St. Patrick’s Day in Fethard
Fr Liam Everard P.P. photographed with altar servers after celebrating Mass on St. Patrick's Day in Holy Trinity Parish Church. L to R: Anna Hayes, Aoibheann Collum, Giovanna Aguiar Emily Spillane, Fr Liam Everard and Meadbh Collum.
The bad weather that was threatened for St. Patrick’s Day, luckily never materialised in Fethard this year. The Holy Trinity National School children’s choir were present to sing a selection of traditional St. Patrick’s Day hymns at 11am Mass in the Parish Church, accompanied by organist Goldie Newport who always adds a special Irish flavour to the St. Patrick’s Day’s ceremony. Another great fan of the children’s choir is Tony Newport who never missed a St. Patrick’s Day Mass in Fethard.
These beautiful hymns, first introduced by the Patrician Brother many years ago, are fondly remembered by past pupils all over the world and our local mass goers to the Parish Church. At a family birthday reunion in Queensland, Australia in 2015, we’re told that, after dinner Pat Hayes spontaneously and softly started to sing Íosagán, a hymn that was stored down in the depths of his memory and was obviously stirred to life with their talk of boyhood times. As he sang, the simple words of the hymn came gently as if they were surfacing one by one. He got through the first verse:
A Íosagán, a Íosagán,
Céad fáilte, is mór liom thú,
Gach uile lá as seo amach,
Is leat mé, bí in mo chroí.
One of the many ‘old customs’ handed down to the Brother Superior of Fethard Monastery was, “The children sing at both masses (8am and 11am) on St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas Day, at 10am Mass on the Feast of the Holy Souls (November 2) and at the Men’s Sodality meeting at Benediction at 7pm.”
The Patrician Brothers served in Fethard from 1873 to 1993, and their time in Fethard will be remembered for many reasons, mostly for the free primary school education they provided for local families in Fethard and surrounding district.
Photographed at St. Patrick's Day Mass in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, are L to R: three generations of the Gilpin family from Fethard, Marian Gilpin, her granddaughter baby Elle and daughter Jodie Gilpin.
Members of the Galteemor Kickboxing Club taking part in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Clonmel
At the St. Patrick's Parade in Clonmel were L to R: Joe Keane, formerly from Fethard, with his partner Johana and children Tilda and Louise.
Annette and Dermot O'Meara with their daughter Anna-Mae, at the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Clonmel
Time to dust off yere bikes!
After a very successful Pink Cycle last year, The ‘Fethard Pedallers’ cycling club are running a ‘Couch to 50k’ event for those thinking of starting cycling or returning to the sport. Training for this event will run for eight weeks from Sunday, April 14, starting at 9.30am from the car park opposite Fethard Ballroom and Dooks Restaurant. These trained instructors will guide you on safety, how to cycle in a group, how to progress, and will give you lots of tips on how to make the cycling more enjoyable.
As the distance increases, we will stop for coffee/ice-cream!! After eight weeks we will run our own Pink Cycle again on Sunday, June 9, in aid of the Fethard & District Day Care Centre and a Cancer charity.
Bikes must be roadworthy, and helmets are a must! If you want to get fit, have fun, meet lovely people, enjoy the countryside, do consider joining us for this very healthy event that will also help yourself to a better life, as you also help others.
In the past, these groups have also helped to encourage and lead people to take part in other cycles taking part around the country, including Ring of Kerry, Ring of Beara, Trip to Tipp, Kilkenny etc. For more info contact Paul Shanahan 087 7615408.
Died Recently in the USA
 The death has occurred in New Milford, New Jersey, USA, of Denis Mullins, aged 91, on Thursday, March 14, 2019. Denis was born in Fethard, and after emigrating to USA, was a resident of New Milford, New Jersey, since 1959.
Denis worked as the Night Manager at the New Milford Shop Rite for over 29 years. He is the beloved husband of Mary T. 'Maureen' Mullins for over 60 years, and the loving father of Denise Mullins, Michael Mullins and John C. Mullins. He was predeceased by his late brothers, Christopher and Patrick Mullins. Denis is the devoted grandfather of Josh Chiavaro, Stephen Lyman, Michael V. Mullins, Kaitlin Connolly, Chris Mullins, Sean Mullins, Evan Mullins and Danny Mullins. Denis is also survived by his cherished great-grandchildren Fiona, Braden and Blake.
Interment took place in Maryrest Cemetery & Mausoleum, 770 Darlington Avenue, Mahwah, NJ 07430. May he rest in Peace.
River bank cleaning organised by local Anglers
Fethard and Killusty Anglers AGM took place on Thursday, March 14, in the Tirry Community Centre, Fethard. The officers elected for the coming year are: Colm Hackett (Chairman), Seán Maher (Secretary), and Albert Adcock (Treasurer).
The annual river bank cleaning project is organised for Sunday, March 24, starting at 10am and meeting at Grove on the river Clashawley. All members and those interested in joining are invited to come along.
The club’s Annual Competition date is set for Sunday, April 21, meeting at Thorny Bridge on the river Anner. All members are welcome, and anyone interested in joining can attend the competition. Contact Seán Maher on 085 7050580 or Colm Hackett on 086 8397868 for membership details.
Flyfishing is a wonderful hobby and gets you out in the fresh air, on our two local beautiful rivers, Clashawley and Anner, which is a tonic to help lessen the stresses of everyday life. Fethard and Killusty Anglers is one of the most successful competitive clubs in Ireland, winning several All Ireland and Munster titles. Senior and Juvenile anglers have represented Ireland at European, World, Five Nations and Bank Internationals, and all members are willing to give their time to anyone who wants to get started or learn new methods and fishing techniques.
We have a friendly and encouraging environment so why not give it a try this Spring, and to any current members; tight lines for the season ahead. The Gods do not deduct time from a man or woman’s allotted hours spent Flyfishing!
Happy Birthday Patricia
Patricia Byrne, The Green, Fethard, celebrating her 70th Birthday with her husband Pat and family members in Lonergan's Bar. Back L to R: Diane Hall Byrne, Paul Byrne, Carol Byrne, Bradley Phelan, Linda Byrne, Martin White. Front L to R: Patricia Byrne, Pat Byrne and Davy Byrne
Greetings from Melbourne
Forty-three years ago, March 1976, I left Fethard for a new life as a wife, and gee was this an exciting venture, entered with a naivety that, in hindsight, was very charming. But I was not prepared for the homesickness that was to follow.
I first moved to Kilworth, Co Cork, at the time, in fact it seemed like a different country to me and yes, very isolating for a nineteen-year-old. I was very lucky t have a wonderful husband and his very nice Howard family, who were to become great friends and my extended family. But I was nonetheless like a fish out of water.
Many years later we ventured much further afield but what I have come to realise as a ‘Fethard expat’ – not just ‘Irish expat’ – that this little town prepared me for the outside world and there’s nothing I felt my Fethard background did not prepare me for. Isn't it funny the things that shape your life?
I love home, yes Fethard and all its charm! Sometimes you must go away to appreciate what you’ve left behind. I’m sincerely looking forward to my next visit home and as we approach St. Patrick’s Day, I send my love to all my family, friends and neighbours at home.
– Helen Lawrence Howard, Melbourne, Australia
Killusty Pony Show meeting
A meeting of the Killusty Pony Show will take place on this Thursday night, March 21, in the Tirry Community Centre, Barrack Street, at 8pm. Anyone interested in helping on the day of the show are invited to please come along as we will need all the help we can get.
Daffodil Day in Fethard
It’s that time of year again! A ‘Daffodil Day’ Coffee Morning and cake sale will take place in the beautiful surrounds of Town Hall, Fethard on next Friday, March 22, from 9am to 1pm. We have an amazing raffle on the morning with prizes such as a Foxford Rug and a one-night B&B in Clonacody House.
Daffodils and Daffodil Day merchandise will also be available for sale in the Town Hall and throughout the town that morning. This is a great event, for a very worthwhile cause and your continued support would be very much appreciated. See you on Friday 22!
Social dancing to Johnny Carroll at Fethard Ballroom
Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on Sunday, March 24, to the music of ‘Johnny Carroll’. 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. For further information or for booking the ballroom, contact Eileen Coady, Tel: 086 0776420 or Peter Grant, Tel: 087 6180541. Email: eileencoady@hotmail.com
Everard connection with Fethard
Hello, my names is Denise Everard Parrell. I was an Everard and I believe that my family came from Fethard. The furthest back that I have been able to trace with certainty is James Everard who was baptised in September 1746, in Dublin. He was the son of John Everard and Mary, surname unknown. James’ son Richard, who was born about 1780 or so, was my great-great-great-grandfather. He may have been born in Newfoundland. In any event the family settled in Newfoundland. Richard shows up in Newfoundland church records as of 1803 as a sponsor at weddings. He married himself in 1807 and had five children, all born in Petty Harbour, Newfoundland. His oldest son James born in 1808 is my direct ancestor. Richard’s father James had two other sons, Denis baptised in 1778 in Carrick-on-Suir and Patrick born in 1781.
I have not been able to trace their emigration from Ireland to Newfoundland. I do know that Denis came to Newfoundland too, but I am not sure about Patrick. I have had my DNA tested, my kit number is RX2261155. I would be grateful for any help that anyone can offer.
Junk Kouture outfits go on display in Fethard
Patrician Presentation pupil, Allison Connolly wearing her Junk Kouture outfit ‘Athena’, photographed with her sister Áine Connolly (left) and her mother Annette Connolly at the Regional Final in Limerick.
Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School pupils, Alison Connolly and Michelle Cronin, along with their team members, Nell Spillane, Paige Ryan, Rachel O’Loughnan and Patrick Shine have now qualified for the Grand Final of Junk Kouture which will be held in the 3 Arena, Dublin on Thursday, May 2, 2019.
At the regional finals held in Limerick, eighty-three outfits were modelled on the catwalk to one minute’s music of the students’ choice. Fifteen of those outfits were chosen to go forward to the grand final. One remaining 'wild card’ ticket is reserved from each region, which gives every student going home on the night some hope that it might be their outfit that will be chosen as the ‘wild card’ entry.
There was great competition on the night with schools from Tipperary, Clare, Limerick, Kilkenny, Waterford, Cork and Kerry competing for the fifteen places. All schools from these regions had lots of supporters in the audience, including students from Patrician Presentation, with over 1,000 cheering on their teams. Students from Fethard were delighted when two of the outfits, that were made in the classroom, were chosen to go forward to Dublin in May.
Patrician Presentation pupil, Michelle Cronin (right) wearing her Junk Kouture outfit, ‘EleMental’, photographed with her mother Helen Cronin at the regional final in Limerick.
Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture is an All-Ireland competition for Secondary School students which takes elements such as fashion, design, engineering and environmental sustainability and transforms them into a creative contest like no other. This is the competition’s ninth year, with the Fethard students led by Art Teacher, Ms Patricia Looby taking part for the last eight years.
On Friday, March 22, students’ outfits can be seen in the window display of O’Sullivan’s Pharmacy, Main Street, Fethard. Students will also hold a coffee morning in the Fethard Horse Experience, Main Street, Fethard, on Friday, March 29, starting at 9.30am. The funds raised will help defray the expenses of bringing two teams to Dublin for the Grand Final of the Junk Kouture Competition in the 3 Arena on May 2.
Fethard Bridge Club results
The results of our game on Wednesday, March 6, were: 1st Gross, Anna Cooke and Bernie O’Meara; 2nd Gross, Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh; 3rd Gross, Carmel Condon and Brendan Kenny; 1st Nett, Marie Delaney and Ann O’Dea; 2nd Nett, Tony Hanrahan and Keith Woodlock; 3rd Nett, Judy Doyle and Joan Hayes.
Next Wednesday, March 27, we play the third round of the Club Championship. Bridge starts at 7.15pm each Wednesday. Anyone looking for a partner contact Gemma Burke 086-6064148.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on March 13, were: 3, 4, 7 and 9. There was no jackpot winner and four ‘Match Three’ winners who received €40 each: Gemma Burke, Red City, Fethard; Nellie Ryan, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard; Marcella Myler, Fethard; and Tena Shine, Monroe, Fethard.
The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners also received €50 each: Kate O'Shea, Woodvale Walk, Fethard; Tossie Lawton, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard; and Eddie O'Brien, Burke Street, Fethard.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, March 20. 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 15, were: 26, 28, 34 and 35. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘match three’ winner. One Lucky Dip winner received €50: Caroline Ryan, Clerihan. Two Lucky Dip winners received €25 each: Michael Kenrick, Burke Street, Fethard; and Josephine Dillon, Clonmel.
The next draw takes place on Friday, March 22, in Burke’s Bar at 7.30pm, when the jackpot is €20,600 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.
Mattie talkd to students about his life in Dáil Éireann
Tipperary Independent TD, Mr Mattie McGrath, photographed with Patrician Presentation Principal, Mr Pat Coffey, CSPE teacher, Ms Caitríona McKeogh, and the school’s 3rd Year Pupils. Mr McGrath visited the school to talk to pupils about his Dáil work in conjunction with the 3rd Year CSPE project.
Celebrating the bicentenary of Holy Trinity Parish Church
In preparation for our booklet celebrating the bicentenary of Holy Trinity Parish Church in Fethard, we are seeking any early photographs of events at the parish church, such as weddings, first communions, confirmations altar boy groups, Children of Mary and Mens Sodality groups.
All photographs will be scanned and returned. The oldest photos will be included in the booklet and the rest placed on exhibition. Photos maybe also emailed to fethard@mac.com The deadline for sending photographs is April 15, 2019.
Fethard & Killusty Novena 2019
This year’s Fethard & Killusty Parish Novena will take place from Monday, April 8, to Tuesday, April 16, starting times at 7.30pm on Monday to Friday; 7pm on Saturday and 11am on Sunday. This year Holy Trinity Parish Church is celebrating 200 years and we invite all to join us for this special Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
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 1982 . . .
 Group taken at the Fethard GAA Dinner Dance in Cahir House Hotel and 'Player of the Past' Presentation to Bill Connors, November 1982.
Photographed at Fethard GAA Dinner Dance in Cahir House Hotel and 'Player of the Past' Presentation to Bill Connors in November 1982 are L to R: Johanna Bradshaw, Mattie Bradshaw, Kathleen Bradshaw and Rory Bradshaw.
Group photographed at Fethard GAA Dinner Dance in Cahir House Hotel and 'Player of the Past' Presentation to Bill Connors in November 1982.
Group of Moyglass Macra members photographed at meeting in Moyglass Hall in November 1982.
Group at NACA Presentations in Fethard Arms (December 1982) L to R: Fergus McCormack, Roger Mehta, Tommy Sheehan, Joan Shine, Miceál McCormack, Mary McCormack, Chris Coen, Douglas Hannigan, Moira Casey, Jeff Hannigan and Sean Hannigan.
Printers soccer team: Martin Quinlivan, Pat Barry, Larry Fahy, Billy Byrne, Eddie Anderson, Jeddy Walsh, Ernie Maken (capt) and John Hunt photographed at the Killusty Seven-a-side Soccer Tournament Final, August 1982.
Ballylooby seven-a-side soccer team who beat Printers 2-1 in the final of the Killusty seven-a-side Soccer Tournament, August 1982. Ballylooby Team: Pat O’Brien, Mick O'Brien, Pat O’Brien, Tommy Fitzgerald, P. J. Moloney, Dick Doyle, Pat Phelan (capt), Eamon Condon and Eamon Gleeson.
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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