Robert is All-Ireland Fishing Champion

All Ireland 2018 River juvenile fly-fishing champion, Robert Hackett (left), receiving his trophy from Eugene Nolan from Tuam Anglers.

Congratulations to Fethard and Killusty angler Robert Hackett, who became 2018 All Ireland River juvenile fly-fishing champion on March 31, 2019 (postponed at end of last year), competing on the Clare river in Tuam County Galway. Congratulations also to Conor Cagney who was placed fourth in this competition, also representing Fethard and Killusty Anglers. Robert and Conor have both now qualified to represent Ireland, to fish the Youth World FlyFishing Championships in Czech Republic, in August 2019. The top four placings in this All Ireland Qualifier were: 1. Robert Hackett (Munster), 2. Sean Dowling (Leinster), 3. Luke O’Donoghue (Munster), 4. Conor Cagney (Munster).


The six anglers representing Ireland in the 2019 Juvenile World FlyFishing Championships in Czech Republic, are L to R: Robert Hackett, Sean Dowling, Conor Cagney, Chris Kelleher, Aaron McCann, and Luke O’ Donoghue.

This competition was fished on a catch and release basis with barbless hooks. Each trout is carefully measured and scored if over 18cm and then safely returned to the river. The fishing was tough on the day of the competition due to dirty water from the heavy rain the day before. The juveniles were challenged to use several methods within the flyfishing discipline to catch during these conditions. Munster also won the provincial title with seven anglers representing the province.

The six anglers who will represent Ireland at the 2019 Juvenile World FlyFishing Championships in Czech Republic, are: Robert Hackett, Sean Dowling, Conor Cagney, Chris Kelleher, Aaron McCann and Luke O’Donoghue.


Munster also won the provincial title with seven anglers representing the province, Back L to R: Eanna O’ Leary, Luke O’Donoghue, Conor Cagney, Eugene Nolan (Tuam Anglers), Chris Kelleher, Sean Ronayne. Front L to R: Aron McCann and Robert Hackett.

Fethard and Killusty Anglers Annual Competition
Fethard and Killusty Anglers Annual Competition takes place this coming Sunday, April 21, meeting at Thorny Bridge at 10am. We ask all members not to fish the club waters for the two days before the competition to give every angler an equal chance on the day. All are welcome to join the club on that morning, or at any time by contacting Colm Hackett (086 8397868) or Seán Maher (085 7050580). New Senior and Juvenile members are always welcome, and we will endeavour to help in any way we can.


Members of Fethard & Killusty Anglers cleaning the Clashawley river banks for the club's annual competition on Easter Sunday in Fethard.

Thanks to those that helped with river bank cleaning on the 10th March on the river Clashawley, every little bit helps each year. Remember to please respect the landowner’s property when you go fishing on our wonderful club waters. Please pick up any litter you may find and bring it home, and always respect fencing and livestock whenever you are on the river. Fethard and Killusty Anglers club is only possible with the kind permission of the landowners so please respect this every time you venture out. Tight lines for 2019 as there has already been some good fishing due to the mild winter, so get out there and enjoy your time by the Anner and Clashawley. The Gods do not deduct from man’s/woman’s allotted span, the hours spent in flyfishing.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Tuesday, April 16, 2019, of Gerard Purcell, Gyles Quay, Ferrybank, Waterford, and Blanchardstown, Dublin, peacefully, at University Hospital Waterford, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his parents Frank and Ann, Gerard will be sadly missed by Maxine, brother Derek, sister Ruth, niece, nephew, extended family, neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace.

Gerard will be reposing in Power's Funeral Home, Ferrybank, on Holy Thursday, April 18, from 7.30pm until 9.30pm. Removal on Good Friday, April 19, to The Sacred Heart Church, Ferrybank arriving for Funeral Service at 10am followed by cremation at 1pm in Newlands Cross Crematorium, Dublin No flowers please. Donations, if desired, to Waterford Hospice c/o Power's Funeral Directors, Ferrybank.

Easter Ceremonies in Fethard

Holy Trinity Parish Church

• Good Friday, April 19, Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3pm. Stations of The Cross at 7pm.
• Holy Saturday, April 20, Easter Vigil Mass at 7pm.
• Easter Sunday, April 21, Mass at 8.30am and 11am.

Church of the Sacred Heart, Killusty

• Good Friday, April 19, Stations of The Cross at 3pm.
• Holy Saturday, April 20, Easter Vigil Mass at 7.30pm.

Augustinian Abbey

• Holy Thursday, April 18, Mass of The Lord's Supper at 7.30pm.
• Good Friday, April 19, Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3pm. Stations of The Cross at 7.30pm.
• Holy Saturday, April 20, Easter Vigil Mass at 8pm.
• Easter Sunday, April 21, Mass at 9.30am and 11.30am.

Easter Ceremonies live on the internet from Holy Trinity Parish Church
Holy Trinity Parish Church Easter Services will be broadcast worldwide on the internet live for the first time in its 200-year history, which will be celebrated later this year. The live streaming service commenced on April 4, 2019. This will give all our emigrants and those unable to attend services for any reason, the opportunity to join the local community by joining us live on the internet at the website address: www.parishchurch.net

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 of Bridget Sheehan (née Ryan), Walsh Bog, Killusty, Fethard, and late of Glenanore, Ballymacarbry. Bridget, wife of the late Tom Sheehan and sister of the late Sean, is very deeply regretted by her loving sons and daughters Michael, Patrick, T.J, John, Vera, Rena and Eleanor, her adoring grandchildren Leanne, Thomas, Aoife, Jamie and Cian, son-in-law Robert, daughter-in-law Hazel, sisters Margaret, Eileen and Nora, sisters-in-laws, brothers-in-law, relatives and a large circle of friends. May Bridget Rest in Peace

Reposing at her residence on Saturday, April 20, from 4pm. Removal on Sunday at 9.30am to the Sacred Heart Church, Killusty for Requiem Mass at 10am followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

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

Fethard Bridge Club Results
On Wednesday, March 27, we played the third round of the Club Championship and the results were: 1st Gross, Nell Broderick and David O’Meara; 2nd Gross, Rita Kane and Kay St. John; 3rd Gross, Berney Myles and Alice Quinn; 1st Nett, Betty Egan and Mary Tierney; 2nd Nett, Gemma Burke and Carol Kenny; 3rd Nett, Rita Holohan and Mgt. M. McCormack.

The results of our game on Wednesday, April 3, were: 1st Gross, Tony Hanrahan and Keith Woodlock; 2nd Gross, Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh; 3rd Gross, Nell Broderick and David O’Meara; 1st Nett, Rita Kane and Kay St. John; 2nd Nett, Catherine Croke and Kathleen Maher; 3rd Nett, Rita Holohan and Mgt. M. McCormack.

Bridge starts at 7.15pm each Wednesday. Anyone looking for a partner contact Gemma Burke 086-6064148.

Fethard Pedallers Cycling Club’s beginner's group

Well done to the 12 brave souls that turned up on a wet and windy Sunday morning last. Everybody really enjoyed the spin and are looking forward to next Sunday. We will be out 9.30am Easter Sunday so if you didn't go this week there's always next week. Come along, bring your bike and helmet. Check out the Fethard Peddlers Facebook page.

Fethard Pedallers Cycling Club commenced their beginner's or return to cycling group training on Sunday, April 14. If you missed last week you can still join the group at 9.30am on Easter Sunday, April 21, starting at the Ballroom car park opposite Dooks. Fully trained instructors will guide you through the safe practice of cycling, the dos and don'ts. What you need and what you don't. There is also a strict, 'No one gets left behind' policy applied in the club. Bike and cyclist must be roadworthy, and helmets must be worn.

Easter Sunday Commemoration Committee
On Sunday next, April 21, the Third Tipperary Brigade Old IRA Commemoration Committee will mark the centenary of the death of Pierse McCan, TD, at his grave in Dualla. He founded the first Company of Volunteers organised outside Dublin in 1913. Elected a Sinn Féin MP in the election of December 1918, he never got a chance to attend Dáil Éireann. He died of hunger, hardship, and the Spanish flu in Gloucester jail on March 7, 1919, the first TD to die in office. A century ago his graveside oration was delivered by Cathal Brugha, TD. Next Sunday the oration will be delivered by his grandson, Cathal MacSwiney Brugha. The ceremony will commence at 6pm.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on Wednesday, April 10, were: 8, 11, 16 and 23. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: Kevin Whyte, Congress Terrace, Fethard.

The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners also received €50 each: Yvonne Lawlor, Killenaule; Robert O'Riordan, c/o Seamus Moloney; and Anne Connolly, Main Street, Fethard.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, April 17. 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.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, of Orlando Di-Ruzza, suddenly, following an accident. Orlando, formerly of Rockfield, Glenconnor, Clonmel and Church Street, Cahir, will be fondly remembered in Fethard when he first opened Sabatini's Fast Food Shop (The Lantern), Main Street, on Saturday, January 16, 1999.

Orlando will be sadly missed by his heartbroken children Silvana and her partner Gary, Daniela and Carlo and family, grandson, mother, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, relatives and his many friends. May Orlando Rest in Peace.

Reposing at his daughter’s residence Rockfield, Glenconnor on Saturday, April 20, from 4pm to 8pm. Funeral arriving at St. Oliver’s Church on Sunday at 2.45pm for Funeral Mass at 3pm followed by burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to the Irish Kidney Association.

GAA Sports Development Lotto
The numbers drawn on Friday, April 12, were: 18, 28, 29 and 35. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘match three’ winner who received €100: John Kenrick, Cahir.

The next draw takes place on Friday, April 19, in Burke’s Bar at 7.30pm, when the jackpot is €21,000 and the seller's prize is €1,000. A special Easter Draw will also take place for: 1st Prize €500, 2nd Prize €250 and five €50 Prizes.

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.

Easter Sunday dancing to T.R. Dallas at Fethard Ballroom
Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on Easter Sunday, April 21, to the music of ‘T.R. Dallas’. 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 Email: eileencoady@hotmail.com

U14 Munster Final winning team

Fethard’s Nicole Delaney and Aoibheann Collum photographed with cup after Tipperary won the U14 Munster Final on Saturday, April 13, in Mallow.

Senior Day at Fethard Day Care Centre
The Fethard & District Day Care Centre are holding a Senior Day on Friday, April 26, from 10am. The chiropodist is in attendance. All seniors welcome.

The late Thomas Fitzpatrick
The death has occurred on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, of Thomas Fitzpatrick, Burke, Virginia, USA and formerly, Rocklow Road, Fethard. The late Thomas was born in Fethard, on April 3, 1920, to Patrick and Margaret Fitzpatrick (née Cauty). Devoted father and grandfather to sons Thomas and James (deceased), to grandchildren Sarah, Matthew and Joanna, and to daughter-in-law Joyce. Loving brother to Patrick, Josephine, Nellie (Shortall) and James all deceased. Survived by numerous wonderful nieces and nephews in Ireland, UK and USA.

Served honourably in the Royal Air Force and then emigrated to the USA. Admired for his musical ability, intellectual curiosity and other wonderful traits. Retired from Shearson American Express after many years as a computer programmer.

Funeral service was held on Sunday, January 6, 2019, in Hodder Farenga Funeral Home, 899 McLean Avenue, Yonkers, New York 10704. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, January 7, 2019, in St. Barnabas Church, Bronx, New York, followed by interment in St. Raymonds Cemetery, 2600 Lafayette Ave, The Bronx, New York 10465, USA. May He Rest in Peace.

Fethard Sports Achievement Awards for March

Anne-Marie Butler, representing this month's sponsor Butler's Bar, presenting the Mentor of the Month award to Michael Quinlan.

The Fethard Sports Achievement Awards for March were presented on Friday night last, March 12, in Butler’s Bar. Anne-Marie Butler, representing this month's sponsor Butler's Bar, presented the ‘Mentor of the Month’ award to local coach Michael Quinlan. Michael from Tullamaine, has been synonymous with Gaelic Games in Fethard for the past 15 years. Playing for Fethard, Michael won four county senior football titles, five south senior football titles, and two south intermediate hurling titles. Since 1995 he has coached Fethard GAA Club’s senior football team, under 21, minor football and underage teams. He also coached the present Fethard U14 hurling team –winners of this year’s South Tipperary Feile title, defeating Kilsheelan in the final.


The overall Fethard Sports Achievement Award for March was won by Shane Neville, Robert Wall and Toby Collier – three young Fethard rugby players that helped Rockwell College to Munster Junior Cup success. L to R: Shane Neville, Anne-Marie Butler who accepted the award for Toby Collier, and Anthony Wall who accepted the award on behalf of his son, Robert Wall.

The overall Fethard Sports Achievement Award for March was won by Shane Neville, Robert Wall and Toby Collier – three young Fethard rugby players that helped Rockwell College to Munster Junior Cup success by beating St. Munchin’s (Limerick) in the final.

Nominees are now being accepted for the April Award and can be submitted to any member of the selection committee or handed in to Butler’s Sports Bar.

Bicentennial of Holy Trinity Parish Church
This is a very special year for Fethard as we celebrate the Bicentennial of Holy Trinity Parish Church.

In 1802, Fr. John Ryan came to Fethard and undertook the building of a new church within the walls of the town. The site for the new church was donated by Mr William Barton of Grove, who also donated one hundred guineas towards the building costs. The building work began on April 2, 1818, and Mr William Barton was invited to lay the foundation stone of the new church on April 26. The Church opened with the celebration of the first Mass on Trinity Sunday 1819. Although the church had officially opened on Trinity Sunday 1819, it was far from fully finished. When Fr. Michael Laffan succeeded Fr. Ryan as Parish Priest in 1823, he undertook the completion of Holy Trinity Church. The floor was paved with stone flags, the front gallery was erected, and the church was painted and decorated. Towards the end of the century, a number of parishioners became benefactors of the church.

A booklet will be produced later this year to commemorate the Bicentennial of Holy Trinity Parish Church and the organising committee are very interested in receiving any information or photographs that can be used in this publication.

Fethard Festival date set for Sunday, June 16
This year’s Fethard Festival Family Fun Day has now been set and will take place on Sunday, June 16, with the usual fun of the fair by the Town Wall park beside the river Clashawley, with live music and lots of stalls! Other events over the weekend will be announced closer to the date.

For those living away from Fethard, this may be the opportunity to plan your holiday around June 16, when you will see Fethard at its best along with the thousands who attend the Fethard Festival and associated events every year. Mark the date in your diary!

Fethard Parent and Toddler Group are back in Convent Community Hall
Fethard Parent and Toddler Group are back in the Convent Community Hall every Thursday morning from 10am to 12 noon. Parents are invited to come along for a ‘cuppa’ where you will meet other parents while all the kids play and get to know each other. A very social occasion where everyone is welcome. We organise loads of fun things to do, arts‘n’crafts, ride on, building blocks, dress up, and loads more – with snacks and refreshments for all. Cost is just €4 per child.

We are a Parent and Toddler Group – an informal group within the local community, which provides an opportunity for young children and their parents/carers to meet. Parent/toddler groups can be a great way of meeting other people with children the same age as yours in your area. Hope to see you all there!

‘No show like a Joe show’ at Fethard Ballroom


The Drifters showband, featuring Joe Dolan and his brother Ben Dolan, as they appeared in the New Spotlight Annual 1967. Fethard Ballroom welcomes back Joe Dolan’s family and his original band to take the stage again in Fethard on Saturday, May 4, at 8pm, when they proudly present ‘Remembering Joe’ The Joe Dolan Show -As it Was!


Members of Fethard Ballroom's organising committee for the 'Remembering Joe' show in Fethard Ballroom on Saturday, May 4, featuring the original Joe Dolan Band. Tickets at €25 are available from Fethard Post Office and Marian's Clonmel. Bar extension and disco to follow. L to R: Seamus Barry (Chairman Fethard Ballroom), Eileen Frewen, Sean O'Donovan, Anne Nevin and Michael O'Rahilly.

In Fethard Ballroom’s heyday, in the 1970s, there was one popular man who always pulled the crowds, in fact, we’re told by the manager of The Country Club, as it was known then, that Joe Dolan packed in 1,400 supporters to the hall, a record attendance never to be broken. Those who were lucky to be present at that dance will remember, there was no room to dance, and hardly room to move.

Joe Dolan was loved throughout Ireland and broke many hearts when he died suddenly on December 26, 2007. His family and band members have continued to play music in memory of Joe and these touring shows popularity continues to grow wherever they appear.


The Drifters showband, featuring Joe Dolan and his brother Ben Dolan, as they appeared in the New Spotlight Annual 1967. Fethard Ballroom welcomes back Joe Dolan’s family and his original band to take the stage again in Fethard on Saturday, May 4, at 8pm, when they proudly present ‘Remembering Joe’ The Joe Dolan Show - As it Was!

Fethard Ballroom welcomes back Joe Dolan’s family and his original band to take the stage again in Fethard on Saturday, May 4, at 8pm, when they proudly present ‘Remembering Joe’ The Joe Dolan Show -As it Was! Staring, Ben Dolan, Adrian Dolan, Ray Dolan, Sandra Dolan and Karen Carroll. Tickets at €25 are now on sale and can be purchased at Fethard Post Office and Marian’s Clonmel. This show will invoke many memories of the ‘Showband Era’ where romance flourished without a bar extension. But moving on with modern times, Fethard Ballroom will also provide a bar extension on this special occasion, with a disco to follow.

Proceeds of this event will go towards the Ballroom Committee’s maintenance of the roof, leading to many more years’ dancing in our very unique ‘Ballroom of Romance’.

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.

Faces and Places from the Past
The following are a selection of photographs of faces and places taken in our locality that may bring back memories to many of our readers and visitors to fethard.com Please send any comments or photo information, names and event, to fethardnews@gmail.com

For Facebook members, many of these photos are also published on Fethard Faces and Places from the Past page. This Facebook page is used for sharing old Fethard photographs with members of the group and is open to anyone interested in joining.


Patrician Presentation Secondary School Transition Year cast photographed after their performance of 'Grease' in the Abymill Theatre, January 1997.


Nellie Fitzgerald photographed on Gus Murray's motorbike with Kitty Flynn on the back, looking on is May Wall (left) and Nora Burke (right). Taken 15th September 1959.


"Fairyland Frolic' entry in Fethard Carnival Fancy Dress Parade.



Sheila and Michael O'Donnell (Mary Flynn's children) photographed with Brendan Kenny, Don McCarthy, Marie Scanlon, Cathy Trehy and Norma Hanrahan playing in the wooden crates at the back of Mick Trehy's garage, July 1959.

Clonmel Races - Morris Oil Steeplechase winner presentation
of trophy to Patsy O’Keane winning owner of ‘Royal Mountbrowne’, who was ridden by Charlie Swan in the Morris Oil Steeplechase of £20,000 at Clonmel Races on November 7, 1996. L to R: Joseph Crowley, Ann-Marie O’Brien, Patsy O’Keane, Isobel Morris (Morris Oil), Aidan O’Brien (trainer) and his son Joseph in front, and Frances Crowley.


Pictured above at the opening of Dóirín Saurus’s exhibition 'Thrilling Tables & Fabulous Felts' in Clonmel Library on November 9, 1996 are L to R: Dóirín Saurus, Úna Ní Shé and Theresia Guschlbauer, who officially opened the exhibition.

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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