Centra support Down Syndrome Tipperary Branch

Kennys Centra Supermarket has decided to 'Jingle their Christmas Jumpers' to support Down Syndrome Tipperary Branch and the fabulous local girl Millie. So, for the weekend of Friday, December 15, to Sunday, December 17, all the staff are going to dazzle you with their Christmas attire, and have donation buckets at the checkouts. We would love if you would come onboard with us to support this fantastic group who offer a great service to all their users all over Tipperary.

Christmas Panto 'Snow White' at the Abymill

Patrician Presentation Secondary School performed their Christmas Panto 'Snow White' to packed houses in the Abymill Theatre last weekend. The students received a tremendous reception from the audience on both nights and the overall production was a credit to the school, teachers and production team.

GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, December 12, 2023, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 1, 4, 13 and 17. We had no Jackpot winner and three Match 3 winners who received €50 each: Fiona Spillane, Wade O'Meara, and Pairic Spillane. One Lucky Dip winner received €100: Edel Fitzgerald. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, December 19, when the jackpot is €26,000. The funds raised are used to promote sport in the local community.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Saturday, December 16, 2023, of Ann 'Nancy' Buckley (née Noonan), Hollyhill, Westcourt, Callan, and formerly of Farranshea, Fethard. Peacefully, at St. James’s Hospital, Dublin. Pre-deceased by her husband Paddy, her brothers Jimmy, Seán and Dinny and her sister Nellie. Deeply regretted and sadly missed by her loving family, her children Richie, Ann, Brenda, Kay and Kenny, sons-in-law John and Fran, daughters-in-law Marie and Kathy, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends. May Nancy Rest in Peace.

Reposing in Molloy’s Funeral Home, Callan (Eircode R95 Y443) on Tuesday, December 19, from 5pm, concluding with Rosary and Vigil Prayers at 7pm. Funeral Prayers on Wednesday morning at 10am followed by removal to The Church of the Assumption, Callan, arriving for Requiem Mass at 11am. Burial will follow afterwards in Calvary Cemetery, Fethard. The Funeral Mass may be viewed live on; https://churchmedia.ie. Messages of sympathy for The Buckley and Noonan families can be left online by CLICKING HERE.

Parish Church Christmas Lotto Draw Results

There was no jackpot winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, December 14, 2023. The numbers drawn were 2, 6, 7 and 24. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was O'Sullivans' Pharmacy. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, December 21, will be €2,550.

We are delighted with the support shown for our Parish Lotto, it is a fundraising initiative that is of great benefit to the parish. Please pass the word on and invite friends and family to take part. You can help in a real, practical way and, who knows, you might also be lucky. I hope that the €2 per line option will allow everybody to contribute.

Work has commenced to repair the parish church organ. This organ was built by Telford circa 1884. There has been little, if any, maintenance on the organ in our lifetime so it is a considerable undertaking to repair it. It is a testament to Goldie and Denise’s ability that any sound has come from it in recent years. We will use some of the proceeds of the parish lotto, offertory collections and donations to complete the repair work. We hope that this organ, when it is fully refurbished, will continue to enhance our masses, funerals and celebrations for many more generations to come.

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

St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Collection
We are most grateful to everybody who contributed to our Annual Church Gate collection last weekend. The total came to €3,194, which is slightly down on last year but a very welcome amount. Some people are still sending donations who couldn't be at Mass last weekend and, of course, there is no time limit for making a donation. We accept donations at any time. Please don't send cash by mail, and please say if you wish a receipt sent to you.

If any person who has applied to us for Christmas assistance and has not received this by, Thursday, December 21, please call us on Tel: 085 808 6099 and we will be able to check it out. If you leave it later than December 21, it will make it more difficult for us to correct any error we may have made, or accidentally overlooking an application.

May we all enjoy a very happy Christmas and a safe prosperous and peaceful New Year.

Parish Church Christmas Masses & Penitential Service
There will be a Penitential Service in the Parish Church on Monday, December 18, at 7pm.
Parish Church Masses are as follows: Christmas Eve at 6pm; Christmas Day at 11am.
Killusty Masses: Christmas Eve at 7.30pm; and Christmas Day at 10am.

Augustinian Abbey Christmas Services
Saturday, December 23, at 7.30pm Vigil Mass.
The sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated during this mass. It will take the form of General Absolution. All sins and sinners catered for.

Christmas Eve, December 24
Carol Service at 8pm
Christmas Mass at 8.30pm.

Christmas Day, December 25
Christmas Mass at at 9.30am and 12 noon.

'Mother Hubbards' party night at Lonergan's

Staff members of 'Mother Hubbards', Cashel photographed at their Christmas Party night at Lonergan's Bar Fethard.

Died Recently in Dublin
The death has occurred on December 5, 2023 of Fr. Malachy 'Sean' Loughran, peacefully, at the Augustinian Care Facility, St. Augustine’s, Ballyboden, Dublin 16, in his 90th year. Predeceased by his brothers and sister, Fr. Vincent OSA (Damian), Br. Kevin (Christian Brothers), Noel, and Sr. Monica (Sisters of Mercy). Sadly missed by his sister, Sr. Clare (Sisters of Mercy), sister-in-law Mary, his nephews and nieces, Sean, Claire, Monica, Deirdre, Kevin, Vincent, and their families, his Augustinian confreres in Ireland and Britain, and his many friends.

The sad news prompted many local recollections as Fr. Malachy was based in Fethard when we commemorated 700 years of the Augustinian presence in our town. Throughout that Jubilee year (2005 -2006) of celebration the 'Friends of the Abbey' acknowledge Fr. Malachy’s commitment and guidance as they organised numerous liturgical events from February 2005 to March 2006. Having been based in Manchester for many years, Fr. Malachy appreciated our scenic rural setting on his long walks in the Valley of Sliabhnamon. He later ministered in Limerick and Drogheda. “Ar dheis De a anam uasal” .


Members of the Fethard Augustinian Abbey Jubilee 700 Celebration Committee photographed on February 7, 2005. Back L to R: Liam Cloonan, Percy O'Flynn, Vincent Cummins, Austin O'Flynn, Dick Prendergast, Paddy Broderick, John Fitzgerald. 3rd Row L to R: Joan Anglim, John Barrett, Chrissie Cummins, Marion O'Connor, Mary Healy, Kitty Delany. 2nd Row L to R: Fr. John Meagher OSA, Rena Kelly, Joan Halpin, Majella Walsh, Nell Broderick, Bernie Myles. Front Row L to R: Fr. Timmy Walsh OSA, Agnes Evans, Gus Fitzgerald and Fr. Malachy Loghran OSA. . Also on the committee were Fr Gerry Horan OSA, Ann Cooney, Liam Flynn and Ciara Flynn.

On Friday, December 8, a prayer service was held in St. Augustine’s, Dublin 16, at 3pm after which his remains were removed to the Augustinian Church (St Augustine’s), Drogheda, where a vigil was held ending with a prayer service. On Saturday, December 9, a Requiem Mass was celebrated, followed by burial in the Augustinian plot, St Peter’s Cemetery, Drogheda. A message of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom


Fethard Ballroom’s next social dancing takes place on Sunday, December 17, to the music of 'Michael Collins Band'. 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.

Celebration of Christmas Carol Service

Fethard & Killusty Community Council Board Elected
The annual general meeting of Fethard & Killusty Community Council (Fethard Muintir Council Ltd) was held on November 7, in the Fr. Tirry Community Centre. The following board of directors was appointed on November 28: Joe Kenny (chair), Catherine Corcoran (vice chair), Peter Grant (company secretary), Edwina Newport (assistant secretary), Eileen Coady (treasurer), Pamela Sweeney (CES participant development officer), Alan Moore and Tim Robinson (public realm and forward planning), Maurice Moloney, P.J. Henehan, Marie Murphy, Annette O’Donovan, and Brian Sheehy. Conor McGuire was also co-opted on the board, and Cllr Mark Fitzgerald attended the meeting and offered his support. The next meeting was set for Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Saturday, December 9, 2023, of William 'Willie' Hayes, Lisheen, Carraig Hill, Roscrea, and formerly, Rathcoole, Fethard, in his 94th year, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Deeply regretted by his wife Máirín Kennedy, son Brendan and his wife Kristy, grandchildren Cillian and Iarla, his brother Denis (Melbourne) and extended Hayes family. Rest in Peace.

Reposing in Tierney's Funeral Home Roscrea (E53 NY70) on Sunday evening, December 10, from 4pm, with removal at 6pm (via his residence), arriving in Holy Cross Abbey (E41 PH01) at 7pm. Funeral Mass on Monday afternoon, December 11, at 1.30pm followed by burial afterwards in adjoining cemetery. Funeral Mass can be viewed on https://www.churchservices.tv/holycrossabbey

Messages of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE

Fethard & Killusty Newsletter Now on Sale

Fethard & Killusty Emigrant's Newsletter is now available in the following local shops at €12 each, Centra Supermarket (The Green), Daybreak Supermarket (Kerry Street), and Fethard Post Office (Main Street). Copies will also be posted this weekend free of charge to Fethard emigrants on our mailing list throughout the world.

We take this opportunity to thank everyone who submitted articles and photographs, and also those who supported the publishing and postage, with donations throughout the year that helps in no small way to make this annual publication possible – since it first began by the Legion of Mary in 1959.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Friday, December 8, 2023, of Fr. Donal Cunningham A.P. former P.P. of Upperchurch / Drombane, and also served for many years as curate in Fethard in the 1970s.

Fr. Cunningham, died in the wonderful care of Milford Care Centre. Pre-deceased by his parents Michael and Bridget, brothers and sisters Paddy, Tom, Michael, Sean, Kathleen, Sr. Rita, Seamus and Breda. Deeply regretted by his sister Sr. Patrica, sisters-in-law Helen and Anne, godson John, nephews, nieces, relatives, Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly, his fellow clergy and religious of Cashel and Emly diocese, wonderful neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace.

Fr Cunningham will lie in repose in The Sacred Heart Church, Upperchurch (E41 V389) on Monday Evening from 4pm to 7pm with reception prayers at 4pm and closing prayers at 7pm. Requiem mass on Tuesday afternoon at 1.30pm followed by burial in the church grounds. Messages of condolence can be left online by CLICKING HERE

Fr Cunningham's requiem mass can be viewed on the following link https://churchcamlive.ie/upperchurchdrombane-parish/

Ladies Football Club support Dillion Quirke Foundation


As a 'Thank you' for all the support Fethard LGFA received throughout 2023 when the club celebrated its 20th anniversary. The club have decided to donate their half of the bumper Christmas Split the Pot draw to the Dillon Quirke Foundation. The draw will take place on Sunday, December 17, in Burkes Bar, Fethard at 10.30pm. All tickets bought online up to 8.30pm on Sunday 17, will be included in the draw. Tickets can be purchased online by CLICKING HERE or in local businesses in Fethard.

The first envelope out of the drum will win half the pot, with the other half going to the Dillon Quirke foundation. In addition, Fethard LGFA is sponsoring four bonus draws, a 2nd prize of €200, and 3rd, 4th and 5th prize of €100.The aim of the Dillon Quirke foundation is to screen every player over the age of 12 playing all codes of GAA to prevent sudden adult death syndrome.

Red Ribbons to Remember loved ones at Christmas

Remembering loved ones at Christmas is simple to do by buying a Red Ribbon with their name written on it and hanging it on the Holy Trinity Parisdh Church railings to be blessed on Christmas morning.

Fethard 'Circle of Friends' will be following this beautiful and meaningful tradition which we started a few years back as a way to remember our deceased loved ones over the festive season. We will have ribbons available to purchase in Kenny's Centra from Friday, December 8. All money raised from the ribbons is kept locally and given to families who have a family member sick or going through treatment for an illness.

Thank you for your support over the last few years and we are looking forward to seeing all the Red Ribbons on the church railings again this year.

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 at the GAA Dinner Dance on March 3, 1989. 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

Dick Fitzgerald (left) presenting the ‘Player of The Past’ trophy to Dick Hayes at the Fethard GAA Club’s Annual Dinner Dance held on Friday night, March 3, 1989.


Dick Fitzgerald (left) presenting the ‘Player of The Past’ trophy to Dick Hayes at the Fethard GAA Club’s Annual Dinner Dance also included are Kitty Hayes and Canon James Power P.P.

Enjoying a social drink at the Fethard GAA Dinner Dance on March 3, 1989, are L to R: Keith Grimson, Rory O’Connor, John O’Connor, Gabrielle Hayes, Kevin Hayes and Dermot Hackett.


Jimmy McCarthy and Margaret Cummins photographed at the Fethard GAA Club’s Annual Dinner Dance (March 3, 1989)


L to R: Eddie Sheehan, Nancy Sheehan and Josie Sheehan at the Fethard GAA Dinner Dance and ‘Player of the Past’ presentation (March 3 1989)


Residents from Burke Street photographed at the Fethard GAA Dinner Dance Jimmy McCarthy and Margaret Cummins photographed at the Fethard GAA Club’s Annual Dinner Dance (March 3, 1989). Back L to R: Andrew O’Donovan, Johnny Cummins, Anthony Hayes, Percy O’Flynn, John Hurley, Jimmy O’Shea. Middle L to R: Richie Hayes, Jimmy Hayes, Sally Hayes, Frank Coffey, Hillary Hayes, Assumpta Coffey, Paddy Kenrick. Front L to R: Teresa Cummins, Mary O’Brien, Kitty Hayes, Dick Hayes (Player of the Past), Peggy Kenrick and Margaret Coffey..


Fethard GAA Players photographed with trophies won at the Club’s Annual Dinner Dance held on Friday night, March 3, 1989..


Fethard GAA Club Committee and guests photographed at their Annual Dinner Dance held on Friday night, March 3, 1989.

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.