Fethard win first ever Rugby Munster title
Fethard win first ever Munster title after they defeated Cobh Pirates 34-32 in the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Plate Final at Virgin Media Park. Jack Kealy, Robert Wall, Tom Keavney, Nigel O’Connell, and Michael Gaynor scored tries for Fethard. Peter Wall added three conversions and a penalty.
What a day Sunday last, April 21, was for Fethard Rugby Football Club as they travelled to Virgin Media Park to play Cobh Pirates in the Munster Junior Plate final. On a very warm day with very little wind, it was ideal conditions for open rugby. Fethard were slow and under a lot of pressure from a big Cobh pack. A lineout on the Fethard 22 saw Cobh move towards the line and in at the corner. A few stern words from the forwards player coach, Philly O’Connor, woke up the Fethard squad.
A piece of brilliance from Fethard’s full back, Jack Kealy, saw him gather his own chip ahead and sprint clear to score in the corner, followed by a brilliant conversion landed by Peter Wall. Fethard put about 30 phases together and eventually Robert Wall scored, which was converted by Peter. Cobh were not to be out done and a speedy winger got over in the corner leaving the half time score 14-13 in favour of Fethard.
Cobh started the second half very strongly and scored two very quick tries. Another sequence of phases saw the Fethard prop, Nigel O’Connell, burst over for a try. Time was against Fethard as Cobh landed another penalty to leave it 32, 19 with 12 minutes remaining.
A great box kick by scrum half Conor Kavanagh saw Fethard regain possession, and the powerful Tom Keaveney crossed for a fine try, converted by Peter Wall. More pressure from Fethard saw a lineout on the 22. Philly O’Connor gathered at the front, drove towards the Cobh line, offloaded to Michael Gaynor, who touched down in the corner. The conversion was narrowly missed, so game on at 32-31 with time just up.
Brilliant work from Conor Pearson saw them just make it into Cobh half. A series of phases was met with resolute defence by the Cork team, but Fethard were awarded a penalty on the halfway line. This was it, one last chance! Up stepped Peter Wall, the Fethard supporters could not even watch. Peter’s father went out behind the stand. Then came a massive cheer as the ball sailed inside the left post. Fethard had taking the lead, 34 to 32, in injury time. Cobh kicked into the Fethard 22, it was last play. Richie Carroll gathered; Conor Kavanagh kicked into the stand followed by unbelievable joyous scenes from the large contingent of Fethard supporters.
The introduction of the ever-green Philip Ivors and Eoghan Fitzgerald, was a master move by Fethard coach Shane Luby.
Community Games Gymnastics
Molly Tarrant who gave a fantastic display competing in the Girls U9 Gymnastics event at the Community Games County Finals.
Two very talented young ladies, Molly Tarrant, and Zara Thompson, put Fethard back on the gymnastics map after competing in the Community Games County Final in Newcastle last Sunday, April 21.
Molly gave a fantastic display competing in the girls U9 event while Zara, fresh from competing in Munster final of girls’ indoor soccer the previous day, was also amazing just sailing through the air on the vault.
Zara is pictured above with her mum, Lorraine, and her dad Richard Thompson, who is also the county PRO and coach of the girls' indoor soccer team. Her sister Zoe is also a member of the soccer team. Very well done to all.
'Service For Life', at Augustinian Abbey, Sun. May 12
On Sunday, May 12, a 'Service for Life' will be celebrated in Fethard Augustinian Abbey. It will coincide with 'Darkness into Light' weekend the national event which is held in solidarity with all who have been touched by the tragedy of suicide. The Abbey service will take place at 12 noon and all are welcome.
Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, April 25, 2024. The numbers drawn were 1, 6, 11 and 14. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Mary Hanrahan. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, May 2, will be €3,500.
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/
Secondary School Sports Stars
Well done to Pa, Lauren, Jayden, and Daniel on being awarded Patrician Presentationn Secondary School's 'Sports Stars' for the months of February and March.
GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, April 23, 2024, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 4, 10, 14, and 25. We had no Jackpot winner and three Match 3 winners who received €50 each: Eyyup Cicek, Christopher Quinn, and Thomas Anglim. One lucky dip winner received €100: Michael Aherne.
The next draw takes place on Tuesday, April 30, when the jackpot is €29,600. The committee of Fethard GAA Development Lotto would like to thank all our supporters for the continued support.
Presentation Convent appoint design team to prepare Planning Application
Presentation Convent and grounds prepared for development planning permission by design consultants, Ronan O’Connor MRIAI, Director and the OC+C Architects team.
Fethard and District Day Care Centre CLG have appointed OC+C architects Dublin as their Design team for the development of the Presentation Convent Fethard.
This appointment followed the statutory E-Tender process. We were assisted in this process by Mr Rónán Clerkin and associates from the Department of Social Housing.
The design team expect to lodge a planning application by mid-September 2024.
Part of this process will include a public consultation element, where their concept for the development will be fully explained. They will include the submissions already received from the public including Fethard Historical Society.
The development consists of independent living units for the elderly and wheelchair users, incorporating an expanded Day Care service including a Community Laundry. The Convent Church will become a ‘continental style’ town hall, for special community occasions, including conferences etc.
This is a very exciting development for the town centre of Fethard and will maintain this beautiful historic building and town centre site in community ownership and service.
– Ronan O’Connor MRIAI, Director and the OC+C Architects team
Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday, April 28 to the music of ‘Brian McDermott’. All are welcome to come along and enjoy us for a terrific night’s social dancing from 8.30pm to 11.30pm. Admission is €10, which includes tea and cakes and raffle. For further information or for booking the Ballroom, contact Eileen Coady, Tel: 086 0776420.
Community Games Update
Well done to Fethard & Killusty U13 Girls indoor soccer team who were runners up in their Munster semifinal against Limerick today. This was a super achievement, and a first time achievement for the area in this event. We are so proud and well done to all the girls and their coach / manager Richard Thompson. Back L to R: Caitlin Feery, Zoe Thompson, Ruby Kenny, Suin Nevin, Anna O'Sullivan. Front L to R: Zara Thompson, Lauren Reddy, and Caoimhe Nevin.
Congratulations to Fethard & Killusty U13 girls Rugby 7s team that will now represent Munster at National Finals Team members are: Ayla Barlez, Leah Boland, Kate Gaule, Ruby Kenny, Grace Lawrence, Emer O'Donnell, Anna O'Sullivan, Rosie Roche. Co-ordinator Polly Murphy.
Congratulations to Kenneth O'Donnell and the U10 Mixed Football consisting of Danny O'Sullivan, Bobby Croke, Hazel Prendergast, Alex O'Donnell, Charlie O'Donnell, Noah Egan, Ronan Coleman, Ordhan Coleman, Ted Purcell, Rowan Houlihan, Andrew Farag, Sam Morris, Nathan Kelly, Aaron Tyrrell, and Alex Walsh, on their recent impressive victory over Gortnahoe Glengoole in the first round of these finals.
Best of Luck to Zara Thompson and Molly Tarrent who will both represent Fethard Killusty Area at the County Final of Gymnastics in Newcastle.
Don't forget Athletics Area Finals, Saturday, May 4, in Fethard GAA Park, commencing at 4pm.
Rugby Blitz at Fethard Town Park
Well done to Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School's ladies rugby team who performed excellently in a Rugby Blitz held in Fethard Town Park on THursday, April 18.
'Good Sports' Poetry Session – Thursday April 25
This year's local Poetry Day Ireland event will take place in Fethard Horse Country Experience, The Town Hall, Main Street, Fethard,
on Thursday, April 25, at 4pm. Admission Free.
Join Mary Hanrahan to celebrate Poetry Day Ireland 2024 in Fethard Town Hall for what has become an eagerly anticipated annual event. The theme for this year is 'Good Sports' celebrating the good sport in all of us, the drive to give it a go or to have a crack at it.
It’s your chance to join in as Poetry Day Ireland celebrates the Olympic year, the clash of the ash, the narrow miss, the kick of a ball, the roar of the crowd, the crushing defeat, the herculean feat, the triumph, and our willingness to be good sports in all aspects of our lives. Feel free to interpret the theme as you wish and come along to read a poem written by yourself or a favourite poet. Or simply join us for a coffee and enjoy the spoken word in the wonderful ambience of the historic Fethard.
Community Playgroup enrolling for September
Fethard Community Playgroup are now taking names for September 2024. We have two sessions per day. Children who are three years old before December 31, 2024, are eligible for the free three hours a day ECCE Scheme. Parents may apply under NCS scheme if they wish their children to stay for an extra two hours per day. All paperwork must be complete before commencing. Spaces are limited for this.
Morning session starts at 9am and finishes at 12 noon, Monday to Friday. The afternoon session starts at 12.30pm and finishes at 3.30pm, Monday to Friday. The National Childcare Scheme is for children who are not eligible for the ECCE Scheme that are not three years old before December 31, 2024.
Cash for Clobber fundraiser for Holy Trinity NS
There is still time to support Holy Trinity National School Parents’ Association's ‘Cash for Clobber’ fundraising initiative for the school. Items can be dropped off at school during morning and afternoon pupil collection times on Mondays and Fridays between 9am and 9.30am and 2pm and 3pm, up to Monday, April 29. Drop offs outside these times can be arranged by contacting Tel: 087 6918183. If anyone has bags they would like to donate but have no way of getting them to the school, please contact the number above to make arrangements for collection.
Amy Sweeney asks for your support!
Amy Sweeney (daughter of Pamela and Liam Sweeney, Fethard) is on a mission to help a family escape Gaza safely. Amy is sleeping out on Thursday night, outside the US Consulate in Krakow, where she lives, and has organised a fundraiser where 100 percent of the money raised will go directly to Rahma, to get her and her two young daughters evacuated as soon as possible. To Donate on the secure GoFunMe page please CLICK HERE Every Euro will help get this family out of Gaza, the situation is getting worse daily so this family won't have time on their side.
Amy explains: "Like many others, I have spent many months feeling utterly useless in this situation. I would love to help everyone, but I’ve come to the realisation it is not possible. Having been introduced to Rahma and her family some weeks ago, I have promised her and her family I will do everything in my power to help them get to safety. On Thursday, April 4th, I am asking YOU to sleep out, in solidarity with the people of Gaza! I will be putting myself outside the US Consulate in Krakow, Poland - to show that we do NOT agree with their complicity in genocide and we demand a permanent ceasefire! Find your people, and making this movement happen in your town too! Please support us by sleeping out on Thursday April 4th! We will be camping outside the US Consulate. Let's make this happen in your city too!"
Calling all Fethard Secondary School ‘Past Pupils’
Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School invites all past pupils to share their memories of your school days be email to: memories@patricianfethard.ie The school look forward to welcoming you all to their ‘Past Pupils Open Day’ on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 2pm to 4pm. The open day will be run in conjunction with Fethard Heritage Festival Weekend.
Clonmel Concert Band on Sunday April 28
There will be a one hour concert in Old St. Mary’s Church, Clonmel, on Sunday, April 28, at 3pm, performed by The Clonmel Concert Band.
There is no charge for admission but there will be a retiring collection made in aid of urgent church repairs. Everyone is invited to attend this very pleasant afternoon’s entertainment.
Big Picture - Fethard Convent Class (Date?)
This photograph is taken of a Fethard Convent School Class 'Group 1' , received in 1995 with no further information. Are there any family resemblance spotted in the faces. It would be great to get the year and some names if possible?
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 some old photographs from our archives that were copied or gathered locally, but information for some and others without. There may be someone out there with further information that we can add to our files, so if anyone can help us, please do. Please send any comments, photo information, names, to fethardnews@gmail.com
The under 14 ‘B’ team which defeated Ballylooby in the 1995 South final, score Fethard 6-3, Ballylooby 1-5. Back L to R: Timmy O’Riordan (selector), Jason Barron, Glen Burke, Mark Condon, John O’Meara, Niall Walsh, Declan Kenny, Val O’Dwyer, Mark O’Dwyer, Paul Hackett, Pat Sheehan (selector) and John Fitzgerald. Front L to R: John Noonan, Owen Doyle, Damien Cannon, Peter Carroll, Richard Barrett, James Roche, Tommy Dorney, Michael Keane and Noel Sharpe.
Chris Mackey with a group of friends at a football club dance in England. Any further information welcome.
Presentation Convent School Class in the 1950s. Back L to R: Joss O’Connell, Maisy Cummins, Ann O’Sullivan, Moira O’Donnell and Alice Holloway. 2nd Row: Rita Tierney, Mary Lynch, Mary Sheehan, Monica Woodlock, Carmel O’Rourke, Margaret O’Connell and Betty Dineen. Front: Ella Purcell, Rita Cassells, Kathleen Ryan, Rita Sayers, Ann Morrissey, Marie Dineen. (Some of these names may be incorrect so further information welcome).
Group pictured outside McCarthy’s Hotel in the 1940s. L to R: Harrold Erick (son-in-law of Will Mulcahy), Will Mulcahy, Tom McCarthy, Michael McCarthy, Eddie Butler, Gerry Mackey and Walter Morris (son-in-law of Will Mulcahy).
Festival Fancy Dress Parade entry 'On The Way To Stormont' June 1956 outside Shportall's shop in The Valley. L to R: Joe Fitzgerald, Liam O'Donnell, Bernard Walsh and Joe Kenny (Hillview) holding Bob Byrne's dog.
FL to R: Billy O'Brien (Clonacody), Paddy Barrett (Mick Barrett's brother), Mr Carroll (worked with contractor Mick Barrett), ?, ?, It appears to be somewhere in the Presentation Convent grounds. Any further information welcome?
Group of eleven men and a boy.?
Micéal McCormack told us this photo was taken in the Ball Alley on the Cashel Road (near the priest's house) and he received the photo from Dot Mullins who worked in O'Shea's grocery shop at lower Main Street. Back L to R: ?, Johnny Dalton, ?, Dot Mullins, Michael McCarthy, ?, John 'Boxer' Ryan. Front L to R: ?, ?, Michael Dineen, ?, Cly Mullins, Willie Stapleton, and Jim Mullins. Any further information welcome.
Please send any comments, photo information, names or stories, to fethardnews@gmail.com
Fethard News for inclusion on this website
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.
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