Monday, May 13, 2019
Creative Rebellion – a lecture on the revolutionary years Capacity crowd in Fethard Ballroom for ‘Remembering Joe’ show The seated event, organised by Fethard Ballroom committee to raise funds for maintenance to the ballroom’s roof, was a credit to their voluntary efforts and their commitment to keep alive such a valuable asset in any community. People travelled from near and far to hear members of the Dolan Family, perform their ‘Remembering Joe’ show with the same vibrant performance of the original band. Joe Dolan’s many hits were performed in sequence by various members of his family, young and old, and delivered with an authenticity as close as possible to the original band. This was highlighted with the closing song of the performance, ‘Goodbye Venice Goodbye’ as the band came to the front of the stage to play and along with the voice of Joe Dolan singing this song as the packed audience joined in, many with tears in their eyes, as they joined with the family in paying tribute to this great artist, Joe Dolan, who died suddenly on December 26, 2007, leaving a huge void in the Irish music scene. Fethard’s ‘Ballroom of Romance’ first opened in 1967 as ‘The Capitol Ballroom’, now has a bright future, with the current proactive committee continually improving facilities, along with the ongoing much-needed support from Fethard community – we look forward to many more years of making music and memories to last a lifetime. Social dancing continues every Sunday night in Fethard Ballroom 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.
Volunteer with the Fethard Horse Country Experience Died Recently Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard on Wednesday, May 8, from 5.30pm with removal to the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard at 7pm. Funeral Mass on Thursday at 11am followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Annual May Procession this Sunday ‘Truth or Dare' in the FHC Experience ‘Truth or Dare’ was the theme of this year’s Poetry Ireland Day There was truth in abundance, that essential truth of poetry reflecting human experience that resonates with the listener. As for dare, to dare to read before a group, especially for the first time, requires courage even more so if one chooses to share one’s own writing. Mary Hanrahan in her introduction reminded those present that the late Cllr John Fahey who was present last year and delivered a stirring rendition of Brian Ború’s Address to His Troops before the Battle of Clontarf. As a tribute to John, Mary then read ‘Through the Window’, a meditation on loss and grief. This theme was reprised later in Ann Walsh’s lovely reading of a poignant poem written about her son Andrew who died tragically almost ten years ago. Pat Feely, Clonmel, who attends the event every year, read from his own collection, ‘Love, Ladybirds and Parkinson’s’ which is currently on sale in the FHC Experience. It was a pleasure to welcome another poet, newcomer Geraldine Gavan who read her own poems celebrating country life. The country burr of Pam Ayres as heard in an excerpt from her ‘Poems for Pensioners’ and the gently acerbic tones of American Carl Sandberg, recited by Michael Mallon, brought an international flavour to the proceedings. Marée Moclair and John Cooney both paid tribute to the venue by choosing a horse theme in their respective choices Betjeman’s ‘Hunter Trials’ and Seamus Heaney’s ‘A Lick of the Pencil’. Maureen Maher opted to read a familiar favourite ‘Down by the Sally Gardens’ by W.B. Yeats while Norberta O’Gorman introduced us to the freshly minted ‘Notre Coeur’, a response to the recent destruction of Notre Dame written by Christine Taylor, a Clonmel woman now living in Paris. One never knows what to expect in a poetry pop-up: Who’s going to come? What they will read? How will the audience respond? Once again, the session evolved with alchemy all its own. It was a seamless sharing of old favourites and fresh new voices, paying tribute to famous poets and introducing the previously unknown. As the event came to a close, Mary Hanrahan thanked those who came along to listen and were such an appreciative audience. She extended an especial thank you to all those who dared to come along and share the truth of their selected pieces. Fethard Sports Achievement Awards for April The 'Mentor of the Month' award went to Paul Shanahan, founder member and chairman Fethard Pedallers Cycling Club, who will hold their annual ‘Pink Cycle’ on Sunday, June 9. Paul was also one of the volunteers involved in training for the 'Fethard to Fethard-on-Sea' sponsored cycle that took place on Saturday, July 29, 2006, in aid of the Fethard Heart Safe Project. Nominations are now being taken for the May Award. Died Recently Coffee & Tea Morning raised €900 for Alzheimer Society Fethard Pedallers training for ‘Pink Cycle’
Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom Died in England He served as Governor at Prior Park College for several years in the 1980s and 1990s – one of the UK's largest, co-educational, Catholic, independent senior schools, set in a breathtaking location overlooking the World Heritage city of Bath. He was appointed Canon of the diocese in 1997 and lived his retirement in the same city. He celebrated his Platinum Jubilee (70 years) as a priest on July 11, 2018. May he rest in Peace. Funeral Arrangements to follow. Fethard Bridge Club Results On May 1, we played for the Kevin O’Dwyer Memorial trophy and the results of this will be announced at our President’s Prize dinner on May 12. This Wednesday, May 8, we play for the President’s Prize. Bridge starts at the earlier time of 7pm this Wednesday. Anyone looking for a partner contact Gemma Burke 086-6064148. Fethard Historical Society celebrated thirtieth anniversary The AGM of the Fethard Historical Society took place on Tuesday, April 30, in the Abymill Theatre, where Mary Hanrahan, Chairperson, welcomed everyone reminding them that last year the society celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of its formation. In the intervening twelve months, however, it became a year of loss with the demise of a number of the society’s most valued members: Kitty Delany, John Fahey, Harry Ponsonby and Michael O’Donnell. Mary paid tribute to each of them outlining their individual contributions to and support for the work of the society. They will all be sorely missed. The Treasurer’s Report was delivered with typical efficiency by Catherine O’ Flynn, followed by the Chairperson’s report, covering a wide range of events held during the thirtieth anniversary year of the society. The Fethard Historical Society continues to engage with such bodies as the Tipperary County Council, The Heritage Council, the Irish Walled Town Network, Fáilte Ireland, Tipperary Tourism, Munster Vales etc. and Mary thanked those members of the society who give their time to further that engagement. During the year, the society voiced opposition to the OPW’s Flood Plan for Fethard which was seen as overly draconian in its proposed measures. The society also took part in the public protest against the apparently ad hoc cutting down of the trees on Main Street and Burke Street. On a happier note, the society has also been involved in marking the upcoming bicentenary of Holy Trinity R.C. Parish Church which will be celebrated on Trinity Sunday June 6, 2019. It also continues to provide guided tours of the town for visiting groups. In conclusion, Mary thanked everyone for their work throughout the year and reminded those present that new members are always welcome. The election of the committee then took place as follows: Mary Hanrahan, Chairperson, Terry Cunningham Vice-Chair, John Cooney, Secretary, Frances Murphy, Asst. Secretary, Catherine O’Flynn, Treasurer, Pat Looby, Asst. Treasurer, Mary Healy, P.R.O., Canon Barbara Fryday, Maria Murphy, Marie O’Donnell, Michael Mallon, Sandra McInerney and Gwen Cooke. The Regeneration of Rural Towns a lecture by Liam Mannix, Heritage Council. The AGM was followed by a lecture on ‘The Regeneration of Rural Towns’ by Liam Mannix, Heritage Council and Project Manager of the Irish Walled Towns Network. Liam will be leaving this post in September, so it was a most opportune moment for the society to invite him to come along and share the accumulated wisdom of his last nine years with the Heritage Council. Liam’s lecture was lucid, factual and very enlightening. The overall message was starkly simple: all these towns face the same challenges, all these towns can rise to meet these challenges but not all those towns will, and those that don’t will not survive. It is not all doom and gloom, however, and the focus of the lecture was to demonstrate all the positive ways in which towns can best prepare to ensure future survival. Every town has amazing potential but it is important to identify the main elements of that potential and crucially to manage expectations, keeping them realistic and attainable. It is necessary to be fully honest about the town’s issues and be open to sourcing appropriate outside expertise. To date, the towns that are succeeding are those where there is a strong community spirit with lots of committed voluntary organisations, where there is ongoing involvement with the local authorities and where the private sector also comes on board to engage with initiatives. It is vital to involve as wide a cross section of the local community in order to achieve success. Mary Hanrahan, Chairperson, then presented Liam with some of the Society’s publications as a memento of his visit to Fethard and took the opportunity to wish him well in the next stage of his career. Transition Year’s contribution to Holy Trinity’s Bi-centenary celebrations Trinity Sunday is celebrated annually on the eight Sunday after Easter. People from all over Munster came to take part in a ‘Pattern’ celebration that was held in Fethard at this time. It is recorded that, for weeks beforehand, the streets of Fethard were filled with booths to cater for the many visitors. This practice ended towards the end of the 19th century. These statues were then given on loan to The National Museum, Kildare Street, Dublin in 1948, where they can now be viewed today as an important part of the museum’s permanent exhibition on Medieval Ireland. The students’ sculptures, inspired by these statues, can be viewed in The Holy Trinity Parish Church in Fethard, where they will be put on permanent display. The sculptures were commissioned by Parish Priest, Fr. Liam Everard, to celebrate the bi-centenary of the church and were unveiled on the special Youth Evening during the recent Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in April. Junk Kouture A large contingent of pupils, staff and local community members travelled to Dublin for the event and provided great support for the school on the night. Thank you very much to the Board of Management, parents, staff, pupils and the local community for all their support of the Junk Kouture competition. Fethard Festival date set for Sunday, June 16 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! 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. South Finalists Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, May 8. 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 next draw takes place on Friday, May 10 in Burke’s Bar at 7.30pm, when the jackpot is €21,300 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. Faces and Places from the Past 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. Share this page on Facebook
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The death has occurred on Monday, May 6, 2019, of Bill Meaney, Crampscastle, Fethard. Bill, predeceased by his wife Maura, is deeply regretted by his daughters Pauline, Bernie, Marie and Roseanne, his brothers Jim and Michael, grandchildren Bob and Harry, sons-in-law Robert and Micheál, nieces Mary, Catherine and Lisa, nephew Martin, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, grandnephews, grandnieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace
The death has occurred on Friday, May 10, 2019, of Jim Williams, Killusty, Fethard, suddenly at South Tipperary General Hospital. Very deeply regretted by his loving wife Kay, daughters Claire, Martha and Catriona, son-in-law Raymond, grandchildren, brother Christy, relatives and friends. May Jim Rest In Peace.
The death has occurred on April 27, 2019, of Canon Mattie Hayes, aged 94, in Bristol, England. Mattie, originally from Rathoole, Fethard, travelled to England during the second world war. He was appointed parish priest at Sts Peter & Paul Parish, Combe Down, in the Deanery of Bath and in the Diocese of Clifton from 1975 to 1983. 
