Were you one of the pupils attending Holy Trinity National School, Fethard, on November 12, 2013, that helped prepare Christmas Boxes for the annual Shoebox Appeal? You can zoom in closer to see faces more detail by clicking the photograph to zoom-in, and double-clicking the photograph to zoom-out.

Fethard Holy Trinity National School Christmas Shoebox Appeal November, 2013

The annual Christmas Shoebox Appeal promises to deliver children's 'Christmas Shoebox' into the hands of a needy child in Eastern Europe. They are forgotten children - victims of war, disease or poverty. Children living on the edge, in some of the poorest countries in the world. For families living on less than €1 a day, Christmas is just another ordinary day - nothing special, no Christmas tree, no presents. These shoebox gifts bring a little hope, a lot of laughter and smiles, and a practical expression of God's love at Christmas time, for children who have very little. A shoebox doesn't change everything, but it does far more than one could ever imagine, by bringing Christmas to children who have never experienced anything like it before! Well done to all the pupils, teachers and staff at Holy Trinity National School who took part in the annual event. The local co-ordinator every year was Monica Pollard, who deserves great credit, along with her many helpers.

Died recently
The death has occurred on Friday, April 16, 2021, of Mary O'Donnell (née O'Brien), peacefully at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny. Mary was residing at Owning House Retirement Village, Owning, Co. Kilkenny, and formerly of Market Hill, Fethard, and Callan, Co. Kilkenny. She is pre-deceased by her husband Brian O'Donnell and is deeply regretted and sadly missed by her loving family, son Philip, daughter-in-law Sarah, grandchildren Joseph and Jack, brother Eddie, sister-in-law Nell, brother-in-law Dermot, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours, family and friends. May Mary Rest in Peace.

Due to the current Level 5, HSE and Government restrictions regarding public gatherings, Mary’s funeral will take place privately (for 10 family members only). Funeral will leave Molloy’s Funeral Home, Callan on Monday morning, April 19, arriving at The Church of the Assumption, Callan for Requiem Mass at 11am. Burial will take place afterwards in Killusty Churchyard, Fethard, at 1pm approximately. For those unable to attend due to restrictions, the Funeral Mass can be viewed live on churchmedia.ie (Callan Parish).

The family would like to thank everyone for their understanding and support at this difficult time. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Messages of condolence can be left online by CLICKING HERE.

GAA Sports Development Lotto
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Friday, April 16, are as follows: the numbers drawn were 2, 10, 19 and 33. There was no jackpot winner and one ‘match three’ winner received €100: Nellie Ryan, St Patricks Place, 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, April 23, when the jackpot is €30,000 and the seller's prize is €1,000. The funds raised are used to promote sport in the local community.

Fethard Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday evening last, April 15. The winning numbers were 1, 8, 9 and 21. The weekly draw winner of €30 was Patricia Treacy, Strylea, Fethard. Next week's jackpot for Thursday, April 22, is €650.

Next week's jackpot for draw on Thursday, April 22, is €650. Please pass the word on and invite friends and family to take part. You can help our Parish in a real, practical way. Thank you for your support and the best of luck in the weekly draw. PLAY NOW

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Thursday, April 15, 2021, of William Breen, Fairfields, Clonmel, and formerly of Burke Street, Fethard. Deeply regretted by his sons Darren and Richard, daughter Melissa, grandchildren Cian, Kayleigh, Shay, Ryan, Killian, Mikayla and Noah, brothers and sisters John, Patricia, Monica, Dermot and Brendan, extended family and large circle of friends. May He Rest in Peace.

The funeral will be private for family members only. The Funeral Mass can be watched online at parishchurch.net on Sunday, April 18, at 11am. Messages of support and condolences for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE

Fethard & Killusty Community Games AGM & Virtual Events Entry
Fethard & Killusty Community Games will hold their 2021 AGM via ZOOM on Tuesday, April 20, at 8pm. Anyone interested please contact Chairman Micheál Maher for the link to same EMAIL FOR ZOOM AGM LINK.

Closing date for Community Games Virtual Events is May 5.  For information and entry to Virtual Events please CLICK HERE for VIRTUAL EVENTS.

Dorothy scores try for Ireland in Six Nations win
Congratulations to Fethard’s Dorothy Wall on her 73rd minute try scored for Ireland in their Six Nations victory over Wales last Saturday, April 10, in Cardiff Arms Park. Starting at No. 6 as blindside flanker, Dorothy showed tremendous strength to smash her way over the line at the far left-hand corner, after a period of sustained pressure from Ireland as visitors.

Fethard Rugby Club are so proud of Dorothy and so chuffed for her and her family. Having gone through one of the longest build-up periods imaginable to an international game, Ireland Women were seen live on RTE delivering such a strong performance against Wales in their Six Nations Pool B opener in Cardiff. Ireland ran in seven tries on the way to claiming an emphatic 45-0. As a club we were so pleased to watch it on RTE and also to see the wonderful and well deserved press coverage Dorothy is receiving.


Ireland’s Dorothy Wall scores a try (Photo©INPHO/Robbie Stephenson)

Working hard, studying and training, it was great to see Murray Kinsella put up the statistics with Dorothy as Ireland’s top ball-carrier and top tackler in the game. Also, wonderful to read comments from the Ireland Head Coach, Adam Griggs, on Dorothy, who was outstanding throughout the game. Coach Grigg was extremely impressed by the performance of Fethard’s industrious blindside. “She’s only going to get better", said Grigg, when asked about Wall.

“She is one of the players we’ve seen around defence where she hits hard and finishes tackles off. That’s something for us that’s a real positive. When you add in the back-row combination they all offer something different. On the other side of the ball she carries hard as well...”


Here's to the girls next match against France on Saturday, April 17. Kick off at 2.15pm and broadcast on RTE at home in Energia Park. Even though we cannot be there to cheer Dorothy and teammates on, you will probably here the encouragement from County Tipperary fans from club and family – “Go Dorothy and Team”.

Rugby Training is back
Underage girls rugby training is back from the last week of April as per the Government Guidelines. Youth Girls U16s and U18s are back Monday, April 26, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Remember to complete and send back Health Screening Declaration and your own water bottle. Then the U8s, U10s, U12s and U14 Girls are back Tuesday, April 27, from 6.45pm to 7.45pm.

New Members are always welcome and all enquiries to Polly Murphy 086 3394959. Give it a Try!

Calm Hypnotherapy & Hypnobirthing


Pamela Walsh has a private practice near Killenaule with Consulting Rooms based in Knockinglass, Moyglass. Pamela is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, KG Hypnobirthing Teacher, Certified Havening Techniques ® Practitioner and a member of the European Association of Professional Hypnotherapists (EAPH)

“KG Hypnobirthing is logical, simple, practical and very effective; a complete antenatal education. It makes a difference to your experience of giving birth, and gives you the tools to give your baby the best possible start to life” – Katharine Graves.

For further information visit website at calmhypnotherapy.ie or you can phone: 087 7670077; Email: calmhypnotherapyireland@gmail.com “There are many positive testimonies to the success of this local business that organise ongoing courses”  

Congratulations Rachael on your record-breaking win!

Congratulations to record-breaking Rachael Blackmore on becoming the First Lady to win the Aintree Grand National. What a role model.

Multitalented Rachael Blackmore, Mortlestown, started her winning streak many years ago and is fondly remembered in Fethard when she was an active member of Fethard Girl Guides and Fethard Athletic Club. She also had an early leaning towards artistic creativity and, as an eight-year-old, won ‘First Prize’ in the Glove Puppet section at the Autumn Flower & Horticultural Show held in Fethard on Sunday, September 21, 1997.

Rachael also competed for her Killenaule Moyglass parish in Community Games athletics and made many friends. Her love for horses prevailed and her achievements succeeded all expectations – long may it last! Our sincere congratulations to Rachael, her parents Charles and Eimir, her younger sister Charlotte and older brother, Jonathan.  You have brought great pride to your family, parish, locality, county and country – making history along the way.


Winner alright! – eight-year-old Rachael Blackmore, Mortlestown, winner of first prize in the Glove Puppet section at the Autumn Flower & Horticultural Show in Fethard on Sunday, September 21, 1997.


Killenaule-Moyglass athletes L to R: Rachael Blackmore, Rebecca Ryan and Elaine Kennedy competing in the County Community Games Finals in Thurles on June 24, 2001.

Looking back, the Blackmore family were very much involved in The Tipperary Hunt Pony Club and allowed their land to be used for various events. One of the most memorable events took place on Sunday January 25, 2004, when Charles Blackmore, in conjunction with the Tipperary Hunt Pony Club, organised a charity ride from Killenaule to Moyglass in aid of Scoil Aonghus Cashel.  The seventy riders left at 12 noon in glorious January weather, led by Patrick Kennedy. After passing thought Cashel Road, Crosscannon, Graigue, Roan, the ride then moved along through Lismortagh, Mortlestown Knockinglass, Cattaganstown and Clonbrogan to finish in Moyglass village at 4pm.


Rachael Blackmore and Patrick Kennedy photographed after jumping ‘The Coffin’ on Charles Blackmore’s land at Mortlestown, Killenaule, on January 25, 2004, after leading the seventy riders taking part in the ten-mile Tipperary Hunt Pony Club Charity Ride in aid of Scoil Aonghusa, Cashel.

The total ride covered approximately ten miles with sixty fences to jump on the way. Refreshments were served afterwards at The Village Inn. All the money raised went to benefit the children of Scoil Aonghusa, in Cashel. The participating riders were delighted with the event and how well they were treated by the Blackmore family. The committee sincerely thanked the pony club members for their support; the landowners who allowed them cross the country; the helpers, sponsors and emergency services who helped the smooth running of the day.


Members of the Blackmore family photographed at the Tipperary Hunt Pony Club Charity Ride held on their land at Mortlestown, Killenaule, on January 25, 2004. L to R Eimir, Charlotte, Charles and Rachael Blackmore.

Killusty Pony Show 2021 cancelled

Annie Kavanagh jumping at Killusty Pony Show back in 2010. Unfortunately, this year's show was cancelled – for the second year in succession – due to present Covid restrictions.

It is with deep regret that Killusty Pony Show is cancelled for yet another year. With restrictions likely to still be in place in July, it will not be feasible to run the show. In a statement released by the Irish Pony Society last month, it outlines the reason that it is not feasible to run a show with Covid restrictions still in place:

‘As it is not possible to have large-scale gatherings and travel restrictions are in place, the IPS is currently not in a position to facilitate shows as they would be confined to Regional levels which is not logistically or economically feasible and would be contrary to our All-Ireland status. As restrictions are gradually being lifted, I do not think we will ever take our health, freedom and loved ones for granted again. With this in mind, I ask you all to continue to take care, enjoy your ponies and hope to see you all back out competing and training again when the time allows.’

The committee would like to take this opportunity to wish all their sponsors and competitors well for the coming year. Hopefully we will see you all in Killusty in 2022. In the meantime, we hope you all stay safe and healthy.
        – Pat Culligan, Chairman of Killusty Pony Show.

Poetry Day in Fethard

Calling all poets and poetry lovers – Mary Hanrahan will host a virtual Poetry Day on Thursday, April 29, from 4pm to 5pm. If you would like to join Mary, to read a poem or just hear others reading original and old favourites, email us at poetry@fethard.com to register your interest. This year's theme is 'New Directions: Maps and Journeys'.

National Heritage Week 2021
The Heritage Council is delighted to announce that National Heritage Week 2021 will take place from Saturday, August 14 to Sunday, August 22, 2021.

Last year, in response to public health guidelines relating to COVID-19, National Heritage Week moved away from events only, and invited heritage enthusiastic to create projects that could be shared online. Project organisers met this challenge with great innovation and creativity, producing over 800 heritage projects. You can search the full collection of projects here.

For National Heritage Week 2021, the Heritage Council is once again inviting individuals, communities and organisations to develop heritage projects. This year is all about opening the door to heritage and getting as many people to enjoy heritage as possible: heritage newcomers, who have not engaged with National Heritage Week before; groups or individuals who may not traditionally feel included in local heritage; and heritage enthusiasts of all ages. Completed heritage projects can be shared via the National Heritage Week website from Wednesday, June 16, to Monday, August 30.

For more information on National Heritage Week 2021 and for some things to consider when planning your project, check out the National Heritage Week Blog.

Would you like your business promoted on Fethard Website?
If you have a business in Fethard or close surrounding area and you would like your business promoted on the Fethard website then please do the following: Email tina.mulhearne@tipperarycoco.ie your business name, website address, a good quality image (can be your logo) and a line about what your business is about.

Fethard Website Daily Statistics for March
The following statistics, for your information, will give you an idea of the number of daily visitors to this Fethard Website and also statistics of where in the world our visitors come.

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

The names we have so far are Back L to R: 'unknown', Bridget Malone, John Collins, Mary Nagle, Thomas 'Buddy' Flannery (Clerihan). Front L to R: Rena Purcell, Tom Butler, Batt Toomey, Willie Slattery and Sheila Power. Can you help identify the last remaining 'unknown' ?

Lady Annsworth and . . . .


Fine Gael Dance in the Collins Hall Clonmel


Patrician Brothers production of ‘The Lord Mayor’ in the early 1950s. Back L to R: Liam Connolly, Denis Hayes, Austin O’Flynn, Jim Nugent, Tossie Stapleton, Billy McLellan, Cha Finn, Percy O’Flynn, Sean Moloney. Front L to R: Gus Neville, Nicholas Skehan, Jimmy Mullins and Joe Kenny (Hilview).


Fethard Carnival . . .


Killusty group photographed outside Killusty Church in the 1950s. Back L to R: Mick Duggan, Jack O’Donnell, Willie Slattery, Dan Davis, Mick Byrne, Jim Darcy, Jim Corr. Middle Row L to R: Pat Maher, Christy Williams, Johnny Sheehan, Jim Davis, Neddy Dunne. Front L to R: Liam O’Flaherty, Phil Byrne, Carmel Byrne, Ber Byrne and John Byrne.


Moyglass Village


Off to the hunt . . . ?

New County Development Plan for 2022-2028


Tipperary County Council has commenced the preparation of a new County Development Plan for Tipperary. To facilitate public engagement/submissions, a dedicated 'County Development Plan' webpage has been set up and will remain 'live' during the two-year process. As the Plan progresses, the site will be routinely up-dated with reports, published submissions, public engagement guides and videos etc.


The web site can be accessed CLICKING HERE. The website is an excellent resource and point of contact for the public and stakeholders, and I would appreciate it if you could circulate the link as opportunities arise.

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.