Fethard Players commence 'Play Readings for Fun' series

Fethard Players Drama Group is introducing a three-week series of 'Play Readings for Fun' on Monday nights, from 7.30pm to 9pm, upstairs in the Abymill Theatre, commencing this coming Monday, November 4. All are welcome to come along and take part in these script-in-hand readings of excerpts from a variety of plays. A 'fun reading' is a form of theatre without sets or full costumes, participants read from scripts and may be seated, stand in fixed positions or incorporate minimal movement.

These play readings are intended to encourage all interested in stage events including actors, backstage workers, writers, potential directors and anyone interested in hearing new, old, and sometimes obscure scripts come to life through a reading.

Mass for deceased members of Fethard Players Dramatic Society this Friday

Fethard Players cast from a production in the late 1950s. Back L to R: Eddie O'Neill, Mary Goldsborough, Goldie Newport, Helen O'Connell, Donal O'Sullivan. Front L to R: Babe Anne McLellan, Paddy McLellan and Carmel Brett.

A mass for all the deceased members of Fethard Players Dramatic Society will be held in the Abymill Theatre on Friday, November 1, at 7.30pm. All are welcome to come along and join us for this special occasion where we remember fondly all those involved on stage and theatre since the foundation of the Fethard Players in 1913, which began under the title of The Sodality Players, followed by The Tirry Players, and since 1940, The Fethard Players.

Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on Sunday, November 3, to the music of ‘Michael Murphy’. 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

November Cemetery Rosaries for the Holy Souls
Rosaries for the Holy Souls will be recited in the following cemeteries during the month of November.

• The first will take place on Friday, November 1, in Parish Church Cemetery at 3pm and Holy Trinity Cemetery (The Square) at 3.30pm.
• On Sunday, November 3, Presentation Convent Cemetery after 11am Mass; The Augustinian Abbey at 3pm and Everardsgrange at 3.30pm.
• On Sunday, November 10, Calvary Cemetery at 3pm and Peppardstown at 3.30pm.
• On Sunday, November 17, Rathcoole Cemetery at 2.30pm; Red City Cemetery at 3pm; and Tullamaine Cemetery at 3.30pm.
• On Sunday, November 24, Killusty Cemetery after 10am Mass; and Kiltinan Cemetery at 2.30pm; and Kilmaclugh Cemetery at 3.15pm.

Please join in the Rosary for the Holy Souls. All are invited to come along and remember our loved ones who have passed on to their eternal reward.

New wheelchair accessible footpaths on the way
Cllr. Imelda Goldsboro informed us she is delighted to have secured funding for new footpaths in The Valley, Fethard, which will be wheelchair accessible. Also, works will commence on the traffic calming measures on the Killenaule road in Fethard. Works will be from Calvary Cemetery in towards Fethard town. Upgrading of public lighting which she got approved for Fethard also will commence early 2020.

Claire Byrne Live Studio Audience

Sixth Year Business students from Patrician Presentation Secondary School who appeared in the audience of the Claire Byrne Live show, broadcast live on October 21.

A group of Sixth Year Business students from Patrician Presentation Secondary School accompanied by their teachers Mr O’Connor, Ms Whelan and School Principal, Mr Coffey travelled to Dublin to appear in the audience of the Claire Byrne Live show which was broadcast live on October 21, last. The show consisted of segments including topics relating to politics, business, homelessness, consumer affairs and environmental issues. It was a great insight into experiencing a live show on television and all that takes place in the studio before, during, and after the show. Claire Byrne took time out after the show to meet with the school. The trip was a great learning experience for all involved.

Fethard Bridge Club Results
The results of our game on Wednesday, October 16, were: 1st Gross, Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh; 2nd Gross, Keith Woodlock and Tony Hanrahan; 3rd Gross, Rita Holohan and Ellen Rochford; 1st Nett, Nell Broderick and David O'Meara; 2nd Nett, Margaret Slattery and Mike Burke; 3rd Nett, Nora Ryan and Gabrielle Schofield.

Next week we play the first round of the Player of the Year. Bridge starts at 7.15pm each Wednesday. Anyone looking for a partner contact Gemma Burke 086-6064148.

Patrician Presentation annual awards ceremony

School Principal Mr Pat Coffey presented the Padraig Pearse Award (Best Junior Cert Results in Irish and History) to Sadhbh Morrissey.

The Annual Awards Day 2019 took place in Patrician Presentation Secondary School on Friday last before the mid-term break. Fr Liam Everard, the School Chaplain concelebrated the Opening Mass with Fr Iggy O’ Donavan. Also present on the day was Fr Tom Breen.

Daragh Fenlon, a senior member of the school’s Student Council welcomed distinguished guests, clergy, members of the board of management, sponsors, parents, teachers and students to the Opening Mass and the Awards Day.

After Mass, the School Principal, Mr Coffey commended students on their fantastic achievements. He stated that the awards were an acknowledgement of the great efforts of the students throughout the year, and that they should be proud of their achievements. He mentioned that the strong student-teacher relationships in Patrician Presentation Secondary School help to develop the students holistically, academically and personally. He said that respect was very important in the school. Emphasis was placed on the need for “hard work”, and the need for consistency of endeavour for all students to reach their potential. Mr Coffey thanked the teachers and the ancillary staff for their committed and dedicated service to the students in the school.


Mr Pat Coffey (Principal) presenting a bouquet of flowers to Ann Darcy to acknowledge her long standing service on the school’s board of management.

There was a special acknowledgement for Ms Fogarty who has recently retired from the school after many years of distinguished service. Mr Coffey welcomed new staff members and wished Mr. Walsh all the best in his new role as Deputy Principal. The long standing service of Ms Anne Darcy on the school’s board of management was acknowledged by Mr Coffey. Mr Coffey also acknowledged the work of Ms Coffey in preparing the Liturgy, the Trojan work of both Ms McKeogh and Mr. Cummins in organising the awards ceremony, and the work done by Ms Raggett in preparing the choir so well. Thanks were also expressed to Ned Looby Ryan for adding to the occasion by playing the bagpipes.


Special guest and past-pupil, Michelle Walsh, presenting Student of the Year (1st-2nd Year) award to Mary Anne Fitzgerald.


Special guest and past-pupil, Michelle Walsh, presenting Student of the Year (2nd-3rd Year) award to Kelly Ryan.


Special guest and past-pupil, Michelle Walsh, presenting Student of the Year (5th-6th Year) award to Rachel Prout.

The Special Guest at the award ceremony was Ms Michelle Walsh. Michelle is currently a teacher in Holy Trinity Primary School in Fethard. Michelle is a past pupil of the school having attended between 2008 and 2014. She excelled in many areas of school life in Fethard including the academic side of school but also by contributing greatly to foreign trips to both Paris and Lourdes. Michelle was one of the first groups of students to enter the Junk Kouture competition under the tutelage of Ms Looby, and she herself won many awards with the school during her six years with us.

Michelle in her inspirational speech to students stated that she knew that she would always have liked to become a teacher. She acknowledged the great work of the teachers in Patrician Presentation Secondary School, and the opportunities the school gave to her during her six years with us. She encouraged the current students of Patrician Presentation Secondary School to set goals which both excited and challenged them. She spoke about the importance of students having confidence in themselves and to be proud of themselves as individuals.

There was a wide array of awards on the day which highlight the emphasis that Patrician Presentation Secondary School place on the academic, holistic, spiritual and personal development of our students. Ms Michelle Walsh presented the student of the year awards. Mary Anne Fitzgerald won the 1st/2nd year award; Kelly Ryan won the 2nd/3rd year award and; Rachel Prout won the 5th/6th year award.


Special guest and past-pupil, Michelle Walsh, presenting the Bishop Delany Award for best Leaving Cert results 2019 to Lucy Whyte.

The Bishop Delaney Award for the best Leaving Certificate results was presented to Lucy Whyte also by Michelle. Punctuality and attendance certificates were presented by Michelle to Áine Connolly, Kaycie Aherne, Charlie Hackett, Michael O’ Meara, Micheál Cuddihy, Nell Spillane and Ashley Bradshaw. The current Fifth Year student mentors were awarded their badges by Deputy Principal, Mr Walsh. The recipients were Rachel O’ Loughnan, Phoebe Duggan, Keenan Aherne, Michelle Cronin, Samantha Buckley, Alison Connolly, Sam Quigley and Nell Spillane. The Pádraig Pearse award for the best Junior Cycle result in Irish and History was presented by Mr Coffey to Sadhbh Morrissey. The Timmy O’ Connor, Spirit of the School Award was presented by Ms Rita Kenny to Curth Cortez. Ms Sue Anne O’ Donnell presented the Adam O’ Donnell Enterprise Award for Transition Year to both Rachel O’ Loughnan and Michelle Cronin.


Mr Billy Walsh (Deputy Principal) presenting mentor badges to L to R: Rachel Prout, Alison Connolly, Nell Spillane, Mr Billy Walsh, Keenan Ahearne, Michelle Cronin, Samantha Buckley and Phoebe Duggan.


Ms Orla Barrett presenting the Paddy Broderick Award for best Junior Cert results in Geography & Irish, to Sadhbh Morrissey.

The Paddy Broderick Award for the best Junior Cycle Award in Geography and Irish was presented by Ms Barrett to Sadhbh Morrissey. Ms Marian Gilpin presented the Marian Gilpin Literature Arts and Music Award to Naomi Lock. The Fethard Quill Writer’s Award was presented by Ms Whelan to Andy Duggan at junior cycle and to Megan Hackett at senior cycle.

Patrick and Anne O’Donnell were present at the ceremony to award Anna Quigley with the inaugural Aideen O’Donnell Award for spoken Irish.


The inaugural Aideen O’Donnell Award for Spoken Irish was won by Anna Quigley and presented by Pat and Ann O’Donnell.


Student Council Certificates were presented by Mr Pat Coffey (Principal) to Back L to R: Anna Quigley, Curth Cortez, Daragh Fenlon, Mr Pat Coffey (Principal), Patrick Kennedy, Carrie Davey. Front L to R: Kieran O’Donnell, Alison Connolly, Chyanne McDonald Creed, Jack Davey and Mary Ann Fitzgerald.

This year’s Student Council certificates were presented to members of the Student Council by Mr Coffey. The recipients were Mary Ann Fitzgerald, Jack Davey, Anna Quigley, Curth Cortez, Chyanne McDonald Creed, Patrick Kennedy, Alison Connolly, Kieran O’Donnell, Carrie Davey and Daragh Fenlon.

Ms Looby presented the Achievement in Art Awards to Ned Looby Ryan and to Emma Lyons. Mr Walsh presented the winners of the Maths Eyes Competition with their trophies. These students included: Kaycie Aherne, Ciara Allen, Shakira Bradshaw, Charlotte Burgess, Bobby Clemson, Matt Coen, Julianna Collier, Áine Connolly, Emily Davey, Jack Davey, Mary Ann Fitzgerald, Cain Hall, Kelly Mc Donagh, Evan Moore, Amy Morrissey, Taryn Purcell, Ben Ryan, Sarah Smith, David Cowlard, Ned Looby Ryan, Simon Brawders, Micheál Cuddihy, Michael O’Meara, Jack O’Donoghue, Keenan Aherne, Sadhbh Morrissey, Ella Mai Hackett, Emma Lyons and Patrick Kennedy.


The Timmy O’Connor ‘Spirit of the School’ Award was presented by Ms Rita (O’Connor) Kenny to Curth Cortez.


Sue Anne O’Donnell presenting the winners of the ‘Adam O’Donnell Enterprise Award’ for TY students to Michelle Cronin and Rachel O’Loughnan.


The Marian Gilpin LAM Award for literature, arts and music was presented by Ms Marian Gilpin to Naomi Lock.

A Materials Technology Award was presented by Mr John Cummins to Ned Looby Ryan for his outstanding work. Mr Coffey acknowledged the great work done by Mr Cummins, Ms Murphy, Micheál Spillane and Sandra Spillane in relation to underage sport and how the school was proud to be the first winners of the Rachel Kenneally Inaugral Cup. The team were presented with their medals by Ms Murphy. The team and panel consisted of: Caoimhe O Meara, Gráinne Murray, Michelle Cronin, Laura Kiely, Carrie Davey, Lucy Spillane, Ciara O’ Meara, Nell Spillane, Alison Connolly, Leah Coen, Maggie Fitzgerald, Sadhbh Morrissey, Chyanne Mc Donald Creed, Sarah Smith, Taryn Purcell, Mary Ann Fitzgerald, Aine Connolly, Samantha Buckley, Lauren Needham, Ella-Mai Hackett, Jessica Moloney, Éabha Ryan, Heather Spillane, Kelly Ryan, Emily Davey, Kaycie Aherne and Shakira Bradshaw.


The Special Achievement Awards in Sports’ and Arts, sponsored by AIB Fethard, were presented by Mr John Palmer (Area Manager). Back L to R: Mr John Palmer (AIB), Robert Hackett, Naomi Lock, Carrie Davey, Alison Connolly, Mr Pat Coffey (Principal). Front L to R: Lucy Spillane, Leah Coen and Nell Spillane.

Mr Coffey acknowledged the great successes that many of our students were after having at All-Ireland level. Special Achievement Awards in Sports and Arts sponsored by A.I.B. were presented by Area Manager Mr John Palmer. Naomi Lock was awarded for her recent All-Ireland success in the doubles hip-hop competition. Lucy Spillane was acknowledged for her outstanding contribution to the recent All-Ireland success of the Tipperary Intermediate Ladies Football Team. Alison Connolly was recognised for her superb achievement in captaining the Under 17 Munster Interprovincial Camogie Team to All-Ireland success. Similarly, Leah Coen, Carrie Davey, Nell Spillane and Alison Connolly were acknowledged for their role in the triumphant Under 17 Tipperary Ladies Football All-Ireland success in Abbottstown. Robert Hackett was also awarded by the school with a medallion for winning the All-Ireland Under 18 Rivers Fishing Competition for the second consecutive year and also for captaining the Four Nations Irish team for fishing in the lakes. This team represented Ireland in Scotland in August. Robert was also on the Irish team for fishing in the rivers which took part in an international competition in the Czech Republic earlier this year.


Ms Majella Whelan presenting the Fethard Quill Writer’s Award to Andy Duggan (Junior Cycle).


Ms Majella Whelan presenting the Fethard Quill Writer’s Award to Megan Hackett (Senior Cycle)


Ms Pat Looby presenting Achievements in Art Awards to: Ned Looby Ryan and Emma Lyons.


The ‘Materials Technology Award’ was presented by Mr John Cummins to Ned Looby Ryan.


Mr Pat Coffey presenting a bouquet of flowers to special guest and past-pupil, Michelle Walsh.

Congratulations to all the award winners. We are very proud of all of your great achievements. The school would like to thank all the sponsors, and the continuing great support of the local community and beyond.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on Wednesday, October 23, were: 3, 17, 22 and 31. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: Liz Hunt, Lisronagh.

The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Eamon O'Donohoe, Cashel; Ger McCarthy, Kerry Street, Fethard; and Nora O'Meara, Milestown, Cloneen.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, October 30. 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 25, were: 15, 24, 26 and 30. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘match three’ winner. One lucky dip winner received €50: Ciarán Moroney, Tullamaine, Fethard.

The next draw takes place on Friday, November 1, in Burke’s Bar at 7.30pm, when the jackpot is €23,800 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.

Table Quiz at Burkes Bridge Bar
A Table Quiz will be held in Burke’s Bridge Bar, Fethard, on Friday, November 8, at 9pm, fundraising for a trip to Kolkata organised in aid of The Hope Foundation. For further details contact Helena O'Shea or Aobh O’Shea at 083 4803000. €20 per table and lots of spot prizes on the night.

Memorial Day for Road Traffic Victims
Sunday, November 17, is United Nations Memorial Day for Road Traffic Victims. To mark the occasion a special service will take place at 11.30am in the Augustinian Abbey, Fethard. All are welcome especially those who have in any way been touched by road traffic tragedy.

Christmas Flower Demonstration

Mandy Quigley looking forward to her Christmas Flower Demonstration on Thursday, December 5, at Slievenamon Golf Club, startring at 7.30pm

A Christmas Flower Demonstration by Mandy Quigley of ‘Fethard Flowers by Mandy’ will take place on Thursday, December 5, at Slievenamon Golf Club, at 7.30pm. Admission is €10 and tickets are available from Slievenamon Golf Club. Refreshments and raffle on the night.

Emigrants Newsletter – Donations
Anyone who still wants to donate and be acknowledged in this year’s publication can do so by contacting Carmel Rice, Brookhill, Fethard, or Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, or alternatively by Credit Card or PayPal online at www.fethard.com/donate/ All donations of €10 and over will be acknowledged in this year’s Newsletter.

Last call for reports, articles and photographs
We remind those preparing club or organisation reports or individuals preparing articles, that the deadline is fast approaching and after which, we can’t guarantee inclusion due to limited space and postal cost restrictions.

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.

Christmas Shoeboxes needed this week
Please drop-off your completed Christmas Shoeboxes at Centra, Fethard, or Monica Pollard, Rocklow Road, up and including this coming Friday, November 8, in time to get your 'Christmas Shoebox' into the hands of a needy child in Eastern Europe.

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

Some photographs taken in and about our area twenty-five years ago . . .


Pat O’Gorman (centre) pictured in Fethard after his family arranged a surprise visit to his native town. Pat worked at Rice’s farm in Brookhill, Fethard, until he was 17 years of age, he then left for England and wasn't back home since. On his arrival met many of his old friends and neighbours and was also brought on a tour of the farm where he worked and the house where he lived. L to R: Mrs. Susan Carol Rogers, Pamela and Pat O’Gorman, Janice Maureen May (daughter), Dermot Rice, Brookhill, and Chris Nevin, proprietor of The Gateway B&B where he stayed while in Fethard. (Photograph taken May 26, 1994) .


Two local lads on a bicycle made for two cycling on Main Street, Fethard on June 6, 1994.


Fr. Denis Shanahan and Mrs Frances Harrington pictured with the six boys who received their First Holy Communion after Sunday Mass in Killusty on June 12, 1994.


Photograph taken from Fethard Ballroom balcony of a large crowd at 'The Paddies' during the London-Fethard Reunion Festival Dance held on June 24, 1994.


Community Council chairman Bernard Walsh presenting award and bouquet of flowers to Ann-Marie O’Meara, Fethard, who was chosen as the 1994 Festival Queen at the Fethard-Killusty London Reunion Festival Dance in Fethard Ballroom on June 24, 1994.


Together again after 25 years are these Fethard Patrician Presentation School classmates pictured at their Leaving Cert Class of 1969 Reunion held on June 25, 1994, after taking part in a tour of the old and new secondary school in Fethard. Back L to R: Michael Smith, Martin O’Mahoney, Vincent Woodlock, Jimmy Hayes, Michael O’Sullivan and Abe Kennedy. Middle: Kathleen (Keane) Maher, Carol Cross, Peggy (Delahunty) Fox, Ann (Tierney) Boyle, Seamus Maher, Frances (O’Flynn) Ryan, Eva (Hackett) O’Keeffe, Patsy (Sayers) Kirwan. Front: Gemma (Kenny) Burke, Matthew Tynan, Anne (Shelly) Fortune, Gerry O’Riordan and Patricia (O’Connor) Clear.


Celebrating their 50 anniversary on June 26, 1994, were the members of Fethard Macra Na Feirme club and to mark the occasion their entry in the 1994 Fancy Dress Parade won the ‘Best Group’ award.


Members of Juvenile GAA Club photographed at Fethard Killusty London Reunion Festival Fancy Dress Parade held in Fethard on June 26, 1994.


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.