End of an Era at Coolmore
Regretfully Coolmore's world-renowned champion sire 'Galileo', has died on Saturday, July 10, aged 23. The 2001 Derby winner and one of the most decorated sires of all time, with his offspring including the likes of 'Frankel' and 'Australia', was put to sleep on humane grounds owing to a chronic, non-responsive, debilitating injury to the left fore foot.

“It is a very sad day,” said John Magnier, “but we all feel incredibly fortunate to have had Galileo here at Coolmore. I would like to thank the dedicated people who looked after him so well all along the way. He was always a very special horse to us and he was the first Derby winner we had in Ballydoyle in the post M. V. O’Brien era. I would also like to thank Aidan and his team for the brilliant job they did with him. The effect he is having on the breed through his sons and daughters will be a lasting legacy and his phenomenal success really is unprecedented.”

Galileo photographed in Coolmore on April 26, 2008, with Dave Cummings (left), President of the Saratoga Chapter USA, and his friend Mike Cahill, while on a visit to explore a sister-city partnership between Fethard and Saratoga, noting the many parallels between the two communities, including the importance for both of horses, history and youth development.

Following Galileo’s strikingly impressive Epsom Derby success the front-page headline in the Racing Post was the single word ‘PERFECTION'. It could not have been more apt – unbeaten in his first six starts.

Galileo proved an immediate success at stud siring Irish 1,000 Guineas winner 'Nightime' from his first crop. Appropriately he became the most successful Group 1 sire of all time when his daughter 'Peaceful' won the same race in June of last year. His total of individual Group 1 winners now stands at 91 while no less than 20 of his sons have sired Group 1 winners on the flat, headed by Frankel and Australia.

Coomore's legendary stallions

Coolmore's legendary stallion Sadler's Wells (centre), flanked by his champion sire sons Montjeu (left) and Galileo (right).

Montjeu, the sire of three Epsom Derby winners, died on Thursday, March 29, 2012, aged 16 after a short illness. Montjeu will best be remembered for his incredible wins in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes as well as his runaway victories in the French and Irish Derbies.

Sadler’s Wells, sired by Northern Dancer, died at Coolmore on April 26, 2011, aged 30. With his phenomenal record of 14 sires' championships in the space of 15 years, Sadler's Wells has been called the dominant progenitor of the breed in the twentieth century. No stallion has come close to such dominance in Britain and Ireland .

Galileo, the 2001 Derby winner and one of the most decorated sires of all time with his offspring including the likes of Frankel and Australia, died on July 10, 2021, aged 23.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Saturday, July 10, 2021, of Patrick (Paddy) Croke, St Patrick's Place, Fethard, predeceased by his first wife Dorothy, deeply regretted by his wife Margaret, his sons and daughters Marie, Martina, Dorothy, Thomas, Máiread and Patrick, sister Kathleen, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Alzheimers.ie

In accordance with current guidelines, a private family Mass will take place in the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, on Monday, July 12, at 11am. This may be watched online at parishchurch.net Burial afterwards in Calvary Cemetery. Messages of support and condolences may be left online by CLICKING HERE.

Lee family gathering for book launch

Photographed at the launch of Fethard Historical Society’s booklet ‘Thomas Lee 1900-1921’ are L to R: John Cooney, John Lee and Mary Hanrahan, Chairperson Fethard Historical Society.

Members of the Lee Family gathered outdoors on Tuesday, July 6, to celebrate the deferred launch of Fethard Historical Society’s recently published booklet, ‘Thomas Lee 1900-1921’, who was shot by Crown Forces on Friday, March 4, 1921, one mile outside Fethard.


Members of the Lee family photographed at the launch of Fethard Historical Society’s booklet ‘Thomas Lee 1900-1921’ are Back L to R: Bill Lee, John Lee, Gerry Lee, Joe Lea, Jim Lee, William Lee. Front L to R: Shem Lee, Chris Lee, Bridget Ivers (Lee), Joan Hickey (Lee), Margaret Dobbyn (Lee), Teresa Burke (Lee) and Mary Hennessy (Lee).

Ms Mary Hanrahan, Chairperson Fethard Historical Society, welcomed the Lee family and gave the following brief introduction to the evening before introducing the main guest speaker, William Lee, Cork.

“In commemorating Thomas Lee, we acknowledge his life, his sacrifice and also, we remember everybody who fought for the independence of our country and especially those who died in that cause.  History is so very important and remembering it is also important and, in that spirit, we undertook the publication of this book. It's not to revisit old wounds or to stir up any kind of agitation or ill feeling, but to acknowledge, remember and honour – that’s what we're doing here tonight launching this booklet.

Going forward, when people read this, we would hope they realise the enormity of the sacrifice not just of the young man Thomas Lee who gave his life in 1921, but also the aftermath – the fall-out for his family and how that legacy resounded through the generations. In doing so, it gives us pause for thought. One hundred years, historically speaking, is not a very long time at all. It gives us time to reflect and to look at where we are today and that hopefully going forward that sacrifice will inform the choices we make as a nation.

They say it takes a village to raise a child, but to publish a book it takes a society and more.  A huge advantage was that John Lee had already worked on this article and had the knowledge and passion for the subject. We also had Gerry Long and his archive of information available to us. To put the story in context of the time we think you'll agree that John Cooney gave a clear and concise background to the period in his article. We thank Tommy O’Brien who was the initial liaison between the society and John Lee in Cork. For those of you who know the Historical Society, Joe Kenny is a crucial link in everything we do when it comes to publishing and he did his usual excellent job of editing and layout. We were really delighted to have photographs from the Lee family albums and from Joe Kenny’s archives which included many photographs of local volunteers from that period.

The Fethard Historical Society also wishes to acknowledge the ongoing support of Róisín O’Grady, Heritage Officer; Anne Marie Keaveney, Arts Office & Heritage Office, Tipperary County Council; and Mary Darmody, Tipperary Studies, Thurles.”

The booklet is now available free of charge to read online at: www.fethard.com/lee/


Photographed at the launch of Fethard Historical Society’s booklet ‘Thomas Lee 1900-1921’ are L to R: Christian Hobson, Niamh Hassett and Gerry Long.


Photographed at the launch of Fethard Historical Society’s booklet ‘Thomas Lee 1900-1921’ are L to R: guest speaker William Lee and Gerry Lee.


Members of the Lee family from Clonmel L to R: Alice Sweeney, Madeline Lee, Jim Lee, Bríd Lee and Ann Marie Lee.

GAA Sports Development Lotto
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Friday, July 9, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 11, 17, 25 and 33. There was no jackpot or ‘match three’ winner. One Lucky Dip winner received €50: Richard Barrett, The Green, Fethard. Two Lucky Dip winnesr received €25 each: Maggie Hannigan, Killenaule; and Dinny Burke, Redcity, 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, July 16, 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.

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results

Gráinne Diver who was this week's draw winner in the parish lotto.

There was no winner of this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, July 8. The winning numbers were 8, 16, 23 and 24. The winner of the weekly draw of €30 was Grainne Diver. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, July 15, will be €1,225. Thanks to all for your continued support.

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 OUR LOTTO NOW.

Australian Ambassador to Ireland visits Magners Farm

Australian Ambassador to Ireland, The Hon Gary Gray AO, photographed holding his dog Ted, with Kylie Magner, co-owner of Magners Farm, Moyglass.

The Hon Gary Gray AO, the Australian Ambassador to Ireland paid a visit to Magners Farm, Moyglass, on Monday, July 5, this week. Kylie Magner, co-owner of Magners Farm is a proud Australian along with her four Irish born Australian passport bearing children - Matilda, Tadhg, Imogen and Finn.

Mr Gray has been the Ambassador in Ireland since August 2020, however, has been unable to travel too far afield due to various lockdowns. Mr Gray was accompanied by his partner Pippa and their dog Ted from the Australian Embassy in Dublin.

Mr Gray's family hail from Tipperary. They continue a 100 year farming tradition in Western Australia, having farmed their current acreage since the 1930s. "We were extremely honoured to host a visit to Mr Gray and his partner Pippa. Whilst feeling very much at home here in Tipperary, our roots are very firmly based in Australia.” said Kylie Magner.

Mr Gray was extremely gracious with his time, taking a very keen interest in the regenerative, organic practices we work at on the farm. He has such a great understanding of the importance of diversification in agriculture and the value of positive family farming. Both Mr Gray and Pippa were also particularly interested in the Ned Kelly - Moyglass connection.”

Mr Gary Gray AO, the Australian Ambassador to Ireland is photographed outside Fethard Horse Country Experience with volunteer members, Mary Healy (left) and Eileen Croke. (photographs by Colin J. Kenny)

After visiting the farm, Kylie and Billy Magner accompanied Mr Gray and his partner Pippa to visit Fethard Horse Country Experience before taking a tour of the medieval walls and lunch at Dooks.

Died in England
The death has occurred on July 3, 2021, of Michael Hennessy, late of Islington, London, and formerly of Derryluskin, Fethard.

Michael will be sadly missed by his wife Mary, daughter Jackie, son-in-law, extended family, friends and all who knew him in England, and at home here in Ireland.

May he rest in peace.

Planning Application for 22 Residential Units at 'An Seanline', Fethard
Good news for those looking for housing in Fethard Town came last week with the news that Coalquay Developments Ltd have issued a planning application to Tipperary County Council on June 24, 2021, for the construction of twenty-two residential units at An Seanline, Fethard, consisting of ten semi-detached three bedroom units, eight semi-detached two bedroom units and four one bedroom own door apartments with all associated site development works to include roads, footpaths, underground services, boundary treatments and connection to existing services.


An Seanline Estate, Kerry Street, Fethard, photographed in May 2008, months before the Irish economy entered a severe recession in mid-2008.

An Seanline is a very attractive residential complex situated off Kerry Street, Fethard, that was still in progress up to mid-2008 when the Irish economy entered a severe recession. Irish banks, already over-exposed to the Irish property market, came under severe pressure by September causing most building projects to be halted. It is very encouraging to see a new planning application for the completion of the sizeable Seanline Estate.

Fethard NACA Athletic Club end of season party 1976

Fethard NACA group taken at end of season party held in the Nissan Hut in 1976. Back L to R: Tom McCormack, Noel Curran, Stephen McCormack, Tony Aylward, T.J. Sheehan, Mary McCormack holding her child Belinda. Middle L to R: Mrs Sheila O'Riordan (hidden), Tom O'Riordan, Mick O'Riordan (behind), Martin Fogarty, Kathleen McCormack (behind), Clare McCormack, Lydia Newport, Rena Sheehan, Vera Sheehan, Kay O'Riordan, Mary Coen (behind), Linda Kane, Mrs Bridget Sheehan, Peg Shine, Michael Sheehan, Miceál McCormack. Front L to R. Michael O'Riordan, Lorraine McCormack, Fergus McCormack, Brendan Morrissey, Declan Morrissey, John O'Riordan, Shay Coen, Debbie Coen, David Kane, Chris Coen, Thomas Connolly and Liam Connolly. You can zoom in closer to see more detail by clicking the photograph to zoom-in and double-clicking the photograph to zoom-out.

Your comments, names or corrections are always welcome to: fethardnews@gmail.com

Fethard NACA Club News from 1976

The year 1976 must surely have been one of our best years not alone athletic-wise but organisation wise too. During Fethard Festival week we held a very successful road race meeting for seniors and juveniles. These races started at Congress Terrace and finished at Kerry Street Cross. The senior mens race was run over six laps of the town starting at the Cross, down the Valley via Burke Street, The Green, St. Patrick’s Place and down Main Street, finishing at Wards Garage. Local athletes figured prominently in their respective races. Winners being: Kay O’Riordan, Tony Aylward, Shay Coen, Chris McCoole, Fergus McCormack, Lorraine McCormack, Clare McCormack and Martin Fogarty. The Mayor of Clonmel, Mr Hubert Burke, presented the prizes.

During the winter our boys and girls took part in the cross-country competition, but due to a flu epidemic we missed out on most of the big races. The track season followed and here we made our presence felt. Clare McCormack had a ‘field-day’ winning a hat-trick of Tipperary Championships in the U-12 100m, 200m, 400m. Other winners were Vera and Rena Sheehan, Killusty, Lydia Newport and Kay O’Riordan. The boys had their days too with Fergus McCormack U8, Chris Coen U9, Michael and Tom O’Riordan U9 and U14. John and Chris McCoole (Killusty and Australia), Philip Major U12 Richard Major U14, Paul Hynes U11, Martin Fogarty U13, Tony Aylward U12, David Kane U9, Eddie Sheehan U8 and the Sheehan Brothers – Michael, John and Pat – all winning prizes at various distances and venues.

Our two youngest members, neighbours John O’Riordan U6 and Linda McCormack U6 of Kerry Street had numerous wins in this age group.
On September 12, we held our Senior and Juvenile Sports in Fethard GAA field – the first such sports held in the town in twenty years. With the help of Dick Major, Cashel Road, who secured sponsorship of £40 from Clonmel Rotary Club, the search in earnest started for the remaining £160 to pay for prizes. Here Mary McCormack, John Looby and Rita McCormack made their worth felt when they halved this debt from programme selling and other fund-raising ventures.

The selection of prizes were displayed in Newport’s window (by kind permission). Publicity paid for itself when a crowd above all expectations attended our meeting. Teams which took part were from: Tallaght, Dublin; Guinness A.C. Dublin; Timahoe, Laois; Tallow and Slieve gCua, Waterford; three clubs from Cork and ten clubs from Tipperary.

The local winners were: Pat Fitzgerald U16 100m open; Eddie Fox 100m confined; George Williams 400m open, Lorraine McCormack U6 80m; Debbie Coen U6 80m; John O’Riordan and Shay Coen U6 80m; Fergus McCormack U8 100m; Clare McCormack U12 400m; Vera Sheehan U13 400m and U16 100m. Tony Sheehan, International Clay-Pigeon Shooter and Mr Alec McCreery, President of Clonmel Rotary Club presented the prizes to the winners.

The NACA committee members in 1976 were: Tom McCormack, Michael O’Riordan, Noel Curran, Tom Murray, Derry Curran, Michael McCormack, Stephen McCormack. Ladies Group: Mary McCormack, Bridget Sheehan and Mary Coen.

Newsletter articles are now invited for this year!
As we approach almost half-way through 2021, a reminder to consider writing an article for this year’s Emigrants Newsletter seems appropriate.

So please drop us a line and some photographs and we will do our best to include them in this year’s issue due to go to printers in early November. Days fly into weeks and weeks into months, so what better time to start than now. Articles and photos can be submitted by email to: emigrantsnewsletter@gmail.com or by post to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, Co. Tipperary, E91 XR26.

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

Fethard & District Photos from the past . . .

This week we have a selection of photographs from our files and if you can help with names, comments or further information, we would love to hear from you. Email: fethardnews@gmail.com


Members of Killenaule ICA presenting a cheque to Mr Kevin Muldoon, Cashel, in 1979

Pupils of Killusty National School presenting a check for £642 to Dr. Murchin, Cashel, towards the St. Joseph's Hospital Cat Scan Appeal. The check, presented by Ciara Aylward and Seamus Holohan, was proceeds of a sponsored walk up Slievenamon organised by the school. (Nov 16, 2000)


Junior Infants Class at Nano Nagle Primary School Fethard. Back L to R: Ms. Margaret Gleeson (teacher), Rachel O'Meara (Woodvale Walk), Gary Bradshaw (The Green), Shane Moloney (Kerry Street), Emma Hayes (Burke Street), Emma Walsh (Ballintemple), Joseph O'Hagan, (The Square). Third Row L to R: Shannon Dorney (Slievenamon Close), Donal Walsh (The Green) Colin Grant (The Valley), Emma Morrissey (Barrack Street), Brian Healy (The Green). Second Row L to R: Kevin Allen (Slievenamon Close), Darrell Needham (Slievenamon Close), Tara Horan (Tullamaine), Vincent Lawrence (Woodvale Walk), Jade Pattison (Spittlefield), Gerard Gorey (Jesuit’s Walk), Áine Phelan (Coolmore). Front Row L to R: Jack Connolly (The Green), Adam Hall (St. Patrick's Place), Jessie McGrath (Rathcoole), Anastasia Blake (Kilnockin Road) and Aobh O'Shea (The Valley). (November 15, 2000)


Members of Slievenamon Musical Society, photographed at rehearsal for their musical show "The Millennium Wish" which will be staged in Cloneen for three nights from 1st to 3rd December 2000.

Guest stars that participated in Fethard Patrician Brothers Past Pupils Union fundraising concert featuring Sonny Knowles and a full supporting programme staring Paud Griffin (Cordovox), Noel V. Ginity (Comedian), Sean Connors (Comedian) and Ann Byrne (Radio and TV Star). The concert was held in the Country Club Ballroom on Friday, November 9, 1979, to raise funds towards expanding the School Library. Admission was £2.


Enjoying a quiet drink and chat in McCormacks' Ardagh House Hotel in Killenaule back in November 1979. If you have their names please let us know.


Mary Hurley and Niamh Kenny in 1979

Fr. Pat Killian OSA, photographed with his old school friend, Gerry Brennan, at his snooker bar on the Fethard Road, Clonmel in 1979. Fr. Killian was on a return visit to Fethard for a Youth Club Reunion of which he was a founder member while ministering at the Augustinian Abbey Fethard in 1967.


Maybe someone will be able to identify these men and the event they were at in 1979.

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.

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.