Fethard Ladies Football 'Split The Pot' winner

Jennifer Fogarty, our Split The Pot winner of €720, photographed above receiving her prize from club chairperson, 'Hammer' Spillane, and members from the current Fethard Ladies Football team.

Fethard Ladies Football's 'Split The Pot' is currently up and running to raise funds for the development of ladies football in Fethard. The club is fielding two teams at most age groups and this takes a lot of time, commitment and organisation.

To support Fethard Ladies Football 'Split The Pot' you can purchase an envelope by scanning the QR code (right), pressing THIS LINK or buy in various local shops such as Centra Kenny’s, Meagher's Daybreak, Dalton's Pharmacy, O’Sullivan's Pharmacy, Burke's Bar, The Well, Dook's, Sparkie's, Bob Fitzgerald's, The Cobbler’s and the Village Grill Clerihan. Envelopes are €2 each, or 3 for €5. You will also have the option of selecting a recurring purchase online so you’re automatically included in every draw going forward, all with one transaction.

Our most recent pot was €720 and we are hoping to grow each week. The draw takes place every second Sunday. There was also a €200 bonus draw for the club's 20th Anniversary Celebrations last weekend.


Ruth Forristal, our 'Split The Pot' €200 bonus draw winner, photographed above with Nell Spillane (left) and Jess Gleeson (right) outside Dooks, where the winning ticket was sold.

The club would like to thank everyone who helped and contributed in any way to their anniversary celebration and a special mention to the Stocksborough and Flanagan families, and all former officers and players who turned up on the day. A huge well done to all of our u12s and u14s who competed in our Bernadette Stocksborough Memorial Blitz on July 15. 

Ladies Football Club 20th Anniversary Celebrations

Fethard Ladies Football team photographed before their first competitive game against Cahir in Fethard on April 6, 2003. Back L to R: Lisa Ryan, Cathy Waters, Sharon O’Meara, Mary Gorey, Jennifer Fogarty, Edel Fitzgerald, Marie Holohan, Helen Frewen, Ursula Lawrence. Front L to R: Vanessa O’Donnell, Meela Noonan, Jennifer Keane, Valerie Colville, Kersty McCarthy, Barbara Ryan, Rebecca Morris, Kate Hanrahan and Sarah Ahearne. Also on the team were Norah O’Meara, Lisa McCormack and Niamh Sheehan.

Fethard Ladies Football Club celebrated its 20th anniversary on Saturday, July 15, in Fethard GAA field, where past players, coaches and supporters gathered to enjoy the afternoon meeting old friends and show their appreciation for all involved in this progressive and successful club.

The club was initially formed at a very well attended meeting held in the Tirry Community Centre on Monday 3rd February 3, 2003, where all attendees were most enthusiastically in favour of the foundation of a new club.  The following board of officers were elected: President, Fr. Tom Breen P.P.; Chairman, Joe Keane; Vice-chairman, Geraldine McCarthy; Secretary, Jennifer Keane; joint Treasurers, Patsy Lawrence, and Vanessa O’Donnell. Training commenced in the GAA field on Thursday nights.


Club Chairman Micheál Spillane and past Chairman Tom McCarthy holding a display of photographs of former Fethard Ladies Football captains throughout the years.

This year’s celebration kicked off with the first rounds of the ‘Bernadette Stocksborough Perpetual Cup and Shield’ tournament, where a combination of U14 and U12 Fethard girls were divided into four teams each managed by a member from the senior panel. 


Sinead Delahunty's Team winners of the Shield Final. Back L to R: Aoife Spillane, Emma Murphy, Amy Reddy, Meadbh Collum, Émer O'Donnell. Front L to R: Keyla Carrolll, Rosie Roche, Madhbh Fogarty, Lily Mai Walsh and Olivia Ledger.


Carrie Davey's team runners-up in the Shield Final: Back L to R: Daisy Kenny, Sophie Ward, Claire O'Donnell, Erin Carroll, Mary Kate Fogarty. Front L to R: Emilija Sauvkaite, Anna O'Sullivan, Katie Kelly, Jessica Looby and Gráinna Fogarty.


Kate Davey's team who were runners-up in the Bernadette Stocksborough Cup final. Back L to R: Lauren Connolly, Emma Roche, Emily Holohan, Aisling McGrath, Ruby Kenny, Lauren Hayes. Front L to R: Kate Gaule, Kate Murphy, Leah Boland, Ellie Ann Woodlock and Meadbh Purcell.


Megan Coen's team winners of the Bernadette Stocksborough Cup final. Back L to R: Amelia Sheehan, Mai Lacey, Roisín Purcell, Caoilainn Kelly, Lily Ryan. Front L to R: Aislinn Kelly, Anna Mai O'Meara, Rose Reddy, Kelly Quinlan and Sophia Ledger.

The games were very enjoyable and very competitively fought, resulting in Sinead Delahunty's Team winning the Shield final with Carrie Davey's team runners-up; and Megan Coen's team winning the Cup final, with Kate Davey's team runners-up. Medals and trophies were presented by members of the Flanagan family, in memory of the late Bernadette Stocksborough (née Flanagan). Bernadette was secretary of the Fethard Ladies Football Club and died after a long battle with cancer on March 19, 2016.


Mrs Margaret Flanagan (right) photographed with her two daughters, Caroline Flanagan (left), and Roseann Carroll and her grand-daughter Andrea Carroll, holding the Bernadette Stocksborough Shield and Perpetual Cup, named in honour of late Bernadette Stocksborough (née Flanagan), who was a great supporter of the Ladies Football Club, and whose daughter Laura also played for the club.

The day had a festive atmosphere with games for all ages, displays of photographs and articles from the past twenty years, accompanied by a copious variety of refreshments and barbecued food available to all present throughout the day.
The club issued an open invitation to anyone who was involved at any level with Fethard Ladies Football Club over the last 20 years, players, officers, committee members, supporters and, in particular all the girls who played in the early years, and officers who are no longer involved.


Looking after the barbecue were L to R: Éabha Ryan and Colm Coen.


Club members selling their 'Split The Pot' tickets to raise funds. L to R: Eimear Gahan, Emily Clancy, Grace Coen, Lucy Kenny, and Cara Jean Egan.


Children enjoying having their face painted


L to R: Edel Fitzgerald, Jennifer Fogarty and Olwen Maher.


L to R: Alan Roche, Alice Butler and Kieran Butler.


L to R: Sarah Smith, Aoife Morrissey, Heather Spillane and Emily Spillane.


Back L to R: Siún Nevin and Caoimhe Nevin. Front L to R: Danny Glynn, Rowan Navin, Caoimhe Doyle, Etaoin Gleeson, and Mabel Gleeson


Sarah Costello and her daughter Sadie Lyons

Chief organiser and club chairman, Micheál ‘Hammer’ Spillane, then invited some past members of the club to give a summary of their time and memories while being involved with the club. The speakers charted the growth of the club over the past twenty years from the first game they actually scored, to the first game they won, and their achievement of winning the county senior championship in 2022. Presentations to mark the occasion were made to past chairs of the club: Tom McCarthy, Anita Manton, and Willie Morrissey – accepted by his daughter Aoife as Willie was unable to attend. Other speakers included Michael Hayes, Peggy Colville, Sharon O’Meara, and Dinny Burke.


McCarthy family long associated with the Fethard Ladies Football Club L to R: Jessie, Megan, Tom, Maureen and Becky, photographed with the Senior Ladies Football County Cup won last year by the club.


L to R: Chris Coen, Tom Anglim and Eugene Purcell.


L to R: Liam Ryan and Dinny Burke


L to R: Marie Carroll, Megan Coen, Ed Collum, Ollie Reddy, Niamh Hayes and Kate Davey.

Roseann Carroll (née Flanagan) spoke on behalf of the Flanagan family and of how proud Bernadette would be, of this anniversary celebration organised by the Ladies Football Club. She sincerely thanked all involved.


One of many panels of Ladies Football photographs and press reports from the past on display on the Astro Pitch railing.

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, July 27, 2023. The numbers drawn were 3, 5, 8 and 23. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Martina Cowlard. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, August 3, will be €1,500.

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 Sisters get great review for NÓINÍN

Sisters Sinéad and Maeve Moclair, Ballinlough, Fethard, photographed at their Kilkenny restaurant, Nóinín.

Fethard sisters Sinéad and Maeve Moclair, were very unaware of a lady who visited their restaurant situated at £ John's Bridge, Kilkenny, some weeks ago. She later revealed she was Katy McGuinness, who reviews restaurants for her column in the Irish Independent Weekend Magazine. It was some weeks later, Saturday, July 22, 2023, that it appeared in print on page 20! A pleasant well deserved review . . . READ MORE

'A Natural Dye Workshop' for August Craft Month

'A Natural Dye Workshop' as part of August Craft month, will take place in Cahir Arts, Castle Street, Cahir, on Saturday August 5, from 10am to 4pm. All materials (linen fabrics & yarns) are included as well as mid morning refreshments!

The emphasis will be on making colours from locally gathered plant materials on the day. For further information please contact Lucy by email: mooreflucy@gmail.com

Social Dancing in Fethard Ballroom

Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on Sunday, July 30, to the music of 'Muriel & Fran’. 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.

Murial & Fran performaing at 'Cut Loose' Music Festival in Holycross on July 16, 2023
Murial O'Connor and Fran Curry getting the dancing underway at the 2023 'Cut Loose' Music Festival at Holycross on Sunday, July 16, 2023. The annual festival was a huge success, despite the rainfall and was attended by members of the Tipperary Branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association, who also feature in this video below.

GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, July 25, 2023, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 1, 16, 19 and 26. We had no Jackpot winner and one Match 3 winner who received €150: Ciaran O'Dwyer. One Lucky Dip winner received €100: Fiona Spillane. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, August 1, when the jackpot is €21,800. The funds raised are used to promote sport in the local community.

Killusty Pony Show 60th Anniversary

Orla Whelton's 'Whiteleaze Secret Temptation', winner of Mini Pony Supreme 2023, kindly sponsored by Coolmore Stud Fethard. Also present in the photograph are Clive Johnston (judge), Stephanie Fleming and John Corbett (Coolmore representative).

Killusty Pony Show held their 60th Anniversary in idyllic location at the foot of Slievenamon on the 1st of July 2023. The entries were magnificent with over 270 ponies and horses on the day, which was a credit to all the organisers of the show. Many newcomers from all over the country came to the show to experience success at Killusty. The committee were delighted to have new qualifiers for their show this year for Oughterard and Iverk, and this attracted competitors to their Connemara Working Hunter and Ridden Cob classes respectively.  


L to R: Tracey Kearney, Jamie Browne and Willie Browne at Killusty Pony Show. Jamie Browne on 'Hollywood Chase Me Charlie' took home the 'Bill Holohan Perpetual Cup' for the Novice Working Hunter Pony Championship.

Killusty Show was established to show case the quality youngstock being bred in the area over 60 years ago. This year was no exception with competitors travelling from all over Ireland to experience success in those classes. The show appreciate the support of Horse Sport Ireland and their generous sponsorship for the Show Hunter Pony Broodmare, the Connemara Broodmare and the yearling purebred Connemara classes.  There were outstanding entries in the youngstock Connemara classes. It was heart-warming to see 13 entries in the 2 & 3 year old Connemara in hand class, and ensures the breeding of the Connemara pony is safe in the area. The ridden Connemara classes were well supported too. Pat O’Brien’s Connemara mare ‘A Touch of Class’ was back in the winner’s enclosure and won Connemara Led Championship, retaining the Sarah Miller Perpetual Cup. Willie Glesson’s ‘Moore Abbey Mary’ was the reserve in the championship. Derek Walsh’s ‘Springmount Clio Star’ won the Connemara Youngstock Championship and took home the Knockkelly Castle Perpetual Cup.


Pictured at Killusty 60th Anniversary Show are L to R: Hayley Patterson (judge), Joseph O'Donnell who is a nephew of Gus Keane, founding member of Killusty Pony Show, presenting the Killusty Stud Cup in Memory of Gus Keane; Jimmy Dunphy, Gill Glynn (judge), Jason Dunphy (background) and Pat O'Brien owner of 'A Touch of Class'.

This year the committee invested time and effort to preparing a Derby Working Hunter Course in ring 5. This coincided with the preparation for IPS International Working Hunter Championships in Scotland and proved worthwhile as competitors travelled from all over Ireland to try out the course. The course provided competitors with the opportunity to prepare prior to attending the big shows of the summer, including the Dublin Horse Show. The show invested in 5 popular jumps, similar to those seen in the RDS. The Novice Working Hunter Championship was won by Tracy Kearney’s ‘Hollywood Chase Me Charlie’ ridden by Jamie Browne and they took home the ‘Bill Holohan Perpetual Cup’. The Open Working Hunter Championship was won by Maeve Kennedy’s ‘Blackwoodland Breeze’ ridden by Evie Kennedy. The Open Working Hunter Pony Championship was very generously sponspored by the Butler Family in Memory of Mrs. Judy Butler, who was one of the founding members of the Killusty Pony Show. Her daughter, Ms. Diana Butlter presented the Mrs Judy Butler Perpetual Cup to Evie Kennedy on the day.


Pictured at Killusty 60th Anniversary Show are L to R: Evelyn Skehan, Sally Gosling (judge), Tiernan Gahan on 'Happy Patch', Rita Lyons and Pat Culligan (Chairman Killusty Show)

This year saw the introduction of the Racehorse to Riding Horse Class, which was very generously sponsored by Tattersalls Ireland. The class was a very popular edition to the schedule and saw nine horses compete for superb prize money. Fionnuala Gleeson’s ‘Feelin Groovy’ won the class and Luke Coen presented the prize on behalf of Tattersalls. 
A very special prize was given this year by Mrs. Rita Lyons in memory of her sister Ms. Madeline O’Donnell who was a loyal supporter of the show. This prize was given a child who was likely to become a competent rider in the future. Tiernan Gahan, Fethard was the very fortunate winner of the magnificent trophy on the day.


Charlotte Walsh on 'Tinakelly Rosie' winner of the Cob Pony Class at Killusty Show

We were very proud of the super entries in the Ladies Side Saddle Class and the Junior Side Saddle Class. It was elegant to watch and wonderful to see the next generation of young ladies keeping the tradition alive for the future. This year, Lynne Hincks donated a trophy in memory of her mother Mrs. Cecelia Sullivan (neé O’Flaherty) which was won by Olivia Connolly on ‘Baronstown Poppy’ Our Small Hunter Championship proved very successful with competitors travelling from near and far to compete. Qualifying rounds were held in various shows around the country including, Kingdom County Fair, Glandoran Island Show, Belgooly Show, Western Area IPS Show, Raheendaw Horse and Pony Show and Ballyfoyle Agricultural Show. The final was held at Killusty and Brian Murphy’ Flurry Knox was the Champion. The ridden cob class was very well supported and Brian Murphy’s ‘Kilkenny Marble’ and G.F. Walker’s ‘Liskevin Banks’ qualified for the final at Iverk, later in the summer. We also introduced a class for a cob pony this year and it was very popular, with Charlotte Walsh on ‘Tinakelly Rosie’ taking home 1st place.


Mrs Diana Butler-Smith presenting the 'Mrs Judy Butler Perpetual Cup' to Evie Kennedy, winner of the Open Working Hunter Pony Championship. Evie will go on to represent Ireland at the international working hunter pony Championships in Scotland in August, 2023.

It was a historic occasion for the committee and competitors alike, as the first ever mini supreme championship and supreme championship was held in Killusty. The winner of the Mini- Supreme was Orla Whelton’s ‘Whiteleaze Secret Temptation’ ridden by Stephanie Fleming. This was very generously sponsored by Coolmore Stud. The supreme championship was won by Rachel Lane’s ‘Barkway Stake Affair’ ridden by Amber Lane. The reserve champion was Emily Widger’s ‘The General’ ridden by Hannah Mackey. It was a wonderful occasion for spectators to watch the judges deliberating over the standard of championship winners across the field. To the delight of the onlookers the champion and reserve were called forward to a sincere applause.

A very special thank you to the Walsh family for their kind permission to use their field to host the show. We greatly appreciate the support of all our sponsors, as without their continued support the show would not be possible. To all the competitors, who travelled from near and far, we hope that you left Killusty with fond memories of the show.
– Pat Culligan, Chairman of Killusty Pony Show

Famine 1848 Walk, Ballingarry
You are invited to the 17th annual Famine 1848 Walk in Ballingarry from the Young Ireland and National Flag Monument in the village of The Commons to Famine Warhouse 1848, the OPW national heritage museum and visitor attraction on Saturday, July 29, at 3pm. The Walk, organised by the Ballingarry 1848 Society, remembers all those who suffered and died during the Great Famine and the 1848 Rising which took place in Ballingarry in the middle of the Famine.

The Walk will be led by the historian Dr Thomas McGrath (above) from Ballingarry. He will deliver the Walk Leader’s speech explaining what happened and he will launch Professor William Nolan’s major new work on the Young Ireland movement entitled 'Remember ’48'. This year’s Walk is on the 175th anniversary of the 1848 Rising to the very day.
Click for Information Sheet on Professor William Nolan’s major new work entitled 'Remember ’48'.

Pilgrimage to Holy Year Cross on Sunday, August 13

Wild colourful blossoms on Slievenamon at this time of year

This year's annual parish pilgrimage to the Holy Year Cross on Sliabh na mBan will take place on Sunday, August 13, with our usual start time of  1pm, Parking available in O’Donnell’s field. Please allow about twenty minutes or so to get to the starting point at the Hill Wall.

Tractor & Vintage Car/Bike Run July 30

'Summer Book Bus' Calls to Fethard Every Wednesday

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!

Big Picture – Fethard Patrician Brothers School 1918

This group of Fethard Patrician Brothers School pupils was photographed in 1918, one of many groups as this was called 'Group One'. We really don't expect to get many names as this good quality photograph is 105 years old. Perhaps someone out there possibly has a copy of the same photograph with names, that they might kindly share with us? Or maybe you will recognise a family resemblence with some of the faces in the photograph.

We do know the names of the Patrician Brothers who were teaching in Fethard in 1918, and this might also shed some light! The Brothers working in Fethard National School were as follows: Bro. Paul Cullen, Superior and Principal;Bro Anselm Fogarty; Bro. Fidelis O'Connell (Transferred August 1918); Bro. Columban Spain (Appointed August 1918); Bro. Norbert Phelan (Appointed August 1918); and Mr. James Keating (Appointed September 1916).

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 – Fethard in 1983
This week we have a selection of photographs taken 40 years ago from the top of Holy Trinity Church of Ireland tower, featuring assorted views of Fethard as life appeared at the time. For those middle-aged who live or have lived in Fethard, it should be easy to work out the views – and maybe the many changes since 1983. Please send any comments, photo information, names or stories, 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.