Poetry ‘Surprises’ in the FHC Experience
The spoken word was centre stage in the Town Hall for Poetry Ireland Day, last Thursday, April 26, when thirty-six people came along to read a favourite poem or simply to have a coffee and enjoy listening to others share their chosen piece.
Shannon Forrest, Manager of the FHC Experience, welcomed everyone to the second annual pop-up poetry session, the theme of which was ‘Surprises’ this year. Shannon certainly caught the zeitgeist of the moment with Rupi Kaur’s amazing, “I want to apologise to all women…”
While not surprised at the turnout, listeners were bound to be both surprised and delighted by the sheer variety of poems on offer. Out-of-town poets Pat Feely, Mary O’Gorman, Eileen Acheson, Tim Pat McGrath and Mary Thomas, who all recited their own work, were accorded a true Fethard welcome by a most appreciative audience. Much loved classics were revisited, such as Goldsmith’s ‘The Village Schoolmaster’ and the ever mysterious ‘The Listeners’, by Walter de la Mare.
Photographed at the Poetry ‘Surprises’ held at FHC Experience in Fethard Town Hall, celebrating Poetry Ireland Day. L to R: Pat Feely, Mary Hanrahan, Mary Thomas and Ronnie Thomas.
Local author John Fogarty recited Patrick Kavanagh’s much loved ‘Raglan Road’, a reflection on unrequited love which, although now synonymous with the sung version, was originally published as a poem. Mary Hanrahan and Seamus Barry both paid tribute to their surroundings with Mary reading a poem about horses while Seamus made his debut with an accomplished delivery of a poem celebrating the great Vincent O’Brien and his 1953 Grand National win with Early Mist. Local poet, John Joe Keane, couldn’t be present but he sent in a copy of his own composition ‘Equine Exhibition’.
Humour was provided by the verses of Pam Ayres and Goldie Newport’s lively reading of ‘The King’s Breakfast’. Tim Joe McGrath from Boherlahan raised a laugh with his amusing meditation on the vagaries of time.
Photographed at the Poetry ‘Surprises’ held at FHC Experience in Fethard Town Hall, celebrating Poetry Ireland Day. L to R: Carol Kenny, Claire McCormack and Kathleen McCormack
Alan Moore touched on one of the most pressing modern tragedies in his profoundly moving reading of John Liddy’s ‘Aleppo Lapsus’ which decries the savagery of war. A number of poignant readings during the session gave pause for thought: ‘O’Dwyer’s Meadow’, ‘Gardener Place at Ten’, ‘The Church of the Annunciata’, ‘The Beauty Within’ and ‘I Wonder if Like Me’. One of the scheduled ‘surprises’ was Terry Cunningham and Mary Hanrahan’s rendition of ‘Always’, a poem for two voices.
Photographed at the Poetry ‘Surprises’ held at FHC Experience in Fethard Town Hall, celebrating Poetry Ireland Day. L to R: The Revd Canon Barbara Fryday and Frances Murphy.
Marie O’Hara stayed true to the suggested brief with her own composition ‘Seven Day Surprise’ which evoked a strong response and Michael Mallon demonstrated that brevity does not impede impact with his reading of Carl Sandberg’s ‘One Parting’.
Ann O’Riordan astonished everyone with ‘Sadness,’ a poem written by a Fourth-Class pupil from Cloneen National School, that revealed an unexpected depth of maturity and insight. Obviously, a poet of the future:
SADNESS
Sadness is blue,
like an ocean filled with tears.
It tastes like spoiled food,
that's been alone in a fridge for years.
It smells like a dusty,
empty room to despise.
It looks like water,
from tears filling up your eyes.
It sounds like someone crying
in a corner of a room.
It feels like a withered flower
that died after bloom.
–(written by a pupil at Cloneen N.S. aged 9)
Photographed at the Poetry ‘Surprises’ held at FHC Experience in Fethard Town Hall, celebrating Poetry Ireland Day. L to R: Terry Cunningham, John Fahey and Seamus Barry
John Fahey brought a flourish of drama to the proceedings with his masterly recitation of Brian Ború’s address to his army before the Battle of Clontarf. Dóirín Saurus delighted with ‘An Bonnán Buí’, a poem by Cathal Buí Mac Giolla Ghunna, the last of the great Gaelic bards. Dóirín first read the poem as Ghaeilge and then followed up with the Thomas Kinsella translation.
Photographed at the Poetry ‘Surprises’ held at FHC Experience in Fethard Town Hall, celebrating Poetry Ireland Day. L to R: Shannon Forrest (Manager FHC Experience) and her mother Sheila Forrest.
The poetry session ended with warm applause for all who took part, thanks for a most attentive audience and promises of a reprise next year.
Annual May Procession this Sunday
This year’s annual May Procession in honour of Our Lady will take place on this Sunday evening, May 6 . The procession will start at the Parish Church at 7pm and make its way to the Augustinian Abbey. We look forward to a good turn out for this year’s procession.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, of Stan Murphy, Kilbrennal House, Ballynonty, Thurles, and formerly of Fethard and Emly, suddenly, following a short illness. Stan, deeply regretted by Louise, Pat, Caroline and Suzanne, Vincent, Stan, Gillian, Nicky and Annette, brothers William and Patsy, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace
Reposing at Kilbrennal House, Ballynonty on Friday, May 4, from 5pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Killenaule on Saturday at 11.30am followed by burial in Dualla Cemetery.
Class of ‘98 School Reunion coming up on May 12
A date for your diary, in particular for those attending Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School in 1998, who are all invited to McCarthy’s Fethard, to celebrate the ‘Class of ‘98 School Reunion', which will take place on Saturday, May 12, at 8pm. Please spread the word and keep the date free!
Class of 1998 photographed on March 25, 1998 at Patrician Presentation Secondary School. Back Row: David O’Brien, Declan Allen, Daniel Byrne, Desmond O’Meara, Colm Williamson, John Kenny, Gordon Coffey and Eoin Whyte. Third Row: Shane Harrington, Cathal O’Brien, Sheila O’Donnell, Bríd Cloonan, Serena Prout, Lisa O’Sullivan, Fiona Ryan, Caitríona Williams and John Paul Looby. Second Row: Claire Walsh, Lisa Walsh, Fiona Conway, Aisling Nagle, Edwina Keane, Jason Flynn, Darren Iddon, John Harrington and Richard McCarthy. Front Row: Patrick Walsh, Martin Burke, Alan O’Meara, Marion B. Kelly, Jennifer Keane, Aidan Fitzgerald and Bernie Byrne.
Day Care Centre AGM
The AGM of the Fethard & District Day Care Centre will be held on Thursday, May 24, at 8pm in the Tirry Community Centre, Barrack Street, Fethard. All are welcome.
Coffee Morning in aid of Alzheimer Society of Ireland
Please give your support to a Tea & Coffee Morning on Friday, May 4, from 9am to 1pm at Fethard Horse Country Experience, Main Street, Fethard, where you can sample some home-baking – gluten-free also available – and lots more. All proceeds in aid of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. A raffle will also take place.
Dorothy Wall co-captains Ireland Women U18s Sevens
Fethard RFC club player Dorothy Wall, who was picked as co-captain of Ireland Womens U18s Sevens team
Fethard RFC club player Dorothy Wall was picked as co-captain of Ireland Womens U18 Sevens, who won bronze in the European Championships last weekend in Vichy, France. This was a great honour for Dorothy, her family and her local club that is very proud of Dorothy’s achievements.
The European Championships last weekend in Vichy, France were also a qualifying tournament for the Youth Olympics so it was very important the girls put in a good performance in their matches. With only 12 girls picked for the squad, Dorothy was wearing Number 1 and was one of only two Munster players, including Maggie Boylan from Carrick RFC, so wonderful for County Tipperary.
The Irish girls were part of 16 teams from Europe taking part and had three pool games on the Saturday against Latvia and Andora first, and they won both games with very high scores for Ireland and also not conceding a try in these first two match. Both Dorothy and Maggie scored multiple tries in the first two games. Next up was a tougher game against the Netherlands, but Ireland came away with a win topping their pool.
The weather turned extremely wet on Saturday afternoon and did not improve over the weekend. The playoffs took place on Sunday. The first against Russia in the quarter finals and which they won nicely, 29-0, with Dorothy scoring twice in this game. Next up in the semi-finals we played the eventual winners France, and in extremely wet conditions the Irish girls could not get the better of France. However, this did not upset the determination of the girls and they played Italy for the bronze medals and came from 10 points down at half time, to win 15-10, and gain third place in Europe, which is a wonderful achievement.
We are delighted for Dorothy as she did assist in the comeback try against Italy, and playing on an almost waterlogged pitch, put in a solid performance and deserved the great result. Onwards and upwards for the future.
Exciting fun for the summer months. We will be starting up youth and adult Tag Rugby in Fethard in the next few weeks so watch this space. If you are interested in getting involved please contact Polly on 086 3393959.
Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on this coming Sunday night, May 6, to the very popular music of ‘The Kelly Family’. 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.
Sports Achievement Nominations for April
The following twelve nominations were received for the Butlers Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for April.
- Claire Annan O'Brien – Claire was gold medal winner in the County Tipperary Intermediate road race which took place at Faugheen,
- Ginny Hutton – Silver medal winner at the County Tipperary Masters 4k road race which took place in Clonmel.
- Robert Hackett – Junior winner at the Fethard and Killusty angling competition held on the Anner at Thorny Bridge.
- Sean Maher – Senior winner at the Fethard and Killusty angling competition held on the Anner at Thorny Bridge.
- Aoibheann Collum – Girls U13 silver medal winner at the Community Games county finals in Gymnastics.
- The Well Darts Team – Winners of the Tipperary Junior B league beating the Galtee Inn 5-2 in the final which was played at Cahir House hotel.
- Dorothy Wall – Currently playing an u/18 ladies Rugby tournament with Ireland which is taking place in Vichy France.
- Fethard Ladies U15 rugby team – Winners on the treble, winning the Munster league and cup as well as the 7’s tournament.
- Patrick Scully – Captain of the Fethard/Cashel u/18 boys rugby team who won the East Munster plate.
- Aine Connolly & Kacey Ahearne – These young ladies won their first Hunters Trials last weekend in Kilkenny by over a minute.
- Shane Neville – Captain of Rockwell college u/15 A rugby team winners of the Munster league final beating St Munchin’s 29-12. He also scored 2 tries in the match.
- Kate Davie – Tipperary intermediate footballer who scored the winning point in last weeks league semi-final against Armagh.
The winner will be announced at a special presentation function in Butler’s Bar on Friday night next, May 4. All are welcome.
Community Games GAA Finals
Fethard & Killusty U14 Camogie team who qualifies for the south semifinal. Back L to R: Holly Hayes, Aine Connolly, Amy Morrissey, Clodagh Foley, Maryann Fitzgerald, Nicole Delaney, Emily Spillane, Isobel Maher. Front L to R: Kaycie Ahearne, Grainne Murray, Ciara O'Meara, Kelly Ryan, Heather Spillane, Rose O'Donnell and Jessica Moloney.
Fethard and Killusty Community Games teams are doing very well in the GAA Finals. The U11 Hurling team will play Cashel in the South Final during the week and the U12 Girls Football team play Cahir in the South Final following their win over Powerstown. U14 Girls football team defeated Powerstown in the south semi-final on Sunday evening and will now play Cahir in the South Final. Our U14 Camogie team was defeated by Cahir in the south semi-final.
Fethard & Killusty girls U14 Football Team that will play Cahir in the South Final. Back L to R: Katie Wyse, Maryanne Fitzgerald, Nicole Delaney, Aine Connolly, Kelly Ryan, Lucy Kenny, Clodagh Foley, Isobel Maher, Aoibheann Collum. Front L to R: Emily Spillane, Kaycie Ahearn, Jessica Moloney, Grainne Murray, Lily O'Mahoney, Heather Spillane and Ciara O'Meara.
All the GAA finals will take place in Holycross on Saturday, May 12, as Semple Stadium is not available due to Waterford GAA playing their games there this year. The County Athletics finals will take place on June 10. Closing date for entries is Sunday, June 3, and late entries will not be accepted. The date for the grass cycling competition is to be confirmed.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on April 25, were: 6, 24, 25 and 30. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winner so the following drawn tickets received €50 each: Noel & Bob Maher, Barrack Street, Fethard; Dermot Darcy, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard; and Angela Walshe, c/o Lonergan's Bar, Fethard.
The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners also received €50 each: Mickey Lawrence, Woodvale Walk, Fethard; Teresa Fogarty, Pike Street, Killenaule; and Eddie O'Brien, Burke Street, Fethard.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, May 2. 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 27, were: 1, 11, 14 and 26. There was no jackpot winner and two ‘match three’ winners who received €75 each: Aine Ryan, Tullamaine; and Ann Kenny, Castlehiggins, Fethard.
The next draw takes place on Friday, May 4, in Burke’s 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.
New Digital Map of Fethard
Dr Rachel Murphy, who will co-ordinate the Digital Map of Fethard project, photographed with Brian Sheehy, chairman Fethard & Killusty Community Council, at the 30th Anniversary Celebrations of Fethard Historical Society on March 23, 2018.
The Fethard Historical Society have just received the good news that their application for funding towards the creation of a Digital Map of Fethard has been approved by the Heritage Council in their Grants List for 2018.
The project is to create a digital mapping ‘app’ of historic locations in Fethard from Medieval times through to the nineteenth century. The content for the project is The Historic Town Atlas of Fethard which was produced by the Royal Irish Academy in 2003. This Atlas was Number 13 on The Historic Town Atlas (I.H.T.A.) series and it was a great honour that Fethard was one of the earliest historic town to be chosen for such a prestigious project at that time. The author and compiler of the Number 13 Fethard Atlas was Dr. Tadhg O’Keeffe of UCD and many of the maps used had been preserved in Grove House and their reproduction and inclusion in the Atlas was enthusiastically supported by the Ponsonby family.
This new project is being co-ordinated by the Historical Society, but central to the whole project is society member Dr Rachel Murphy of UCC - long-time resident of the parish- whose area of expertise includes the whole digital mapping area and also the use of ‘ArcGIS’ software to produce user friendly mapping and information applications for both locals and visitors alike.
The Historical Society will be seeking help from anyone with normal typing skills to join some ‘transcription’ sessions so as to transcribe the material from the No. 13 Fethard Historic Town Atlas onto computer for use in the new Digital Map.
2018 Annual General Meeting of the FHS
Further information on the Fethard Digital Atlas Project will be outlined at the AGM of the Fethard Historical Society on Tuesday next, May 1, at 8.30pm in the ICA Hall on Rocklow Road and members and non-members are very welcome to attend. As the recent 30th Anniversary celebration of the society demonstrated on March 23, the Historical Society has been an important community organisation for the past three decades and it has played a vital role in reminding official agencies that ‘Fethard Walled Town’ is of national importance and deserves special attention. It must be admitted that all the effort has finally paid off and that all the government bodies have in fact given great support to Fethard in recent years – and the Mapping Grant is further evidence of this.
The next thirty-years now beckon and we invite the next generation to take up the ‘baton’ and go forward in ways that are in keeping with current needs, but also to have fun along the way, as the social aspect is a very important part of the society’s ethos. Therefore, a big welcome awaits anyone who wishes to join the society and who wants to explore aspects of Fethard’s history - other than its medieval heritage- and there’s no shortage of material. For instance, some Fethard people were very prominent in the whole ‘fight for freedom’ a hundred years ago and this needs investigation and exposure in the coming years. Then, going way back to pre-Christian times, you have the sagas of two-thousand-years ago when Fionn MacCumhaill and The Fianna were hunting deer with their great hounds around Slievenamon. These stories would be especially interesting to children if researched and ‘delivered’ in new and exciting ways.
Annual Membership is €7 for an individual and €10 for a family and contact can be made with the Historical Society via email at history@fethard.com or by phoning 087 9009722 or 087 9305232
Ladies Football Munster Success
Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School ladies football team who had a great 4-18 to 2-4 win over Scoil Mhuire, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, in the Munster Senior Ladies Football semifinal
Well done to the Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School ladies football team who had a great win over Scoil Mhuire, Newcastle West, Limerick, in the Munster Senior Ladies Football semi-final with a final score of 4-18 to 2-4. The girls showed great skill and determination during the match and we look forward to the Munster final which will take place in the next few weeks.
The following girls were involved with the team: Leah Coen, Gráinne Murray, Ciara O’Meara, Maggie Fitzgerald, Sophia O’Brien, Emma Cronin, Michelle Cronin, Aoife Allen, Samantha Buckley, Emma Lyons, Sadhbh Morrissey, Laura Kiely, Kelly Ryan, Jessica Moloney, Abby McGrath, Anna Cummins, Chyanne McDonald Creed, Ella Mai Hackett, Éabha Ryan, Ciara O’Meara, Heather Spillane, Nell Spillane and Lucy Spillane. Well done also to their teachers: Ms. Murphy, Mr. Walsh and Mr. Cummins.
Some seats still available for ‘Sive’
Fethard Players cast members at rehearsal for their stage production of ‘Sive’, which continues its run up to Saturday, April 28, in the Abymill Theatre, Fethard. L to R: Liam O’Connor (Mike Glavin), Mia Treacy (Mena Glavin) and Anne Connolly (Nanna Glavin). Booking now at Fethard Town Hall (FHC Experience), or Tel: 085 2045909.
Fethard Players commenced their five-night run of ‘Sive’, in the Abymill Theatre, on Tuesday, April 24, and will continue until Saturday, April 28, starting at 8.15pm each night. Some seats are still available for the remaining performances at €15 each. Booking at Fethard Town Hall (FHC Experience) or by telephone at: 085 2045909. The play is produced by Jimmy O'Sullivan.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, of Michael 'Mick' Phelan, Kiltinan, Fethard, and Lampolla, Spain. Michael, deeply regretted by his daughters Trudy, Mandy and Caroline, sons-in-law Declan and Alex, grandchildren, great grandchildren, relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace.
Funeral to arrive at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Killusty, on Thursday, April 26, at 7pm. Funeral Mass takes place on Friday, April 27, at 11am followed by private cremation.
Slievenamon Golf Club ‘Drive-In’
Slievenamon Golf Club’s captains drive-in will take place on this Sunday, April 29, at 11 am. Slievenamon Golf Club is now under new ownership and management, so do come along and play your part in returning this wonderful facility to its former glory. A great day for golf is expected by all, members, visitors and spectators.
Intermediate Football Championship, First Round
Fethard Intermediate football team who beat Fr. Sheehys 3-11 to 1-13 in their Intermediate Football Championship, first round game played in Ned Hall Park on Sunday last, April 22. Back L to R: Kenneth O'Donnell (selector), Eoghan Hurley, Jack Devaney, Cathal Hurley, P.J. Morrissey, Niall Hayes, Jack Ward, Willie Morgan, Charlie Manton, David Hayes, Ger Maher, Harry Butler, Thomas Condon, Ciarán O'Meara, Christopher Sheehan, Tommy Anglim. Front L to R: Packie Hallissey (manager), Alan O'Connor, Brian Healy, Joe Morgan, Jack Dolan, Alex O'Donovan, Paul Moloney, Brian Delahunty, Niall Anglim, Conor Harrington and Tommy Gahan (selector).
On Sunday last, April 22, Fethard and Fr. Sheehys faced off for the first round of the 2018 Intermediate Football Championship. The game, which was played in Ned Hall Park as a late change from the scheduled Marlfield, was charged and extremely competitive as both teams vowed to hit the championship running and secure valuable points early in their campaigns.
From the start and throughout all the first half, Fr. Sheehys proved themselves well as they dominated a lot of the play and took their scores well even while playing against a strong breeze.
In the second half Fethard came out with determination and grit and took the game to Fr. Sheehy’s. The game ebbed and weaved and just as Fethard got their first and second goal. Fr. Sheehy’s fought back and took some nice points but, Fethard with a new sense of belief and desire, pushed hard and over the last 15 minutes took some great scores to pull ahead and run out with a 4-point winning margin.
The final score was Fethard 3-11, Fr. Sheehys 1-13, in a game that was close and well contested.
Congratulations Ginny
Well done to Ginny Hutton who finished second in her category at the Tipperary Masters Road Championships held in Clonmel on Sunday, April 22. Ginny runs with Fethad Athletic Club.
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
Twenty Years Ago – June 1998
Pat Looby, artist in residence at Nano Nagle Primary School Fethard, pictured with pupils while working on their art project for the school yard. June 18, 1998.
Pat Looby, artist in residence at Nano Nagle Primary School Fethard, pictured with pupils while working on their art project for the school yard. June 18, 1998.
Twenty Years Ago – January 1998
Mouse Morris whispering some encouragement to 'His Song' who was second favourite for Cheltenham Champion Hurdle 1998.
Killusty 6th class winners of the Fethard Credit Union Primary Schools Quiz in Fethard Ballroom, January 22, 1998. L to R: Dawn Russell, Edward Hickey, Shane Aylward and Claire Ryan.
L to R: Patricia Lee, Damien Donovan, Sharon Duggan and John Kearney, taking part in the Fethard Credit Union Primary Schools Quiz in Fethard Ballroom, January 22, 1998.
L to R: Mike O’Hagan, Lory Kenny, Alan O’Connor and Christopher Sheehan, taking part in the Fethard Credit Union Primary Schools Quiz in Fethard Ballroom, January 22, 1998.
L to R: P.J. Morrissey, Killian Cannon, Christopher Needham and William Doyle, taking part in the Fethard Credit Union Primary Schools Quiz in Fethard Ballroom, January 22, 1998.
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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