Fethard Historical Society complete 'Transcibeathon'

Photographed at Fethard Historical Society ‘Transcibeathon’ on Saturday, June 9, are Back L to R: Margaret Doocey, Molly Standbridge, Rosemary Purcell, Terry Cunningham, Edwina Newport, Ann Gleeson, Keith Woodlock, Frances Murphy. Front L to R: Mary Healy, Dr. Rachel Murphy (Project Co-ordinator), Mary Hanrahan (Chairperson Fethard Historical Society, Sarah Gearty (Editor, Irish Historic Walled Towns Atlas), and Pat Looby.

School’s out for summer and this year’s exam students were taking a well-earned weekend break but the Patrician Presentation Secondary School computer room was a hive of activity last Saturday, June 9. 
Mary Hanrahan, Chairperson Fethard Historical Society, welcomed the enthusiastic volunteers who came along to participate in their ‘Transcribeathon’ to transcribe the topographical information in the Irish Historic Walled Town Atlas No. 13 Fethard onto computer. That information will ultimately be uploaded onto specialised software to create a digital map of historic Fethard.


Enthusiastic volunteers participating in their ‘Transcribeathon’

Ms Sarah Gearty, editor, Irish Historic Walled Towns Atlas, travelled from Dublin that morning and explained that the Fethard Atlas is part of a national and international initiative. Sarah gave examples of how to access the information contained in the atlas and explained how the references work. All such atlases are produced in the same format to allow for comparative studies.

Dr. Rachel Murphy, co-ordinator of the project, explained how the digitalisation of the information will work. Rachel also thanked all who helped to make this project possible: the Heritage Council provided funds of  €2,000, Fethard Historical Society who are providing matching funds, the Ordinance Survey who provided maps free of charge and the Royal Irish Academy and Irish Walled Town Atlas for their ongoing support and encouragement. Rachel also thanked the Patrician Presentation Secondary School for making the computer room available as it was the ideal venue for such an undertaking.

The volunteers included society stalwarts and many welcome new faces who came along to help. Computer skills on offer ran the full gamut from fully fledged computer programmer through experienced keyboard practitioners to one lady who was using a computer for the very first time. All made an invaluable contribution and expectations were exceeded as everything was transcribed and checked twice before the day ended at 5pm.


Enthusiastic volunteers participating in their ‘Transcribeathon’

People were free to work at their own pace and were encouraged to take breaks as necessary. Tea, coffee and fresh scones from Emily’s Deli were available in the well-appointed school breakfast room. School Principal, Pat Coffey and his wife Mary Sinnott, dropped by to see how work was progressing and joined the volunteers for a delicious lunch again provided by Emily’s Deli. Sarah Gearty very kindly presented Pat with a copy of the Irish Walled Town Atlas of Fethard for the school. The team rounded off the day with dinner in McCarthy’s Hotel.

The transcribed work will now be sent to the editorial team in the Royal Irish Academy to be checked once more before Dr. Rachel Murphy proceeds to the digitalisation of the map. Fethard Historical Society will launch the digital map during Heritage Week on Friday, August 24, when they plan to have a seminar on the history of Fethard in the Abymill Theatre with a number of distinguished speakers, including Sarah Gearty, who has promised to return to share her expertise. There will also be a guided walking tour of Fethard followed by the formal launch of the map which will then be available to access online.

Fethard Pedallers ‘Pink Cycle’

Fethard Pedallers getting ready for their ‘Pink Cycle’

On Sunday last, June 10, a massive crowed turned up to support Fethard Pedallers’ ‘Pink Cycle’ in aid of two great charities, The Irish Cancer Society and Fethard District Day Care Centre. Cyclists came from all over the country, wearing different colourful jerseys with a dash of ‘pink’ to make them really stand out.

Fethard Rugby club was festooned with pink balloons and the atmosphere was electric as the 55k crew took off at 9.30am. The 20k crew, leaving at 10am, may have been a bit more sedate as, for many, it was their first time on a bike in a long time. But, when they finished, were elated with a great sense of achievement that had many vowing to take up cycling again.


Getting ready for the ‘Pink Cycle’ in aid of the Irish Cancer Society and Fethard & District Day Care Centre are L to R: Jimmy O’Sullivan, Marie Holohan and Fionnuala O’Sullivan.

The club has gone from strength to strength with newcomers joining every week. This is a sociable group that just go for enjoyable cycles, with no racing involved. The group meet every Tuesday evening and on Sundays at Fethard Ballroom Carpark before heading off for a spin. Check out ‘Fethard Pedallers Cycling Club’ on Facebook or contact any of the members for more details.


Vinny Murphy ready for the ‘Pink Cycle’ on his renovated 1904 Hercules bicycle, restored in honour of his uncle Gus McCarthy who played on the Bloody Sunday Tipperary team in Croke Park in 1920 and was a cyclist on the Rockwell School team.

Thanks to everyone who supported and helped out our ‘Pink Cycle’ in any way, including the paramedics, road marshals, and Fethard Rugby Club for the use of the premises; Hazel Hurley design for the posters; Mark from ‘Holden Hands Massage & Sports Therapy’ for his nice gentle massage; Catherine Ryan, Helen Shanahan and Eamon Murphy for manning the crossroads; Aine Murphy and Bill Kennedy who drove the lead car and John Ward the ambulance tail car; the Tipperary Sports Partnership for their help: the committee and staff of the Fethard Day Care Centre for the lovely refreshments; Kevin Coffey and Sandra Maher, Glenpatrick Spring Water, for refreshments; everyone who sponsored and cycled on the event; in particular the Fethard Peddlers and the fantastic committee who brought this mad idea to fruition. Let’s hope this becomes an annual event!

Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on this coming Sunday night, June 17, to the very popular music of ‘Declan Aungier’. 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 Award for May

Butler’s Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award winner for May, Gavin Ahearne (left), receiving his award from Kevin Coffey, representing this month's sponsor, Thurles Cash and Carry.

The winner of the Butler’s Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for May was Gavin Ahearne who was gold medal winner and county Tipperary javelin champion, along with also winning a silver medal in the Shot Putt event at the Tipperary Track and Field Championships in Templemore. The award was presented at a special function on Friday, June 8, by Kevin Coffey, representing this month's sponsor, Thurles Cash and Carry.

Killusty Show 56 years old on Saturday, July 7

Pat Culligan (left) presenting the Dinny Walsh Perpetual Cup to the winner Barry Walsh at last year’s Killusty Show. This year’s show takes place on July 7, at Claremore. Killusty.

On Saturday, July 7 this year, Killusty Pony Show is 56 years old and will take place at Claremore, Killusty, thanks to the kind permission of landowners, Noel Byrne and Barry Walsh. Planning for this year’s Show

With 101 classes on the schedule this year, for which planning began immediately following the completion of last year’s show, there is a class for every type of pony, horse and rider – In-hand, broodmare, Mountain and Moorland, Connemara, Coloured, Cob, Show Pony, Show Hunter, Working Hunter, Performance Working Hunter, Performance jumping, and Associate Horse Classes are all on the list. Covering all ages from tiny tots to adults, everyone is catered for.

This year we are returning to Killusty’s original intention, to promote in-hand ponies, and as an added incentive to exhibitors in the young stock classes, €500 will be added to the prize fund in these classes.

New to Killusty show are, equitation classes and a young handler class, in which the participant is judged, not the pony. If you don’t have a pony, there is a very popular Dog Show with 12 classes. If you don’t have a dog, the Fancy Dress may be the competition for you!

Also new this year, to promote the Performance Working Hunter Pony, Clonmel Show, which takes place on July 1, and Killusty Pony Show, have teamed up to fund a €150 Championship. The Champion and Reserve Champion from Clonmel Show and Killusty Show will compete again in Killusty to decide the winner.

Over the past 56 years, the committee have ploughed any surplus back into the show so that now, all equipment, rings, jumps and marquees are the property of the Show. All stewards and staff volunteer their services. It is truly a local effort, which makes Killusty Pony Show so special.

Throughout the history of the Show, our sponsors have been extremely generous and without them we would not exist. In return, they are welcomed to lunch on Show Day as an acknowledgement of our gratitude, which is widely praised. We receive no grants or other incentives and greatly appreciate the IPS insurance, without which we could not go ahead.

If you haven’t been to Killusty before, make a date to attend this year’s event on Saturday, July 7. There is no charge at the gate on entry, but a donation would help defray expenses. Entries cost €10 per class before June 29, or €15 on show day. Non-IPS members must purchase day insurance (€5 per owner/rider) if they intend to compete.

Those who attend may see the next HOYS (Horse of the Year Show) or RDS Champion making a debut at Killusty, as have many before. All are welcome, and we look forward to seeing you there!
— Pat Culligan (Chairman)

Represent Tipperary in the U14 B All-Ireland final

Three Fethard girls representing Tipperary in the U14 B All Ireland final against Mayo, on Sunday, June 17, in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. L to R: Kate Burke, Kelly Ryan and Jess Gleeson.

Fethard Athletic Club
The ‘top of the page’ this week goes to Gavin Ahearne who received the ‘Sports Achievement Award for May’ at the presentation ceremony held at Butler’s Bar on Friday night last, June 8, in the presence of a huge crowd and a panel of over sixteen nominees.

Gavin has been involved in athletics since his juvenile days and has taken a number of Tipperary Juvenile titles over these years. Earlier this year Gavin won the Senior Javelin and finished second in the Senior Shot at the Tipperary Track and Field Championships held in Templemore. This award from Butlers Sports Bar was our club’s first at Senior level and we congratulate Gavin on holding this distinction.

Recreational Athletics training continues on Monday nights in the Community Field, Kilnockin Road, at 7.15pm. A new venture is being instigated with ‘relaxed walking for fitness’ also taking place at the same venue. The ladies committee have introduced a novel idea of serving refreshments after training where those involved can also enjoy a chat in an informal social environment.

Our sincere condolence to the Hartigan family in Clogheen on the recent passing of Kevin Hartigan. May he rest in Peace.

National Achievement in Maths

Fethard Patrician Presentation Second Year Mathematics students who won the 'Have you got Maths Eyes Competition' for the second consecutive year, photographed above with their teacher Mr Walsh , Principal Mr Pat Coffey and Minister Bruton in the Clock Tower on Marlborough Street at the Department of Education and Skills headquarters.

Congratulations to Fethard Patrician Presentation Second Year Mathematics students and to their teacher Mr Walsh who won the 'Have you got Maths Eyes Competition' for the second consecutive year. This competition aims to develop mathematics eyes with students where the relevance of what is learned in class can be seen in real life contexts. Maths Eyes aims to build students' confidence in their use of Mathematics and also to build a positive image of Mathematics. There were over 700 entrants in total this year in the competition. It was a great honour for the school to win again, and we were delighted to meet Minister Bruton in the Clock Tower on Marlborough Street at the Department of Education and Skills headquarters for the Awards Ceremony. Our winning entrants showed how a goalkeeper moving off his or her line narrows the angle for which a goal can be scored, and our other entrant demonstrated the symmetry of the face. Well done to all involved.

JCSP Awards

Fethard Patrician Presentation Third-Year students who were presented with their Junior Certificate Schools’ Programme profiles.

At a recent ceremony in the school, the Third-Year students were presented with their Junior Certificate Schools’ Programme profiles. The following students were presented with their JCSP Profiles: Samantha Buckley, Ryan Butler, Jack Channon, Alison Connolly, Michelle Cronin, Phoebe Duggan, Nevan Healy, Helen McCarthy, Naomi Lock Jack McDonagh, Cathal O’Donnell, Kieran O’Donnell, Rachel O’Loughnan, Sam Quigley, Cathal Ryan, Megan Ryan, Patrick Shine and Nell Spillane.

During the JCSP programme which is taught in conjunction with the Junior Cert programme, the students get an opportunity to become more involved in their own learning, discussing statements and meeting targets. Through engagement with this learning process, students begin to succeed and go on to build on this success.

Throughout their time on the programme, JCSP co-ordinator and team seek out opportunities to reward and praise the students and to give them useful feedback on their performance. In addition the JCSP Team tries to make positive contact with the students’ families. When the students sit their Junior Certificate they a get a certificate from the Department of Education and Science and also a JCSP Profile, listing all they have achieved while on the Programme. This programme is ably co-ordinated in the school by Ms. Patricia Looby.

Community Games County Athletics Finals

Fethard Athletes photographed at the Community Games County Athletics Finals in Moyne

Congratulation to Sam O’Donovan, Byrneskill, Killusty, who won gold in U8 80m at the Community Games County Athletics Finals in Moyne. Bronze medals were won by Thomas Murphy, Burke Street, in the U10 100m and Padraic Heffernan, Ballyvaden, in the U14 100m. A super performance also by 6-year-old Zoe Thompson, Tullow, Killusty, who finished second in her U8 60m heat – her first ever time competing.


Killusty Competitors at the Community Games County Athletics Finals in Moyne L to R: Ewan Byrne, Zoe Thompson and Sam O’Donovan.

All other competitors performed well with some were very close to winning medals. Best of Luck to Sam who will represent Tipperary at the National Finals in University Limerick on weekend of August 18 – 19.


LEFT – Sam O’Donovan, Byrneskill, Killusty, who won gold in the U8 80m. CENTRE - Thomas Murphy, Burke Street, Fethard who won bronze in the U10 100m. RIGHT - Padraic Heffernan, Ballyvaden, who won bronze in the U14 100m.

Community Games would like children to take part in the Fethard Festival Parade on Sunday next. March under the banner dressed in sporting attire depicting any community games event. Assemble at Fethard Ballroom from 1pm onwards. Please contact Noreen Sheehy Tel: 087-3184298 during the week and let her know if you will attend. Noreen and Brian will confirm further details.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on June 6, were: 1, 14, 19 and 32. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: Orla Lawrence, Woodvale Walk, Fethard.

The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners also received €50 each: Carmel Gahan, Kylenagranagh, Cloneen; Monica Aherne, Prospect, Fethard; and Pamela O'Donnell, Grangebeg.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, June 13. 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, June 8, were: 11, 14, 31 and 33. There was no jackpot winner or ‘match three’ winner. One ‘Luck Dip’ winner received €50: Bridget Walsh, Tullamaine. Two ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €25 each: Liam Keating, Rosegreen; and Des O’Donovan, Jossestown.

The next draw takes place on Friday, June 15, 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.

This year’s Fethard Festival Family Fun Day will take place on Sunday, June 17, with the usual fun of the fair by the Town Wall park, with live music and lots of stalls!  Other events over the weekend will include a Treasure Trail on Saturday, June 16, and the Annual Duck Race (660 Ducks) on the river Clashawley.

On Sunday, June 17, the traditional Fancy Dress Parade will commence at 2pm from Fethard Ballroom, where all entries in the parade are to assemble at 1.30pm to prepare for the parade. The Fancy Dress Parade will be led by Banna Chluain Meala, up through Main Street and down to the Town Wall, where Banna Chluain Meala will treat you to a musical display while judging takes place.  This year we have fantastic prize money for the parade sponsored by Fethard and Killusty Community Council.  All sections, individual, group and floats are more than welcome to participate and pick your own theme.  Further queries regarding the parade please contact Marian Gilpin, The Valley, Fethard.

At the Medieval Town Wall we will have all the usual ‘Fun Fair’ and side shows including ‘Uncle Mike’ with his Pet Zoo, which is always very popular with all age groups. Pat Culligan and Catherine Newport will host their very popular annual Dog Show after the parade and this event attracts entries from all over the county. Local group ’The Sheehans’ will provide live music throughout the afternoon, playing all your favourite tunes.


Kevin Lawlor, one of the Indians that was part of the entry that won First Prize in the Group section of last year’s Fancy Dress Parade. This year’s Fancy Dress Parade takes place on Sunday, June 17, 2018.

Along the variety of food and craft stalls available, Fethard Rugby Club will provide their usual comprehensive family food stall where you can sit down and relax while children enjoy the huge array of amusements available, very kindly sponsored by the Magnier Family at Coolmore.
So, pleae do come along early as it looks like it's going to be another fantastic ‘Fethard Festival’ and ‘Family Fun Day’ again this year.

'Comedy Capers' at Clonacody House

The Fionn Mac Cumhaill Players will present their two one-act plays 'Comedy Capers at 8pm in Clonacody House, on June 21, 22 and 23; and at  Crocanoir, Mullinahone, on June 24. Tickets are €20 (includes refreshments). Booking now at Tel: 086 0834208.

Jimmy O'Sullivan interviewed on Tipp FM
On Tipp Today, May 31, Fran Curry was joined by Chairman of the Fethard Community Heritage Centre, Jimmy O’Sullivan. Fethard Country Horse Experience celebrated its 1st birthday this week and also marked the launch of its summer season initiative which will see Coolmore Stud opens its gates to visitors for the first time. Oh, and there was also little matter of the Melbourne Cup!

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

Fethard Festival Fancy Dress Parade August 21, 1988, assorted photographs taken during the 'Street Festival' and judging at St. Patrick's Place – 30 Years Ago

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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