Died Recently
The death has occurred on Sunday, October 20, 2019 of Keri Brett, Garrinch, Fethard. Keri will be sadly missed by her loving mum Clodagh, step dad Mark, her father Brendan, her beautiful sisters Lucy and Kym, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Reposing at home on Monday, October 21, from 4pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass on Tuesday in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, at 11am followed by private cremation service. House private on Tuesday please. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu to Scoil Aonghusa. Please wear bright colours as this is a celebration of Keri's life. No black. May she rest in peace.

Newsletter Collection weekend October 19 & 20

Annual Church Gate Collection for the Emigrants Newsletter will take place in the parish weekending Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, 20, 2019. Donations over €10 will be acknowledged in this year’s Newsletter if you put your donation in an envelope and write your name and address on the outside. Donations can also be given to Carmel Rice or Joe Kenny; and online at www.fethard.com/donate/

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.

Coffee Morning raise over €1,500 for Augustinian Nuns
The Coffee Morning held on Friday, October 11, in aid of the Augustinian Nuns new monastery in Kaplamai, Kenya, yielding the wonderful sum of €1,520.40. The local organisers wish to convey the nun’s grateful thanks for this most generous response, and for all who helped in any way. They wish to assure all of a special place in their prayers.

The raffle prizewinners were as follows: Jacinta O’Flynn, Mary Cloonan, Rita Kenny, Berney Myles, Joan and Davy Woodlock, Ann Kenny, Philip Furnell and Tabby Simpson.

A big thank you to the management and staff of Fethard Horse Country Experience for the valued use of their premises and for their help and support.

Fethard Town Park Sports facility needs to be approved in next round of Rural Regeneration Funding

Mayor of Clonmel Cllr Garret Ahearn photographed with Minister Michael Ring discussing the Fethard Application.

Fethard Town Park must be included in the next round of funding administered by the Rural Regeneration Development Fund, the Mayor of Clonmel has said. Fine Gael councillor Garret Ahearn, who is a General Election candidate in Tipperary, said he believes the project is a leading example of what the fund was set up to help achieve.

“Fethard Town Park will be world-class facility providing a much-needed resource for the people of Fethard and wider region. Planning permission granted by Tipperary County Council in June of this year details a major development incorporating a suite of sport, recreation and health facilities from all-weather pitches to a gym, adventure playground, walkway and community space," he said.

“Having been involved and seen first-hand the commitment and ambition of the development group, stakeholders and the local community, Fethard Town Park has the potential to be a transformative project. Elements like the sensory garden, health consultation rooms, walkway and its proximity to the local primary and secondary schools will ensure that the Park will be at the very heart of the community”

Fethard Town Park is the result of an initiative supported by Coolmore, Tipperary County Council and the local community to build on a shared vision to create a facility which promotes physical and mental health and wellbeing. “This is exactly the type of community project that the Rural Regeneration Fund is designed for.”

“The €1bn Regeneration Fund is a testament to Fine Gael’s commitment to rural Ireland and to ensuring that communities across the country have the tools they need to thrive. I believe Fethard Town Park should be funded in the upcoming round of Rural Regeneration Funding and I am confident that the potential of the project will be recognised. I look forward to engaging with the project on the next steps of realising the ambitious vision that has been laid out.”

Sports Achievement Awards for September

Barry O'Connor, representing O'Connor Accountants, Clonmel, presenting the Butler's Bar Fethard Sport's Mentor of the Month Award for September to Colm Hackett (left).

A large attendance turned up for the presentation of the Butler’s Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Awards for September on Friday night last, October 11. The first award was the ‘Mentor of the Month’ which was won by Colm Hackett. Colm is a life-long fisherman and has spent the last ten years serving on the committee of Fethard & Killusty Anglers. He is current chairman. Colm’s coaching skills and encouragement to young fishing enthusiasts can be confirmed by the success of his own son Robert, who has achieved great success at National level and represented Ireland at the Four Nations International Fishing Tournament.


Winner of the Butler's Bar Fethard Sport's Achievement Award for September was Lucy Spillane, Tullamaine, Fethard. Unfortunately Lucy was attending a Camida (team sponsors) reception for the Tipperary team in Clonmel on the same night as the presentation and her sister Nell was present to accept the September award from this months sponsor Barry O'Connor, representing O'Connor Accountants, Clonmel.

The winner of the Butler's Bar Fethard Sport's Achievement Award for September was Lucy Spillane, Tullamaine, Fethard. Lucy is a member of the Tipperary Intermediate Ladies Football Team that beat Meath and won the 2019 TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Final on Sunday, September 15. Unfortunately, Lucy was attending a Camida (team sponsors) reception for the Tipperary team in Clonmel on the same night as the award presentation and her sister Nell was present to accept her award from this month’s sponsor Barry O'Connor, representing O'Connor Accountants, Clonmel.


Young nominees from the Galteemor Kickboxing Club photographed at the presentation of the September awards. The club had a very successful month and received seven individual nominations for their achievements. Back L to R: Jayden Setters, Dylan Corbett, Killian Setters, Hayley Farrell. Front L to R: Katelyn Setters Coffey, Caoilinn Kelly and Aisling Kelly who accepted the nomination for Reiltin Kenny who was unable to attend.

Nominations are now being taken for the October Award.

Patrician Presentation Secondary School Open Evening
The Open Evening for Patrician Presentation Secondary School will take place on Monday, November 25, from 7pm to 9pm. Students of 5th and 6th classes, along with their parents and guardians, are invited to experience a flavour of what we have to offer here in our school. They will have the opportunity to tour the school to see our great facilities, meet with our dedicated staff, meet members of our Parents’ Association and speak to our current students.

Visitors on the evening will hear from School Principal, Mr Coffey, about the curriculum that is on offer in the school. In addition to academic achievements, Parents and students will hear about our pupils’ recent achievements in Junk Kouture, Maths Eyes, football and Young Enterprise. We offer a bespoke learning experience for our students, to ensure they reach their potential both holistically and academically in a caring and supportive learning environment.

First Year Rockwell School Blitz

Fethard Secondary School’s First Year Girls football team who beat St Josephs College Borrisoleigh in the final of the Rockwell College School Blitz

On Tuesday, October 8, the Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School’s First Year Girls played in the Rockwell College School Blitz. The competition in our section was made up of six schools: UCT Clonmel, St Annes Tipperary Town, Loreto College Clonmel, Presentation Ballingarry, St Josephs College Borrisoleigh and Patrician Presentation Secondary School, Fethard.

Fethard won their round robin games comfortably; this allowed us to reach the semi-final of the competition where we beat Presentation Ballingarry in the semi-final. The girls played very well in this match. Best for Fethard were Ailíse Fitzgerald and Aoibheann Collum at midfield, Lucy Brett and Aoife Harrington in the backs, Emily Spillane, Lucy Lawrence and Nicole Moloney in the forward line.

In the final we played St Josephs College Borrisoleigh. The match started out a close tight contest with great football displayed from both sides. Zoe Prout pulled off a great save in goals for Fethard in the early exchanges. Fethard went into a two-goal lead at half time with great passing movements between Ailíse Fitzgerald, Aoibheann Collum and Emily Spillane.

In the second half our backs were very good particularly Aoife Harrington and Lucy Brett. This ensured we went on to win the match and the Blitz. The girls really enjoyed the day. There was great excitement when Tipperary Dual star Orla O’Dywer presented the cup and medals to our girls. The school would like to thank Rockwell College for organising a very well-run blitz and to all the girls and schools who participated in the matches.

Study Week 2019
Study week took place in Patrician Presentation school recently. This is part of our school’s mission to ensure that all students reach their potential in Patrician Presentation Secondary School. All class groups were given a session to develop their study skills and techniques by the School Guidance Counsellor, Mr McGree. In addition to this, all subject teachers allocated time to speak to our students to ensure that our students can optimise their time studying both in the evenings and at weekends.

Off to a great start in the Munster League campaign

Fethard U16 Girls Rugby gets off to a great start in the Munster league campaign in Bruff last Friday evening under lights against a strong Bruff team.

The Fethard Girls played a super start of season match under Captain Shauna Maher, who scored 3 tries in the game and they were Converted by Kate Flannery Number 10, who scored 5 conversions altogether and also got 2 tries herself in the game. The other try scorer was centre Kate Ross who had a mighty game and again every opportunity that came Kate’s way was taken with speed and accuracy.

New comer to the team Abby Noonan in Front row carried ball and rucked strongly throughout as well as good tackling. Lia Coady showed great determination in tacking throughout, robbing ball and making metres at every opportunity. Another newcomer Anna Duggan in 2nd Row was very busy throughout the game carrying lots of ball with great offloads and good tackles. Aishling Morrissey had a mighty game at 5 and with her great running on to the ball and determined tackles made huge headway to help with the scores.

Anna Kearney another new recruit was solid throughout and picked up loose balls on many occasion and offloading out wide. Scrum Half Evelyn Gayson Molloy was quick at the rucks and super strong tackler to keep the pressure on a tough Bruff team. Aoibhe Gleeson played 8 and was a super tough new comer with constancy tacking and off loading of the ball working very well with another new comer in Beth Buttimer at second centre who tackled and robbed ball consistently throughout as well as assisted in a number of the evenings tries. On the Wing we had Jessica stokes who was super strong and fast and tackled throughout and supported and took on ball as well as swiftly off loading when required.

Another new player was Jane O’Donnell on the opposite wing whose speed was a great assistance to receive ball and support the ball carriers. Finally Emma Farrell, another playing their first game of Rugby had a super boot when Bruff kicked down field as well as reviving ball and running thought the opposition to off load well throughout.

A great performance from a super team coached by Jason Flannery and Don Maher. New members always welcome in Fethard Monday evenings at 7.30pm and Friday evenings. For More information please contact Polly Murphy on 0863394959.

Evening with The Choirs at Old St. Mary's Church, Clonmel

Fethard Day Care Centre
The Fethard & District Day Care Centre are holding a Senior Day on Friday next October 18, at 10am. The Chiropodist will be in attendance. All seniors welcome.

Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on Sunday, October 20, to the music of ‘Pat Costello’. 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

'Walls of Fethard' road race proceeds presented

Fethard Athletic Club presentation of cheque for €700, proceeds of the recent ‘Walls of Fethard’ road race, to the Children's Ward of South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel. Included in picture are Ned McCormack, Miceál McCormack and Richie Cummins representing Fethard Athletic Club, and Olivia Bulter CNM STG who accepted the cheque on behalf od the Children’s Ward.

Fethard Bridge Club Results
On Wednesday, October 2, we played for the Free Sub Nett and the results were: 1st Nett, Rita Kane and Kay St. John (winners of free sub); 2nd Nett, Rita Holohan and Ellen Rochford; 3rd Nett, Noel O’Dwyer and Bill O'Sullivan; 1st Gross, Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh; 2nd Gross, Nell Broderick and David O'Meara; 3rd Gross, Berney Myles and Alice Quinn.

On Wednesday, October 23, we play for Halloween Prizes. Bridge starts at 7.15pm each Wednesday. Anyone looking for a partner contact Gemma Burke 086-6064148.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on Wednesday, October 9, were: 3, 12, 20 and 28. There was no jackpot winner and two ‘Match Three’ winners who received €75 each: Majella Daly, Strylea, Fethard; and Tony Maher, Tirry Park, Fethard.

The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Michael Cleere, Killenaule; Shelia Nagle, Mockler's Hill, Cashel; and Mike Cahill, c/o Margaret Walshe.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, October 16. 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, October 11, were: 10, 11, 21 and 35. There was no jackpot winner and two ‘match three’ winners who received €75 each: Emma Wallace, Saucestown, Fethard; and Noreen Sheehy, Garrinch, Fethard.

The next draw takes place on Friday, October 18, in Burke’s Bar at 7.30pm, when the jackpot is €23,600 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.

Christmas Shoebox Appeal 2019

The Christmas Shoebox Appeal is an Irish project that promises to get your 'Christmas Shoebox' into the hands of a needy child in Eastern Europe. All they ask is for you to fill a shoebox with a range of simple Christmas gifts, and drop it off at your local drop off point at Centra, Fethard, or Monica Pollard, Rocklow Road, up and including Friday, November 8, 2019. All you need to do is get an average size shoebox (or a plastic storage container would also be great), and wrap it with Christmas paper. If anyone would like a prepared box ready to fill, please contact Monica Pollard Tel: 087 1258591 or Joan O'Donohoe, Tirry Community Centre, Barrack Street, Fethard Tel: 052 6131000.

Choose who you'd like to receive your gift – a boy or a girl, in one of three age groups: 2-4 years, 5-9 years or 10-14 years. For further information contact Monica Pollard, at Centra Foodmarket, Fethard, or by Tel: 087 1258591.

Fethard Girls on Tour

Fethard ladies ‘on tour’ photographed prior to leaving for their annual vacation to Lanzarote. Have a great time girls! L to R: Siobhan Curran, Noelle Freeman, Michelle Fogarty, Loretta Fox, Dorothy Connolly, Keely Tobin and Lorena Lawrence.

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.

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!

We are often reminded of the great voluntary work undertaken in Fethard and Killusty by many members of our community and community organisations. Without doubt all involved deserve the highest praise for their efforts. As time slowly moves on, we can now begin to see the difficulties that government agencies are having in trying to replace and replicate an equal quality of service provided by these voluntary workers.

One worker that has been repeatedly mentioned in Fethard circles recently is Vincent Cummins, Burke Street, formerly a bookmaker with Hayes’s Betting Office up to its closure on November 30, 2013. Vincent worked some years ago with Fethard Tidy Towns under a community employment scheme and was apparently hooked within days, showing a pro-active dedication to his task of keeping Fethard town tidy.

This year, we are happy to see that Vincent is back and can be seen, anytime between dawn and dusk, on laneways, streets, river walks, flowerbeds and parks diligently litter-picking with a happy smile and greeting for whoever he meets on his way. He is a great example of giving something back to his hometown and his ‘pride of place’. We can only acknowledge and compliment his work and hopefully he will inspire others to do likewise. Well done Vincent!

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.