Fethard Town Park triumph at the  prestigious IPB Pride of Place Community Awards

L to R: Anthony Fitzgerald, Director, Fethard Town Park; Angela Sheehan, Tipperary County Council; Anne Moloney, Fethard Town Park, and Maurice Moloney, Director Fethard Town Park.

Fethard Town Park came runner up in the Community Wellbeing Initiative Category at the IPB Pride of Place Community Awards in Armagh on Friday night, November 10, 2023.

The awards have grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.

Speaking at the event, Maurice Moloney, Director, Fethard Town Park & Coolmore Ireland congratulated all the worthy winners on the night and stated “Fethard Town Park is a collaboration effort of many stakeholders who have shown enthusiasm, generosity, and commitment to achieve the Regional Centre of Excellence in Sport, Health & Recreation we have today”

Director Anthony Fitzgerald, Tipperary County Council, also in attendance at the event stated, “the Pride of Place awards celebrate the very best of communities from around the country. I am delighted that Fethard Town Park has been rightfully recognised for their efforts. At Tipperary County Council we continue to work closely with communities to help them embrace a spirit of pride and to support them in creating transformative impact.”

Accolades also went to Nenagh who took the honours in the towns with a population of over 4,000 people category. Their project, entitled ‘We♥Nenagh’ was a collaboration of Nenagh community representatives, co-ordinated by Nenagh Municipal District, the Silver Arch Family Resource Centre and Clúid Housing.

The awards, hosted by UTV’s Pamela Ballentine, took place in front of 400 community volunteers from across the island. The awards were delivered in partnership with Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council.

Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 21 years ago though a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Sunday, November 12, 2023, of Jimmy O'Shea, Burke Street, Fethard, and formerly of Quartercross, Killusty, and most recently in the kind care of the staff of St Teresa's Nursing Home, Cashel. Jimmy will be sadly missed by his sisters Mary (Coen), Killusty and Nora (McCole), Perth, Australia, nieces, nephews, relatives and large circle of friends. May he rest in peace.

Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Tuesday, November 14, from 5pm with removal to the Church of the Sacred Heart, Killusty at 8pm to arrive at 8.30pm. Funeral Mass on Wednesday at 11am followed by burial in the adjoining Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired to the Injured Jockey's Fund. Messages of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE

Service for Road Traffic Victims
Sunday, November 19, is United Nations Commemoration Day for Road Traffic Victims. The occasion will be marked at the Sunday service in the Augustinian Abbey Fethard at 12 noon, on November 19. All who have been in any way touched by road traffic tragedy are most welcome to join us.

Christmas Fair & Tractor Run

Patrician Presentation Parents Association have organised a 'Christmas Fair & Tractor Run' fundraiser on Sunday, November 26. The Christmas Fair will take place from 1pm to 4pm, at the school and promises to be an even bigger and better event than last year, with the addition of a Craft Fair in the school hall and food stalls in the school grounds.

Registration for the Tractor Run takes place from 5.30pm to 6pm. Photograph below was taken at last year's run.

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, November 9, 2023. The numbers drawn were 5, 6, 11 and 15. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Paul Hayes. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, November 16, will be €2,250.

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

Patrician Presentation Secondary School Awards Day
Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School Students Awards Day took place on Friday, October 20, 2023. Click on the image below to view the photo gallery of the award presentations made to the students on the day.

Mass of Remembrance in the Parish Churchmbrance
On Saturday next, November 11, there will be a Mass of Remembrance in the parish church at 7pm. We will remember those that have died in our parish in the last 12 months.

We invite everyone to attend but especially those that have had a bereavement in that period. They will be invited to light a candle at the back of the church before the mass and there will be a procession with the candles which will be placed before the altar.

Mens Shed Christmas Craft Fair & Coffee Morning


Fethard Mens Shed are running a Coffee Morning and Christmas Craft Fair at Fethard Town Park on Monday, December 4, in the Front Lobby. Starting at 10am with Music, Food, Craft Stalls, and a Christmas Raffle with loads of prizes will take place. All are welcome to come along!

GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, November 7, 2023, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 15, 16, 29 and 34. We had no Jackpot winner and no Match 3 winner. One Lucky Dip winner received €100: Jenny Walsh. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, November 14, when the jackpot is €25,000. The funds raised are used to promote sport in the local community.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, of Michael Hennessy, Coleman, Fethard, surrounded by his family. Pre-deceased by his beloved wife Monica. Much loved father of Mary, John, Maggie, Michele and Matt. He will be sadly missed by his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his brother John, brothers in law Dermot and Matt, sisters-in-law Mary and Kathleen, sons-in-law David, Garvan and John, daughters-in-law Jaey and Trish, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace.

Reposing in McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Thursday from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. Funeral Mass in St Michael's Church, Clerihan, (Eircode E91 X260) on Friday morning at 11.30am followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. House private, please. Messages of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE

Recent Graduation from Mary Immaculate College

Congratulations to Aislinn Barry (daughter of Tom & Maria Barry, Newchapel, Clerihan) and Michelle Walsh (daughter of Barry & Mary Walsh, Killusty) who recently graduated from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick after undertaking a Masters Programme in Middle Leadership and Mentoring through the MIC Thurles Campus. 

Table Quiz in aid of Tipperary Branch IWA

St. Rita's Camogie Club – Pre-Loved Sports Gear Wanted

Social Dancing in Fethard Ballroom


Fethard Ballroom continues its social dancing on Sunday, November 12, to the music of 'Teddy and Cathal Barry'. 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 take place at Fethard Ballroom every Monday night from 8pm to 10pm. Learn to dance with Declan Roche – Jive, Waltz, Cha Cha, Line Dancing – no partner required. €10 per class or €50 up front for 6 classes, Further Details contact Declan at 086 028 6289.

Fethard Town Park 'Christmas Ideas'

Perfect way toremember someone special this Christmas – Support Fethard Town Park by purchasing a Brick, Bench, Tree, Planter or Ad, and contribute to the future legacy and ongoing maintenance of Fethard Town Park. Please purchase on our website by CLICKING HERE and we will be in touch direct regarding your preferred inscription.

Ringing the Bells for Peace!


On this coming Saturday, November 11, at 11am, the church bell will be rung from the tower in Holy Trinity Church of Ireland, Fethard, along with bells from all churches throughout the area. As we continue to witness the tragic events in the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine, and elsewhere, this is a call for peace in the world.

Holy Trinity Church of Ireland will be open from 10.45am on Saturday for anyone who wishes to come into the church for silent prayer or to hear the bell ringing from the tower. Everyone is welcome to join us.

Christmas Shoebox Appeal 2023


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 Friday, November 10, 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 very short of empty shoe boxes and would be very grateful if anyone has some, to please drop them in to Fethard Community Centre.

A time for reflection 'One Day'
Matthew Paul Miller - known by his Hebrew name Matisyahu is a Jewish reggae singer. In 2018 he asked 3,000 Muslims and Jews in Haifa (none of whom had ever met before) to come together and learn the song 'One Day' with him in less than an hour. Not only that, they also learned to sing and harmonise the song in three different languages. The concert that resulted from this brings the spirit of the new era. All one can see then, is the beauty of human beings, trying to bring peace into this world.

November Graveyard Rosaries

Sunday November 12

• Calvary Cemetery at 3pm
• Peppardstown Graveyard at 3.45pm

Sunday November 19

• Rathcoole Graveyard at 2.45pm
• Redcity Graveyard at 3pm
• Tullamaine Graveyard at 3.30pm

Sunday November 26

• Killusty Graveyard after Mass
• Kiltinan Graveyard at 3pm
• Kilmaclugh Graveyard at 3.45pm

County Tipperary Cross Country Novice B
Moycarkey Coolcroo were the hosting club for the Novice B Cross Country Championship held on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at The Turnpike, Two-Mile Borris. A rainbow shone bright over Fethard AC  with the team’s silver and bronze results.


The ladies team of Carol Molloy, Marie Carrol and Paula Hendriksen, taking part in the County Tipperary Cross Country Novice B, at Moycarkey Coolcroo.

Fethard had two teams competing on the day. The women’s team were Paula Hendriksen, Carol Molly and Marie Carroll; and the men’s team were Fintan Rice, James Maher, John Needham and John Hurley. With conditions very heavy underfoot due to the recent rain, the trek around the long course was always going to be a test of the runner’s strength and endurance.

The women’s race got underway at 12pm with Paula, Carol and Marie getting down to the task at hand and settled in to the 3k distance nicely, battling their way through the soft turf. They showed tremendous endurance and strength as the race progressed. All three women can be very happy with the combined placings of 4th place for Paula, 8th place for Carol and 10th place for Marie, which saw them secure 3rd place in the team event. Congratulations to the ladies and a 1st Novice medal for Marie Carroll – a proud day indeed for Marie.


The men's team of John Needham, Fintan Rice and James Maher, taking part in the County Tipperary Cross Country Novice B, at Moycarkey Coolcroo.

The men’s race started shortly after the ladies, with Fintan Rice, James Maher, John Needham and John Hurley taking to the line. Again, this was a battle of physical and mental ability. We had Fintan Rice using all his experience over cross country and going off with the lead group as he fought for a podium position. Fintan was well supported by teammate James Maher as they challenged the early leaders. After two laps of this tough heavy course, the gap widened as four broke away leaving Fintan and James in 5th and 6th place, and though they tried so hard to bridge that gap in the closing stages, they came home in those positions.

Just behind we had John Needham in 9th place. John ran very solidly throughout this difficult race, and with all three combined, they won silver team medals for the club. We wish John Hurley a speedy recovery who unfortunately pulled up injured. Congratulations to all who competed and made it another successful day’s outing for Fethard A.C.

Our coaches and supporters were very thankful for our new gabazo, especially for shelter when a heavy shower came in. Thanks to Moycarkey Coolcroo for hosting the event, and the many volunteers of the Tipperary County Board, as without them these events couldn’t happen.

Fethard & District Day Care Centre AGM
Fethard and District Day Care CLG will hold their Annual General Meeting, on Wednesday, November 22, at 7.30pm, in the Day Care Centre. All are welcome to come along.

'The Shaughraun' is coming to the Abymill Theatre


The Fionn MacCumhaill Players present, The Shaughraun' by Dion Boucicault at the Abymill Theatre, Fethard, E91 A471, on Friday, November 24 & Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 8pm. Tickets are €20 and can be booked online: www.gr8events.ie/shaughraunabymill

The Shaughraun is Fionn MacCumhaill Players' twentieth anniversary production and their twenty-fourth play to date. The group will go on tour with this classic Dion Boucicault costume play, to various venues in Tipperary. So be sure not to miss this big cast of twenty – including Tatters the dog!

"The Shaughraun' (set in 1866) is one of those sturdy theatrical vehicles that’s hard to resist. The play has healthy doses of comedy mixed in with the melodrama. There’s also action — fights! a jailbreak! — plenty of romance, a bit of singing and dancing, a dog, plots and counterplots, and characters pulled from the trunk of dramatic types."
– The New York Times

Donations to 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 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.

Big Picture – Fethard Confirmation Girls, May 1988

Girls who received the Sacrament of Confirmation at Holy Trinity Parish Church Fethard in May 1988, photographed with Most Rev. Dr. Thomas Morris, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly.

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 duing the years 1987. We have some names but not all, so if anyone can help us, please do. Please send any comments, photo information, names, to fethardnews@gmail.com

Fr. Tony Lambe, Angela Dillon-White, Danny Kane with first Holy Communion children in Killusty Church in June 1987.


Mr Dessie O'Malley, leader of the Progressive Democrats, is pictured with members of the Fethard branch on his visit to Killenaule in June 1987. Back L to R: Joe Murphy, Tim Finn Killenaule, Mick Smith, Austin O’Flynn, Jack Murphy, Philip Joyce. Front L to r: Rosario Joyce, Billy Gardiner, Dessie O’Malley, Liam Croke, and James O'Gorman.


South Tipperary County Council members visiting Fethard Folk Museum in June 1987, photographed with owner Christy Mullins


Winners in the ladies racquetball team competition held in Fethard Sports Centre in June 1987 L to R; Michelle Fogarty, Patricia Breen and Jenny Fogarty.


Runners up in the Ladies racquetball team competition held in Fethard Sports Centre in June 1987 L to R: Monica Kenny, Susan O’Meara and Mary Burke.


John Bradley, director of Urban survey giving a walkabout tour of Fethard on June 28, 1987. Photographed above speaking at Holy Trinity Church of Ireland.

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.