Past Pupils Open Day an incredible success

On Saturday, August, 24, Patrician Presentation Secondary School Fethard opened its doors for a very special 'Open Day'. Past pupils from all corners of the country returned for an afternoon of reminiscing and storytelling.
It was lovely to see so many familiar faces, and to hear stories from their secondary school days. Many former students recalled the years leading up to the amalgamation of the Presentation Convent school and the Patrician Brothers, when students walked between the two schools to get to their classes. The original trial was for a one-year period. Today the school is vibrant with plans afoot for a large extension to the building.
On the day an extensive collection of photos was displayed throughout the school. This collection dated back many decades, and we are grateful to the former staff who preserved these photos and archived them so carefully. We were delighted to be joined by a number of retired staff members. The Past Pupils Open Day was organised in conjunction with the Fethard Heritage Festival Day and both events were greatly enjoyed by everyone who travelled from near and far. Readers can view photographs taken at the event by CLICKING HERE
Split The Granny Pot - August Winner

Congratulations to Kate and Matt McCormack, who were winners of the Fethard & District Day Care Centre's August Split The Granny Pot draw. We appreciate the support of everyone who supports our fundraiser.
A Musical Extravaganza on Friday October 4

A Musical Extravaganza - An Evening Of Music & Songs featuring:
Irish Tenor - Ronan Tynan;
The Strappe Family;
Joe Roche;
Patrice Davern;
Fethard Secondary School Choir;
Paul Hayes; and
Fethard Choral Group will take place on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 7.30pm in Holy Trinity Parish Church Fethard. Tickets €25 available at O'Sullivan's Pharmacy, Fethard & District Day Care Centre. and online at www.gr8events.com
All proceeds go to Fethard & District Day Care Centre.
Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, August 29, 2024. The numbers drawn were 6, 7, 18, and 24. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Maurice Moloney. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, September 5, will be €4,350.
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
Pilgrimage to Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon

Archbishop Kieran O'Reilly photographed above after receiving a presentation on behalf of the parish, made by Christy Williams, to thank him for taking the time and effort to join pilgrims on this special day for the parish of Fethard and Killusty. Christy's presentation was of a simple, yet beautifully crafted wooden cross which was created and donated by master wood carver, David Gorey from Main Street, Fethard. View full gallery of photographs taken on the day by John Lee by CLICKING HERE
Where do I begin, no matter how good I say that Sunday, August 18, turned out, it won't do it justice, because it was better than anything we could have wished for. We began our pilgrimage at the Hill Wall, where we were honoured to have Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly join us and lead the way to the Holy Year Cross, where religion was intermingled with sport, having the Munster and All-Ireland minor hurling cups on display. The cups were brought by Shane Ryan from the Killenaule GAA Club. Shane played corner-back on that brilliant Tipperary team and has strong parish connections, through his parents Martin and Imelda Ryan, his grandmother Nellie and his late grandfather Pat Ryan, from St Partick’s place. Shane’s mother, Imelda, is from Tullamaine, proud daughter of Sean and Breda Spillane. To that list, we can add his Ryan ancestors who came from Boolagh, on the slopes of Sliabh Na mBan. Well done Shane we are all so proud of you.

Mick Ryan singing a few songs at the Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon.
When we returned from the Holy Year Cross to O'Donnell’s field, we were amazed at the crowd that had gathered for the celebration. It's not often that we had to use the adjacent field for the overflow, but we were so glad that we could on this occasion.

Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly celebrating Mass, assisted by Fr. Liam Everard in O'Donnell's field after retusning from Holy Year Cross.
Concelebrated Mass was then initiated by Kieran, as he requested us to call him by, assisted by Fr Liam Everard PP and Fr Iggy O'Donovan OSA. After Mass a presentation was made to Kieran, to thank him for taking the time and effort to join us on this special day for the parish. Christy Williams made the presentation of a simple, yet beautifully, crafted wooden cross which was created and donated by master wood carver, David Gorey from Main Street, Fethard. This work of art was nothing short of what we have come to expect, from a man who is at the top of his craft, locally and nationally. Thank you, David.

Tipperary minor hurler Shane Ryan showing the Munster and All-Ireland minor hurling cups to Christy Williams
As is tradition, when Mass was over, our ladies and a few men made sure that everyone was fed and watered and no one went home hungry. I don't know where all the food came from but thank you to all who donated same. As expected, there wasn't much left over, which is always a good sign.

A section of the large crowd that attended the Mass in O'Donnell's field celebrated with Archbishop Kieran O'Reilly.
Our sincere thanks, firstly to Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly, for coming to Sliabh Na mBan on our special day for the parish, a day that we also remembered the late Fr Donal Cunningham, former curate in Fethard in the 1970s. We say thank you to Kieran, for his very kind words spoken at the Holy Year Cross and afterwards during Mass. To our local clergy, Fr Liam Everard, Fr Iggy O’Donovan and Fr Tom Breen, your attendance is greatly appreciated.

Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly joining members of the choir celebrating the 50th anniversary of the building and blessing of the present Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon.
This was the first time we can recall having a choir join us during the ceremony. Well done to one and all, your presence added to the occasion; thanks also to Mick Ryan and his grandson Caleb, for the appropriate few tunes played on the mountain. As always, thanks to our host, Keith O'Donnell, for letting us use his land and the much-needed overflow field that you also made available for essential traffic management. Our sincere thanks to local photographer John Lee, now living on the banks of the Lee. John’s camera was nearly on fire from all the photos he captured on the day, we can't wait to see the fruits of his labour.

A large crowd photographed at Holy Year Cross on August 18, 2024. View full gallery of photographs taken on the day by John Lee by CLICKING HERE
It's impossible to individually mention all who helped make this celebration the success that it was. You all know the part you played, which was needed and very much appreciated. Finally, to our patrons that turned out in such large numbers from near and far – some came from overseas – as always, your attendance makes all our work worthwhile. You are the people that help keep this parish tradition alive and we hope you enjoyed the day. Please God, we will see you all there again next year. Until then, stay safe! – Kevin Ryan.
GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, August 27, 2024, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 6, 19, 21 and 53. We had no Jackpot winner and no Match 3 winner. One lucky dip winner received €100: Richard Burke. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, September 3, 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 in London
The death has occurred recently of Thomas O'Connell, formerly of Saucestown, Fethard. Predeceased by his wife Ann (née Brennan from Mullinahone). Sadly missed by his family and friends in London and his sister Margaret Taylor, and her family living in Saucestown, Fethard.
Thomas worked in Fethard for a many years before moving to London. He will be well remembered by those who knew him from his time working in O'Sheas and McCarthys, and also as a hackney driver and photographer.
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
Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom

Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday, September 1, to the music of ‘Declan Aungier’. 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.
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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