'The Return of the Light' – an evening of music on this coming Friday night at The Abymill


'The Return of the Light' – an evening of music – will take place in the Abymill Theatre Fethard at 8pm on this coming Friday, May 26, 2023. The show will feature Paul Hayes and the Rockwell Music Academy. All proceeds will go to Fethard Tidy Towns. Tickets at €15 each (plus booking fee) are available online at www.gr8events.ie

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, May 18, 2023. The numbers drawn were 1, 17, 21 and 23. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Caroline Harvey. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, May 25, will be €900.

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

Watch the live broadcast recorded on Friday, May 19, at Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School and available on their YouTube channel FETHARD TODAY. This show marks the culmination of the TY students' work in scripting, rehearsing, editing and using design and production technologies to a professional level in a Live TV Environment set up in their school.

Social Dancing in Fethard Ballroom


Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on Sunday, May 21, to the music of 'The Moynihan Brothers'. 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.

GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, May 16, 2023, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 1, 8, 22 and 29. We had no Jackpot winner and no Match 3 winner. One Lucky Dip winner received €100: Stephen Harrington. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, May 23, when the jackpot is €19,800. The funds raised are used to promote sport in the local community.

Congratulations to the organisers and participants in this fun-packed and exciting fundraiser that had the crowd dancing in their seats to the colourful display of dancing from thirteen couples who willingly volunteered to take part, most without any previous experience in ‘formal’ dancing.


Backstage at Clonacody, ready for the call!

The dancers rehearsed for many weeks under the direction of Lauren Maguire, who perfected their dancing skills and confidence to achieve an extremely high-level performance at Clonacody House, many of whom were never on stage before. Their efforts were well rewarded by the reception they received from the audience, and indeed also by the local sports clubs involved, for the huge funds raised for the cause, co-ordinated by Chris Coen and a team of helpers. The final figure raised after expenses, amounted to €42,500 which was an amazing effort from all involved. Well done!


Master of Ceremonies, Gerry Aherne with Jean Anglim and Jane Kenny before the performance on April 29 at Clonacody.

Great credit for Clonacody House for pulling out all the stops to cater for the huge crowd that turned up on the night, with many happy to fill the overflow marquees adjacent to the main event. The capable MC for the event was Gerry Aherne who was almost as entertaining as the dancers. The judges for the night were Carmel Condon, Paul Fitzgerald, and John Shortall, who also did an excellent job in casting their generous votes with encouragement.


Event co-ordinator Chris Coen making sure no dancer escapes!

The tremendous effort deserves another introduction to the thirteen couples as was printed in the accompanying programme that was available on the night of the performance. We have also included a photograph of each couple taken at rehearsal some nights earlier. For those who couldn't attend you missed a ‘cracker’ that will be remembered by all involved for many years to come. Well done!

STRICTLY BLUES – THE DANCING COUPLES

Couple, No 1 – Laoise Keane & Jack O'Sullivan


Laoise is originally from Kildare but is currently living in Fethard and working in Coolmore. "I have family who have been a part of the community and involved in the BAA all their life, including my dad." Laoise is delighted to now be involved herself.
Jack played both under-age hurling and football for Fethard GAA. Jack is a local pharmacist from the O'Sullivan family pharmacy who have a connection with the Fethard GAA club going back over 100 years.

Couple No 2 – Jane Kenny & M.J. Croke


Jane is a trainee Play Therapist and is working in Fethard Community Preschool. Jane is a past Fethard Ladies footballer. "I am delighted to be involved and supporting the club."
M.J. works in Cashel Motor Works. He is also a past player for the Fethard GAA club, involved in both hurling and football for the club. "I was delighted to have been asked to do Strictly and really looking forward to getting the dancing shoes on."

Couple No 3 – Lisa Spillane & Brian Slattery


Lisa works in Camida. She is a Tipperary woman living in Kilkenny. "I'm married to a Fethard man called Trevor. We have two gorgeous dogs, Daisy and Daphne, and a very grumpy cat called Phil." Lisa is really looking forward to spinning out of her comfort zone for Strictly Blues!
Brian works in Fethard as the local Sergeant. “I got taken advantage of one night in a public house in Cashel by the one and only Chris Coen, who asked me to be part of this night with the words, You'll probably not be needed! but, low and behold, here I am!” Brian is delighted to be part of this fundraiser and to get to know people in the local community. "Dancing isn’t my first love as you all will see, I'm better suited to golf! Hope everyone has a great night, and apologies to my dance partner Lisa in advance!"

Couple No 4 – Bobbi Holohan & Tony Shelly


Bobbi is a volunteer and committee member with Fethard and District Day Care Centre. She is also a part time fitness instructor and loves playing golf.
Tony is currently in his 17th year working as a postman. He has been involved in the Juvenile Club for the last 10 years, both as a coach and manager. He is currently managing the U17 and U19 hurlers.

Couple No 5 – Liza Roche & Andy 0'Donovan


Liza's four children have been involved with the four clubs in Fethard at different stages over the years. Liza's workplaces are Rocklow Medical Centre in Fethard, Suirside Medical Centre in Clonmel, and Cashel Medical Centre in Cashel. "Oh, I nearly forgot my fourth job, Fethard Ladies Football Club Secretary."
Andy is a lifelong resident of Fethard. Andy works in Boston Scientific Clonmel. A very proud member of the community that Fethard GAA is. "I'll be bringing the club ice packs on the night."

Couple No 6 – Jean Anglim & Ciaran Treacy


Jean is currently living and working in Kilkenny but originally from Fethard. She played juvenile and junior football with Fethard LGFA when she was younger. "It is great to be back supporting the club doing strictly and raising some much-needed funds in the process."
Ciaran played for Fethard GAA for 20 years! "Sent off 18 times and let down the club a lot. So it’s time to give something back. Ciaran will need to pull it out of the bag in Clonacody to make up for all those sending offs!

Couple No 7 – Hannah Dolan & Charlie Maher


Hannah is from Fethard and a past Fethard Ladies football player. She is studying in University of Limerick and currently doing her placement in MSD Ballydine.
Charlie is originally from Dungarvan but moved to Fethard four years ago and is currently working in Coolmore Stud. Charlie is delighted to be a part of the Strictly Blues team for 2023.

Couple No 8 – Lucy Spillane & Eoghan 'Uggans' Hurley


Lucy is a current Fethard Ladies footballer and a St Rita's Camogie player. Lucy also represents the club on the Tipperary Senior Ladies football team. She is currently studying in University of Limerick. The Spillane family have been involved with the club for several years. Lucy is ready to prove her dancing skills are just as good as her sporting skills.
Eoghan is from Fethard who plays both hurling and football for Fethard GAA – spending more time on the side-line. “I would like to thank all my sponsors and any future sponsors. A big shout out to my backroom team which includes my talent manager Brian Higgins, my agent Ferret O'Donnell and my nutritionist Martin Burke who will have me in tip top shape and ready to go on the night. Hope to see ye there because I'm a big deal!"

Couple No 9 – Con Hurley & Colm McGrath


Con is from Fethard. Con's family are connected to the club for over 100 years! She is delighted to be a part of the Strictly Blues fundraiser event for the club.
Colm is a school bus driver and social farmer. Colm's dancing career began at the young age of 13 or 14. "I have shuffled in Ethiopia, Samba'd and Salsa'd in Brazil, and ready to rock in Clonacody.”

Couple No 10 – Ali McNamara & Niall Prendergast


Ali is not originally from Fethard but has worked in Emily's Deli, Burke Street, for the last four years. Ali is a huge fan of Strictly Come Dancing. "When I was asked to do strictly to raise much needed funds for the club, I did not hesitate." Ali is looking forward to the challenge and making new friends.
Niall is a ‘blow in’ from Limerick, and still a long-standing Limerick supporter (sorry!). He is also a long-serving treasurer of Killenaule GAA (sorry again!) and most importantly an official ball and bib carrier for St Rita's Junior Camogie team. Niall is willing to do anything for free dance lessons (obviously). "All St Rita's votes greatly appreciated or junior camogie championship team selections could be affected (just saying like)."

Couple No 11 – Gemma McGuire & Vincent Cummins


Gemma is a member of AGS stationed in Clonmel District for the last six years. Gemma enjoys supporting and getting involved with local communities. "It's definitely my favourite one to date, having the pleasure of being spun off my feet (literally) from the town’s very own dancing star Vinny!"
Vincent is from Fethard. He loves the outdoor life, loves walking and cycling and is heavily involved with the Fethard Tidy Towns. "I played football going to school, and I wasn't bad either. I'm 55 years old . . . actually I'm 59!”

Couple No 12 – Kate Holohan & Tom Gilpin


Kate is originally from Fethard and currently living in Cashel. Kate works as a GP in Killenaule Surgery. "I have always loved dancing, ever since the days of ‘On Your Toes’ 'in Fethard." When a dancing spot opened up, Kate she was thrilled to join the Strictly Blues team for 2023.
Tom was born and bred in The Valley, Fethard. Tom enjoys outdoor activities and can be seen on very rare occasions to frequent the local establishments to try the alcoholic beverages on offer.

Couple No 13 – Kerri Doyle & Ryan Walsh


Kerri is our youngest dancer for Strictly Blues. Kerri is currently a member of St Rita's Camogie club. Kerri has great stage experience as she is Miss Tipperary South 2022-23 and represented Tipperary South in Miss Ireland 2022. Kerri will be hoping to bring her stage experience with her to Strictly Blues.
Ryan is 20 years old and has played both hurling and football for the Fethard GAA Club since the young age of four-years-old. Ryan works as an apprentice electrician, "So hit me up, if you need any work done!”

First Holy Communion in Fethard

Congratulations to the boys and girls who received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion on Saturday, May 13, at Holy Trinity Parish Church in Fethard.

Community Playgroup Enrolment for September

Fethard Community Playgroup would like to inform parents who intend sending their children to Fethard Community Playgroup in September 2023, to apply by completing our Enrolment Form, which are available at the Playgroup, Rocklow Road, Fethard, E91 V382, or can also be downloaded by CLICKING HERE

You can also email fethardcommunityplaygroup@gmail.com or contact us by phone: 052 613 2316.

Fethard Students visit RTE Studios in Cork

Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School students photographed on their visit to RTE Studios in Cork.

On Friday, April 28, a selection of our TY Media Studies students paid a visit to the RTÉ studios in Cork where the Maura & Daithi ‘Today Show’, and various other radio shows are broadcast.
Ahead of their Media Studies live broadcast from the school which takes place on Friday, May 19, this was an amazing opportunity to savour and sample a real television studio environment, and see all of the equipment and sets needed to make these shows happen. The students were received by Helen Arnold and Kevin Galvin of TVM Television mobiles who supply and operate all of the equipment for RTÉ for the show. The students were accompanied by Mr Maher, Mr O'Connor and Robert Healy of R. Healy AV & IT Solutions.

We would like to thank most sincerely Helen and Kevin for giving so generously of their time, knowledge and experience of the TV Production Environment, and also to Robert Healy for arranging the visit.

Marina's Junior Strictly Come Dancing on May 29

Marina's youngest couple, Meghan O'Donnell and Richard Boyle, taking part in Marina's Junior Strictly Come Dancing 2023, at Fethard Ballroom on Monday, May 29, at 7.30pm, in aid of Tipperary Parkinsons Branch.

Marina's will hold her annual 'Junior Strictly Come Dancing 2023' on Monday, May 29, at 7.30pm, in Fethard Ballroom. Proceeds of this event in aid of Tipperary Parkinsons Branch. Admission is €10 and doors open at 7pm.

All are invited to come along and see our local children, aged 4 to 14, step it out on the dance floor at Fethard Ballroom. Tickets are available from Marin and O'Sullivan's Pharmacy. If you are unable to attend this event and would like to support, please leave your donation in an envelope with your name, to Marina.

Golf Classic at Slievenamon Golf Club


Patrician Presentation Secondary School, Fethard will hold their fundraising golf classic at Slievenamon Golf Club on Friday May 26 and Saturday May 27, 2023. All funds raised from this venture will go towards providing invaluable curricular and extra curricular activities for our Transition Years and other year groups.

Each year our Transition Year group are engaged in a wide variety of activities from school shows, to community involvement projects and, as part of their Media Studies programme, the students produce, script and broadcast a live TV show. To provide for such activities and a professional camera crew and sound engineer for both the school show and TV production, we need your support. All donations welcome.

Senior Citizens 'Summer Party'
Senior Citizens Club hold their monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm in the Tirry Community Centre, Barrack's Street, Fethard. All are welcome to come along and join our social evenings.

We are also holding our 'Summer Party' at Clonacody House on Saturday June 10, from 2pm to 5pm. Bus will leave outside Fethard Town Hall at 1.30pm. Names to be submitted to Agnes Evans Tel: 087 6939818. Refreshments and music.

Big Picture – Fethard Patrician Brothers Harmonica Band January 1960

Fethard Patrician Brothers Harmonica Band, January 1960

The recently formed Fethard Patrician Brothers School Harmonica 'Mouthorgan' Band with the conductor Br. Andrew Breen photographed in January 1960. The band made its first public appearance at the school’s production of ‘The Swan Song’, a three-act comedy by Noel Marian, performed in the Presentation Convent Hall on Sunday, January 10 and Monday, January 11, 1960. A matinee was also performed on Sunday at 3pm.

The band photographed above, was supplied back in 2008 by the late Michael Maher, St. Patrick's Place and Dublin. Back L to R: Michael Smyth, Martin Long (Market Hill), Johnny Barrett (Market Hill), Austy Woodlock (Coleman), Danny Ryan (Drumdeel), Dick Lucey, (The Valley). Middle Row L to R: Bro. Andrew, Michael Nevin (St. Patrick’s Place), Timmy Curran (Redcity), Michael Maher (St. Patrick’s Place), Willie O’Donnell, Frank Barrett (Market Hill), Michael Barrett (St. Patrick’s Place), Pat Fogarty (Congress Tce). Front Row L to R: Andy Fox (St. Patrick’s Place), Michael 'Waxie' Kenny (The Green), Pat 'Pop' Barrett (Market Hill), Brendan Kenny (The Green), Tom Ryan (Station House) Tom Flynn (Glenagaddy), and John Littleton (The Valley).

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 
This week we have a selection of photographs from the annual Fethard-London Emigrants Reunion (c.1978). These photographs were taken by the late Nicky O’Shea, Quartercross, Killusty, who died on August 23, 1985, aged 59 years, and is buried in Killusty. Nicky was an active member of Fethard Legion of Mary at the time and had attended twelve Fethard-London Reunions up to 1984 when he was unable to travel due to illness. We have some names but I'm sure many of our Fethard friends at home and away will know some more and help bring back happy pleasant memories. Please send any comments or photo information, names and event, to fethardnews@gmail.com

Nicky O’Shea (right) and his sister Kathy Aylward with friends at the Fethard-London Emigrants Reunion (c.1978)


This group includes: Tom Mackey and his mother, Peg and Pat Shine, Jack and Kate Aylward, Mrs Hannon, Mrs Gleeson, Mrs Tobin, Ella Kenny, Christy Williams, Nicky O’Shea etc.

McCarthy family group at the Fethard-London Emigrants Reunion (c.1978)


Timmy Curran and extended family at the Fethard-London Emigrants Reunion (c.1978)


Patrick McCarthy included in this group at the Fethard-London Emigrants Reunion (c.1978)


Mrs Mary Scanlan (right) with three other friends at the Fethard-London Emigrants Reunion (c.1978).

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.