Lucy captures overall award while St. Rita's take top team

Winner of the overall Sports Achievement Award for 2019, Lucy Spillane, receiving her award from Eoin O'Gorman, representing awards sponsor Bulmers, and special guest, Aisling Moloney, Tipperary All-Ireland Ladies Intermediate Football Team.

The annual overall Butler’s Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Awards for 2019 were presented on Friday night, January 17, at a special presentation function in Butlers Bar. The presentations were made by Eoin O'Gorman, Regional Sales Manager at C&C Gleeson (C&C Group), representing the sponsor of the awards, Bulmers. Special guest on the night was Aisling Moloney from Cahir, All-Ireland winner with Tipperary Intermediate Ladies Football team in 2019 and voted the players’ ‘Player of the Year’.


Members of St. Rita’s Camogie Club who won the overall Butlers Bar 'Team of the Year' award for 2019. Back L to R: Mary O’Mahoney, Micheál Spillane, Sandra Spillane, Leah Coen, Heather Spillane, Carrie Davey, special guest Aishling Moloney. Front L to R: Annette Connolly, Katie Ryan holding the Thomas Nolan Cup (All-Ireland U20 Hurling), Nell Spillane holding the Liam McCarthy Cup (All-Ireland Senior Hurling), Allison Connolly and Lucy Spillane holding the Mary Quinn Cup (All-Ireland Ladies Intermediate Football). The three cups were won by Tipperary in 2019.

Proprietor of Butlers Bar, Philip Butler, started proceedings by thanking all the sponsors of the awards throughout the year; also Joe Kenny and Michael Heverin from The Nationalist for ongoing press coverage. Philip then went on to thank the awards’ steering committee: Mary Godfrey, Kevin Coffey, Liam Hayes, Nat McCarthy, Bobbi Holohan, M.J. Croke, Philip Butler, Richie Cummins, Austin Godfrey, Margaret Flanagan, Des O’Meara, Pairic McCormack, Jurate Syviene, Gerry Murphy and Sean Kiely.


Left Photo – Daniel Coffey, Galteemor Kickboxing Club, accepting the first 'Encouragement Award' for club member Caia Crowley. Right Photo – Young Archery star, 11-year-old Sean McGarry-Thompson, accepting the second 'Encouragement Award' from Eoin O'Gorman, Representing sponsor Bulmers.

The first award winners to be announced were two ‘Encouragement Awards’ for two young promising athletes, the first was kickboxer Caia Crowley, who was Irish silver medallist at 55kg junior kickboxing championships. Caia’s award was accepted by Daniel Coffey, Galteemor Kickboxing Club. The second award was presented to eleven-year-old Sean McGarry-Thompson, a very promising young archer who is making a name for himself in south-east archery circles.


Overall Young Sports Person of the Year award presentation L to R: Eoin O'Gorman, representing awards sponsor Bulmers, Robert Hackett (winner), Allison Connolly (runner-up) and special guest, Aisling Moloney, Tipperary All-Ireland Ladies Intermediate Football Team.

The next awards presented were the overall ‘Young Sports Person of the Year’. The winner was local angler Robert Hackett with the versatile Allison Connolly taken the overall runner-up prize. Next in line was the overall ‘Team of the Year’ award’. The winners were St. Rita’s Camogie Club who won the County Junior B Camogie Championship for the first time in twenty years. Runners-up were the Fethard U12 A Football team who won both the South and County A Championship for the first time in the club’s history.


Team of the Year award runners-up were Fethard U12 Boys A Football Team. Back L to R: Eoin O'Gorman, representing awards sponsor Bulmers, special guest, Aisling Moloney, Tipperary All-Ireland Ladies Intermediate Football Team. Front L to R: team members Sam Coen, Shane Neville and Rory O'Mahoney.

The main event, Butler’s Bar overall ‘Fethard Sports Achievement Award for 2019’ was then announced and a very deserving Lucy Spillane was announced as the winner, to great applause. In November 2019, Lucy also received a presentation from Fethard Ladies Football Club to honour her winning Muster and All Ireland Intermediate football medals, being the first player to win an adult All Ireland medal since the club was formed in 2003. The overall runner-up was local greyhound trainer, David Flanagan, with his wife Margaret accepting the award. In overall third place was Dorothy Wall, a member of Ireland’s Senior Ladies Rugby Team for the upcoming Six-Nations Championship. The award was accepted by Dorothy’s father, Anthony Wall.


Overall Team of the Year award presentation to winners, St. Rita's Camogie Club, Fethard. L to R: Eoin O'Gorman, representing awards sponsor Bulmers, Katie Ryan, who accepted the award on behalf of the team, and special guest, Aisling Moloney, Tipperary All-Ireland Ladies Intermediate Football.

This concluded the presentations for the evening. Master of ceremonies, Philip Butler, reminded all present that the show must go on and they were now accepting nominations for the 2020 January and February Awards which will be presented in early March.

The night continued with some lively sporting banter and refreshments supplied by Marianne Shortall and Anne Butler who treated everybody present to a variety of inimitable and imaginative titbits during the award ceremony.


L to R: Bulmers staff members Derek Nolan and Alan Roche photographed with the Liam McCarthy Cup at the annual Fethard Sports Achievement Awards.


L to R: Riobard Broderick, Adam McLoughlin and Kevin O'Leary photographed with the Liam McCarthy Cup (Senior Hurling) and the Thomas Nolan Cup (U20 Hurling) at the Fethard Sports Achievement Awards.


L to R: Francis Lonergan holding the Liam McCarthy Cup and Austy Godfrey holding the Thomas Nolan Cup.


L to R: Brud Roche and Bill O'Sullivan photographed with the Liam McCarthy Cup.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Saturday, January 25, 2020, of John Burke, Cloran, Cloneen, peacefully at his residence. Very deeply regretted by his loving wife Theresa, sons P.J., Percy and Tom, daughters Breda, Kathy and Tess, grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers Michael and Patrick, sisters Nellie, Bridget and Mary, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Reposing at O'Donoghue's Funeral Home, Kickham St., Clonmel on Monday, January 27, from 4.30pm with removal at 7.30pm to the Church of the Visitation, Cloneen. Requiem Mass on Tuesday at 11am followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. May John Rest in Peace. Family flowers only; donation if desired to South Tipperary Hospice Movement.

Tractor Run at Rathronan on Sunday, January 26

Fethard Macra are holding a Tractor Run on next Sunday, January 26, with proceeds going towards Fethard Macra and South Tipperary Hospice Movement. The starting venue is Phelan's Halfway Bar, Rathronan, Clonmel, on the Fethard Road (Eircode E91 XC79), where the run will also finish. Registration takes place from 12 noon and finger food will be served on return. Entry fee is €20 and your support will be greatly appreciated.

For further information contact Pat at Tel: 086 2131802 or Steven at Tel: 087 3849782.

Fethard Athletic Club: A new decade, a new beginning!
This year the Fethard Athletic Club celebrates over fifty years in existence. During that time Fethard athletes, under the auspices of Miceál McCormack, enjoyed great success in Track and Field events.

A new decade is seen as heralding a new beginning, so the club is sending out an open invitation to all Fethard athletes, past and present, as well as other interested members of the community, to come together to forge a new vision for the future development of the club.

A new committee is to be formed at the next meeting of the Fethard Athletic Club which takes place at 8.15pm on Thursday, January 30, in the ICA Hall, Rocklow Road, Fethard. All are welcome.

Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Fethard Ballroom continues its New Year’s social dancing on Sunday, January 26, 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

Fethard Day Care Centre
Fethard & District Day Care Centre will hold a Senior Day on Friday, January 31, from 10am onwards. The Chiropodist will be in attendance. All seniors are welcome.

Patrician Presentation Secondary School News

Patrician Presentation Secondary School reach Munster Final of the Ladies Gaelic Football competition, following their 4-17 to 1-03 win over Scoil Pól Secondary School Limerick in the semi-final played on January 14 in Bansha.

On Tuesday, January 14, Patrician Presentation Secondary School played Scoil Pól Secondary School Limerick in the semi-final of the Munster Ladies Gaelic Football competition in Bansha GAA field Co. Tipperary. There was great talent and commitment displayed by PPSS throughout the match. Fethard started off well with points from Leah Coen, Lucy Spillane and Nell Spillane.

Scoil Pól got more assertive in the match after a few minutes. After numerous chances, Leah Coen found the back of the net just before half time. Patrician Presentation’s passing was very impressive from our half back line right up to the full forward line. The back line did very well, with great performances from Kelly Ryan, Carrie Davey, Gráinne Murray and Ciara O’Meara. Half-time score 1-01 to 1-05 to PPSS.

Fethard started very strong in the second half, with points from Leah Coen, Lucy Spillane, Nell Spillane, Maggie Fitzgerald, and also from Alison and Áine Connolly. With plenty of changes, great efforts were made by Emily Spillane, Aoibheann Collum and Emily Davey. PPSS found the net again with goals from Leah Coen and Heather Spillane giving Fethard a comfortable lead. The finishing score was Patrician Presentation Secondary School 4-17 to Scoil Pól 1-03.

We are now qualified to a Munster Final, details to be confirmed. Well done to all involved including Mr Cummins, Ms Murphy and to Miceál and Sandra Spillane.

Team: Samantha Buckley, Ciara O’Meara, Michelle Cronin, Mary Ann Fitzgerald, Gráinne Murray, Carrie Davey (0-01), Kelly Ryan, Alison Connolly(0-02) , Lucy Spillane (0-02) , Heather Spillane(1-00), Maggie Fitzgerald(0-01), Nell Spillane (0-02), Jessica Moloney, Leah Coen(3-06), Áine Connolly (0-01). Subs: Sarah Smith, Lauren Needham, Kaycie Aherne, Emily Davey, Tayrn Purcell, Emily Spillane (0-02), Aoibheann Collum, Ailíse Fitzgerald, Lucy Kenny, Zoe Prout, Lucy Lawrence, Lucy Brett, Aoife Harrington, and Kiera Daniels.

CAO Information Evening
Thanks to Mr Justin McGree, Guidance Counsellor in Patrician Presentation Secondary School and Vice-President of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors of Ireland, for presenting a CAO Information session on Thursday evening last in school for parents and guardians of our Sixth-Year students. The presentation is available to download on the documents and policy section of the website www.fethardsecondaryschool.ie

Thanks also to Mr Seán Kiely, AIB Fethard, for disseminating information regarding student finance packages which are available from AIB. Further information evening dates for this half-term are to be seen on the home page of our school website; including Fifth Year Option Information Evening and also an Information Evening for parents of current First, Second and Third-Year students regarding the new Junior Cycle.

All-Ireland Volleyball Finalists
In the space of just a few short weeks we find ourselves on the road to another volleyball All-Ireland final. Hoping to repeat the success of our recent senior girls' team, the Under 16 Patrician Presentation Secondary School boys’ team will face St Brigid’s of Loughrea on Wednesday next, January 22, in NUIG. This will be the school's fourth final in just three years which is such an achievement for our school and community. Following their undefeated run against teams from Mountrath, Dublin (x2), Limerick and Waterford (x2) in qualifiers, the cadet boys narrowly edged out Dunmore Community School from Galway in their recent semi-final in UL. The whole school community wishes our students every success in their quest for All-Ireland glory.

Donating books to the Book Fair?


Every year, people from all over the county are very supportive of the Tipperariana Book Fair and donate books to the organisers, Fethard Historical Society, for sale on the Society’s stand at the fair. This year’s fair takes place on Sunday, February 9, from 2pm to 6pm in Fethard Ballroom.

Modern books in good condition, are always sought after at the fair, as the thirty or so dealers who attend have mostly more serious and antiquarian type books on their stalls.

It is true to say that there are very few ‘valuable’ books – in the monetary sense – lying around. But there are lots of ‘sought after’ books and pamphlets, especially in older households, that may seem ordinary and uninteresting but can be of great interest to collectors and even wanted by Tipperary County Libraries for their Local Studies Centre in The Source in Thurles. So, the organisers will gladly receive all books – especially ones of local and Tipperary interest. If possible, people who are clearing out old houses should try and contact a member of the Historical Society to advise in case some rare items are not ending up in the dump.

Everything is not on the Web!
It is sometimes taken for granted by younger people that ‘everything’ is stored in ‘the cloud’ and can be googled if needed. But, the fact is, that everything on the web has to be put there by someone, and most older, local ‘stuff’ probably never will be uploaded, so it is very important that copies are kept by the various libraries for the use of researchers and social historians in the future. People who wish to make contact with the organisers of the bookfair, can email: bookfair@fethard.com or text/phone 087 9305232 or 087 9009722.

Fethard Bridge Club back after Christmas break
On January 8, Fethard Bridge Club returned after the Christmas break. The results of our game on the night were: 1st Gross, Nell Broderick and David O’Meara; 2nd Gross, Anna Cooke and Eileen Frewen; 3rd Gross, Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh; 1st Nett, Nora Ryan and Gabrielle Schofield; 2nd Nett, Judy Doyle and Marie Delaney; 3rd Nett, Bernie Phelan and Robert Phelan.

The club was delighted to welcome seven new bridge players who had been taking lessons before Christmas and we look forward to having them in the club. Next Wednesday, January 29, is our charity night. Bridge starts at 7.15pm each Wednesday. Anyone looking for a partner contact Gemma Burke 086 6064148.

Fethard Mini Boys and Girls Rugby

Fethard Mini Girls who played at the Munster Rugby Blitz hosted in Fethard last weekend.

Saturday last saw Fethard Mini Girls host a marvellous morning of Munster Girls Rugby Blitz fun. Our Fethard girls showed strong progressive rugby skills between the U10s, U12s and U14 playing eight games between the teams and visitors. Special thanks to Louise O'Donnell, Jason Flannery, Ollie Woodlock, Carmel Hayes, Anita Manton, Anne Marie Corcoran, Tara Clancy and the Gaynor family along with our parents. Thanks also to the coaches from Bruff Women’s Rugby, Clonakilty Rugby Club, Nenagh Ormond RFC and Richmond RFC for travelling to make an enjoyable morning for so many young girls to play.


Fethard U12 Boys Rugby team who travelled down to Carrick on Sunday last to play with teams from Tramore and Waterford City.

On Sunday our boys’ teams from U7s, U8s, U9s, U10s and U12s travelled down to Carrick to play, along with teams from Tramore and Waterford City. Special thanks to the coaches and parents who came along and to Carrick for hosting.

Wishing our U16s and U18s Fethard Girls youth teams the very best as they both were extremely successful this season and qualified for Munster semi-finals. Our U16 girls are playing Ennis at home on Saturday, January 25, at 12 noon kick-off. We would love your support to cheer the girls on.

New members of boys and girls are always welcome to Fethard. For more information please contact Polly on 086 3394959

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on Wednesday, January 15, were: 5, 7, 22 and 29. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner of €150: Michael & Paul Walshe, Barrack Street, Fethard.

The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: Nellie Ryan, St. Patricks Place, Fethard; Bridget Lonergan, c/o P. Lawrence; and Martin Burke, Main Street, Fethard.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, January 22. 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.

Clashawley River Walk

One of Fethard’s most prized assets in recent years – the somewhat mysterious Clashawley River Walk at dusk – where you can walk alone and feel at harmony with one’s inner self or one’s inner thoughts and prepare for a peaceful New Year.

Well-Being Cookery Course starting soon
An eight-week Health and Well-Being Cookery Course will take place every Wednesday 10 to 12 in Fethard Community Hall starting on Wednesday, January 29, 2020. This is an opportunity for you to start your New Year off in a healthy way. Course tutor is Eileen Bowden. and it will cover such topics as cooking on a budget, general nutrition and specialist diets, to mention a few. The course will cost €5 per class. Book early to avoid disappointment by contacting Margaret on 087 6536374.

Bunny Hop back at Fethard Convent Community Hall
Bunny Hop, Music and Movement for babies to four-year-olds is returning to Fethard, starting on this Monday, January 13, at Fethard Convent Community Hall from 10am to 11am. 

To book for January please contact Nicola 087 6742401 or by email: nicola@bunnyhop.ie. Parents, Grandparents and childminders all welcome. Bunny Hop is an hour of music with movement for babies and young children. 

Tipperary Books and the Book Fair

There are a few aspects of the upcoming Tipperariana Book Fair, on Sunday, February 9, that are particularly important for books of Tipperary and local interest. Firstly, the book dealers who come from all over the country to the fair make sure to gather up their ‘Tipperary interest’ books and have them for sale on the day, knowing that there will be a market in Fethard for all Tipperariana type books and memorabilia. The reverse is also true, with punters being very happy to come across a local book that they always wanted, as it may have some photo or reference in it to their family or locality.

Secondly, the organisers of the book fair , the Fethard Historical Society, receive donations of ‘ould books’ that otherwise might end up in the skip , and the odd one can be rare or special in some way and will go for sale at the fair and make some purchaser very happy on the day.

Tipperariana Book of the Year
A feature of this whole annual focus on books in the county is the nomination, by the organisers of the Book Fair, of their Tipperariana Book of the Year. Every year over thirty or more substantial books or journals are published in county Tipperary and the Book of the Year concept is just another way to draw attention to, and give recognition to, the authors and publishers of such books. In many ways these books are the ‘stored memory’ of the people of Tipperary and their importance will only increase with the passing of time.

The organisers also try to invite as many as possible of the authors of ‘Tipperary’ books – published in the preceding year – to come to the fair to promote, sell and sign their books.

Anyone wishing to make contact with the organisers of the upcoming 25th Tipperariana Book Fair on Sunday, February 9, or who wish to donate books, can email bookfair@fethard.com or text or phone 087 9305232 or 087 9009722.

Jake Carter coming to The Abymill


Jake Carter will do a once-off intimate concert in the Abymill Theatre, Fethard, on Saturday, March 7, starting at 8pm. The concert is run to raise funds for Cappanagarrane Horse Rescue. You are asked to please come along and support this deserving cause to help fund the rescue and rehabilitation of so many horses who would otherwise have no chance of survival. Cappanagarrane Horse Rescue is the only registered horse rescue service in Tipperary. Tickets are just €25 each and early booking is advised as tickets are limited. Booking now by contacting Anne at Tel: 086 0834208.

Faces and Places from the Past – 36 Year Ago
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 more local photographs from the archives:


Watching a match in Clonmel are L to R: Brendan Kenny, Billy Kenny and Danny Fitzgerald from Killenaule who worked at Chadwicks in Clonmel.


Fethard players and supporters in the Fethard Arms after winning the South Intermediate Hurling Final 1982. L to R: Abe Kennedy, Andy Fox, Davy Morrissey, Michael Keane, Noel Harrington and Noel Sharpe.


Community Council Committee photographed in the Town Hall after a fundraising auction in aid of the reconstruction of the Tirry Club into a Community Service Centre in 1978. L to R: Mick Ryan, Percy O’Donnell, John Whyte, Tommy Butler, Peter Colville, Malachy Brett, Austin O’Flynn, Nellie Colville and Michael O’Dwyer.

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.