Annual Book Fair takes place this Sunday, Feb 11

Members of Fethard Historical Society planning their first ever ‘Book Fair’ in January 1996. This first event, held on Sunday, February 11, opened with a lecture and valuation of Antiquarian Books, by the late Rudi Holzapfel from Tipperary Town. This year's Book Fair will also take place on Sunday, February 11, – exactly twenty-two years later. Organising committee from 1996 were Back: Peter Grant, Dóirín Saurus. Front L to R: Mary Hanrahan, Chris Nevin, Kitty Delany and Terry Cunningham.

The 23rd annual Tipperariana Book Fair takes place in the Fethard Ballroom this coming Sunday, February 11, from 2pm to 6pm in the afternoon.

What started out as an experiment back in 1996 has become the biggest fair of its kind in the country, North or South. This year there will be up to forty book stalls present with dealers of antiquarian and second-hand books coming from all over Ireland. Irish people always have a special interest in books about Ireland or about their native place and the dealers make sure to bring all their Tipperary and Munster books with them to the Fethard Fair.

Most of the books on the Antiquarian book stalls sell from between €10 and €40, but you can also part with five hundred euro for the odd very rare book should you really want to and add to your library. However, some dealers stock modern paperbacks and these sell for modest prices. Also, the organisers, Fethard Historical Society will have their own stall with thousands of excellent books donated by the public to sell for very small money.

The Society also receive 'book collections', containing rare books from well-wishers, which are then sold on at the fair. As well as generating income for the society this 'clearing house' function of the fair means that wanted books end up finding a good home on the day. Otherwise they may just be dumped in a skip as people may not be aware that a particular book is 'special' to someone else.

As usual the Café will operate on the day and the piano player will return to sooth the browsing masses from his perch on the stage. The entrance fee is still €2, with accompanied children going free. This means a family can have a good day out and go home with a bag of books for €10 if they so wish, and some will probably end up having tea and cakes as well!

Should anyone wish to donate books, they can be brought to the Ballroom on Friday, February 9, between 8pm and 11pm, or on Saturday, February 10, from 11am to 4pm. Should someone be unable to bring books to Fethard then arrangements can be made to collect them. Contact can be made with the organisers by texting or phoning 087 9305232 and 087 9009722, or by email: bookfair@fethard.com Further informatiom also available on website www.tipperariana.com

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Thursday, February 8, 2018, of Ann Daly (née Slattery), St Patricks Place, Fethard. Ann, pre-deceased by her husband Arthur, deeply regretted by Liam, Marie, Majella, Arthur, Roger and Pamela, sisters Maura and Delia, brother Noel, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, relatives, neighbours and friends. May she rest in peace.

Reposing at her son Liam's residence at Rocklow Road, Fethard, on Friday, February 9, from 5pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, on Saturday at 11am followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery.

A busy weekend for Fethard Girls Rugby

Fethard U18 Girls Rugby team who were victorious in their first round of the Munster Cup beating Ennis, Co. Clare. Pictured Back L to R: Niamh Harrington, Faye Dowling, Jenifer Fogarty, Amy McGrath, Dorothy Wall, Orla O’Donnell, Aoife Hayes, Ciara Morrissey, Matilda Magner. Front L to R: Kate Gayson, Andrea Stocks, Lauren Dooley, Therese Ryan, Isobel Kennedy, Molly Williams and Claire Bennett.

Fethard girls' rugby had a busy weekend with matches in Fethard on both Saturday and Sunday. The Fethard RFC Youth Girls were first up on Saturday in the Community Field, where two teams from Ennis travelled in large numbers with maximum subs for the girls first round of the Munster Cups.

Our U18s were victorious in their first round of the Cup beating Ennis, with great defence to keep a clean sheet and score numerous tries to put 47 points on the scoreboard. This team fresh from their Munster League final put up a solid performance, and were led by Claire Bennett ably assisted by Dorothy Wall, Jenifer Fogarty, Kate Gayson Molloy, Orla O'Donnell, Therese Ryan, Ciara Morrissey, Isobel Kennedy, Aoife Hayes, Faye Dowling, Matilda Magner, Lauren Dooley and newcomers Niamh Harrington, with Thurles guest players of Amy McGrath and Molly Williams along with Bantry's guest of Andrea Stocks. A super bunch of girls with great team work to keep the positive progression of this great team who never give up.

Our Fethard Girls U15s put up a tough performance to come away victorious 39-12 against a strong Ennis team. Led by out-half Kate Flannery, the Fethard girls worked well together and with the opening try from Aoibhe Gayson Molloy second centre who, along with Kate Flannery, scored twice each and also adding to the scoreboard were Lucy Murphy scrum half and Annica O'Connor fast left winger. Aoibhe Gayson Molloy also converted three of the tries and added a penalty. Karen Bennett, inside centre was constant support with safe hands and Evelyn Gayson Molloy a strong right wing. Nicole Vaughan marshalled at No 8, ably assisted by forward Shauna Maher, who, with Niamh Flatley, were strong tackling along with Sophia O'Brien. Second row of Ella Shelley and Orla Maher were strong throughout. Full back Orlaith Breen was strong in defence and supported Aisling Morrissey and newcomer Hannah McCabe who are great assets to complete this team who on their previous match won the Munster U15 League in Thomond Park before Christmas.


Participants in Fethard for the Fethard Rugby Club’s Munster U13 League Tournament

On Sunday our Fethard U13 Girls hosted the first round of the inaugural Munster U13 League Tournament in Fethard Community Sports Field with over 120 girls playing from 16 clubs in Munster.

Our Fethard U13 girls had an amazing day with special thanks to Joe Griffiths, Cliff O'Halloran and Thomas Murphy for the coaching of this great bunch. Today was momentous that Fethard RFC were strong showing their fine rugby skills in all their games. The future is bright with fun aplenty for the girls with a great league ahead, organised by Ger Hicks, Bantry Bay RFC, along with Amanda Greensmith of Munster Women's Rugby.

Well Done with the improved performances from our Fethard girls, Jamie Ferncombe, Ciara Donald Besso, Sarah Smyth, Katie Clancy, Claire Mee, Aoife Byrne, Aine Connolly, Millie O'Halloran and Imogen Magner supported by Zoë Prout. The girls scored fine tries starting with Aine with great support from Claire, Imogen, Sarah, Millie, Aoife, Katie, Jamie, Ciara and Zoë you make your Club, coaches and parents very proud of your wonderful improved performances today.

Thank you to all the coaches and parents who most importantly helped out this weekend marking pitches, carrying bags, baking, cooking, making refreshments, tidying up at the end of the games following their excellent support from the sidelines. To provide soup, sandwiches, cakes, snacks and refreshments for over 200 girls this weekend and their families in the dry conditions was really appreciated. Also a special mention of thanks to our Fethard Girls sponsor, O'Donnell Fencing, with their continued and valued support by sponsoring a new set of jerseys that were proudly on display this weekend.

Fethard Girls Rugby provides rugby fun for all ages for U8s to U18s through all the age groups. Newcomers are always welcome with fun rugby available right through to the summer and the 'Sevens Season' also ahead soon. So if any of you are interested in joining us, please come along on a Friday evening in Fethard at 6.45pm, for 6 to 13 year olds; 8pm for Girls 14 to 18 year olds; or Mondays in Rosegreen at 7.30pm for all ages 6-18 year olds. For more information contact Polly Tel: 086 3394959.

Great achievement for Fethard Kickboxing

Well done to Fethard Galteemor Kickboxing Club coaches, Daniel Coffey and Jason Bladder Lawrence, and all involved in winning 8 gold medals and 3 silver medals in the recent Kickboxing competition held in Mooncoin. Fantastic result and great to see the club members doing so well. Photographed with their medals are Back L to R: Michael Brennan, Eva Doyle, Eric Costigan, Dollon Costigan. Front L to R: Jaydon Setters Coffey, Adam Mc Garry, Dillon Corbet, Kaylea Rpchford, Sean Thompson and Ryan Bradshaw.

Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on this coming Sunday Night, February 11, to the music of ‘Teddy and Cathal Barry’. 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.

Culture Night Visitors

Sisters Patricia Croy and Catherine Ellis of Marysville, Ohio, USA, who recently visited Fethard retracing their family connections in the area. Their mother Margaret Power, originally from Tullicussane, Drangan, worked in the Castle Inn in Fethard before she emigrated to America c.1911.

Among the many visitors to the Fethard Horse Country Experience on Culture Night were sisters Patricia Croy and Catherine Ellis of Marysville, Ohio, USA. They were visiting Fethard as part of a trip retracing family connections in the area. They related that their mother Margaret Power, originally from Tullicussane, Drangan, worked in the Castle Inn in Fethard before she emigrated to America c. 1911.  She was only about twenty when she left Ireland accompanied by her sixteen-year old brother John. They settled in Ohio where Margaret met and married Patrick McEvoy from Daingean, Co. Offaly.
Margaret's brother John Power, also known as Jack, returned from America a short time later to his native Drangan and married a local girl Cathy Russell. He subsequently served in the Free State Army.
Patricia married Dick Croy, a mailman, who had served in the American Navy. Together they set up home in nearby, raised a family, and opened a up a fishing bait store which they ran for fifty years. Upon retirement they sold the store to a banking corporation. The new bank which now stands there has presented Patricia with her own private parking space for life in honour of her previous occupancy of the site.

Catherine married Leroy Ellis, a local farmer who served with the American army in England and France during the Second world war. Catharine herself worked as Clerk of the Courthouse for forty-five years. She served on the Ohio Civil Rights Commission and was part of the group that was instrumental in encouraging Honda to set up their manufacturing plant in Marysville, a facility that brought major employment to the town and the surrounding area.

The two sisters were delighted to be back in Fethard revisiting the local sites and very much enjoyed their tour of the FHC Experience. They were particularly impressed with the introductory audio- visual which gives such a wonderful overview of the architectural and archaeological treasures of Fethard and the environs.

Fethard Senior Citizens meeting cancelled
Fethard Senior Citizens' Club have cancelled their meeting tonight, Tuesday, February 6, due to weather conditions. If you know of any senior citizen who attends, please pass on the message.

The next meeting will now take place on Tuesday, March 6, and 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.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Monday, February 5, 2018, of Norah O’Flynn (née McLoughlin), Main Street, Fethard. Norah, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

Predeceased by her loving husband Jack and her son Austin, she will be sadly missed by her devoted family, Claire, Frances, John, Shelagh, T.J., Liam, Jimmy and Caroline, her daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends. May she rest in peace.

Reposing at home on Wednesday, February 7, from 5.30pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass on Thursday at 11am in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, followed by burial in Killusty Cemetery. Family flowers only, please. Donations in lieu, if desired, to Tipperary Hospice.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Sunday, February 4, 2018, of Kathleen Coen (née Lawlor), St Patrick’s Place, Fethard.

Kathleen, predeceased by her son Connie, deeply regretted by her family, Michael, Aisling, Thelma and Pat, grandchildren, her sisters Rita, Joan and Mary, her brother Terry, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends. May she rest in peace.

Reposing at McCarthy’s Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 6, from 5.30pm, with removal to Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, at 7.30pm. Funeral mass on Wednesday at 11am, followed by private cremation. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired to Tipperary Hospice.

Fethard Bridge Club
On Wednesday, January 24, we played the second round of our Player of the Year competition and the results were: 1st Gross, Alice Quinn and Eileen Frewen; 2nd Gross, Carmel Condon and Keith Woodlock; 3rd Gross, Betty Walsh and Ann O'Dea; 1st Nett, Eileen Ryan and Kay St. John; 2nd Nett, Margaret Mary McCormack and Rita Kane; 3rd Nett, Vincent Cummins and Jim Lahert.

This Wednesday, February 7 we have our charity night. Bridge starts at 7.15pm. Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 6132038.

Community Games County Finals reminder
On Friday next, February 9, the U14 Table Quiz will take place in the Presentation Convent, Thurles, commencing at 8pm. Entries will be taken on the night. €8 per team.

On Sunday next, February 11, all Talent events will take place in Silvermines Hall commencing at 2pm. Entries for this competition are now closed. We wish Fiona Barry, Tullamaine, the very best of luck. Fiona is the first ever competitor from Fethard Killusty area to compete in the Recitation event which is included in the Talent programme.

On Sunday, February 18, the Boys and Girls Swimming events take place in Thurles Pool. Warm Up for Girls commence at 9am and boys warm-up at 9.15am with competition commencing at 9.30am. Entries close with County Secretary on Sunday, February 11. It is imperative to notify Noreen Sheehy immediately (no later than Thursday, February 8) if anyone from our area is interested in competing any of the following events.

Freestyle Under 8, 10, 12, 14 & 16; Backstroke Under 10, 12, 14 and 16; Breaststroke Under 12 and 14; Butterfly Under 14 and 16; Squads Boys U13 and Girls U13, 25-meter freestyle; and Boys and Girls U16 50-meter Medley. Panel of 6.

Art & Handwriting entries are currently being judged. The County Finals of both take place in the Presentation Convent, Thurles, on Saturday, February 24.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on January 31, were: 5, 13, 23 and 32. There was no jackpot winner and one 'Match Three' winner who received €150: Margaret Bradshaw, Congress Terrace, Fethard.

The following three 'Lucky Dip' winners also received €50 each: Ursula Bradshaw, Woodvale Walk, Fethard; Peter Gough, St., Patricks Place, Fethard; and B. Delahunty, Fr. Tirry Park, Fethard.

Next week's draw takes place on Wednesday, February 7. 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, February 2, were: 4, 16, 20 and 27. There was no jackpot winner and no 'match three' winner. The €50 Lucky Dip winner was, Majella Smyth, Strylea. Four Lucky Dip winners received €25 each: Michael Keyes, Clonmel; Isobel Maher, c/o Camogie Club; Lesley Swift, Coolmore; and John Hurley, Strylea, Fethard.

The next draw takes place on Friday, February 9, 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.

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.

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 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 group was photographed in the mid 1980s while they were school friends. By the time the 1988 Emigrants Newsletter was published, they are separated by the need to emigrate in search of work. Back left to right: Vincent Murphy, Willie O’Meara, Tommy Sheehan, John Sheehan, Harry Bradshaw, James Connolly, Annette Sheehan, Francis Kearney. Front: Willie Morrissey, Roger Mehta, Peter O’Dwyer, Philip Ryan, Michael Ryan and Owen Cummins.


Group photographed at the Fethard St. Patrick's A.C. Dinner Dance held in Keans Cahir House Hotel, on Saturday, January 29, 1983.

More information on the 'Big Apple' and the official opening day on July 23, 1982.

Night Club for Fethard (Nationalist July 17, 1982)

The 'Big Apple' night club in Fethard is one of the newest night spots to be opened in Tipperary for many years. From Friday, July 23, 1982, the whole scene of the former Country Club ballroom will change from the sounds of the ballroom days to flashing lights and disco music. 

The management of the Country Club are bringing the club style of entertainment to Fethard - £30,000 worth of psychedelic lighting is being installed by Michael Foley, Lighting Contractor, Dublin. Many DJs from around the country will appear at the 'Big Apple' playing all the latest records in the Irish and British charts.

The management of the club appeal to all patrons to dress properly, and those wearing denims, leather jackets or any other garments that would take from the good name of the Club will not be admitted. For the present the Club will be held on Friday nights, but they hope to have Sunday night discos as well.


At the 'Big Apple Disco' in Fethard Ballroom in September 1982!
Complimentary ticket to the Big Apple Disco, held on Friday nights in Fethard Country Club Ballroom in the early 1980s

A group of young Fethard boys photographed at a Judo Exhibition held in Fethard Ballroom in September 1982 with a view to forming a local club. The club was formed one month later, October 9, 1982, by Michael O’Meara and Johnny Sheehan, both from St. Patrick’s Place, Fethard, and achieved considerable success at all levels over the following years.

Two of my nice darling little nieces, Tina and Monica Kenny, looking ever so innocent in 1983, as though butter wouldn't melt in their mouths.

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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