Seeking Sheela . . . Talk and Walk next Saturday

In Fethard next Saturday, September 28, we will explore the mystery of Sheela-na-gigs with Orla-Peach Power and Gary Dempsey of Digital Heritage Age. Join the Fethard Historical Society at 2pm in the ICA Hall, just off the Main Street for a lecture on 'Sheela-na-gigs: 3D Project' which will give a fascinating insight into just how Sheelas 'work'.

Then come walkabout with the experts as they demonstrate the digital scanning process on one of our very own Sheela-na-gigs. Admission €5 and all are welcome.

Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on Sunday, September 29, to the music of ‘Update’. All are welcome to come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment and social dancing from 9pm to midnight. Admission is €10, which includes tea and cakes. For further information or for booking the ballroom, contact Eileen Coady, Tel: 086 0776420, Email: eileencoady@hotmail.com

Culture Night on Genealogy at FHC

Dr. Noreen Higgins McHugh, author of the book ‘Tracing Your Tipperary Ancestors’, photographed during her free introductory lecture and genealogy workshop where she explained to over 20 participants where to begin when researching your family history. The event was part of ‘Culture Night 2019’ on Friday, September 20, held at Fethard Horse Country Experience.

The Fethard Horse Country Experience hosted a very interesting free introductory lecture and workshop on genealogy by Dr. Noreen Higgins McHugh, author of the book ‘Tracing Your Tipperary Ancestors’, for Culture Night 2019. The event took place on Friday, September 20, at 6.30pm, downstairs in the FHC Experience, and was attended by over 20 participants from Fethard and South Tipperary.


Laura Condon (Manager FHC Experience) helping participants to get online for the free introductory lecture and workshop on genealogy by Dr. Noreen Higgins McHugh, at Culture Night 2019. The event was held downstairs in the FHC Experience.

Laura Condon, manager FHC, set up the participants’ laptops online before commencing with the lecture. Commencing with her talk, Dr. Noreen Higgins McHugh, explained that her talk was just an introduction to the fascinating subject of genealogy and would hopefully explain how to begin accessing the huge range of recourses now available online that help make research so much easier that it was in the past. She then invited all present to fill out a basic family tree and explained how to overcome finding the missing information that people may experience. In Ireland, it is possible from available records to research your family tree back to the early 1800s and often earlier. In the early 20th century, the west wing of the Four Courts building in Dublin was used as the Public Records Office (PRO). The PRO housed many genealogical treasures including Irish census returns, originals wills dating to the 16th century, and more than 1,000 Church of Ireland parish registers filled with baptism, marriage and burial records. Sadly, nearly all were lost during the Irish Civil War on June 30, 1922, when, after a two-day bombardment, an explosion and fire ravaged the building.

Dr. Noreen went on to explain, that if you were lucky to come from a wealthy family or were landowners, your chances of finding further family records vastly improved, like England, where records are available to research going back to the 1600s.

The brief introduction to the fascinating subject of genealogy was a huge success on Culture Night and Dr. Noreen Higgins McHugh has promised that she will be available for a more in-depth study of the subject at a future date if required.

Successful Coffee Morning for Hospice

Helping at the Coffee Morning in aid of South Tipperary Hospice Movement at Fethard Horse Country Experience are L to R: Marie Delaney and Stephanie O'Dwyer.

Fethard Bridge Club hosted a Coffee Morning (together with Bewleys) on Thursday last, September 19, from 9am to 2pm in Fethard Horse Country Experience. This popular annual event raised much needed funds for Hospice country wide. Locally, proceeds go to South Tipperary Hospice Movement, who are committed to providing a high-quality, specialist and person-centred service. Fethard Bridge Club, who have organised the ‘Coffee Morning’ for the past twenty-five years, would like to thank everyone who turned up on the day to support this year’s event.


Photographed at the Coffee Morning in aid of South Tipperary Hospice Movement at Fethard Horse Country Experience are L to R: Sr. Marie Fletcher, Carmel Rice, Nell Broderick and Margaret Ward.

Fethard Horse Country Experience is fast becoming the chosen venue for Coffee Mornings and the suitable and accessible venue provides a great opportunity to meet with friends for a cuppa on any morning where local Laura Condon (FHC Manager) and her voluntary staff will give you a great welcome.


Photographed at the Coffee Morning in aid of South Tipperary Hospice Movement at Fethard Horse Country Experience are L to R: Tina Whyte, Donna Morrissey and Mary Tierney

Coffee Morning for Augustinian Nuns
A Coffee Morning for Augustinian Nuns in Kenya will take place in Fethard Horse Country Experience on Friday, October 11, from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Fr. David Fitzgerald OSA (Cahir), currently staying here at the Augustinian Abbey in Fethard, has been trying to help the Augustinian Nuns since he went to Ishiara Kenya in 2005. Four years ago, they began a new monastery, St. Rita's in Kaplomai, in the Kiltale Diocese of Kenya.

New Sisters are now coming in need to have rooms furnished, to buy books and other necessities of life. If you can help you will have a special place in their prayers. Money raised goes directly to them. Please come along to support the Coffee Morning in Fethard Horse Country Experience on Friday, October 11, from 9.30am to 12.30pm. It would be much appreciated.

Mental Health Services Awarness March


The countdown is on . . . one more day to go to Tipperary's Fight for Mental Health Services Awarness March which takes place on Saturday, September 28, at The Main Guard, Clonmel, starting at 2.30pm.

This march has been organised to highlight the lack of crisis beds in Tipperary. We need ACUTE BEDS in Tipperary

Fethard Ladies Football Club show support for Lucy

Fethard Supporters gather outside Fethard GAA Park as they wait for the buss to Croke Park to support their local hero, Lucy Spillane!

There was a fantastic atmosphere and colour around Fethard GAA park on Sunday, September 15, as two buses left for Croke Park to support local Tullamaine girl, Lucy Spillane, in the All Ireland Intermediate Ladies Football Final.

As well as buses a large crowd travelled by car to witness a great game of football and a great day for Lucy, her family and Fethard Ladies Football. This was an amazing achievement for 17-year-old Lucy and great to see such a large crowd supporting this wonderful young girl. Lucy won an All-Ireland medal on Sunday and ready again to play with her Fethard Schools team on Tuesday morning.


Lucy Spillane lifts the ‘Mary Quinn Cup’ in front of the large Fethard crowd in Croke Park

A special thanks to all who travelled to Croke Park on the day especially the parents who travelled on the buses. The behaviour of every child on the day was remarkable you were a credit to the club in Croke Park.

Senior Citizens’ Club Meeting
Fethard Senior Citizens’ Club will meet on Tuesday, October 1, at 7.30pm in the Tirry Community Centre, Barrack Street. Hoping to see all regular members following our summer break. New members are always welcome.

Fitness Classes commence at Fethard Ballroom
Fitness classes are starting next week in the Fethard Ballroom: ‘Circuits’ commence on Tuesday, October 1, from 7pm to 8pm; ‘Low Impact Aerobics’ commence on Thursday, October 3, from 10.15am to 11.15am. Both classes are suitable for all fitness levels. Cost is €7 per class. For more information contact Bobbi on 087 2130414.

Patrician Presentation Secondary School News

Fethard Second Year Students photographed with the Liam McCarthy Cup when it visited the school last week with members of the team. L to R: Mary Ann Fitzgerald, Sarah Smith, Ana Gonzalez Rodriguez, Charlotte Burgess, Kaycie Aherne, Denija Zilgalvis, Áine Connolly, Taryn Purcell, Emily Davey, Amy Morrissey and Shakira Bradshaw.

The Liam McCarthy and the James Nowlan Cups Visit Fethard School
There was great excitement in the school last week when the Liam McCarthy and the James Nowlan cups were brought to the Patrician Presentation Secondary School. This was a great opportunity for our students and staff to celebrate Tipperary’s great success in hurling this year. Many thanks to Kevin Halley, Games Development Officer with the Tipperary County Board; Hugo Browne, South Tipperary GAA Board Chairman; Mary Godfrey, Secretary of Fethard GAA Club and Austy Godfrey, Fethard GAA Club for visiting the school with the cups. We were also pleased to welcome Dinny Burke and Fr Iggy O’Donovan OSA to join us for the celebrations.

Sports Report

Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School football team photographed after winning the inaugural Rachel Kenneally Cup Final in April

On Tuesday, September 17, Patrician Presentation Secondary School played the Presentation Secondary School Clonmel in the first round of the Munster Ladies Gaelic Football competition at Moyle Rovers GAA ground. This was always going to be a tough close encounter as both teams played each other in a close encounter last year.

There was lots of talent from both sides on display. Lucy Spillane lined out for Fethard after winning the All-Ireland Ladies Football with Tipperary Intermediate Football side the previous Sunday.

Patrician Presentation Fethard started strongly going into an early lead with points from Ella Mai Hackett, Áine Connolly and Leah Coen. Leah found the back of the Clonmel net on the 18th minute; however, Presentation Clonmel got more assertive in the match and narrowed Fethard’s lead with a goal and two points to leave Patrician Presentation going in at half time three points up.

The second half was a very open with both teams finding the net on numerous occasions. Goals from Alison Connolly and Leah Coen gave Patrician Presentation a comfortable lead. Presentation Clonmel grew in confidence and stuck the net themselves on a couple of occasion also. After a tit-for-tat second half Fethard began to gain a commanding lead with Patrician Presentation Secondary School winning in the finish with a final score line of Patrician Presentation Secondary School, Fethard 5-7, to Presentation Secondary School Clonmel 4-5.

Best for Fethard in the backs were Lucy Spillane, Carrie Davey, Kelly Ryan and Gráinne Murray, while at midfield, Allison Connolly and Maggie Fitzgerald were very strong going forward. In the forwards, Leah Coen, Mary Anne Fitzgerald, Lucy Spillane and Áine Connolly were very good throughout the match.

Art Exhibition in Kilkenny

Students photographed at the Art exhibition in Kilkenny L to R: Phoebe Duggan, Patrick Shine, Samantha Buckley, Megan Ryan, Emma Geoghegan, Daragh Fenlon, Hollie Broomfield, Eve Judge, Alison Connolly and Paige Ryan.

Ms Pat Looby accompanied a group of Art Students from Patrician Presentation to Kilkenny Castle, The Butler Gallery and The National Design and Craft galleries in Kilkenny on Thursday, September 19. The Castle was built during the first decade of the 13th century. The exhibition in the basement of the Castle was by American artist Amy Cutler, while in the Castle yard the Exhibition ‘Crowed Thresholds’ showcased a number of artist/designers.

Business Talk
The school were delighted to welcome back past pupil Dylan Lyons to the school for a talk to Mr O’Connor’s Sixth Year Business students. Dylan is currently a Law Student in Maynooth University. We wish Dylan and all our past pupils continued success in their future studies and careers.

Fethard Day Care Centre
The Fethard & District Day Care Centre will hold a Senior Day on Friday, September 27, from 10.30am at Barrack Street, Fethard. All seniors welcome. If you or a family member wish to avail of the Day Care’s service, please call in to their senior day on Friday next September 27, from 10.30am. Chiropodist will be in attendance and the center manager, Geraldine McCarthy, will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Table Quiz in aid of Day Care Centre

Calling all quizzers! Fethard and District Day Care Centre will hold a table quiz and raffle next Friday night, September 27, in Butlers Sportsbar, Main Street, Fethard at 9pm. Table of 4 will cost €24. Snacks will be provided by the hard-working committee. Please support this vital local service.

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

Self-Awareness Course starting at Convent Community Hall


GalteeMor Kickboxing Club are hosting a Self-Awareness Course on Sunday, October 6, in Fethard Convent Community Hall, starting at 10am, with instructor Billy O’Sullivan.

In the world we live it today, this course is perfect and designed to teach us self-awareness in the surroundings of everyday life. It will help improve safety awareness also by recognising unsafe situations with strangers and what to do when you find yourself feeling unsure.

This course will help you to avoid these situations without harming yourself and others. Everyone needs to know how to handle themselves without the need of violence. The course is open to the public. Anyone is interested in coming or for further information can contact Danny at 087 9113997. The cost is €5 per person.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on Wednesday, September 18, were: 7, 10, 12 and 19. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: Jane Keogh, c/o Tom Purcell.

The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Linda Byrne, Slievenamon Close, Fethard; Richie Nevin, c/o Friendship Club; and Elaine Purcell, Burke Street, Fethard.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, September 25. 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, September 20, were: 2, 5, 14 and 20. There was no jackpot winner and three ‘match three’ winners who received €40 each: Phil Sheehan, St. Patrick’s Place, Fethard; Nessa Gleeson, Ladies Football Club; and Anthony Leo, c/o Bob Fitzgerald’s, Clonmel.

The next draw takes place on Friday, September 28, in Burke’s Bar at 7.30pm, when the jackpot is €23,300 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.

Some photographs taken in and about our area . . .


Fethard AC members photographed at the Community Games finals in Thurles, June 2001. Back L to R: Michael Costello, Damien Morrissey, Richard Lalor, Gregory Henry, Owen Healy, John Lalor. Front L to R: Michelle Ryall, Hannah Trehy, Elaine Kennedy and Rachel Blackmore.


Fethard Juvenile under 10 hurling and football teams and officials photographed at the clubs Christmas Party held in Fethard Ballroom on New Year's Day 2002. The under-10's had a very succesful year, winning the Community Games County final, the Cloneen tournament beating Ballingarry in the final, and winning the (B) hurling championship.

Junior Minister Noel Davern receives instructions from ‘King of the Culchies’, Ken Lee on the art of canvassing a Culchie. This quick tuition took place at McCarthy’s Hotel in Fethard Co Tipperary where details were announced of the 2002 Culchie Festival. The Festival took place again in Fethard from 24th to 27th of October, and for the first time ever, women were allowed to participate in the Festival at a specially designed ‘Queen of the Culchies’ competition. This inclusion has been warmly welcomed by the ICA and was long overdue said a spokesperson from the organisation.


Members of Fethard Judo Club photographed in November 2001 with their recently won trophies at the club's training session in Fethard Town Hall.


The under-8 Fethard rugby team who played their first game in Kilkenny on Sunday, February 2, 2002. The team, photographed at training are: Back L to R: Valerie Colville (coach), Jonathan Yates, Conor Kavanagh, Gregory Henry, Philip Maher, David Bergin, Chloe Devaney. Front L to R: Josh Murray, Keith Bergin, Stephen Tierney, Gavin Delany and Colin Grant. Also on the team is Daniel Hickey.


Fethard Ladybirds photographed at the regional 'Thinking Day' held in Fethard on Sunday, February 17, 2002. Back L to R: Aobh O'Shea, Emma Morrissey, Kayleigh Higgins. Front L to R: Nicola Harrington, Susan O'Meara (leader) and Áine Proudfoot.


Fethard Brownies photographed at the regional 'Thinking Day' in Fethard on Sunday, February 17, 2002. Back L to R: Ailish O'Connell (leader), Rachel Prout, Nicole Looby, Fay Manton, Rebecca Fogarty, Catherine O'Connell (leader). Middle Row L to R: Mary Jane Kearney, Louise O'Donnell, Emma Fleming, Danielle Breen. Front L to R: Zoe McManus, Dierdre O'Dwyer, Audrey Tynan, Tamara Timlin and Sarah McManus.


At the Fethard Senior Citizens Party held in February 2002 are L to R: Patricia Murphy, Mamie Morrissey, Sarah Mullins, Tess Lawrence and Johanna Murphy.


Fethard Under-10 Football Team who beat Mullinahone in the Community Games Football final played in Fethard in May 2002.

Mary (Kenrick) Byard, Burke Street, Fethard, who celebrated her 90th birthday on Saturday May 18, 2002. Mary is photographed above with her daughter patsy, family members and visiting friends.


Fethard Under-11 Rugby Team who were beaten by New Inn in the Community Games County Rugby final played in Fethard on Friday, May 10, 2002. Back L to R: Michael John Murphy, Matt O’Sullivan, Mark Ronan, Jerome Ahearne, Stephen Maguire, Sam Manton, Seamus O’Keeffe. Front L to R: Tim O’Hagan, John Lalor, Daniel Hickey, Johnny Grassick and Eoin Healy.


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.