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.

Christmas Services in Church of Ireland
Christmas Day – Holy Trinity Church of Ireland service at 9.30am, Holy Communion with carols. Service taken by Archdeacon John Murray

Thank you to everyone who attended our Carol Service on Sunday, December 17. The church was packed and the service was thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you to Fr Liam Everard P.P. and Fr. Henry MacNamara, for coming along, and a special thanks to the Fethard Choral Group, directed by Ann Barry, the Strappe family trad musicians, David Butler for playing the organ, Heidi Good for taking the service, and all the parishioners who decorated the church and served the refreshments, especially the Bailey Family.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Friday, December 22, 2023, of Catherine 'Carmel' Maher (née McGrath), Rathbritt, Fethard. Predeceased by her husband Brendan, and brother Michael and his wife Betty. Deeply regretted by her daughter Ailish, sons Denis, Seamus, Paul and Kevin, daughters-in-law Mary, Maggie and Vicki, grandchildren Catherine and Linda, sister Imelda, relatives, neighbours and friends. May she rest in peace. Messages of condolence can be left online by CLICKING HERE

Reposing at her son Denis' home at Coolmoyne, Fethard (E91 TF22) on Thursday, December 28, from 5pm to 7pm followed by private cremation.

Goal Mile on Christmas Day



Don't forget a very important part of Christmas Day is to get out and be part of the annual Goal Mile in Fethard, starting at 12 noon on Main Street outside Fethard Town Hall.

The GOAL Mile, proudly supported by AIB, is one of Ireland’s most popular annual events, and a Christmas tradition for thousands of families. Merry Christmas to one and all.

If you haven't done it before why not give it a go this year. It’s just such a nice thing to do on Christmas Day and gives a real ‘feel good’ factor that you will want to repeat every year. So do come along and bring a friend, put a donation in our ‘bucket’, and then run, walk, or just stroll and talk at your own pace for the mile circuit around Fethard’ medieval walls. The very simple circuit  goes from Main Street via Fethard Ballroom, to The Valley, up to Burke Street and then on to The Green and back to finish at Main Street again.

Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Friday, December 22, 2023, of David 'Davy' Woodlock, Green Lane, Fethard. Predeceased by his brother Tony. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Joan, sons David and Ollie, daughter Maria, grandchildren Ollie, Aisling, Ellie-Anne, Sienna, Adam and Hannah, daughters-in-law Melanie and Nicola, sisters Monica, Gretta and Eileen, brothers Pat, Michael, Austy and Vincent, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends. May he rest in peace. Message of condolence can be left online by CLICKING HERE

Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Saturday, December 23, from 4pm to 6pm. Funeral to arrive at the Augustinian Abbey Church, Fethard, at 6.30pm. Funeral Mass on Sunday, December 24, at 12 noon followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. The Mass can be watched online at www.fethardabbey.com. Family flowers only please.

Fethard & Killusty Newsletter selling fast!

This year's issue of Fethard & Killusty Emigrant's Newsletter is selling fast and currently sold out at Fethard Post Office and Daybreak Supermarket. There are still some copies available at Centra Supermarket (The Green) at €12 each.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on December 21, 2023, of Donal O'Rourke, Mobarnane, Fethard, and formerly Mallow, Co. Cork. Predeceased by his daughters Bridget-Ann O'Connor and Marie O'Connor, granddaughter Laura O'Connor and daughter-in-law Peigi O'Rourke. Deeply regretted by his loving wife Kitty and sadly missed by his children, Catherina Brooks, Andrew, Edward and Don, their husband and wives, and all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, relatives, neighbours and friends. Always in our thoughts, forever in our hearts. May Donal rest in peace.

Reposing at O'Connell's Funeral Home Killenaule this Saturday evening from 5pm. Arriving at St. Joseph the Worker Church Moyglass at 7pm. Funeral Mass on Sunday (Christmas Eve), December 24, at 10am followed by burial in adjoining Cemetery. Messages of sympathy may be left online for the family by CLICKING HERE

Fethard Students Celebrate Christmas at The Abbey

Fethard Augustinian Abbey packed to capacity at the Patrician Presentation Secondary School's Christmas Celebration held at the Augustinian Abbey, Fethard, on Friday, December 15.

A highlight of the Christmas celebrations in Fethard this year has to be the Christmas Mass which took place in the Abbey on Friday morning, December 15.


Photographed at the Patrician Presentation Secondary School's Christmas Celebration held at the Augustinian Abbey, Fethard, on Friday, December 15, are L to R: Fr. Liam Everard P.P., John Cummins (teacher), Stuart Clooney (teacher), and Fr. Iggy O'Donovan OSA.

The entire Patrician Presentation community, students and staff assembled in the ancient abbey for the 10.30am mass. The liturgy had in the greater part been prepared by the students and was indeed a colourful and creative experience. Liturgy is always enhanced by good music and in this regard the occasion was certainly not lacking. The performance of a most youthful choir led by teacher Stuart Clooney was most impressive. Their highlight was the singing of Silent Night in no less than six languages.


John Cummins (teacher), playing a beautiful rendition of 'O Holy Night' on harmonica, accompanied by Stuart Clooney on piano, at the Patrician Presentation Secondary School's Christmas Celebration held at the Augustinian Abbey, Fethard.

All were treated to a riveting version of the great carol 'O Holy Night' by teacher John Cummins. There was a great Christmas 'feel' to the whole occasion, and the youthful teenage congregation was a sight rarely seen in churches these days. Likewise, the readings, reflections, and offertory gifts were most imaginative. It left one with the impression that the 'FAITH' (whatever the denomination) can be reconciled with modernity. The celebrants of the mass on the occasion were Frs Iggy O'Donovan and Liam Everard P.P.


School choir singing at the Patrician Presentation Secondary School's Christmas Celebration held at the Augustinian Abbey, Fethard, on Friday, December 15.

School choir singing at the Patrician Presentation Secondary School's Christmas Celebration held at the Augustinian Abbey, Fethard, on Friday, December 15.

GAA Sports Development Christmas Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, December 22, 2023, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 9, 11, 22 and 35. We had no Jackpot winner and four Match 3 winners who received €40 each: Robert Noonan, Valerie Slattery, Charlie Hackett, and 'Karen and Carrie'.

One Bonus Lucky Dip winner received €500: Pamela O'Donnell. Five Bonus Lucky Dip winners received €100 each: Clare Gunn, Mary O'Dwyer, Sandra Maher, Mona O'Gorman, and Denise Delaney.

The next draw takes place on Tuesday, January 2, when the jackpot is €26,400. The Committee of Fethard GAA / Sports Centre Development Lotto would like to thank all our supporters near and far who participate in our weekly Lotto and a Merry Christmas.

Parish Church Christmas Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, December 21, 2023. The numbers drawn were 2, 9, 14 and 15. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Gwen Cooke. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, December 28, will be €2,600.

Fethard Athletic Club travel to compete in Cashel
The county senior cross country was held at Deansgrove, Cashel, on Sunday, December 17. The women's race started at 11am with the men following. The lap was a 2k loop with women running three laps and men five laps.


Fethard AC ladies team L to R: Paula Hendriksen, Carol Molloy, and Marie Carroll.

Fethard AC has had a fantastic resurgence in 2023 and particularly through this cross-country season. No better way for the club sign off this year, than to proudly field two teams at the County Senior event. For our women’s team of Paula Hendriksen, Carol Molloy, and Marie Carroll, it was always going to be a very tall order for our successful novice ladies to challenge the strong senior field. Nevertheless, all three acquitted themselves with distinction throughout this tough endurance test.

We entered these championships with great optimism, and with very good reason, having had such great success at all levels – county, provincial and national levels. On Sunday, December 17, we sent Emmet McNamara, Jack Spillane, Joe Morgan , Fintan Rice and Louis Rice, to represent us at the county’s flagship event, and they didn’t disappoint.

Stuart Moloney of Moore Abby Milers, dictated affairs from the onset of the race, setting a strong pace and gaining an unassailable lead. Behind him was a group of Mossy Bracken (Moycarkey Coolcroo), Barry Hartnett (Dundrum), and our own Louis Rice and Emmett McNamara. This group were to battle it out for the silver and bronze medals. As the race unfolded the endurance strength of the Fethard lads prevailed as they managed to get a gap on the group in the latter stages to bring home both medals.


Fethard AC mens team L to R: Fintan Rice, Louis Rice, Joe Morgan, Jack Spillane, and Emmet McNamara.

They were now looking back the field for their teammates to see if a senior team medal could be secured. Masters’ athlete, Fintan Rice, never found wanting in any race challenge, came home strongly in 14th place, and he was soon followed by Jack Spillane, making his debut at this level for the club and finished in 29th position.

These four club mates combined to win the county senior silver medals. We also had another terrific debut performance from Joseph Morgan who finished in 37th position. Congratulations to the athletes and to their coach John Laste. They have all put in such great effort and commitment in training over the past few months. We now look forward to building on this as we approach 2024. Thank you to the volunteers of Tipperary Athletics and the host, Dundrum Athletic Club.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom


Fethard Ballroom’s next social dancing takes place on St. Stephen's Night, Tuesday, December 26, to the music of 'Pat Daly'. 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.

South Tipperary Macra's 'New Year's Eve Ball' in the Talbot Hotel, Clonmel
South Tipperary Macra would like to welcome you to their New Year's Eve Ball, which will be held in the Talbot Hotel, Clonmel on Sunday, December 31. Full ticket (€65) includes a 3-course meal, music from ‘The Loose Cannons’ and DJ, midnight pizza and sweet and crisp cart. Doors from 7pm.

Afters' tickets (€20) are available on the door from 10pm approx. Join us to ring in 2024 in style with a raffle and a few surprises on the night! For information or tickets contact Edel on 087-7546972.

Get the Bells ringing again!
The parishioners of Holy Trinity Church of Ireland, Fethard, are holding an afternoon tea event in the church on Saturday, December 30, from 2pm to 4pm.

During the afternoon there will be a short organ recital by James Clooney and if you wish, there will be an opportunity to go up the Church Tower to see the bells, under strict supervision. The cost is €5 per person and the proceeds will be used to repair the bells so that they can be heard again in Fethard.

Your support would be very much appreciated.

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.

Big Picture – 'Christmas Quiz' – See How Many People you Recognise from this photo taken at a Road Safety Meeting in 1966.

This 'Christmas Quiz' is suitable for local people who have lived in Fethard from the 1970s onwards. A good measure of how good you are might be to identify as many people as your current age. It's also a great reference to see so much local involvement at community meetings . . . . Let us know how you get on and we'll update the results below as we receive them. Best of luck.

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.