Family Fun Day at Fethard Town Park today!

This year's Family Fun Day at Fethard Town Park will take place on this Sunday, June 16, from 1pm to 5pm, and all are welcome to come along. Admission is free and you will have lots of free entertainment, fun and games, and local 'Superstars' event.

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, June 13, 2024. The numbers drawn were 2, 14, 22 and 23. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Patricia Treacy. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, June 20, will be €3,875.

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/

Mens Health Week 2024

Speakers and organisers at Men’s Health Week. L to R. Joe Lonergan, STDC, Kathleen Vickers STDC, Geraldine Moloney, CCRC, Martin Quinn, Stroke survivor, Mairead McCormack and Mollie Standbridge, Fethard Daycare, Jimmy O’Sullivan, Leo Darcy, Paddy Fitzpatrick STDC.

A very informative event for Men’s Health Week, took place in Presentation Convent Chapel, Fethard, hosted by Fethard and District Daycare Centre in collaboration with South Tipperary Development Company. MC was Paddy Fitzpatrick STDC.

First speaker was Jimmy O’Sullivan of O'Sullivan's Pharmacy, who spoke of the importance of blood pressure monitoring. He obliged a number of guests by checking their blood pressure. Next up was Geraldine Moloney, Clonmel Community Resource Centre, followed by Leo Darcy and stroke survivor, Martin Quinn.

Joe Lonergan of STDC Rural Social Scheme ,spoke of their work with farmers. Rob Murphy gave an insight into the various sports activities available for all abilities and ages. The final speaker was Mollie Standbridge who gave an overview of Daycares services and their plans for the development of the Presentation Convent Campus.

All present enjoyed the delicious lunch provided by local caterer, Liam Sweeney. A number of guests later visited Fethard Horse Country Experience.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 of Margaret Ruane (née O'Connor) of Carrowntreila, Ballina, Co. Mayo and formerly of Cloneen, Fethard, peacefully in the excellent care of the Riverview Nursing Home, Ballina surrounded by her loving family.

Predeceased by parents Michael and Mary O’Connor and sister Josephine. Margaret, beloved wife of James, loving mother of Declan and David, is sadly missed by her husband, sons, daughters-in-law Laura and Alexandra, grandchildren Kiah, Ruby and Lexy, sisters Brede, Mary & Kathleen brothers Eddie, Liam & Tom, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Rest in Peace.

Funeral will arrive to St. Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina on Monday morning, June 17, for Requiem Mass at 11.30am followed by private cremation. Margaret’s funeral Mass will be live streamed on www.ballinaparish.org House Strictly Private Please. Family flowers only, donations, if desired, to Little Blue Heros Foundation or Mayo Roscommon Hospice online or c/o McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina. Messages of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE

GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, June 11, 2024, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 2, 3, 6 and 22. We had no Jackpot winner and one Match 3 winner who received €150: Liz McCormack. One lucky dip winner received €100: Norah O'Meara.

The next draw takes place on Tuesday, June 18, when the jackpot is €30,000. The committee of Fethard GAA Development Lotto would like to thank all our supporters for the continued support.

‘Chicken’ delighted with his new role!
Newley elected Councillor Michael ‘Chicken’ Brennan, sincerely says a huge ‘Thank You’ to the Carrick-on-Suir LEA (local electoral area) for electing him as one of your councillors.  Michael also expressed his thanks to all his canvassing team and Alan Kelly T.D. for their help. 

Michael is looking forward to his new role and promised that he will now be working for all the people in the area.  – Michael ‘Chicken’ Brennan.




Abymill Theatre Annual General Meeting
Following the recent Annual General Meeting of the Abymill Theatre (The Mill Fethard Ltd) held on Monday, May 27. The following board of directors was elected for the coming year: Austy O’Flynn (Administrator), Joe Kenny (Chairman), Marian Gilpin (Secretary), Agnes Evans (Treasurer), Vinny Murphy (PRO), Michael McCarthy, Mia Treacy, Eileen Maher, Niamh Hayes, Michael Kenrick and Marian Fenton. Mr John Fahey, Accountant, presented the annual detailed financial report of accounts for the previous year, which were adopted by the board.

Beautiful River Friendly textiles!

Come and join artists Malú Colorín & Lucy Moore for a weekend of fun and educational hands-on natural dyeing workshops at Fethard Convent Community Hall E91 N7P6. There are two workshops to choose from: Saturday, July 6, from 9.30am to 4pm; and Sunday July 7, from 9.30am to 4pm. Learn about how your choice of textiles is interconnected with the health of our rivers and get inspired by the river itself to create your own colourful pieces.

Saturday, July 6, from 9.30am to 4pm
€50 (€20 concession)

• Bundle dyeing and eco printing workshop using local botanicals, cultivated plants and exotic materials! Includes a guided foraging walk in the nearby Clashawley River valley. All materials, fabrics and dyes will be provided, as well as tea, coffee and cake!

Sunday, July 7, from 9.30am to 4pm
€50 (€20 concession)

• Learn to set up an indigo dye vat, followed by an afternoon of dip dyeing to create a range of beautiful blues! You’re welcome to bring your own small item to dye, no larger than a t-shirt. All materials, fabrics and dyes will be provided, as well as tea, coffee & cake!

Or come both days at a reduced price of €90!

Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and support a greener future! For more information and booking CLICK HERE

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Monday, June 10, 2024, of Nell Murphy (née Heffernan), Congress Terrace, Fethard. Pre-deceased by her husband Paddy. Deeply regretted by her son Gerry, daughter Mary, son-in-law Peter, grandchildren Paul, Mark and Tracey, relatives, neighbours and friends. May she rest in peace.

Reposing in McCarthy's Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 11, from 5pm with removal to the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, at 7pm. Funeral Mass on Wednesday at 11am, which can be watched online at parishchurch.net followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Messages of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom


Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday, June 16, to the music of ‘Checkers’. 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.

Killusty National School’s ‘Green Flag for Water’

Pictured above are pupils from Killusty National School who were recently awarded their 'Green Flag for Water' from 'Green Schools' An Taisce Education Unit.

Killusty National School recently received the ‘Green Flag for Water’. The project, run by Green Schools, An Taisce Education Unit, was a very busy and enjoyable time for the school community. Each class from junior infants to sixth class played their part in the project by making drawings, researching, taking water-meter readings, making graphs, doing experiments, detecting leaks, measuring and recording water usage and curbing waste.

The project also focussed on the plight of many third world countries who have great difficulty procuring water for their daily needs. Climate change has not helped their struggle. So it was with great pride that the students accepted this award and are confident that they will use the knowledge acquired to work towards a sustainable future.

First Years impress with their ‘Clock Making’ skills

First Year Pupils at Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School showing the results of their recent Clockmaking project under the direction of teacher Mr Cummins.

It was very impressive to see the Fethard’s Patrician Presentation Secondary School’s First Year Materials Technology class, under the guidance of their teacher Mr Cummins, completing clock projects using a variety of skills they have learned in class. From lathe wood turning work to dowel and mortise tenon joint work, setting out the clock faces, pyrography, and finishing work, the students have demonstrated their craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Completing such projects not only showcases the students’ technical abilities but also their creativity and problem-solving skills. Well done!

Corpus Christi Procession


On Sunday, June 2, Fethard celebrated the Feast of Corpus Christi with a Eucharistic Procession from Holy Trinity Parish Church to the Augustinian Abbey at 7pm. The feast of Corpus Christi is a celebration of Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist. When the Eucharist is carried through the streets in solemn procession, we give public witness of our faith and devotion toward the sacrament of the Eucharist. The procession was led by Fr. Iggy O'Donovan OSA to the Augustinian Abbey. (Photo supplied by John Kenrick)

Fethard Website averages 1,240 visits per day!
Looking at the Fethard.com statistics for the month of May 2024, we noticed numbers have increased to an average of 1,240 visitors per day logging on to the website. The full daily details for 'pages' and 'hits' are printed below. Thanks to our readers for your support.

Mark is 'Sportsperson of the Year'


Congratulations to Mark Neville, Kilnockin, Fethard, on receiving the 'Sportsperson of the Year' award for 2024, at Rockwell College. Mark was a Tipperary minor in 2023, and was full back and kicker on this year's Senior Cup Rugby Team. Mark was also acknowledged for his huge contribution to Gaelic games and soccer over his six years in Rockwell College. Well done Mark!

Graveyard Masses in June
The following Graveyard Masses during the month of June will be held at 7.30pm in Calvary on Friday, June 21; and Holy Trinity on Friday, June 28.

Big Picture - IFA Rates Protest Demonstration in Clonmel

This photograph received from the late Michael Hall, Kyle, in 2005, was taken at an IFA Rates Protest Demonstration held in Clonmel and includes many of the local farming community who attended the event. Some further information may identify the date.

IFA – A history of action and delivery
On January 6, 1955, – At a mass meeting of 2,000 farmers in the Four Provinces Ballroom, Harcourt Street, Dublin, Juan Greene made the formal proposal to establish the National Farmers’ Association. The first elections to the National Executive were held in May of that year.

Seeking the right to negotiate on behalf of farmers rather than merely be consulted, 1966 saw the launch of the NFA Farmers’ Rights Campaign. Members set out from as far away as Bantry, Co. Cork to march on Dublin to demand to be heard, culminating in a sit-in for 21 days on the steps of Government Buildings. Against continued government resistance, a road and bridge blockade and rates strike saw dozens of NFA members jailed for several months. Only significant movement on the right to negotiate on key legislation, and the establishment of marketing and advisory boards with farmer representatives, brought the campaign to a victorious end.

The ‘IFA’ came into existence in 1971 and moved its Dublin headquarters from Earlsfort Terrace to the newly built Irish Farm Centre a year later. The Association supported Ireland’s entry into the European Community and was a prominent campaigner in favour of the successful 1972 Common Market Referendum, which saw Ireland join the EEC the following year. IFA’s rationale for joining was to give farmers direct access to the higher prices available in The Common Market and the supports under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

During the 1970s and 1980s, many new challenges faced farmers and were dealt with head on by IFA including devaluations of the ‘Green Pound’, milk quotas, Intervention, Disadvantaged Areas. At home, the two percent sales levy was fiercely resisted. IFA members finally won success through the courts for the abolition of the Poor Law Valuation system, bringing an end to a rates campaign stretching back to the establishment of the NFA.

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

Photographed at the Centenary Fethard GAA Book Launch held in the Abymill Theatre on Saturday, May 27, 1989, are L to R: Kitty McCarthy, Peggy Kenrick, Philly Kenny, and Nicholas Moroney.


Six of Fethard’s old footballers from the ‘Tens and Twenties’ pictured in the ‘sixties’. Back L to R: Tommy Hogan, Billy O’Flynn, Connie Fitzgerald. Front L to R: Dan Mullins, Frank 'Scout' Butler and Gus McCarthy.


Kathleen Barry working behind Jack O'Shea's new lounge on Main Street, that opened in December 1960


Jimmy Kelly opened a new victualler shop at Lower Main Street in 1967. Photographed with his staff outside L to R: Pat Sheehan, Gus Napier, Mary McCarthy and Jimmy Kelly.


The Recreational Hall, built in the grounds of the Presentation Convent, was blessed and opened by Very Rev. J Canon Ryan PP, VF, on the morning of Tuesday 25th February, 1958, following his celebration of Mass in the building. The Magnificent structure, the roof of which served as an extended playground, was designed by Mr. Joe Coffey BE. The Contractor was Michael Barrett of Fethard and the Electrical Engineers were Messrs Goldsburgh and Baker, Clonmel.
The first public performance there was held on the same evening. An appropriate programme was provided as the building was to be known as the Mary Immaculate Hall and that date coincided with the Feast of St. Bernadette. The main feature was the appearance of Charles McDonald who was miraculously cured at Lourdes in 1936. This was followed by a film entitled 'Chosen Village'. These were preceded by a number of items contributed by the members of the Rathmines and Rathgar Musical Society from Dublin. The children of the convent provided a beautiful tableau which was a striking and vivid representation of the appearance of Our Lady to Bernadette.
Pictured are the people who built the Convent Hall in 1958 - Mattie Tynan, Dick Noonan, Michael Barrett, Fr. Tom Kennedy, Joe Coffey BE, Hal Goldsborough, Bill Meaney and Jack Bergin (electrician)..


Dot Mullins photographed in the 1960s inside O’Shea’s sweet shop on lower Main Street (opposite Burke’s Bridge Bar), where she worked in the 1960s.


These two hurling teams, above and below, we have no information for but we expect someone out there will help identify the teams and maybe the players as well.

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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