Fethard Players remember their deceased members
Photographed at Fethard Players Mass for deceased members in the Abymill Theatre are committee members L to R: Mia Treacy, Marian Gilpin, Rita Kenny, Ger McCarthy, Ann Walsh, Liam O'Connor, Mary O'Connell and Niamh Hayes.
Friday, November 1, All Saints Day – on the eve of All Souls – a gathering of sixty people assembled in the Abymill Theatre to join in the celebration of Mass for all deceased members of the Fethard Players, Musical Society, Choir Group, or indeed anyone whom had been on stage or involved in any way with these societies throughout the years.
It was a poignant yet memorable occasion. A sweet sadness, as chairperson of the Fethard Players, Rita Kenny, welcomed all. Fr. Iggy O’Donovan OSA of the nearby Augustinian Abbey was the celebrant, and spoke briefly on the long tradition in our walled town of Fethard, of theatre and the love and legacy these performers gave us since the Tirry Players, previously named the Sodality Players, started out in 1913.
Photographed at Fethard Players Mass for deceased members in the Abymill Theatre are L to R: Agnes Evans, Bridget Moroney, Fr. Iggy O'Donovan OSA and Gemma Burke.
Mia Tracy of the Fethard Players read a beautiful piece by Fr. Brendan Hoban, entitled ‘Remember Me’, and the prayers of the faithful were individually expressed by Michael McCarthy, Gerry Fogarty and Niamh Hayes, remembering particularly Anne Connolly and Percy O’Flynn the two most recent deaths in the Fethard Players. Both, all their lives, had tirelessly and unselfishly devoted their immense talent to plays and musicals, and were truly and inspiration to all.
Marian Gilpin, who organised the evening, read a reflection after Communion taken from John O’Donohue’s ‘Benedictus: A Book of Blessings’, appropriately named ‘On the Death of the Beloved’. The Mass concluded with Fr. Iggy reciting that very beautiful Cardinal Newman prayer, “O Lord, support us all the day long, till the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in your mercy, grant us a safe lodging and a holy rest, and peace at last.”
Photographed at Fethard Players Mass for deceased members in the Abymill Theatre are L to R: Marc Van Dommelen, Mary Noonan and Barry Connolly.
The kettle was then on the boil and all gathered in the foyer, bedecked with chrysanthemums from Pat Culligan’s garden, and an autumnal arrangement from Mandy’s Flowers, to enjoy a cuppa and chat, along with wonderful homemade cakes and buns for which we thank, Heather Bailey, Marian Gilpin, Fionnuala O’Sullivan, Rita Kenny and Jodie Gilpin. And of course, Vincent Murphy of McCarthys for supplying the crockery.
Photographed at Fethard Players Mass for deceased members in the Abymill Theatre are L to R: Joe Hanley, Jimmy Connolly and Annette Murphy.
A special word of thanks to Ann Walsh, Ger McCarthy, Niamh Hayes and Margaret Lawlor for their very efficient ‘dishwashing duties’, Michael Kenrick, sacristan Augustinian Abbey, Austin O’Flynn and Christy Mullins for having the theatre warm and cosy.
Simple but serene, it was an occasion of quiet reflection, and yet warm encounters between our friends who were there to remember their loved ones. Thank you sincerely to all – you were the night, and made the occasion.
Benemerenti Medal presented to Ann Kenny
Ann Kenny receiving the Benemerenti Medal (The Papal Award) for 33 years unbroken service to Killusty Church, from Canon Tom Breen (left) and Fr Liam Everard P.P.
On Sunday, October 26, after 10am Mass in Killusty, our parish priest Fr Liam Everard and Canon Tom Breen presented Ann Kenny, Castlehiggins, Killusty Road, Fethard, with the Benemerenti Medal (The Papal Award) on the occasion of her stepping down from Sacristan of the Sacred Heart Church Killusty after 33 years unbroken service. The congregation and parishioners wish Ann the very best in her retirement and thank for her long years dedicated service to the Church of the Sacred Heart in Killusty.
Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on Sunday, November 10, to the music of ‘Michael Collins’. 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
U14 Tipperary Camogie team
St Rita’s Camogie Club members Kerri Doyle, Isobel Corbett and Jessica Moloney who were members of the 2019 U14 Tipperary Camogie team pictured at their awards nights held recently in The Ragg Thurles.
Fethard ICA November meeting
Fethard ICA will hold their November meeting on Tuesday, November 12, at 8pm in the ICA hall on Rocklow Road. Catering in charge of the ‘Red Group’. New members are very welcome to come along.
Murder Mystery High Tea
All are invited to attend and support our ‘Murder Mystery High Tea’ in Fethard Ballroom on Saturday, November 30. Admission is €10 euro per person and a great night’s entertainment guaranteed along with a lovely tea!
Toastmasters Cashel
Memorial Mass at Augustinian Abbey
United Nations International Day of commemoration for road traffic victims is celebrated on Sunday November 17. To mark this special occasion a memorial service will take place in the Augustinian Abbey Fethard at 11.30am. It will be very much a community occasion. Members of the emergency services, secondary school students and other community groups will participate. Everybody is invited to attend especially all who have in any way been touched by road traffic tragedy. Anyone who wishes to bring along a memento (photo etc) of a loved one is most welcome to do so.
Fethard GAA install new Defibrillator
Members of Fethard GAA committee would like to thank Michael Dalton for providing the site outside his pharmacy close to GAA Field for the location of the new Defibrillator. L to R: Stephen Fitzgerald, Mike Dalton (Daltons Pharmacy), Miceál Spillane, Mary Godfrey, Ursula Brashaw and P.J. Ahearn.
Sports Achievement Award nominations for October
The following sixteen nominations were received for the Butlers Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Award for October:
- Patrician Presentation 1st Year Ladies Gaelic Football Team – Winners of a six-team football blitz which was held in Rockwell College.
- Patrician Presentation 1st Year Girls Futsal Team – Acquitted themselves well at this new improvised sport which took place at Canon Hayes Center in Tipperary town and organised by the F.A.I.
- Patrician Presentation 1st Year boys Futsal. Runners up in this new sport run by the F.A.I. The sport is based on Soccer but has very specific and different rules.
- St. Ritas Junior B Camogie Team – County champions by beating Lorragh in the final played in the Ragg.
- St. Ritas U16 B Camogie Team – County league winners beating Ballina in the final.
- St. Ritas U14 B Camogie Team – County league winners beating Cashel King Cormacks in the final.
- Jayden Setters Coffey – Galteemor kickboxing clubs Irish U8 champion at the Irish Championships held in Galway.
- Dylan Costin – Silver kickboxing medal 70kg division at the Irish championships.
- Tommy Delaney – Irish silver medallist at 80kg junior kickboxing championships.
- Daniel Coffey – Junior Irish silver medallist at 70kg Junior kickboxing championships.
- Caia Crowley – Irish silver medallist at 55kg junior kickboxing championships and will fight an Irish title fight in Derry on November 9.
- Reiltin Kenny – Silver U10 medallist at Irish kickboxing championships and will also fight for an Irish Title in Derry on November 9.
- Dylan Corbett – U10 bronze medallist at the Irish junior kickboxing championships held in Galway.
- Hayley Farrell – Silver U10 medallist at the Irish junior kickboxing championships held in Galway.
- Killian Setters – Silver U8 medallist at the Irish junior kickboxing championships held in Galway.
- Hugh O’Connor – A horse bred by Hugh, ‘Langer Dan’, was a two-time winner recently in Ludlow and in Wetherby.
The winner will be announced at a special presentation function in Butler’s Bar on Friday night next, November 8, at Butlers Bar and all are welcome to come along.
Ned Kelly Festival cheque presentation
Matty Tynan, chairman Moyglass Ned Kelly Festival, presenting the total proceeds of this year’s festival, €6,213, to representatives of three deserving charities, Eddy O’Donnell, representing Tipperary Branch IWA; Catherine Bartels, representing The Alzheimer Society of Ireland; and Agnes O’Toole who accepted the cheque on behalf of C-Saw.
The proceeds from this year’s Moyglass Ned Kelly Festival were presented to the three chosen charities at The Village Inn on Friday 11th October. The total amount raised was €6213.00. The Charities to benefit were C-SAW, Tipperary Branch Irish Wheelchair Association and The Alzheimer Society of Ireland. A large attendance were welcomed by Chairman Matty Tynan who proceeded to give a brief account of the different activities that took place during the festival. Food, music and craic helped to make the night a great experience for locals and visitors. Videos of The Mock Wedding and Ned Kelly Re-enactment were well received by those in attendance.
Eddy O’Donnell, Kilnockin, accepted the cheque on behalf of the Tipperary Branch IWA and he gave a very interesting speech on the voluntary work that the IWA Branch carry out and how it helps those with disabilities. People with disabilities experience difficulties with public transport and taxis as most are unable to accommodate them. The Tipperary branch supplies buses to locals to help them have equal rights and enable them to attend social functions, day trips, clubs etc. It is the volunteers who give so generously of their time that make such a huge difference to the lifestyles that those with disabilities can now enjoy in comparison to those of who were basically housebound in the past. Without fundraising it would not be possible to provide such services.
Catherine Bartels, Care Co-ordinator accepted the cheque on behalf of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and she also explained all the services that the society provide. Dementia is life changing for most patients and their families and friends. It is the mission of the society to work for, and on behalf of, people with dementia and their carers to ensure they have the necessary supports and services to enable them to maximise quality of life’ respecting the needs, rights and dignity of the individual. The day care centre in Clonmel (Phone 052 6176775) offers Dementia Specific care in a warm, welcoming and safe environment. This gives a welcome break for family carers. Trained Alzheimer Carers provide, appropriate activities, arts and crafts, gentle exercise, reminiscence, meals and music. A support group and Alzheimer Cafe for family carers is held in the Alzheimer Day Care centre once a month. All are welcome. Contact Catherine Bartels for details, 086/0490548. The centre also offers a transfer service on certain days from Clonmel, Cahir, Cashel, Tipperary Town, Bansha, Fethard, Kilsheelan and Carrick-on Suir. This is a wonderful local service and we are delighted to help in some small way by raising much needed funds for the benefit of patients and carers.
Agnes O’Toole accepted the cheque on behalf of C-Saw and her explanation of the voluntary services gave an insight into the needs of modern society. As with the other two charities, all funds raised will be used in providing services for people in local areas. Joe Leahy from Derryluskin, Fethard is chairman of C-Saw and along with his hard working and dedicated committee, provide vital services for individuals and families. C-SAW provide a free listening service every Monday and Thursday evening from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, at 24 William Street, Clonmel. The phone number is (052) 6172477. They also provide a free coffee morning every Wednesday from 11am to 1pm and all are welcome.
On behalf of the Moyglass Ned Kelly Festival organising committee, I wish to extend our greatest appreciation to all who helped in any way, by taking part in the re-enactments, mock wedding, selling tickets, organising events, marshals on roads, sponsoring hampers, providing food, donations, competitors in walk and cycle runs, vintage run, dog show, platform for dancing and dancers and musicians and all those who attended. You can all feel proud that you are contributing to society in a very positive manner and helping these three most deserving charities.
– (Matty Tynan)
Gold medal winner in Marlfield
Mark O’Meara, Red City, Fethard, who won gold in the 800m medium schools event at the schools cross country held in Marlfield on October 23. Mark ran a great race and finished very strongly to win. There were over 40 other competitors taking part in this race. Well done Mark and well done to all that competed on the day.
Fethard Town Park project is to receive €2.6m funding
Minister Michael Ring, announced today, November 6, that Fethard Town Park project is to receive €2.6m funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Cllr Garret Ahearn said this is a very positive day for Fethard and he believes the project is a leading example of what the Rural Regeneration Fund was set up to help achieve. “Fethard Town Park will be a world-class facility providing a much-needed resource for the people of Fethard and wider region.”
Planning permission for the project was granted by Tipperary County Council in June. It includes a suite of sport, recreation and health facilities from all-weather pitches to a gym, adventure playground, walkway and community space. Cllr Garret Ahearn 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. I want to thank the project partners who made this happen. Tipperary Co. Council, Coolmore Ireland and the Cashel & Emly Diocese. But most importantly, I want to acknowledge the phenomenal community support received throughout the area with so many organisations and groups involved.”
He paid tribute to the following for their support: Holy Trinity N.S, Patrician Presentation School, Fethard Community Playschool, Fethard GAA, Fethard RFC, Tipperary Sports Partnership, Fethard Scout Group, Fethard Community Council, Youth Work Ireland, local GPs, Fethard Day Care Centre, St. Bernard’s Group Homes, Ribworld, Fethard Equine Hospital and all local small/medium business, CARA, Jigsaw, IWA, Sport Ireland & Healthy Ireland.
The Fethard Town Park proposal 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 well-being. The proposed Park will be located close to local primary and secondary schools.
Fethard Players commence 'Play Readings for Fun' series
Fethard Players Drama Group have introduced a three-week series of 'Play Readings for Fun' on Monday nights, from 7.30pm to 9pm, upstairs in the Abymill Theatre. Nex reading is Monday, November 11. 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 getting involved with drama events, including acting, backstage, writing or just hearing new, old, and sometimes obscure scripts come to life through a reading.
Fethard Bridge Club Results
On Wednesday, October 23, we played for Halloween prizes and the results were: 1st Gross, Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh; 2nd Gross, Rita Kane and Kay St. John; 3rd Gross, Keith Woodlock and Tony Hanrahan; 1st Nett, Yasmin Woodlock and John Woodlock; 2nd Nett, Rita Holohan and Ellen Rochford; 3rd Nett, Judy Doyle and Joan Hayes.
On November 13 we play for prizes sponsored by Noel O'Dwyer. 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 30, were: 1, 6, 7 and 8. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘Match Three’ winner, so three drawn tickets received €50 each: Rory Shelly, Moyglass, Fethard; Alice Lawrence, Woodvale Walk, Fethard; and Pat Culligan, The Valley, Fethard.
The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: June Gough, St. Patricks Place, Fethard; Ger McCarthy, Kerry Street, Fethard; and Pauline Morrissey, St. Patricks Place, Fethard.
Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, November 6. 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, November 1, were: 7, 11, 14 and 33. There was no jackpot winner and no ‘match three’ winner. One lucky dip winner received €50: Kieran Tuohy, Clerihan. Two lucky dip winners received €25 each: Ava Kenrick, Fethard; and Chelsea Kenny, Castlehiggins.
The next draw takes place on Friday, November 8, in Burke’s Bar at 7.30pm, when the jackpot is €23,900 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.
St. Rita's Camogie – County Junior B Champions
St. Rita's Camogie Team – County Junior B Champions, following their four points win over Lorrha leaving the final score, St Rita’s Fethard 2-7, Lorrha 1-6. Also included are the management team of Michael Ryan, Mary O’Mahony and Mia Treacy. Well done girls!
On Saturday October 26, all roads led to the Ragg Camogie Grounds where St. Rita's Camogie team took on Lorrha in the County Junior B Championship final. This was our second year back fielding an adult team. Lorrha were a very experienced team under the guidance of Ken Hogan and our girls knew they had to hurl their best for the full 60 minutes. They were well up for the task!
We competed for every single ball and went in at halftime 2-5 to a goal up. The girls knew going out after halftime that Lorrha were going to throw everything at them and that they did and brought our lead back to three points at one stage. Our girls showed great spirit, determination and skill to hold out victors with four points to spare. The final score was St Rita’s Fethard 2-7 to Lorrha 1-6.
Congratulations to each and every girl on the panel. A very big thanks to the management team of Michael Ryan, Mary O’Mahony and Mia Treacy who put in ferocious work with this team since February. We look forward with great confidence to playing Junior A next year.
November Cemetery Rosaries for the Holy Souls
Rosaries for the Holy Souls will be recited in the following cemeteries during the month of November.
- 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.
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.
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.
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)
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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.
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