Fethard & Killusty Emigrants Newsletter

Club Secretaries, individuals and organisations are reminded that submissions and photographs for inclusion in this year’s Annual Emigrants’ Newsletter are now invited. Please submit same before October 15, by hand to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, or by email to: emigrantsnewsletter@gmail.com

Donations to Emigrants' Newsletter

You can also make a secure Credit Card or PayPal donation towards this year's Fethard & Killusty Annual Newsletter at www.fethard.com/donate/
All donations of €10 or more will be acknowledged in this year's issue unless you wish to remain anonymous.

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, September 14, 2023. The numbers drawn were 14, 17, 20 and 21. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Mary & Michael Kenrick. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, September 21, will be €1,800.

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

Wilde Irish Women are taking ‘Margaret Maher and The Celtification of Emily Dickinson’ to Fethard’s Abymill Theatre on Saturday, September 23

Wilde Irish Women are taking ‘Margaret Maher and The Celtification of Emily Dickinson’ to Fethard’s Abymill Theatre, on Saturday, September 23, 2023. BOOKING NOW ONLINE

The story of an Irish maid Margaret Maher - Maggie - and her loyal service to Emily is not widely known. However, Aife Murray’s book ‘Maid as Muse’ shed a different light on the servants of the elite Dickinsons of Amherst, Massachusetts, United States. Rosie Caine, the founder of ‘Wilde Irish Women’ – a collaborative performance group based in Western Massachusetts – was inspired to look further at the hierarchy of the household servants and especially at the spirited Maggie who came from Killusty, Fethard, in 1865, at a time of rampant anti Irish bias.

‘Help Wanted - No Irish Need Apply’- was a common insulting deterrent, marking the Irish as ‘other’, effectively barring them from even the most menial jobs in domestic service.
Maggie’s personality, intelligence, wit, independent spirit and work ethic ultimately dispelled the biases of her mistress. Maggie is warm, wild and mighty, “The North wind of the house”, so said Emily. It would appear Maggie had more confidence in herself than her reclusive mistress.

Emily Dickinson only submitted a few poems out of 1,800 for publication in her lifetime. Margaret ultimately found within herself the moral authority to disobey her mistress’s deathbed decree, to burn her poems. In the play, we have Maggie grappling with such an unthinkable dilemma. In Ireland we wouldn’t be burning the poems of a genius, she’s telling herself as she makes her decision to defy her mistress.

Dickinson’s poems are now on the Leaving Certificate syllabus for 2024, so this production will foster a far greater understanding of Amherst’s Poet Laureate, Emily Dickinson. The poems are now songs for which Rosie has written the music and book. The show has wings as we fly ‘Maggie’, ‘Emily’, and a cast of fourteen to perform in Ireland, arriving in Fethard on September 23. The derelict house where Maggie lived through the Famine is in the trees beyond the theatre. The cast have willingly volunteered countless hours and rehearsed a show that they are proud to take to Ireland. They hope to build an educational and cultural bridge and open up a post-show conversation between themselves, traveling American musicians, actors, singers and the Irish audiences.


THE BEST OF 'WILDE IRISH WOMEN' Founded by Rosemary Caine of Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Wilde Irish Women is a collaborative performance group based in Western Massachusetts. The ensemble comprises musicians, actors and singers who have been together since the early 2000s. Its mission is to illuminate through original music and story the lives of Irish geniuses of literature and legend – saints and sinners included! When Rosemary arrived in Western Massachusetts in the 1970s, there was a dearth of Irish Arts. She then set about establishing a group of like minded lovers of music and theatre. She has written five musicals for the ensemble: Wilde Irish Women (2004); Women In Arms (2006, with Old Deerfield Productions); Last High Queen Of Ireland (with Old Deerfield Productions); The Wilde Irish Women of James Joyce (2015); and The Easter Rising Of 1916 (2016).

Rosemary Caine, founder of 'Wilde Irish Woman'
Rosemary Caine originally from Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, is the founder of ‘Wilde Irish Women’ and has written, produced and performed six Irish Women themed musicals since 2002. She was nominated for the Adjudicator’s Award 2006 at Dundalk Theatre Festival for the musical score – ‘Women in Arms’- a play by Mary Elizabeth Burke Kennedy based on the women of The Táin. She won The Irish Amherst Association’s Margaret Maher Award in October, 2021, for her contribution to Irish Arts in Western Massachusetts.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Monday, September 11, 2023 of Seamie Hickey, Ballyvadlea, Drangan. Pre-deceased by his father Jimmy. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Monica (née Kenny), son Daniel and his fiancée Busra, daughter Shannon and her husband Josh, his mother Tess, brothers Mickey and Liam, sisters Catherine, Anne and Carmel, father-in-law Brendan, mother-in-law Mary, and all of his extended family and friends. May he rest in peace.

Seamie will repose in McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Wednesday, September 13, from 6pm to 8pm. His Funeral Mass will take place in the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, on Thursday, September 14, at 11am followed by a private cremation service. The family have asked that those attending the Funeral dress in bright colours to celebrate Seamie's life.

House private please. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to South Tipperary Hospice. Messages of condolence for the family can be lefy online by CLICKING HERE

Patrician Presentation Secondary School 'Open Evening'
Open night at Patrician Presentation  Secondary School will take place on Wednesday 4th October. Two time slots 6pm and 7.30 pm, we look forward to welcoming all. To book your timeslot CLICK HERE

GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, September 12, 2023, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 1, 12, 21 and 27. We had no Jackpot winner and no Match 3 winner. One Lucky Dip winner received €100: Fiona Cummins. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, September 19, when the jackpot is €23,400. The funds raised are used to promote sport in the local community.

Fethard Ladies Football Club 'Split The Pot' Winner

Well done to our most recent Split The Pot winner of €580, Mia Treacy. Pictured is Mia being presented with her winnings by two of our underage stars, Rose and Lauren Reddy. Our next draw will take place Sunday, September 24, in The Well. Thanks to our Split The Pot committee and everyone for the continued support.

U19 ‘B’ Hurling South Final
St Patricks 2-15, Fethard 1-8

In the U19 ‘B’ Hurling South Final, played on Saturday last, September 9, Fethard never got going and struggled to stay with St Pats in the first half. We scored a well worked goal set up by Andrew Connorton, to Conor Neville racing through, even though half blocked, he succeeded in finishing the ball to the back of the net. Jack Quinlan added three points from frees to leave St Patricks 1-8 to 1-3 in front at the interval.

After the break we had the first point from a Jack Quinlan free, however, St Pats then took control in the scoring department, with Fethard adding only four points – three from frees all by Jack Quinlan. St Pats added 1-7, mainly from Daithi Hogan, William Cleere, Danny Broderick, to leave the final score St Patricks 2-15 to Fethard’s 1-8.

Fethard team/scorers: Conor Treacy, Michael O’Meara, Darragh Spillane, Noah O’Flynn, Gavin Neville, Matt Coen, Jack Davey, Andrew Connorton, Charlie Walsh, Liam Kiely, Jack Quinlan 0-8 (6f), Charlie Hackett, Conor Neville 1-0, Dara O’Meara, and Sean Moroney. Subs Used: Mark Neville for Charlie Hackett (25m), Danny Shelly for Sean Moroney, Rory O’Mahony for Dara O’Meara, Oisin Ryan for Charlie Walsh, James Barry for Liam Kiely (all in the second-half).
– (Noel Byrne)

U13 B County Hurling Semifinal
Fethard 0-17, Clonoulty 2-5

Last Saturday, September 9, in the County U13 B Semifinal our Fethard boys played their hearts out from the start as they laid down a marker in the first 10 minutes, leading by 0-6 to 0-1, with scores from Daniel Gleeson, Ewan Byrne and Pa Coffey. The same trend continued to the interval with the same scorers – assisted by Dean Moloney – to lead at the interval, Fethard 0-13 to Clonoulty 0-3.

After the break Clonoulty came out with all guns blazing, adding 1-2, to only leave 4 points between the sides. Fethard steadied the ship and fought back to the end, adding 4 points to run out winners by 6 points, and a place in the County Final against Moycarkey Boris on Sunday, September 17, at 11.30am in Clonoulty. Well done to each and every player, and also the team management on the day, and the 'Best of Luck' in the final on Sunday next.

Fethard team/scorers: Thomas O’Rahilly, Conor Prendergast, Billy Hayes, Aaron Allen, Pa Coffey 0-1, Joe Purcell, Dean Moloney 0-1, Jimmy Higgins, Harry Walsh, Daniel Gleeson 0-5 (4F), Gavin Tyrell, Ewan Byrne 0-8, Adam McGarry, Tristan Byrne, Eoin Neville, Harry Kelly and Jack Moloney.
– (Noel Byrne)

Fethard Athletic Club - Piltown 5 Mile Road Race

Fethard Athletes L to R: John Needham, Fintan Rice, Louis Rice, M.J. Croke, Teresa Hurley and John Hurley.

We had six athletes travel to Piltown on Sunday, September 10, to take part in the rescheduled Piltown 5 Mile Road Race. It was a very warm muggy day and the course handy enough with a few inclines. Our 1st athlete home was Louis Rice in a time of 28.30 following in was John Needham 33.59, and Fintan Rice in 34.02. These three athletes combined to win the men’s team prize . Congratulations on that achievement lads.

Delighted to see that John Hurley – with a solid time of 38.15 – won his age category, congratulations John. The training is going well. We had M.J. Croke finish on 40.14 and Teresa Hurley 53.52. We would like to thank Carrick-on-Suir AC Road Runners for their hospitality and assistance on the course by the many volunteers. 

Social Dancing in Fethard Ballroom


Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on Sunday, September 17, to the music of 'Checkers’. 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.

Dance Classes every Monday at Fethard Ballroom


Dance classes starting at Fethard Ballroom on Monday, September 11, 2023 from 8.30pm to 10pm. Learn to dance with Declan Roche – Jive, Waltz, Cha Cha, Line Dancing – no partner required. €10 per class or €50 upfront for 6 classes, Further Details contact Declan at 086 028 6289

Moyglass Football Club Sponsorship
Moyglass Football Club would like to thank Mike Dalton of Dalton’s Pharmacy, and staff member Kayleigh, for their very generous sponsorship of our new playing gear. We also wish them good health and good luck in their newly renovated premises. We also very much appreciate the help of Philip O’Dea (fencing), Joe Walsh (tractor work) and Paudie Kirwan (welding) on recent renovations. This sponsorship is of great benefit to Moyglass National School as well as our club.

Cashel Arts Festival – September 14-17

Blacksmith-Patrick-Strahan

The 21st annual Cashel Arts Festival, taking place from September 14th to 17th, is almost upon us! The Plaza on Main Street, Cashel is decked out with colourful flags and bunting, and is looking amazing, thanks to Edward Fogarty of Tipperary County Council, along with his team and members of the Arts Festival’s voluntary committee.

The theme of this year’s festival is Journeys or Turais. A great variety of events will take place throughout the town of Cashel and we hope that we will see everyone out and about with us to celebrate our 21st annual festival. To see a full list of events taking place from Thursday the 14th to Sunday the 17th September, and to book your tickets, take a look at this year’s brochure, which is available at lots of local shops and businesses and is also online at www.cashelartsfest.com Events taking place in Brú Ború can be purchased directly from there, at bruboru.ie or 06261122.

One highly anticipated event this year with a focus on our theme of Journeys is a live recording of podcast, Bad Brigid. Join Elaine Farrell and Leanne McCormick as they showcase stories of Irish emigrant women on the wrong side of the law from their bestselling book, Bad Bridget: Crime, mayhem and the lives of Irish emigrant women. They will also be joined by Catherine Griffin former New York Public Defender, who will share her views on the similarities and differences in the New York of today. This event will take place at 11.30am on Saturday, 16th September in The Chapter House on John Street. Tickets are €10 and are available now at cashelartsfest.com


‘Embodying Pleiades – A Tale of Seven Sisters’, which is a fusion of Indian and Irish dance choreographed by Subhashini Goda.

Lots of exciting and free events will be happening on the Plaza for the duration of the festival. On Friday starting at 6, there will be drop in drumming, followed by a performance by Fidget Feet. A Craft Market will take place on Saturday, 16th, on the Plaza in Cashel from 12 – 4pm. Tipperary has a wide range of craftspeople, working in all different areas and we are delighted to bring together a few to show and sell their work. This will coincide with a ‘Meet the Craft Makers’ event in the grounds of the Cathedral on John Street, where some craft makers will demonstrate their skills. There will also be entertainment during the market, including singer/ songwriters, Bill O’Brien, Alanna Manton and Pio Hartnett, as well as ‘Embodying Pleiades – A Tale of Seven Sisters’, which is a fusion of Indian and Irish dance choreographed by Subhashini Goda. Finally, Lady Desart Choir, who were very well received last year, will perform to bring the market to a close. There will also be a Latin Fusion Dance workshop on Sunday from 12-1pm, where everyone can drop in to the event and have a go!


Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre brings their Bingo? Circus! Extravaganza to Cashel as part of the Cashel Arts Festival on Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17.

‘A drive-in Bingo? Circus! Extravaganza’ Ireland’s leading Circus Company Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre brings their Bingo? Circus! Extravaganza to Cashel as part of the Cashel Arts Festival on Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17. Drive-in, park up and play Bingo all while aerial dancers dance in the air 40 meters high with giant bingo balls and a feast of comedy unfolds below between Biddy and the new bingo caller. And let’s not forget the local Elvis impersonator!! House! brings a refreshing uplifting show that gets the audience out of their cars and dancing with our local community performers, the Fidget Feet Soar Up’s, and to original music by Fidget Feet’s own, Jym Daly. It is a whirlwind of entertainment for all the family from 6 to 96!! This fun-filled event is suitable for the whole family and takes place in Tesco carpark at a cost of 20euro for a parking space. Cars can park up but you can also enjoy the show without bringing your car. Just carry a picnic blanket, camp chair and a picnic and settle in for a laughter-filled show. Tickets can be booked online now at cashelartsfest.com

We are absolutely delighted to welcome William Dalrymple to Cashel to deliver the 7th annual Bolton Lecture. 200 years of tumultuous colonial history are contained within the pages of historian William Dalrymple’s four books, which make up his East India Company Quartet: The Anarchy, White Mughals, Return of a King and The Last Mughal. This talk is to celebrate a new box set of Dalrymple’s 20-year project, he explains the Mughal Empire’s replacement by the first global corporate power, the East India Company. William Dalrymple is the bestselling author of the Wolfson Prize-winning ‘White Mughals’, ‘The Last Mughal’ – which won the Duff Cooper Prize, and the Hemingway and Kapucinski Prize-winning ‘Return of a King’. His most recent book, ‘The Anarchy’, was shortlisted for the Duke of Wellington medal, the Tata Book of the Year and the Historical Writers Association Award. It was a finalist for the Cundill Prize for History and won the 2020 Arthur Ross Medal from the US Council on Foreign Relations.


William Dalrymple will be signing books after his talk

Dalrymple has been awarded five honorary doctorates and is a visiting fellow of All Soul’s, Oxford. In 2018, he was presented with the prestigious President’s Medal by the British Academy and was named one of the world’s top 50 thinkers for 2020 by Prospect. He is a founder and co-director of the Jaipur Literature Festival. William Dalrymple will be signing books after his talk. This event will take place on Saturday, 16th September at 7pm in the Cathedral on John Street. Tickets are 15 euro and are available now at cashelartsfest.com. Tickets will also be available on the door. This is an event not to be missed!


Pa Sheehy on Saturday night at 9.30pm.

Another headline act that we are very excited about this year is music by Pa Sheehy on Saturday night at 9.30pm. Pa Sheehy, the former lead vocalist of the chart-topping band Walking On Cars, has embarked on a new chapter in his musical career. After over a decade with the band, Sheehy made the decision to go solo to explore a new musical identity with the release of his first solo EP “The Art of Disappearing” in 2021. His journey from the arena-ready nu-folk of Walking On Cars to a more intimate and authentic sound reflects a musician in search of truth, connection, and a fresh start. Since the release of his first EP, Sheehy has cemented himself as a stalwart addition to the Irish music scene, having recently supported Bruce Springsteen and performed at sold-out gigs across Europe.

In 2023, Sheehy released his second EP “Lost In A 90s Arcade” which includes the single “Meet Me at the Record Store”. Written by Sheehy with co-writing input from both Chris Breheny and Antoine Cotton, the song was produced by former Ordinary Boys guitarist Dane Etteridge. Sheehy will be on tour again this year from November to promote his second EP, making a stop to perform at Brú Ború in Cashel before he embarks on a new adventure. Tickets for Pa Sheehy are 25 euro and are available now directly from Brú Ború at bruboru.ie or 06261122.

The final day of the festival begins with the book launch of Seán Laffey’s ‘The Story Behind the Song’. Seán Laffey is editor of the internationally acclaimed Irish Music Magazine (since 1997) “In that time I’ve reviewed hundreds of CDs, and each month there’s always one song that piques my curiosity, I just have to dig deeper into its background.” “The Story Behind The Song” is an enhanced collection of 80 of those eponymous IMM features, with suggested chords for guitar players and selected discographies of some iconic and definitive versions. It also comes with a 15-track download album. At this timely book launch, Seán will share this passion, recount anecdotes and play some of the tracks. Join in and sing-along and accompany him on his mandolin (words supplied) in a few pieces. This event is free and takes place in Cashel Library at 10.45am on Sunday, September 17.

Work by artists Pat Curran and Manar Al Shouba, in association with ‘Common Ground’, will be on display throughout the festival. Enjoy the exhibition and then join the artists for their Artists’ Talk in the Chapter House on Sunday. Pat Curran grew up in Dolphin House flats, Dolphin’s Barn and the Liberties. His open studio practice is an exchange between himself and local people. His work reflects the changes in inner-city Dublin life and contributes to a wider conversation about class, social justice and access to artistic expression. Pat often paints on found and collected objects that have a relevance to his painting subjects.

Manar Al Shouha’s paintings describe in a visual language the difficulties of knowing where home is when you are a migrant, the rights of people to national and cultural identities, and the impact of conflict on a country and its citizens. Common Ground is an arts organisation based in Inchicore in Dublin. Since 1999, they have worked to progress a diverse cultural model that embraces the challenging social and economic realities of their neighbourhood. Common Ground’s work opens up a range of possibilities for both Irish and International artists and the immediate community to respond to the issues that affect their daily lives. More information about Common Ground and the artists can be found at www.commonground.ie. This is a free event and takes place in The Chapter House on John Street at 2pm on Sunday.

There will be some lovely events for children on Sunday in the grounds of the Cathedral on John Street too! There will be a family friendly film, curated by Irish filmmaker, Dónal Ó Céilleachair, showing from 3pm in the Cathedral. There will also be a drop in children’s craft workshop with artist, Elke Wilson from 2pm – 5.30pm in the Cathedral grounds. Do you enjoy making things? Why not make your own board game? All you need is your imagination. Bring your players on an adventurous journey, where you paddle your boat across lakes, take a hot air balloon or climb a mountain. In this workshop, led by Elke Wilson, you are the game master. Create your very own journey as an exciting board game. All the materials are provided, all you need to do is to tap into your creative side and have fun!This workshop is free and is suitable for ages 5 and upwards. We can’t wait to see your creations! Face painting will also be available in this area on the day!

The remainder of Sunday will be filled with music events that we hope you will enjoy! Starting with some traditional Irish music, we have Jill & Jane, who will be performing in The Chapter House on John Street at 4.30pm. Jill Devlin, Roscommon, and Jane Meehan, Louth, are recent graduates of the Masters in Irish Traditional Music Performance program in the University of Limerick. From a young age, Jill and Jane have played harp and fiddle respectively, and share a common interest in composition, arrangement, and musical styles. They met in autumn 2020, at the start of their masters program, and soon became inseparable when it came to playing music. Their set ranges from traditional to newly composed tunes to which they add their own personal touch through arrangement and harmony to create a unique sound. They have played at various music events including the Milwaukee Irish Fest and at this year’s Fleadh Cheoil. In April of this year, they released their first single, Annie’s Favourite. Tickets for this event are 10 euro and are available at cashelartsfest.com now!

To bring our festival to a close, Cashel Arts Festival is delighted to welcome Jennifer Davis, from Cahir, to perform a series of popular arias in the wonderful acoustics of St. John the Baptist Cathedral. Jennifer will be joined in duets by soprano Lucy Hall, and accompanied by Dublin-based pianist Aoife O’Sullivan. Jennifer is an alumna of the Jette Parker Young Artist Programme at the Royal Opera House and has appeared in leading roles at Covent Garden, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Vienna State Opera, Irish National Opera, Semperoper Dresden, English National Opera, among others. Following a series of sensational role debuts, Jennifer has been propelled to international attention, winning praise for her gleaming, silvery tone, and dramatic characterisation of remarkable immediacy. This event takes place in association with Cian O’Carroll Solicitors, who we are very grateful to for their continuous support. A Night at the Opera takes place at 7.30pm on Sunday in the Cathedral on John Street. Tickets for this event are 20euro and can be bought online now at cashelartsfest.com

Cashel Arts Festival recognises the importance of outreach by working in partnerships with local schools and the community to actively involve them in the arts. Have you ever heard a story and thought, I should write that down? Well, Cashel Arts Festival has given the people of Cashel the opportunity to do just that. Classes were facilitated by Eileen Casey, a poet and essayist, whose books include the memoir series of essays A Fascination with Fabric and local writer Rebecca Lenehan who among other projects, writes regularly for The Farmers Journal. Working with Rebecca and Eileen, writers from Cashel were encouraged to form their memories into stories.

Some of the local community groups involved were the Active Retirement Group, the Daycare Centre, the Rural Traveller Group and Irish Language Conversation Group. Throughout the festival their stories will be placed at significant locations around Cashel, accompanied by artwork from Aoife Barrett of Print Van Go and TY students from Cashel Community School. This is a multi-generational project drawing stories from every part of Cashel to form an intricate portrait of the town. Keep an eye out for the memoir-inspired prints accompanied by a QR code. Simply point your phone camera at the code and it will take you straight to the audio or text version of the story. Or visit cashelartsfest.com/memoir to access it all in one place.

There are so many events taking place over the weekend, including workshops, art exhibitions, Indian dance, films, theatre, street entertainment, talks and a wide range of music and film. Please check out our website, cashelartsfest.com and find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see the array of events that we have to offer! Brochures with a programme of events can also be found in local shops and businesses. Booking is now live on our website for both free and paid events, as some numbers are limited.

Thank you to our principal funders
The Arts Council, Creative Ireland, Cashel Heritage & Development Trust, Tipperary County Council, Fáilte Ireland, Cian O’ Carroll Solicitors, Waystone. Thank you to our Cormac’s Tower Funding sponsors: Baileys Hotel Cashel and The Lodge, Ballyowen. We thank our Rathordan Circle Funding sponsors: Donal T. Ryan Solicitors LLP, 65 Degrees Coffee Bar, O’Dwyer’s Pharmacy and Affinity Credit Union. Without each and every sponsor, our festival would not be what it is each year and your support is very much appreciated.

Well done, and thank you also to our entirely voluntary committee. Each year, the planning of the festival starts with the closing of the one before. Everyone gets to work straight away, thinking of acts and planning for the next festival. The festival committee are delighted to be bringing the 21st annual festival to the twon of Cashel! We hope that the community of Cashel and its surrounding towns and villages enjoy the programme of events for this festival of 2023. From Septembe 14-17, Cashel will be filled with colour, music and a vast display of entertainment from a local, national and international stage. We hope you find the time to experience it all!

Chopin by Candlelight


The renowned pianist Frank McNamara is performing a series of concerts by candlelight around Ireland featuring music by Chopin. We are very fortunate that he has chosen to perform one of the concerts in Old St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, Clonmel. The date of the performance is Saturday, November 18, starting at 9pm. This will be an hour of pure musical enchantment by the gentle glow of candlelight. There are only 300 tickets available, and can be purchased online at Eventbrite.ie

Big Picture – Irish Volunteers on Main Street, Fethard 1914

Irish Volunteers Fethard 1914

This photograph was supplied by Joan Merriman, Dublin, in 1998, featuring the Irish Volunteers photographed on Main Street, Fethard in 1914. The postcard was belonging to her mother, Mrs Creed, who worked in Fethard Post Office at that time.

The late Michael O’Donnell, from Owning and originally Kilnockin Fethard, gave us the following information: “These volunteers often drilled about Kilnockin and they used guns made of timber. But this was not unusual as I recall Major Hughes telling me that when he went to Cahir (I think it was) to train he also had to use a wooden gun because of the shortage of armaments. My father also told me that the later, post-1918, Volunteers were trained by Paddy O'Donnell of The Green and Dick Butler from The Valley. Both had seen service in the British Army. R. M. O'Hanrahan was the Officer Commanding.

Row 1 L to R: 1. Ned Sheehan, Red City; 2 John Ryan, Sparagoleith; 3 Mickie Napier, Rocklow Road; 4 Jack Fitzgerald, Main St.; 5 not known; 6. Martin Tierney, Kerry Street; 7. Willie Walsh, Monroe; 8. Jim Carty, Sparagoleith; 9. Paddy Gleeson, Knockelly; 10. William Carey, near The Abbey.

Row 2 L to R: 1. Jimmy Brien, Market Hill; 2. John O'Fitzgerald, The Back Green (later of St. Patrick's Place); 3. Tom Corcoran, The Valley; 4. not known; 5. not known; 6. not known; 7. not known; 8. Piery Napier, Abbey Street; 9 Mickie Mara, Burke Street; 10. Tom Finn, Burke St.

Row 3 L to R: 1. Jimmy Connell, St. John's Hill. 2. Dave Hayes, Mockler's Terrace.

Row 4 L to R; 1. Patrick O'Flynn, Burke St.; 2. P.J. Henehan, Main Street; 3. not known; 4 not known; 5. not known; 6. not known; 7. ? Power, Rocklow; 8. Willie Leahy, The Green; 9. not known; 10 not known; 11. Larry Doyle, Back Green; 11. 'Oily' Keating, The Valley.

Row 5 L to R: Patrick Daniel, Watergate St (the man with the beard and large hat); this was all he recalled in this row.

Row 6: Did not know anybody.

Row 7; Only knew Ned Cummins, Ball-Alley (And which he was I now don't know as I did not mark his features accurately).”

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 taken 30 years when President Mary Robinson visited Fethard on Saturday, July 24, 1993, at the invitation of the Friends of Fethard.  She came to pay tribute to the late Mrs Olivia Hughes, foundress of the Irish Country Markets and founding member of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association, and to the Friends of Fethard for their tremendous work on the restoration of the town wall.

The tricolour and the blue and white colours of Fethard fluttered proudly on all entrances to the town as the presidential motorcade made its way up the Main Street to The Square where the President was rapturously received.  The President alighted from her car to be met by Michael Morris, Chairman of the Friends of Fethard, who introduced her to Melissa Taylor who presented her with a bouquet of flowers.  The Presidential entourage then moved to the Holy Trinity Church of Ireland for an ecumenical service which was packed to capacity by members of local clubs, organisations, and many dignitaries.

It was a most poignant ceremony held in the splendour of the historical Holy Trinity Church.  During the ceremony, Paddy Lonergan (Friends of Fethard) presented the original key to the Fethard Pound, dating back to 1710, to the President who accepted it on behalf of the people of Fethard.  Immediately after the ceremony President Robinson was escorted to view the restoration work on the town wall and the mural tower, where she unveiled a commemorative stone by the riverbank to celebrate the restoration work.

She then proceeded to a platform in the town Square to meet the public who gave her a tremendous reception where she arrived to carry out her next official duty to honour the late Mrs Olivia Hughes. She told the crowd that, “Mrs Hughes must have been a truly extraordinary woman.  That she was so centrally involved in the founding of the Irish Country Markets and the Irish Countrywomen’s Association was a tribute to her.  Mrs Hughes was also very much concerned with Macra na Tuaithe and the Credit Union and she recognised the need of a community pulling together.  ‘For those in need and for the need of the country’ was her wonderful saying.”





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.