Fethard Heritage Day Festival this Sunday, August 25!


This year’s parade will start at Fethard Ballroom at 2pm on Sunday, and we ask those who are entering the parade to assemble at the Cashel Road opposite the Ballroom from 1.30pm where direction will be given. The parade will be led by the colourful, award-winning Banna Chluain Meala and their Majorettes. The Fancy Dress Parade will travel along Main Street to The Square, and then down by Watergate to the Medieval Town Wall at Watergate. Please note that traffic restrictions will be in place during the Fancy Dress Parade.

Fancy Dress prizes
Fancy Dress prizes include €200 for overall best: €100 for Overall 2nd Best. Fethard Historical Society have also sponsored a €100 prize for best historical theme and children’s 1st and 2nd prizes of €30 and €20 in the same category. There will also be 1st and 2nd prizes for adult and children in the Artistic and Original categories.

Over 30 Craft and Trade Stalls to attend
We had a tremendous demand for stalls this year resulting in over 30 craft and trade stalls coming along to offer a huge variety of products to please all.

Chainsaw Carvings by Chris Dee
The precision and artistry of his chainsaw carvings have left crowds spellbound all over Ireland and should be a major attraction at this year’s Heritage Day Festival. Chris makes a return visit this year and will demonstrate a chainsaw carving for us and also have some of his work available to purchase on the day.



Also coming is Blacksmith Mark Dillon – a member of 'Forged In Ireland' – a group of Irish craftsmen interested in sharing information on blacksmithing, knife making, metal art, tin smithing, metallurgy and anything related.

Dog Show & Live Music
Pat Culligan and Catherine Newport will host their very popular annual Dog Show after the parade at 3pm. Entries taken from 2.30pm, with a special class for young handlers under-eight. This event attracts entries from all over the county. Local group ’The Tipperary Ramblers’ will provide live music throughout the afternoon, playing all your favourite tunes from 2.30pm.

Family Entertainment
This area overlooking the Clashawley river will be the centre of activities for the afternoon from 2pm to 5pm. We have lots of family entertainment lined up and are super excited to have The Animal Road Show for our festival; Wobbly Circus Entertainment, face painting, Duck Race, food stalls, and plenty of amusements for children to enjoy. We will have an information tent at the festival on Sunday where you can check out the timetable for the free Puppet Show and other free events happening on the day.

Our Sincere Thanks
Fethard & Killusty Community Council would like to acknowledge the support of Tipperary County Council, The Heritage Council, Civil Defence, Fethard Historical Society, and the many individuals, local businesses and organisations who helped and supported this year’s Heritage Day Festival.

'Connections' theme for Fethard Heritage Week 2024

Fethard Historical Society focused on Connections as the theme for Heritage Week 2024 devising a project about famous historic people with links to Fethard. Some of those links are already widely known, others less so, but all contribute to the wealth of our local history.



Windows along the Main Street and Burke Street will display storyboards relating the connection to Fethard of such diverse figures as Augustinian martyr Blessed William Tirry, the Australian bushranger Ned Kelly and General Thomas Francis Burke after whom Burke Street is named.

There’s a chance to discover why the prestigious winemakers, the Bartons of Bordeaux, are included, what links a simple grave in the grounds of Holy Trinity Church to the Oval Office in the White House, Washington, or how the travelling trunk of a young woman from Slievenamon played a crucial role in the ensuring the legacy of one of America’s best loved poets. Michael Doheny, author of The Felon’s Track is also featured, as is pioneering photographer Patrick Kenrick and landscape artist Michael Brennan.

The Fethard Historical Society invites locals and visitors alike to take a stroll along Main Street and Burke Street during Heritage Week to peruse the storyboard windows and to enjoy learning a little more about the town’s fascinating history.

Guided Walks of Fethard’s Historic Walled Town


The Fethard Historical Society will offer two guided tours of the historic walled town of Fethard during Heritage Week. It is an ideal opportunity to explore our medieval heritage including the Town Walls, Holy Trinity Church of Ireland, the Síle na gigs and the Augustinian Abbey. The walks will take place at the following times:

• Wednesday, August 21 at 7pm
• Saturday, August 24 at 11.30am

Walks begin at the Footbridge, the Valley, Fethard. 
€5 per person; accompanied children free. Cash only as card facilities are not available. Booking is not necessary, but participants are advised to dress for the weather and to wear suitable walking footwear.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Friday, August 23, 2024, of Mary B. Schmitz (née Sheehan), Albany, NY and formerly of Redcity, Fethard, aged 87. Predeceased by her husband Tony, parents Tom Sheehan and Kathleen Windle, sisters Bernie Power and Pauline Morrissey.

Mary emigrated to America in 1954 at the age of 17, celebrating her first 'Thanksgiving' while aboard the Britannic. She married Anthony F. Schmitz on October 5, 1957. Sadly missed by her five children: Anthony, Thomas, James, Kathleen and John, their partners and grandchildren Sheri Ann, Killeen, Conor, Peter, and Joselin. Also missed by her sister Pat and her many nieces and nephews and friends and relations in Ireland and the USA.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Mary’s family on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 9.30am to 11am at St. Pius X Church, 23 Crumitie Road, Loudonville, NY 12211. Her Funeral Mass will follow at 11am. Burial will be held immediately afterwards at 1.30pm at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. May she rest in Peace.

Messages of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Monday, August 19, 2024, of Willie O'Meara, Barrettstown, Fethard, and formerly The Green. Pre-deceased by his parents Willie and Joan.

Willie will be sadly missed by his wife and partner in crime Jenny, his brothers Pat, Paul and Dermot, his nieces and nephews Rachel, William, Noelle, Brian and Anna, his sisters-in-law Annette and Samantha, mother-in-law Jeanene, aunts, uncles, relatives and large circle of friends, with a special mention for the members of the Irish terrier and wolfhound communities. May he rest in peace.

Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Thursday from 5pm to 8pm. Requiem Mass takes place in the Augustinian Abbey Church, Fethard, on Friday at 12 noon followed by cremation at the Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork at 3pm. Willie's Mass can be watched online at www.fethardabbey.com and the service from the Crematorium can be watched at islandcrematorium.ie/services Messages of condolence can be left online by CLICKING HERE

'Buy a Brick' – support for Fethard Town Park


With only a limited number of Bricks available, everyone still can be a part of Fethard history by purchasing a brick! See CLICK TO BUY A BRICK – Bricks can be purchased as single or double sized and engraved with the name of your family, business, club – displayed for all to see.

Munster Rugby Free Training on Tuesday Aug 27


In a fun-filled Family Day at Fethard Town Park, Munster Rugby will give a free open training session on Tuesday, August 27, at 2pm. Gates open at 12.30pm. You'll get to meet the players up close and get autographs signed by your favourite players. This is a free event but check out link in Munster Rugby Instagram Bio for your free tickets. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom


Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday, August 25, 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.

County Intermediate Football Championship Round 2 Fethard v Golden/Kilfeacle (–Noel Byrne)
On Friday last, August 16, Round 2 of the County Intermediate Group 2 Championship served up a thriller from start to finish in a cracking game played at Treacy Park, Tipperary. Golden scored first from the throw-in, with a point from Jack Leamy. Fethard upped the pace and Joedy Sheehan equalised in the 6th minute. Unfortunately, shortly after Joedy sustained an ankle injury and was replaced by Charlie Hackett.

Conor Neville kicked a fine long-range point, giving Fethard the lead. Golden then scored the next three points before Fethard responded with both Matt Coen and Ryan Walsh kicking points to steady the ship, leaving the score level at, Fethard 0-4, Golden 0-4.

Fethard’s Brian Healy added a point to go one up. Golden’s Jack Leamy replied and scored two, and Sam Hall scored one, leaving them two points up. Fethard’s Brian Healy followed with a point from play, and Matt Coen followed with another from play, leaving both teams level again at the short whistle, Fethard 0-7, Golden 0-7.

After the break, Golden’s county senior player, Jack Leamy, had a big influence on the game. Both teams added scores during the third quarter with Fethard holding the advantage and leading 0-12 to 0-10, with scores from Charlie Hackett, Andrew Connorton, Matt Coen, Cathal O’Mahony (free), and a Brian Healy (free). Golden, having a goal disallowed, got into the driving seat with scores. Fethard added two more points from Charlie Hackett and Matt Coen leaving both teams level again at fourteen points each.

Following a late tackle, Golden were awarded a free, which was pointed by Sam Hall, for a Golden victory, and a one-point defeat for Fethard at 0-14 to 0-15. This means Fethard must win our last match against Thurles Sarsfield if we are to advance to the quarterfinals.

Fethard team: Jack Dolan, Brian Delahunty, Cathal O’Mahony, Michael O’Meara, Liam Kiely, Dara O’Meara, Joedy Sheehan, Darragh Spillane, Willie Morgan, Jack Purcell, Brian Healy, Andrew Connorton, Matt Coen, Ryan Walsh, and Conor Neville. Subs used were: Charlie Hackett, David Hayes, Jack Quinlan, and Joe Morgan.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Sunday, August 18, 2024, of Margaret Grant (née Kenneally), Barrack Street, Fethard, and formerly Askeaton, Limerick, and Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow. Margaret passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, in the tender care of the staff of the Cottage Nursing Home, Clonmel, after an illness bravely borne. She is pre-deceased by her husband Patrick and son Joe. Beloved mother of William she will be sadly missed by her loving son, daughter-in-law Sarah, grandchildren Daniel, Jamie, Rebekah, Rachael, Mark, Emma, Stephen and Anthony, great-grandchildren Éabha, Luke, Alanna, Isla Mae and Kaidan, brother Connie, sister Kitty, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. May She Rest in Peace.

Reposing at Condons Funeral Parlour, Clonmel on Tuesday evening, August 20, from 5pm to 7pm. Removal on Wednesday, August 21, to Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard. Funeral Mass on arrival at 11am.Those who cannot attend can watch live via the livestream service at parishchurch.net Burial will take place afterwards in Kilfeacle Cemetery. Messages of condolence can be left online by CLICKING HERE
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-Anam Dílis.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Thursday, August 15, 2024, of Marion Rudge (née Conway), Sue Ryder Residential Community, Holycross, peacefully, after a long illness in the care of South Tipperary General Hospital.

Predeceased by her sister Ann, brother David, and grandchildren Aaron and Hollie. Sadly missed by her loving husband Denis, her daughters Janet Eivers, Michelle Walsh, sister Pamela, brother Martin, son-in-law Declan, grandchildren Shane, Ryan, Ewan and Dara, great grandchildren Lexiemay, Eva Rose, Regan, Harry and Charlie, cherished friend Liz, her daughters Lisa, Stephanie, Susan, and all of her extended family and friends. May she rest in peace.

Funeral Mass took place on Monday, August 19, at Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, followed by cremation at the Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork. Messages of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, August 22, 2024. The numbers drawn were 1, 19, 22, and 23. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was John Neville. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, August 29, will be €4,300.

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, August 20, 2024, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 2, 10, 13 and 33. We had no Jackpot winner and no Match 3 winner. One lucky dip winner received €100: John Cahill. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, August 26, when the jackpot is €30,000. The committee of Fethard GAA Development Lotto would like to thank all our supporters for the continued support.

Big Picture - Killusty National School c.1940-41

This photograph of a Killusty National School group was taken around 1940-1941, and is a photograph that the late Peggy (O'Donnell) Bowes kept at her home for many years. We are lucky to have all the names for our readers. Althought the photograph was small, we have enlarged it to zoom in for a little more detail.

Photographed Back L to R: Jim Halpin, Pat Lonergan, Gus Phelan, Joe Clarke, Tommy Butler, Percy O’Donnell, Jimmy Sheehan, Tommy Ryan, Paddy Ryan, Gus Keane, Jimmy O’Donnell, Jim Clarke, Michael O’Donnell, Pat O’Shea, Jimmy O’Shea, Michael O’Keeffe. Middle L to R: Paddy O’Shea, Christy Williams, Stephen Hickey, Mary Dunne, Bab Butler, Sadie Keane, Biddy Butler, Kathy O’Shea, Mary Sheehan, Lizzie Dunne, Nora O’Donnell, Monica Keane, Maura O’Keeffe, Chris Donovan, Phyllis Phelan, Peggy O’Donnell, Joan Donovan, Jack Hickey, Brian O’Donnell. Front L to R: John O’Shea, Jimmy Williams, Frank Kearney, Tom Lonergan, Tommy Kearney, Tom Sheehan, Dan Sheehan, Martin Hickey, Jimmy Darcy, Ned Dunne, Ned Sheehan, Nicholas O’Shea, Larry Donovan and Nora O’Shea.

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

Charlie Meagher sent us this photograph taken outside The Thatch, Cloneen, in 1988. L to R: Cllr. Con Donovan Chairman the South Eastern Health Board and Chairman of South Tipperary County Council in 1989, Leo Meagher, Cllr. John Holohan, Carmencita Hederman, who served as Lord Mayor of Dublin from 1987 to 1988, and Mary Meagher, Cloneen.


Members of Fethard Macra Club making a presentation in September 1986 to Pat Fahey to mark his leaving the Fethard Club after many years of dedicated work with the group.


Chrissie Murphy, Burke Street, and her daughter Marie Murphy (left) at the Fethard Flower & Produce Show, October 1986

Fethard Flower & Produce Show in Country Club Ballroom, October 1986 L to R: Noel Sharpe, Richard Hayes and Emma Morrissey


Volunteer Speakers at Fethard Foróige's Traidcraft sale and talk, 'One World, Our World', evening held in the Tirry Centre, Fethard, on October 23, 1986. L to R: Thomas Barrett, Peg Delahunty, Terry Cunningham, Celine Dwyer, and Jennifer White.


Sean Morrissey photographed outside his bicycle shop at the Ballroom car park (November 1986)


The Square Fethard one-hundred years ago when it was safe to cross the road!

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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