'Book of the Year' goes to Boherlahan-Dualla
Local artist Dóirín Saurus, representing Fethard Historical Society's book fair committee, presenting the Tipperariana Book of the Year award for 2017 to Tom Ryan, chairman of the Boherlahan-Dualla Historical Journal committee, for their group's winning publication - Volume 20 of their annual 'Boherlahan-Dualla Historical Journal'.
At a ceremony in the Abymill Theatre, Fethard, on Friday last, January 26, the organisers of the upcoming Tipperariana Book Fair, that takes place in Fethard Ballroom on Sunday, February 11, presented their 'Book of the Year' for 2017 to the editors and committee of the Boherlahan-Dualla Historical Journal. The year 2017 saw Volume 20 of the Journal coming out and all 192 pages of it are again filled with detailed information and observations on all matters of life and folklore from the Boherlahan, Dualla and Ardmayle area.
The Boherlahan-Dualla Historical Journal Society, publishers of the annual journal, consist of a committee of eleven hard-working individuals who achieve wonders in gathering together up to twenty articles every year. The articles come both from among themselves and also from a wide range of individuals who come forward - or are coaxed - to contribute to this wonderful publication year after year.
Many of the Journal committee and some family and supporters came to Fethard on Friday night last to partake in the award presentation ceremony and to be acknowledged and complimented for a job, 'very well done'.
Members of the Boherlahan-Dualla Historical Journal editorial committee photographed at the presentation of the Tipperariana 'Book of the Year' award for 2017, in the Abymill Theatre on January 26. The annual award, organised by Fethard Historical Society, is associated with their annual Tipperariana Book Fair which takes place this year on Sunday, February 11, in Fethard Ballroom, from 2pm to 6pm. Back L to R: Tom Wallace, Mary Ryan, Paddy O'Dwyer. Front L to R: Margaret Leahy, Tom Ryan (chairman) and his sister Marian Ryan.
Catherine O'Flynn (Fethard Historical Society) presenting restaurant voucher to Paddy O'Dwyer (Boherlahan-Dualla Historical Journal editorial committee).
Origin of the Tipperariana Book of the Year award
The chairperson of Fethard Historical Society, Terry Cunningham, outlined both the origins of the Tipperariana Book Fair twenty-three years ago and also the genesis of the related Book of the Year award which is now in its 16th year. He outlined how, as Book Fair organisers, they noticed that between twenty and thirty books were produced every year in the county and that the 2002 publication of the huge, three volume history of 'Moyne-Templetuohy' prompted the Book Fair committee to inaugurate the 'Tipperariana Book of the Year' award. The award is thus given to a book that is about Tipperary or, as Terry said, "a book that is out of Tipperary", and that captures that sense of 'home place' which is so important to people in Ireland and also, of course, important to people everywhere in the world.
Photographed at the presentation of the Tipperariana Book of the Year award for 2017, in the Abymill Theatre on January 26, are L to R: Mary Darmody (Local Studies Department, Tipperary County Library), Fr. Liam Everard P.P. (Fethard & Killusty Parish) and Mary Hanrahan (Fethard Historical Society).
Mary Hanrahan, MC for the evening, then asked John Cooney to outline why the Boherlahan-Dualla journal was chosen as their 2017 book of the year by the Tipperariana Book Fair committee. John, in a very erudite and succinct contribution, noted the special qualities of the Boherlahan-Dualla Historical Journal and especially the quality of the articles and the longevity of the whole effort over the past 20 years. He noted the article in this, the twentieth issue, by Alice Coman and Clare Wallace which outlined the importance of the journal to the people of the parish. He quoted again the motto of the Journal - which appears on the back cover of every volume - "lest notable acts should perish with time and pass out of memory of future generations". This is a very significant quote indeed, as it is from the pen and diary of Friar John Clyn in 1349 Kilkenny - then in the midst of the Black Death plaque - who left the best first-hand account in Ireland of that huge calamity that took away a quarter or more of the people of Europe at that time.
Photographed at the presentation of the Tipperariana Book of the Year award for 2017, in the Abymill Theatre on January 26, are L to R: Peter Grant and John Cooney.
Photographed at the presentation of the Tipperariana Book of the Year award for 2017, in the Abymill Theatre on January 26, are L to R: Terry Cunningham (chairman Fethard Historical Society), Pat O'Donnell, Cllr John Fahey and Tom Ryan, chairman of the Boherlahan-Dualla Historical Journal committee.
Presentation of award in Fethard
A specially commissioned art piece by local artist and potter Dóirín Saurus was then presented by her to the chairman of the journal committee, Tom Ryan.
Tom Ryan emphasised that he accepted the award on behalf of a multitude of people who have contributed to the undoubted success of the Boherlahan-Dualla Historical Journal. These included the Journal Committee, the contributors of the articles and the people who buy all 600 copies every year. He also mentioned the people of the parish who give every encouragement and support and he especially thanked the present editors, Marian Ryan and Paddy O'Dwyer, and founding editor, Peter Meskell, whose work is central to the ongoing success of their journal.
Photographed at the presentation of the Tipperariana Book of the Year award for 2017, in the Abymill Theatre on January 26, are L to R: Breda Lee; Holly Williamson and Stefan Jordan (JW Productions) who performed at the reception afterwards; and Chris Lee.
The evening was finished off with refreshments, but not before local singer Holly Williamson and her partner in JW Productions, Stefan Jordan, from county Wexford, entertained the assembly by singing four wonderful songs.
Photographed at the presentation of the Tipperariana Book of the Year award for 2017, in the Abymill Theatre on January 26, are L to R: John O'Flynn, Fr. Liam Everard P.P. and Paddy O'Dwyer (Boherlahan-Dualla Historical Journal editorial committee).
Pride of Place at Book Fair on Sunday, February 11
As usual, the winning book and authors, will take pride of place at the 23rd Annual Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard Ballroom, between 2pm and 6pm, on Sunday, February 11. Any inquiries regarding the fair, including donations of books to the fair, can be got by emailing: bookfair@fethard.com or by texting 087 930 52 32 / 087 900 72 22. Information also available on www.tipperariana.com website
Fethard Bridge Club
The results of our game on Wednesday, January 17 were: 1st Gross, Nell Broderick and David O'Meara; 2nd Gross, Anna Cooke and Bernie O'Meara; 3rd Gross, Betty Walsh and Monica Anglim; 1st Nett, Mike Burke and Margaret Slattery; 2nd Nett, Tony Hanrahan and Keith Woodlock; 3rd Nett, Bill O'Sullivan and Vincent Cummins.
Bridge starts at 7.15pm. Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 6132038.
Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on this coming Sunday Night, February 4, to the music of 'Checkers'. 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 50 Years Ago - First London-Fethard Reunion remembered
Photographed at the first Fethard London Reunion in 1968. Back L to R: Ellen Walsh, Paddy Tobin, Jimmy Coffey, Jimmy Mullins, Paddy Lonergan, Ann Lonergan, Michael Coffey, Michael Browne. Front L to R: Tommy O'Connell and Moira McInerney.
Looking back through our archieves we have the opportunity to publish interesting items that many of our readers will recall. One of these refer to the wonderful work of Fethard Legion of Mary in 1968, when they reached out to the many emigrants who had to leave Fethard for work in England. Their notes from 1968 states:
"The highlight of the (Legion) year was the first re-union of Fethard and Killusty people in England organised by the Praesidium. This was held on May 3, in Knights of St. Colombas Club, Landsdowne Road, Holland Park, London, W.11. This function was attended by 160 people from Fethard and Killusty. From every point of view it was an outstanding success and a night to remember. Many old friendships were renewed, former school pals met again, some after a lapse of 30 years. The general opinion of those present was that it should be made an annual event. This has been decided and arrangements have been made to hold the 1969 re-union on Friday, May 2, 1969, in the Knights of St. Colombas Club, 11 Landsdowne Road, Holland Park. We regret if anyone didn't receive invitations to the re-union. we rely on you to keep us up to date with any changes in address."
Legion of Mary
The number of active members in the parish in 1968 were: eight seniors, twenty-two intermediates, and thirty juniors. Two members went on the Apostalate (a form of evangelistic work), one to England and the other to Rome.
Today, the Legion of Mary is still active in Fethard & Killusty Parish, with nine senior members. Weekly meetings are held on Monday evenings in the Augustinian House, Fethard. New members are always welcome. Contact the Augustinian Abbey for further details at Tel: (052) 6131273.
Fethard Senior Citizens invite new members
Fethard Senior Citizens' Club will hold their first meeting of 2018 at The Tirry Community Centre at 7.30pm on Tuesday, February 6. We have ample space at the Tirry Centre to accommodate new members. So please come along and join us for tea, chat, friendship and bingo.
Killusty Pony Show AGM
The Annual General Meeting of the Killusty Pony Show will take place on Tuesday night, February 13, at 7 30pm in the Fr. Tirry Community Centre, Barrack Street, Fethard. All are welcome, and we would greatly appreciate any new members willing to get involved or help out.
Class of 1983 School Reunion
A Fethard Patrician Presentation Seconday School 'Class of 1983' re-union is being organised for anyone who was in the class from Juniors to Leaving Cert, are all welcome to attend. The reunion is planned for Saturday, April 7, 2018, at McCartrhy's Fethard. Please spread the word and save the date! Contact Margaret (Trehy) Gleeson EMAIL
Hands & Co. Mini-Company Presentation Convent Fethard March 1983: Back L to R: Winnie Griffin, Jackie Holohan, Martina Fox, Louise O'Meara, Dorothy Croke, Valerie O'Donovan, Catherine Bowes, Caroline O'Flynn, Majella Neville and Marian Gilpin (teacher). Front: Catherine Dunne, Ellen O'Dwyer, Mary Ryan, Pauline Barrett, Bernadette Flanagan, Mary Brett, Vera Morrissey and Catherine Morrissey.
Fethard Historical Society - 30 years old
Derived from, a love of native place,
Founded, embracing tradition and folklore,
Logging, ancient monuments, trails and sites,
Attending lectures, meetings, reviewing rites,
Saw, the restoration of parts of the town wall.
Ned Kelly being a feature at the outset,
Not forgetting Doheny of Brookhill,
Traced from Norman and Friary, notes,
Visitations to Kilkenny and other places,
Culminating in the Town Hall, Equine World.
To all concerned, take a bow, well done,
Fethard has rose, from dereliction to grandeur,
Happy Anniversary, long may it continue on.
- (John Joe Keane)
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on January 24, were: 4, 12, 13 and 31. There was no jackpot winner and one 'Match Three' winner who received €150: Brian Sheehy, Garrinch, Fethard.
The following three 'Lucky Dip' winners also received €50 each: Mike Hames. Burke Street, Fethard; Eileen Ryan, Friarsgrange, Fethard; and Albert McGivern, Moyglass, Fethard.
Next week's draw takes place on Wednesday, January 31. 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, January 26, were: 8, 18, 20 and 32. There was no jackpot winner and two 'match three' winners who received €75 each: Bob Maher, Barrack Street, Fethard; and Billy Byrne, Clonmel.
The next draw takes place on Friday, February 2, 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 Sunday, January 28, 2018, of Michael Higgens, Rochestown, Cahir. Michael, a former Master and Huntsman with Tipperary Foxhounds, is much loved by Yvonne, his sister Wiggy and her family.
His cremation will take place at the Island Crematorium, Cork, on Wednesday, January 31, at 5pm. A Memorial Service will be held in the Holy Trinity Church of Ireland, Fethard, Co Tipperary on Tuesday, February 6, at 2pm.
House private please.
Book Fair and Book of the Year
Every year the organisers of the Fethard Book Fair (Sunday, February 11, this year) choose a 'Tipperariana Book of the Year' and the winner for 2017 will be announced on Friday next, January 26. Every year over thirty substantial books or publications are published in Tipperary and the award helps to draw attention to this fact. It furthermore acknowledges the great efforts that authors and local heritage groups go to, all over the county, so as to keep the 'local stories' alive and saved for future generations.
Getting the word out and books in
The organisers of the book fair, the Fethard Historical Society, are asking local people to use their 'social media outlets ' to get the Date (Sunday 11th Feb) and Times (2pm -6pm) to as many people as possible as every year some people from outside the area are disappointed that they missed the fair through not being aware of the exact date. In former years the organisers used to post information to many hundreds of contacts, but the cost of postage is now curtailing that avenue of communication.
Word can also be spread that the fair organisers also accept donations of books that are then sold on the Historical Society's stand at the fair. Books can be delivered to the Fethard Ballroom between 11am and 4pm on Saturday 10th February the day before the fair. Arrangements can also be made to collect the books. Contact can be made via bookfair@fethard.com or by texting or calling 087 930 5232 and 087 900 9722. Details are also available on www.tipperariana.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
This photograph, taken from a glass plate, would have been taken 70 years ago, in 1948, if we are to judge from the banners and entries in Fethard Carnival Fancy Dress Parade as they make their way up by St. Patrick's Place to the Barrack Field Fethard.
The first entry from the left features Aly Khan and Rita Hayworth. Aly, legendary playboy son of the Aga Khan, prowled the Riviera in relentless pursuit of speed, sport, and women. In 1948 he set his sights on Hollywood’s 'Love Goddess', Rita Hayworth.
This entry is followed by a boy holding a banner 'Wanted for Murder', namely D.D.T. at that time (1948), when laboratory and field experiments were being carried out to determine the effects of D.D.T. on honey-bees and on several wild species.
The following entry features, 'Tim Tyler's Luck', an adventure comic strip created by Lyman Young. Better Publications published a Tim Tyler one-shot comic book in 1942, and Standard Comics Bruce Gentry, did an 8-issue series of Tim Tyler, Cowboy from 1948-50.
The next item we can see on parade is a float entitled 'Coolmoyne Holiday Camp' all we can see is the tractor but I'm sure there was great fun going on behind in the trailer. Happy Days!
This photograph was taken outside Kenrick's shop in Burke Street with Rowntree's Pastilles, Fry's Valencia (Milk Chocolate with fruit and nuts), and bars of 'Plain York' on display in the window.
Maybe someone would have an idea who these children are and the lady. Photograph may be over 70 years old.
This photograph was taken outside Fethard Convent any further information would be more than welcome.
 Fethard Carnival Fancy Dress Group on The Square
Railway Bridge at Kerry Street
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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