Historical Society celebrates their 30th anniversary
Photographed at the 30th Anniversary Celebrations of Fethard Historical Society are L to R: Allison Harvey (Heritage Council), Terry Cunningham (chairman), Mary Hanrahan (secretary), Tim Robinson and Clare Lee (Tipperary County Council).
Friday evening last, March 23, saw a large gathering of Fethard folk assemble in the Abymill Theatre to mark the thirtieth anniversary of the founding of the Fethard Historical Society that occurred on March 23, 1988.
The evening turned into a celebration of ‘all things Fethard’ and a very positive note was aired by all who participated in the event. Mary Hanrahan, one of the founding member, was MC for the evening and thanked everyone ‘in block’- so as to avoid omitting anyone - for all their help to the society, town and community, over the past 30 years.
L to R: Mary Hanrahan and Marie O'Donnell, two original and present committee members, ready to cut the cake at the 30th Anniversary Celebrations of Fethard Historical Society
Terry Cunningham, current chairperson, then gave a whistle stop tour - with the aid of over a hundred slides - of some the society’s activities of the over the past three decades. The audience were very impressed indeed with the sheer volume, scale and diversity of the works undertaken, and the chairperson did emphasise that there had been a lot of ‘people hours’ spent by society members over those years.
Clare Lee from the Planning section of Tipperary County Council spoke next and outlined very clearly the overall planning process, from national to local, with a special focus on Fethard. She assured the audience of the council’s commitment to enhancing the overall environment of the area and knowledge that Fethard was a special place that required specific treatment that would safeguard and enhance its unique medieval heritage.
Last to present on the evening was Alison Harvey from the Heritage Council of Ireland, the national body that informs Government policy in the whole heritage area throughout the country. Fethard Historical Society credits Alison with being one of the first people ‘of influence’ that championed Fethard’s cause and her work was instrumental in initiating the funding stream that enabled much conservation works on stabilising sections of the Town Wall.
Alison spoke in glowing terms of the achievements of the people and organisations of the town and how their combined efforts are looked on by the Heritage Council as somewhat of a template as to what can be achieved when everyone is ‘pulling in the same direction’.
Members of the original first committee of the Fethard Historical Society in 1988 that were present at the 30th Anniversary Celebrations in the Abymill Theatre on May 23. L to R: Joe Kenny, Mary Hanrahan, Joe Ryan, Gemma Burke (representing Denis Burke), Peter Grant, Marie O'Donnell and Vincent Doocey. Other original committee members not present were: Mary Healy (RIP), Diana Stokes (RIP), Michael O'Donnell, Christy Mullins, John Joe Kane and Jimmy O'Connor.
Presentations were then made to the founding members of the original committee from 1988. Two bouquets of flowers were then presented to current members, Mary Hanrahan and Marie O’Donnell, who were also members of the original committee.
The celebrations concluded upstairs in the Abymill where quite an elaborate banquet awaited and a great air of celebration - and indeed satisfaction - of ‘a job well done’ was evident throughout.
Photographed at the 30th Anniversary Celebrations of Fethard Historical Society are L to R: Judy Doyle, Concepta Hurley (daughter of the late Mary Healy, who was a founder members) and Eileen Connolly.
Photographed at the 30th Anniversary Celebrations of Fethard Historical Society are L to R: Mary Hanrahan, Patricia Ponsonby and Rachel Murphy
Photographed at the 30th Anniversary Celebrations of Fethard Historical Society are L to R: Peter Grant, Liam Burke and Conor Maguire
Died Recently
The death has occurred on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, of Miss Agnes Treacy, Barrettstown, Fethard. Miss Agnes, deeply regretted by her family and friends.
Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Monday April 2, at 6pm with removal to the Holy Trinity Parish Church,Fethard, at 7pm. Funeral Mass on Tuesday at 11am followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu to St. Anne's and St. Bernadette's Ward, St. Patrick's Hospital, Cashel.
John Looby presented with Community BEM award
John Looby photographed with his British Empire Medal in recognition of his work for the local community.
Congratulations to John Looby, formerly from Garraun, Fethard, who was recently presented with a BEM (British Empire Medal) honorary award for services to the community in Camberley, Surrey, where he now lives with his wife Patricia (née O'Halloran).
These annual honorary awards are approved by The Queen of England
and were originally presented for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition and continued up to 1992. Following the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Prime Minister David Cameron, announced that the BEM would once again be awarded in the United Kingdom, although only in the civil division.
Looby family photographed at the presentation Back L to R: John Looby (jun); Ray Looby; Paul Looby. Front L to R: Patricia Looby; John Looby and Majella Looby.
It was a great honour for John and his family to be recognised for his fantastic work in his community as he also did in Fethard before emigrating to England. John and his son Paul were also involved in reviving the annual Fethard/London Reunion c.2005
Fethard Water okay to drink again from March 28
DO NOT DRINK NOTICE - LIFTED
Irish Water and Tipperary County Council wishes to notify consumers, following the receipt of satisfactory monitoring results and consultation with the Health Service Executive, that Irish Water and the Council are now in a position to remove the Do Not Drink Notice with immediate effect.
Everyone can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth.
The Irish Water Customer Contact Centre (1850 278 278) is available to answer customer queries in relation to this water notice. Further information is available on the www.water.ie.
Irish Water and Tipperary County Council acknowledge the patience, cooperation and assistance of the general public during the period of the Do Not Drink Notice and greatly regret any inconvenience caused to householders and the business community.
Margaret Attridge
Regional Manager
Irish Water
Marcus O’Connor
Director of Services
Tipperary County Council
Community Games County Finals
Local athletes who competed in the at recent Community Games Gymnastics County Finals L to R: Kiera Daniels, Aoibheann Collum (silver medal winner), Meadbh Collum and Fiona Barry.
Congratulations to Aoibheann Collum, winner of a silver medal in girls U13 Gymnastics at community games county finals on Sunday and also to the U11 Hurling team that defeated Ballyneale Grangemockler in the first round.
Well done also to all winners in the different gym age groups especially Abbie Browne, Killenaule Moyglass Area, who will join those representing Tipperary at the Aldi Community Games National Finals in UL on the last weekend of May. Abbie has strong Fethard connections, her Mum is Donna Reddy, originally from St. Patrick's Place. Teams are encouraged to get all their games played asap.
Sports Achievement Award Nominations for January, February and March
The following fourteen nominations have been received for the Butlers Fethard Sports Achievement Awards for January, February and March.
- (1) Ben Coen – Apprentice jockey Ben has had 3 winners on the flat in Dundalk since Christmas.
- (2) Patrician Presentation Ladies Cadet Volleyball Team – Narrowly beaten in all Ireland schools final by Holy Family secondary school Newbridge.
- (3) Patrician Presentation Boys Volleyball Team – This team also gave a good account of themselves going down narrowly to St. Bridgets in the All-Ireland final.
- (4) Charlie Manton – Charlie was goalkeeper on the UCD team that defeated NUIG to win the Sigerson cup.
- (5) Paul Moloney – Paul played a major part in helping his college Maynooth to win the Electric Ireland Ryan cup for hurling.
- (6) Edel McMahon – Living and working in Fethard, Edel was part of the Irish ladies Six Nations Rugby Championship team for 2018. She has also proved to be a huge asset to the Fethard ladies underage teams who have benefited from her coaching skills.
- (7) Fethard Galteemore Kickboxing club – At a recent tournament in Mooncoin the club returned with a haul of 8 gold and 3 silver medals.
- (8) Isobel Maher – Tipperary gold medal in Community games swimming.
- (9) Mark O Meara – Tipperary silver medal in Community games swimming.
- (10) Neilas Saikauskas – This 6th year student in Fethard won a gold medal in Munster ITA Taekwondo.
- (11) Eoin Tynan – Well known racquetball player Eoin was victorious in the over 40 singles at the prestigious Tralee tournament. Also with his playing partner at the same tournament they were narrowly beaten in the final of the doubles.
- (12) Pat O Brien – Three winners at Clonmel track for this local greyhound trainer.
- (13) Hazel Galloway – Gold medal in the National Masters 200 metres held in Athlone as well as a gold in the Tipp Masters 60 metre held in Nenagh.
- (14) Keith Dalton – Keith who is new to the sport of greyhound racing had his first winner, Tullamaine Rose, in Clonmel recently.
The three monthly winners will be announced at a special function on Good Friday night next, March 30, in Butlers Bar, Main Street, Fethard. All are welcome.
Munster Double for Fethard Girls U15 Rugby
Munster Champions – Fethard U15 Girls Rugby team completed the Munster Rugby double by winning the Munster Cup with a fine performance last Saturday, winning 26-7 over rivals Shannon RFC. Back L to R: Jason Flannery (coach), Marie Gayson (assistant coach), Shauna Maher, Niamh Flatley, Lia Coady, Ella Shelley, Orla Maher, Aoibhe Gayson, Niamh Doyle, Evelyn Gayson, Sophia O’Brien, Natasha McGarry, Aisling Morrissey, Hannah McCabe. Front L to R: Annica O’Connor, Clodagh Fanning, Karen Bennett, Kate Flannery, Orlaith Breen, Lucy Murphy, Eabha Fitzgerald, Nicole Vaughan and Polly Murphy (coach). In front with 'Munster Cup' is Lily Flannery.
A very historical moment was made on Saturday in Limerick when our Fethard U15 Girls Rugby team completed the Munster Rugby double by winning the Munster Cup beating rivals Shannon RFC, whom we also defeated in December in the Munster League final.
This amazing team of girls have worked well together all season and with a fine performance last Saturday, won 26-7. With two exciting tries from captain Kate Flannery who was outstanding throughout the game, keeping all in order and foiling the opposition to score twice during the match. Lucy Murphy, vice-captain who marshalled at scrum half, as well as tackling hard throughout, rucking and making huge ground also carrying the ball to assist the backs. Karen Bennett was yet again solid throughout in collecting ball and side stepping the opposition. Our forwards were tremendous in carrying ball and making ground and our second try was scored by incredible determination from Shauna Maher, tighthead prop with great strength. On the wings Niamh Flatley and Evelyn Gayson were there to stop the balls going wide and with great speed defended very well.
Our 2nd row Ella Shelley's quick thinking at the breakdown was instrumental to get the ball out wide to the wings. New to the squad Orla Maher showed great support. Out at Number 10, Aoibhe Gayson kicked solidly throughout the day as well as a vital tackler at times to keep the opposition in their own half. Niamh Doyle got stuck in and supported well in the second row. Our loosehead prop Sophia O’Brien yet again was great support in the forwards. Also, a huge asset to the squad is lock Natasha McGarry who caught fast balls from the ruck and carried extremely well throughout. The tackles made by Natasha in centre field were definitely vital as they could have been tries for the opposition.
Aisling Morrissey came on in the centre and was huge support to tackle extremely well in the second half. Hannah McCabe and Lia Coady are also invaluable members that put huge effort on the field and are to be commended for their great work. Out Full back Annica O’Connor had an amazing pair of hands that caught Shannon's high balls and took them on to sprint away down the track. Orlaith Breen and Clodagh Fanning came on in the second half and had a great pair of safe hands and supported the team very well.
Eabha Fitzgerald was fantastic in at Number 2 to keep the line in defence, but also strong support in attack as well as great for the lineouts who were caught by Nicole Vaughan at Number 8. Nicole played out of her skin and made so much ground taking the ball on and narrowly denied scoring, with a near full length of the pitch run from turning over the oppositions ball.
Huge thanks to coaches Jason Flannery, Polly Murphy with assistant Marie Gayson for all the support throughout the season. This is a very supportive team of players and back room staff whom, along with the parents, have been incredible. Here's to continued fun in the future for these girls and if they keep progressing the future is very bright.
Special thanks to Michael Fogarty, Edel McMahon, Pat O’Donnell, Joe Griffiths, Thomas Murphy, Sam Bergerson, Matt Brown, Brian Scanlon, Liam Hayes, Paul Kavanagh and Tadgh Vaughan, who helped throughout the season. Huge thanks to Amanda Greensmith of Munster Rugby to make it all possible to organise the league and Cup competitions.
Training continues for our upcoming 7s tournaments and new members always welcome. Fridays in Fethard and Mondays in Rosegreen. Don’t forget our club’s fundraising Race Night this Saturday evening in McCarthys Fethard at 9pm.
Fethard Bridge Club
On Wednesday, March 7, we played for sponsored prizes and the results were: 1st Gross, Carmel Condon and Brendan Kenny; 2nd Gross, Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh; 3rd Gross, Anna Cooke and Bernie O'Meara; 1st Nett, Gabrielle Schofield and Nora Ryan; 2nd Nett, Tony Hanrahan and Keith Woodlock; 3rd Nett, Eileen Ryan and Jim Lahert.
On Wednesday, March 14, we played the fourth round of the Player of the Year competition and the results were: 1st Gross, Nell Broderick and David O'Meara; 2nd Gross, Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh; 3rd Gross, Kay St. John and Rita Kane; 1st Nett, Bernie O’Meara and Anna Cooke; 2nd Nett, Nora Ryan and Gabrielle Schofield; 3rd Nett, Joan Hayes and Judy Doyle.
Bridge starts at 7.15pm. Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles at 6132038.
Easter Ceremonies in the Parish
Holy Trinity Parish Church Fethard
- Holy Thursday, March 29: Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7pm. Silent Holy Hour at Altar of Repose immediately after Mass.
- Good Friday, March 30: Celebration of the Lord’s Passion 3pm (Collection for the Holy Places). Stations of the Cross: 7 pm
- Holy Saturday March 31: Easter Vigil: 7pm.
- Easter Sunday, April 1: Mass at 8.30am and 11am.
Church of the Sacred Heart Killusty
- Good Friday, March 30: Celebration of The Lord’s Passion 3pm (Collection for the Holy Places).
- Holy Saturday, March 31: Easter Vigil at 7.30pm.
- Easter Sunday, April 1: Mass at 10am
Augustinian Abbey
- Holy Thursday, March 29, Celebration of the Eucharist will take place at 8pm.
- Good Friday, March 30, Liturgy will take place at 3pm, with Stations of the Cross at 7.30pm.
- Holy Saturday, March 31: Mass will be celebrated at 8pm.
- Easter Sunday, April 1: Mass at 9.30am and 11.30am.
Chrism Mass Thurles Cathedral
Spy Wednesday, March 28, a Chrism Mass in Thurles Cathedral, will take place at 7.30pm. Parishioners are invited to this Mass especially Confirmation candidates and their families.
Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on this coming Easter Sunday Night, April 1, to the very popular music of ‘Blue Ridge Country’. 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.
Easter Bonnets judged on Tuesday, April 3
The next meeting of Fethard Senior Citizens’ Club will take place on Tuesday, April 3, in the Tirry Centre at 7.30pm. As this is our Easter meeting we ask all our members to bring along your creative Easter bonnets for judging. Seasonal prizes will be awarded to the top three entries.
Blues Guitar Workshop and Concert at Clonacody House
Country blues singer/guitarist Scott Ainslie, inspired by blues artist Mississippi John Hurt, will hold a Guitar Workshop, from 2pm to 4pm, at Clonacody House on Saturday, April 14. Later that night he will also perform an intimate concert at 8pm.
For any musicians wishing to take part in this unique workshop in the afternoon, the price is €20. You can also just attend his intimate performance at 8pm for €15, or attend both for the special price of €25. Booking now by contacting: Helen Carrigan Tel: 087 1689167.
“Scott is the kind of musician they don’t make anymore, in the mould of the late Pete Seeger - unpretentious, dead serious about his craft, dedicated, versatile . . .”
—Pamela Constable, The Washington Post (2015)
Commemoration to George Plant at St Johnstown. Fethard
 The Annual Commemoration to General George Plant will take place at St Johnstown, Fethard on Easter Sunday, with assembly at 2.30pm. The Parade to the graveside will be led by Carrick-on-Suir Republican Flute Band.
The proceedings will be chaired by Cllr Catherine Carey, Mayor of Clonmel Borough District. The proclamation of 1916 will be read followed by a wreath laying ceremony in honour of all those who died for Ireland. The oration will be given by Senator Paul Gavan, Limerick. Proceedings will conclude with our National Anthem, ‘Amharan Na Bhfiann’. Honour Ireland’s Dead, wear an Easter Lily.
Fethard Friendship forged in Ethiopia
Addis Kerby (left) and local boy Richard Robinson first met in Ethiopia in 2013, where they shared many adventures, made lots of friends and learned the local language Amharic which they can now use as a code! Addis and his family moved back to Ireland late last year and are now based in Dublin. This now gives Richard a friend in the ‘big smoke’ while Addis can also come to Tipperary, the 'Premier County', as often as he wants. The two are photographed above on a recent visit to Fethard Horse Country Experience.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on March 21, were: 4, 7, 17 and 19. There was no jackpot winner and five ‘Match Three’ winners who received €30: Tom Purcell, Burke Street, Fethard; Teresa Fenlon, c/o Mary Sayers; Pat Looby, c/o Patsy Lawrence; Yvonne Mulvihill (online ticket); and Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road (online ticket).
The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: David Byrne, Slievenamon Close, Fethard; Robert O'Riordan, Cloran, Cloneen; and Corina Roe, Dublin.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, March 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, March 23, were: 1, 9, 17 and 18. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘match three’ winner who received €100: John O’Connell, The Well. Two Lucky Dip winners received €25: Stephen Fitzgerald, St Patrick’s Place; and Frances Harrington, Coolmoyne.
The next draw takes place on Good Friday, March 30, when the jackpot is €20,000 and the sellers prize is €1,000. We will also have a Easter Bonus Draw for ten €50 Lucky Dips. 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.
GAA Easter Camp
Following on from the great success and positive feedback. Fethard Juvenile GAA are hosting an Easter Camp for children from 5 to 13 year olds, taking place from Tuesday, April 3, to Friday, April 6. The camp will open from 10am to 2pm daily for boys and girls.
To book your place or for further details, contact Michael O'Mahoney 087 6791735 or Deirdre McEvoy 087 2479023.
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
15 Years Ago This Month
Students Cleanup on March 28, 2003 - Third Year pupils from Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School photographed while undertaking a ‘cleanup’ of Old Chapel Lane in Fethard. Old Chapel Lane is one of the oldest lanes in Fethard and is included in the Fethard Medieval Tourist Trail. The students must be commended for their civic minded project.
St. Patrick’s Boys School Quiz Team on March 26, 2003 – Fethard’s St. Patrick’s Boys School quiz team who came third in the final of the National Parent’s Council, South Tipperary Cadbury Challenge Primary School’s Quiz. held in Thurles. L to R: Darragh Dwyer, Dave Gorey, Sam Manton and Colm Horan.
Daffodil Day in Fethard on March 21, 2003 – Tracy Coady, Sarah Kennedy and Mary Gorey, transition year pupils from Fethard Presentation Patrician Secondary School, selling daffodils outside Fethard Post Office on Daffodil Day.
Killusty, Youth League Division 2 Champions, photographed with cup after beating Galbally United 2-0 in the final played at Cooke Park on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2003.
10 Years Ago This Month
Pupils of St. Patrick's Boys National School Fethard photographed with Eamon Quirk from Bóthar who spoke and answered questions on life in Uganda and Tanzania. March 10, 2008.
Purchasing their daffodils for 'Daffodil Day' outside Fethard Post Office are L to R: Sarah Murphy, Hannie Leahy, Joe Barrett and Kitty Ahearne. March 7, 2008
Pupils of Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School helping out with 'Daffodil Day' sales outside the Post Office. A new record collection this year amounted to €3,260. L to R: Samantha Morrissey, Carrie Sweeney and Sarah Conway. March 7, 2008
Twins, Tony and Thomas O'Reilly, Barrack Street, Fethard, photographed wearing their St. Patrick's Day badges after the St. Patrick's Day Mass held in Holy Trinity Parish Church Fethard March 15, 2008
Alice Leahy, founder member of TRUST Charity, photographed with 6th Class pupils of Nano Nagle Primary School where she spoke on the homeless people in Ireland as part of their 'Challenge for Change' school project. The pupils made a donation of €500 to the TRUST Charity. March 3, 2008.
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
|
