Fethard & Killusty Emigrants Newsletter

Fethard in the 1940s – one of the photographs in last year's Newsletter showing a busy scene on Main Street Fethard also featuring Whytes’ house before their grocery shop was built in 1942. The little boy on the street is John Whyte.

Club Secretaries and organisations are reminded that their submissions for this year’s newsletter are needed as soon as possible. We are also inviting anyone with articles and photographs that they wish to be included in this year’s issue to be also summitted as soon as possible. You can email same to: emigrantsnewsletter@gmail.com or hand them in to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, or Carmel Rice, Brookhill, Fethard.

Donations & Church Gate Collection
Donations can also be given to Carmel Rice or Joe Kenny. and all donations of €10 and over will be acknowledged in this year’s Newsletter. You can alternatively make your donation at our Annual Church Gate Collection on weekending October 19 and 20, 2019. If you put your donation in an envelope and write your name and address on the outside, we will also acknowledge your donation in this year’s issue.

You can also make a secure donation by Credit Card or PayPal by clicking the 'DONATE' link below.

New Addresses
If you have relatives abroad that you wish to receive the newsletter you can also send us their address by email to: emigrantsnewsletter@gmail.com or hand them in to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, or Carmel Rice, Brookhill, Fethard.

Died in South Africa
The death has occurred on Sunday, September 29, 2019 in South Africa of Rita Duncan (née Bulfin) formerly from The Valley, Fethard.

Author John Connors to speak on Seán Hogan - one of the Tipperary 'Big 4'
Fethard Historical Society will host a talk at 8pm on Thursday, October 10, in the ICA Hall, Fethard, when Tipperary author, John Connors, will give a talk on Seán Hogan, known colloquially as one of the ‘Tipperary Big 4’.

At the young age of eighteen Seán Hogan took part in the Soloheadbeg Ambush, now considered as the starting point of the War of Independence. He was later captured by British forces after having attended a dance in Clonoulty and then became the subject for the equally famous rescue mission in Knocklong, Co Limerick.

Sean Hogan, in order to escape detection, moved to Dublin and there became involved in the squad set up by Michael Collins, before he returned to play a leading role in the 3rd Tipperary brigade. He later took the republican side in the Civil War.

John Connors will outline the life of of Seán Hogan, who did not achieve the national status of his three contemporaries, Breen, Robinson and Treacy. John will highlight the less glamorous side of life for many of the veterans from the war of Independence; many suffered the after-effects of their military exploits and the harsh years on the run often had a detrimental effect on their physical and emotional health.

John Connors is the author of, ‘Seán Hogan – a troubled life’, which gives a warm, factual but unadorned portrayal of Seán Hogan. In his presentation, Mr Connors will show some of the photographs taken during that period of history by Jack Sharkey who was himself a volunteer and who lived in Gladstone Street, Clonmel. It was Mr Sharkey who took the now iconic photographs of Dan Breen's wedding reception held a Loobys, Milltown More (Baile an Mhuilinn Mór), which is about three miles from Fethard.

On display on the same evening in the ICA hall will be ten banners from the Tipperary County Council Library Service, depicting much of their material from the recently launched booklet, ‘County Tipperary 1917-1921, a history in 80 documents’.

It promises to be a most interesting and informative night. Admission is €5 which includes tea and coffee served afterwards.

On-going workshops for ‘Tipperary Genealogy Club’ at FHC

Laura Condon (back centre), Manager Fethard Horse Country Experience, photographed with voluntary staff members Mollie Standbridge (left) , Stephanie O’Dwyer and Jack Kenny. Laura is looking forward to hosting the follow up genealogy workshops with Dr. Noreen Higgins McHugh, author of the book ‘Tracing Your Tipperary Ancestors’, that are taking place on Friday, October 11, Friday, November 8, and Friday, November 29.

Following the recent introduction to genealogy workshop held on Culture Night, Fethard Horse Country Museum, in conjunction with Dr. Noreen Higgins McHugh, author of the book ‘Tracing Your Tipperary Ancestors’, have decided to run follow up workshops under a guise of a proposed ‘Tipperary Genealogy Club’, where interested people would continue learning about genealogy resources, do their family trees with on-going support in a social atmosphere.

The dates for the workshops are Friday, October 11, Friday, November 8, and Friday, November 29. All workshops will start at 7.30pm and finish at 9pm. Cost of workshops will be €10 per person. Wifi access will be provided at the FHC and participants should bring a laptop/tablet, notebook and any family documents that they wish to investigate on those evenings.

If a person wishes to come for the first time on October 11, he/she will be most welcome as are those who have progressed with their family trees. If the ‘Tipperary Genealogy Club’ proves successful, more dates will be organised in Spring 2020.

Patrician Presentation Secondary School CSPE Talk
The school welcomed Councillor Garret Ahearn, Mayor of Clonmel, to give a presentation to Ms McKeogh’s Third Year CSPE Class. Topics which were touched upon included the role of local politicians, the process of getting elected and running for elections, balancing family life and work, and also climate change and Brexit. Our students really enjoyed this insightful learning experience.

Parents’ Association Table Quiz changed to Fethard Ballroom
The Parents’ Association of Patrician Presentation Secondary School, Fethard cordially invite you to their annual table quiz in aid of school funds. Please note that the quiz will now take place in Fethard Ballroom on Monday, October 14, at 8pm. A table of four adults will cost €28. Students cost is €5 each for a table of four. There will be attractive raffle prizes available on the night. Raffle tickets cost €2 per strip. We look forward to seeing you there if you can make it. Further details are available from the school on Tel: (052) 6131572.

How best to prepare your child for Secondary School Mathematics?

Fethard Patrician Presentation Maths Team 2019, who continued the fantastic success of previous teams, winning the All-Ireland Maths Eyes Competition for the past four years from 2016 to 2019 – a credit to their inspirational teacher Mr Billy Walsh (Deputy Principal).

Patrician Presentation Secondary School will host an Information Evening for Parents/Guardians of 5th and 6th Class students in the school at 7pm on Wednesday, October 9. All Parents/Guardians with a son or daughter in these class groups are welcome to attend. The Principal, Dr Pat Coffey, the Deputy Principal, Mr Billy Walsh and the mathematics department will explain to parents what to expect in First Year and Junior Cycle Mathematics. The use of everyday numeracy will be explored as an avenue to develop students’ mathematical thinking in the home and through various other contexts. Winning All-Ireland posters from the past four years of the Maths Eyes Competitions won by our students under the direction of Mr Walsh will also be on display.

Sports Achievement Award nominations for September
The following nominations were received for the Butlers Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for September:

1. Anthony Hayes – Monthly medal winner at Slievenamon Golf Club.
2. Alison Connolly – Winner of an U17 Interprovincial camogie medal with Munster.
3. Majella Smyth – Recently won the Past Captains Prize at Slievenamon Golf Club.
4. Fethard U8 Hurling team – Liam Connolly Shield winners at Fethard’s very successful tournament.
5. Lucy Spillane – A member of Tipp Intermediate ladies football All Ireland winning team.
6. Dorothy Wall – Has just been selected on the Irish Senior Ladies panel for the upcoming Autumn fixtures.
7. Katelyn Setters Coffey – U6 Kickboxing gold medal winner at the ’Best of The Best’ tournament in Dublin.
8. Killian Setters – Gold medal winner for Kickboxing at the very successful club competition held in Moyle Rovers facilities.
9. Jeyden Setters – Gold Kickboxing medal at the same event.
10. Reiltin Kenny – Kickboxing Gold Medal at Moyle Rovers.
11. Dylan Corbett – Kickboxing Gold Medal at Moyle Rovers.
12. Hayley Farrell – Kickboxing Gold Medal at Moyle Rovers.
13. Caoilinn Kelly – Kickboxing Gold Medal at Moyle Rovers.
14. Darragh Spillane – A member of Tipp u/13 Hurling team winners of the Arraghbawn Co-Op shield winners.
15. Jack Quinlan – Winner of county Feile skills competition. Captain of Tipperary U14A football team and played midfield for Tipperary U14A hurling team that won the Tony Forristal tournament.
16. Ben Coen – 10 winners in September which brings his career total so far to 62.

The winner for September will be announced at a special function in Butler’s Bar on Friday night, October 11, at Butlers. Please note the later date of presentation. All are welcome.

Fethard Day Care Centre
Last Friday night’s fundraising table quiz in aid of Fethard & District Day Care Center was an outstanding success. A record nineteen tables took part in what was a nail-biting contest, with the decider going to a tiebreak. Philip Butler’s questions were of their usual high standard and quizzers from Fethard pitted their wits against teams from neighbouring parishes showing community spirit at its best.

Congratulations to the winners and to all who took part. A huge thanks to all who supported this great local cause, especially Philip, Anne and Ann Marie Butler whose support is greatly appreciated. A special thanks to supervisor Geraldine McCarthy and her team on doing such a great job at the Day Care Center in Fethard.

Martin Phelan Memorial Pitch ‘n’ Putt Tournament, 2019

A young Martin Phelan photographed outside his home in Strylea, Fethard, in May 1989. Martin died on Saturday, August 17, 2013, deeply regretted by his loving parents Robert and Margaret and their family.

The Martin Phelan Memorial Pitch ‘n’ Putt tournament was held on Saturday, September 28, at Hillview Sports Club, Clonmel. It was truly a great day with a party atmosphere both on and off the course. A huge thanks to all the players, some having travelled from Cork, Waterford, Carlow and Meath and lots of places in between. Special thanks to all our sponsors – Slievenamon Golf Club, Carrick-on-Suir Golf Club, Kenny’s Centra, Burke’s Bar, The Well Bar, A&E Jewellers and Pat Hackett.

We had a dead heat for 1st place and to decide the winner it was agreed that Davy Morrissey would take on James ‘Fred’ Smyth in a sudden death. After what seemed like a marathon four holes later, Davy sealed it for this team.

The Prize winners were as follows:

• 1st Place, Davy Morrissey, Tommy Ryan and Eddie Laylock (-10);
• 2nd Place, James ‘Fred’ Smyth, Jerome Skehan and Tom Quigley (-10);
• 3rd Place, Michael O’Meara, Tommy Sheehan and Jessie McCormack (-8);
• 4th Place, Aidan Kenny, Dessie Harvey and Colin Kenny (-7);
• 5th Place, Darren O’Meara, Paul Kenny and Edith Carroll (-7).

While this was never intended to be a fundraiser, it, again, has produced a surplus of €550 which will go to Holy Trinity National School in Fethard this year.

A very special word of thanks to Martin’s true and loyal friends (even in his absence), Jerome Skehan, Dessie Harvey and Alan for organising this cracking event yet again, which seems to grow stronger year on year. It is truly appreciated and means so much to us, the Phelan family.

Well done Vincent!

Vincent Cummins, Burke Street, Fethard, one of the most dedicated workers with Fethard Tidy Towns. Vincent can be seen at all times of the day keeping the streets litter free and is a credit to the town. Well done Vincent!

Soloheadbeg Ambush at the Excel Theatre
The Third Tipperary Brigade Old IRA Commemoration committee will present a concert in the Excel Theatre, Tipperary, on Thursday, October 3, at 7.30pm. The event will honour the volunteers who participated, either directly or indirectly, in the Soloheadbeg Ambush, on January 21, 1919. Relations of some of the brigade's legendary fighters will be present on the night. Fáilte roimh cách.

Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on Sunday, October 6, to the music of ‘Jimmy Hogan’. 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

Friends meet for social chat

Enjoying a social chat in Lonergans are friends L to R: Tibor Kilroy and Val O’Dwyer.

Fethard Bridge Club Results
The results of Fethard Bridge Club game on Wednesday, September 18 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, Noel O’Dwyer and Keith Woodlock; 2nd Nett, Yasmin Woodlock and John Woodlock; 3rd Nett, Kathleen Maher and Betty Walsh.

This week we play for the Free Sub Nett and next Wednesday, October 9, we play for prizes sponsored by Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh. Bridge starts at 7.15pm each Wednesday. Anyone looking for a partner contact Gemma Burke 086-6064148.

Coffee Morning for Hospice raised €870
Fethard Bridge Club would like to thank most sincerely everyone who supported their recent coffee morning in the Horse Country Museum. The sum of €870 was raised and has been donated to South Tipperary Hospice.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on Wednesday, September 25, were: 11, 12, 26 and 28. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winner. The following drawn tickets received €50 each: Thelma Griffith, Crampscastle, Fethard; Amanda Brett, The Valley, Fethard; and Chrissie O'Meara, Knockbrack, Fethard.

The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Audrey Devitt, Strylea, Fethard; Sarah Grant, Barrack Street, Fethard; and William Needham, Friarsgrange, Fethard.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, October 2. 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 27, were: 8, 19, 31 and 35. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘match three’ winner who received €100: Lorena Lawrence, Woodvale Walk, Fethard.

The next draw takes place on Friday, October 4, in Burke’s Bar at 7.30pm, when the jackpot is €23,400 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.

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.

Coffee Morning for Augustinian Nuns
A Coffee Morning in aid of the Augustinian Nuns new monastery in Kaplamai, Kenya, will take place in Fethard Horse Country Experience on this Friday, October 11, from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Fr. David Fitzgerald OSA has been helping the Augustinian Nuns and four years ago, they began a new monastery in Kaplamai, 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.

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.

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.

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.