Make Fethard Sparkle This Christmas?

Fethard Community Council and Fethard Business and Tourism Group are fundraising to light up the town with festive cheer. We need you to contribute what you can to help us get the Christmas Lights up and transform Fethard into a winter wonderland. The big switch-on is set for 1st December, complete with a Christmas Street Market and craft fair at the Community Convent Hall and a special visit from Santa Claus. Your support will help us create a magical experience for everyone. Please Donate now to keep Fethard shining bright this Christmas!

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, October 31, 2024. The numbers drawn were 10, 14, 18, and 24. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Sally Hayes. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, November 7, will be €4,875.

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

Patrician Presentation Students Awards 2024

On Friday, October 18, Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School held their annual Students Awards Ceremony at the school. The ceremony commenced with Mass celebrated by Fr. Liam Everard P.P. accompanied by the school choir. CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS

School Principal Billy Walsh welcomed all present and introduced this year’s special guest speaker and past pupil, Tom Grant, formerly from Killerk. Tom gave a very encouraging talk and outlined his own experience in overcoming complications that students usually face when leaving home for the first time, and being ultimately responsible for their own future.

The award presentations commenced afterwards with Tom presenting the Bishop Delany Award for best Leaving Certificate to Charlotte Burgess. Student of the Year awards for 2023 were then presented to Lizzie Gilmurray (1st Year); Jayden Channon (2n Year); Kelvin Ryan (3rd Year); Margaret Keane (4th Year); and Roisín Geoghegan (5th Year). Fifth Year Mentor Certificates were then presented, followed by Student Council Certificates.

The Timmy O'Connor Spirit of The School Award was presented to Lucy Brett; the Materials Technology / Woodwork Award to Kelvin Ryan; the Adam O'Donnell Business Award to Harry Ryan; the Aideen O'Donnell Award for spoken Irish to Charlotte Burgess; the Paddy Broderick Junior Cycle Geography Award to Michéal O'Rahilly; the Tom Murray Enterprise Award to James Strang; the Marian Gilpin Literature Arts & Music Award to Lucy Burke Lawrence.
The various individual and team awards were then presented for sporting achievements, writing, art, and the remarkable ‘Maths Eyes’ team who have won this national award for the eleventh time. CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS

The ceremony with a special presentation to guest speaker Tom Grant to mark the occasion of his return visit to the school. This presentation was made by Deputy Principal Catríona McKeogh and School Principal Billy Walsh.

Lee-Ann Burke speaks on RTE's 'A Word in Edgeways'

Lee-Ann Burke, formerly from Red City and now living in Cork, recoded a three-minute broadcast for RTE Radio 1's programme 'A Word in Edgeways'. Lee-Ann speaks about her memories of neighbour Moll Dalton, who lived across the road from her. It's a lovely recollection of her childhood, summed up in three-minutes. Click Here or the image below, to listen on your phone, as for some strange reason the RTE link appears not to play on desktop computers.

If you have any difficulties above use this alternative link below:

Nonie Dalton and Moll Dalton with Clare Burke in 1985.

Died recently in England
The death has occurred in England on Saturday, October 19, 2024, of Catherine (Joan) Yeatman (née Ryan), Crawley Sussex, and late of Loughcopple, Fethard.

Joan is sadly missed by her loving husband Peter, daughter Julie, son Rick, daughter-in-law Claire, grandson Hugo, brother Mick (Monasterevin), and extended family and friends.

Funeral arrangements later, May she rest in peace.

Fr. Iggy O’Donovan OSA
Locals were saddened to hear of Fr. Iggy O’Donovan’s departure from the Augustinian Abbey last week. Fr. Iggy was popular for his outspoken views on the future of the church and the importance of incorporating the views of our younger generations.

Fr. Iggy also worked with the students at Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School where he was highly regarded and will be dearly missed by the students and teachers alike. Fr. Iggy has now taken up residence at the beautiful Augustinian St. John's Lane Church, in Dublin.

Mother & Baby Yoga Classes Starting Soon
Weekly classes will start in Fethard on November 15, 2024 . and in Clonmel on January 8, 2025. Cost is €100 for a 6 week block. Limited spaces available.

GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for October 29, 2024, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 18, 19, 33 and 35. We had no Jackpot winner and one Match 3 winner who received €150: Eoghan Hurley. One lucky dip winner received €100: Tom Anglim. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, November 5, when the jackpot is €30,000.

The committee of Fethard GAA Development Lotto would like to thank all our supporters for the continued support.

Certificates in Pastoral Ministry

Congratulations to Majella Walsh, Moyglass, and Dermot O'Donnell, Fethard, who graduated on Thursday October 24, from Mary Immaculate College Limerick with a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry.

Majella Walsh Moyglass and Dermot O'Donnell Fethard who were among twenty two from our diocese who graduated on Thursday, October 24, from Mary Immaculate College Limerick with a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry. Two others from our Parish grouping, Ann Barry, Fethard, and Margaret O'Brien, Ballingarry, also graduated In absentia.

American Tea Party raises €10,500 for Church Organ


The Newport Family would like to acknowledge the outstanding display of generosity and support that has been received from the community of Fethard and surrounding areas in relation to the American Tea Party held in The Ballroom on Saturday, October 12.  This event, in memory of Goldie Newport, was held to raise funds for the refurbishment and restoration of the organ in the Parish Church. VIEW PHOTOGRAPHS taken by John Kenrick

It proved to be a wonderful success - the Ballroom was full to capacity, twenty-eight tables were hosted by individuals, families and organisations and a substantial number of people attended the ‘Community Table’ which was hosted by the Newport Family and was very much enjoyed by all.


Newport sisters who organised the American Tea Party to raise funds for the restoration of the church organ at Holy Trinity Parish Church where their late aunt, Goldie Newport, played for many years. L to R: Lydia, Catherine, Liz, Margaret and Edwina.

The response to the fundraising has been phenomenal, with over €10,500 collected to date.  The fund will be kept open for another week or two and donations can be made online by CLICKING HERE (feel free to insert the words 'ORGAN RESTORATION' into one of the text boxes, should you wish). Alternatively, any of the Newport sisters will accept donations/contribution in person.

It is good to also report that the final stages of the renovations to the organ are currently underway and will be completed soon. If anyone is interested in joining the Choir that they would be more than welcome.  This is an opportune time of the year in preparation for the Christmas Season.  Accordingly, a practice will take place immediately after 11am Mass on Sunday, November 3rd.  People are free to arrive at the practice or can get in contact with organist Denise O’Sullivan, or Fr. Liam Everard, PP, in advance for further information if required.

Request for Information
An acquaintance of mine has given me some information regarding my great grandfather, James Manders, b. 21 Jan 1882 in Liverpool. By 1888 when he was 6, he was orphaned and sent to a work farm south of Dublin and stayed there until he was about 18 around 1901. As he would tell the story, he was in the barn when he got into an argument with a person in charge and he threw an axe at him. He told some he missed his mark and told others that he hit his mark. Either way he quickly left Ireland and visited his brother Michael Manders b. 1878 in Liverpool to get money to sail to Canada. He eventually made it to Canada by 1901 and the USA a few years later.

I am looking for information on the Irish work farm that James would have been sent to. His aunts and uncles might have sent him to a relative in the Wicklow or Laois counties. The family was in the shoemaker's profession, but I doubt if any of them were wealthy. I was told that there is documentation of a James Manders b. 1882 in England that was at the Military Barracks, The Green, Fethard, in 1901. Do you think this might have been my great grandfather? I highly doubt he was a soldier but maybe an orphaned worker?

Kind Regards, Peggy Aguilar, Snohomish, Washington, USA (pegalitaaguilar@hotmail.com)

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Thursday, October 24, of Noel Slattery, Chapel Road, Kilsheelan, Clonmel and formerly Rocklow Road, Fethard.

Noel passed away peacefully at Tipperary University Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He is pre-deceased by his grandson Andrew and his sisters Anne and Delia. Beloved husband and father he will be sadly missed by his loving wife Maree, sons Niall, Brian and Aidan, sister Maura, grandchildren Noah, Jake, Sean, Harry, Callum and Ella, daughters-in-law Marina, Yvonne and Anne Marie, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. May He Rest in Peace.

Reposing at Condons Funeral Parlour, Clonmel on Sunday evening from 5pm to 7pm. Removal on Monday, October 28, to St Mary’s Church, Gambonsfield, Kilsheelan. Funeral Mass on arrival at 12pm, followed by burial afterwards in Gambonsfield Cemetery. Messages of condolence may be left online by CLICKING HERE. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a Anam Dílis.

Christmas Shoebox Appeal

The Christmas Shoebox Appeal is an Irish project that promises to get your 'Christmas Shoebox' into the hands of a needy child in Eastern Europe. All they ask is for you to fill a shoebox with a range of simple Christmas gifts, and drop it off at your local drop off point at Centra, Fethard, or Monica Pollard, Rocklow Road, up and including Friday, November 10, 2024. Monica also has some wrapped empty Shoeboxes available if someone needs one. HOW TO BUILD A SHOEBOX

All you need to do is get an average size shoebox (or a plastic storage container would also be great), and wrap it with Christmas paper. This year we are very short of empty shoe boxes and would be very grateful if anyone has some, to please drop them in to Fethard Community Centre.

Mark the Day!


Fethard Men’s Shed FTP will hold a Christmas Coffee Morning Craft Fair in Fethard Town Park On Monday 9th December in what promises to be a wonderful day with Stalls Music Refreshments and Raffle on the Day, if you have a stall and want to come Contact Michael: Tel: 087 279 9533.

Fethard Bridge Club Results
The results for Fethard Bridge Club game played on Wednesday, October 16, for prizes sponsored by Bernie Phelan and John Woodlock were: 1st Nett Kathleen Maher and Margaret Slattery (Prizewinners); 2nd Nett Francis Lacey and David O'Meara; 3rd Nett Kay St John and Rita Kane. 1st Gross Tony Hanrahan and Brendan Kenny; 2nd Gross Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh; 3rd Gross Bridget Cuddihy and Dena Mulcahy. We play in Fethard Ballroom every Wednesday night at 7pm. New members welcome.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom


Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday, November 3, 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.

Christmas Flower Demonstration at Slievenamon Golf Club on December 3.
A Christmas Flower Demonstration will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday, December 3, at Slievenamon Golf Club, by Mandy at Fethard Flowers, in aid of Holy Trinity Church of Ireland Fethard and donation to Scoil Aonghusa, Cashel. Ticket Price is €15 and are available from Fethard Flowers and Slievenamon Golf Club. Refreshments served afterwards.

Fethard Christmas Market

A bigger and better ‘Christmas Market’ is planned for Fethard on Sunday, December 1, so be sure to mark the date in your diary. Santa is coming with lots of street entertainment and craft stalls. Fethard Convent Community Hall will also have lots of stalls displaying a variety of goods suitable for your Christmas shopping.

Table Quiz in aid of Tipperary Branch of Irish Wheelchair Association in Cloneen

Community Roadshow coming to Fethard Town Park
Carrick-on-Suir Municipal Council are bringing a Free Autumn Health & Wellbeing Community Roadshow to Fethard Town Park (E91 N1F1) on Tuesday, November 19, from 12 noon to 4pm. Health and Wellbeing stands from community organisations around the county will be on display. For more information Tel: 087 4567111.

Reminder for Submissions to Emigrants Newsletter

Donations to Emigrants' Newsletter

You can also make a secure Credit Card or PayPal donation towards this year's Fethard & Killusty Annual Newsletter at www.fethard.com/donate/
All donations of €10 or more will be acknowledged in this year's issue unless you wish to remain anonymous.

Big Picture - Fethard U16 Team v Rocklands New York

The Fethard boys U16 football team that played a visiting team from Rocklands GAA Club, New York, in a challenge game in the Barrack Field on July 31, 1982. The team attended a special reception in the Fethard Arms afterwards. The Americans were excellent fielders and got amazing length into their rather unorthodox method of kicking, and won by double scores, 2-13 to 1-6. (Below is report from Nationalist August 14, 1982)

Spectators at the match in the Barrack Field on July 31, 1982.

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 names or 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 photographs taken in 1982 from our archives. 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

Baby Marie O'Meara, St. Patrick's Place, photographed with trophy after winning Baby Show


Printers Soccer team who took part in the Killusty Seven-a-side Soccer Tournament Final on August 6, 1982. Back L to R: Pat Barry, Ernie Makim (captain), Martin Quinlivan, Larry Fahy, Eddie Anderson. Front L to R: John Hunt, Jeddy Walsh, Billy Byrne, and Peter Barry.


Ballylooby seven-a-side soccer team that beat The Printers team by 2-1 in the final of the Killusty seven-a-side Soccer Tournament played on August 6, 1982. Ballylooby Team: Pat O’Brien, Mick O'Brien, Pat O’Brien, Tommy Fitzgerald, P. J. Moloney, Dick Doyle, Pat Phelan (capt), Eamon Condon and Eamon Gleeson.


Working students from Clonmel at Cahir Castle on August 2, 1982. L to R: Denise Ryan, Pamela Crowley and Paula Coyne


Team entered in the Killusty seven-a-side soccer competition in August 1982. Back L to R: Dermot O’Donnell, Jim O’Donnell, Liam O’Dwyer, Paul Looby, Gerry O’Dwyer. Front L to R: John Fitzgerald, Gerry Horan, Conor O’Connor and John O’Connor.

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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