Great celebrations as Fethard students from 1983 reunite

Fethard Patrician Presentation Class of 1983 Reunion group photographed with School Principal and past teachers while on a tour of their former school. Back L to R: Tom Barry, John Woodlock, Colm McGrath, Micheál Maher, Paul Trehy, John Lonergan. Middle L to R: Dick Prendergast (former teacher), Liam Egan, Kevin Trayor, Liam Connolly, Peggy Burke, Joe Burke, Majella Butler, David Hayes, Margaret Tierney, Willie Fitzgerald, Mary Cummins, Patricia Donovan, Ann O'Donnell (former teacher). Front L to R: Pat Coffey (school principal), Finola Lynch, Fidelma Maher, Bernie Skehan, Margaret Trehy, Catherine Hayden, Maria Skehan and Mary Anne Fogarty (deputy principal and former teacher).

It’s hard to lie about your age once you’ve told someone you’ve just been to your thirty-five-year school reunion. In 1983, members of our class left Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School to pursue careers, raise families and more. Some have experienced good times, others bad times, heartbreak, health issues and divorces, all of which are part of life. The times we live in presently may have changed but the people we grew up with really haven’t. We still remember the friendships we made, the music we played, and on last Saturday night all these memories were crystal clear at our thirty-five-year school reunion.


Fethard Patrician Presentation Class of 1983 Reunion organisers at the school tour. L to R: Margaret (Trehy) Gleeson, Mary (Cummins) Moore, Fidelma (Maher) O'Toole and Finola (Lynch) Anglim.

On Saturday evening at 6.30pm, twenty-three of our original class gathered to walk along the corridors of our former school, peeping into random class rooms, sitting at the desks while school principal, Pat Coffey, welcomed us warmly and deputy principal, Mary Ann Fogarty, one of our former teachers, along with Dick Prendergast and Ann O'Donnell, reminisced about our time in the school. It brought back many happy memories as we talked of scrambling for the seats at the back of the class or the ones near the radiator. Some had not returned to the school since they left thirty-five years ago, others have local children who attended in recent years. Joe Kenny kindly took a class group photo – one that unfortunately never happened 35 years ago!

At the heart of our school memories was that ‘something special’ endured in our class, we recalled the happy times and the good friendships we made, that still remain today although many of us live apart. When it comes to school, the good and bad blend together and become mostly good as the years move on.


Photographed at the Fethard Patrician Presentation Class of 1983 Reunion reception in McCarthys are past pupils Kay O'Riordan, who travelled from Cork, and Tony Flanagan, who travelled from London.

Luckily the rain stayed away and as we walked towards McCarthy’s bar and restaurant, passing by the Gateway B&B, which used to be a shop where we bought cigarettes in singles and hung out before and after school. We continued to McCarthy’s where we were later joined by many more of our former classmates to celebrate with food, drink, music (and even a cake) into the early hours. Friendships were rekindled, and new ones formed. Those classmates who joined us later included: Caroline Phelan, Cathy Curran, Tom Anglim, Debbie Outram, Ann White, Adrian Moloney, Michael Gaynor, Paul Holohan, Richard McCormack, Tony Flanagan, Noel Kenny, Deirdre Barrett, Kay O’Riordan, Noreen O Meara, Liam Croke, and former teacher Dinny Burke


Photographed at the Fethard Patrician Presentation Class of 1983 Reunion reception in McCarthys are L to R: Colm McGrath, Cathy Curran and Ann O'Dwyer.

There is something quite spiritual about a school reunion. It’s about life and death. We remembered with sadness and fondness, the classmates we had lost along the way: P.J. Butler, Linda Kane, John O’Connell, Breda Ryan and most recently, Tom Hickey.

So many things have happened since they were called away;
So many things to share with them had they been left to stay;
And now on this reunion day memories come our way;
Though absent, they are ever near,
still missed, remembered, always dear.

The day after the reunion we are back looking into each other’s lives through social media. The reunion is nothing more than a moment in time. It’s only in these moments after, that many of us realise how much we miss those days.

A special thank you to Pat Coffey and Mary Ann Fogarty of the Patrician Presentation Secondary School for taking time out last Saturday evening to show us around; Joe Kenny for the photos and the ‘Pheasant Pluckers’ for the music; McCarthy’s Bar and restaurant who went beyond the call of duty to make our night so enjoyable. And last but not least, a huge thank you to the forty-plus former classmates and teachers who turned up on the night to make it such a wonderful and momentous occasion. Roll on the 40th!

Fostering Information Meeting in Fethard

‘Moody Mare’ exhibition launched by Peter Curling

Photographed at the ‘Moody Mare’ exhibition at FHC Experience, Fethard, are L to R: Shannon Forrest, Manager at FHC Experience, Fethard, Co. Tipperary; artist Sophie Carpentieri; and artist Peter Curling, who officially launched the exhibition on Thursday, April 5, in Fethard. The exhibition continues in Fethard Horse Country Experience, until April 27, open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

World-renowned painter, Peter Curling, Cashel Fine Art, officially launched ‘Moody Mare’, the wonderful exhibition of paintings by Fethard based artist, Sophie Carpentieri on Friday, April 5, at Fethard Horse Country Experience. This very appropriate exhibition venue was packed to capacity for the launch, where a great array of visitors travelled from near and far to support.


Photographed at the official opening of artist Sophie Carpentieri's ‘Moody Mare’ exhibition at FHC Experience, Fethard, are L to R: Jason Dunphy, Sophie Carpentieri and Cindy Wagner

Curling who is very familiar with Sophie’s work described her as a wonderful enquiring mind that keeps getting better and better. Curling added, Moody Mare “…reflects the amazing variety of the things she has done” and thinks, “we’re very lucky to have her here and have a chance to see these paintings and it’s terrific that so many people have come to see the exhibition.”


Photographed at the official opening of artist Sophie Carpentieri's ‘Moody Mare’ exhibition at FHC Experience, Fethard, are L to R: Anne Croome Carroll, Louise Curling and Sacha Maxwell (Slievenamon Holistic Therapy).

Sophie reflects on her work and life in Fethard, noting:
“If you make every decision based on aesthetic and ethical principles, where would it lead you? Maybe to a gate lodge in Fethard. Where the sitting room has conveniently become a workshop and the chickens that roam freely will show you the way to the kettle. Where the passing clouds over Slievenamon and the sound of galloping horses dictates the rhythm of life in Fethard as well as the lines on the canvas.

As another blue moon rises, I start to wonder if this is all real and how lucky I am to be part of this wonderful community. So, welcome everyone to my first exhibition!”


Photographed at the official opening of artist Sophie Carpentieri's ‘Moody Mare’ exhibition at FHC Experience, Fethard, are L to R: Robert Moore, Faith Ponsonby and Amanda Taylor.

‘Moody Mare’ continues in Fethard Horse Country Experience, until April 27, from Tuesday to Saturday, open 10am to 4pm. For further information please contact: Shannon Forrest, manager at FHC Experience, Fethard.  Tel: (052) 6130439 and enquiries@fhcexperience.ie 


Photographed at the official opening of artist Sophie Carpentieri's ‘Moody Mare’ exhibition at FHC Experience, Fethard, are L to R: Pierre Gasnier, Hermine Bastide, Carmel Canavan and Dermot Burke.


Photographed at the official opening of artist Sophie Carpentieri's ‘Moody Mare’ exhibition at FHC Experience, Fethard, are L to R: Guna Spundere and Tom Martin.


Photographed at the official opening of artist Sophie Carpentieri's ‘Moody Mare’ exhibition at FHC Experience, Fethard, are L to R: James Reilly, Marion Goodbody and Eddie O'Grady.


Photographed at the official opening of artist Sophie Carpentieri's ‘Moody Mare’ exhibition at FHC Experience, Fethard, are L to R: Sean Gleeson, Toby Purcell and John Fahey.


Photographed at the official opening of artist Sophie Carpentieri's ‘Moody Mare’ exhibition at FHC Experience, Fethard, are L to R: Becky Wren and Pat Ryan.


Helping with the catering at the official opening of artist Sophie Carpentieri's ‘Moody Mare’ exhibition at FHC Experience, Fethard, are L to R: Mollie Standbridge and Mary Healy.


Photographed at the official opening of artist Sophie Carpentieri's ‘Moody Mare’ exhibition at FHC Experience, Fethard, are L to R: Louise Moyles and Michael O'Neill.

Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on this coming Sunday night, April 15, to the very popular music of ‘Dave Lawlor’. All are welcome to come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment and social dancing from 9pm to midnight. Admission is €9, which includes tea and cakes.

World Meeting of Families
In preparation for the World Meeting of Families in Dublin next August, the ‘Amoris’ meetings will resume on Thursday, April 12, in the Convent Community Hall, at 7.30pm. In his apostolic appeal, ‘The Joy of Love’, Pope Francis expresses his hope that families and those involved in supporting families will study his document.

The Fethard deanery are mid-way through our six-session parish conversation, where we form small groups and discuss topics affecting family life in this 21st century.

Please feel welcome to join in for the remaining parish conversations being held on April 12, 19 and 26.

Fethard Players stage Sive by John B. Keane

Fethard Players cast members of Sive photographed while taking a break from rehearsal in the Abymill Theatre. Back L to R: Colm McGrath (Thomasheen Seán Rua), Pat Dunne (Pats Bocock), Liam O’Connor (Mike Glavin), Tom Gilpin (Carthalawn), Mia Treacy (Mena Glavin). Front L to R: Joe Hanly (Seán Dóta), Maeve Moclair (Sive), and Anne Connolly (Nanna Glavin). Missing from photo is Alan Bourke (Liam Scuab). The play is produced by Jimmy O'Sullivan and takes place in the Abymill Theatre, from Tuesday, April 24, to Saturday, April 28. Booking now at Fethard Town Hall (FHC Experience), Tel: 085 2045909.

Fethard Players are now at the advanced stage of preparation for their stage production of ‘Sive’, which takes place in the Abymill Theatre, from Tuesday, April 24, to Saturday, April 28. Tickets €15. A special family night priced at €10, will take place on the first performance, Tuesday, April 24. Booking now at Fethard Town Hall (FHC Experience) or by Tel: 085 2045909.

The play is produced by Jimmy O'Sullivan featuring the following cast: Anne Connolly (Nanna Glavin), Mia Treacy (Mena Glavin), Maeve Moclair (Sive), Colm McGrath (Thomasheen Seán Rua), Liam O’Connor (Mike Glavin), Alan Bourke (Liam Scuab), Joe Hanly (Seán Dóta), Pat Dunne (Pats Bocock), and Tom Gilpin (Carthalawn). Early booking advised!

Girls win all three games at ‘Caman to Croker’

Fethard U12 Camogie team who won all of their three games against teams from Tyrone, Galway and Waterford at ‘Caman to Croker’

Fethard U12 Camogie team left at 8am on a sunny Sunday morning for Croke Park. When we arrived, the girls were given a tour of the dressing rooms and at 11.45am we were ready for our first match against a Tyrone team. The girls also played teams from Galway and Waterford and were victorious in all three games, playing some great camogie and scoring many fine points and goals.

Throughout the day the girls were a credit to their club and their parents. On behalf of the coaches we would like to thank the parents for their support, the referees and ‘Caman to Croker’ for a very enjoyable day out.

St. Vincent de Paul
Families that may need help with this year’s First Communion or Confirmation expenses are asked to contact any committee member of the Fethard St. Vincent de Paul or Denis Burke at Tel: 085 8086099.

Fethard Juvenile GAA Easter Camp

Photographed at the conclusion of Fethard Juvenile GAA Club’s first ‘Easter Camp’ are county hurler John ‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer, Paul Walsh (RibWorld, Fethard) and Michael O’Mahoney (Fethard Juvenile GAA Club) with some of the large group of children who participated in the camp from April 3 to April 6.

Due to high interest in Fethard Juvenile GAA, the club organised their first ‘Easter Camp’ which was held from April 3 to April 6 inclusive. While the weather was testing, it didn’t stop the fun and enjoyment that was had by all, children, trainers and organisers. The event was a huge success, and this was largely due to the availability of the new Astro-turf pitch, the ball alleys and the generous cooperation of the school and its sports hall.

The involvement of local factory, RibWorld (Irl), as our sponsor was a great asset and very much appreciated as their involvement subsidised the running costs and facilitated setting the entry fee at an affordable level for all families.

The club would like to thank everyone who helped with the event and a special mention to Ribworld’s Paul Walsh and the main man, county hurler John ‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer, who has always been gracious with his time and support to every event that we host in Fethard.

Lourdes Quiz
Every year two Patrician Presentation Secondary School pupils are chosen to go as helpers with the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes and the Parents’ Association hold a Table Quiz to help fund the cost of sending the two pupils there. The Annual Parents’ Association Lourdes Quiz will take place in Fethard Youth Centre (old convent hall) on Monday next April 16th at 8 pm. A table of 4 adults will cost €28 and €5 per pupil. The school has great links with the local Lourdes Committee and the Parents’ Association would appreciate your support for the event.

Daffodil Day Thanks

Patrician Presentation Transition Year Pupils, Rachel Prout and Maggie Fitzgerald, who helped out with Daffodil Day in Fethard.

Many thanks to the generous support of the people of Fethard, in raising the incredible amount of €5,430 for Daffodil Day on March 23 last. We would also like to acknowledge all those who worked so hard to make the day such a success.

Particular thanks is due to all those who donated daffodils, the daffodil pickers and sellers who were at work from early morning, the bakers and coffee makers who greeted everyone so warmly in the Town Hall, our sponsors for their generous raffle prizes, the transition year students of Patrician Presentation School Fethard for helping on the day and the students of Holy Trinity NS for wearing yellow to raise awareness and collecting €400 in donations. We would also like to acknowledge Ann Connolly, Fethard Post Office, for her continued support and assistance. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Easter Study Programme
A very successful study programme was held in the Patrician Presentation Secondary School over the Easter holidays and it is also hoped to offer a Saturday Study Programme to the pupils. We wish the Leaving Cert Pupils well in their Oral Irish and Oral French Exams which will take place over the next two weeks. We encourage all exam pupils to put in their best effort during the last term.

Irish debating competition in Dublin

Congratulations to Ann Barry, Tullamaine, Fethard, photographed above with her students, Zoe Ní Bhracáin, Rachel Ní Mhaidin, Jennifer Ní Mhurchú, from Ursuline Secondary School, Thurles, who jumped for joy when they were declared the winners of the All Ireland final in the Irish debating competition in Dublin with Gael Linn. They defeated teams from Castlebar, Dublim and Trim.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on April 4, were: 2, 13, 16 and 32. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: Callum Coady, St. Mullerans, Carrick-on-Suir.

The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Dean Tobin, Fethard; Yvonne Mulvihill, Lenamore, Ballylongford; and Liam O'Sullivan, Cois Falla, Fethard.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, April 11. 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, April 6, were: 2, 12, 21 and 22. There was no jackpot winner and two ‘match three’ winners who received €75 each: John Joe Keane, c/o Burkes Bar; and Amy O’Donnell, St. Rita’s Camogie Club.

The next draw takes place on Friday, April 13, in Burkes Bar at 7-30pm, 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 Players in rehearsal for John B. Keane’s play Sive

Fethard Players will stage their production of ‘Sive’ in the Abymill Theatre from Tuesday, April 24, to Saturday, April 28. Tickets €15. A special family night will take place on the first performance, Tuesday, April 24, when all tickets are priced at €10. The play is produced by Jimmy O'Sullivan. Booking now at Fethard Town Hall or by Tel: 085 2045909. Early booking advised!

After being rejected by the Abbey Theatre, the Listowel Drama Group first performed Sive in Christy's Ballroom, Listowel, and the play was an overall success. In the first performance, Nora Relihan played Mena Galvin, Margaret Dillon performed as Sive, and the late John B. Keane himself played Carthalawn. The play is now widely known throughout Ireland and is usually used as a piece of theatre taught in Irish school systems.

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.

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