The Premier Newspaper - January 21, 2022
This week's issue of The Premier free local newspaper is now available in local shops and is also available online by CLICKING HERE or front page image. This edition features articles, photographs and news from the district, including Fethard. Click on the image below to read this issue.

You can also visit The Premier archive of past issues available online by CLICKING HERE For further news and developments you can follow The Premier on Facebook. Comments, articles or photographs for publication can be emailed to editor Jamie O'Flaherty at: info@thepremiernewspaper.com

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, January 20. The numbers drawn were: 1, 8, 10 and 12. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Kathleen Maher. Next week's Jackpot will be €625.

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 our next weekly draw on Thursday, January 27, 2022. PLAY OUR LOTTO NOW.

A Date for your Diary – Saturday, March 19, 2022


Fethard Ballroom are delighted to present Ronan Collins and his 'Showband Show' tribute to the Show Band Era, at 8pm on Saturday, March 19, 2022. This concert promises to be a huge attraction and a great way to celebrate the best of live music again in Fethard Ballroom. The concert will be followed by a disco with 'Mad Mike'. Admission is €25, with Bar Extension.

For further information and tickets contact Sean O'Donovan: Tel: (86) 259 4337 or Email: odonovansean1@gmail.com

Well Done, Mary!

Science teacher Mary Gorey, from Main Street, Fethard, teaches Science, Chemistry and Physics in St Joseph’s College, Borrisoleigh. We congratulate Mary on winning this year’s BT Young Scientist & Technology Teacher award – Analog Educator of Excellence – at this year’s award ceremony. Mary is also actively involved in running JCT STEAM workshops for SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland).

Parade marking the Golden Jubilee of the 1916 Easter Rising 1966

On Easter Monday, April 11, 1966, the 10am Mass at Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, was offered for all those who died for Ireland. All clubs and societies in the parish were invited to take part in a parade to the church at 9.45am. The parade assembled on The Square and was led by Mr Connie Fitzgerald and Mr James Danaher. This photograph was taken as the parade made its way to Holy Trinity Parish Church.

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

Free Self Defence Class for Women
In light of recent events, Galteemor Kickboxing Club have decided to hold a free Self-Defence class for women, whic will be held on Friday, January 21, at 6pm, in their club premises at Barrack Street, Fethard. This class will teach some basic self defence moves that are easy to remember and may help someone in need when required. If you are interested or need further details, please contact Danny at: 087 9113997.

Christmas Day 'Goal Mile'
After last year’s ‘virtual mile’, it was great to be back meeting everyone on Christmas Day at Main Street in Fethard.  The weather was good to us and the rain stayed off until the very end as we were packing up to head for home to put on the brussels sprouts.


Here we have some photographs sent to us from the event held on The Square, Fethard, on Christmas Day, 2021. Looks like this group were singing Christmas Carols befor the start.

Our numbers did seem to be somewhat down with some familiar faces missing, but amazingly, our money collected was up and after the buckets were emptied we had collected €1,176.63 for the worthy cause. On behalf of the poorest of the poor – that the money goes too – thanks to all participants, contributors, and collectors.  Hope to see you all safe and sound for Christmas Day 2022.


Taking part in the Goal Mile in Fethard


Ready to start the Goal Mile on Christmas Day in Fethard


Ready to start the Goal Mile on Christmas Day in Fethard


In festive mood for the start the Goal Mile on Christmas Day in Fethard


Taking part in the Goal Mile on Christmas Day in Fethard


Collecting at the start of the Goal Mile on Christmas Day in Fethard are L to R: Miceál McCormack, Tom Tobin, Stan Murphy and Willie O'Meara.


Taking part in the Goal Mile on Christmas Day in Fethard.

First GAA Sports Development Lotto of 2022
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Friday, January 14, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 6, 8, 10 and 13. There was no jackpot winner or Match Three winner. One luck dip winner received €100: Helena McCormack, Kerry Street, Fethard. Two lucky dip winners received €75 each: Sharon O’Meara, Strylea, Fethard, and Stephen Gleeson, Knockelly, 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, January 21, 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 Athletic Club Walk/ Run – Tuesdays at 7pm
Fethard Athletic Club continues to organise a Walk/ Run around town on Tuesday evenings at 7pm. Starting at the car park opposite the Fethard Ballroom. Hi Vis jackets are to be worn. All are welcome.

Faces and Places from the Past
The following are a selection of photographs of faces and places taken in 1984 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 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

The 'Dionne Quintuplets' entry in the Fethard Carnival Fancy Dress Parade in the 1950s. Five identical girls were born in a farmhouse in Corbeil, Canada, on the morning of May 28, 1934. Within six hours of their birth, the Dionne quintuplets — Yvonne, Annette, Cécile, Émilie and Marie — were photographed for all the world to see. Their story was worldwide news for years and celebrated in events – even in Fethard. (McCarthys Hotel appear to be selling 'men' in their shop window in the background).


Principals of Fethard Pantomime 'Little Bo Peep' 1955. Back L to R: Donal O'Sullivan, Séan Redmond, Louis O'Donnell, Austin O'Flynn, Eddie O'Neill. Front L to R: Paddy McLellan, Goldie Newport, Billy O'Flynn, Áine Tierney and Percy O'Flynn. The orchestra for the show was Miss E. Lonergan (piano), Miss Sheila Fitzpatrick (violin), Mary Horan (violin), Paddy Grant (percussion) and Tom Sheehan (saxophone).


This very interesting photograph shows the extensive Watergate Bridge Mill buildings as they were in the 1950s and maybe earlier. You will also see Mockler’s Terrace houses in the background.


A group of Fethard Ladies on an outing. Maybe someone will be able to identify who they are and let us know?


Fethard Carnival Fancy Dress Parade entry from the 1950s


Many of our older readers will remember the elaborate and colourful entries prepared by the Presentation Convent Sisters for the annual Fethard Carnival Fancy Dress Parade in the 1950s. The pupils were dressed for their group’s topical heading and arranged before leaving the Convent yard, while the nuns were not allowed to go outside the perimeter of the convent grounds.

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.