Don't drink the water!

Irish Water have issued a ‘Do Not Drink’ warning for the Fethard Public Water supply. They also warn that boiling the water, or using a domestic water filter, will NOT make it suitable to drink.

The warning was issued on Monday, March 5, shortly after it emerged that a river in Mullinahone may be contaminated with kerosene. Irish Water say that, “Due to hydrocarbon contamination of the source supplying the Fethard Public Water Supply, Irish Water and Tipperary County Council, in consultation with the HSE, have issued a Do Not Drink notice for customers supplied by this scheme."

Areas affected include Fethard, Killenaule, Gortnahoe, Ballysloe, Ballynonty, Moyglass, Mullinahone, Drangan, Glengoole, Cloneen, Ballinure, Killusty and surrounding areas. This water should not be used for: drinking, drinks made with water, food preparation, washing or cooking of food, brushing of teeth, or making of ice. In particular, pregnant women should not drink this water.

This water should not be used for making up infant formula for bottled fed infants. An alternative source of water should be used. Bottled water can also be used to make up infant formula. All bottled water, with the exception of natural mineral water, is regulated to the same standard as drinking water.

It is best not to use bottled water labelled as ‘Natural Mineral Water’ as it can have high levels of sodium (salt) and other minerals, although it rarely does. ‘Natural Mineral Water’ can be used if no other water is available, for as short a time as possible, as it is important to keep babies hydrated. If bottled water is used to make up infant formula it should be boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute), and cooled in the normal way.

The water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing, flushing toilets, laundry and washing of utensils, however, if you are experiencing skin irritation you may wish to avoid using water for showering or bathing or washing clothes. Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink. Caution should be taken when bathing children to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water. Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Please note that boiling the water will not be sufficient to make it suitable to drink.


Irish Water MD, Jerry Grant, formerly from Killerk, Fethard, has issued these warnings in the interest of people's safety.

Water tankers will be provided to assist customers in these areas. Details of the locations of these tankers will be available on the Service and Supply Section of the Irish Water website at www.water.ie/water-supply/supply-and-service-update/

Irish Water is working with Tipperary County Council, the HSE and other relevant bodies to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. Our priority at this time is to safeguard public drinking water supplies and public health. Production at the plant has ceased until the issue has been resolved and it may be a number of days before a full supply is restored. We will continue to keep the public informed on the progress of this work.

Irish Water and Tipperary County Council apologise for the inconvenience caused as a result of this incident and wish to assure customers that we are making every effort to restore supply as quickly as possible once it is safe to do so. Should customers have any concerns or queries, they should contact Irish Water’s 24/7 customer care line at 1850 278 278.

Fethard’s Senior Citizens’ March meeting Ccancelled
In the interest of safety Fethard’s Senior Citizens’ Club’s March meeting on Tuesday, March 6, is CANCELLED.
Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 3. The weather should be milder by then allowing our annual Easter outing. “Watch this space” for further information.

Killusty 10am Mass Cancelled this Sunday
Due to weather conditions this Sunday, March 4, 10am Mass in Killusty has been cancelled. This was was also to be Katty Aylward's 'Month's Mind' so the family have now rearranged a memorial Mass for the late Katty, to take place in Killusty on Sunday, April 22, at 10am, instead.

Dancing cancelled at Fethard Ballroom
The committee of the Fethard Ballroom wish to let everyone know that this Sunday Night's dance, March 4, has been cancelled due to the bad weather conditions. Please pass this information onto your friends and take care and stay safe.

Snow slow coming and snow slow leaving!

Fethard survived the last few days battering by the 'Beast from the East' by staying indoors and staying safe as recommended. Now that the worst is over we can come back on the streets and navigate on our own terms, also with extreme care.

Many of our elderly will still find it impossible and unsafe to stir outside so it is important that those that can, will give them a call to check if they may need supplies or medication etc.

Amoris meeting this Thursday cancelled
Due to weather conditions, the Amoris meeting for the Fethard Deanery on Thursday, March 1, at Fethard Convent Community Hall, has been cancelled. The series of meetings will now commence on Thursday, March 8, at 7.30pm.

Pheasant Pluckers with Liam Ó Maonlaí

Pheasant Pluckers playing with Liam Ó Maonlaí (Hothouse Flowers) singing 'Don't Go' in McCarthy's Fethard, Co. Tipperary, joined by Gavin Strappe and Liam O'Sullivan on Friday, January 19, 2018.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, of Catherine 'Kitty' Ahearne (née Murphy), Main Street, Fethard.

Kitty, predeceased by her husband Paddy and son Patrick, is deeply missed by Frank, Ann, Nicky, Mary and Mona, sisters Tessie and Una, sisters-in-law Patti, Mamie and Nora, brother-in-law Colin, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May she rest in peace.

Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Wednesday, February 28, from 5pm with removal to the Holy Trinity Parish Church at 7pm. Funeral Mass on Thursday at 11am, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery.

Died in England
The death has occurred on Friday, February 23, 2018, in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, England, of Paddy Sheehan, formerly Killusty.

The late Paddy, brother of Johnny Sheehan, St. Patrick's Place, was very instrumental in helping Fethard Judo Club in 1983 (when the club was one year old) in acquiring 30 new floor mats and storing them in England until they could be collected. The very successful club, formed by Michael O'Meara and Johnny Sheehan, had 43 members in 1983 and won nine trophies including three county titles, in their first County Championship competition that year.

Our deepest sympathy to all the Sheehan family at home and away. Funeral details later.

New Tipperary Rangers
The Social Committee of New Tipperary Rangers invite you to the annual gathering at the Monument in Noan East, Ballinure, on Sat March 10, at 2pm, to remember neighbours past and present, and to chat about our proud heritage.

It would be lovely to see those who are not living in the Parish, to make a small effort to come, and you wouldn't know who you'd meet! Refreshments served in Ballinure Hall afterwards. Contact Miceál McCormack Tel: 052 6131534 for further information.

Recently Conferred

Dr. Adam Clooney (centre) pictured at his conferring together with the President of U.C.C. and the President of C.I.T., along with lecturers from both colleges

The conferring of Dr Adam Clooney took place in University College Cork last Friday. Dr Clooney is the son of the late Liam Clooney and Shirley Clooney, Cois Falla, Fethard, and younger brother of Stuart and Natalie.

Dr. Clooney was conferred with his Doctorate by both the president of University College Cork and the president of Cork Institute of Technology. This was an historic occasion for both colleges as the PhD is the first in the country to be awarded by two colleges and the first joint C.I.T and U.C.C. doctorate to be funded by Science Ireland.

Yoga Classes
Yoga classes suitable for Beginners and Intermediates will take place in the Fr. Tirry Community Centre, Barrack Street, on Monday nights. Booking essential, Contact Peg on Tel: 086 3027927 for further information.

Girls team spirit, crowned a solid season

Fethard U18 Girls at the Munster Cup semi-final. Back L to R: Mariead McCarthy, Matilda Magner, Ciara Morrissey, Orla O’Donnell, Dorothy Wall, Niamh Harrington, Aoife Hayes, Jenifer Fogarty. Front L to R: Faye Dowling, Jill Shannahan, Ellie O’Sullivan, Kate Gayson, Lauren Dooley, Isobel Kennedy and Claire Bennett.

Our Fethard U18 Girls team spirit, crowned a solid season of fine performances last Saturday, in the Community Field. This team of young ladies deserve huge praise for never giving up this season, and following their Munster League final back in December, after a tremendous progression in the league. Showing great results in the Cup, this Munster Cup semifinal team of Orla O'Donnell, Jen Fogarty, Kate Gayson Molloy, Faye Dowling, Dorothy Wall, Aoife Hayes, Isobel Kennedy, led by captain Claire Bennett with Ciara Morrissey, Matilda Magner, Lauren Dooley, Mairead McCarthy, Niamh Harrington, Jill Shanahan and Ellie O'Sullivan put in an extremely sound performance throughout to be proud of.

Meetin last season's Munster double winners in the League and the Cup, this Listowel / Tralee combination was never going to be easy, and with some injuries and sickness depleting the numbers on the day of the season's squad, the Fethard girls played with great heart and steely determination, with a progressive score put up. With two fine tries scored throughout by Dorothy and also Claire scoring in the second half the consolidated performances with Jen, Kate, Faye and Lauren working hard in the field. Our Forwards assisted extremely well in their defence work with Orla, Aoife, Matilda, Ciara, Niamh and Mairead consistently defending hard with fine tackles and improving rucking to show great passion for the game. Our backs were assisted by smart winger Isobel, and newbies Jill and Ellie, this team have huge promise for the bright future of the girls' rugby here in Fethard. Even though a number of our girls were new to rugby this season, their technical skills proved important to put up a strong fight throughout the season and this continued last weekend against Listowel / Tralee.

These girls are inspirational to the younger players coming through the age grade in Fethard and have certainly raised the bar. We have been galvanised by the motivation these girls have shown and our U18s above all are influencing us by what can be achieved when girls are given opportunities, encouraged and shown support. Thank you girls for the motivation. The season is set to continue with more rugby fun to be had. Thank you to Pat O'Donnell, Michael Fogarty, Edel McMahon and Marie Gayson for your fine support.

U13 Girls travel to Highfield in Cork

Fethard U13 Girls having some Munster League Fun at Highfield in Cork

Our U13 Girls travelled down to Highfield in Cork for a fine afternoon of Rugby on Day 2 of their Munster League. Putting more points on the board again today, these enthusiastic players put smiles on all our faces by their energy led by Claire Mee, who has continued to impress this season. Our U13s have again shown playing the game is so much fun with Phillie Gilman keeping the ball alive and making sure the tackles and rucking were consistent in all their games, and keeping fellow improving players of Amy Costigan, Ciara Donald Besso, Millie O'Halloran, Imogen Magner, Jamie Ferncombe, and Eleanor Luke who all supported one another throughout their games last Saturday, by encouraging and working together to enjoy the game. Not forgetting our speedy winger Aoife Byrne who scored a fine career first try with promise aplenty for the future.

These girls keenness to play rugby provides great spirit to the Club and proves that the vitality of the girls game, where everyone's talents in different areas of the Sport of Rugby, involves all the team to work together holds tremendous strength to the continuity of an inclusive team sport in our area. Special thanks to our coaches Joe Griffiths, Cliff O'Halloran and Thomas Murphy for their continued work with the girls. Also thank you to Helen, Louise and Doctor Gilman for travelling with Joe and the team last Saturday to make it all possible which is much appreciated.

The future is bright and more fun to be had for the remainder of the season. So come along and 'Give It A Try', you too can join in the fun. Friday Evenings in Fethard and Monday Evenings in Rosegreen. For more details contact Polly on 086 3394959.

Management, leadership and learning evaluation for Fethard School Ceremony

Patrician Presentation, Fethard 1st Year Woodwork Pupils photographed with principal, Mr Pat Coffey, on completion of a woodwork project.

Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School was recently selected for a whole-school evaluation. All post-primary schools are regularly evaluated by the Department of Education and Skills Inspectorate. These evaluations offer an external perspective on the work constantly being carried out and reviewed by the Board of Management, senior management, teachers, students and parents in our school. The Department state that their work, "provides an external perspective on the work of the school. Inspection reports provide judgements on the quality of provision in a school, affirm the aspects of practice that are working well and assist in confirming the school's judgement about its strengths and priorities for improvement."

In the oral feedback given to the staff and the Board of Management on Tuesday of last week, the two inspectors frequently used the words 'exemplary', 'unprecedented' and 'excellent', in relation to the results of the questionnaires given to the students, parents and teachers as part of the evaluation process. Unlike other schools, all of our student body answered questionnaires, and so too did all the parents. In many instances both parents and students were in overwhelming agreement that there was a warm welcoming atmosphere in the school where students felt safe and cared for. Ninty-eight percent of parents felt that their child was doing well in school, and that teaching was good in the school. Similarly, ninty-six percent of students felt that their teachers were very encouraging, and that there was a good atmosphere in the school where all students got on well together.

The inspectors mentioned that in the lessons observed there were many examples of exemplary teaching and learning. They thought that the care given to students in Patrician Presentation Secondary School was excellent. We look forward to sharing further information with you when we receive the written report in the next number of months. All of our school community can be justifiably proud of these external findings which we will further develop and build upon in the months and years ahead.

JCPA Award Ceremony

Patrician Presentation, Fethard Junior Cycle pupils 2017 who were recently presented with their Junior Cert Profiles of Achievement. Photographed with school principal, Mr Pat Coffey and deputy principal, Ms M.A Fogarty.

The students who received their Junior Cycle results last September were awarded their Junior Cycle Profile of Achievement in school. The Junior Cycle Profile of Achievements comprise of the results that students receive from the State Examinations Commission in addition to Other Areas of Learning and results from Classroom Based Assessments where applicable. Other Areas of Learning is a summary of the skills and aptitudes that our students showed throughout their three years with us. In keeping with our mission statement here in Patrician Presentation student leadership skills, public speaking skills, students' sense of community involvement and their participation in extra-curricular activities were all acknowledged in a unique summary which was individual to all students. Students received their Profile of Achievements in the company of their parents.


Patrician Presentation 6th Year Pupil Neilas Saikauskas who recently won the Gold Medal in the ITA Munster Taekwondo Championships

Mock Examinations
Well done to our Third Year and Sixth Year students who sat their mock examinations before the mid-term.

Entrance Assessment
The Entrance Assessment for incoming First Year Pupils will be held on Saturday, March 10th. Please feel free to contact the school if you would like to enrol your child in our school or if you have any further queries regarding the Assessment morning in the school.

Continued success at Community Games Finals

L to R: Roisin Morrissey, Cloneen; Joe Purcell (bronze) and Ines Byrne (silver) from Killusty at the County Final of Community Games Handwriting.

Fethard & Killusty area enjoyed continued success in the Community Games Handwriting event winning four medals at the county finals in Thurles on Saturday last.

Micheál O'Rahilly, Tinakelly, an U10 winner last year, won gold in the boys U12 category this year; Ines Byrne, Killusty, won silver in girls U10; Cody Bradshaw, St Patrick's Place, won silver in boys U10 and Joe Purcell, Killusty, won bronze boys U12.


Winners in the Community Games U10 Boys Handwriting. L to R: Cody Bradshaw (silver), Rory Crosse, Boherlahan (gold), and Joe Purcell (bronze).


Winners in the U12 Boys Community Games Handwriting Competition L to R: Darragh Kneeshan, St Flannan’s, (Silver), Micheal O’Rahilly, (Gold) and Eoin Morrissey (Bronze), Cloneen. Eoin and Micheal are also first cousins.

Competitors from the area who competed in the Art/Handwriting finals were: Ruby Holohan, Meadbh Collum, Suzy Murphy, Freya Byrne, Sarah Moore, Amy Morrissey, Emily Davey, Kiera Daniels, Isobel O'Donnell, Claire Fitzgerald, Ewan Byrne, Kelvin Ryan, Paddy Ryan, Jack Davey and Evan Moore.


L to R: Suzy Murphy and Meadbh Collum in action in the Community Games Art competition.


L to R: Isobel O’Donnell and Kiera Daniels competing in the Community Games Art event.

Micheál O'Rahilly will join Isobel Maher in the shimming finals on the weekend May 25 to 27. Isobel, also from Tinakelly, won gold in U14 swimming last week at the Aldi Community Games National Finals in University Limerick.

The Draw for the Summer Team Games will be published during the week. The following eight teams are entered: U10 mixed football, U11 hurling, U12 girls football, U14 girls football, U14 Camogie, U15 girls Soccer, U11 and U14 Tag Rugby. Complete results and further photos on sports page.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on February 21, were: 6, 14, 27 and 30. There was no jackpot winner and no 'Match Three' winner so the following drawn tickets received €50 each: Tom Sayers, Crampscastle, Fethard; Rita Kane, Kerry Street, Fethard; and Seamus Hackett, Strylea, Fethard.

The following three 'Lucky Dip' winners received €50 each: P.J. Henehan, Main Street, Fethard; and Bernadette Flanagan, Lonergan's Bar, Fethard; and Tom Kearney, Killusty.

Next week's draw takes place on Wednesday, February 28. 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 23, were: 7, 22, 30 and 35. There was no jackpot winner and no 'match three' winner. One lucky Dip winner received €50: Derek Walsh, Fethard. Four lucky dip winners received €25 Each: Tom Purcell, Burke Street; Mary Lynch, Ladies Football Club; Marie Allen, St Patrick's Place; and Aine Connolly, Ladies Football Club.

The next draw takes place on Friday, March 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 Thursday, February 22, 2018, of Joan Cummins (née Sayers), Mayfield, Cashel, and St. Patrick's Place, Fethard, peacefully at South Tipperary General Hospital. Joan, beloved wife of the late Billy. Deeply regretted by her loving daughters Majella Lynch and Ursula Ryan, sons Jimmy and John, sons-in-law Declan and Donal, daughters-in-law Muriel and Martina, grandchildren Emlyn, Aaron, Daniel, Craig, Killian, Adrian, Alan, James and Stefan, great-grandchildren Addison and Robyn, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. May She Rest In Peace

Reposing at her daughter Ursula Ryan’s residence, Knockentemple, Rosegreen, Cashel, on Friday evening,February 23, from 4pm to 8pm. Requiem Mass on Saturday in the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, Dualla, at 11.30am followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. Family flowers only please, donations, if desired, to the Friends of St. Patrick’s Hospital, Cashel.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Thursday, February 22, 2018, of Hannah Ellen Hayes, Fethard, and Newmarket, Cork, (unexpectedly). Hannah Ellen, aged 1 year and 5 months, cherished and adored daughter of Kieran and Noelle (née O’Reilly) and much loved sister of Declan and Cillian. Sadly missed by her parents, brothers, grandparents P.J. (and the late Nancy) Hayes, Michael and Anna O’Reilly, uncles, aunts, relatives and her many loving cousins.

Reception into St. Mary’s Church, Newmarket, on Tuesday at 1pm for 2pm Mass of the Angels. Burial private afterwards. Suaimhneas síoraí dá hanam dílis.

Patrician Presentation's two regional finalists for this year’s Junk Kouture competition

Pictured are Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School’s two regional finalists for this year's Junk Kouture competition. Maggie Fitzgerald (left) will model 'Age of Aquarius', and Daragh Fenlon will model 'Libertas’. Also on Daragh's team are Emily Fitzgerald and Caoimhe O'Meara; and on Maggie’s team is Rachel Prout.

This year there are three stages to the voting, with the first one beginning on February 12, and called the lifeline vote. All non-regional finalists will take part in a public vote, the top five with the most votes, one from each region, north, south, east, west and Dublin, will also make it through to the regional final. These additional finalists will be announced on the February 17.

The regional final this year will be held in University Concert Hall Limerick, on Friday, March 9, with tickets going on sale Monday February 19. The second set of voting will take place between February 19 and February 23.

Junk Kouture has a brand new app which can be downloaded directly from the App Store for iPhones, and Android users can access the online version of the app through their browser. Thanks to all for participating. VOTE NOW

Voting Instructions
Voting in this year’s Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture competition is going to be a little different. We have some exciting changes coming your way! There will be 3 voting periods this year: The Lifeline, the Regional, and the Grand Final. Each voting period will last 5 days and will take place over the following dates:

• Lifeline Vote: 12-16 February
• Regional Vote: 19-23 February
• Grand Final Vote: 1-5 April

 Anybody can vote! You don’t have to be entering the competition or know someone who is. Voting will take place at:  https://app.junkkouture.com/ Each day during a voting period you will be able to vote for any design once (there is no cap on how many design you can vote for in a day, but only 1 vote per design).

At the end of each voting period, there will be a Super Friday vote: Throughout the week you can complete activities to get extra votes, which will add up over the voting week to be used on Friday. At the end of the week, you can put the total number of votes towards ONE outfit. You’ll need to choose carefully- there’s no going back after you’ve spent your Super Friday votes! You can still give your regular daily votes to other designs on Super Friday.

There are a few different ways you can get Super Friday votes. You can complete any, all, or none! Each day that you vote for even 1 outfit gives you 1 Super Friday vote. Each day you can also share any outfit on Facebook for an extra vote (you can share as many as outfits as you’d like, but you will only get 1 Super Friday vote per day that you share). There will also be social media accounts that you can follow which will give you 5 Super Friday votes each.

In each voting period, you can give 1 design a maximum of 25 Super Friday votes and 5 standard votes for a total of 30 possible votes. Designs that you do not choose to allocate your Super Friday votes to can still get up to 5 regular votes from each voter throughout the week!

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

Killenaule Presentation to Schoolmaster Dan Mullins (1983)
These photographs were taken at a Killenaule Presentation to retired schoolmaster Dan Mullins in December 1983 - maybe somebody would have the names of the people in the photographs? We have received some names from the Fethard Faces and Places from the Past page on Facebook. Please send any further information on captions to fethardnews@gmail.com

Remember the snow in 1982 ? This is a young Cabrina Roche, with her cousin, on the Ballinard Road. Hope everyone is prepared for the more severe Snow Storm Emma - ‘Beast from the East’ forecast for this week.


Killenaule presentation in 1983 . . . any information on the occasion and names if possible please?


Group at the Quinnsworth Dinner Dance in Clonmel March 1983 L to R: Michael Purcell (Quinnsworth manager) and his partner Derocca (left), Pamela Crowley, Paula Coyne, Mary O'Donnell, Dick Carroll and Anne Carroll.


Quinnsworth Dinner Dance group from March 1983 . . . members of the Dargan family and friends Clonmel. Names L to R again if possible please for files . . .


Stocktons Wing playing on stage in The Country Club Ballroom Fethard on January 30, 1983 . . . there's only one man who could be wearing that AC/DC jacket (bottom right)



Killenaule Vocational School Open Day December 1982, with Anne Coady, Elaine Coady, Jacqui G-Mangan and Maria Carey. — Thanks a million Joe I'm thrilled to have it! (Jacqui)


Killenaule Vocational School Open Day December 1982


NACA Presentations in Fethard Arms December 1982


Fethard GAA Dinner Dance November 1982

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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