Fethard Historical Society’s outing to Loughmore
Fethard Historical Society members and guests photographed on their trip to Loughmore
The Fethard Historical Society organised an outing to Loughmore on Friday, June 21, 2024. Initially, rain threatened to spoil proceedings, but luckily sporadic showers gave way to late evening sunshine. Local historian Jimmy Duggan gave a most interesting tour, mixing a wealth of historical fact with humorous anecdotes and intriguing local legends. The society was also delighted to be joined by some new faces including Jo O’Gorman and Siobhán Kelly from Thurles, as well as Eamonn Power and his wife Gaynor from Adelaide, Australia.
View from Loughmore Abbey towards Loughmore Castle in the background
The guided walk began in the grounds of one of Loughmore’s younger buildings the 20th century RC Parish Church, dedicated to the Nativity of Our Lady. This modernist building was erected in 1977 on the site of the older post Catholic Emancipation church which dated from 1825. All that remains of the earlier church is the foundation stone featured on the side wall of its replacement.
The church cemetery features many impressive headstones but the most famous monument there is the Cormack Brothers memorial which bears witness to a serious miscarriage of justice that occurred in 1828. William Cormack and his brother Daniel of Killahara in the parish of Loughmore were falsely accused of killing John Ellis, a land agent who worked for the local landlord John Trant of Dovea. They were subsequently convicted and hanged in Nenagh on 11th May 1858.
Subsequently, someone else confessed to the crime and the entire trial was shown to be an example of how Catholics of the time were discriminated against by the authorities. Fifty-two years after their deaths, their bodies were exhumed and transported to Loughmore where their coffins are still on display in an impressive mausoleum.
Loughmore Abbey dedicated to St. Thomas
Then it was on to the much older nearby medieval church known as Loughmore Abbey and dedicated to St. Thomas. The principal monument there was the grave slab of Nicholas Purcell (d. March 4, 1722) the last of the male line of that branch of the family.
The group next visited Loughmore Castle which was, of course, the stronghold of the Purcell’s from 1220 until the early eighteenth century. It is interesting to note that in medieval times the Norman Purcell family were equal in power to the Butlers in Kilkenny and the Barons of Dunboyne. Even though the castle has long been empty, it is still an imposing edifice that dominates the surrounding countryside.
Here you can see the same type fireplaces as discovered in Fethard's Town Hall.
The oldest part of the castle is the five-storey tower house built in the twelve hundreds. The Purcell’s built a large four storey extension in the seventeenth century, also adding a second tower house at the other end to maintain symmetry. Amazingly, some fine fireplaces, very similar to those in Fethard Town Hall, have survived as testament to the craftsmanship of long ago.
Graiguefrahane Mill, a five-storey former timber and corn mill built c.1800.
The final stop was Graiguefrahane Mill, a five-storey former timber and corn mill built c.1800. The mill is no longer in use, but it is in pristine condition. And as luck would have it, Tom Larkin, the owner of the mill, stopped by to talk about the building and its restoration to date.
Having thanked Jimmy Duggan for a fascinating overview of the history of Loughmore, the group gathered in the adjacent picnic area beside the river Suir; the ideal place to finish the tour with a welcome cup of coffee, s andwiches and a chance to chat about all that had been seen.
– Mary Hanrahan (Fethard Historical Society)
Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, July 4, 2024. The numbers drawn were 12, 13, 17 and 19. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Sean Doyle. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, July 11, will be €4,000.
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/
GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, July 2, 2024, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 10, 14, 20 and 24. We had no Jackpot winner and two Match 3 winners who received €75 each: Christopher Quinn and Aisha Tobin. One lucky dip winner received €100: Deirdre O'Meara.
The next draw takes place on Tuesday, July 9, when the jackpot is €30,000. The committee of Fethard GAA Development Lotto would like to thank all our supporters for the continued support.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred of Hugh Bourke, Bannixtown, Fethard, and formerly of Mill Road, Thurles and Australia. Hugh passed away suddenly at his residence on June 25, 2024. He is pre deceased by his wife Margaret, sister Liz and brother Michael (Turtulla, Thurles).
He will be sadly missed by his son Finnian (Brisbane), daughters Jordana (London), Tierney (Sydney), and Fallon (Sydney), grandchildren Aria, Gigi, Leon, Sophie and Scarlett, brothers Sean (Clerihan), Seamus (Tipperary) and Kevin (New Zealand), sisters Siobhan (USA), Christina (Australia), Bridget (New Zealand) and Marian (Cahir), brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, Uncle Sean (Dublin), nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Messages of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE . May he rest in peace.
Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Tuesday, July 9, from 6pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass in the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, on Wednesday, July 10, at 11am followed by private cremation. Hugh's Mass can be viewed online at parishchurch.net
Climb of Slievenamon Day from Kilcash
The third annual commemorative Climb of Slievenamon takes place on Sunday, 21 July from Kilcash village at 12 noon. It will be followed by refreshments and music. Climb led by Dr Thomas Mc Grath, Ballingarry. Organised by Kilcash / Slievenamon Community and Lingaun Valley Tourism. All are welcome.
Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday, July 7, to the music of ‘Finbarr Dennehy 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.
Pilgrimage to the Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon
A number of people have asked when the pilgrimage to the Holy Year Cross will take place this year, well you can pencil Sunday, August 18, in your diary, weather permitting.
Large group taken at the cross on Slievenamon in the early years, includes Christie Williams, Pat Ryan, Tony Newport, John Tobin, Jackie Aylward and wife Katty, Mick Halpin, Tom Sheehan, Kathleen Keane, Mick Keane, Margaret Keane, Cly Mullins, John Harrington, Agnes Allen, Bill and Babe Maher, Cap Holohan, and Fr. Donal Cunningham.
This will be another special year for us as it is the 50th anniversary since the erecting and blessing of the present Cross. The project was led by Fr Donal Cunningham, who sadly passed away late last year. The main builder was John Harrington, and while not assisted by a cast of thousands, Fr Donal made sure that anyone with a bit of free time on their hands helped out when they could. Fr Donal worked as hard as anyone, he didn't ask people to do work that he wouldn't do himself, he carried materials, mixed concrete, climbed scaffolding, you name it, he did it.
We had hoped that he would make it back to Sliabh na mBan one more time, but sadly that was not meant to be. If any of Fr Donal's relatives are reading this, maybe you would like to join us on a day that will be dedicated to his memory. We will be giving you a few gentle reminders as we get nearer the time.
Annual Famine 1848 in Ballingarry
Martin Maher, Chairman of the Ballingarry 1848 committee will lead the 18th annual Famine 1848 Walk in Ballingarry on Saturday, July 27, at 3pm. The Walk starts at the National Flag monument in the village of The Commons and proceeds to Famine Warhouse 1848, the state national heritage site. This year's Walk will celebrate Ballingarry's new murals on Famine Rising 1848. All are welcome.
School Secretary required for Holy Trinity National School, Fethard
School Secretary required for Holy Trinity National School, in Fethard, Co. Tipperary. Twenty-Five hours per week.
The successful candidate will have:
- excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- administrative skills to support the management of school finances
- accounting experience desirable
- proficiency in Microsoft Applications including Word & Excel
- excellent organisational, oral and written communication skills
- ability to plan and work on own initiative along with the ability to work in a team environment with Principal and other school staff
- familiarity with GDPR
- familiarity with Pupil Online Database (POD) would be desirable
- previous secretarial experience desirable
- be required to comply with national vetting requirements
Please send a letter of application, a C.V., copy of certificates, diplomas, degrees, and the names, roles and contact details of three referees to: The Chairperson, Holy Trinity NS, Rocklow Road, Fethard, Co. Tipperary, E91 TD43.
Please write 'Secretary Application' on the outside of the envelope. Closing Date for application: July 5, 2024, at 5pm.
Tipperary Age Friendly EXPO 2024
Members of the Tipperary County Council LCDC Staff, Tipperary Older Peoples Council and volunteers photographed at the Tipperary Age Friendly EXPO 2024, held at the TUS Campus in Thurles on June 20, 2024.
On Thursday, June 20, Tipperary Age Friendly were delighted to host its annual Age Friendly EXPO in the TUS Campus in Thurles. This was the 3rd Age Friendly EXPO held at the college campus. It featured 64 information stands ranging from Council Services including Community, Local Enterprise Office, Tourism, Sports Partnership, Fire Service, Libraries and Museum, Health, Housing, Technology, Family Resource and Community and Voluntary Sector.
At the Age Friendly EXPO were L to R: Johnny O'Dwyer, Cllr. Michael 'Chicken' Brennan, and Derry Curran from Fethard.
Mary MacMahon, chair of Tipperary Older Peoples Council noted that “This annual event is a brilliant showcase of supports, interests of interest to older people and it provides a great opportunity to network and social engage and enjoy great company, enjoy the wonderful range of refreshments, and to enable attendance Tipperary County Council have provided grants to the community groups to provide buses to attend the event, all of which attributes to a very positive day. I would also like to thank the members of the OPC executive who volunteered on the day to act as stewards and promoted the OPC.”
L to R: Eileen Maher, Mairead McCormack and Mary O'Connell at the Fethard Cuan Aoise, Independent Community Living stand.
Staff and visitors enjoying the music provided by John McCormack, and dancing.
Tipperary Older Peoples Executive L to R: Leo Darcy, Fiona Crotty, Alice Teehan, Cliona Tobin, and Bridget O’Dea.
Fiona Crotty, Tipperary Age Friendly Programme Manager acknowledged the success of the annual EXPO stems from the participation from the Older Peoples Council in having topics of interest, to the full engagement of all of the stands, exhibitors and speakers. “It is an event that grows from strength to strength and we are very fortunate to have the full support of TUS Thurles in hosting this event annually and we look forward to hosting the 4th EXPO in June in 2025. The hosting of the EXPO is a key annual event of Tipperary Age Friendly, it is an opportunity for engagement, social connections, showcasing supports and services in the county and building membership of Tipperary Age Friendly”.
June's 'Split The Granny Pot' winner
Derry Curran presenting staff member, Alan Tierney, with his winnings from Fethard & District Day Care Centre's 'Split The Granny Pot' draw for June. A huge thanks to everyone who supports this fundraiser. If you or a family member would benefit from Daycare's services, please speak with your G.P., Public Health Nurse or Daycare manager, Mairead on (052) 6132917.
Moyglass United Football Club
Moyglass Utd Football Club held its AGM on Tuesday, June 25, in Moyglass Hall. Everyone in attendance were very pleased with our team’s performance, both at junior and schoolboy levels. We very much must thank all our faithful volunteers from the cleaning of jerseys, to the maintenance of our pitch, to the management of our various teams and especially to Dalton’s Pharmacy, Fethard, for their grateful sponsorship during the season. – Committee Moyglass Utd. F.C.
Natural Dyeing Workshops at Fethard Convent Community Hall – July 6 & 7.
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!
Eco printed top
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
Annual Augustinian Pilgrimage to Knock on July 20
The annual Augustinian Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Saturday, July 20, 2024. A bus will leave Main Street, Fethard, at 8am. Fare is €25. If you are interested in travelling, please give your name to Michael Kenrick, Burke Street, Fethard. Tel: 087 6781450.
Killusty Pony Show on Saturday, July 6
This year’s Killusty Pony Show will take place on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Grangebeg, Fethard. The show will include all the usual Horse and Pony classes; Small Hunter final; All-Ireland Pony Supreme Championship. Pre-entries close on June 28, at midnight. On the more fun events we will also hold the traditional Fancy Dress and Dog Show.
We look forward to meeting you so be sure to join us on Saturday, July 6. It promises to be an action-packed show with classes to suit all competitors. There will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Big Picture - Sports Day in the School Field c.1980
This photograph was taken at a sports day in the School Field c.1980. It may have been organised by the local athletic club or by the school. Maybe somebody will remember the occasion and let us know?
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
Moyglass Tennis Club stars
Neighbours on The Green - Joan O'Meara and Mikey Slattery
Mooncoin Art Competition Winners 1980
Moyglass National School Group c.1980
St. Patrick's Athletic Club athletes with trophies c1980. The names we received so far (and open to correction) are: Back L to R: Pat Heffernan, Austin Heffernan, Diarmuid Hackett, Brian Burke, Willie Cronin, William Guiry. Front L to R: Kay O'Riordan, Catherine Flannery, Jacqui Stokes, Frances Cronin, and Maria O'Donnell.
Boys and girls photographed on The Green c.1980
Margaret O'Donnell (née McCarthy) and Crissy Morrissey taking the kids for a stroll.
Mary Trehy shopping in Centra
Peggy Kenrick and her son Paddy Kenrick enjoying a 'cuppa'
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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