The Premier Newspaper - July 8, 2022
This week's issue of The Premier free local newspaper is now available in local shops. This edition features articles, photographs and news from the district, including Fethard News, and the upcoming Moyglass 'Grey Ghost' Centenary Festival, and lots more.

Comments, articles or photographs for publication can be emailed to editor Jamie O'Flaherty.

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, July 7. The numbers drawn were 4, 5, 9 and 12. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Robert & Margaret Phelan. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, July 14, will be €2,000.

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. PLAY OUR LOTTO NOW

Photographic Exhibition 'To Waters and The Wild'|

County U17 ‘B’ Hurling League Final  – Gortnahoe Glengoole v Fethard
Any plaudits to be given had to go to Fethard in this tremendous County U17 B League Final played in Boherlahan on Monday evening last, when Gortnahoe Glengoole, with their All-Ireland Minor 2022 player Damien Corbett playing his part in the first half, leading by 11 points, in defeating Fethard without their All-Ireland Minor 2022 player, Jack Quinlan, in a thrilling game of fast clean hurling before a handy attendance.

The sides level at full time, and after extra time. At the end of the game, it went to penalties and was decided by 5 to 4 in favour of Gortnahoe Glengoole – almost a repeat of the heart-stopping minor hurling final between Tipp and Offaly on Sunday.

Referee, Kevin Jordan, was kept very busy in a game that was full of twists, leaving the half time score, Gortnahoe-Glengoole 4-8, Fethard 0-9.  Whatever the Fethard manager said at the interval, Fethard came out a different team in the second half and introduced two subs, Danny Barry and Charlie Hackett. Fethard upped their game in all sectors of the field.

Next to score, was a point from play by Andrew Connorton, leaving the score. 4-10 to 0-10. From the 35th minute to the end of the normal game, Glengoole only scored two points from frees by Damien Corbett, the second coming on the stroke of full time to level the game. Fethard dominating most areas, scoring 2-8, with the goals coming from Danny Barry and Charlie Hackett. The points were scored from, six frees by Charlie Walsh, and one each from Charlie Hackett and Mark Neville, to leave the the final whistle score level at Gortnahoe Glengoole  4-12, and Fethard 2-18.

In extra time, a hard-fought battle left both teams only able to score two points each. Fethard’s Mark Neville and Gortnahoe’s Kevin Laffan in the first ten minutes. In the second half a free by Charlie Walsh, and one by Jason Kelly from play. Referee organised a penalty shootout that was heart-stopping for all present. The result was, Gortnahoe Glengoole 5, to Fethard’s 4.

We saw great displays from both teams. For a gallant Fethard – the Friary town – can hold their heads high in this defeat. Sam Coen, and his brother Matt (best player); Michael James Phelan, Liam Kiely, and Gavin Neville did trojan work from the back; Oisín Ryan at midfield, Mark Neville, Charlie Walsh, Danny Barry, and Charlie Hackett all had their moments up front.

Fethard Team:  Sam Coen, T.J. Keane, Michael James Phelan, Liam Kiely, Gavin Neville 0-1, Matt Coen (captain), Rory O Mahony, Oisín Ryan, Andrew Connorton, John Lacey 0-1, Mark Neville 0-3, Charlie Walsh 0-13 (all frees), Ben Allen, James Barry 0-1, Danny Shelly, with only two subs on the night used, Danny Barry 1-0, and Charlie Hackett 1-1.  It was a great second half display by all with the rub of the green on the night not in our favour. Beg La Eile Le Cunamh De!
– Match Report by Noel Byrne

Fethard Sports Achievement Awards for June

Barry O'Connor, representing this month's sponsor, O'Connor Accountants, Clonmel, presenting the Butler's Bar Fethard Sport's 'Mentor of the Month Award' for June, to Colm Hackett (left).

The presentation of the Butlers Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Awards for June were presented at a special function held on Friday, July 1, at Butler’s Bar. The winner of the Mentor of the Month Award was won by Colm Hackett. Colm was the driving force behind the Fethard & Killusty Angling Club for the past twenty-five years, and during that time they have hosted Munster and All-Ireland Tournaments at Junior and Senior levels in Fethard. Colm is also coach to the younger anglers, including his son Robert, who finished third in this year’s senior event. The award was presented by Barry O'Connor, representing this month’s sponsors, O'Connor Accountants, Clonmel.


The overall winner of the June Sports Achievement Award was Jake Coen. Jake was unable to attend the presentation, so the award was accepted by his father, Shay Coen (left), and presented by Barry O'Connor, representing this month’s sponsors, O'Connor Accountants, Clonmel.

The overall winner of the June Sports Achievement Award was Jake Coen. Jake is a top-class jockey who continues to impress with two doubles in the past week as well as several other winners in June. His doubles were in Ballinrobe and Sligo. Jake was unfortunately unable to attend the presentation, so the award was accepted by his father, Shay Coen, and presented by Barry O'Connor, was representing this month’s sponsors, O'Connor Accountants, Clonmel.


Barry O'Connor, presenting nomination certificate to young talented soccer player Pa Coffey. This young Fethard sportsman's soccer exploits have not gone unnoticed while playing U12 for Tipperary Southern and District League and has scored goals against the North Tipp League and Limerick.


Barry O'Connor, presenting nomination certificates to Lucy Spillane (left) and Carrie Davey. Lucy was picked at full back and Carrie a panellist on the Tipperary Senior Ladies Football team for their make or break game against Cavan.


Margaret Barrett, greyhound trainer and owner of Sunset Kennels, Fethard, with her husband Michael Flanagan, photographed above accepting her nomination certificate from Barry O'Connor.

Certificates were presented to all those nominated for the June Award, followed by the master of ceremonies, Philip Butler, thanking everyone present for coming along. He then invited nominations for the July award which will be presented in early August.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, of Tom Butler, Coolanure, Fethard, (unexpectedly) in the loving care of the staff of Croí Óir, Our Ladies Hospital, Cashel. Pre-deceased by his son PJ, his brother Paddy and his sister Biddy. Deeply regretted by his loving wife Mary, his sons and daughters Carmel (Leavy), Noel, Ann (Leahy), Kieran, Fiona (Dungan) and Richard, fourteen grandchildren, his great granddaughter, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nieces, nephews , relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace.

Reposing at home on Thursday, July 7, from 3pm to 8pm (E91 X2V9). Funeral Mass in the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, on Friday, July 8, at 11am followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Messages of condolence can be left online by CLICKING HERE

Eoin Tynan qualifies for World Games 2022

Fethard born Eoin Tynan, who will represent 'Team Ireland', alongside his teammates, at The World Games 2022 held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, from July 7-17, 2022.

Fethard born Eoin Tynan, living in Clonmel, is setting off to Birmingham, Alabama, this week to represent 'Team Ireland' in The World Games 2022 alongside his teammates, Aisling Hickey of Tipperary, Ken Cottrell of Kilkenny, and Majella Haverty of Mayo.

Eoin gained qualification for The World Games 2022 through the 2021 World Racquetball Championships held in Guatemala and now gets the opportunity to compete alongside the Top 16 Players in the World.

The World Games is an eleven-day international multi-sport event held every four years and organised with the support of the International Olympic Committee. An anticipated 3,600 elite athletes from over 100 countries will compete for gold in more than 30 of the fastest growing sports in the world, which includes Racquetball.
We wish Eoin and all the athletes the very best of luck at the games!

Lester Piggott Memorial Service at Fethard Abbey

Participating in the Lester Piggott Memorial Service at Fethard Augustinian Abbey were Back L to R: Trevor Gough, Conor Higgins, Bob Lanigan, Fr Iggy O'Donovan OSA, John Brabston, David Brabston, Denis Hickey. Front L to R: Vincent Rossiter, John Brabston, Gerry Gallagher, Martin O'Connor, and John Kenrick.

Sunday, June 26, marked exactly one month since the death of the late great Lester Piggott. Given his close association with the Fethard area, a group of his friends and admires, felt something should be done to mark the occasion locally. This took place on Sunday June 26, in the Augustinian Abbey. It was a simple service, but it caught the spirit of the occasion.

Appropriate readings and prayers were chosen. A message was conveyed to the gathering from Lester's daughter, Tracy, who was unavoidably absent. A highlight of the event was the presentation of symbolic gifts reflecting the life and career of Lester Piggott.

There was a poignant moment when Conor Higgins, representing Coolmore Stud, brought forward a saddle on which Lester accomplished some of his greatest triumphs, including the English Triple Crown. John Kenrick, formerly from Burke Street, Fethard, presented the silks worn by Lester as he rode Sir Ivor to victory in the Derby of 1968. Denis Brabston, representing his father John, brought along a magnificent photo of Lester mounted on the mighty ‘Nijinsky’, following his triumph in the 1970 English St Leger – the last leg of his English Triple Crown miracle.

On the day it was said that these symbolic gifts are the equivalent of Olympic Gold or World Cup medals. All in all, it was a simple remembrance ceremony, and all the more fitting, that it should be held in Fethard, the ‘Mecca’ from which Lester launched so much of his genius to electrify the equine world.

GAA Sports Development Lotto
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Wednesday, July 5, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 7, 9, 25 and 33. No Jackpot and two 'Match Three' winners who received €75 each: Louise Coen and Margaret Ryan. One Lucky Dip winner received €100: Stephanie McCormack, Fethard.  The next draw takes place on Tuesday, July 12, when the jackpot is €10,800. The funds raised are used to promote sport in the local community.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom


Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on Sunday, July 10, to the music of ‘Dermot Lyons'. All are welcome to come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment and social dancing from 8.30pm to 11.30pm. Admission is €10, which includes tea and cakes. For further information or for booking the ballroom, contact Eileen Coady, Tel: 086 0776420.

Killusty Pony Show great success at new venue
Killusty Pony Show committee held their annual show on Saturday, July 2, this year at a new venue in Grangebeg, Fethard. The day was good and everybody enjoyed themselves at the new location, which was super. The ground was perfect for jumping, with a lot of success for local owners – more details at a later date. The dog show attracted a large crowd eager to win that special 'Red Rosette'. The Annual Fancy Dress Parade, which always adds a lot of colour to our show was also held as usual.

This show could not happen without the supreme effort of our loyal team of helpers. The people directing traffic on the road did a super job, along with all the stewards in the field, the secretary’s tent and the stewards in the rings. We also thank our catering staff who did a wonderful job feeding everyone, and our judges who travelled from all over Ireland to be there.

We especially thank our sponsors who have supported this show over many years. Finally, to landowner Barry Walsh for his kind generosity in letting us use this beautiful location and to everybody involved in this great show thank you so much. – Pat Culligan, Chairperson Killusty Pony Show.

Big Picture - St. Patrick's School Athletic Club 1970

See how many faces you can recognise in this photograph of St. Patrick's Athletic Club, which was formed in the Patrician Brothers School Fethard in April 1970. Included in the group are Brothers Luke Moroney and James Moran, with the club athletes and their medals / trophies won during their first year. Brother Luke died the following year on November 7, aged 61 years.

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

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 Vollyball's halcyon days in Ireland and Europe?
This week we have a selection of photographs taken of girls teams from Fethard Presentation Convent's halcyon volleyball days competing in Ireland and Europe, under the direction of Sr. Fidelis, who introduced Volleyball to the school in December 1970.

If you have any comments, memories or any further information, we would love to hear from you. Email: fethardnews@gmail.com

Cadette Volleyball Team 1970-71. Back L to R: M. Duggan, G. Skehan, L. Roche, R. Fitzgerald. Front L to R: A. Dunne, Y. Holohan and R. Smith.


Senior Volleyball Team 1970-71 Back L to R: N. Delaney, N. Hanrahan, G. Smyth, M. Gorey. Front L to R: H. Frewen, M. O'Connell (capt), M. Maher, and R. Leahy.


6th Year Team (winners of the School League 1970-71). Back L to R: M. Teehan, P. O'Dwyer, G. O'Shea, G. Smith, M. Gorey. Front L to R: M. O'Connell, N. Delaney, and M. Maher.


Top three in school tennis tournament 1970-71 L to R: Mary O'Connor (3rd), Norma Hanrahan (2nd) and Mary O'Connell (1st).


Presentation Convent Cadette Volleyball team 1971 who won the FISEC league in the East Muster region. Back: Patricia Morrissey, Elaine O'Meara, Trudy Hanrahan, Josephine O'Brien, Lillian Gorey. Front L to R: Rita O'Connor, Bernie Gahan, Helen Roche and Angela Dillon.


Senior Team 1971-72 Back L to R: R. Fitzgerald, N. Hanrahan, J. Keane, R. Leahy. Front L to R: A. Dunne, J. Egan, H. Frewen, L. Roche, and H. Gahan.


Presentation Convent Junior Volleyball team who beat a team from the Brigidine Convent, Abbeyleix, in the All-Ireland final of the inter-schools Junior Volleyball competition in Carlow. May 1972. Ther team included: Yvonne O'Donovan, Margaret Mary O'Connor, Maura O'Callaghan, Catherine Newport, Ann Hayes, Mary Morrissey, Elizabeth Holohan, Lillian Gorey, Pattie Harrison and Bernie Gahan


Volleyball team 1974 Back L to R: Anna Costigan, Suzanna Maher, Mary Ahearne, Catriona Fallon, Cathriona Ward. Front L to R: Mary Morrissey, Ann O'Riordan and Majella Morrissey.


Welcome home All-Ireland Champions 1974 at the school.

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.