Joan celebrates her big birthday with friends at Dooks

Four Fethard ‘Junk Kouture’ teams qualify for regional finals in Limerick

Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School’s four costumes qualified for this year’s Junk Kuture Regional Finals which will be held in Limerick on Friday, March 6. Photographed above are pupils Emma Lyons modelling 'Reach Out'; Sadhbh Morrissey modelling 'Eufloria'; Abby White modelling 'Extra Extra, read all about it'; and Patrick Kennedy modelling 'Titanium'. Voting will begin online on Monday, February 10.

Congratulations to the four teams from Patrician Presentation Secondary School, Fethard, that qualified for the regional semi-finals, which will be held in Limerick on Friday, March 6. The names of the outfits are: ‘Eufloria’ modelled by Sadhbh Morrissey, ‘Titanium’ modelled by Patrick Kennedy, ‘Reach Out’ modelled by Emma Lyons, and ‘Extra Extra Read All About It’ modelled by Abby White .

Our fifth team, ‘Aquamarine’ will need some ‘lifeline’ votes – one more chance for those who didn’t qualify – available all this week if it is to make it through to the finals. Lifeline winner announced this Saturday, February 8, at 6pm.

Voting for the reginal finals will begin online on Monday, February 10, up to February 14. We ask you to please vote on the Junk Kouture website, as this will be worth 10 percent of their overall marks received at the regional finals.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Thursday, February 6, 2020, of Tommy O'Brien, Arbour Hill, Fethard. Predeceased by his sisters Patty and Anna, Tommy is deeply regretted by his loving wife Mary, sister Peg, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews Eamon, Sean, John, Tom and Richard, nieces Mary and Winnie, relatives, kind neighbours and friends. Rest in Peace.

Reposing at O'Connell's Funeral Home, Killenaule, on Saturday evening, February 8, from 5pm to 7.15pm arriving at St. Joseph the Worker Church, Moyglass, at 7.45pm. Funeral Mass on Sunday afternoon at 2pm, followed by burial in adjoining cemetery.

Table Quiz for Fethard & District Day Care Centre
The Fethard & District Day Care Centre are holding a Table Quiz on Friday, February 21, in Butlers Bar from 9pm. Table of four will cost €24. Raffle also on the night. Please come along and support.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Wednesday, February 5, 2020, of Harry McLaughlin, Strylea, Fethard, and formerly of Greencastle, Co Donegal. Harry is deeply regretted by his loving wife Betty, his daughter Susan, his son Anthony (Tony), his brothers George and Martin, his sisters Anne and Kathleen, daughter-in-law Lorraine, son-in-law Shane, grandchildren Daniel, Harry, Aoife and Alex, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace.

Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Thursday from 5pm to 7pm. Funeral Mass on Friday, February 7, at 1pm in the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard. A Cremation Service will take place at the Island Crematorium, Rinaskiddy, Co. Cork on Saturday at 12 noon. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu to St Brigid's Hospital, Carrick-on-Suir.

Fethard Bridge Club Results
The results of our game on Wednesday, January 22, were: 1st Gross Noel O’Dwyer and Bill O’Sullivan; 2nd Gross Rita Kane and Kay St. John; 3rd Gross Frances Burke and Carmel Condon; 1st Nett Margaret Slattery and Betty Walsh; 2nd Nett Anne Cooke and Eileen Frewen; 3rd Nett Yasmin and John Woodlock.

Next Wednesday, February 12, we play for sponsored prizes. Bridge starts at 7.15pm each Wednesday. Anyone looking for a partner contact Gemma Burke 086-6064148.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, of Graham Meagher, Burke Street, Fethard. Graham, is deeply regretted by his loving mother Treasa, his father Iain, his grandparents Vincent and Margaret, his son Warren, sisters, uncles, aunt, cousins, his girlfriend Stacie, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace.

Reposing at his grandparents' house at Abbey Road, Fethard, on Thursday, February 6, from 6pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass in the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, on Friday, Febr uary 7, at 11am followed by private cremation.

Information Evening on ‘’Junior Cycle’
There is an information evening for parents of students in the Junior Cycle years of the Patrician Presentation Secondary School this coming Monday evening, February 10, at 7pm. All parents are welcome. The evening will concentrate on the New Junior Cycle.

Munster Ladies Schools Champions Patrician Presentation Senior Girls’ football team, crowned Munster Champions after beating a very good team from Coláiste Treasa, Kanturk. in the final played on Friday, January 31, in Ballygiblin, Co. Cork.

Congratulations to the Patrician Presentation Senior Girls’ football team on winning the Munster Championship in ladies’ football in last Friday, January 31, in Ballygiblin, Co. Cork. The girls put in an excellent performance against a very good team from Coláiste Treasa, Kanturk. Well done to Mr Cummins and to Ms Murphy for their work with the team. There was great support on the day to cheer on the girls. There will be a full match report next week.

National Community Engagement Day – Gardai 'meet and greet' the people

Local Garda photographed at Fethard Country Markets on Friday morning, January 31, where they attended as part of National Community Engagement Day when engaged with the local community, offering an opportunity for the local community to get to know their local Gardaí and local community representatives. L to R: Dave Curran, Garda Shane O'Neill, Superintendent William Leahy and Ceiia Allen.

As part of National Community Engagement Day, held on Friday, January 31, Garda Shane O'Neill and Superintendent William Leahy visited local community business premises for a ‘meet and greet’ opportunity with business people, customers, farmers and residents, offering advice and information leaflets on the many services offered by An Garda Síochána to the community.

National Community Engagement Day, organised by An Garda Síochána, was held at over 300 venues across Ireland. Local Gardaí, IFA branch representatives and representatives from community groups involved in the National Rural Safety Forum engaged with the local community, offering an opportunity for the local community to get to know their local Gardaí and local community representatives.


Local Garda photographed at Fethard Centra Supermarket on Friday morning, January 31, where they attended as part of National Community Engagement Day when engaged with the local community, offering an opportunity for the local community to get to know their local Gardaí and local community representatives. L to R: Superintendent William Leahy, Johnny Sheehan, Larry Kenny and Garda Shane O'Neill.

Social dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Fethard Ballroom continues its New Year’s social dancing on Sunday, February 9, to the music of ‘Brendan Lee’. 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

Munster Ladies U16 Rugby Champions

Munster Champions – Fethard U16 Rugby girls celebrating after putting on a superb performance on Sunday last, February 2, in Irish Independent Park to become Munster Champions once again.

Massive congratulations to our amazing Fethard U16 girls who put on a superb performance on Sunday last, February 2, in Irish Independent Park to become Munster Champions once again.

What an exciting game from the off with the first try being score 7 minutes in by Shauna Maher our captain, which was ably converted by Kate Flannery with a tough kick against a strong wind. Carrick responded very well but with superb confidence and great hands from Anna Duggan, Aoibhe Gleeson and Lia Coady the ball was turned over and we attacked with brilliant speed making fantastic ground. With great support from Evelyn Gayson Molloy the ball was quickly offloaded to Lucy Austin and then to Aisling Morrissey who scored an amazing try beside the posts. Carrick came back strong and at half time left it level with it all to play for.

Fethard came out in the second half with the strong wind in their favour. Constant pressure from Anna Kearney and Abby Noonan set up brilliant plays and with great support from Shauna finished with another try. With the game rapidly gathering speedy our backs were on hand to help. Bett Buttimer quickly gathered the ball during play moving it out to Lucy Kearney and on to Kate Ross who made great space and set up the next try.


Munster Champions – Fethard U16 Ladies Rugby team

The speed and handling skills from Jess Stokes quickly moved us back up into Carrick’s 22 putting pressure on. With superb rucking, Evelyn was on hand to gather the ball and passed it out to Bett who scored our 5th try of the game. Emma Farrell playing an excellent game at full back was on hand to cover ground and take the ball back into play. With fresh legs coming on, Caoimhe Grace made a superb run down the wing to gather precious meters. With this our backs worked together to get the ball out to Kate Flannery who scored the final Try and gave her the worthy title of Player of The Match.

Our forwards cover provided by Sophia O’Brien and Caoimhe O’Brien, both a huge asset to the pack. Wonderful to have our backs cover in Jane O’Donnell and Ella Hennessy ready to come on with speed in abundance. Fantastic to also have Claire Mee with us who is returning from injury.

A big thank you to our wonderful coaches, Jason Flannery and Don Maher, for the time and commitment they have given this amazing squad, along with Polly Murphy and Pat O’Donnell for all their work. A big thanks also to Marie Gayson and Louise O’Donnell for all the work behind the scenes. Finally, a huge thanks to our wonderful sponsors, O’Donnell Fencing, who have continued to look after our Fethard Girls Rugby so well.

Dorothy Wall wins first Irish rugby cap
Fethard’s Dorothy Wall won her first international rugby cap on Sunday, February 2, when she was on the Irish team that defeated Scotland 18-14 in the opening game of the Six Nations Championship at Energia Park, Donnybrook. She was a half-time replacement for captain Ciara Griffin, who complained of feeling ill during the first half, and made a big impact as Ireland held on for a precious victory to get their campaign off to a flying start.

Nineteen-year-old Dorothy, daughter of Sophie and Anthony Wall, will be hoping to feature again when Ireland entertain Wales in another home game at Energia Park this coming Sunday, February 9. Dorothy, a former player with Fethard Rugby Club, now plays her club rugby with Railway Union in Sandymount, Dublin.

Ireland head, Adam Griggs, said they will be looking to develop greater consistency ahead of Sunday’s second round meeting with Wales at the Donnybrook venue. Stating that there will be a particular focus on reducing their penalty count, something that Scotland were able to take advantage of, he said, “the first 20, 25 minutes we were really sharp. We got the rub of the green. Everything that we’d practised was starting to come off. That’s the potential that the group have. We looked really good and then we gave away a lot of penalties. Our discipline really hurt us and certainly in the first half it gave them the piggy-back to work up the field and score a try before half-time. It definitely woke us up, but at the same time you don’t want to be giving away points to be woken up.”
— (The Nationalist, February 6, 2020)

National Spring Week ‘Clean Up’
Fethard & Killusty Tidy Towns are looking for volunteers to take part in a big ‘Clean Up’ as part of National Spring Clean which will take place during the whole month of April. Contact Brian Sheehy at Tel: 086 0832974 for details.

The annual campaign encourages every sector of society to actively participate and take responsibility for litter, by conducting clean ups in their own local environment. If you’re interested in helping or taking part, there’s lots of information available and ideas on the website: nationalspringclean.org where you can register for a clean-up kit to be sent to you. The clean up kit contains valuable tips on how to hold a successful clean-up event, a poster to advertise your event, ideas on how to make your event different and lots more useful information. The pack also includes plastic bags in which to collect your litter and recyclable material, some tabards to keep your clothes clean and some gloves to keep your hands safe and clean.

Visit the Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard this Sunday, February 9

Preparing for this year's Tipperariana Book Fair on Sunday afternoon, February 9 at Fethard Ballroom are committee members L to R: John Cooney, Terry Cunningham and Mary Hanrahan.

A feature of the Tipperariana Book Fair, since its inception 25 years ago, is the presence of authors of ‘Tipperary’ books that have been published in the preceding year, and the fair on this coming Sunday, February 9, is no exception.

Pride of place will go to the ‘Fethard & Killusty Newsletter 2019 - Celebrating 60 years 1959-2019’, winner of the Tipperariana Book of the Year 2019. Some remaining back copies of the Newsletter from former years will also be for sale on the day.

It being the ‘Decade of Centenaries’ means that many books connected with the War of Independence in Tipperary are being published, and two authors with books in this ‘genre’ will be present.

Daniel Jack from Belfast, a descendant of Séamus Robinson – one of the ‘big four’ in the War of Independence in Tipperary – will be there with his book Citizen Soldier’, which recounts the life of Séamus Robinson from his origins in Belfast and participation in Easter Week, the War of Independence (including Soloheadbeg), the Civil War and his life thereafter.

John Connors, from Borrisoleigh, author of ‘Seán Hogan His Life: A Troubled Journey’ will also be there to sell and sign his book recounting the deeds and life of another one of the central figures in the War of Independence in Tipperary.

Dr Lucia Gannon, from Killenaule, will be present with her acclaimed book, ‘All in a Doctor’s Day’, as will another Killenaule native Michael F. Kennedy with, ‘990 A true story’,, an autobiography of his journey in life that took him from Industrial Schools as a child (hence ‘his number 990’!) to theatres around the world.

Other authors will also be present, including Eileen Acheson with her first book of poetry ‘I wonder’ and all the authors will be willing to chat and sign and sell their books.

Thousands of Books
Apart from Tipperary books and authors, t he Book Fair will also see over thirty Antiquarian and Second-hand Book Dealers from around the country coming to Fethard , all with their own specialised or sometimes random selection of books.

The biggest stall of all is that operated by the Fethard Historical Society itself where hundreds, even thousands of ‘donated books’ are sold for modest prices, and one never knows what might turn up. Anyone wishing to donate books , or anyone seeking further information can do so by contacting the organisers at email : bookfair@fethard.com or Tel 087 930 52 32 /087 900 97 22. A Café will operate, and the entrance fee is still €2. See also www.tipperariana.com

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on Wednesday, January 29, were: 9, 10, 15 and 29. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: Majella Daly, Cedar Grove, Fethard.

The following three ‘Lucky Dip’ winners received €50 each: John Tobin, Fr. Tirry Park, Fethard; Eamon O'Donohoe, Cashel; and Nora O'Meara, c/o Friendship Club.

Next week’s draw takes place on Wednesday, February 5. 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, January 31, were: 2, 12, 20 and 34. There was no jackpot winner and four ‘match three’ winners who received €25 each: Ava Kenrick, Abbeyview, Fethard; Con Hurley, Fethard; Emmaleigh Cuddihy, Ladies Football; and Jessica Moloney, St Rita’s Camogie Club.

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 next draw takes place on Friday, February 7, in Burke’s Bar at 7.30pm, when the jackpot is €25,000 and the seller's prize is €1,000. The funds raised are used to promote sport in the local community.

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.

Fethard ICA February meeting
February meeting of Fethard ICA will be held on Tuesday, February 11, at 8pm in the ICA Hall, Rocklow Road, Fethard. New members are very welcome.

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 more local photographs from the archives:


Killusty Soccer Team (April 1995) winners of that year's 1st Division League, pictured wearing their new strip sponsored by Pat O’Shea, Fethard, who is also included (back left).


Procession making its way up to St. Patrick's Place, with guard of honour by Fethard FCA.


Fethard first ‘Skiffle Group’ in the mid 1950s, they played at dances while the 'Big Bands' took their break. Back: Tony Newport, Declan Mulligan and Cha Finn.. Front: Don Byard.


Fethard racing fans at the Tipperary Point-to-Point races at Tullamaine are L to R: Bill Mulligan, Louis O'Donnell, Jack Kenrick, Dick Gough and Derek Wall.

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.