Summer Soccer League Final on Thursday, July 13
Congratulations to both 'Fethardbache' and 'Daltons Pharmacy' teams who will play the final of the Summer Soccer League at Fethard Town Park on Thursday next, July 13, at 7.30pm.


Fethardbache team, finalists In FTP Summer Soccer League to be played on Thursday, July 13, at 7.30pm in Fethard Town Park


Dalton's Pharmacy team, finalists In FTP Summer Soccer League to be played on Thursday, July 13, at 7.30pm in Fethard Town Park

The Perpetual Cup Soccer League began in mid June with an entry of eight teams divided into two groups: Group A included teams: Glengoole FC, Fethard FC, Carriganog, and Macra. Group B included teams: Daltons, Fethardbache, Ballydoyle, and Coolmore. Following the group games, the quarterfinals were played on Thursday, June 29, followed by the semifinals on Thursday, July 6.

After many weeks of exciting competitive games refereed by the experienced Billy O'Donoghue, current Tipperary Southern District League treasurer, we can now look forward to a great final on next Thursday, July 13, at Fethard Town Park's excellent 4G Pitch – a game not to be missed!

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Wednesday July 5, 2023, of John Keating, Fethard, and formerly of Shropshire, UK, and Scotsboro, Callan, Co. Kilkenny, peacefully, at South Tipperary General Hospital. Pre-deceased by his parents Cissie and Jack and his brother Patrick. Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his brothers Thomas and James, cousins, extended family, kind neighbours and many friends. May John Rest in Peace

Reposing at Molloy’s Funeral Home, Callan (Eircode R95 Y443) on Friday, July 7, from 5pm concluding with Rosary and Vigil Prayers at 6pm. Funeral Prayers on Saturday afternoon at 2.30pm followed by removal to the Church of the Assumption, Callan, for Requiem Mass at 3pm. Burial will follow afterwards in Kilbride Cemetery, Callan. The Requiem Mass can be viewed live on the following link: churchmedia.ie (Callan Parish)

Messages of condolencecan be left online by CLICKING HERE to offer your sympathies to the Keating family.

'Summer Book Bus' Calls to Fethard Every Wednesday

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, July 6, 2023. The numbers drawn were 2, 19, 20 and 24. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Catherine O'Connell. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, July 13, will be €1,350.

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

Fitness Studio for Hire at Fethard Town Park

Augustinian Abbey Celebration on Sunday July 9
The Augustinian Abbey in Fethard dates from 1305. It was suppressed in 1540 and became a ruin until the 1820s. In the meantime the friars maintained a discreet presence in the Fethard area. Included here was Fr William Tirry who was executed in 1654.

In 1820 the friars returned officially to the Abbey and celebrated their first Sunday Mass on July 6, 1823. This important anniversary is being marked on this coming Sunday, July 9. All are welcome to join us for eucharist at 12 noon. Refreshments will be served in the Abymill afterwards.
– Iggy O'Donovan OSA

Minister Mary Butler visits Fethard Day Care Centre

Photographed at Fethard & District Day Care Centre are L to R: Cllr Mark Fitzgerald, Fionnuala O’Sullivan (Director), Liam Hayes (Chairperson), Cllr Imelda Goldsboro, Minister Mary Butler TD, Mairead McCormack (Day Care Centre Manager) and John Stokes (Director).

Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD, accompanied by Cllr Imelda Goldsboro, paid a flying visit to Fethard this week. While here they visited Fethard and District Daycare Centre where they met with staff, directors, volunteers and clients. Minister Butler's portfolio is for Older People and Mental Health, and she was very interested in the running of the Day Care Centre and the supply of Meals-on-Wheels. She was impressed with how the centre is run and spoke with all the clients.


Photographed at Fethard & District Day Care Centre are L to R: Tina Shine, Cllr Imelda Goldsboro, Joan Boland, Minister Mary Butler TD, and Esther Leahy.

The Minister also took on board the difficulties we have with funding. Our budget was cut drastically when the banking crises hit and has not yet been restored. We are running with a deficit that we struggle to clear with fundraising. Minister Butler was told how the restoration of the funding to its previous level would enable us function without increasing cost to clients. She appreciated that Daycare Centres and Meals-on-Wheels play a huge part in keeping people living in their communities and not requiring Nursing Homes, which is a great saving to the Government.


Photographed at the Presentation Convent where 50 Ukrainian Refugees are currently resident, are L to R: Liam Hayes, Chairperson Fethard and District Day Care Centre CLG; Mollie Standbridge, Refugee Coordinator; Minister Mary Butler TD; Cllr Imelda Goldsboro; and John Stokes, Director.

Minister Butler and Cllr Goldsboro also visited the Presentation Convent, where 50 Ukrainian Refugees live. There she met with some of the residents, who were full of praise for how they are being treated in Fethard. Unlike most centres, they have access to a kitchen 24/7 and can cook for themselves. Many are working, with ten children in local schools and adults taking English classes.

Summer Camp at Fethard National School


If your child enjoys playing outside, go karts, sports, arts & crafts, baking, table top games, going to the park etc, there is something for every child at this wonderful summer camp. From new junior infants to up 6th class, they all make great friends. Contact Anita at Tel: 083 010 2550

Social Dancing in Fethard Ballroom


Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on Sunday, July 9, to the music of 'Aishling Rafferty and Noel Ryan’. 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.

Fethard Heritage Festival plans well underway for Sunday, August 20

Fethard Festival and Fancy Dress Parade will take place on Sunday, August 20. Mark the date in your diary

A steering committee have been meeting over the past few weeks to organise this year’s Fethard Heritage Festival on Sunday, August 20, at Fethard Town Wall. A very favourable and encouraging response was received for the annual Fancy Dress Parade which will also take place, led by the colourful marching band, Banna Chluain Meala, who are also looking forward to making a return visit to Fethard. Demand for craft stands are in high demand and those interested can contact Phil Sheehan at 087 9762894 who will have all the details.

Lonergan’s Bar will also hold their ‘Fethard Rose’ competition on Saturday, August 12, where ‘Johnny Looby’ of Tipp FM fame will lead his panel of judges for the occasion. Johnny will also lead the ‘Roses’ in the parade on Festival Day. Other events include the annual Dog Show run by Katherine Kearney and Pat Culligan; ‘Duck Race’ organised by Bill O’Sullivan; lots of amusements and entertainment by the Medieval Town Wall.
Lots more to follow so mark the date in your diary!

GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, July 4, 2023, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 6, 19, 20 and 31. We had no Jackpot winner and one Match 3 winner who received €150: Elaine Harrington. One Lucky Dip winner received €100: Deirdre Royce. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, July 11, when the jackpot is €21,200. The funds raised are used to promote sport in the local community.

Coolmore Family Day 2023 – Photographs


Big Picture – Outdoor Pursuits Weekend in Kilfinane

Second year pupils from Fethard's Presentation Patrician Secondary School photographed on April 9, 1992, after returning from an active outdoor education weekend in Kilfinane. The successful outing involved pupils in canoeing, hill walking and orienteering. Weekends such as this were an integral part of the curriculum being offered in the school. Maybe an 'Intermediate Cert Reunion' for this year's Festival Weekend on August 20, might be considered by those above?

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

Augustinian Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine

The annual Augustinian Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine will take place on Saturday, July 15. A bus will leave from The Square, Fethard, at 7.45am. Booking and admission to Michael Kenrick, Burke Street, Fethard. Tel: 087 678 1450‬.

Pilgrimage Cost: Adults €25 and Children €10. Posters with more information in the Abbey Church Porch.

Faces and Places from the Past – Remember 2013
This week we have a selection of photographs from Fethard Medieval 'Gathering' Festival held on June 23, 2013 – just ten years ago!

This year Fethard Festival will be held on Heritage Week, Sunday, August 20, 2023, including a fancy dress parade that we hope will be well supported by all, thus enabling us to have many more memories to look back in 2033. Please send any comments or photo information, names and event, to fethardnews@gmail.com

Fethard 'Gathering' Festival by Medieval Town Wall in 2013


Colourful Medieval Fancy Dress Parade in 2013




Bill O'Sullivan keeping an eye out for any stray ducks in 2013


Three Walsh sisters from St. Patrick's Place at the Festival in 2013. L to R: Ellen Tobin, Rita Walsh and Rose Cudden.


One of the children's craft workshops at Fethard Town Wall


Old school friends Aidan Ward and Sarah Carey meet at the Fethard Festival in 2013.


Vinny Murphy gives his daughter Lily a birds eye view of the Fethard 'Gathering' Festival by Medieval Town Wall in 2013


Children in 2013 – Teenagers in 2023


Willie O'Meara, Killusty, with his home-made medieval wooden challenge games that caused great excitement in 2013.


Lonergan's Festival Pub Challenge team ready for action L to R: Martin Shelly, Adrian Bradshaw, Margaret Flanagan and Jarleth 'Foxy' Connolly

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.