Cheque presented to Fethard Holy Trinity Parish Church towards organ repairs.
Members of the Newport family presenting a cheque for €11,537, towards the restoration of Fethard Parish Church Organ. L to R: Edwina Newport, Lydia Kelly (née Newport), Margaret Newport, Fr. Tom Breen A.P., Fr. Liam Everard P.P., Liz Newport and Catherine Kearney (née Newport).
Members of the Newport family in Fethard presented cheque for €11,537.35 to Fr. Liam Everard PP, Parish of Fethard and Killusty, on Saturday, December 28, 2024. This was the total amount raised at the American Tea Party held on October 12, which they organised as a fundraiser towards the restoration of the organ at Holy Trinity Parish Church, and in memory of Goldie Newport who was the recipient of the Papal Medal ‘Benemerenti’ in 2012, marking over 100 years’ service as church organist between herself and her late mother, Ciss Newport. Goldie and Ciss each served over 50 years as organist at Holy Trinity Parish Church.
The American Tea Party was an outstanding success, and from feedback received from many who were there, a memorable occasion in the town. From mid – morning the Fethard Ballroom was buzzing with activity, tables were assigned and adorned with the finest bone-china, plates filled with tasty sandwiches, and cake stands heaving with the finest buns, tarts and gateaux to rival even the grandest French patisserie. Conversations flowed, interspersed with laughter and the odd pop of a champagne cork, as everyone caught up with the latest news and renewed acquaintances with family members, friends and visitors.
The level of support shown by the people of Fethard and surrounds to the event was overwhelming and truly a testament to their love of and commitment to their parish. It was also a great testament to the esteem in which Goldie was held, and can no doubt be interpreted as a community’s thank you, for her many years of dedication to the parish and all the beautiful music that she provided throughout the years.
The success of this event would not have been possible without the unwavering support of The Ballroom Committee, The Day Care Centre, Raffle Sponsors, PJ our MC, our friends from Kintyre, and last but not least, the wonderful community of Fethard.
The Newport Family wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed in any way to the success of this event and are hugely appreciative of all the support received and the many positive messages received thereafter.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Saturday, January 11, 2025, of Joan Coen (née Delahunty), Knockelly Road, Fethard, and formerly of St Patrick's Terrace, Clonmel, in Tipperary University Hospital, Clonmel, surrounded by her loving family. She will be sadly missed by her loving husband Michael, sons Connie and Ethan, brothers Brian, Pat and Jimmy, sisters Pam, Liz, Toni and Caroline, sisters-in-law Aisling and Thelma, brother-in-law Shane, nieces Jenna, Jordan and Micheala, nephews, cousins, large extended family, neighbours and friends. May she rest in peace.
Reposing in McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Tuesday January 14, 2025 from 5pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass on Wednesday January 15 at 11am in the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Joan's Mass can be watched online at parishchurch.net.Donations if desired to South Tipperary Hospice Messages of condolence can be left online by CLICKING HERE
The late Fiona Ryan Purcell
 The family of the late Fiona Ryan Purcell would like to thank most sincerely, anyone who helped us by any means over the past month. To all our wonderful family, friends and neighbours who called to the house. To everyone who helped in any way with Fiona’s funeral, bringing food, flowers, directing traffic, collecting family members, serving teas/ coffees, sandwiches, etc.
To all those who queued to sympathise, phoned, sent cards and messages of condolences on RIP. It has been such a comfort to us in our grief. To the First Responders, Ambulance staff, Tipperary University Hospital, Waterford University Hospital, Priests, Sacristans, Caterers, Musicians, McCarthy's Funeral Directors and the staff of The Island Crematorium in Cork.
We have been astounded by the love and support of our wider community and saw how many lives Fiona touched. Hearing all the beautiful stories and kind words about Fiona, is testament to what an amazing person she was and how she was always willing to stop for a chat, a laugh and a kind word.
"Those we love, don’t go away,
they walk beside us every day."
May you rest in peace Fiona, our dear daughter, wife, sister, aunt, cousin, daughter in law, sister in law, friend and neighbour.
Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in the Parish Lotto on Thursday, January 9, 2025. The numbers drawn were 1, 5, 9, and 24. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Josephine Prout. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, January 16, 2025, will be €5,000.
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
Fethard Square - A View from a Window
Paul Mullins sent us this lovely view of 'Fethard Square' in the snow taken from his window on The Square.
Mass cancelled in Parish Church
Unfortunately there was no mass in the Parish Church today due to the bad weather. There will be no Mass on Wednesday, January 8, either. We understand that some people are disappointed at this decision but we have to consider the safety of all who may attempt to travel in what are very difficult conditions.
Booking Now Open Online at: gr8events.ie
GAA Sports Development Christmas Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Christmas Lotto draw results for January 7, 2024, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 4, 12, 28 and 35. We had no Jackpot winner and one Match 3 winner who received €150: Kenneth O'Donnell. One' lucky dip winner received €100: Darren Phelan.
The next draw takes place on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, when the jackpot is €30,000. The committee of Fethard GAA Development Lotto would like to thank all our supporters for the continued support.
Fethard Photographs from USA
The following two Fethard photographs were submitted by (Joan Carey) Johnson. California USA. Joan is a sister of the late Johnny Carey who lived on The Green, up to his death on Tuesday, October 19, 2021.
Back L to R: Moll Moloney, Red City, formerly Moyglass; Sarah Carey The Green Fethard, formerly of Coolbawn and Killenaule (Johnny and Joan Carey’s mother). Middle L to R: Alice McCarthy, Market Hill; Mary Moloney (daughter of Moll), formerly Red City, now lives in Clashaniska, Clonmel. Front L to R: Eddie Carey (brother of Johnny and Joan), formerly The Green, Coolbawn and UK; and Waltie Moloney formerly Red City and St. Patrick's Place. Joan is now the only surviving member of the Carey family of five.
Johnny Carey and Gus Maher off to the All-Ireland hurling final in Dublin 1966.
Day Care Centre will reopen on Monday, Jan 13
Please note that, due to the poor weather conditions, Fethard and District Day Care Centre will remain closed for the remainder of the week and we will open again on Monday, January 13. Meals on Wheels, grocery and pharmacy deliveries will continue in the locality. Please contact the Manager on 085 7833323 should you need anything.
Please take care.
Bingo in Ballroom starting January 28
Finally, after six months of planning, and so many people asking, we are delighted to finally announce our new Fethard Ladies Football Bingo is starting on Thursday, January 23, 2025, in Fethard Ballroom at 8pm.
The club is very grateful to everyone that has worked so hard in the background to make this happen, together with our new team of helpers on our Bingo Nights. Thank you for your patience and we look forward to seeing you there.
Died Recently
 The death, unexpectedly, has occurred on Sunday, January 5, 2025, of Noel Morrissey, St Patrick's Place, Fethard. Beloved son, brother, uncle and Godfather. Pre-deceased by his parents Tom and Pauline and his nephew Dylan. Noel was much loved and will be very sadly missed by his brothers Tom and Pat, his sisters Catherine, Anne and Helen, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Friday January 10, 2024, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm with removal to the Holy Trinity Parish Church for 7.00pm. Funeral Mass on Saturday at 11am followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Noel's Mass can be watched online at parishchurch.net. May he rest in peace. Messages of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE
Charity Partner for Alice Leahy Trust
Phil O’Meara, President of the Pharmaceutical Managers’ Institute, and son of David and Bernie O'Meara, Ballyvaden, Fethard, speaking at the Charity Lunch.
Phil O’Meara, son of David and Bernie O'Meara, Ballyvaden, Fethard, is the current President of the Pharmaceutical Managers’ Institute. Every December the institute host a charity lunch, and this year their nominated charity partner chosen was the 'Alice Leahy Trust'. The successful and enjoyable event was held in the Mansion House in Dublin on December 12, 2024.
Phil O’Meara, President of the Pharmaceutical Managers’ Institute, photographed with Alice Leahy at the Charity Lunch, where the 'Alice Leahy Trust' was nominated as their Charity Partner for this year.
Congratulations to Alice Leahy, originally from Fethard, who was a well-deserving recipient, in recognition of her work with the homeless since its existence in 1975. The Alice Leahy Trust is a befriending, social and health service for people who are homeless, Charity No. CHY7014. If you would like to donate or find more information visit: Donate to the Alice Leahy Trust
Charity Lunch held in the Mansion House in Dublin on December 12, 2024.
Fethard Players to stage 'Juno and the Paycock' in the Abymill Theatre from Jan 20 to Jan 25.
Cast of Fethard Players oncoming production of Seán O'Casey's, 'Juno and the Paycock', set in Dublin in the early 1920s during the Irish Civil War period. The play, produced by Marian Gilpin, will be staged in the Abymill Theatre from Monday, January 20, to Saturday, January 25, 2025. Tickets are €18 (plus booking fee) and available now online at www.gr8events.ie
The experienced cast are photographed above at rehearsal in the Abymill Theatre, Fethard. Back L to R: Ann Walsh (Maisie Madigan); P.J. Henehan (an irregular mobiliser); Una Kiernan (Mrs Nugent); Mark Fitzgerald (Jerry Devine); Niamh Hayes; Owen Healy (Johnny Boyle); Tom Gilpin (Charles Bentham). Front L to R: Mia Tracy (Juno Boyle); Mary Boland Prendergast (a neighbour Maggie); Alan Bourke (Joxer Daly); Lisa Anglim (Mary Boyle); Liam O'Connor (Captain Jack Boyle); and Pat Brophy (an Irregular). Also in the cast is Lar Fanning (an Irregular), and Marian Fenton (Mrs Tancred).
Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday night, January 12, 2025, to the music of the very popular '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. We take this opportunity to thank all those who have danced and supported us throughout 2024, and to wish all our bands and patrons a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
Fethard Choral Group's Christmas Breakfast
The Fethard Choral Group members met at Sadlers' Restaurant, Fethard, on Saturday morning, January 4, 2025, for a 'Christmas Breakfast', with invited guests Fr. Henry MacNamara OSA, and Joe Kenny. An enjoyable morning was had by all in attendance with host and musical director, Ann Barry. Absent from photos were members Anita Maguire, Majella Walsh, and Geraldine McCarthy.
Fethard Christmas Street Market Photo Gallery
Click Here or on the photo below to view photos taken at Fethard's Christmas Craft and Food Market at Main Street and Convent Community Hall on Sunday, December 1, 2024.
Local resident concerned about sale of Fethard Mart site
A local resident has expressed concern about the 1.2 acre site for sale off The Square in Fethard, stating that over half of this site is surrounded by well preserved, Norman town walls. The first records of the walls date back as far as 1292.
The walls and the site in question feature so much history: it includes a tower (constructed in the late 1500s) from which Cromwell was sighted as he advanced towards the town. The site was part of the Everard family home from the 1400s to the 1700s. Sir John Everard (1550 - 1624) served as a lawyer to the Earl of Ormond from the 1590s/early 1600s. Much of the layout of the town as we know it today was his vision - he is responsible for building the Tholsel and developing Main Street. It also used to be the site of the British Barracks that existed from the late 1700s until its destruction during the Civil War.
Fethard features the second best preserved town walls in Ireland after Derry - thanks to great local effort throughout the years. They are the pride of our town. However, so much of the walls have been lost since the late 1800s and throughout the 20th century - as well as many of our medieval buildings. I would encourage the state to consider purchasing this site and turning it into a historic town park. This would provide a wonderful amenity for the people of Fethard. It may also help to make Fethard and indeed South Tipperary an even more desirable destination for those with a passion for Irish heritage. Consider how the preservation of history benefits both Cashel and Cahir culturally and economically. They are Tipperary's historic centres - Fethard has this very same potential.
Now is a chance for the state to preserve a vital part of both our local and national history. Just to note, I have contacted the OPW about this and await a phone call to be arranged.
If you know of anyone else I should contact regarding this or have any recommendations, I would very much appreciate it. Kind regards, Cathal Maher
For your information this is a link to the For Sale Advertisement. Another relevant link is to the recommended future development of the site defined in the Public Realm Plan for Fethard
Big Picture - Tipperary Minor Football Team 1955
Tipperary Minor Football team All-Ireland finalists against Dublin at Croke Park on September 25, 1955. Thanks to Noel Byrne, Killusty, for supplying all the names as follows: Back L to R: Tim Looney (selector), Philly Tobin ( Grangemockler), Pat Burke ( St Pats), Michael Moroney ( Clogheen), Jack O'Connor (St Pats), Davy Stapleton (Commercials), Paschal Buckley (Cahir), Gus Danagher (Fethard), Paddy Nolan (Loughmore), Johnny Ferris (Galtee), Gerry King (Commercials), Phil Purcell (County Sec). Front L to R: Sean Ryan (Solohead), Tom Walsh (Cahir), Sean Moloney (Fethard), Eddie Casey (Fethard), John Brennan (Loughmore), Liam Boland, captain (Commercials), Sean Connolly (Fethard), Sean Condon (Fethard), Michael Ryan (Arravale Rovers), and Davy Fitzgerald (Cahir). – Note: 15 from South, 3 from West, and 2 from Mid Tipperary.
On Sunday, July 24, 1955, the Tipperary minor footballers caused a major stir in GAA circles when and they drew with Kerry in the Munster final played at Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney. They later captured Munster glory after defeating the Kingdom by a solitary point at the replay in Thurles on August 21, 1955. Final Score: Tipperary 0-9; Kerry 1-5.
Tipperary then went on accounting for Mayo in the All-Ireland semi-final after which they came unstuck against Dublin in the final, despite putting in a tremendous performance on September 25, 1955. Dublin entered the championship as defending champions and won the All-Ireland final following their 4-4 to 2-7 defeat of Tipperary.
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 variety of photographs taken from the past. We invite people to let us know any missing names, including first names, or any other information that we can add to our files for future generations. If anyone can help us, please do and send any comments, photo information, names, to fethardnews@gmail.com
The three McCarthy brothers (now deceased) photographed at a hunt meet in Fethard some years ago. L to R: Michael McCarthy, Frank McCarthy and Jimmy McCarthy.
Looking at the gate and steps . . . would it possiby be girls from Fethard Laundry?
L to R: Eleanor Butler (née Power), photographed with her grandparents-in-law, Margaret and Ned Butler.
L to R: Nan Nagle, Dot Mullins, and Jack Darmody
Group of girls from Kerry Street. Back L to R: Mamie Mathews and Maggie Butler (Rita Clark's mother). Front L to R: ?, Alice Butler (Fee), and Dot Mathews.
Margaret Butler (Rita Clark's mother); Mary Madden who lived in Ward's corner house.
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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