Fethard News, November 27, 2017

Died in England
The death has occurred in England, on November 23, 2017, of William Slattery, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire,UK and formerly of Fethard. William was born in Abbey Street Fethard on June 1, 1936 and his parents were James Slattery and Mary Slattery (nee Danaher). The family then moved to a house on Rocklow Road, just under the arch and later moved again to St. Patricks Place. William always kept in touch with his home town and was a great supporter of the Emigrants Newsletter. May he rest in peace.

Process for the new East Gate Park, Burke Street

Pursuant to the requirements of Part 8 of the Planning & Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) and Article 81 of Part 8 of the Planning Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) notice is hereby given that Tipperary County Council intends to carry out development comprising of the following:

Nature and extent of the proposed development is as follows:

It is proposed to develop a new public park at an existing vacant site located at Burke Street, Fethard, Co. Tipperary. The proposed development consists of:

Layout of the site as a public park;
High quality paving and surface treatment throughout the site;
Landscaping and planting throughout the site;
Site boundaries, fencing and bollards;
Entrance gates at Burke Street and Barrack Street entrances;
Conservation works to the existing medieval town wall;
Site drainage works including surface water drainage and connections to existing drainage.

The development has been the subject of an Appropriate Assessment screening in accordance with Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC) and the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended. The Appropriate Assessment screening concluded that the proposed development would not be likely to give rise to significant or indeterminate impacts on any Natura 2000 site.

Plans and Particulars
Plans and particulars of the proposed developments are available attached together with the Appropriate Assessment Screening report. They are also available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at:

Tipperary County Council, Civic Offices, Emmet Street, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
Tipperary County Council, Civic Offices, Limerick Road, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.

between 9.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, from Thursday, November 23, 2017 to Friday, December 22, 2017 on all days the Offices of Tipperary County Council are open to the public within this period.

Submissions or Observations
Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development will be situated, may be made
Online by Clicking Here and completing the form,
also in writing to Martin Nolan, District Administrator, Tipperary County Council, Civic Offices, New Street, Carrick on Suir, Co. Tipperary to be received no later than 4.30 pm on Tuesday, January 16, 2018.

Road Traffic Victims Mass well supported

Students from Patrician Presentation Secondary School who participated at the World Day for Road Traffic Victims special service of remembrance celebrated in the Augustinian Abbey, Fethard. Included with Fr. Gerry Horan OSA and Iggy O'Donovan OSA (Prior), are Marie Maher (teacher), Deputy Mattie McGrath and Garda Shane O’Neill.

On Sunday last, November 19, a large attendance from Fethard and surrounding parishes attended the World Day for Road Traffic Victims special service of remembrance celebrated in the Augustinian Abbey, Fethard.

The community representatives participating in the service included students and staff from the Patrician Presentation Secondary School, and local Garda Shane O'Neill. Deputy Mattie McGrath was also present. The Augustinian Choir provided the music for the occasion. Among those in attendance also were numerous people who had been touched by road traffic tragedy over the years

Local students Amye O'Donovan, Mark Hayde, Jack Spillane and Carly Tobin led the prayers of the faithful. The offertory gifts were highly symbolic of the solemn occasion which was being celebrated and the students again were central to this, led by Tamara Doyle, Naomi Locke, Rachel O'Loughnan, Lauren Needham, Keenan Ahearne and Michael O'Meara.

The mass was concelebrated by Frs Gerry Horan OSA and Iggy O'Donovan OSA (Prior). This is the first time this particular event has taken place in Fethard and hopefully it will be an annual event.

Whistle tour stop in Fethard

You’d never know who might drop in! – Sean Kelly MEP, while on a whistle stop tour to Fethard on Friday last, said that he always loves visiting Fethard and found our FHC Experience 'Truly beautiful & fascinating'. Sean is photographed above with Shannon Forrest (manager FHC Experience).

Reflexology & Holistic Centre opens in Fethard
A recent addition to business on Main Street Fethard is the newly opened Reflexology & Holistic Centre with late opening on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

In these busy times, we often need more time to relax. Reflexology helps to reduce stress and improve your immune system. It also helps to reduce pain and help the body heal itself by bringing it back into balance.

The treatment is suitable for everyone so why not treat yourself to a reflexology session in a calm relaxed environment. If you would like to find out how reflexology could help you please contact Anita Maguire on 086 3450332 or on Facebook ‘fethardreflexology’. Gift vouchers also available.

Christmas Bazaar at Day Care Centre

Des Martin, Fethard Day Care Centre, looking after the shoppers at their Fundraising Bazaar in 2011. This year’s Christmas Bazaar takes place in the Tirry Community Centre on next Thursday, November 30, at 11am.

Fethard & District Day Care Centre will hold their Annual Christmas Bazaar Fundraiser in the Tirry Community Centre on Thursday, November 30, at 11am. Items on sale include cakes, bric-a-brac, handcrafts and Christmas cards. We will also have a gigantic raffle with great prizes on the day.

Please come along and support this worthy cause. While there you’re very welcome to have a cuppa and a chat with Ger McCarthy and some of her clients who have been preparing for this event for months. A great opportunity to get to see first-hand what the centre has to offer to the community of Fethard and District.

St. Vincent de Paul help for Christmas
Fethard St. Vincent de Paul society invite applications for those who may need help for Christmas this year. Application forms will be available at the back of both Churches from this weekend. Please return same to any member of the Fethard Conference before November 30.

Cemetery Rosaries for November
Rosaries for the Holy Souls will be recited on Sunday, November 26, at Kiltinan Cemetery at 3pm, and Kilmaclugh Cemetery at 3.45pm. All are invited to come along and remember our loved ones who have passed on to their eternal reward.

Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Dancing at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday Night, November 26, 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.

Open Evening Invitation

Ms Majella Whelan (teacher) taking a group of young visitors on a tour of the school failities at last year’s Open Evening. This year’s Open Evening taks place on on Monday November 27, from 7 to 9pm

Patrician Presentation Secondary School Parents’ Association would like to invite parents and students from 5th and 6th classes to attend our Open Evening on Monday, November 27, from 7 to 9pm.

We would encourage everyone to come to see our wonderful facilities and meet our principal Mr Pat Coffey, his great team of teachers and some parents and students, who will be available to answer any questions you might have.

We are lucky in Fethard to have such a good secondary school on our doorstep. We have a fantastic team of teachers who take such an interest in each and every pupil, and do their utmost to help each student to reach their full potential. In recent years we have had some outstanding Leaving Cert and Junior Cert results with a number of students achieving over 500 points in the Leaving Certificate. This proves that Patrician Presentation Secondary school, Fethard provides great opportunities for students of all abilities to achieve their potential in an inclusive, holistic, caring learning environment which meets the needs of all students who attend.

The subject choices are increasing each year; as our student numbers increase we are eligible for extra teaching hours and so can provide extra subjects. We hope to continue this trend going forward with your help and support.

One of our school mottos is ‘Our school, our town, our community’. As a town and as a community we need to keep supporting our school so that we can look forward to a thriving school in our town and community for the future. It’s no less than a town like Fethard deserves and the onus is on us as parents in the community to keep supporting the school into the future. This year we had a lovely group of 38 students starting in First Year; these have been divided into two groups and they are all very happy in the school with the subjects offered, the high quality of the teaching and learning, the student care and the many opportunities given to them in the school.

In sport we currently provide hurling, football, soccer and volleyball at all ages. Our First-Year boys competed in the FAI soccer competition last week and had wins over Clonmel and Cahir. In the last few years we have achieved All Ireland Volleyball titles with the boys and girls and our Ladies Football team are current Munster title holders making sport, student physical activity and wellbeing key features of both curricular and extra-curricular activities within the school community.
As a school community, we acknowledge a broad range of student achievements including the arts, literature, creative writing. We also encourage students to attend An Ghaeltacht. The Parents’ Association sponsor Gaeltacht Scholarships each year and students are strongly encouraged to apply for these.

Our Transition Year students are busy at the moment rehearsing for Sister Act 2 which will be staged in early December. They are also working on the TY Enterprise programme; and in groups for the Junk Kouture Competition, making dresses from recyclable materials. The school has qualified on a number of occasions for the national finals in this competition. This year the competition takes place in the New Year and we wish our students well in that.

Last year our First and Second Year maths class won the overall award for under 14s in the All Ireland Maths Eyes competition. Mr Walsh did great work in helping them with this project and we were all delighted with their success. The students got to meet Minister Richard Bruton in Dublin as they collected their award.

As you can see, we have a very active and busy school in Fethard. We are so lucky to have it and we don’t even have to travel for it, which is a bonus. Please do come along on Monday 27 to see for yourselves what Patrician Presentation can offer you and your son or daughter. We would be delighted to meet you.

Fr. John Meagher OSA comes home to rest

The late Fr. John Meagher OSA enjoying a laugh with family and friends at St. Augustine's, Ballyboden, Dublin, on the occasion of his 100th Birthday celebrated on Tuesday, September 20, 2016.

Fethard’s very much-loved Augustinian Priest, Fr. John Meagher OSA, died in his 102nd year, on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, in St. Augustine’s, Taylors Lane, Ballyboden, Dublin. The late Fr. John will be sadly missed by his nieces and nephew, Lucia McGuirk, Sean and Anne McGovern, and their children Alan, Laura and Hugh, his relations, his many friends and all his Augustinian Confreres.

Fr. Meagher always regarded Fethard as his home and the people of Fethard always held Fr. John as a special with his broad sense of humour and chats as he mingled with the residents of Fethard on his daily walks around town. John certainly brought the church out to the people! We are honoured to have him back home again.

Following his repose at St. Augustine’s, Taylor’s Lane, Dublin, on Wednesday afternoon, his removal to The Augustinian Abbey, Fethard, arrived at 7pm for reception of his remains. Funeral Mass took place on Thursday where Fr. Gerry Horan OSA gave the congregation a short résumé of Fr. Meagher’s life. The following excerpts from his homily recaps events spanning Fr. John’s 100 years of life.

“John was born in Limerick on September 20, 1916, but he was always immensely proud of his Tipperary roots, making it all the more appropriate that he be interred here in the Abbey of Fethard which he loved so much and in which he felt so much at home. A past pupil of Limerick C.B.S., John sang in the choir in the Redemptorist church in Limerick from a young age. His ability to belt out a song was one which he continued to exercise well and often down through the years.

September was a particularly significant month in John’s life because, apart from his birthday on September 21, he made his first profession in the Order on September 16, 1934, his solemn profession 80 years ago, also in September. He was ordained to the priesthood in Rome on September 23, 1939, but because of the Second World War, his journey home after Ordination took 12 months, 3 of which were spent in Lisbon waiting for a boat. The war meant that he missed Limerick’s second last All Ireland win in 1940, but he always spoke very fondly of being in Croke Park for their last win in 1973.

During his 78 years of priesthood, John packed his suitcase often and was a great example to all of us of the virtue of detachment and the art of travelling light. His different appointments brought him to London, New Ross, Rome, Ballyhaunis, Limerick, and Fethard on three different occasions, spanning close on 20 years, and to Ballyboden for his final four years.

From a young age he was placed in positions of responsibility both in Rome, in England and here at home, and he always carried out his responsibilities in a very competent and scrupulous manner.

There are three families of which John was a very cherished and valued member, and it’s appropriate that each of them is well represented here this morning to bid him this fond and final farewell. There is the Augustinian Family, of which he was such a proud and cherished member. There is the Meagher Family, represented by Ann, Sean and Hugh McGovern, and by the McGuirk family of Lucia, Alan and Laura. Apart from Sean and Lucia’s mam, John also had 4 sisters who were members of the Mercy Congregation, but all of whom died relatively young in Australia. Some of John’s most enjoyable days were spent in your homes and that is something from which you can now derive great memories, satisfaction and consolation.

And then, of course, there is the Fethard family, represented today by all of yourselves here present. And I’d also make special mention of the Legion of Mary, to whom John was a very faithful chaplain here in Fethard for many years.

The Clonmel Nationalist carried a glowing tribute to John on the occasion of his centenary 14 months ago, part of which referred to the fact that he always fondly mentioned Fethard as his home. If I were to sum up the John that I have come to know and greatly admire over the past 50 something years, I would describe him as a very generous man, an outstanding Augustinian, a wonderful pastor, and someone who always put the demands of the Gospel and the Province before his own ease and comfort. But, of course, it wasn’t all work and no play. John was a nifty left-handed golfer in his day and he had enormous grá for the Munster rugby team, the Limerick hurlers and also Manchester United, about whom the less said, the better.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace Amen. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on November 15, were: 3, 4, 27 and 29. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winner so the following drawn tickets received €50 each: Marie Murphy, Coleman, Fethard; Rita Kane, Kerry Street, Fethard; and Mary Brett, The Valley, Fethard.

The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners also received €50 each: Lisa O'Donnell (online ticket); Bridget Lonergan, c/o Patsy Lawrence; and Martin Shelly, c/o Lonergans Bar.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, November 22. 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.

We will commence our special free ‘Christmas Draws’ each week for three turkeys and three hams on Wednesday, December 6, 13 and 20. So make sure you have a chance of winning one of these seasonal prizes each week by buying a lotto ticket from our sellers or online.

GAA Sports Development Lotto
The numbers drawn on Friday, October 17, were: 16, 28, 31 and 35. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘match three’ winner.

One Lucky Dip winner received €50: Nellie Ryan, St Patrick’s Place, Fethard. Four Lucky Dip winners received €25 each: Mary Godfrey, Derryluskin; Eoghan Hurley, Strylea; Jimmy Dalton, Ballingarry; and Maggie Fitzgerald, LGFC.

The next draw takes place on Friday, November 24, 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

The death has occurred on Monday, November 20, 2017, of Annie Ryan (née Coady), St. Johnstown, Fethard. Annie, predeceased by her husband Dinny, is deeply regretted by her son John, daughters Mary Grant and Rose Ryan, brother Johnny Coady, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives and friends. May she rest in peace

Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard on Tuesday, November 21, from 5pm with removal to the Holy Trinity Parish Church at 7pm. Funeral Mass on Wednesday at 11am followed by burial in Moyglass Cemetery.

Community Games Winter Games
The closing date for entries for the following events on the winter games programme is Friday, December 1. If anybody is interested in any of the following events please contact our secretary Noreen Sheehy, as soon as possible: Tel: 087 3184298. Late enteries will not be accepted.

Table Quiz U14 will take place in Thurles in the New year. Entries for this event is on the night. Areas may bring as many teams as they wish. Panel of 6 (4 on team and 2 subs).

Patrician Presentation Awards Day Video

Emigrant's Newsletter Donations
Donations can be handed in to Carmel Rice, Brookhill, Fethard, or Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, or online by clicking 'Donate' button below. All donations of €10 and over will be acknowledged in this year's publication, unless you specify to remain anonymous.

PayPal & Credit Card Donations to Emigrants Newsletter
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We also remind those who have family members living abroad can also give their addresses to Carmel Rice or Joe Kenny. You can also send details of your address and connection with Fethard by email to: emigrantsnewsletter@gmail.com

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