Died Recently
The death has occurred on Thursday, January 11, 2024, of Sr. Norah Merrick, Presentation Convent, Thurles, formerly Ballynulty, Cullen, in the loving care of Lucie and Staff in Padre Pio Nursing Home, Holycross. Predeceased by her sister Sr. Mary of Grace, Presentation Convent, Thurles and New Zealand, her brothers Patrick, Donal and Richard, her sister-in-law Maura. Deeply regretted by her Presentation Community and Congregation, her sister-in-law Marie, nieces Carmel, Majella, Margaret, Brenda, Mary, Noreen and Helen, her nephews P.J., John, Christy, Pat and Sammy, her extended family and friends.

Sr. Norah was a a very popular teacher while based in Fethard Presentation Convent for many years. She was also an active member of Fethard Legion of Mary and a great supporter of the annual Fethard & Killusty Emigrants' Newsletter. May she rest in peace.

Reposing in the Presentation Convent Chapel, Thurles on this Friday from 3.30pm, concluding with evening prayer at 5.30pm. Funeral Mass in the Convent Chapel on Saturday at 11am followed by burial in St. Patrick's Cemetery. Messages of condolence can be left online by CLICKING HERE where you can express your sympathy to Sr. Norah's Presentation Community, Congregation and Family. Thank you.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Saturday, January 13, 2024, of Melissa Morrissey, Kilsallagh, Fethard. Peacefully, at the Bons Secours Hospital, Cork. Melissa, sadly missed by her heartbroken parents Eamon and Dolores, brother Evan, sisters Catriona and Bronagh, nephew Darragh, uncles, aunts, work colleagues, relatives, neighbours and many friends. May She Rest In Peace.

Reposing at her residence (Eircode E91 D951) this Monday evening from 4pm to 7pm. Requiem Mass on Tuesday in the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, Dualla, at 11.30am followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. If you would like to leave a message of condolence online please CLICK HERE

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Friday, January 12, 2024, of Kathleen 'Kitty' O'Rourke (née Hayde), Mobarnane, Fethard. In her 93rd year. Predeceased by her husband Donal, daughters Brigid Ann O'Connor and Marie O'Connor, her granddaughter Laura O'Connor and daughter-in-law Peigi. Deeply regretted by her daughter Catherina Brooks, her sons Don, Eddie and Andy, their husband and wives, her sisters May and Pat, brother Philip, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, neighbours and friends. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

Reposing in O'Connell's Funeral Home Killenaule on Monday evening, January 15th, from 5pm to 7pm, arriving at St. Joseph the Worker Church Moyglass at 7.30pm. Funeral Mass on Tuesday morning, January 16, at 11.30am, followed by burial in adjoining cemetery. Funeral Mass can be viewed at http://www.churchcamlive.ie/moyglass

Messages of sympathy may be left online by CLICKING HERE

Fethard reach Munster U19 E Hurling Semi-Final

Congratulations to Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School, on their 4-07 to 3-09 victory over Nenagh College in the TÚS Corn Liam Ó Cinnéide Under 19 E Hurling Quarter Final played in Fethard Town Park on Tuesday, January 9.

Two second half goals scored by Brian Keane, sent the Fethard team on there way to a Munster GAA Hurling semi-final, which will take place this coming Friday, January 12, also in Fethard Town Park at 12.30pm. Best of Luck to the team on their achievement on reaching the Munster Under 19 E Hurling Semi-Final. Lend your support by cheering them on tomorrow, Friday, January 12, at 12.30pm in Fethard Town Park!

‘The Maiden Aunt’ comedy by Fethard Players


Fethard Players return to the Abymill Theatre, from January 29 to February 3, performing a three-act comedy, ‘The Maiden Aunt’, written by Jimmy Keary, and produced by Marian Gilpin. This hilarious comedy has been a huge success all over Ireland and the Fethard Players expect the same will be the case here in the Abymill Theatre, Fethard. The experienced cast are currently putting the final touches to their production at rehearsal. BOOKING OPEN NOW

‘The Maiden Aunt’ has a running time of approximately ninety minutes. Set in the late 1990s in a farmhouse somewhere in Ireland, the plot centres around Gertie O’Grady, a retired teacher and spinster, who comes to stay with her niece, Mary Murphy, after a spell in hospital. Mary tries to persuade her aunt to make a will. When Gertie apparently ‘dies’, Mary’s husband, Dan comes up with an elaborate plan to get their hands on her money.


Members of Fethard Players at rehearsal for their forthcoming production of a three-act-comedy, 'The Maiden Aunt', which takes place in the Abymill Theatre, Fethard from January 29 to February 3, 2024. L to R: Lisa Hanrahan, Liam O'Connor, P.J. Henehan and Una Kiernan.

The characters are played by the following: Gertie O’Grady (Niamh Hayes) – a retired teacher in her late fifties; Mary Murphy (Mary Boland Prendergast) – a hard-working farmer’s wife in her late forties; Dan Murphy (P.J. Henehan) – Mary’s husband, who is of similar age; John Paul Murphy (Mark Fitzgerald) – Dan and Mary’s son, whose ideas are too big for his brain; Jarlath McKenna (Owen Healy) – a good-natured friend of John Paul’s, who impresses Gertie; Francie Gilhooley (Liam O'Connor) – a farm labourer in his fifties, with an eye for the women; Caroline Quinn (Una Kiernan) – a well-to-do neighbour of the Murphy’s and former pupil of Gertie’s; Paula Moore (Lisa Hanrahan) – a young solicitor, who knows her business.

The play will open on Monday January 29, and run until Saturday, February 3, 2024. Curtain at 8pm each night. Booking is now open online: www.gr8events.ie/themaidenaunt Tickets are €18, and early booking is advisable.

Road Safety during this 'Cold Spell'
Tipperary County Council have published a map of Tipperary roads illustrating the ones that have been salted (marked in red) to help with safety decisions when driving. The full map, which includes Weather Stations and Salt Depots, can be viewed online by CLICKING HERE.

Above we have taken a snapshot of the roads leading from Fethard that have been salted (marked in red). In all cases you most be very careful and use your own judgement when driving as conditions may vary from place to place.

Fethard Community Playgroup - Enrolment


Fethard Community Playgroup, open five days per week, are now taking names for September 2024. Morning sessions are three hours long and are from 9am to 12 noon, and Afternoon sessions are three hours long, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

Children who will reach their third birthday before the 31st December 31, 2024, will be eligible for ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme), which in the three hours session.

We also offer the National Childcare Scheme if a child is younger or staying for part time hours. This means that a child will get a reduction in price depending on income. For more information on the scheme CLICK HERE

Fethard Community Playgroup is located behind the secondary and primary schools on the Rocklow Road. Fethard E91 V382 For Further Information Contact Fethard Community Playgroup on Tel: 052 6132316.

'Mozart by Candlelight' in Old St. Mary's, Clonmel


The wonderful music of Mozart performed by pianist Frank McNamara along with special guest Deirdre Reddy on violin, in the enchanting light of almost a thousand candles. Where music and magic converge at Old St. Mary's Church, Clonmel, on Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 9pm to 10pm. Tickets from €21.35, are now available and can be booked online by CLICKING HERE

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom


Social dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom’s on Sunday, January 14, to the music of the 'Teddy & 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.

GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, January 9, 2024, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 11, 14, 16 and 27. We had no Jackpot winner and one Match 3 winner who received €150: Christopher Quinn. One lucky dip winner received €100: Peter McCarthy. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, January 16, when the jackpot is €26,800. The committee of Fethard GAA Development Lotto would like to thank all our supporters for the continued support.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on January 5, 2024, of Rose McCarthy (née O'Neill), Fr Tirry Park, Fethard, and formerly Gleann Rí, Holycross, unexpectedly in St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny. Predeceased by her sons Eddie and Eric, father Hugh. Deeply regretted by her loving family; husband Eric, daughter Joan, mother Joanie, sisters Lizzie and Joanne, brother Martin, nephew Dean, niece Elaine, brother-in-law John and Gary, sister-in-law Geraldine, uncle Patsy, relatives, neighbours and friends. May She Rest In Peace.

Reposing in Hugh Ryan's Funeral Home, Slievenamon Road, Thurles on Monday, January 8, from 5pm to 7pm. Arriving at the Church of the Holy Trinity, Fethard on Tuesday, January 9 at 10.30am for Requiem Mass at 11am. Burial afterwards in Crohane Cemetery, Killenaule (Crohane Lower E41 V840). Messages of condolence can be left online by CLICKING HERE

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, of Fr. Ben 'Ger O'Brien OSA, Duckspool House, Abbeyside, Waterford, and formerly New Ross, Wexford.

The Late Fr. Ben will be fondly remembered for his time spent at the Augustinian Abbey in Fethard from 1993 to 2001, and his many return visits for various occasions since.

Fr. Ben passed away peacefully in the tender care of the staff at St. Vincent's Unit, Dungarvan Community Hospital. Fr. Ben is predeceased by his sisters Kay and Eileen and is deeply mourned by his sisters Eithne French (Enniscorthy), Mary O'Neill (Waterford) and Teresa Bailey (Newcastle, Co. Dublin), brother-in-law Joe Bailey, nephews, nieces, relatives and a large circle of friends and his Augustinian Confrères.

Reposing at The Kiely Funeral Home, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford (X35 XN79) on Thursday evening, January 4, from 3pm. to 4.30pm with Prayers at 4pm. Reposing later that Thursday evening, January 4, at Cooney's Funeral Home, New Ross, Co. Wexford (Y34 FK44) from 6.30pm to 8pm. Requiem Mass took place at 10am on Friday morning, January 5, in St. Mary and St. Michael's Parish Church, New Ross (Y34 N677). Interment took place afterwards in St. Stephen's Cemetery, Irishtown, New Ross. Requiescat In Pace.

If you wish to leave a message of condolence online for the family please CLICK HERE.

Parish Church Christmas Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, January 4, 2024. The numbers drawn were 6, 7, 14 and 24. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Maura Clooney. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, January 11, will be €2,675.

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 join, see the draw results, and details of how your support is making a big difference at https://www.ourfundraiser.ie/org/fethardkillusty/

Please spread the word and encourage family and friends to join to help grow our fundraiser. Thank you so much for your support and best of luck in our jackpot draw.

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.

Big Picture - Fethard First Communion - May 1989

Fethard First Communion group of boys photographed at Holy Trinity Parish Church altar with their teacher, Ms Alice Stapleton, in May 1989

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.