The Castle Man Comes to Fethard
The legendary ‘Castle Man’, Mike Salter, photographed in Fethard examining some of the many fine medieval features in situ.
This week saw the visit to Fethard of the legendary ‘castle man’, Mike Salter. Mike finished off his most recent fourteen-day tour of Ireland with a couple of nights in Fethard before heading to Rosslare and beyond to his home in Worcestershire, England.
But this is by no means Mike’s first tour to Ireland – he has been many times. Indeed in 2003 Mike came over an astonishing nine times and visited all 32 counties in the run up to the publication of his five-volume series covering Connacht, Leinster, Ulster and two volumes on Munster, North and South.
Mike has devoted his life to the study of the castles found in all the corners of the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. He has now published more than thirty detailed inventories of these intriguing buildings complete with photos and many hand-drawn plans. He is a terrier when it comes to rooting out stories and information about the history of these places and he will boldly go where no bull will deter him. His books adorn the studies of the most august academics in these islands. It is true to say that some of his work remains the only substantive record of buildings and features now lost or at risk.
Archaeologists Jean Farrelly and Barry O’Reilly hosted Mike and his glamorous wife Val to tea on Wednesday, September 27 and the discussion ranged into the most intricate details of carving, corbelling and crenellating.
Mike is also interested in Irish churches and monasteries and so spent a good deal of time examining the fabric of the stonework in Holy Trinity (C of I) and graveyard searching for clues in the tooling of the stone surfaces and in the geometry of the artefacts and architecture. Mike was particularly intrigued by the magnificence of Court Castle in an urban/ecclesiastical setting and he noted the rare over-hanging garderobe that adorns Edmond’s Castle.
Mike promises his readership a magnificent new book about saving castles from ruin which will feature a good number of Irish and Scottish castles and a smaller number from Wales and England. Publication is expected within the next few months.
If you would like to own your own copy of any of Mike’s books on heritage buildings you will find them at very accessible prices at his dedicated website: www.follypublications.co.uk
We wish Mr Salter well with his endeavours and may falling stones and angry bulls always miss him and leave him well.
Tipperary Civil Defence looking for new members
Tipperary Civil Defence are currently recruiting new members. If you, or you know of anyone who may be interested in joining Civil Defence, please ask them to contact Dolores Fahey, Civil Defence Officer, at Tel: 087 2435001 for further details..
Please note that all new recruits are not allowed training until their Garda vetting is processed and they have been listed as probationary members.
Frank ‘Scout’ Butler plaque unveiled on Saturday
 A plaque will be unveiled to the memory of Fethard’s Frank ‘Scout’ Butler at Calvary Cemetery on this coming Saturday, October 14, at 4pm. The ‘Scout’ Butler, from The Green, Fethard, will be forever remembered as the Tipperary goalie, who played on the county senior football team on Bloody Sunday against Dublin in Croke Park on November 21, 1920. On that infamous day of violence, members of the Auxiliary Division and RIC opened fire on the crowd at Croke Park, killing eleven civilians and wounding at least sixty, three of which died later, Robinson and Carroll on November 23, and Tom Hogan on November 26.
Frank ‘Scout’ Butler was one of the many young men of twenty from Fethard district who saw active service in the trenches during the Great War 1914-1918. Frank, as he was leaving Croke Park following the shooting on Bloody Sunday, was halted by an auxiliary. “Where’s your gun Paddy,” the auxiliary demanded. “I left it in Flanders”, replied Frank. “What was your regiment and company?” was the next question. Frank reckoned his prompt, correct reply probably saved his life. Frank lived the remainder of his life at his house on The Green up to his death on October 13, 1977 and burial in Calvary Cemetery on October 15, 1977.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Monday, October 9, 2017, of Kathleen Heffernan (née Meagher), Abbey Close, Gowran, Kilkenny and formerly Knockelly Castle, Fethard, and Cloneen. Kathleen, wife of the late Christopher, sadly missed by her daughters, son, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, Bridget, staff and friends at Gowran Abbey and her many relatives and friends. May she rest in peace
Reposing at her home on Wednesday, October 11, from 4pm to 7pm. Funeral Mass on Thursday in the Augustinian Abbey Church, Fethard, at 11.30am, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. No flowers please. Donations, if desired, to St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny.
Fethard September Sports Achievement Award
Michael Healy, The Green, receiving his 'Mentor of the Month' sports achievement award from Donna O'Halloran, representing this month's sponsor, O'Sullivan Insurance, Clonmel.
The joint-winners for Butler’s Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for the month of September were: Fethard Ladies Junior A Football and Anner Gaels Minor Hurling Team. Winner of the ‘Mentor of the Month’ was Michael Healy from The Green, Fethard, who coaches the Anner Gaels Minor Hurling Team. The presentations were made on Friday, October 6, by Donna O'Halloran, representing this month’s sponsor O'Sullivan Insurance, Clonmel.
Members of Fethard Ladies Junior A Football team who were joint-winners of the Fethard Sports Achievement Award for September. L to R: Lucy Spillane, Leah Coen, Megan Coen, Carrie Davy, Kate Davey and Donna O'Halloran, representing this month's sponsor, O'Sullivan Insurance, Clonmel.
Members of Anner Gaels Minor Hurling Team who were joint-winners of the Fethard Sports Achievement Award for September. L to R: Ryan Walsh, Darragh Hurley, Michael Boland, Donna O'Halloran, representing this month's sponsor, O'Sullivan Insurance, Clonmel, Jamie Broderick and Jack Ward.
Patrician Presentation Secondary School
Coderdojo Club
A great crowd of young people aged 8 to 18 years of age attended the re-opening of the School’s Coderdojo Club on Thursday, October 5. The club is now facilitated by past pupil, Mr Keith Woodlock and the school is very grateful to him for his involvement with the club. A reminder to parents that from the week beginning October 9, the club will meet on Tuesdays. All children from the Fethard area are welcome to attend.
Transition Year News
The school’s Transition Year pupils have started work on their Junk Kouture outfits. The school has had great success in the competition with outfits being selected for the Regional Finals and making the National Finals in Dublin on a number of occasions. The whole project is very ably managed by the school’s Art Teacher, Ms Pat Looby. Transition Year pupils attend the Day Care Centre twice a week to help out with the Meals on Wheels Programme. It is a very enriching experience for our pupils and we thank Ms. Geraldine McCarthy for her support of this Community Initiative for the pupils. The School Shop run by Transition Year Pupils will re-open on Monday, October 9th. This year we will have a Healthy Tuesday with only healthy products being sold on the day. Transition Year Pupils have been working with their Science Teacher, Mr. Maher on analysing the sugar, fat and salt content of favourite childrens’ snacks and the results of this work will soon be on display in the school.
Garda Soccer Blitz
As part of their ongoing community initiatives, Clonmel Gardaí held a Soccer Blitz for Secondary Schools in the Clonmel area on Tuesday, October 4th in Dr. Pat O’Callaghan Complex. The school was represented by the following 2nd Year boys: Jack O’Donoghue, Keenan Ahearne, Patrick Kennedy, Carlos Zapico Casada, Simon Brawders, Micheál Cuddihy, Tyler McCormack, Alex Bradshaw, Gonzalo Galdron Pons, David Cowlard and Michael O’Meara.
Second Year Boys from Patrician Presentation Fethard, who recently took part in the Soccer Blitz organised by the Clonmel Gardaí last week. Pictured here with the boys are Principal, Mr Pat Coffey, Mr Walsh, Mr O’Connor and Garda Superintendent William Leahy.
Successful Exhibition
Congratulations to Ms Pat Looby, the school’s Art Teacher, on her recent very successful exhibition ‘Home’ in the Bolton Library, Cashel, as part of Cashel’s Arts Festival. Well done also to the chairperson of the organising committee, Ms Anne Marie O’Donnell BCL on the success of the Festival. Anne Marie, formerly of Kilconnell, is a past pupil of our school and was the guest speaker at the school’s Awards’ Day a number of years ago.
Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday Night, October 15, to the music of ‘Dave Rea’. 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.
Great weekend for Fethard Rugby Seniors
Fethard Girls win Munster U18 interprovincial Cup – Congratulations to the five Fethard RFC Girls who represented Munster at U18 level and were in action at the weekend in what was a thrilling climax to the Interpro Cup. Munster came up trumps beating Ulster and claiming the U18 Interprovincial title. Congratulations to Claire Bennett, Dorothy Wall, Jennifer Fogarty, Kate Gayson-Molloy and Sarah Garret.
On Sunday last the firsts made the long journey to Ennis to play in their second league game. Fethard were slow to start and found themselves 3 nil down after ten minutes with the big home side dominating play but when Fethard went through a series of driving mauls Bill Phelan crashed over. The Fethard set piece was working well with Paul Maloney and Justin Carey doing well in the lineouts and then from a scrum on the 22 the Fethard out-half Gary Kavanagh made a great break to score leaving half time score 10-3 .
A strong team talk at half time and the introduction of Jamie Knapp and Tomas Keaveny saw Fethard take control with great hands from the backs leading to trys for Joe Morgan, Ashley Weston and Sam Bergerson.
Overall a solid performance with James Smith, Chris Large and Kieran Power doing well in the forwards, Shane Kavanagh, the Morgan brothers also doing well when introduced.
Seconds good win in Gleeson league
Fethard seconds played Waterford city in Fethard under lights and for a team playing their first game of the season put in a solid performance let by the veteran captain Paul Scully, Matthew Walsh was first to score and then a great run by Willie Morgan saw him touch down in the corner which was converted by Josef O Connor. Half time saw the introduction of new blood with the Kealy brothers and Paraic Maher coming on and it wasn’t long till Jack Kealy was on under the posts. A great Game of rugby by both teams and a good starting for this young Fethard team.
Installation Mass for Parish Priest
 The official Installation Mass for our new Parish Priest, Fr. Liam Everard, will take place on Saturday night next, at 7pm.
All are invited to this mass to mark the official handing over of the Parish from Canon Tom Breen A.P. to Fr. Liam Everard P.P.
Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Convent Community Hall where Fr Everard will get a chance to meet his parishioners.
Emigrants’ Newsletter Church Gate Collection
The annual church gate collection for the Fethard & Killusty Emigrants Newsletter will take place in Fethard and Killusty on weekend, October 21 and 22. We ask for your continued support for this annual production which is now in operation for over 55 years and posted free of charge to our emigrants and families living away from home. This year, as before, we depend on your donations to provide this much appreciated service to our parish emigrants.
Donations can be handed in to Carmel Rice, Brookhill, Fethard, or Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, or alternatively put in an envelope with your name and address and handed in at our Church Gate Collection at the weekend October 21 and 22. All donations of €10 and over will be acknowledged in this year's publication, unless you specify to remain anonymous. You can also donate online see below:
PayPal/Credit Card Donations to Emigrants Newsletter
If you would like to make a donation to Fethard & Killusty Emigrants' Newsletter using PayPal please do so here.
We also remind those who have family members living abroad can also give their addresses to Carmel Rice or Joe Kenny and they will be added to our mailing list to receive this year’s newsletter. If you know of anybody who is already on our mailing list and has changed address or moved in the past year, we ask you to pass on that information as it will help reduce cost and unnecessary postal expense, which is rising every year. Email: emigrantsnewsletter@gmail.com
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Tuesday, October 10, 2017, of Mary Luddy (née Tobin), Knockgraffon, Cahir, and formerly Grove, Fethard. Mary passed away suddenly at University Hospital Cork. She will be very sadly missed by her loving husband John, daughters Denise, Niamh and Aoife, sons-in-law, Seán and Mick, grandchildren Grainne, Ciara, Conor, Joshua, Alex and Caoimhe, sisters Nellie, Alice and Ann, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Reposing at her home on Thursday evening from 5pm to 7pm. Funeral arriving to the Church of Our Lady Queen, New Inn, on Friday morning, October 13, for Mass at 11.30am with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. May She Rest in Peace.
Bunny Hop back at Fethard Convent Community Hall
Bunny Hop, music and movement for 0-4 year olds has now moved back to Fethard Convent Community from 10am to 11am on Monday mornings. For enquiries or to join please contact Nicola at 087 6742401.
Bunny Hop is an hour of music with movement for babies and young children. Little people love interacting with others of same or similar age, at Bunny Hop we have an hour of stimulating fun in which to do so. All welcome.
Tidy Towns Meeting
Fethard Tidy Towns will hold a Public Meeting on Wednesday, October 18, at 8pm in the Tirry Community Centre, Barrack Street. The main purpose of the meeting is to form a new committee and also get some new members. Anyone interested in getting involved would be more than welcome.
Fethard Bridge Club
On Wednesday September 27, we played for the free sub gross and the results were: 1st Gross, Betty Walsh and Anne Connolly (winners of the Free Sub Gross); 2nd Gross, Noel O'Dwyer and Noreen Evans; 3rd Gross, Eileen Ryan and Jim Lahert. 1st Nett, Tony Hanrahan and Keith Woodlock; 2nd Nett, Mary Tierney and Betty Walsh; 3rd Nett, Catherine Croke and Kathleen Maher.
New members are welcome. Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 6132038.
Sean Treacy Remembered
The Tipperary Republication Commemoration Committee will remember Tipperary man Sean Treacy and his comrades in Kilfeacle cemetery, on Sunday, October 15, at 3pm. This year’s commemoration will be presided over by Cllr Martin Browne and followed by an address from Mary Lou McDonald TD and Vice President Sinn Fein who will speak in depth on politics 2017 in Ireland.
The Carrick-on-Suir Republican Flute Band will close proceeding on the day with our National Anthem. All are welcome on the day, maybe meet and have a chat with Mary Lou! Coiste Cuimhneachain Phoblachtach Tionraid Arann.
Climbed Slievenamon for ‘Jack and Jill’
Climb organiser Biddy O'Dwyer, photographed with members of the Tipperary Intermediate Ladies All Ireland winning team who took part in the ‘Climb a Hill’ for Jack and Jill fundraiser on Slievenamon. L to R: Deputy Mattie McGrath, Biddy O'Dwyer, Laura Dillon, Alison Lonergan and Caitriona Walsh
On Saturday morning last, October 7, a crew met up at Kilcash in the wonderful company of some team members of the Tipperary Intermediate Ladies All Ireland champions who brought along their well-earned cup to our annual Jack and Jill climb of Slievenamon. The weather wasn't great but all managed to summit and return safely, raising over €600 for charity which will go towards providing home nursing for sick children and their families in this area.
A huge thanks to all who donated, those who hiked and to Pat Keogh for the use of the filed for parking. Donations can still be made online at www.jackandjill.ie or contact Biddy O'Dwyer 0876410352.
Fitness Classes starting in Fethard Ballroom
The following fitness classes are starting next week in the Fethard Ballroom. Circuits classes will commence on Tuesday, October 17, from 7pm to 8pm; Low Impact Aerobics start on Thursday, October 19, from 10.45am to 11.45am (ideal for those new to exercise). Both classes suitable for all fitness levels and the cost per class is €7. For more information contact Bobbi on 087 2130414.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on October 4, were: 12, 13, 21 and 31. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winner, so the following three drawn tickets won €50 each: John Slattery, c/o Edwina Newport; Eddie O'Brien, Burke Street, Fethard; and Siobhán Curran, c/o Kathleen Connolly.
The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners also received €50 each: Anna Cooke, St. Patrick’s Place, Fethard; Willie Connolly, The Green, Fethard; and Brendan Breen, c/o Lonergans Bar.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, October 11. 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, October 6, were: 1, 9, 20 and 30. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘match three’ winners who received €100: Cody Bradshaw, St Patrick’s Place, Fethard. Two Luck Dip winners won €25 each: Breda Conway, St Patrick’s Place, Fethard; and Esther Breen, Barrack Street, Fethard.
The next draw takes place on Friday, October 13, 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.
Died Recently in England
 The death occurred on Thursday last, October 5, of Richard Butler, Middlesex, London and late of Garrinch, Fethard. Pre-deceased by his parents William and Elsie and brothers Eamon and Liam. Deeply regretted by his loving wife Janet, daughter Sharon, son David, grandson Quinn, daughter-in-law Monika, brothers Michael (Limerick), Sean (Lisronagh, Clonmel), Shem (Garrinch, Fethard) and Pat (London), sisters Margaret O'Brien (Limerick), Mary Hazel (Clonmel) and Kathleen Phelan (Clonmel), mother-in-law Dot Weatherley, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunt-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, relatives and many friends. Rest in Peace.
Funeral will take place in Middlesex, London on Thursday, October 19, with Memorial Mass to be held at a later date in Fethard.
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
Taking part in the five mile road race in Ballynonty on Sunday, July 25, 1999, were Fethard athletes L to R: Bernard Feery, Tom Halpin, Paddy Halpin and Nellie Hall.
This was an ad for the Ninth Annual Dance organised by the Ballylusky Harrier Club, held in the Slievenamon Hall, Drangan, on Sunday, February, 7, 1960.
Second year students preparing for the Tipperariana Book Fair on Valentine’s Day 1999. L to R: Gillian Shine, Zoë Cooney, Helena McCormack, Kersty McCarthy and Jodie Gilpin.
Remember the ads for DAZ Washing Powder in the 1960s . . . this one had a special offer of a free 'Nylon Pot Scourer'!
Pictured above are the four Carroll sisters originally from St. Patrick's Place, photographed in 1999 at a family celebration in Killusty. The Carroll girls have been long associated with St. Rita's Camogie Club in Fethard. L to R: Biddy (Keane) living in Mass. USA, Tossie (Lawton) Fethard, Mary (Fitzgerald) Fethard and Peggy (McGrath) Cashel.
Fethard Football Team 1924-25. Back: Sean O'Shea, John Weston, Ned Connolly, Gerry Phelan, Tommy Hogan, Jack Delaney, Mick Gunne, Connie Fitzgerald. Middle: Tom Tubridy, Tommy Healy, Billy O'Flynn, Ned Cummins (Captain), Jim Gorman, Gus (Duffy) McCarthy, Ned O'Shea. Front: Jack Brett and Dan Mullins.
Fethard & Killusty athletes who qualified for the 1999 National Community Games finals in Mosney. Back L to R: Richard Gorey, Donna Walsh, Yvette Walshe, Caroline Croke, Vanessa O’Donnell, Patrice Tobin. Front L to R: Stephanie Lawrence, Alison Holohan, Noelle Leahy, Lily Maher and Evelyn O’Connor. Missing from photo are: Cathal Maher, Joey Feery,
Marian Harrington and Bernard Feery.
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
|
