‘Empower Her’ – A Celebration of Extraordinary Women of Ireland – Fethard’s Alice Leahy chosen as one of fifty-four inspirational women in Ireland

Fethard woman and director of TRUST, Alice Leahy, photographed with President Michael D. Higgins, in 2018, after publishing her book, 'The Stars Are Our Only Warmth'.
Congratulations to Fethard’s Alice Leahy, Co-Founder & Director of TRUST from 1975 – December 2015, on her recognition of been chosen as one of Ireland’s inspirational women. Alice is one of fifty-four extraordinary women to feature in Linda Hanlon’s debut project ‘Empower Her’ – a collection of photography portraits in a ground-breaking limited-edition book and exhibition that captures the essence of female empowerment in modern Ireland and who have made significant contributions in their respective fields, from academia to exploration, and everything in between. The book features captivating portraits of these remarkable women, accompanied by insightful quotes reflecting on their journey and the advice they would offer to their younger selves.
The exhibition, in collaboration with the Five Lamps Arts Festival, will run from Tuesday, May 14, for two weeks at the Central Bank of Ireland, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1, Eircode: D01 F7X3, opening daily Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm, and offers the public an immersive experience into the world of ‘Empower Her’. Please note the exhibition is closed on Monday, May 20, and Thursday, May 23.

Linda Hanlon, whose debut project ‘Empower Her’ – a collection of photography portraits in a ground-breaking limited-edition book and exhibition – captures the essence of female empowerment in modern Ireland.
Linda Hanlon, a retired psychotherapist turned photographer, through her lens, showcases the diverse experiences of fifty-four extraordinary women. In the wake of her life-changing decision to retire early from private practice following a bout of illness, Linda embarked on a new chapter in her life. Drawing upon her passion for photography and driven by her curiosity about human nature, particularly the concept of personal empowerment, Hanlon embarked on a remarkable journey to capture the stories and images of empowered women across Ireland.

‘Empower Her’ is not just a photography project; it is a testament to the strength and courage of women across Ireland. Out of the limited 500 books being published, 100 copies have been graciously donated to schools, ensuring that the message of empowerment reaches future generations, while the remaining copies are available for purchase, allowing people to own their own copy of this inspiring narrative.
"As a psychotherapist, I've always been fascinated by the concept of personal empowerment. In Ireland, where the echoes of historical oppression still resonate, female empowerment takes on an even greater significance. Through this project, I wanted to shed light on the untold stories of women who have overcome challenges and emerged as figures of empowerment and to inspire the present and future generations of Irish women for decades to come. Their willingness to share their stories and vulnerabilities has been both humbling and inspiring. ‘Empower Her’ is a tribute to their courage, strength, and unwavering commitment to empowerment.”
Augustinian Abbey 'Service for Life' celebration

A Service for Life, in solidarity with anybody who has been affected in any way by suicide, took place in the Augustinian Abbey, Fethard, on Sunday, May 12, 2024. Photographed at the celebration are Back L to R: Annie Prout who read the reflection after mass; Ian O'Connor (Patrician Presentation Secondary School), Fr. Iggy O'Donovan OSA; Joe Leahy (C-Saw); Yvonne Leahy (C-Saw); Mary O’Connell (C-Saw). Front L to R: Catriona O'Brien who gave a short introduction of the services available at C-Saw in Clonmel and Tipp Town; Helen Coffey (TY Coordinator, PPSS) with her two boys, Paddy and Danny Ahearn in front; Marie Maher (PPSS); Pauline O'Connor (C-Saw), Patrician Presentation Secondary School students who took part in the service, Rebecca Needham, Ailíse Fitzgerald, Amy Costin; and Tommy Cahill (C-Saw).
On Saturday last, May 11, thousands of people gathered around the country in solidarity with families who have been affected by the tragedy of suicide to mark 'Darkness into Light' day. To coincide with the occasion Fethard Augustinian Abbey organised a service on Sunday, May 12, again in support of all whose lives have in any way been blighted by suicide.
Fr Iggy O'Donovan was the main celebrant, who also introduced the guest speaker on the day, Catriona O'Brien, representing the C-Saw organisation, who are a support group for suicide victims and offer other ancillary services to all who feel in need of support from their premises in Clonmel at 24 William Street, and Tipperary Town at C.J. Kickhams Brass & Reed Band Hall, Davis Street. You can also call Tel 052 6172477 at any time for further information. 'Take Time to Talk!' All services are free of charge. www.csaw.ie
Students and staff from the Patrician Presentation Secondary School also participated. Teachers Helen Coffey, Marie Maher and Annie Prout led the prayers and readings. A youthful touch was brought to the occasion by the presence of students. Ailíse Fitzgerald, Rebecca Needham and Amy Costin processed to the altar bearing symbolic gifts which reflected the spirit of the occasion.
GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, May 14, 2024, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 1, 11, 16 and 30. We had no Jackpot winner and two Match 3 winners who received €75 each: Eimear Carroll and Michael Murphy. One lucky dip winner received €100: Frances Hanrahan.
The next draw takes place on Tuesday, May 21, when the jackpot is €30,000. The committee of Fethard GAA Development Lotto would like to thank all our supporters for the continued support.
Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom

Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday, May 19, to the music of ‘Michael Collins Band’. 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.
Public Rosaries in the month of May
- Parish Church Grotto - Mondays & Wednesdays at 7pm
- The Abbey Grotto - Sundays at 7pm
- Killusty Grotto - Sundays after Mass
- Killusty Grotto - Thursday at 7.30pm
Big Picture - Fethard Patrician Brothers Class 1940s
This photograph received from the late Joe O'Donnell, Clonmel, and formerly from The Green, Fethard, is taken of a Fethard Patrician Brothers School group. The photograph was taken in the Presentation Convent Grounds, which would be almost adjacent to the first Secondary School established in Fethard on September 1, 1941, in a building on Lower Main Street, rented from the Presentation Convent at £10 per year. The 'new' Secondary School on Rocklow Road was officially opened on October 3, 1946, so we believe that the above photograph was taken between 1941 and 1946. Open to correction?

When submitting names please include corresponding number from above photo.
We would be delighted to get some names if our readers can identify faces or see any family resemblance in the faces. We have also included this smaller image above with numbers that relate to those in the photograph, so that you can use when submitting any information to fethardnews@gmail.com
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

Fethard U21 Tipperary County Champions 1968. Back L to R: Willie Frewen, Noel Harrington, Joe Allen, Noel Byrne, Mich Ryan, John Frewen, Joe Fitzgerald, Joe O’Dwyer. Front L to R: Pat ‘Pop’ Barrett, Pat ‘Wishie’ Barrett, Philip Dillon, Gerry Leahy, Don McCarthy, Davy Morrissey, Abe Kennedy and Andy Fox.

Gathering flowers above is Mima Holmes who lived in the Rectory Lodge, Fethard.

Nurse Stasia Walsh and her sister and a young boy (son?)

Annie Ahearne holding baby Rita O'Donnell outside O'Donnell's house, The Green.
On the right is Annie's mother Bridie standing in doorway of their own house.

Funeral of Michael O'Donnell, The Green, who died on April 2, 1956, leaving Fethard Parish Church, for his interment in his family plot at the grounds of Holy Trinity Church of Ireland.

Cutting the cake at the wedding of Rita Lowry and Jack O'Shea, who lived on Main Street, Fethard, and ran a very successful business.
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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