The 'First of May' in Fethard

"Sweet May hath come to love us,
Flowers, trees, their blossoms don;
And through the blue heavens above us
The very clouds move on."

-  Heinrich Heine, Book of Songs

Do you recognise any of the pupils attending Coolmoyne National School in this photograph? The photograph is damaged in many areas but maybe somebody will identify some of the faces and we can deduce the date it was taken. 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.

Coolmoyne National School ?
Please email any comments or photo information, names and event, to fethardnews@gmail.com

Tommy Healy, Plymouth (originally from The Green, Fethard, send us his comments on the above photograph as follows:

"Looking closely at the photograph and the dress of the pupils I believe that it was taken sometime in the 1920s. Of the two male adults in it the man on the right as you face it looks like Fr Noonan, a priest active in the parish in that decade. The pupils seem to be better dressed than many who appear in photos of a century ago. I note that the school was opened in 1908 so that is a starting point. The man in the bowler hat would appear to be the principal. On the side which has been damaged/faded appears to be the lady teacher. Of the other names who appear I have not a clue.This is a fascinating piece of evidence. Is it possible to restore it? Such items are priceless."

Joan Ryan asks the question? . . .

"The plaque on the Coolmoyne School building which closed in 1967 was dated as 1909. As the plaque on this photo is dated 1908, could this photo be of teachers and pupils in the old school building across the road, where racquetball is played?"



A notice printed on The Nationalist Newspaper on Saturday, January 30, 1909, reads: Notice to Contractors and Builders. New National School, Coolmoyne, Fethard, Tip. Tenders for above will be received up to 21st Prox. Plans and Specifications to be seen at the Presbytery. Applications to be made to Archdeacon Ryan P.P. Fethard.

GAA Sports Development Lotto
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Friday, April 30, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 1, 4, 29 and 30. There was no jackpot winner or ‘match three’ winner. One lucky dip winner received €50: John Kenrick, Cahir; and two lucky dip winners received €25 each: Valerie O'Meara, Strylea, Fethard; and Margaret Bradshaw, Congress Terrace, 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, May 7, 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.

Covid-19 Resilience and Recovery – Phase 1


MAY 4

• Full reopening of construction
• Return to work for gardeners and window cleaners

MAY 10

• Inter-county travel can resume
• Reopening of hairdressers, barbers, beauticians by appointment
• Return of ‘click and collect’ and ‘shop by appointment’ retail
• Outdoor training for adults – in pods of 15
• Reopening of libraries, museums, galleries and other cultural attractions
• Three households or a group of six people can meet outdoors
• A vaccinated household can meet an unvaccinated one indoors
• Small organised outdoor gathering for maximum of 15 people
• Return of in-person religious services – 50 attendees for a mass funerals and weddings

MAY 17

• Full opening of non-essential retail

Poetry Day in 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

Mary Goldsborough making a presentation to Eddie Dineen on his retirement as a postman 1976. L to R: Paddy Cadigan (postmaster Clonmel area), Mary Goldsborough, Eddie Dineen, Jackie Aylward and Joe Fogarty.

Patricia Ryan, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard, holding her son Jason


Office staff at the Clonmel Cash and Carry, Upper Irishtown, Clonmel, L to R: Margaret McCarthy, Kathleen Maher, Kathleen Tobin, Bridget Ormonde.


Fethard Sports Centre Handball Club 1979. Back L to R: Dennis O’Meara, Michael ‘Buddy’ Fitzgerald, Stephen Fitzgerald. Front L to R: Danny Mullins and Jim Ryan.


Fethard London Reunion 1970s. L to R: Micky Fitzgerald, Billy Fitzgerald, Noel Morrissey, Brendan Ryan and Joe Ryan.


Mrs Catherine McCormack photographed outside her home in Ballintemple, with her daughter Mary (centre) and her son ‘Toby Boy’.


Kate Myles and Kitt O'Neill, Saucestown, sharing the load from the well.


Fethard Tennis Team Winners of 3rd Division Tipperary League 1984. L to R : Lydia Newport, Davy Morrissey, Pat Culligan, David Kane, Lisa Rice and Gerry Burke.


Saving Hay on Woodlock's farm in the 1950s. John Woodlock driving tractor with Mick Breen, Michael Woodlock, Davy Woodlock, Austy and Vincent Woodlock on board.

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.