Died Recently
Our sincere sympathy to the family of Damir Tomic and his partner, Anna Sobloher, on the tragic death of Damir who died following a freak accident at around 3pm on Friday, August 16, at Gladstone Street, Clonmel, when a car driven by a woman in her early 70s was in a collision with a pole, which then struck him. He was rushed to South Tipperary Hospital, where he died in the early hours of Saturday, August 17. The woman is uninjured but has been treated for shock.

The late Damir, from Croatia, has worked and lived in Fethard for many years and will be well-remembered by locals for his very friendly countenance and smiles for all who met him in Fethard.  Damir worked at RibWorld, Fethard, and lived at The Lilacs, Burke Street, Fethard. Damir’s devastated partner, Anna Sobloher, has returned early from a holiday in Croatia, to assist with arrangements following this tragic accident.  May he rest in peace.

The staff at RibWorld, Fethard, have arranged a special Mass in memory of their colleague Damir Tomic in Holy Trinity Parish Church this Friday, August 23, at 10am.  Damir's remains will be returned to his family home in Croatia for burial in the the coming days.

Beekeepers helping to keep our local bees-a-buzzin’

Photographed at the South Tipperary Bee Keepers Beginner's Class in Honey Extraction, held in Fethard ICA Hall are Back L to R: Erica Reeves (Secretary). Maggie Quirke, Sheena Hanrahan, Anne Horan. Front L to R: Daniel Hanrahan and Noel Ryan.

In these days when we’re reminded that one third of our bee species are threatened with extinction from Ireland, it’s very welcome news to see the South Tipperary Beekeepers Association continue to organise beginner’s classes in beekeeping in our local communities. Each year STBA organise a Beginners Course, for those wishing to get involved in beekeeping and on Wednesday, August 7, one such class, held in the ICA Hall in Fethard, demonstrated how the pure honey is extracted from the bee hives. The process was very interesting and encouraging to see the beginners wanting to get involved in beekeeping.

The format consists generally of two, one day courses taking place on the first and second weekend of April. The local committee had twenty attempting the course this year. Following the introduction nights, the members follow up with weekly visits to their apiary at Powerstown, where people have the experience of seeing a hive being opened for the first time – a daunting sight for some! Beginners also meet up and form friendships with experienced Beekeepers. As the weeks progress students learn how to handle bees with ease, and more importantly, can decide if beekeeping is a craft they wish to pursue into the future.


Fintan Morrissey (left) giving a demonstration of how honey is extracted at the South Tipperary Bee Keepers Beginner's Class held in Fethard ICA Hall. Watching the process are Maggie Quirke, Daniel Hanrahan and Anne Horan.

The propagation of bees is hugely important due to the drastically reduced amount of food (flowers) and safe nesting sites in our landscapes. Today, the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan asks all of us, from farmers to local authorities, to schools, gardeners and businesses, to come together and try to create an Ireland where our pollinators can survive and thrive. The South Tipperary Beekeepers Association’s demonstration in Fethard on Wednesday last was to explain to people how to go about extracting their first and probably most important crop of honey ever and as usual, a good night was had by all.

For further information you can contact any member of the committee: Gerry Clancy (chairman), Erika Reeves (secretary), Anne Ryan (treasurer), or pay a visit to their very informative website www.southtippbees.com

Killusty boys to represent Tipperary at All-Ireland finals

Jake Feery, Killusty, who will represent Tipperary in ‘cycling-on-grass’ in the Community Games All-Ireland finals at University of Limerick

Congratulations to Jake Feery and Sam Donovan, both from the little village of Killusty, who will represent Tipperary in cycling-on-grass and athletics at the Aldi Community Games All-Ireland finals in University of Limerick next weekend. They will be joined by the U12 boys’ soccer team who will represent Munster.


Sam Donovan, Killusty, who will represent Tipperary in Athletics in the Community Games All-Ireland finals at University of Limerick

This is a great honour for all of these local boys and we wish them the very best of luck.

Cashel and Emly Pilgrimage to Lough Derg
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place on Tuesday, September 3 and Wednesday, September 4. Taking in Mass at Knock Shrine on Tuesday, September 3 and an overnight stay in Bundoran. One day Retreat in Lough Derg on Wednesday, September 4; Guided day of prayer and reflection; Healing of Memories; including the option of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the celebration of Eucharist in St. Patrick's Basilica. It is advisable to bring warm and waterproof clothing (pilgrims keep their footwear on).

Buses cover most areas throughout the county. For further details on travel arrangements: contact Bridget O'Dea, (Loughmore) 086-6792754. or Fr. Martin Murphy (Drom/Inch) 086-3868877.

Young martial arts students perform well in Dublin

Starts of the future, Jayden, Katelyn and Killian Setters, who performed well at the the ‘Best of the Best’ Martial Arts Event in Dublin on Saturday, August 10.

Congratulations to Jayden, Killian and Katelyn Setters, three students from Galteemor Kickboxing Club in Fethard, who attended the ‘Best of the Best’ Event in Dublin on Saturday, August 10. This is one of the largest Martial Arts shows in Ireland, where Jayden and Killian both reached the semifinals in their category, and their sister Katelyn Setters won a silver medal in her U6 category. Katelyn is one of the youngest members of the club and is showing great potential for the future.

Fethard Historical Society’s 2019 Summer Outing
This year Fethard Historical Society and friends will travel to Killaloe and the Lough Derg region, on the border between Co. Clare and Co. Tipperary, on Saturday, August 31, by bus departing at 8.15am from Main Street, Fethard.


Lough Derg, as seen from above Holy Island. Pic: Niall Culligan

The highlight will be a brief 1 kilometre boat journey from Mountshannon to Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) for a guided tour of its well-preserved round tower; ruins of six churches; a Holy Well and ballaun stones.

For those with a love of gardening and food, a visit and guided tour of the Irish Seed Savers Association’s national twenty-acre centre is planned. This centre, near Scarriff, saves and propagates Ireland’s native varieties of fruit and vegetables, especially apples and potatoes. Then its onwards to Killaloe, the location of ‘Kincora’, Brian Ború’s Palace and St. Flannan’s Cathedral – the old cathedral for the Diocese of Killaloe which covers most of north Tipperary.

There is a limit of 30 people on this trip, costing €40 per person, which includes travel, boat trip, entrance fees, guides and morning coffee/tea break. People are asked to bring a packed-lunch for mid-day (tea /coffee will be provided). There will be a stop for an evening meal, at peoples’ own discretion, on our homeward journey. This promises to be an ‘outdoorsy’ outing, so suitable footwear and rain-proof clothing are advised.

It is envisaged that the coach will not be back in Fethard until after 10pm. Booking by text to: 087 9305232 or be email to: history@fethard.com

Recent Birthdays

Ciara Connolly celebrating her 18th Birthday with family members L to R: Siobhán Curran, Mark Curran, Ciara Connolly, Dorothy Connolly, Jack Connolly and Mollie Curran.


Members of the Fitzgerald family photographed on the occasion of Mrs Nora Fitzgerald's 90th Birthday celebrated in McCarthy's Restaurant, Fethard. Charlene Burke, Cian Burke, Rita Fitzgerald, Mike Fitzgerald, Nora Fitzgerald, Sr Margaret Nugent, Bernie O'Brien, Mikie O'Brien and Donna O'Brien.

Newfoundland-Irish group looking for Fethard Family Hosts in 2020

The Ireland Newfoundland Connections group (based in south Tipperary and Waterford) are already planning their ‘2020 exchange visit’ of Newfoundlanders to Ireland in late August of next year. On Friday, August 23, a ‘coach load’ of people from the South East of Ireland are flying to Newfoundland – some for the fifth time – to stay mainly with families. The following year, 2020, the Newfoundlanders come to Ireland, and so it goes every year, and this is where Fethard becomes involved in 2020.

The friendship group have contacted the Fethard Historical Society to see if Fethard would ‘host’ the Newfoundland group for ‘three nights B&B and one ‘getting to know you’ evening meal in August 2020. The same Newfoundland group will also spend three nights in Co. Waterford and three nights in county Wexford.

The organising tour group, and Fethard Historical Society at local level, will look after all other arrangements and arrange daytime and evening programmes for the visitors. One evening - going by what happened other years - is a ‘concert/music session’ where local Irish and Newfoundlanders get together to trade music and stories.

The Fethard Historical Society, are willing to act as the ‘Fethard host group 2020 ‘ if sufficient offers of three free nights B&B are provisionally indicated before the Irish group fly out to stay with the Newfoundland families on August 23.

Up to half the population of Newfoundland have Irish ancestry and the forbearers of these Irish Canadians nearly came exclusively from counties Waterford, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Wexford. They all left in the 1700s and early 1800s (before the Great Famine) to work in the fishing industry. In fact, the Irish word for Newfoundland is Talamh an Éisc, which literally means ‘the fishing grounds’. Many people from the Fethard area also travelled their for work and some eventually settled there where their existence is recorded on the local headstones.

Some of the Fethard deaths recorded in Newfoundland include:

• 1861 (October 29) – John Trahy, Age 28. Native of Fethard, Co. Tipperary, Ireland. Funeral from residence of Michael Farrell.
• 1864 (January 11) – John O'Donnell, Age 64. Native of Fethard, County Tipperary, Ireland. 50 years in Newfoundland.
• 1868 (January 7) – Mr E. St. John, Age 55. Native of Fethard, Co. Tipperary, Ireland. Came here 31 years ago.

Anyone who would wish to host a couple or a single person(s) in August 2020, can contact the Fethard Historical Society by phone: 087 9009722, or email: history@fethard.com

We look forward to enough volunteers coming forward to ensure our ‘exiles’ will be welcomed home as they welcome the Irish to Newfoundland every second year.

Social life in Fethard

Enjoying a social drink in Lonergan’s Bar in Fethard are L to R: Willie Grant, Sarah Grant, Margaret Grant and Kathleen Connolly.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on Wednesday, August 7, were: 3, 10, 15 and 25. There was no jackpot winner and two ‘Match Three’ winners who received €75 each: Oliver Maher, Kilknockin, Fethard; and Robert O'Riordan, c/o Seamus Moloney.

The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Martin White, Drangan, Thurles; Anna Cooke, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard; and Therese/Kate Murphy, c/o Maria Murphy.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, August 14. 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.

Social life in Fethard

Enjoying a social drink in McCarthys are L to R: Liam Hayes, Charlie Manton, Suzanna Manton, Joan Hayes, Paul Kavanagh and Gerard Manton.

GAA Sports Development Lotto
The numbers drawn on Friday, August 9, were: 1, 19, 31 and 33. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘match three’ winner. One Luck Dip winner received €50: John Neville, Kilknockin, Fethard. Two Lucky Dip winners received €25 each: Ailish Sheehan, Garrinch, Fethard; and Bernie Holohan, Strylea, Fethard.

The next draw takes place on Friday, August 16, in Burke’s Bar at 7.30pm, when the jackpot is €22,700 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.

Road Resurfacing Work on Main Street, August 12-20

Road resurfacing works on the R689 Main Street Fethard, from 8am to 7pm from August 12 to August 20. Temporary traffic management with some diversions around Fethard will be in place and delays can be expected. Please note that car parking restrictions will apply at Main Street during course of the works. Tipperary County Council regrets any inconvenience caused. Please visit www.tipperarycoco.ie for more information.

Fethard Bridge Club lessons for beginners
Fethard Bridge Club will commence bridge lessons for beginners on Monday, September 2, at 7.30pm in the Tirry Centre. Anyone interested in taking lessons should contact Margaret Slattery 086 2187744, David O’Meara 087 7697474, Tony Hanrahan 087 6771139 or Gemma Burke 086 6064148.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Saturday, August 10, 2019, of Daithí Shine, Congress Terrace, Fethard. Daithí, deeply regretted by his parents Mike and Joan, his brothers and sisters P.J., Pamela, Gillian, Stephen and Derek, his daughter Jenna, his great-grand aunt Nellie, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace

Reposing in Congress Terrace on Sunday from 5pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, on Monday at 12 noon followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu to the Palliative Care Team in South Tipperary General Hospital and Tipperary Hospice.

Commemoration in honour of Seán Treacy
On All-Ireland Sunday, August 18, Tipperary Gaels are invited to participate in a commemoration in honour of Seán Treacy, one of the leaders of the Third Tipperary Brigade of the Irish Republican Army during the Irish War of Independence. The Commemoration will take place at the site of his death in Talbot Street, Dublin, where he was killed on October 14, 1920 (aged 25), in a shootout with British troops during an aborted British Secret Service surveillance operation. This year’s oration will be delivered by An t-Uas. Aodhgán Ó Fearghaíl, Iar-Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael.

Busking Festival Family Day

Roger and Elaine Daly, Fethard, photographed with their three children L to R: Joey, Ella and Eabha at the Busking Family Funday at Denis Burke Park in Clonmel

Articles invited for Annual Emigrant's Newsletter
Work on compiling this year's Annual Emigrant's Newsletter has now commenced. We invite anyone interested in submitting articles or photographs for this year’s issue to contact Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, Tel: (052) 6131663 or by email: emigrantsnewsletter@gmail.com

Judo winners taken on Parish Church steps with medals won in the All-Ireland championships, Palmerstown, Dublin. March 1990. Back L to R: Kenneth Sheehan (silver), Pat Doocey, P.J. Tobin (bronze). Middle L to R: Stephen O’Donnell (gold), P.J. Colville (silver), Avril Colville (bronze), Aine Doocey (bronze), Valerie Colville (silver). Front L to R: Michael Costelloe (bronze), Eric O’Donnell (gold), Kevin O’Donnell (bronze), Jackie Grant, Patrick Marshall and Matthew Grant.

Fr. Michael Kennedy photographed with a group from Clonmel at a Youth Day held at the Rosminian House of Prayer, Glencomeragh, Kilsheelan in March 1990.


Photographed a Youth Day held at the Rosminian House of Prayer, Glencomeragh, Kilsheelan in March 1990 are L to R: Kathleen Quigley, Michael Barry and John Moore.


Fr. John Cully photographed with a group attending a Youth Day held at the Rosminian House of Prayer, Glencomeragh, Kilsheelan in March 1990.

Photographed at Fethard GAA Dinner Dance May 1990 are L to R: Louise Gleeson, Elizabeth Burke, Mary Ryan, Fiona Boland and Ann Marie Quinlan.


Joe Allen with the Hackett brother and friends at Fethard GAA Dinner Dance May 1990.


Former Coolmoyne Hurlers L to R: Michael Ryan, Mick Ahearn and Michael Quinlan photographed at Fethard GAA Dinner Dance May 1990.


L to R: Fr. Tom Everard, Kathy Guinnan and Fr. James Meehan photographed at the official opening of the new St. Joseph the Worker Church in Moyglass on March 25, 1990.


L to R: John Foley, James Simpson, Archbishop Dermot Clifford and Michael Smith photographed at the official opening of the new St. Joseph the Worker Church in Moyglass on March 25, 1990.

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.