Christmas Shoebox Appeal 2022


The Christmas Shoebox Appeal is an Irish project that promises to get your 'Christmas Shoebox' into the hands of a needy child in Eastern Europe. All they ask is for you to fill a shoebox with a range of simple Christmas gifts, and drop it off at your local drop off point at Centra, Fethard, or Monica Pollard, Rocklow Road, up and including Monday, November 18, 2022. HOW TO BUILD A SHOEBOX

All you need to do is get an average size shoebox (or a plastic storage container would also be great), and wrap it with Christmas paper. This year we are vert short of empty shoe boxes and would be very grateful if anyone has some, to please drop them in to Geraldine McCarthy at Fethard Community Centre.

Kathleen Gavin (née Nevin) – First Anniversary
Remembering our beautiful daughter Kathleen on her first Anniversary (June 2, 1975 - October 16, 2021).

We give thanks for the joy and laughter she brought to our lives and also to so many others. We would like to say a heartfelt ‘Thank you’ to all those who reached out to us during the past difficult year; all those who visited, telephoned, sent messages, letters, cards, flowers and who supported us in with such kindness in so many different ways.

We thank especially our family and friends, our great neighbours, and all those whose thoughtful gestures have lightened our days. We would also like to express our gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and all the staff of Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel and the Mater Hospital, Dublin for their exemplary care of Kathleen in the last weeks of her life.

We thank Devitt’s Undertakers, Cashel for their help in arranging Kathleen’s funeral according to her wishes.
Kathleen was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend. Her immeasurable loss has changed our lives for ever but we find consolation in so many beautiful memories.

She is forever in our hearts.
Michael and Christine Nevin
You are too precious to be forgotten
And too priceless to ever replace.
I wish I could share another moment with you,
And see that smiling face.

– Chris & Michael Nevin

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, October 13. The numbers drawn were 11, 17, 20 and 22. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Veronica Fogarty. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, October 20, will be €2,700.

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

Fethard Sports Achievement Award winners for September
The Butler’s Bar Fethard Sports Achievement Awards for September were presenting on Friday last, October 7, before a packed attendance. Opening the presentation of awards, proprietor Philip Butler, said it’s a great time for sport in Fethard and he’s never seen a bigger crowd attend the presentation of awards. He congratulated the Fethard Ladies Football Team on winning their first ever Senior County Title and the ones to watch for the October Award. The sponsor for the September awards is, J&C Kenny, Wine and Spirit Wholesalers, Galway, but unfortunately their representative Liam Downey was unable to make it down for the presentation of the awards but received a round of applause in his absence.


Philip Butler (left) presenting the September 'Mentor of the Month' award to Eugene Purcell for his work with the Fethard GAA Club long after he retired as a player himself.

The first award presented was the ‘Mentor of the Month’ and for September it was presented to Eugene Purcell for his continuing work in the Fethard GAA Club training younger players at all levels, long after he retired as a player himself. Certificates were presented to the ten nominees for the September Award before Philip Butler announced the winner.


Joint Winner of the September Award was Darragh Byrne for winning the NutriScience Showjumping event at Ballindenisk International. Darragh was unable to attend and his award was accepted by Jack Dillon on his behalf.


Joint Winner of the September Award was Fethard U13 Hurling Team who are South champions and advanced to county final by beating Upperchurch after a replay.

This month the selection committee decided on two joint-winners – the first was Darragh Byrne for winning the NutriScience Showjumping event at Ballindenisk International. Darragh was unable to attend, and his award was accepted by his friend Jack Dillon on his behalf. The second joint winner was Fethard U13 Hurling Team who are South Champions and advanced to the county final by beating Upperchurch after a replay.


Lily May Walsh accepting the nomination certificate from Philip Butler on behalf of St. Rita's Camogie Blue Team who won U12 county final beating Shannon Rovers.


Lucy Brett accepting the nomination certificate from Philip Butler on behalf of Fethard U17 Ladies Football team, winners of the U17 League Final over Golden Kilfeacle.


Members of the Fethard Boys U9 Gaelic Football team accepting the nomination certificate from Philip Butler, for winning the Shield Final at the recent Tom Keane Memorial Tournament. L to R: Ted Purcell, Con Higgins and Philip Butler.


Gavin Neville who played at wing back for Tipperary U15 hurlers when competing in the John Doyle/ Arrabawn tournament, accepting his nomination certificate from Philip Butler.


Darragh Spillane accepting the nomination certificate from Philip Butler on behalf of Fethard U19 Mens Football Team who were winners of the South Tipperary U19 B with a fine win against local rivals Moyle Rovers.


Lucy Spillane accepting the nomination certificate from Philip Butler on behalf of Fethard Ladies Senior Football Team who qualified for their first ever county senior final with a convincing 2-10 to 0-11 win against Moyle Rovers.

Nominations are no being accepted for the October Award at Butler’s Bar.

GAA Sports Development Lotto
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, October 11, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 7, 13, 27 and 30. No Jackpot winner and one 'Match Three' winner who received €150: Christopher Quinn. One Lucky Dip winner received €100: Marie O’Dwyer.  The next draw takes place on Tuesday, October 18, when the jackpot is €13,600. 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, October 16 to the music of ‘Michelle Murphy'. 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.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Friday, October 7, 2022, of John Walsh, Knockbrett, Fethard, peacefully in his 97th year after a short illness in the loving care of his family. John, beloved husband and best friend of the late Nancy and brother of the late Jimmy, Tom, Michael, Fr. Joe and Peggy. He will be forever missed by his children Tony, Larry, Fr. Joe and Annette, son-in-law Niall, daughters-in-law Bridget and Eleanor, cherished grandchildren Donna, Shane, Laura, Conor, Kevin and Ava, great-grandchildren Ruby, Hugo, Louis, Johne and Aoibhín, brother Christy, brothers-in-law John Joe and Mike, sister-in-law Kathleen, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours, friends and his amazing carers. May He Rest In Peace.

Reposing at Devitt’s Funeral Home this Sunday evening from 4.30pm to 7.30pm. Requiem Mass on Monday in St. Joseph the Worker Church, Moyglass, at 11.30am followed by Burial in the adjoining cemetery. A message of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE

Fitness Classes Starting Soon at Fethard Ballroom
If you'd like to keep fit you can join the new Fitness Classes just started at Fethard Ballroom as follows: Circuits on Tuesdays from 7pm to 8pm; and Low Impact Aerobics on Thursday mornings from 10.15am to 11.15am. Cost is €8 per class. For more information contact Bobbi at Tel: 087 2130414.
Classes are suitable for all fitness levels and for those aged 18 or older. Please bring your own mat, water and hand weights (optional.

Fethard & Killusty Emigrants Newsletter

Donations to Emigrants' Newsletter
You can also make a secure Credit Card or PayPal donation towards this year's Fethard & Killusty Annual Newsletter by clicking DONATE below. All donations of €10 or more will be acknowledged in this year's Newsletter, unless you wish to remain anonymous.

Club Secretaries, individuals and organisations are reminded that submissions and photographs for inclusion in this year’s newsletter are now invited. Please submit before October 17, by email to: emigrantsnewsletter@gmail.com 

Big Picture - Parish Church Consecration – 1969

Fethard Parish Church Consecration 1969
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 Parish church of the Most Holy Trinity, Fethard, was consecrated by Most Rev. Dr. T. Morris, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly, on Friday, May 30, 1969. Following the Solemn Consecration, the Mass of Dedication was concelebrated by the Archbishop and four priests who are natives of the parish- Very Rev. M. Hayes, Bristol; Rev. W. Hayes, C.C., Holycross; Rev. J. Holway, St. Patrick’s College, Thurles and Rev. J. Fogarty, Doon. Amongst the large attendance were Most Rev. Patrick M. O’Donnell, D.D., Archbishop of Brisbane, a native of Fethard; Most Rev. Patrick Dalton, D.D., Nigeria, a native of Powerstown, Clonmel. The Church of Ireland was represented by Rev. Charles W. Wolfe, Dean of Cashel, and Rev. Canon R. J. Hazelton, The Rectory, Pilltown.

Also present were many members of of the Cathedral Chapter and former curates of Fethard, including Right Rev. Monsignor W. Breen, P.P., Cashel; Very Rev. Canon Hogan, P.P., Killenaule; Very Rev. Fr. Lambe, P.P. Gortnahoe; Very Rev. Fr. T. Kennedy, P.P., Ballybricken, and Very Rev. E. Clifford, O.S.A., Prior, The Abbey, Fethard.

In his homily, Dr. Morris had this to say: “I congratulate the people of the parish on this community enterprise. You would wish me, I think, to give special mention to the Parish Priest who has inspired you and who has planned the work together with the curates; the Canon indeed loves the beauty of God’s house”. Further in his address Dr. Morris said: “It is appropriate that you have linked this consecration of your church with its first opening 150 years. Ten years before Catholic Emancipation, in a happy ecumenical gesture, the Barton family of Grove gave the site for a church which would replace the chapel of penal days. Generation of our forefathers have worshipped here and now you have carried out extensive renovation and modernisation of the building."

Prior to the ceremonies Most. Rev. Dr. Morris inspected a Guard of Honour drawn from F.C.A. companies in Clonmel and Fethard. The officer in charge was Commdt. P. Tobin.
On Sunday Most Rev. Dr. P. O’Donnell, Archbishop of Brisbane, and Rev. T. O’Farrell, Los Angeles; Rev. J. O’Flynn, O.S.A., Rome, Very Rev. M. Hayes, Bristol; Rev. W. Hayes, Holycross, all natives of Fethard, concelebrated Mass of the Blessed Trinity. Archbishop Morris presided at the concelebrated mass; also in the sanctuary was the Bishop of Yola, Nigeria, Most Rev. Dr. P. J. Dalton.

A sermon on the Blessed Trinity was preached by Rev. Dr. Seamus Ryan, St. Patrick’s College Thurles. The choir was conducted by Very Rev. Canon Hogan, P.P., Killenaule, and the organist was Miss Goldie Newport, Fethard.

Copies of a short 'History of Fethard' were also sold at 6/- post free. This history was produced on the occasion of the consecration of the Parish Church and contains many photographs, some in colour, of various scenes in and around Fethard.

Faces and Places from the Past      TOP
This week we have a selection of photographs taken of Fethard business houses, many of which are long closed. As life moves on, our lanscape may change but our memories never fade –good or bad – so here are some photos that may recall some good ones. Please send any comments or photo information, names and event, to fethardnews@gmail.com


Kay McGrath's Drapery Shop on Main Street in January, 2001

Goldie Newport chatting with her former employee Rebecca Conway in Newport's newsagency. Rebecca worked for Goldie for 11 years in her grocery shop a few doors down on Main Street, and now works in Edwina Newport's newsagency. Goldie retired from the grocery business in August 2000.


L to R: Neddy Wall, Tony Newport, Cly Mullins waiting in Goldie Newport's shop for the evening Newspapers to arrive by bus.


Dick McCarthy and Willie Stapleton chatting in McCarthy's Hotel

Please send any further information to: fethardnews@gmail.com

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.