'HAPPY CHRISTMAS' from AIB

Fethard's 'Munster & Leinster Bank Limited' built in 1895 built on the ruins of the burned down premises of the then chairman of the town commissioners, Dr Charles McCarthy who later moved to Australia.

Local businesses and lifelong customers of Fethard AIB are left reeling in puzzlement at this week’s ill-timed letter posted to all customers to let them know the, "Fethard branch will no longer offer over the counter transactions such as cash, cheques, coin, foreign exchange and bank draft services, from Monday, December 6, 2021,”– just in time before the ‘Christmas Rush’. This letter also offered their unsupportive and predictable solution saying: “All these services will still be available at AIB Clonmel, 14 km away” – familiar words to customers when they closed services at the Killenaule Branch and diverted them to Fethard, except now they must add another 14 km to their total journey.

Ireland's 'Better Ireland' Banks appear to be the only business who continue to ignore the idiom, ‘The Customer is always Right!’ by reducing staff and service. While shops in nearby Clonmel offer free delivery to attract customers from Fethard, AIB is forcing Fethard AIB customers to drive up to 30 kilometres and more to use their decreasing ‘nearest’ full-service branches. What happened much-needed cash service that can’t be covered by internet banking?

Those affected by this loss of service in Fethard are urged to write a letter of protest to the local AIB Branch Manager, Mr John Palmer, 17 Main Street, Fethard, E91 HP86.

Fethard Town Park Scrap Metal Collection

Pitch and pathways progressing in Fethard Town Park along with the installation of floodlights on 3G Pitch. Your support is requested for the Scrap Metal Collection on Saturday or Sunday September 25 or 26, by gathering up what you can and dropping it off to Fethard Town Park from 10am to 4pm.

Put the date in your diary of September, Saturday 25 & Sunday 26, to clear out the shed, garden or yard and get rid of unwanted scrap. Drop off point is Fethard Town Park for all your domestic, farmyard and machinery scrap. No item too big or too small – cars, tractors, trailers, gates, barrels, engine parts, copper, lead, brass, steel plates etc. Household items are also accepted including pots, pans, kettles, swing frames, trampolines, radiators, gutters, washing machines etc.
For further information contact: info@fethardtownpark.ie

GAA Sports Development Lotto
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Friday, September 10, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 1, 7, 10 and 15. There was no jackpot winner and three ‘match three’ winners who received €50 each: Claire O’Meara (online ticket); Mary Keyes, Clonmel; and Paul Fitzgerald, Kiltinan, Fethard. One Lucky Dip winner received €100: Ann Moloney, Templemore.

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, September 17, 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
There was no jackpot winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, September 9. The numbers were: 5, 8, 12 and 14. The winner of the weekly draw of €30 was Sally Hayes. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, September 16, will be €1,650.  5, 8, 12, & 14.

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.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Sunday, September 5, 2021, of Des de Vere Hunt, Garraun, Fethard, pre-deceased by his wife Nellie. Deeply regretted by Elizabeth and Conor, his brothers Raymond, Peter and Bob, his sister Frances, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and wide circle of friends. May he rest in peace.

A private reposal will take place at his residence for family and close friends on Tuesday, September 7, from 6pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass in the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, on Wednesday at 11am followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery.

The Mass can be viewed online at parishchurch.net. Messages of sympathy and condolences can be left online by CLICKING HERE

Cycle against Suicide – 'Mizen to Malin Challenge'
Fethard's Declan Morrissey is taking part in this year's fundraiser supporting 'Cycle Against Suicide', which involves cycling from Mizen Head to Malin Head between September 18 to September 25. All funds raised will go directly to this great cause.

Declan is asking for your support by making a donation on his official fundraising page at DONATE HERE. All donations are processed securely and a great way to show your support for 'Cycle Against Suicide'.

The 2021 Mizen to Malin Challenge will commence by busing cyclists to Mizen and then back from Malin Head, the organisers have selected a scenic route through the West of Ireland because of the excellent mix of challenge and wonder that it has to offer. Everyone who participates in this challenge will have fun, enjoying all of the camaraderie of a tough ride with all of the inner satisfaction of a great cause.

JigJam live at Clonacody House on Friday, Sept 17
JigJam are delighted to announce they will play live in Clonacody House in Fethard, on Friday, September 17. Limited tickets available so be sure to get yours as soon as possible at www.tickets.ie

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Saturday, September 4, 2021, of Sr Francis Fogarty, Convent of Mercy, Templemore, and formerly of Curraghscarteen, Fethard. Sr. Francis, died peacefully, surrounded by her community and family at the Convent of Mercy, Templemore, and is deeply regretted by her Mercy Community, Sisters of Mercy, South Central Province, sisters-in-law, Breda and Madge, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives neighbours and friends. May She rest in peace.

Reposing at the Mercy Convent Templemore on Monday, September 6. Requiem mass takes place in the Church of the Sacred Heart Templemore on Tuesday, September 7, at 12 noon and can be viewed online by CLICKING HERE. Interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery afterwards. Strict adherence to HSE Covid 19 guidelines.

Messages of condolence can be left online by CLICKING HERE. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dilis.

Heritage Workshops in Ballylooby


Local artist Ms Pat Looby is one of the leaders who will host free workshops as part of the BSB heritage Group's Dúshraith project, run in collaboration with Scoil Teampall Toinne, Siúl Eile, and Knockmealdown Active. The project will present free workshops for adults of all levels on mapping heritage, textiles, painting, and rural landscape – patterns and design from everyday rural heritage. For further information and enrolment contact Ann Gildea Tel: 085 8541924 Email: bcbheritage@gmail.com

New ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) unit for Fethard Secondary School

Contractor Micheál Maher, Fethard, working with staff members on the installation of a new ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) unit for Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School.

The department of Education recently sanctioned a new extension for Patrician Presentation Secondary School, Fethard. This extension will consist of two ASD special classes catering for Autism Spectrum Disorder, a Woodwork room, Multimedia room, Textiles and Art room, and some new offices.

In recent months the school has been granted temporary accommodation to provide one ASD class, while waiting for the main building to be completed. This temporary building is the new prefab on the left as you enter the school. The name of this new classroom will be called ‘Galileo’.

Allowing for the safe return to school, students are returning on a staggered basis which began on August 25, when all new 1st Years started their academic learning at Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School. We are delighted to say this temporary special classroom will be completed in early September for use by students.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Saturday, September 4, 2021, of Sean Stapleton, Woodhouse, Moyglass, Fethard, and formerly Lower Cahir Abbey, Cahir, and native of Kilfithmone, Borrisoleigh. Sean died peacefully at South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel. Predeceased by his brother Jim and sister Mary, Sean will be sadly missed by his loving family, wife Patricia, daughter Mary, sons John and Tom, brother Billy, sister-in-law Mary, daughters-in-law Cora and Dee, grandchildren Hannah, Jack, Laoise and Molly, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbours. May He Rest in Peace.

Cortège arriving at St. Joseph the Worker Church, Moyglass, on Monday morning, September 6, for Funeral Mass at 11.30am, followed by burial in the adjoining Cemetery. Please adhere to Government guidelines regarding social distancing and face coverings. Messages of condolence can be left online by CLICKING HERE.

Presentation Convent 'Story of Nano Nagle' – November 30, 1975

See how many faces you can recognise in this photograph taken at Presentation Convent Hall, Fethard, on November 30, 1975. The photograph is not great quality but may still be of interest to those who remember being involved. You can zoom in closer to see more detail by clicking the photograph to zoom-in and double-clicking the photograph to zoom-out. If you can help with further information please let us know. Your comments, names or corrections are always welcome to: fethardnews@gmail.com

The Secondary School pupils from Fethard Presentation Convent and Patrician Brothers produced a wonderful showing of the 'Story of Nano Nagle' in the Convent Hall on Sunday, November 30, 1975, and Monday, December 1, 1975.

The play was produced to mark the bi-centenary of the foundation of the Presentation Order. The cast, producer and every one concerned are deserving with the highest congratulations. During the year, the Presentation Sisters celebrated the bi-centenary and made a special effort to remember the times and character of Nano Nagle – their Holy Foundress – by organising pageants, plays, projects and art competitions for all age groups attending the local schools.


L to R: Catherine Newport and Rita McCormack playing their parts in the 'Story of Nano Nagle' performed in the Presentation Convent Hall on Sunday, Nov. 30, 1975, and Monday, Dec. 1, 1975.

Nano Nagle – 'The Lady of the Lantern'
Nano Nagle was born in Ballygriffin Co Cork in 1718, her work laid the foundation for the voluntary school system and for the wide range of ministries to which Presentation Sisters around the world remain committed to this day. Nano Nagle’s parents sent her to France to be educated since strict penal laws barred Catholic children from attending school in Ireland. She returned to Ireland after her father’s death in 1746; her mother died soon after. Prayer and reflection led Nano back to France to become a sister. Even as she began her new life as a sister, Nano’s thoughts often returned to the children of the poor families back in Ireland.

At age 32, she left the convent in France and returned to Ireland, where she secretly gathered the children of the poor and taught them catechism, reading, writing and mathematics. As Nano spent her days with the children, they would tell her of their sick friends or family members. Nano began to visit the sick and the elderly after school, bringing them food, medicine and comfort. She often made visits late into the night, carrying her lamp among the alleyways. Before long, Nano became known as the Lady of the Lantern.

Her commitment and love of the poor inspired others to join her. In the 1760s Nano began to plan for the future of her education mission. In 1771 she used money she had inherited from an uncle to build a convent for the Ursuline Sisters, a teaching order, whom she invited to come from France. Urged by her faith and trusting in God’s providence, Nano took the initiative and formed a new religious institute. On Christmas Eve 1775, Nano and three companions Mary Fouhy, Elizabeth Burke and Mary Ann Collins began their Novitiate.
Most new convents developed independently but following the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) many of these autonomous convents decided to come together and in 1976 they formed the Union of Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – also known as the Presentation Sisters Union.

Before Nano’s death on 26 April 26, 1784, she had opened seven schools for poor children across Cork city, founded an almshouse for poor women, as well as founding the Presentation Order. She is buried at the site of her very first convent, formerly South Presentation, now called Nano Nagle Place.

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, some taken in 1989 and others are copies of old photographs, some that we have identified, others we need your help with names if known? If you can help with names, comments or further information, we would love to hear from you. Email: fethardnews@gmail.com


This is one photo that we need your help with names?


Fethard Senior Football Team, winners of the County Final played in Kilsheelan on Sunday September 25, 1988, on the scoreline, Fethard 1-11, Commercials 1-10. The Fethard team and supporters were highly appreciative of the sporting gesture from Joe McNamara of Commercials, who came out to Fethard later on Sunday night to congratulate the Fethard team and where he was made most welcome to join in the victory celebrations. Back L to R: Tommy Sheehan, Michael O’Riordan, Liam Connolly, Michael O’Riordan, Michael Ryan, Michael Downes, Shay Ryan. Front L to R: Willie O’Meara, Owen Cummins, John Hackett, Brian Burke, Paddy Kenrick, Michael ‘Buddy’ Fitzgerald, Willie Morrissey and Joe Keane. Fethard completed the South and County Senior Football double in this close and exciting victory over their great rivals.


Fethard Presentation Patrician School girls volleyball team pictured outside Presentation Convent in 1989. Winners over Tuam in the All-Ireland Senior final at Headford, Co. Galway. Back L to R: John Stokes (coach), Tracy Maher, Mildred Lawlor, Debbie Coen, Eleanor Sheehan, Sandra Wade, Bernadette Holohan and Sr. Breda (principal). Front: Maureen Connors, Jacqueline Conway, Dorothy Keane, Jill Maher and Rebecca Conway.


Prizewinners in the 1989 Art competition run by Fethard and District Credit Union. L to R: Deborah Phelan, Alan Colville, Oliver Ryan, Canon Power P.P., Catherine Healy (Credit Union), Marina Mullins and Martina Morrissey.


Group photographed at the launch of the Buckler National Senior Cross Country Championships held in Killenaule in 1989. Group includes Liam Kelly, Michael Guinan, Hugo Browne and Tom Walsh. Maybe someone will supply all the names?


Fethard First Communion c.1938. Back L to R: Tom Sayers, Mick Keyes, John Delaney, Michael Stokes, Michael Cummins. Middle Row L to R: Gerry Mackey, Sean Walsh, Peter Murphy, Chris Mackey, Bill Meaney, Brendan O’Donnell. Front L to R: John McDonnell, Frank McCarthy, Austin Cassells, Tony Newport, Master Crotty, Jim Noonan, Seamus Greene and Jim Napier.

Taking a well-earned rest during a hot spell of weather on Main Street, Fethard, in May 1989 L to R: Tommy Kearney, Mikey Treacy and Mick Gleeson.


At a special function held in the Fethard Arms on Saturday night, May 20, 1989, a presentation was made to Mr John Pollard, St. Patrick's Place, Fethard, who retired as district overseer after 46 years service with Tipperary (SR) County Council. The presentation of Tipperary Crystal was made by Mr Michael O'Malley, chief executive county engineer. Ms Breda Power BE of the Carrick-on-Suir district office presented a beautiful bouquet to Mrs Teresa Pollard. The retirement of John Pollard marked the end of an era. John's father, the late Martin Pollard, served for 40 years as ganger with Tipperary (SR) County Council, while three of his uncles were County Council steamroller drivers. Following the presentation John’s many friends and colleagues joined in a most enjoyable social evening. L to R: Patsy Halloran, Teddie Pollard, John Pollard, Michael O'Malley (Executive County Engineer), Ms Bridget Power (District Engineer).

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.

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