Fethard Chainsaw Massacre
These are the remains of the town trees all cut down without consultation or explaination by Tipperary Council in Fethard this week. Ten beautiful lime and acer trees which gave shade and colour to the streets have been removed because 'they constituted a trip hazard' said a Council official contacted by telephone. Examination of the stumps show that this is NOT the case. The residents of the town are angry and disgusted by this vandalism and are demanding the IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT of the trees of equivalent size NOW before the planting season is over. They are also demanding to be fully consulted before any similar action is planned in future. 
PLEASE SHOW UP TOMORROW Sunday, January 27, at 12.45 pm in Fethard opposite McCarthy's pub for a group photo and petition signing to show solidarity with this protest.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Thursday, January 24, 2019, of Pakie McGrath, Canon Hayes Court, Fethard and formerly of Dualla and Rathcoole, Fethard. Pakie is deeply regretted by his son Michael, daughter Mary, brothers Johnny, Jimmy and Vincent, sister-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews relatives and friends. May he rest in peace.
Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Saturday from 5pm with removal to the Holy Trinity Parish Church at 6.45pm.Funeral Mass on Sunday at 11am followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired to Tipperary Hospice.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Thursday, January 24, 2019, of Mary McCarter (Green), Ballyvaden, Fethard, peacefully.
Sadly missed by her son George Green, daughter Anne (Croome-Carroll), grandchildren Tyrone, Rory and Charles, daughter-in-law Adrienne, son-in-law Michael, relatives and friends.
House reception on Friday evening from 5.30pm to 8.30pm. Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, February 16, 2019, at Magorban Church at 12 noon.
Community Information Meeting for Clashawley Action Area this Wednesday - January 23
Work has commenced on the Clashawley Priority Area for Action in County Tipperary and you are invited to attend a community information meeting regarding the Clashawley on this Wednesday evening, January 23, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm, in St. Mary’s Community Hall, Killenaule.
This meeting is of great importance to Fethard in view of the highly controversial and major engineering works proposed by the OPW for our town. We now have a further opportunity to influence the direction of flood planning and other aspects of our river's health towards more sustainable solutions by attending this meeting and contributing to the debate.
The Local Authority Waters Programme will hold community information meetings prior to commencing field work to inform local stakeholders and the public about the planned work programme and to gather relevant local information.
Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Fethard Ballroom continues its New Year social dancing on Sunday, January 27, to the 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.
Dance Workshop facilitated by Henry James
We are delighted to announce a new ‘Dance Workshop’ to our activities at Fethard Ballroom. We hope to build on the great tradition of a love of dance established by Majella Hewitt over the past 25 years. This two-hour Dance Workshop is run by ‘Inclusion’ and facilitated by Henry James. You will learn a dance routine to ‘From Now On’ from ‘The Greatest Showman’. This workshop is an opportunity to have fun and engage in dance as a team. For further information contact: Henry James Dance at Tel: 087 1835976.
Annual Achievement Awards attract large attendance
Photographed with the All-Ireland U21 Hurling Cup at the sports award presentations are L to R: Megan Coen, Paudie Feehan (Tipperary U21 Hurler), Lucy Spillane (holding cup), Killian O'Dwyer (Tipperary U21 Hurler) and Carrie Davey.
The presentation of Butlers Fethard Sports Achievement Awards for 2018 took place on Friday night last, January 18, attended by a large crowd of enthusiastic sports people both young and old.
At last Friday night’s ceremony, special guests included Jack Wallace and his wife Anne, who were representing the annual awards sponsor, Carling, for the sixth year in succession. Special sporting guests on the night were Paudie Feehan and Killian O’Dwyer from Killenaule, both members of the All-Ireland Tipperary U21 Hurling Championship winning team 2018.
The recipient of this year’s 'Encouragement Award' was Sean Thompson-McGarry for Archery. L to R: Paudie Feehan (Tipperary U21 Hurler), Killian O'Dwyer (Tipperary U21 Hurler), Sean Thompson-McGarry and Jack Wallace (Area-Manager Carling)
The prizegiving commenced with an 'Encouragement Award', given at the steering group’s discretion to up-and-coming young sports stars participating in sports that are usually not particularly well known. The recipient of this year’s award in this category was Sean Thompson-McGarry for Archery.
Shay Coen (left) photographed with his son Ben Coen, who won the Butler’s Bar ‘Young Sportsperson of the Year Award ‘ for his many achievements as apprentice jockey in 2018.
Team of the Year Award went to Fethard U12 Hurling Team represented by front L to R: Mark Neville, Charlie Walsh, Gavin Neville and Sam Coen. In the Back are L to R: Paudie Feehan (Tipperary U21 Hurler), Jack Wallace (Area-Manager Carling) and Killian O'Dwyer (Tipperary U21 Hurler).
Carling Area Manager Jack Wallace, presented the Young Sportsperson of the Year Award to apprentice jockey Ben Coen (accepted by Megan Coen). In second place was lady’s rugby international player Dorothy Wall (accepted by her father Anthony Wall) and in third place was young hurler star Ryan Walsh.
Team of the Year Award went to Fethard U12 Hurling Team who won the South Tipperary A title for the first time in their history. In second place was Fethard Rugby Club’s First Team, accepted by captain Conor Kavanagh; and in third place was Fethard Ladies U19 Football team.
Overall Sports Achievement of the Year Award
Overall Sports Achievement of the Year Award winners were Fethard Ladies Intermediate Football Team. Members photographed above at the presentation of the award. Back L to R: Leah Coen, Sharon O'Meara (coach), Lucy Spillane, Paudie Feehan (Tipperary U21 Hurler), Jack Wallace (Area-Manager Carling), Killian O'Dwyer (Tipperary U21 Hurler), Kate Davey. Front L to R: Carrie Davey, Megan Coen, Allison Connolly and Nell Spillane.
There were three prizes in the Overall Sports Achievement of the Year category. Third place went to Charlie Manton who was goalkeeper on the UCD team that won the Sigerson Cup. Second place went to Gavin Ahearne, gold medal winner and county Tipperary javelin champion. In first place and winner of the Butlers Fethard Sports Achievement Award for 2018 were the Fethard Ladies Intermediate Football Team who had a fantastic year and won the County Tipperary Intermediate Title for the first time.
Members of Fethard Rugby Club's First Team at the sports awards L to R: Cathal Meagher, Joe Morgan, Kevin Hayes and Conor Kavanagh (captain).
Photographed at the Fethard sports award presentations are L to R: Peter Tynan, Eoin Tynan, Melissa Tynan and Paul Buckley. Paul from Cork was happy to have a chance to hold the trophy after Tipp's dramatic All-Ireland U21 final win over Cork.
Photographed at the Fethard sports award presentations are L to R: Marion Bergin, Siobhán Kennedy, Emma Byrne, Nicola Lonergan, Louise Prendergast, Aisling Hallinan, Sonia Cummins, Chloe Devaney and Lily Maher.
Special mentions were made on the night to The Nationalist Newspaper and particularly Michael Heverin for continuously supporting the event and also to local photographer, newspaper correspondent and Fethard website author, Joe Kenny, for all his help.
Catering was supplied by Marianne Butler Shortall who spoiled everybody in her own inimitable and imaginative culinary way. The night concluded with some lively sporting banter some true and some imagined.
Volunteers needed at Fethard Day Care Centre
The Fethard & District Day Care Centre are looking for volunteers to collect and deliver Meals on Wheels in the Fethard area. If you have an hour to spare once a month, please contact Ger at the Day Care Centre on Tel: (052) 6132917 or for more information.
We are also holding a Senior Day at the centre on Friday, January 25, from 10am. The chiropodist will be in attendance and all seniors welcome to attend.
Forthcoming Community Games Finals
The Community Games Talent Finals will take place in Boherlahan on Friday, February 15. Complete schedule may be viewed on the www.communitygames.ie website. The closing date for entries with our County Secretary is February 8.
Table Quiz U14 Boys, Girls and Mixed will take place in the Presentation Convent, Thurles, on Friday, February 22. Entries taken on the night. €8 per team.
Swimming
The following events are on the Swimming Programme. Competitors from the area must give their names to Noreen Sheehy on or before Wednesday, February 13, in order to meet the county deadline for receipt of entries on Sunday, February 17. No late entries will be accepted.
The County Final will take place in Thurles pool on Sunday, February 24. Entry fee is €3 per individual and €8 per relay team. Order of Events will be published following receipt of entries. Warm up for girls will take place at 9am, and boys at 9.15am. Competition will commence at 9.30am. The co-ordinator is Micheál Maher.
Swimming events
Freestyle:Girls U8 and Boys U8 25m, Girls U10 and Boys U10 25m, Girls U12 and Boys U12 50m, Girls U14 and Boys U14 50m, Girls U16 and Boys U16 50m.
Breaststroke: Girls and Boys U12 also Girls and Boys U14. All 50m distance.
Backstroke: Girls and Boys U10 both 25m; Girls and Boys U12; Girls and Boys U14; and Girls and Boys U16, all 50m.
Butterfly: Girls and Boys U14, Girls and Boys U14, all 50m distance.
Relay: Panel of six including two subs in all relay events. Relay Girls U13 Freestyle 4 x 25m, Relay Boys U13 Freestyle 4 x 25m, Relay Girls U16 Medley 4 x 50m, and Relay Boys U16 Medley 4 x 50m
Important rules
It is important to note competitors must be under the age specified on July 31, 2019, in their respective events and must also live in the area. Anybody interested in any of the above activities please contact Noreen Sheehy ASAP to ensure you don’t miss closing dates. Date for Area Finals of Art and Handwriting will be announced shortly. These events will be included in the ‘Festival of Sport’ held in Thurles in March.
Patrician Presentation Secondary School News
Senior Subject Options Evening
A Senior Subject Options’ Evening for 3rd Year, TY students and their parents, will be held in the school on Monday, January 28, at 7pm. The Junior Cert Pupils of 2018 will also be presented with their JCPAs (Junior Cert Profiles of Achievement) on the same evening. It is important that all Third Year and TY parents attend this meeting.
Under 17 Munster Semifinal
Last week our great run in the under 17 Munster soccer championship came to an end at the semifinal stage at the hands of a very good Crosshaven team. Played in Killusty soccer field, we had to absorb a good deal of pressure during the first 15 minutes of the game as Crosshaven looked very slick and skilful. But our lads, through hard work and determination, worked their way back into the game and created some good chances, but unfortunately failed to put them past the good Crosshaven goalkeeper. Then disaster struck as a corner from Crosshaven found its way to the back of our net. 1 nil at half time!
The second half saw our boys thunder into the game, with our midfield trio of Nevan Healy, Dara O’Meara and Darragh Hurley playing some excellent football and Charlie Hackett working tirelessly on the left wing. The introduction of talented first year Matt Coen also gave us an extra dimension going forward. With our defence rock solid (Keith Morrissey having an outstanding game) and chasing the equaliser, we looked to be coming strong at the right time of the game. However yet again a corner caused us trouble and for the second time ended up in the back of our net from the head of a Crosshaven player.
With 15 minutes left and two goals down we had to throw everything forward in an attempt to score (better to try and fail than not to try at all was our mantra). However, we got caught on the break and conceded two more goals before the end of the game.
On a day that saw us exit the Munster championship which we had real hopes on winning, it was agreed that the best team won. However, both management and parents of the players were unanimous in saying that our players should be very proud for representing their school, parents and themselves so well in the Munster championship. Well done to team mentors Mr Billy Walsh and Mr Ian O’Connor for all their work with the team.
Willow Art Project
Over the next three weeks, Ms Lyn Kirkham will conduct a weekly workshop with the second year Art pupils. Ms Kirkham of Greenmantle Arts previously worked with our pupils on the willow deer which graces the willow bed area of Fethard below the convent hall and which is much admired by visitors and residents alike. We await details of Lyn’s forthcoming project with our students and thank the Cummins’ family for allowing us to harvest their historical willow bed.
CAO Information
Career Guidance Counsellor, Mr. Justin McGree has arranged individual consultations re. CAO forms with the Leaving Cert Pupils and their parents on Monday evening, January 21st.
Past Pupil Scrapbook
The column will feature profiles and career paths of past pupils over the next few months and the school hopes to soon have a ‘wall of fame’ in the school. If a family member has excelled in his/her chosen career path since leaving our school, we ask you to please send details and a photo to ppssadmin@gmail.com
Fethard Bridge Club resumed after Christmas break
Bridge resumed after the Christmas break on Wednesday, January 9 and the results of our game were: 1st Gross, Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh; 1st Nett, Nora Ryan and Gabrielle Schofield. 2nd Gross, Gemma Burke and Carol Kenny; 2nd Nett, Judy Doyle and Joan Hayes. 3rd Gross, Vincent Cummins and Rita Kane; 3rd Nett, Tony Hanrahan and Keith Woodlock.
On January 30 we have our charity night. Bridge starts at 7.15pm each Wednesday. Anyone looking for a partner contact Gemma Burke 086 6064148.
Fethard Players back with ‘The Real McCoy’
Fethard Players cast of the hilarious comedy “It’s The Real McCoy” which will be staged in the Abymill Theatre from Tuesday, January 29, to Saturday, February 2, and booking is now open at Tel: 085 2338513. Back L to R: Niamh Hayes, Mia Treacy, Richard Hayes, Liam O’Connor. Front L to R: Ann Walsh, Joe Hanley and Anne Connolly.
Fethard Players are currently in rehearsal for this year’s production of a hilarious comedy by Tommy Marron, ‘It’s The Real McCoy’. This three-act rip-roaring Irish comedy is set in the mid-sixties and a that will have you in tears of laughter!
Fethard Players production of the hilarious comedy, 'It's The Real McCoy’, will be staged in the Abymill Theatre from Tuesday, January 29, to Saturday, February 2, and booking is now open at Tel: 085 2338513. Special family night on Tuesday when all seats are €12. Curtain 8.25pm every night.
The cast members are: Anne Connolly, Joe Hanley, Niamh Hayes, Richard Hayes, Mia Treacy, Ann Walsh and Liam O’Connor. The play is produced by Marian Gilpin and will be staged in the Abymill Theatre from Tuesday, January 29, to Saturday, February 2. Booking is now open at Tel: 085 2338513.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on January 16, were: 4, 15, 23 and 32. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winner so the following drawn tickets received €50 each: Liam O'Connor, Knockelly Road, Fethard; Christine O'Meara (online ticket); and Brendan Kenny, St. Patricks Place, Fethard.
The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners also received €50 each: Daniela Sabatini, The Lantern, Fethard; Michael Russell & Jim Kenny, c/o Seamus Moloney; and Dermot Darcy, St. Patricks Place, Fethard.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, January 23. 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, January 18, were: 10, 14, 24 and 28. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘match three’ winner who received €100: Ann Marie Jones, Moyglass. Two lucky dip winners received €25: Damien Morrissey, Cloneen; and Ray Condon, Woodvale Walk, Fethard.
The next draw takes place on Friday, January 25, in Burke’s Bar at 7.30pm, when the jackpot is €20,000 and the seller's 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.
24th Bookfair Coming Soon
The 24th Annual Tipperariana Book Fair will take place as usual on the second Sunday in February (Sunday 10), 2019, in the Fethard Ballroom starting at 2pm. The Fethard Historical Society- organisers of the fair - are planning to ensure that this year’s Book Fair is another successful event for the society and the town.
It is noteworthy that the town of Fethard - known for its town wall, horses, football and carnival, is now also associated with books through its connection for the past twenty-four years running the annual Tipperariana Book Fair.
What started out then as an idea to generate income for the recently formed Historical Society, soon became somewhat of an ‘institution’ for people from all over County Tipperary who have an interest in books and local history.
Julia McHugh having a read at last year’s Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard Ballroom
If no problem, don’t fix it
The fair has not changed at all in its twenty-four years as it seems to work successfully under its present format. The idea is quite simple; over thirty antiquarian and second-hand book dealers from all over Ireland set up stall for the day and the Historical Society also have their own stall, which is stocked with books donated by supporters of the Book Fair. There is also an in-house café operating during the fair and a piano player wafts the punters from his perch on the stage. It all just seems to work and every year hundreds of people from all over the county and beyond come to Fethard for the day.
Tipperary Authors and Books
From year one also it has been the tradition to invite authors of Tipperary books published in the preceding year to come to the Fair to promote, sell and sign their books. This has since proved to be an attractive feature of the day. This practice then led on to the idea of holding a Tipperariana Book of the Year Award, which is now an established part of the Tipperary book scene and the 2018 winner will be announced by the fair organisers before the end of January.
Ways to support the Book Fair
Anyone wishing to support the Book Fair and in turn to help the work of the Historical Society can help in several ways. Firstly, books can be donated to the society for sale on the day and these will be collected from your home if you so wish. There is also help needed on the days leading up to the fair, sorting and classifying books and manning the society stall at the book fair.
Of course, another great way to help is to use your social media platform to spread the word about the fair, as our usual large ‘mailing list’ had to be curtailed this year due to the high cost of postage.
For further information contact can be made by email: bookfair@fethard.com or by phoning 087 9305232, or 087 9009722. Information is also available at: www.tipperariana.com
Fethard & Killusty Emigrants’ Newsletter on sale
Fethard & Killusty Emigrants Newsletter is selling well and now available in the following local shops at €12 each, Butler’s Bar & Off Licence, Centra Supermarket (The Green), Daybreak Supermarket (Kerry Street), and Annie’s (Burke Street).
We take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported us with donations and help throughout the year and make this annual publication possible and wish all our readers a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.
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
These are a selection of photographs taken in 1999 . . .
Pictured above and below are pupils from Nano Nagle Primary School in Fethard who planted a 'Tree for Peace' on Wednesday, April 21, 1999. The tree was presented by the School's Parents' Council as part of a national tree planting project dedicated to peace and the victims of Omagh. Every primary school community, parents, teachers and children, were asked to plant and nurture a 'peace tree' in their school or locality.
Marian Gilpin and John Fogarty in a scene from The Hogan Musical Society’s production of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ in March 1999.
Kathleen Bradshaw and Eileen Burke in a scene from The Hogan Musical Society’s production of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ in March 1999.
Photographed outside Newports Shop on St. Patrick’s Day, 1999 are L to R: Mamie Morrissey, Sarah Mullins, Berna Morrissey and Geraldine Maher.
Photographed on St. Patrick’s Day, 1999 are L to R: Mossie Hayes and Theresa Cummins
Photographed on St. Patrick’s Day, 1999 are L to R: Ned Donovan and Jack Maher.
Members of the children’s choir on St. Patrick’s Day, 1999.
Members of the children’s choir on St. Patrick’s Day, 1999.
Members of the children’s choir on St. Patrick’s Day, 1999
Organist, Goldie Newport on St. Patrick’s Day, 1999.
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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