Cashel Arts Festival
Steve and Joe Wall of The Stunning and The Walls, appearing at the Cashel Arts Festival.
 The 15th Cashel Arts Festival is taking place from Thursday, September 21, to Sunday, September 24, this year. From film to fire breathers, druid dancers to drumming workshops, we promise to bring you an action packed, fun filled weekend of events with something to suit everyone.
Our festival highlights include Steve and Joe Wall of The Stunning and The Walls, Robert Fisk, international journalist and writer and ‘My Real Life’ a one man play by Eoin Colfer. Check out www.cashelartsfest.com to book tickets and for more info.
Church Gate Collection for 'Community Text Alert'
This coming weekend, September 9 & 10, a Church Gate Collection will take place in aid of Fethard & Killusty 'Text Alert' – a very important and valuable service in all rural communities – so we ask you for your continued support this weekend!
Harvest Thanksgiving Service
Canon Barbara Fryday and the congregation invite everyone to the annual Harvest Festival service, which will take place in Holy Trinity Church of Ireland Fethard on Sunday, September 17, at 7.30pm.
This is a celebration of God’s created world and is a time to give thanks for the bounteous harvest that we all enjoy. The celebrant will be Mr Michael O'Meara from Tipperary Town. Fethard Choral Society will also sing two pieces. Refreshments will be served afterwards.
Welcome to new Secondary School Principal
 Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School welcomes Mr Pat Coffey as the new Principal and wishes him well in Fethard. Pat is originally from Enfield, Co. Meath and lives in Carlow town with his wife Mary. He is a graduate of NUI Maynooth where he holds a B.A. in Mathematical Studies and Nua-Gaeilge, an M.A. in Nua-Gaeilge and a Higher Diploma in Education.
Pat is currently completing a Ph.D. in education with the University of Lincoln in the U.K. Pat taught Irish and Mathematics in St. Mary’s Academy, CBS Carlow for ten years. He taught to all levels, up to and including Leaving Certificate Higher Level in both subjects.
In 2012, Pat was seconded to work as an Advisor with the Professional Development Service for Teachers. In 2015, Pat was appointed Team Leader with the PDST where he managed and led a group of Advisors and Associates in designing and delivering continuing professional development for teachers and school leaders of National Programmes including the Leaving Certificate Applied, the Junior Certificate Schools Programme, Literacy and Numeracy, and the cultural and environmental suite of subjects. This included the new Leaving Certificate subject, Politics and Society. Mr Coffey is very much looking forward to getting to know the school community in Fethard and working with them in the years to come.
Best of Luck to Ms Margaret O’Neill
It is with sadness that we bid farewell to Ms Margaret O’Neill who served as Home School Community liaison officer in the school for the last six years. Margaret was extremely diligent in the position and was well-known to the Fethard parents. She organised many activities for the parents during her time in the school and liaised well between the parents, the school and the community of Fethard. She was a valued member of the School Student Care Team and contributed greatly to the successful management of the school. We wish Margaret all the best in her new role with Coiscéim in Scoil Ruáin.
Welcome to First Years
Welcome to all our First-Year students as they embark on their Secondary School journey. There is a bigger than normal contingent of them this year from all the neighbouring Primary Schools. They began their Induction Programme on Tuesday, August 29, which concluded on Tuesday afternoon with an outing with their Class Teachers and Mentors to the Bowling Alley in Clonmel. Their parents were invited later in the afternoon to refreshments in the Cookery Kitchen, hosted by the Parents’ Association.
New School Day
In line with the new Department of Education guidelines on the length of classes and with the introduction of the new Junior Cert, classes will begin from now on at 9.00 am each day and conclude at 3.50 pm. Lunch Break will be from 1.15 pm to 1.50 pm each day with classes finishing each day at 3.50 pm and on Fridays at 1.15 pm. These times were agreed by all the partners in education in Patrician Presentation.
Fethard Friends
The Two Tinas - school friends Tina Kenny and Tina Ryan meet up at the weekend in Fethard to catch up on changes. Tina emigrated to Australia in 2012 and came back home to visit her much loved family and friends.
Fethard Bridge Club
It’s that time of the year again! Bridge resumes on Wednesday next, September 13, after the summer break. Incoming president, Mary Tierney, looks forward to seeing all the regular players and any new members who would like to join. Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 6132038.
Fethard ICA resumes on September 12
Fethard ICA will resume its monthly meetings commencing on Tuesday, September 12, at 8pm in the ICA Hall on Rocklow Road. Guest speaker for the month is Mary Madigan, who will demonstrate energy wipe mops and cloths. Catering on the night is by the ‘Red Group’.
New Rugby Season Begins
Having won the award for Munster Rugby Minis Club last year, Fethard will resume training on Friday next, September 8, at 6.45pm with rugby for all ages. The club is an all-inclusive club with equal opportunities for all children. We have teams from U7 to U18s and also a strong girls section, so why not bring your child along and give it a try, in a safe, well coached and friendly environment.
Fethard RFC is a relatively new club but has made great progress over the years and now has minis rugby for boys and girls from U7 to U12 ,with an underage structure competing at 14s,16s and 18s while also having girls teams at the various age grades, the club also two senior teams competing in the Munster junior leagues. So all roads lead to Fethard rugby club next Friday evening for a 6.45pm start.
Ladies Rugby - Dorothy Wall represents Ireland U18 Sevens
Dorothy Wall photographed with three generations of her family who travelled over for the tournament played at Loughborough University England.
Dorothy Wall, a young player with Fethard Ladies Rugby Club, was chosen as one of just 12 players to represent Ireland in the Under-18 Girls Sevens squad at the UK School Games Rugby Sevens tournament played at Loughborough University England.
Seven teams took part from Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland along with regional and development sides. The pool stages were played over Friday and Saturday afternoon, before the knockout stages were held on Saturday evening last, September 2. The Irish team broke new ground by reaching their first ever final and having won four of their six pool matches, the girls saved their best for last when they dethroned defending champions England South East (17-5) at the semi-final stage and then overcame pre-tournament favourites Wales by 19-10 in a pulsating final under floodlights to be deservedly crowned UK School Games Rugby 7s champions.
Dorothy Wall has played on the Munster Ladies team for the past two seasons and this has made a huge impact on all her proud teammates and members of Fethard RFC . Wow what a final the Irish Girls played and so exciting to watch. The team are coached by the womens 7s captain Lucy Mulhall.
Ireland Girls Sevens Squad included: Enya Breen (Bantry Bay RFC/Munster); Megan Burns (Tullamore RFC/Leinster); Aimee Clarke (Railway Union RFC/Leinster); Meabh Deely (Ballinasloe RFC/Connacht); Eve Higgins (Railway Union RFC/Leinster); Ellie Ingram (Enniskillen RFC/Ulster); Lucinda Kinghan (Monaghan RFC/Ulster); captain Emily Lane (Mallow RFC/Munster); Grace Browne Moran (Westport RFC/Connacht); Saoirse O'Reilly (Wicklow RFC/Leinster); Aoibheann Reilly (Ballinasloe RFC/Connacht) and Dorothy Wall (Fethard RFC/Munster.
A fantastic performance by all involved. Dorothy was watched by three generations of her family and friends who travelled over for the tournament. Also it has Just been confirmed that Dorothy has been selected to play for Ireland in France on Friday, September 15, for a European U18 girls rugby tournament. Congratulations on last weekend's achievement Dorothy and best of luck in the coming weeks representing your country.
Fethard J1s win pre-season friendly
Congrats to our J1 team who beat Cill Dara in the return leg of there pre season friendly last night in Kildare. Game finished 33-5 in favour of Fethard. Fethard started off very quick and the new centre combination of Ashley Western and Sam Bergerson proved too hard to stop when some good link play saw Sam cross the white wash to touch down under the post. Try converted by Gary Kavanagh. It wasn't long before Fethard were back on the score sheet with Bergerson touching down for the second time after a dominant scrum with Rob Hall and James Smith driving forces in the second row. Gary added the conversion.
In the second half Fethard continued their dominance with Jonathan Spillane Martin Murphy and Danny Lambe proving crucial in the front row. Some good link play between the back rows Kieran Power Chris Large and the Paul Scully saw space created out wide and Gary Kavanagh touched down and added the conversion to leave the score 21-0 to Fethard. Cill Dara fought back but some great defence from Andy Welsh and Rodgy Kavanagh proved too strong for the home side.
Good attacking play from the Fethard backs allowed Western touch down on the side line. With only 10 minutes to play Fethard continued to pile on the pressure and some great pick and goes and quick thinking from Fethards 9 Conor Kavanagh who spread the ball wide saw Andrew Phelan touch down in the corner. Kavanagh added his fourth conversion leaving the score 33-0. It was the final play of the game that saw Cill Dara cross the white wash to touch down in the corner. Overall it was a great team performance from Fethard with a great defensive effort.
Training continues at 7.45pm Wednesday and Fridays. Next match Saturday the 9th September at 7:00 in Fethard against Waterford city. All support welcome.
Articles & Photos for Annual Emigrant's Newsletter
Articles and photographs suitable for publication in this year's Annual Emigrant's Newsletter are now invited. Please contact Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, Tel: (052) 6131663 or by email to: newsletter@fethard.com
If emailing photographs please send them at full resolution and included caption with names or any other relevant information. Current photographs such as weddings or other family events are also welcome.
Old photographs are always very popular with our many readers at home and abroad. These photographs evoke wonderful memories of the colourful people who lived among us in the past and in many ways influenced the development of our community. As time moves on we can sometimes forget those who shared our town, streets and houses.
Today’s generation may be completely diverse but will also play their part and influence the development of Fethard in this period of history as other generations also did in the past. The Annual Newsletter plays a part in acknowledging the past and recording the present for the future. If you would like to play a part, please consider writing an article? It doesn’t matter if it’s short or long, it would be more than welcome.
From Milwaukee to Farranshea
Liz (Burke) Purcell photographed with her sister-in-law Biddy Purcell (centre) and her brother Patrick Burke, originally from Farranshea, Fethard, and photographed while home on holiday from Milwaukee, USA.
Sports Achievement Award nominations for August
The following nominees were received for the Butlers Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for August.
- Bernard Feery – Bernard represented Ireland at the European Masters Athletics Championships in three events, 4k cross country, 10k track as well as the half marathon. The competition took place in Aarhus Denmark.
- Miceál McCormack – Miceál also represented Ireland in Denmark in the 4 kilo shot putt and the 5k walk.
- Willie Morrissey – Presidents Prize winner at Cahir Golf Club during August.
- Shane O’Neill – A Clare man working in Fethard who captained St. Mary’s Clonmel to this year’s South Intermediate Hurling title.
- Ben Coen – Ben was a winner of four races at the weekend of the famous Dingle Races during August.
- Dorothy Wall – A member of Fethard Ladies Rugby Team who this week represents Ireland on the U18 Sevens squad.
- Aine Connolly – At the recent Piltown show Aine and her pony emerged as the winners in the Working Hunter Pony 133cms class.
- Ryan Walsh – Dual Gaelic player Ryan had double success this month with Tipperary U15 teams. He played on teams that won both the Humphrey Kelleher plate (football) and also the hurling plate following a six-point victory against Waterford in the final.
- Emily Sayers – Emily had a very creditable 4th place finish in the large riding class at the RDS show and also a 1st place in the working hunter class at the Limerick show.
- Sandra Ryan – With her team the Alfa Irish Banshees she won the Australian rules International cup for 2017 the final which was played at the Etihad stadium in Melbourne.
The winner for August will be announced on Friday night next, September 8, at a special presentation function in Butler’s Bar. All are welcome.
Fethard Ladies Football play two county finals
Fethard Ladies Football Junior team pictured with Marie Smyth,The Well, who recently presented the team with a set of football socks to mark the teams success.
Fethard Ladies Football Club will have a busy day on Saturday, September 9, with two county titles up for grabs. First up is the Junior A County Final re-play against Thurles Sarsfields, which takes place in Bansha at 1pm. This game will be followed by the U12 County A Final against Sliabh na mBan (based in Ballyneale), which takes place in Ardfinnan GAA field at 6pm. (Please note change of venue to Ardfinnan).
A very wet U12 Fethard Ladies Football team pose for a photograph after their county semifinal win over Ardfinnan.
Hopefully, both our two teams will get a big Fethard crowd at both games to cheer the girls on in their relative County Finals.
Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday Night, September 10, 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.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on August 30, were: 4, 10, 27 and 31. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: Megan & David Sceats, c/o Thelma Griffith.
The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners also received €50 each: John Ward, Kerry Street, Fethard; William Grant, Barrack Street, Fethard; and Eileen Purcell, Burke Street, Fethard.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, September 6. 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, September 1, were: 4, 9, 16 and 29. There was no jackpot winner and two ‘match three’ winners who received €75 each: Anne Daly, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard; and Gerry Hannon, Crossard, Fethard.
The next draw takes place on Friday, September 8, 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.
Yoga Classes resume on September 11
Yoga Classes will resume in the Tirry Community Centre, Fethard, on Monday, September 11, at 8pm. Classes are suitable for beginners / intermediate and booking is essential as places are limited. For further details contact Peg at Tel: 086 3027927.
Daring escape from Clonmel County Gaol
To mark the 150th Anniversary of the daring escape of Laurence O’Brien from Clonmel County Gaol, an evening of lectures will take place on Thursday, September 7, from 7pm to 9pm, at
Tipperary County Museum, Mick Delahunty Square, Clonmel.
Admission: €10.
Speakers on the night will be historian and author Owen McGee, Irish in the American Civil War expert Damien Shiels, and genealogist and historian Maura Kiely on Laurence O’Brien.
Communicating with Exotic Trees
This is a meditative workshop taking place at Clonacody House on Sunday, October 1, hosted by Earthwise and Clonacody House, and focusses on perceiving tree energies.
When Jackie Queally took a year to meditate one by one with the Celtic Trees, she wrote a book called Reconnecting with Celtic Trees. Through the process she felt a new cycle was taking place and wondered how best to introduce this notion of an entirely new energy cycle that the planet is entering.
After visiting Clonacody House she realised that the exotic tree species growing there offered a doorway into this new consciousness. By engaging with an array of more exotic trees (or at least non-Celtic trees) she feels we can free ourselves of old habitual thinking and renew our senses and also renew our soul search at Michaelmas, an important time of the year.
The workshop takes place in Clonacody House – a beautiful yet warm-hearted Irish country house near the enchanting village of Fethard.
Come and explore its grounds, enjoy a gluten-free lunch and refreshments, and above all meet like-minded people in this special day to mark the turn of the seasons well. The cost of the workshop is
€95. Please pay in full, using PayPal, to info@earthwise.me or you can contact Jackie directly at jackiequeally@gmail.com for bank transfer details.
ETB Evening Training Programmes
Tipperary Education and Training Board is now enrolling for Evening Training Programmes in Cashel, Tipperary, Thurles, Clonmel, Carrick-on-Suir and Nenagh. Courses are available in Palliative Care, Afters School Support, Team Leadership, Hairdressing, Makeup, Art, Security, Catering, Health & Safety and many more.
Courses fees may not apply if you are in receipt of a social welfare payment. Please contact 052 6134348 or www.tipperaryetb.ie
Medieval Carvings and Mason’s Marks in Fethard
A most interesting recessed carving in Chapel Lane, Fethard.
As part of the Fethard Historical Society’s celebration of Heritage Week 2017, archaeologist Dr Louise Nugent welcomed a crowd of forty or so to her walkabout in Fethard last Thursday night as she explored the stone-carved heritage of Fethard. As well as interested locals and other Tipperary natives, there were people present who had travelled from as far afield as West Cork, Dublin and Kildare.
Louise began her walk at the Town Hall where she spoke about the three heraldic plaques that adorn the façade of the 17th century building: the Everard foundation plaque, the arms of John and Amy Everard (the benefactors of the original Alms House), and the arms of the Butlers of Dunboyne, who lived in Kiltinan castle. She first explained the origins of heraldry in the Middle Ages and outlined the general rules governing the bearing of arms, before talking about the particular features of each plaque and their significance.
The group then made its way down to the carved doorway on Main Street, that is the entrance to David Gorey’s studio. Louise sees this type of craftsmanship as very much a continuum of the folk art that evolved in the 18th and 19th centuries. She pointed out how important such art is in telling the story of our nation and how necessary it is to preserve it for posterity. Today, modern craftsmen like David draw on those stories and motifs from the past, reinterpreting them in a new way for the present generation.
The stone carving of a two-tailed cat beside the doorway led Louise onto tales of the Gobán Saor, a well-known figure in Irish folklore, whose origins reach back to the time of the ancient Celtic gods but who appears in tales from every century as a master craftsman with a hint of the rogue about him. While stories of the Gobán Saor exist all over Ireland, he has a particular affinity with Tipperary, especially with Derrynaflan where it is said he was finally laid to rest. Interestingly, from an archaeological point of view, the carving of a two-tailed cat, the motif most strongly associated with the Gobán Saor, is found predominantly in Tipperary.
In Chapel Lane there is a most interesting recessed carving which in fact incorporates two different pieces, one above the other. The first is a simple name plate inscribed ‘Russel’. The second piece, dating from the 18th century depicts a bishop, possibly St. Patrick, the origins of which are still unknown. Perhaps it relates to a church that once stood on this site, perhaps it refers to the time the houses on Chapel lane were built, or it may have originally been erected elsewhere and subsequently moved to its present location. The Fethard Historical Society would be most interested in hearing from anyone who has any further information about this carving.
The Abbey Church, founded in 1305, was the final port of call on Dr. Nugent’s fascinating tour and here the focus was on Mason’s Marks. The practice in medieval times was for individual master stone carvers or masons, as they were known, to inscribe their work with a symbol particular to them. Nowadays that allows historians to identify the work of ancient master craftsmen and to trace their travels from one location to another. In the Abbey, there is a proliferation of such mason’s marks to be found in and around the 15th century arches beside the main altar. While 13th century mason’s marks were usually made of just simple lines or hatchings, these 1400 examples are much more elaborate: interlaced stars, Celtic knots, a three-leafed sprig and an elegant, long-fingered hand among others. The evening concluded with refreshments and much lively discussion in the ICA Hall.
Help with third level college fees
Vincent de Paul Society, Fethard, have a limited fund for families who may need help with Third Level College expenses this year. Those interested are asked to contact any member of the Fethard St. Vincent de Paul conference for an application form.
Bingo in revamped Ballingarry Community Centre
All new 'Bingo' will commence in the revamped Ballingarry Community Centre on Tuesday night, September 5, starting at 8.15 pm sharp.
Over €1,500 in prizes and a new jackpot sheet with tables for all the bingo players. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Welcome to our new Parish Priest
Following the recent retirement of Canon Tom Breen as Paris Priest of Fethard and Killusty, the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly, has appointed Fr. Liam Everard to take his place, effective from August 12, 2017.
We are happy to report that Fr Tom will remain in our parish and has now moved residence to the curate’s house on the Cashel Road. We extend a hearty welcome to our new Parish Priest, Fr. Liam Everard, who has taken up residence in the Parochial House, Rocklow Road, and wish him support and best wishes in his new role in Fethard and Killusty.
Happy Birthday Junie!
Junie Lawless, Fethard, photographed with friends on the occasion of his 30th birthday celebrated at the Clonmel Park Hotel on Saturday, August 26. Back L to R: Andrea Carroll, Rosanne Carroll, Junie Lawless, Aoife Sheehan, Darragh Byrne, Sophie Lovie. Front L to R: Ben Johnson, Laura Stocksborough, Molly O'Meara, Rachel O'Meara, Erica McGrath and Rebecca McGarry.
Coolmoyne School Reunion this weekend
Coolmoyne National School c.1939. Back L to R: Mr. P. O'Dwyer (teacher and County Tipperary hurler), M. Hennessy, J. Treacy, Miss Treacy, Miss Wall, Miss Wall, P. Hennessy, T. Heffernan, 3rd Row: A. McCormack, J, Barry, S. O'Brien, W. Morrissey, J. O'Brien, J. Hogan, S. Moloney, D. Markley, P. Grant, M. Morrissey. 2nd Row: M. Barry, R. Maher, T. Treacy, M. Flanagan, M. McCormack, T. McCormack, M. O'Brien, A. O'Brien, M. Hennessy. Front L to R: P. McCarthy, K. Fahey, A. Treacy, C. O'Brien, F. Hogan, J. Flanagan, M. Flanagan, W. Morrissey, and M. Flanagan.
Coolmoyne School reunion will take place on this coming weekend, commencing on Saturday, September 9, with the option of attending mass at 7pm in Holy Trinity Parish Church followed by a ‘Meal, Music and Memories’ in Fethard Ballroom at 8pm sharp. The reunion will conclude with a gathering in Coolmoyne Ball Alley on Sunday afternoon, September 10. All are welcome.
Tickets costing €20 are available on or before Thursday, September 7, to facilitate catering, at Fethard Post Office or from any of the following committee members: Sean O’Donovan 086-2594337, Catherine O’Connell 086-3525743, Maura O’Connell 087-9739027 (Killenaule), Kay Lyons 086-3429383, or Joan Leahy Ryan (062) 62872 (Cashel).
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
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.
Share this page on Facebook
|
