Happy Christmas & New Year to all our readers
We take this opportunity to wish all our contributors and readers of the Fethard website a very Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year. Reflecting on the past year in Fethard we have many positive new developments to celebrate and can now look forward to seeing the results of these changes that may follow in 2018.
Although 2017 was ruthlessly tough for many of us in Fethard, and throughout Ireland, we Irish are still blessed with the ability to survive until better times arrive. To have that hope, along with good health and a pinch of faith, we can look forward to another twelve months of living in the ever-improving future that is mapped out for our medieval small town – the best example in Ireland!
‘T.R. Dallas’ plays New Year’s Eve at Fethard Ballroom
This coming Sunday night, December 24, dancing continues with music supplied by ‘Johnny Mullen’. 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.
New Year’s Eve dancing
The following Sunday, New Year’s Eve, December 31, dancers are in for a treat when ‘T.R. Dallas’ supplies the music for their festive celebration. Admission is €8 which includes tea and cakes.
The name TR Dallas was first launched on the Irish music scene in 1980. Since then, he has become a household name throughout the British Isles and beyond. With a string of hit records to his name, such as, ‘Who Shot JR Ewing’, ‘Hard to be Humble’, ‘Daddy’s Girl’ and ‘This Story I tell you is True’, to name but a few. With numerous radio and television shows and thousands of fans, he continues to tour extensively.
Newsletter posted to emigrants throughout the world
Fethard & Killusty Newsletter should now have arrived to most emigrants on our mailing list by now. It is very heartening and encouraging to hear back how important this annual newsletter means to those living away from home.
The Newsletter first started off in 1959 as a four-page news sheet sent out twice annually by the local branch of the Legion of Mary, a practice that also happened in many other parishes where the Legion existed. This was even important then in a time where many emigrants never returned home and indeed where some were never heard of again. Now with affordable travel, telephones and internet, the world is a much smaller place and the newsletter a much bigger book. Happily, the ‘book’ has still retained its popularity and its delivery before Christmas – free of charge to emigrants - is eagerly looked forward to at home and throughout the world.
Helping with the packing and posting of this year's Fethard & Killusty Emigrants' Newsletter were Back L to R: Brud Roche, John Burke, Eamon Keane, J.J. Freeman, Shamie Hickey holding Holly Kenny, Brendan Kenny, Shane Kenny, Miceál McCormack, Michael Kenrick. Front L to R: Monica Hickey, Carol Kenny, Romy Condon, Margaret Walsh, Keavy Condon, Margaret O'Donnell, Ria Kenny and Ian O'Connor.
On that note, a special ‘thank you’ is due to the Newsletter’s dedicated backroom staff: Carmel Rice (correspondence), Brendan Kenny (distribution), Gemma Burke (proofreading) and the many volunteers who help with postage and packing. The annual undertaking of producing, printing and posting the newsletter, is make possible by the many generous donations received from readers living at home and away, donations received from local clubs and organisations, our annual church gate collection, sales of the newsletter at home, and last but not least, all those who submit articles and photographs for publication every year. This year we particularly welcome articles written by new contributors; Helen Lawrence Howard (originally from St. Patrick’s Place), Eleanor O’Riordan Macpherson (originally from Kerry Street), Patrick Murphy (originally from Kilnockin) and Michael ‘Wacky’ Healy (The Green).
All support helps and is greatly appreciated. At home, you can support this worthy project by purchasing a copy of the Newsletter at one the following local shops: Centra Supermarket (The Green), Annie’s Grocery (Burke Street); Daybreak Supermarket (Kerry Street), Fethard Horse Country (Town Hall, Main Street) and Post Office (Main Street). Copies will also be posted this weekend to Fethard emigrants living throughout the world.
We take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and Healthy New Year. – Joe Kenny (editor)
Christmas Mass Times
Abbey Church
- Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24, Carols at 8pm followed by Mass at 8.30pm;
- Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, at 9.30am and 11.30am. The daily 8am morning Mass will resume on Tuesday, January 2.
Parish Church
- Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24, at 7pm;
- Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, at 8.30am and 11am.
Killusty Church of the Sacred Heart
- Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24, at 7.30pm;
- Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, at 10am.
Penitential Services at the Augustinian Abbey
The penitential service in preparation for Christmas will take place in the Augustinian Abbey before 7.30pm Mass on Saturday, December 23.
Swimming success for Patrick
Congratulations to Patrick Colville, Railstown, Fethard a member of Clonmel Swimming Club, who recently achieved level 2 grade in swimming and have now qualified to swim at Munster Dvelopment Meet Level 2 Gala along with Lucas Sheil, Kilsheelan and Killian Whelan, Powerstown.
St. Vincent de Paul Assistance
The St. Vincent de Paul Society, Fethard, would like to remind anyone who has applied for assistance and has not received a reply before Thursday, December 21, to contact Tel: 085 8086099 directly. The line will also be open until Saturday, December 23, for emergency cases if necessary.
GOAL Mile on Christmas morning
This year’s ‘Goal Mile’ in Fethard will commence at 12 noon on Christmas Day, assembling outside the Town Hall where participants will register and assemble. For further information contact Colm McGrath, Tel: 086 3502360.
Successful ‘Sister Act 2’
Cast of Patrician Presentation Secondary School show 'Sister Act 2' photographed on stage after their final performance in the Abymill Theatre on December 9.
Congratulations to the Patrician Presentation Secondary School TY Students and their teachers on a recent wonderful performance of Sister Act 2 at the Abymill Theatre. There were some great individual performances and the whole group worked very well together. The lead role of Reverend Mother was played by Caoimhe O’Meara. We were all amazed at the hidden acting and singing talents of these pupils. Such a theatrical undertaking is a wonderful way of improving the pupils’ confidence and encouraging them to develop/identify aspects of their personalities which sometimes go unrecognised in the school system.
Sixth Year students, Mark Hayde and Amye O’Donovan, co-presented the show well each evening. The show was produced by Mr Ian O’Connor with Mr Justin McGree as Stage Manager, Ms Whelan as Director and Ms Raggett in charge of choreography and music.
The school salutes the work and the energy of these teachers who quietly prepared for the show over the last two months with little or no disruption to the school timetable until the final week. The following pupils took part in the show or worked backstage: Ashley Bradshaw, Liam Hickey, Robert Hackett, Laura O’Donnell, Rachel Prout, Emily Fitzgerald, Keith Morrissey, Darragh Hurley, Eric Costin, Aaron Trehy, Leah Coen, Carrie Davey, Laura Kiely, Daragh Fenlon, Lucy Spillane, Caoimhe O’Meara, Megan Earl, Hollie Broomfield, Eve Judge, Chloe Nolan, Andrea Pyke, Maggie Fitzgerald, Aran Larkin, Emma Geoghegan Megan Hackett.
We would like to thank the following people for all their help and understanding during the lead up to, and at the performances: Gwen Cronin, Nuala Ahearne, Ms Looby and the Art Classes, Mr Cummins, and the Parents’ Association.
Hugh is new South GAA Board Chairman
Hugh Browne, photographed with his family on the occasion of his election as Chairman of South Tipperary GAA Board on Wednesday, December 13, following in the footsteps of his father, Paddy Browne, Clonbrogan, Moyglass, who was chairman thirty years ago. (Photo supplied by Miceál McCormack)
Travelling to Kolkata
Hannah Stapleton, Moyglass, is a final year teaching student. This summer she will travel to Kolkata, India for five weeks with the Froebel Hope Teaching Partnership. The aim of this partnership is for newly qualified teachers to teach children living in street and slum communities in a variety of Hope education settings such as crèches, afterschool clubs and schools.
A Christmas fun run is being held on December 30, in Moyglass to help raise funds. There will be a run and a walk so this event is suitable for all ages and abilities. Registration will begin at half eleven in the village hall with the run beginning at 12 noon. Great way to get active after Christmas in a relaxed environment. All support would be greatly appreciated.
Anniversary Mass
Anniversary Mass for the Late Fr. James Holloway of Madamsland Fethard will be celebrated in Kilteely Parish Church, Co. Limerick, on Sunday, December 24 (Christmas eve), at 8pm. Please keep Fr. James in your prayers.
Fitzgerald Information
The following request for family information was received from Jen (Colbert) Davies if anyone can help she can be contacted at email: jenldavies57@gmail.com
My great-great-grandmother Mary Fitzgerald was born around 1835 in Fethard she was the daughter of Timothy Fitzgerald (mother unknown). She arrived in Swansea in South Wales with her father in the 1850s, marrying Irish Michael Flynn who died young leaving her a widow with two living children. She then married Patrick Colbert on March 20, 1867. She remained in Swansea Wales for the remainder of her life.
Fethard GAA welcome ladies to train at their pitch
Members of Tipperary Ladies football senior squad photographed training at Fethard GAA Club’s new Astro Turf all-weeather pitch on Friday, December 15.
On Friday, December 15, Fethard GAA Club were delighted, privileged and proud to welcome our County's Ladies Senior Football Squad to train on our new Astro Turf Pitch here in Fethard. Again, on Sunday 17, we were graced by the County Minor Ladies. While talking to their management team it was a proud moment to hear the lads speak of the quality and asset this facility is to Fethard and the county. A special mention to our own two ladies Kate Davey and Lucy Spillane who are great ambassadors for Fethard ladies’ games and will no doubt be serious assets to our county teams.
Patrician Presentation Secondary School news
The staff of Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School were delighted to welcome Anne O' Brien from the Professional Development Service for Teachers to the school last Thursday. Anne facilitated a session on Assessment for Learning. This is an integral part of how students will learn in the New Junior Cycle and throughout all year groups. Assessment for learning will be a priority area for the school this year as part of the school self-evaluation process.
Gaeltacht Scholarships
Well done to Keenan Aherne, Ella-Mai Hackett and Sadhbh Morrissey who are next year’s recipients of the annual Parents’ Association Gaeltacht Scholarships. They are very worthy winners of these scholarships and the school is grateful to the Parents’ Association for funding this initiative.
Religious Services for Advent
The pupils attended Mass in the Parish Church for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the senior classes attended a Christmas Penitential Services in the Convent Chapel during the past week. These services were facilitated by Fr. Gerry Horan, OSA, and we thank Fr. Gerry for his ongoing support of the school. Thanks also to Sr. Maureen and the Presentation Community for their use of the Convent Chapel during the school year.
Study up to Christmas
The Christmas term exams were held in November this year and School Principal, Mr Coffey, urges all the students to keep up the study momentum in the lead up to the end of term. The Mock Junior and Leaving Certificate Exams will be held in late January/early February and parents have already been informed of arrangements for same by the school. Evening study will continue up until December 21. It is crucial also that the Leaving Certs look seriously at their CAO options and take the advice of Career Guidance Teacher, Mr McGree.
A truly emorable Trip to Old Trafford
Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School students who travelled to aOld Trafford where they witnessed Manchester United beating CSKA Moscow 2-1 in the UEFA Champions League.
A group of forty-four students, ranging in age from twelve to eighteen accompanied by Principal Mr Coffey, Mr Walshe, Ms Walshe, Mr Maher, Mr Cummins and Nuala Aherne set out for Old Trafford in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The group travelled by ferry to Holyhead in Wales and onto the Trafford Centre in Manchester. After some time spent shopping at the Trafford Centre the group then moved on to Old Trafford where they witnessed Manchester United beating CSKA Moscow 2-1 in the UEFA Champions League. The group enjoyed premier seats in the East End of the Theatre of Dreams. The atmosphere was electric for the full encounter with over seventy thousand supporters present.
A very warm welcome was extended to the school by welcoming our school on the notice board in Old Trafford. All present had a wonderful time, and memories were made for a life time where students had the opportunity to experience a Champions League match, an English shopping experience, travel by an Irish Ferries sailing, and also getting to know students in other year groups better. It was a great experience. All present were very grateful to Mr Walshe for organising the trip, and to the whole staff and all the parents for supporting this special adventure.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto Christmas draw
The numbers drawn on December 13, were: 3, 11, 15 and 24. There was no jackpot winner and two ‘Match Three’ winners who received €75 each: Peter Nagle, Mockler’s Hill, Fethard; and Yvonne Mulvihill (online ticket).
The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners also received €50 each: Sarah Conway, St. Patricks Place, Fethard; Monica Aherne, Prospect, Fethard; and Mary Shelly, Moyglass, Fethard.
Christmas Ham winners were: Pat Fox, Woodvale Walk, Fethard; Mary Shanahan, Friarsgrange, Fethard; and M. Purcell, c/o Tom Purcell.
Turkey winners were: Kevin Ryan, Loughcopple, Fethard; Willie Connolly, The Green, Fethard; and Michael Kenrick, Burke Street, Fethard.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, December 20, when we will have the last six free draws for Christmas Hams and Turkeys. 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, December 15, were: 13, 28, 30 and 36. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘match three’ winner who received €100: Harry Walsh, Barrack Street. Two Lucky Dip winners received €25 each: Elaine Connolly, Carrick-on-Suir; and Maggie Heffernan, Clonmel.
Next week’s draw will take place in Burke’s Bar on Friday, December 22, at 9.30pm, when the jackpot is €20,000 and the sellers prize is €1,000. There will also be a Bonus Draw on the night with a First Prize of €500; 2nd & 3rd Prizes of €250; and 10 x €100 prizes plus spot prizes. Come and join us for the last draw of 2017.
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 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 Presentation Convent 6th Year Students photographed with their Christmas Cakes in 1974
Junior infant class at Nano Nagle School Fethard, December, 2003. Back L to R: Corey Carroll (Slievenamon Close); Bradley Phelan (Slievenamon Close); Sadhbh Horan (Tullamaine); Andrew Phelan (Coolmore); Luke Brastock (Strylea). Middle Row L to R: Ross McCormack (Woodvale Walk); Thomas O’Reilly (Barrack Street); Tony O’Reilly (Barrack Street); Connie Coen (Knockelly Road); Timothy Hurley (Slievenamon Close). Front L to R: Vanessa Pike (Woodvale Walk); Erica McGrath (Woodvale Walk); Joseph O’Connor (North Gate House); Rachel O’Meara (Garrinch); and Chloe Burke (Woodvale Walk). Missing from photo is Thomas Phelan (Slievenamon Close); Kyle McGrath (Slievenamon Close); and Nathan Thompson (St. Patrick’s Place).
Old school friends meeting up over Christmas in Lonergan's Bar on December 24, 2008, were L to R: Tom Grant, Sinead O'Brien, Jennifer Frewen and Caroline Croke.
Photographed with Santa at the Slievenamon Golf Club 'Christmas Party' on December 9, 2007, were Back L to R: Mary and Percy Butler, Majella and Michael Hayde. Front L to R: Laura Butler, Santa, Mark Hayde and Aileen Butler.
Photographed at the Christmas Party Night at the Castle Inn on December 22, 2008, were L to R: Tony Fennessy and Phil Tobin.
Christmas Hat Party in aid of the CRC (Central Remedial Clinic) in Burke's Bar, Fethard, December 2003
Judith and Marie Moclair at the Christmas Hat Party for CRC Santa Bear Appeal held in the Bridge Bar, Fethard, December 2003.
L to R: Johnny O’Connor, Phil Shee and John Shortall at the Christmas Hat Party for CRC Santa Bear Appeal held in the Bridge Bar, Fethard.
L to R: sisters Liz Kennedy and Lydia Kelly (wearing the winning hats) at the Christmas Hat Party for CRC Santa Bear Appeal. 2003
Lisa and Kari Laaksonen at the Christmas Hat Party for CRC Santa Bear Appeal held in the Bridge Bar, December 2003.
L to R: Dóirín Saurus, John Cooney and Liam Heffernan at the Hat Party, December 2003.
L to R: Mary Shanahan, Edwina Newport and Paul Shanahan at the Christmas Hat Party for CRC Santa Bear Appeal, 2003
L to R: Philomena Shee, Janneke van Dommelen and Suzanna Manton at the Christmas Hat Party for CRC Santa Bear Appeal held in the Bridge Bar, December 2003.
L to R: Ann Walsh, Gerard Manton and Mary Hanrahan at the Christmas Hat Party for CRC Santa Bear Appeal.
Bert van Dommelen and Joe Kenny at the Christmas Hat Party for CRC Santa Bear Appeal held in the Bridge Bar, Fethard, on Saturday night, December 27, 2003.
Bill O’Sullivan and Teresa Roche at the Christmas Hat Party for CRC Santa Bear Appeal held in the Bridge Bar, Fethard, December 2003.
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
|
