathcoole Graveyard on Thursday evening, August 10, leaving Madam's Bridge (Ballroom Car Park) at 7.30pm sharp.
This is a 'Walk to Rathcoole Graveyard' as the walk aspect is one of the main reasons for having the event. The Walk will be 'off road', via Monroe walkway which runs along by the Clashawley river and under the old railway line at Breen's Bridge. The walk will take about 30 minutes (without stops) but stops will be a part of this event. Stout walking gear is needed as the path is rough in places and wet vegetation has to be catered for if the evening is wet. So the details again are meeting at Madam's Bridge Car Park at 7.30pm, Thursday, August 10, and the event is free. Further Information be email: history@fethard.com and by phone at 086 3905373.
Visitors to 'Kelly Country' in Moyglass
Photographed outside the Village Inn in Moyglass where local information on John 'Red' Kelly and his son, Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, is on display. L to R: Sean Gleeson, Bill Sykes (visitor from Australia), Sean Watts and Michael Clancy from Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on July 26, were: 1, 19, 24 and 32. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winner so the following drawn tickets received €50 each: Brendan Kenny, St., Patricks Place, Fethard; Mary Danaher, Cedar Grove, Fethard; and Ann-Marie Kenny, Killusty.
The following three 'Lucky Dip’ winners also received €50 each: Peter Nagle, Mocklershill, Fethard; Eamon O'Donohoe, Cashel; and Ger McCarthy, Kerry Street, Fethard.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, August 2. 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.
Slievenamon Golf Club Captains' Prizes Presented
Ladies Captains Prize presentation at Slievenamon Golf Club on Back L to R: Pauline Lucey, Breda O’Dwyer, Patricia Walsh, Ann O’Dea, Majella Smyth, Geraldine Barkley, Teresa O’Brien, May O’Brien. Front L to R: Mary Comerford, Mairead O’Donnell, Carmel Condon (Captain), Eleanor Carroll (winner) and Eileen Noonan.
Mens Captain’s Prize presentation at Slievenamon Golf Club on Back L to R: Barry Manning, Michael Hickey, Alan Kiely, Dick Prendergast, Conor Ryan. Front L to R: Christopher Hickey, Stuart Perry (Captain) and Eddie Daly (winner).
Guided Tour of Fethard Walled Town on Saturday
On this coming Saturday, August 5, a Guided Tour of Fethard Walled Town will take place at 11am, meeting at the Footbridge at the Valley Car Park. The duration of the tour is roughly 1.5 hours and if weather is showery it is advisable to bring an umbrella.
Cost of tour, organised by Fethard Historical Society, is Adults €5 and Children Free.
GAA Sports Development Lotto
The numbers drawn on Friday, July 28, were: 19, 20, 23 and 31. There was no jackpot winner and no match three winner. One lucky dip winner received €50: Mikey Lawrence, Woodale Walk, Fethard. Four lucky dip winners received €25 each: ‘Sparky’, Main Street, Fethard; Stephanie Fitzgerald, Monroe, Fethard; Maureen Whyte, Main Street; and Tom Fitzgerald, Ballingarry
The next draw takes place on Friday, August 4, 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 Horse Country Experience
Fethard Horse Country Experience is currently attracting a large number of visitors to our town and is now offering a special introductory admission offer up to August 31, of €5 per person with children going free when accompanied by an adult. Opening hours are from 10am on 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday, and on all Bank Holidays.
National Heritage Week
As part of National Heritage Week this year the centre will also hold an Open Evening on Friday, August 25, from 7pm to 9pm, with free entry on the night for all, including an informal recital by local harpists, Margaret Anne and Mary Kate Geehan. All are welcome.
Pilgrimage to Holy Year Cross on August 13
The Fethard & Killusty annual parish pilgrimage to Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon will take place on Sunday, August 13, with the starting time of 12.45pm from the Hill Wall. As the walk from the designated car park in O’Donnell’s field to the Hill Wall will take about twenty minutes, we ask you to keep this in mind when you are planning your walk to the starting point, which will commence as close to time as possible. For those unable to make the climb, Mass will be recited in O’Donnell’s field at 2.45pm. Please invite your friends to come along and take part in this annual pilgrimage.
The Holy Year Cross was erected by the people of the parish to commemorate the ‘Holy Year’ and was blessed by the late Rev. Patrick 0’Donnell, Archbishop of Brisbane, Australia, on August 15, 1950. The cross was made of wood and extended 12’ by 9’ and each year the Holy Year Cross was illuminated both on Christmas night and Easter time using a lamp powered by wet batteries. In 1974 the wood of the Holy Year Cross had suffered from the extreme climatic conditions on Slievenamon over the years and had to be replaced by a concrete structure. That year the annual procession also had Stations of the Cross with smaller crosses erected at intervals from the entrance to Slievenamon.
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.
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
Tony Newport photographed on the occasion of his marriage to Mary Kenny, The Green, in 1958. L to R: Bert Newport, Ciss Newport, Tony Newport, Mary Kenny and Maggie Kenny.
Jack O’Shea’s Bar and electrical shop, on Main Street, photographed in the late 1960s. Jack was the local agent for Bush TVs - one of the first TV sets in Ireland which were beginning to get popular at that time.
Fethard Railway Station House in 1970
Junior Boys Group at Fethard GAA Summer Camp 2005
Senior Boys Group at Fethard GAA Summer Camp 2005
Intermediate Girls Group at Fethard GAA Summer Camp 2005
Senior Girls Group at Fethard GAA Summer Camp 2005
Fethard under-16 girls’ volleyball team who represented Tipperary at the Community Games Munster Finals in Cork on July 9, 2005. Back L to R: Sarah Hayes, Debbie Lawrence, Sinead Coffey, Maryanne Keane, Lisa Anglim, Niamh Fanning. Front L to R: Ida Carroll, Leslie Looby, Carrie Sweeney, Sarah Conway, Chloé Gough and Gráinne Horan.
Children from Fethard Community Playgroup, December 2005. Back L to R: Sean Walsh, Caoimhe O'Meara, Ben Coen, Matilda Magnier, Cathal O'Mahoney. Middle Row L to R: Keylin O'Donnell, Chloe Nolan, Alison Connolly, Lucy Cummins, Lucy Spillane. Front L to R: Hanna Dolan, Maggie Fitzgerald and Leah Coen.
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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