Fun and Frolics at Fantastic Fethard Festival
Banna Chluain Meala, led the parade to the Town Wall with a terrific performance and wonderful display from their colourful majorettes.
Sunday last, June 16, was another memorable Festival for the huge crowd that attended the unique ‘Family Fun Day’ and Fancy Dress Parade, that is fast becoming recognised as one of the best family day outs in the county, in particular for value and entertainment. Even the weather did its best and avoided delivering the much worse expected forecast.
We are very grateful to the Magnier Family at Coolmore Stud who are great supporters of this community event every year by providing all the free amusement rides and entertainment, staff support, along with providing our surrounding local schools with vouchers for free ice-cream and burgers on the day. This his really helps to make this ‘Family Day’ special and affordable for all.
Wig Wam Glam Band entertaining the crowd
Fethard Rugby Club looked after the very popular food stall, as they have for many years, and are to be complimented again on their high quality reasonably priced products and friendly service.
Live music and entertainment was provided by the popular ‘Wig Wam Glam Band’, who gave a great performance all afternoon, receiving the highest of praise from young and old. Banna Chluain Meala, led the parade to the Town Wall with a terrific performance and wonderful display from their colourful majorettes. They gave a repeat performance by the Town Wall, adding a special ambience to the afternoon.
Fianna, daughter of Helena McCormack Euchner, Kerry Street, who travels home every year from Berlin, Germany, for Fethard Festival. This year Fianna won First Prize in the Artistic section for her entry as 'Mary Poppins'
Special treat from display of ‘bikers'
Pamela Daly (left) organiser of 'BikeFest at Fethard' photographed with friends Brenda Cronin and Michael Crotty at Fethard Festival.
One of the unexpected treats this year was the arrival of over 40 motorcycles for the parade, many travelling from West Cork and other faraway places connected by good roads. Their ‘BikeFest in Fethard’ entry was hugely appreciated by all, as was the spectacle of their gleaming powerful bikes lined up for all to view by the town wall – a treat for young and old. Local ‘biker’ Pamela Daly must be complimented for her organisational and persuasive skills in helping to making this ‘BikeFest in Fethard’ display happen.
Some of the ‘Bikefest in Fethard’ riders and followers’ who participated in the Fethard Fancy Dress Parade to raise awareness and support for Mental Health.
Thanks also to our many local bikers who were also present in big numbers and we mustn’t forget to mention that all the riders present were most impressive with their friendliness and willingness to answer questions from young and old on the day.
‘No Worries’ part of the ‘BikeFest in Fethard’ entry
The group, supporting mental health awareness, won first prize in the parade’s float section and donated their €150 prizemoney immediately afterwards to the nearby ‘C-Saw’ stall – Tipperary Community Suicide Awareness Workers. A credit to their passion for bikes and the community they live in. We do hope they will be back to visit Fethard again!
Local bikers Sal Farag and Cathal Brett (right), who were part of the ‘BikeFest in Fethard’ entry.
Bernard O'Shea on his bike, part of the ‘BikeFest in Fethard’ entry.
Liam Kenny 'Driving Miss Daisy' part of the 'BikeFest in Fethard' entry
Looking after the Field Archery stand at Fethard Festival were L to R: Danny Whelan, Tara Byrne and Tony McGarry.
L to R: Patrick Carroll and Gerard Ryan from Clonmel photographed at Fethard Festival Family Fun Day
Fancy Dress Parade led by Banna Chluain Meala
'Medieval Times in Fethard' one of the winning entries in the Fethard Festival Fancy Dress Parade L to R: Lorraine Collum, Billy Hayes (front), Paul Hayes and Lucy Kenny.
Watching the Fancy Dress Parade on Main Street
'Community Comradery' overall winning entry in the Fethard Festival Fancy Dress Parade.
‘Vampires’ entry who were among the winners in the Medieval section of the Fethard Festival Fancy Dress Parade. Melissa Breen photographed with her children L to R: Kayleigh, Ryan, Cian, Melissa and Shay.
The Fancy Dress Parade entries were somewhat depleted by clashing with the Munster Championship Hurling game between Tipperary and Limerick. Happily, we all had good results! The Fancy Dress Parade tradition in Fethard has a huge history which first began in in 1926, when over one thousand people travelled by train from Clonmel to Fethard for the Carnival and a similar amount travelled by special train from the Farranaleen direction.
'Gangsters and Robbers of Fethard' who were among the prizewinners in the Fethard Festival Fancy Dress Parade. L to R: Zara Keane, T.J. Keane and Freddie Clemson.
'The Karate Kids' at the start of the Fancy Dress Parade L to R: Amy, Ryan and Lauren O'Meara.
Kate Butler as 'Katie Taylor' at the Fethard Festival Fancy Dress Parade.
Sean O'Callaghan ar 'Donald Trump' in the Fancy Dress Parade
Sinead O'Callaghan holding her daughter Aisling, dressed as a 'Butterfly Fairy' for the Fancy Dress Parade.
'Pony for Sale' entry in the Fethard Festival Fancy Dress Parade
Photographed at the Fethard Festival Fancy Dress Parade are Matthias Euchner, Helen McCormack Euchner with their two children Éinín and Fianna, and their friend.
Fethard & Killusty Community Council would love to revive these memorable days of old and have invested money for prizes to help promote the fun and life-long memories created by entering the fancy dress parade. This year the credit goes to the families who prepared their children’s entries who individually were very impressive. We did have some prizes available for the adult individual and group sections that, unfortunately, had no entries! Hopefully we can address the categories next year to encourage more participation from adults.
Michael O'Mahoney (front), Clonmel, photographed with his sister Shirley Conway, mother Mary O'Mahoney and niece Hazel Conway at the Fethard Festival Fun Day
Banna Chluain Meala Majorettes performing by Fethard's Medieval Town Wall.
Large crowds enjoying the free entertainment by the Town Wall
Fancy Dress Parade judges busy at their task L to R: Cecily Purcell, Emily Graafland and Marian Gilpin.
Our dutiful judges this year with the hard job of choosing winners were: Marian Gilpin, Emily Graafland and Cecily Purcell. We appreciate their time and effort, along with their vast experience in ‘Fancy Dress’ participation and in deciding this year’s winners as follows: Overall Prize went to ‘Rural Ireland Past’; overall runner up was ‘Pony for Sale’. Best Float or Group winner was ‘BikeFest in Fethard’; Second, Fethard GAA Club; Third, Fethard Rugby Club.
Medieval Theme the adult winner was ‘Medieval Junes in Fethard’; second was ‘Vampires’. In the Medieval Children’s section, the winner was ‘My Knight in Shining Armour’.
Artistic Theme winner was ‘Mary Poppins’; Second was ‘Shirley Temple’; and Third was ‘Magic Cat’. Humorous Theme winner was ‘ATM Group’; Second was Festival Ready’; and Third was ‘Penguins’. Topical Theme winner was ‘Donald Trump’.
Fethard Juvenile GAA Club's entry in the Festival Parade.
Matty Tynan and friends at ‘The Local’ in the Fancy Dress Parade
'Sign of The Times' entry in the Festival Fancy Dress Parade
Fethard Rugby Club's entry in the Festival Parade
Members of the extended McCarthy family originally from The Green, back in Fethard for the Fethard Festival Family Fun Day
Denise and Conor Fleming photographed with their children Sarah and Sam at the Fethard Festival Family Fun Day.
Esther McCormack (front) meeting her former neighbours from The Green at the Festival. Standing L to R: Tony McCarthy, Don McCarthy, Theresa McCarthy, Mary Sayers, Margaret McCarthy and Michael McCarthy.
Norah and Kevin O'Meara with their family at Fethard Festival Family Fun Day.
L to R: Sadie Ryan, Hanna O'Sullivan and Anna Hayes.
Gene and Tony McCarthy, Clonmel, with their three grandchildren who also played with Banna Chluain Meala L to R: Tara O'Sullivan, Gene McCarthy, Rena O'Sullivan, Tony McCarthy and Doireann McGarry. Tony is formerly from The Green, Fethard.
Members of the Costello family photographed at the Festival
L to R: Ann Drumm, visiting from Dublin, with Gemma Burke.
Children getting to meet and feed the very friendly Alpacas at the Festival Family Fun Day
Enjoying the Fun Day in Fethard are L to R: Roisín Tyrell, Ines Byrne, Meadbh Collum and Claire O'Donnell.
Large crowds at the various stalls at this year’s Family Fun Day
Sampling the 'Coleman Cup Cakes' at Fethard Festival Family Fun Day are L to R: Ava Goldsboro, Coleen Tobin, Imelda Goldsboro, Emily Mai Ryan, Brianagh Casey and Caoilinn Casey.
Enjoying the Festival are L to R: Sophie Ryan, Shane Ryan, Eamon Keane, Timmy Hurley and Tommy Keane.
Helping with the catering on the Fethard Rugby Club stall are L to R: Billy Magnier, Hugh O'Connor and Ken Lee.
Liam Hayes kept busy at the Fethard Rugby Club stall
Large crowds at the various stalls at this year’s Family Fun Day
Dog Show results
“Would you like to dance?” . . . these two dogs meeting at the Dog Show appear to have a joint urge to dance or just be friends!
Thomas O'Reillly holding his dog 'Princess, with family members Shannon and Diana at the dog show
Jason Mackey with his dog 'Bella' who was a prizewinner in the Dog Show
Kate Murphy with her dog 'Honey' who won first prize in 'The Dog You Would Most Like to Take Home' section of the Dog Show.
Maeve O'Sullivan with her dog 'Mini' at the Dog Show
The Dog Show, under the guidance of Pat Culligan and Catherine Kearney, delivered the following results. Best Large Dog: First ‘Sasha’ walked by Aishling; Second ‘Izzy’ walked by Grace; Third ‘Tammy’ walked by Virginia.
- Best Small Dog: First ‘Princess’ walked by Diane; Second ‘Bella’ walked by Linda; Third ‘Calie’ walked by Jacinta.
- Dog You Would Most Like to Take Home: First ‘Honey’; Second ‘Colsi’; Third ‘Dylan’. All participants received a small prize from fourth to twenty-second.
- The Waggiest Tail: First ‘Tino, walked by Emma; Second ‘’Mia’ walked by Susan; Third ‘Macy’ walked by Ria.
- Best Handler U10: First ‘Chloe’ handled by Kate; Second ‘Harley’ handled by Adelle; Third Larsson’ handled by Saoirse. All participants in this class received a small prize from fourth to eighth.
- Fancy Dress: First ‘Penny’ walked by Louise; Second, ‘Lena’ walked by Gerry; Third, ‘Camilla’ walked by Virginia.
- Supreme Champion 2019: ‘Sasha’ walked by Aishling; Reserve Champion 2019, ‘Honey’ walked by Emma.
Dog Show organisers Catherine Kearney (left) and Pat Culligan presenting this year’s Supreme Champion for 2019 to ‘Sasha’ walked by Aishling and owned by Hayley Farrell.
Children enjoying the free amusements compliments of the Magnier Family at Coolmore Stud
Enjoying the music of the ‘Wig Wam Glam Band’
William Doyle and Michael Lawrence happy with their purchases at the Family Fun Day
Plenty to see and do at this year’s Family Fun Day . . .
Sisters Gillian and Pamela Shine photographed at the Fethard Festival Fun Day
Not too sure if they're friendly? . . . safer to look the other way!
L to R: Una Kiernan, Damien Byrne, Paul Hayes, Shane Kenny and Brendan Kenny
Happy family all set for home after a great day at Fethard Festival Fun Day.
The two Larrys having a chat L to R: Larry O'Gorman and Larry O'Keeffe
Children enjoying the amusement rides at Fethard Family Fun Day
L to R: Old friends and neighbours Willie O'Meara and Benny Morrissey.
L to R: Riona O'Sullivan, Padraig McCarthy and Rachel Guest.
Large crowds at the various stalls at this year’s Family Fun Day
Fethard Rugby Club members feeling the strain at the Tug-O-War challenge for the Leetherm Perpetual Cup.
Ken Lee and his team pulling to victory in the Tug-O-War Challenge at Fethard Festival
Winners of the 'Leetherm Cup' at the first year's Tug-O-War challenge at the Festival Family Fun Day. Back L to R: Eddie Stokes, Ashley Weston, Chris Crosby, Jake Lawlor and Richie Loughnane. Front L to R: Erin Slattery, Ken Lee and Sinead Lee.
‘Duck Race’ results
Fethard Business & Tourism Group's 'Duck Race' results were: 1st Prize €50 to Martin Burke, Burkes Bar, Fethard; 2nd Prize €30 to Gillian Collier, McCarthys Hotel, Fethard; and 3rd Prize €20 to Helen McCluskey (Fergus), Monaghan Town.
Eoin wins three gold medals at Italian Racquetball Open
Photographed after the presentation of prizes at the Mens Open Racquetball Singles are L to R: Padraic Ryder (runner-up), Marco Arnoldi (Tournament Director) and Eoin Tynan (winner).
Congratulations to Eoin Tynan, formerly from St. Patrick’s Place, Fethard, who continues to reach new heights in his racquetball career, winning three gold medals at the recent 13th Italian Open Racquetball championships.
Eoin will now travel to Korea next month to represent Ireland in the first Eurasia Championship to be held from July 5 to July 7, in Seoul. In September he will travel to Hamburg, Germany, to compete in the European Championships. Well done Eoin and best of luck from all in Fethard!
Ryan Walsh plays for Tipperary Minor Hurling team
 Congratulations to Ryan Walsh, son of Eugene Walsh and his late wife Tracy, Kilnockin Road, Fethard, who started at No 7 on the Tipperary Minor hurling team that played Limerick in Semple Stadium on Sunday last, June 16. Although well-beaten on the day, 3-24 to Tipperary’s 1-15, this young Tipperary team, many of whom are underage again next year, will have gained vast experience playing this sharper Limerick side.
Ryan, from an early age, has excelled in all sports that he took part in including, athletics, soccer, football, hurling and was chosen as the overall ‘Young Sportsman of the Year’ at the Butler’s Bar Sports Achievement Awards for 2018. We wish Ryan every success in the future and no doubt, this is just the beginning of this young Fethard man’s sporting career.
Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on Sunday, June 23, to the music of ‘Checkers’. 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
Cemetery Masses in Fethard
Mass will be celebrated at Calvary Cemetery, Fethard, on Friday, July 5, at 7.30pm. Please come along to this special celebration remembering our family and friends who have passed to their eternal reward. On Friday, July 12, Mass will be celebrated at Red City Cemetery at 7.30pm.
100km Louis Coen Memorial Cycle to raise funds for South Tipperary General Hospital
 On Saturday, June 29, fourteen cyclists will depart from Killusty to complete a 100km cycle in memory of the late Louis Coen, Killusty. The aim of this event is to raise as much funds as possible for Palliative Care at South Tipperary General Hospital in Clonmel. Many of us in recent times have relied on the outstanding Palliative Care team who provide families with assistance, assurances and kindness during very difficult times.
The cycle will be kept local, with a route in and around Killusty, Cloneen and Fethard areas. The cyclists taking part and accepting donations are Michael Quinlan, Gerry Murphy, P.J. Aherne, Mikey Aherne, Liam McInerney, Johnny Neville, Eugene Blanchfield, John Hurley, Chris Coen, Jimmy O'Meara, Tommy Gahan, Tom Anglim, Stephen O'Donnell and Tony Shelly. Donations can also be made to the online ‘Go Fund Me’ webpage called ‘100km Cycle in Aid of Palliative Care Team S.T.G.H.’ or CLICK HERE
The group look forward to a successful event and take this opportunity to thank you for your support. All donations will go directly to the Palliative Care Team at S.T.G.H. Clonmel.
‘A Musical Picnic’ - Clonacody '19 - this weekend
‘A Musical Picnic’ – the annual charity fundraiser at Clonacody House, Fethard, will take place this coming weekend, Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23. This event’s proceeds this year will go towards the Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.
On this Saturday evening, June 22, the highlight will start at 8pm with The Clonacody Proms featuring ‘A Night at The Movies’ with Ryan Morgan, Derek Ryan, Aisling Larkin and other guests.
On Sunday afternoon, June 23, a special family fun day takes place on the lawns of Clonacody House from 2pm, where families are invited to ‘Bring a Picnic’ and enjoy family games, face-painting, bouncy castles and lots more on the spacious grounds, with live music supplied by Pat Marnane, The Bloody Celts and other guests.
Food will also be available to purchase from the on-site BBQ, ice cream stall and full bar service. A marquee will also be available for those wishing to remain in the shade.
On Sunday night at 8pm, Ireland’s newest tenor trio, ‘The Emerald Tenors’, will perform all your favourite Irish songs in the fully heated and seated marquee in the beautiful surrounds of Clonacody House, Fethard.
Day tickets are €20 (one day’s events); Weekend tickets (all events) €30; and Family Fun Day only €10. All kids go free. Enquiries to 087 2491228. Proceeds in aid of Motor Neurone Disease Association and Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.
Midsummer Ramble to Everardsgrange
This year the Fethard Historical Society’s Midsummer Ramble is a short trip to Everardsgrange Cemetery. Leaving from the Augustinian Abbey car park at 7.30pm on Friday, June 21. Suitable footwear advised. Bring a light picnic if you wish. Tea and coffee will be provided. All are welcome.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Sunday, June 16, 2019, of Elizabeth 'Betty' Cunningham (née Anglim), Moyglass, Fethard. Betty, predeceased by her husband Eamon, is very deeply regretted by her loving family, daughters Claire, Carol, Olive, Carmel and Joyce, son Conor, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends. May she rest in peace.
Reposing at O'Connell's Funeral Home, Killenaule this Tuesday evening, June 18, from 5pm to 7.30pm, arriving at St. Joseph The Worker Church, Moyglass at 8pm. Funeral Mass on Wednesday, June 19, at 11.30am, followed by burial in adjoining Cemetery.
Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on Wednesday, June 12, were: 5, 15, 19 and 20. There was no jackpot winner and two ‘Match Three’ winners who received €75 each: Lar Looby (Jnr), Woodvale Walk, Fethard; and Teresa Fogarty, Pike Street, Killenaule.
The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners also received €50 each: Philip Turner, c/o Thelma Griffith; Amy Sweeney, The Valley, Fethard; and Teresa Fenlon, c/o Mary Sayers.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, June 19. 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 14, were: 4, 12, 29 and 31. There was no jackpot winner and three ‘match three’ winners who €40 each: Fiona Cummins, Kilknockin View, Fethard; Esther Breen, Barrack Street, Fethard; and Ali O‘Connell, c/o St Rita’s Camogie Club.
The next draw takes place on Friday, June 21, in Burke’s Bar at 7.30pm, when the jackpot is €21,900 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.
Day Care Centre AGM
The Fethard & District Day Care Centre will hold their Annual General Meeting on Thursday, June 27, at 8pm in the Tirry Community Centre, Barrack Street, All are welcome.
We would also like to thank our clients, family members, and friends who joined us on our annual holiday to Galway last month and especially our volunteers who give of their time and pay for the privilege of coming with us year after year. The savings club will re-open in September for next year's holiday.
If you are still considering joining the Fethard Pedallers club, you are more than welcome. Please check our Facebook page for further details.
Lough Derg Pilgrimage Season
Cashel and Emly Three-Day Pilgrimage will take place from Thursday, June 20, to Saturday, June 22. For further information about travel arrangements contact: Bridget O'Dea (Loughmore) Tel: 086-6792754 or Fr Martin Murphy (Drom), Tel: 086-3868877.
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
Pictured on the occasion of the visit of the National Youth Information Coordinator to the Clonmel Youth Information Centre on July 8, 1993. Back L to R: Miriam Doyle, Doreen Carthy, Miriam Twomey (volunteers), John Lawless (Youth Information Officer W.R.Y.S.), Breda Hogan, Ann Kearns, Nellie O'Brien, Mai O'Shea, Colleen McCormack (volunteers). Front L to R: Willie O'Donnell, (volunteer), Frances Newman (National Youth Information Coordinator), Eoin O'Neill (Regional Youth Director W.R.Y.S.), Claire Hartley (Youth & Community Worker W.R.Y.S.).
At a gathering of the 'Mockler's Hill, Coolmoyne, Fort Aengus' Bóthar Group on July 8, 1993, in Cashel, they were happy to welcome Dr. Bernard Muyaya from Uganda. Dr. Muyeya, a Veterinary Surgeon, is responsible for the field programme in Uganda, he together with his team selects and prepares families to receive Irish Cows. Dr. Muyeya presented each of the donors with a photograph of heifers with their new Ugandan families. L to R: Julianne Maher, Bóthar; Paddy Morrissey; Fr. Derry Quirke; Dr. Bernard Muyeya; Eamon Quirke, Bóthar; Peter Ireton, secretary Bóthar; Mary Quirke; Dean James Ryan P.P. Cashel.
Talking of times past at Old Bridge, Clonmel, on July 9, 1993, are three of the last Tipperary football team to play in a Munster Final against Kerry in July 1944. L to R: Tommy O'Keeffe, William 'Bunny' Lambe and Jim Williams.
Cllr. Michael O’Brien, Mayor of Clonmel, cutting the tape at the official opening of the new Respond Housing Scheme at Oakland Drive, Clonmel, on July 11, 1993. Included are: Richard Brannigan, chairperson residents committee; Kathy Lanigan, Respond Educational Officer; Jamie Wallace, Director Respond; Fr. Pat Cogan O.F.M., Chairman Respond; Jim Quigley, Quantity Surveyor; Luke Halley, Builder; Jimmy Sweeney, Town Foreman with Clonmel Corporation.
Ladies from Drangan ICA guild pictured at the Drangan Homecoming Festival Fancy Dress Parade on July 11, 1993.
Rachel Outhram (2nd from right) from Killusty, pictured with sisters Stephanie, Susan and Joan O’Shea from Cloran, Cloneen, at the Drangan Homecoming Festival on July 11, 1993.
Ready for the start of the ‘Egg & Spoon’ race at the Drangan Homecoming Festival on July 11, 1993.
Paul Horan, Knockura, Drangan, dressed up for the Fancy Dress Parade on July 11, 1993.
Marie and Máiréad Winters from Hillview, Drangan at the Drangan Homecoming Festival on July 11, 1993.
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.
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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