Died recently in Chicago
The death has occurred on Thursday, June 18, 2020, of Cormac Michael Burke, age 22, Chicago and Farranshea, Fethard.

Cormac, loving son of Maggie (nee Slosar) and Kevin Burke, Farranshea, Fethard. Dear brother of Keiran and Mairead, beloved grandson of Paul and the late Maureem McCormack Slosar, and Frances (nee Corcoran) and the late Michael Burke. Loving nephew of Dr Paul J Slosar, M.D. (Darlynn), and Edward F.Slosar (Nadine), Patrick (Caly), Michael, Peggy, Brian (Marie) Burkeand Elizabeth (Barry) Purcell. Cormac was also loved by many cousins in Chicago and Ireland, and by all whose lives he touched. Corman had a special way of sneaking into our hearts and staying there. Alumnus of Downers Grove South H.S. (2016) and student at College of DuPage. May he rest in peace.

All friends will be received by the Burke/Slosar family on Saturday, June 27, from 2pm to 9pm at Curley Funeral Home (Heeney-Laughlin Directors), 6116 W 111th Street, Chicago Ridge, Il 60415. Covid 19 guidelines for social distancing and masks to be observed by visitors to wake.

Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at Christ the King Church on Monday, June 29, will be private for the Burke and Slosar family. Livestream of Funeral Mass will be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Cormac Burke Scholarship Fund c/o Trinity Sober Living, 111N. Grant Street, Hinsdale, Il 60521 or online at www.trinitysoberliving.com are most appreciated. Funeral info 708-636-5500.

Condolences and messages of support for the family may be left on the online Condolences page by CLICKING HERE

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Thursday, June 18, 2020, of Gabriel (Gay) Horan, Tinakelly, Fethard, peacefully at home after a long illness, bravely borne, in the care of his loving family.

Gay, sadly missed by his loving wife Pat, sons, Gerry, Kevin and Gabriel, daughters, Aisling (Abernethy), Jacinta (Kavanagh), Triona (Morrissey) and Bernie (O'Rahilly), sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, sister Mary (Butler), brother Tom; Alec and Mary, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. May Gay rest in peace

In accordance with Government and HSE guidelines, the Funeral will take place for family members in the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, on Sunday at 11am. The Mass may be viewed online at parishchurch.net. No flowers please. Donations in lieu to South Tipperary Palliative Service (Home Care Team). Messages of support and condolence may be left on the online Condolence page by CLICKING HERE

Fethard’s East Park Gate to open soon


Activity in Burke Street is continuing at a steady pace in preparation for the official opening of the new East Gate Park, which is expected to be opened in July. Currently you will notice that footpaths on both sides of Burke Street are being upgraded and this will be followed by road resurfacing and other cosmetic improvements initiated by Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District Council. When open, the park will showcase the hidden section of Fethard’s Town Wall and will provide pedestrian access between Burke Street and Barrack Street, during the daytime. We were reliably informed that a security firm will be engaged to open access in the morning and close access each night. CCTV coverage of the park will also be included. The project will be a huge benefit to Fethard and for visitors to the town.

Community representatives met with the new District Engineer, Mr Denis Power, along with our three local councillors, Cllr Imelda Goldsboro (Cathaoirleach Carrick Municipal District), Cllr Mark Fitzgerald and Cllr Kevin O’Meara, on Tuesday last, June 16, in Fethard, where the group, on a walkabout the town, identified areas that will need attention in the near future.

Acknowledging the lack of resources available during this present Covid Pandemic, both community representatives and councillors were looking forward to better times ahead and preparing a positive programme of works to be implemented at community level in Fethard.

Request for information
This photograph, reproduced from a publication (date unknown), appears to be taken at a hunting gathering in the townland of Kyleatlea, Mullinahone, and has stirred local interest as many well-known family names were also included with the print.

If anyone has any information about the event or the people in the photograph, Bob O'Shea, formerly from Cloran, Cloneen, would love to hear from you. Bob received this very interesting copy from from Anne Williamson, whose grandfather Mick (O) Brien is included in the print. Any information can be sent directly to Bob O'Shea by email.


Hunting at Kylatlea. Standing L to R: Jack Roche, (?), John Mockler, Paddy Grace, (?), (?), (?), T. Smith, Bill Boland, Ned Connors, Nonie Shea, Bernie Halloran, Tim Shea (Tubber), Catherine Hogan (née Maher), Cis Tobin, John Costello, Dinny Brien, Nicholas Shea (Cloran). Kneeling in front L to R: John Morrissey, Martin Egan, Pat Morrissey, Mrs Will Freaney, Larry Noonan, Ned Egan, Gertie Shea, Sis Shea, Monty Shea (Anner House) and Mick Brien.

GAA Sports Development Lotto
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto results for Friday, June 12, were as follows: the numbers drawn were: 8, 10, 12 and 22. There was no jackpot winner and two ‘match three’ winners who received €50 each: Francis Harrington, Fethard; and Mary Kendrick, Burke Street, Fethard.

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, June 19, when the jackpot is €25,800 and the seller's prize is €1,000. The funds raised are used to promote sport in the local community.

Re-Start Grant Scheme for Business
The government has announced details of the new €250 million Restart Grant, which will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID-19 closures. The Grant Programme is devised as a contribution towards the cost of re-opening or keeping a business operational, and reconnecting with employees and customers.

Cathaoirleach Michael Murphy said that “this is good news for over 4,000 small businesses in the county who can now access this grant to help defray ongoing fixed costs, e.g. utilities, insurance, refurbishment or for measures to ensure employee and customer safety. Micro and small businesses are particularly vulnerable to the economic effects of COVID-19. Many businesses, even while closed, continue to incur costs including fixed costs without being able to generate revenues. It is recognised that businesses will also incur costs in preparing their businesses to reopen and meeting the needs of employees and customers. The Restart Grant is designed to alleviate the pressure on businesses in this context”

The grant will be the amount of a business’ rates assessment for 2019 (excluding arrears), subject to a minimum of €2,000 and a maximum of €10,000 (i.e. businesses who paid less than €2,000 are eligible to claim €2,000. The scheme applies to small businesses with a turnover of under €5 million and employing 50 people or less, which were closed or impacted by at least a 25% reduction in turnover out to 30 June 2020.

The grant is intended as a contribution towards the cost of reopening or keeping a business operational and re-connecting with employees and customers, therefore businesses must commit to remain open or to reopen if it was closed and declare their intention to retaining employees that are on the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS). APPLY HERE

Europeana Sport - Ireland’s Stories
Europeana Sport - Ireland’s Stories asks people to dig out their sporting memorabilia and contribute to Europeana Sport, a European project on the culture and history of sport.



Fethard Horse Country Experience are rolling out their Europeana sports programme throughout June and July and will be looking for anything sports related, but are going to focus on gathering horseracing, steeplechase and point-to-point or any other horse sports related material.

Europeana Sport - Ireland’s Stories will show the richness and diversity of sporting history in Ireland and amongst the Irish overseas through the collection of stories and memorabilia from fans, players, enthusiasts, past sporting heroes and heroines. These memories will be juxtaposed with those of other countries across Europe showing our similarities and differences but through the decades our mutual love of sport in all its forms.

People can share their stories and memorabilia online or work with a volunteer via the phone or online to tell their stories and send in their photos of past medals, jerseys, triumphs, programmes, hurley sticks, rugby boots, trophies, diaries etc.

In the words of two our Rugby internationals:

Aoife McDermott, Irish National Rugby Team: "I am very excited to experience sport in this way, the memories and stories each item will tell will be incredibly unique. I am particularly interested in the rugby history that will unfold and hearing some of the untold stories”

And Duncan Casey, former Munster and Grenoble player who commented:  “I am really looking forward to the Rugby related stories and seeing the objects people have stashed away and love the idea that they will be linked with similar stories across Europe. Sport is so much part of Irish cultural heritage it will be wonderful for us to share our memories.”

Under the common banner of Europeana Sport - Ireland’s Stories, six coordinating partners from across Ireland - Digital Repository of Ireland, EPIC the Irish Emigration Museum, European Expo2020, Hunt Museum, University of Limerick Conference & Sports Campus and Fethard Horse Country Experience (FHCE) - are each undertaking campaigns focusing on specific sports e.g. camogie, Gaelic football, horse-racing, fishing, martial arts, tag rugby, rowing. Campaigns will start in late May 2020. The campaigns will engage with local communities and enhance local archives, at the same time as helping to improve the mental health of all involved.


This photograph from the Kenrick Collection of Glass Plates was taken of a local barefoot hurler c.1895-1915 by photographer Patrick Kenrick, the eldest of 14 children, born at his home on Main Street, Fethard in 1872.

Normally these collections take place at physical events at which materials are digitised and stories recorded but there is huge community benefit in relieving the current social isolation through virtual contact and in occupying a little bit of spare time in finding the memorabilia.

Over the summer, more partners from galleries, libraries, archives and museums will be asked to take part to increase the speed, breadth and numbers of contributions, including NUIG and the Little Museum.  Ireland is the first country to kick off the Europeana Sport Collections.   It will boost the Irish presence in Europeana and give us a head start for Europeana’s scheduled Autumn campaign.

Journeys of Faith – Stories of Pilgrimage from Medieval Ireland by Louise Nugent


Pilgrimage has long held a special place in the hearts of Irish people. In medieval times it was one of the most popular forms of personal devotion, and was practiced by men, women and children from all social classes. Journeys of Faith combines historical sources and archaeological evidence to explore the stories of Irish pilgrims who embarked on these remarkable pilgrimages stretching from Ireland to Jerusalem between the seventh century and the reformation.

Medieval Irish pilgrims left their homes and families for many reasons. For the countless men and women who made the trip to St Mullins in Carlow in 1348, a miraculous cure for the Black Death was foremost in their minds. Heneas Mac Nichaill was atoning for the murder of his son when he visited nineteen pilgrim sites around Ireland in 1543. Others were motivated by a quest for salvation, like those who entered St Patrick’s Purgatory at Lough Derg, hoping
their experiences in the holy cave would wipe clean all their sins.

Just as the aims of pilgrims differed, so too did their destinations, ranging from holy wells and the graves or statues of revered saints, to specific cathedrals or churches. No matter their goals or destinations, each pilgrim had to navigate the unique practicalities and dangers associated with travel along medieval pilgrim roads.

In this beautifully illustrated book, the reader can follow these Irish pilgrims, along the way gaining fresh understanding of the motivations and experiences that shaped their journeys of faith. CLICK HERE to purchase the book online.

About The Author

Dr Louise Nugent is an archaeologist from County Tipperary, and a graduate of UCC and UCD. Her PhD thesis concerned pilgrimage in medieval Ireland; she continues to research Irish pilgrimage sites and practices and has written, published and lectured widely on the topic.

In addition, she has documented many contemporary patterns and pilgrimages and she authors and curates the popular blog Pilgrimage in Medieval Ireland.

Second Phase of easing restrictions is here
Monday, June 8, we move to Phase Two of the Government's easing of restrictions in Ireland, which most people will welcome. We attach this summary of the changes that will apply, as published in the Daily Mail on Saturday last, June 6 – one of the easiest to understand. If you click on the image it should enlarge to make it easier to read.

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

Wall repairs at Kiltinan Gate and a letter posted by bicycle. 1989.


B.A. & K. Service Station, Main Street, Fethard, formerly Whytes Garage. Photographed in 1989.


Kerry Street at Daybreak. 1989


Friends from St. Patrick’s Place c.1974 L to R: Roseanne O’Meara, Louise O’Meara, Alice Ryan (back), Susan O’Meara, Mary Ryan, Philip Ryan and Julia Ryan.


Fethard Civil Defence members photographed at their Sponsored Stretcher Push from Fethard to Killusty which took place on Sunday, June 25, 2000. The proceeds enabled the local branch to spend over £1000 on much needed equipment and supplies. L to R: Marie O’Meara, Paul Kenny, Rory Walsh, Tony Kennedy, Emma Morrissey, Declan Kenny and Philly Croke. Edel Bradshaw in the stretcher. Also in the unit were; Theresa Coffey, Ruth Higgins, Pa Looby and Ronan Maher.


Procession to Statue of the Immaculate Conception in Killusty (Excerpt from newspaper report dated August 21 1954)

Following His Grace’s address, there was a procession to the site of the Statue. It was led by a band of young school-children who carried miniature blue and white flags. As the procession wended its way from the main door of the church to the foot of the Statue, the Cahir Confraternity Brass and Reed Band played the Lourdes Hymn.

Most Rev. Dr. O’Donnell then unveiled the Statue and, having blessed it, recited the Litany of the Blessed Virgin. In a short address afterwards, His Grace paid tribute to all connected with the erection on The Statue. He recalled that some of the stone from the pedestal had been taken from the Military Barracks in Fethard. This, he said, was a very historic building because it had been (built on the site of) the town house of the famous Fethard family, the Everards, who owned most of the land around there at that time, and who fought nobly in their day for Faith and Fatherland. One member of the family became a great Archbishop of Cashel.

This photo taken on August 15, 1954, at the blessing of the Mary Immaculate Shrine by Archbishop O'Donnell in Killusty on the site of the old school. L to R: Lar Donovan (Byrneskill), Dick Donovan (Walshbog), Michael Byrne (Killusty), Pat Cantwell (Loughcopple), Pat Lonergan (Shanbally Lisronagh), Jim Corr (Killusty South), Tom Sheehan (Clarebeg), Tommy O'Connell (Main Street Fethard), Dick Allen (Killusty), Master Neddy Holohan (Killusty), Archbishop O'Donnell, Paddy O'Meara, Cloran (partially hidden), Phil Quinn (Walshbog), Master Larry Hickey (Cloran), Canon Ryan P.P. (Fethard), Mick Halpin (Killusty), and Fr Lambe c.c. (Fethard).

Tipperaryman’s Cup Semifinal Replay 1952
This replayed Tipperaryman’s Cup semifinal, between Fethard and Commercials in 1952, was a thriller to watch. A point from practically the last kick of the game gave Fethard victory over Clonmel Commercials in the replayed semi-final of the Tipperaryman’s Cup at Kilsheelan on Sunday, November 30, 1952. The final score in this hard-fought game was 1-5 to 1-4.

As the game doesn’t appear to be mentioned in the Fethard GAA Centenary Book, we’ll recall some of the highlights from this report of the game.

“An easterly wind, blowing from goal to goal, mitigated against good football, but interest never lagged to the end. The Clonmel team, with the advantage of the wind in the first half and with a slight superiority at centerfield, taxed the Fethard defence. But loose forward work, however, saw Clonmel lose some opportunities of scores that would have left them better fortified for the second half.

In view of the wind, it was obvious that the interval lead of 1-4 to Fethard’s two points would hardly be sufficient to keep ahead of the ‘Blues’ on resumption. On the turn-over, Fethard put all be had into an effort to wipe out the deficit. A goal from a penalty in the last quarter was a big factor in prising open Clonmel’s tenacious report on the game. Now, only a point behind and with possible victory in sight, Fethard attacked with renewed vigour as Dalton, who was always a thorn in the side of the Commercials, sent over the equaliser, with about three minutes to go. It looked as if there might be a second indefinite result, but the man who made the draw three weeks before, came into the picture again – Cly Mullins. Although under pressure, he screwed the ball over the bar for a point that brought victory to Fethard.

As usual, Mick Byrne was consistently sound at full-back for that winners and his work was especially effective in the first half, when his side was under pressure. St. John and McCarthy were also conspicuous in the winner’s defence and the goalie, Tony Newport, was also sound. In attack, the elusive Mullins, though well policed, contrived to get a majority of the winners’ scores. His goal from a penalty was probably the deciding factor in the game. Dalton, as right-half forward, was also a constant danger.

Outstanding amongst a solid Clonmel defence which covered itself with glory, when Fethard tried their hardest in the second half, were Lieut. Roche, Noel Stapleton, Pyke and Meaney. Early in the game Stapleton had played at centerfield and full-forward, and for the losers only goal he boxed a beautiful centre by Johnny Kavanagh to the net. Kevin Burke, at centre forward, played and improved game and notched three points.

The Scores
After two minutes, Clonmel opened the scoring when Kevin Burke, receiving from Stapleton, now playing at centerfield, raised the white flag. The second point also came from Burke, whose shot was deflected over the bar by Newport. In the ninth minute Johnny Kavanagh pointed a close-in free. Fethard had their first score shortly afterwards when Dalton pointed.

Commercials stretched their lead when Stapleton goaled from a centre by Kavanagh. Around the 20th minute mark, Kevin Burke had his third pint, after a ‘50’ by Meaney had been cleared by a hard-pressed Fethard defence. From the kick-out, Fethard broke away and had a short innings on the attack. Dalton wided and when Clonmel were penalised Mullins made no mistake with the kick.

Second-half highlights
Commercials were first to attack on the change of sides, but they failed to improve their lead before they were driven back on the defensive. A forty yards free by Mullins was well-cleared by White in the Clonmel goal, but the ‘Blues’ pinned the Clonmel men to their territory for most of the moiety. Dalton added a point. On mail were penalised in the square.

The Fethard men were ‘whistled back’ for rushing at Mullins’ first attempt, but the referee allowed him to have another ‘go’.  He beat White for Fethard’s only goal. As already stated, Dalton equalised and Mullins had the winning point in broken time.

Final score – Fethard 1-5, Clonmel Commercials 1-4. Mr Sean Ryan, Loughmore, refereed. Fethard now meet Old Bridge in the final at Kilsheelan on Sunday, December 7, 1952, with Mr S. Hayes as referee."

Fethard News
Comments or items for inclusion on this website can be emailed to fethardnews@gmail.com or delivered by hand to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard.