Died Recently
The death has occurred on Saturday, February 17, 2024, of Anna McGrath (née Burke), Rocklow, Fethard, and formerly of Rue Du Bac, Blackrock and Cabinteely, Co Dublin, peacefully, surrounded by her family and in the care of the staff at Acorn Lodge, Cashel, and South Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel.

Beloved wife of the late Patrick, and loving mother to Paul, Patrick, Neil, Jane and Roderick. Deeply missed by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, son and daughters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. May she rest in peace.

Anna's Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, at 12 noon. Her burial will take place at Deans Grange Cemetery, Dublin, on Wednesday, February 21, at 12 noon.

Family flowers only please. Message of condolence can be left for the family online by CLICKING HERE

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, February 15, 2024. The numbers drawn were 9, 14, 20 and 24. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Eleanor Roche. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, February 22, will be €3,000.

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/

Zumba Classes starting at Convent Community Hall
Zumba Fitness Classes are starting at 7pm at Fethard Community Hall, Lower Main Street, on Thursday, February 22, 2024, and everyone is welcome to join. Contact Rebecca for further information at Tel: 083 4152756. €10 per class.

Community Games Closing Date Reminder
Fethard & Killusty Community Games wish to remind people that the closing date for entries in the Art & Handwriting Events is March 6. The best way for parents to get all information regarding any event, individual or team, is on the Community Games Calendar available by CLICKING HERE

You will find a drop down list of all events with full details of each one.  Click on the Event required and more detailed information will appear. Some details are very long to publish for example the Gymnastics routines are six pages long, but you can select the required age group much faster.

The County Finals to take place in March are as follows and anyone interested in the talent competition, quiz or swimming, are asked to please contact Noreen by email:
fethard-killusty@communitygames.eu

• Event: County Talent finals    
  Date: Sat. March 2, Holycross Hall, C0mmencing at 5pm
  Boys & Girls – Solo Singing, Solo Dancing, Solo Music, and Recitation.
  Group Dancing, Group Singing, Group Music, and Culture Corner. Entries must be submitted on ORS asap
• Event: County Quiz final
  Date: March 2, at St Michael's Hall, Holycross
  Table quiz at 6.30pm - Panel of 6. Team of 4 and 2 subs. Teams may compete without subs and less than 4 memnbers, if they wish. Entries on the evening.
  
• Event: County Swimming finals  
  Date: March 16th, Thurles Swimming pool
  12.30pm
  
• Event: County finals in Art, Handwriting, 
  Projects and Model Making   
  Date: March 16th, CBS Thurles
  Time tbc (afternoon event)
  

Tipperariana Book Fair

'Tipperariana 'Book of the Year' winner, Dr. Willie Nolan, signing copies of his two-volume winning book: Vol 1 ‘Remember ‘48: Young Ireland and the Rising’, and Vol 2 ‘Remember ‘48: Young Irelanders Beyond The Rising’ at Fethard Book Fair on Sunday, February 11, 2024. L to R: Theresa Nolan, Dr. Willie Nolan, Brianán Nolan, and Walter Power.


General photo of the Tipperariana Book Fair

The 27th annual Tipperariana Book Fair took place last Sunday, February 11, 2024, continuing a successful tradition that began back in 1996. The Fethard Historical Society was delighted to welcome book sellers and book buyers alike and, as ever, there was something for everyone: antiquarian books, historical tomes, modern novels, Irish literature, classics, sports books, travel guides, detective novels, romantic fiction, and children’s books.


Members of the 'Applefest Committee' photographed at Tipperariana Book Fair where they promoted their new book ‘Elders of Clonmel’. L to R: Theresia Guschlbauer, Elka Wilson and Jeanette O'Dwyer.


Members of the Lisnagaul Commemorative Committee promoting their book ‘Stories from the Glen and beyond‘ at this year's Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard. L to R: Breda Hayes, James Hayes and Fr. Iggy O'Donovan OSA.


Author Clodagh Sweeney from Fethard, promoting her new book, 'Keri, My Inspiration', at this year's Tipperariana Book Fair

Thirty book dealers were present at what they themselves have deemed “the best one-day book fair in Ireland”. They literally came from all over Ireland, from West Cork to Armagh, Wexford to Galway, and all points between. Michael Mallon, Chairman, Fethard Historical Society, paid tribute during the afternoon to one of the former regular attendees stating, “The organisers mourn the passing of Barbara O’Connell (née Millgate), who died on January 18, 2024. Barbara and Jack of Schull Books, were among the very first to attend and never missed the Tipperariana Book Fair”.

Photographed at this year's Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard are L to R: Patrick McAteer, Fionnuala McAteer, and Tony Hanrahan.


Photographed at Fethard Historical Society's secondhand book stall at this year's Tipperariana Book Fair are L to R: Pat Looby, Mary Hanrahan and Rose Dougliss.


Looking after the Book Fair information stall are L to R: Edwina Newport, Marie Murphy and Gemma Burke.


Photographed at this year's Tipperariana Book Fair are L to R: Claire White, Ciarán O'Brien and Kieran O'Brien.

A continuous stream of people filed through the Fethard Ballroom from noon onwards and trade was brisk right up to closing time at 4 30 pm. Talented Clonmel musician, Eamonn O’Malley on keyboard provided carefully curated background music, adding to the ambiance. Joan Looby’s pop-up café was as popular as ever, affording a welcome opportunity to enjoy tasty homemade treats while catching up with friends.

Photographed at this year's Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard are L to R: Marée Moclair, Pat O'Donnell and Michael Mallon.


Photographed at this year's Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard are L to R: Tom Everard, Michelle Everard, Mary Everard and Paudie Everard.


Photographed at this year's Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard are L to R: Aoife Quirke and Emma Quirke.

Tipperary authors always feature strongly at the Book Fair and pride of place this year was accorded to Dr. Willie Nolan, recent winner of the Tipperariana Book of the Year Award 2023 for his impressive two-volume publication ‘Remember’48: Young Ireland and the Rising’, and ‘Remember ‘48: Young Irelanders Beyond the Rising’. Also present were the Lisnagaul Commemorative Committee ‘Stories from the Glen and beyond’, Theresia Guschlbauer, Applefest Committee Elders of Clonmel, John Connors, Dan Breen, the Man behind the Myth and the booklet on the Fethard Augustinian Abbey 1823-2023 by Fr. Iggy O’Donovan, OSA.

Photographed at this year's Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard are L to R: Josephine O'Donohoe, Timmy O'Donohoe and Patricia Quirke from Tipperary.


Photographed at this year's Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard are L to R: Mary Hennessy, Kathleen English and Mary Ryan from Dundrum.


John Conners, author of 'Dan Breen - The Man Behind The Myth’, photographed with Noreen Higgins, local historian and author of 'Tracing Your Tipperary Ancestors', at this year's Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard.

The Fethard Historical Society was especially privileged to welcome local Fethard woman, Clodagh Sweeney, who came along with her newly launched book Keri, My Inspiration, an evocative tribute to her daughter Keri who sadly passed away in 2019. It is a truly uplifting account of Keri’s fight for survival following the catastrophic brain injuries she suffered at birth and of the incredible mother-daughter bond that existed between them.

Photographed at this year's Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard are L to R: Geoffrey Cope and Patrick Perceval.


Tom Muldowney photographed at this year's Tipperariana Book Fair in Fethard


Margaret Keane helping at the Patrician Presentation Secondary School's book stall.

Eamonn O’Dwyer, Tipp FM, dropped in to say hello and to chat with the book dealers, authors and members of the public. In reply to his query as to how the Book Fair got its name, Mary Hanrahan, Fethard Historical Society, explained, “The late Rudi Holzapfel, the Pennyfarthing Bookshop, Tipperary town, compiled a wonderful book ‘Tipperariana’ which listed all the books about Tipperary available in 1997. The Society was so taken with the name, which reflected our focus on all things relating to the county, that Rudi very kindly allowed us to adopt it for our Book Fair. Obviously, there are all kinds of books on offer at the Book Fair, from the specialist to popular modern fiction, but there is always a particularly large selection of Tipperary books.”

John Cooney haggling for a good price on the Caoimhin Debalis stand.

Eamonn’s programme, Down Your Way, featuring the Tipperariana Book Fair will be broadcast on Tipp FM in a few weeks’ time so for anyone who missed the Book Fair (or has never visited) it will be the ideal opportunity to get a sense of what it’s all about.


Pianist Eamonn O’Malley providing background music for the book fair.

As the Book Fair ended, Michael Mallon once again took to the stage to thank all those who had contributed to the outstanding success of the event: the organising committee, the book dealers, the authors, the general public who attended in such numbers, Joan Looby and her catering team, musician Eamonn O’Malley, Mrs Rosemary Ponsonby who gave two of her paintings to be raffled and, in particular, all those who so kindly donated books to the society’s own book stall.

Social dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom

Social dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom’s on Sunday, February 18, to the music of the ‘Peter Burke’. 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, February 13, 2024, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 2, 10, 16 and 22. We had no Jackpot winner and one Match 3 winner who received €150: Lesley Prendergast. One lucky dip winner received €100: Marie Danagher.

The next draw takes place on Tuesday, February 20, when the jackpot is €27,800. The committee of Fethard GAA Development Lotto would like to thank all our supporters for the continued support.

Community Games Art & Handwriting

These are the details for those entering this year's Community Games Art & Handwriting event. The closing date for entries is Wednesday, March 6, 2024. If any child resides in our area and not attending school in either Fethard or Killusty, they can still enter by contacting Noreen direct at the following email:  fethard-killusty@communitygames.eu 

Art and Handwriting: the closing date for entries is Wednesday, March 6, 2024. Entry Fee is €3 per entry, in the following categories. Art Girls : U8, U10, Ul2, U14. Art Boys: U8, U10, Ul2, U14. The Theme must be a Community Games activity.

Handwriting Boys and Girls: U10, and U12: Please note a child must live in the Fethard & Killusty area to take part. Children must also be under the age specified on, July 31, 2024. Children must have their name, address, and date of birth on each entry. The rules for Art and Handwriting are available online at www.communitygames.ie

Anyone interested in competing in Gymnastics and Swimming please contact Noreen before March 6, 2024. Best of luck to all participants

Killusty National School now Enrolling for September

Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School host first Equestrian Event at Garranemore Equestrian Centre, Pallasgreen


Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School will host their first Inter-schools Show Jumping Competition at Garranemore Equestrian Centre (V94 C6Y5), Pallasgreen, on Saturday, February 24, 2024. The school is hosting the show with thanks to Garranemore Equestrian, and in association with Coolmore Stud. Profits from the show will be donated to Graham Lee through the injured jockey's fund.

Entries are now being taken. Primary & Secondary combined Classes are: 70cm Individual; 90cm Individual; 1m Individual; Teams of 3-4 riders where 2 riders will jump 80cm and 2 will jump 1m (Max of 2 riders per hight category if on team of 3); 110cm Individual (Sponsored by Garranemore Equestrian). Entries close on February 22, 2024. Mixed school teams allowed. Enter your school team/individual online by CLICKING HERE The Organisation contact email for Patrician Presentation Fethard is: emmam6176@gmail.com and Tel: 087 964 3949.

Individual entries: €20 Teams, €80 Mixed teams. Entries are now open. Please state your school name, Animals registered name & name of the person who is representing the school. School crested gear welcome! We look forward to welcoming you all to Garranemore on Saturday February 24, 2024.

Big Picture - 'Goody Two Shoes' Pantomime - 1982

In January 1981, Fethard Players performed their first pantomime in 26 years, called 'Gone With The Fairies', written by Billy McLellan. This revival of pantomime in Fethard, led to the formation of the Hogan Musical Society later that year.

At the beginning of September 1981, a meeting was held in the newly built Tirry Community Centre in Barrack Street. The meeting was very well attended, and the Hogan Musical Society was formed, with the following officers elected: Michael McCarthy (chairman); Gemma Kenny (secretary); and Catherine Newport (treasurer). Ned Maher, the only member of the original pantomimes was unanimously elected as President.

After great discussion, it was decided to stage another pantomine as their first production. This pantomime, 'Goody Two-Shoes', featured in this week's 'Big Picture', was chosen and performed in the Country Club Ballroom for four nights from January 20, 1982, to January 23, 1982.

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 from the Healy family archives (Burke Street), supplied by Mary & Michael Healy (Cois Teallaigh), The Green, in June 2019. There may be someone out there who will identify some of the people from the photos. 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

Our thanks to Mary Healy who gave us the updated information added below and told us, "These photos were sent by Bab's daughter Helen, who lived in Athlone in 2018, when the Fethard Parish Church Bi-centenary Book was proposed."

Wedding photo of Mary ‘Babs’ Healy, Grove, Fethard and Danial Hynes, Roscrea, September 15, 1920. Danial was based in Fethard on rural electrification work and met Mary at that time. Mary is the older sister of Girly Healy (Burke Street) and her sister Kitty (Dublin). The couple moved to Roscrea and later to Athlone, where they remained all their lives with family.


Lady sitting in studio with backdrop ?


Tom 'Jillo' Allen, Convent Lodge, taking part in the Fethard Carnival Fancy Dress Parade as 'Mahatma Gandhi', passing outside Scully's Shop c.1944.


Three children are Mary (Babs) Healy, born 1899, her brother Tom, born 1903 & her brother Jim , born 1901. Tom went to New York, Jim was a guard (Garda) in Dublin.


Three ladies outside O'Flynn's Drapery shop window (possible where O'Flynn's Menshop was situated in Burke Street). The back has the following message as far as we can make out, "Do you think it does me justice, love, Tossie"


Fethard Football Team 1924-25. Back: Sean O'Shea, John Weston, Ned Connolly, Gerry Phelan, Tommy Hogan, Jack Delaney, Mick Gunne, Connie Fitzgerald. Middle: Tom Tubridy, Tommy Healy, Billy O'Flynn, Ned Cummins (Captain), Jim Gorman, Gus (Duffy) McCarthy, Ned O'Shea. Front: Jack Brett, and Dan Mullins.


Fethard Presentation Convent School group of nine girlsschool girls; we only know Mary (Babs) Healy who is in the front row far right, could be taken c.1911.


Photo of girl standing is Mary (Babs) Healy.

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.