A Safeguarding information evening will take place in the Augustinian Abbey Church, Fethard, on Thursday, February 13, at 7pm. This awareness evening is for all who volunteer and help out in our churches. Our guest speaker is Avril Halley, who is Safeguarding Co-ordinator for the Augustinians. Refreshments afterwards.
Parish Church Lotto Draw Results There was no jackpot winner in the Parish Lotto on Thursday, January 30, 2025. The numbers drawn were 6, 18, 19, and 21. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Ann Marie Kenny. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, February 6, 2025, will be €5,000.
There was no jackpot winner in the Parish Lotto on Thursday, January 30, 2025. The numbers drawn were 6, 18, 19, and 21. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Ann Marie Kenny. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, February 6, 2025, will be €5,000.
Please find below the results of the ‘Our Fundraiser’ Thank You Giveaway Competition held on January 30, 2025. A big congratulations to the lucky winners.
€1,500 Holiday Voucher – Thalia O' Mahony (Cork)
€1,000 Cash Prize – Jack Simons (Kildare)
€2 x Oasis Platinum – Liam Mernagh (Louth)
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
Progressive 25 Card Game in Fethard Ballroom
The Tipperary Branch of the voluntary Irish Wheelchair Association are holding a Progressive '25' card game in Fethard Ballroom on this Friday, January 31, at 8.30pm to raise funds towards a respite break for our members later this year. Your support would be gratefully appreciated.
GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Christmas Lotto draw results for January 1, 2024, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 1, 11, 26 and 34. We had no Jackpot winner and one Match 3 winner who received €150: Eoin O'Donovan. One' lucky dip winner received €100: Jennifer Fogarty. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, when the jackpot is €30,000.
Johnny Sheehan celebrates his 100th Birthday
Our congratulations to Johnny Sheehan, St. Patricke's Place, Fethard, who celebrated his 100th Birthday
on Monday, January 27, 2025, in Cloneen, attended by a large group of family members, relatives from at home and abroad, friends, and neighbours. (Photographs supplied by Larry Kenny)
Johnny Sheehan, photographed on the occasion of his 100th Birthday with his two daughters, Terri and Phyllis, celebrated with family and friends on Monday, January 27, 2025.
Johnny, a carpenter by trade from his early years, is now an accomplished wood turner, turning out a wide range of wood products from his workshop at the rear of his home in St. Patrick’s Place. “I might take a rest in the morning, and then after lunch I will go out to the workshop and work on the lathe”, says Johnny. His range of finely crafted products includes lamp stands, candlesticks, bowls and pens.
Johnny Sheehan, photographed on the occasion of his 100th Birthday with members of his late brother Ned and his wife Lizzy's family from Fethard. Back L to R: Josie (Costello), Michael, Mary (Fogarty), Pat, Annette (O'Donovan). Front L to R: Tommy, Johnny and Liz (McCormack).
Johnny looks back on a full and active life, he can still recall details from his first job on the farm in Killusty, right up to his last. He proved to be a master craftsman, with skills that won him admiration wherever he worked. But don’t tell him to rest up, take life easy and enjoy retirement. It’s a word that was never in his vocabulary and never will be as he faces into his second century.
Johnny Sheehan, photographed on the occasion of his 100th Birthday on Monday, January 27, 2025, with Fr. Liam Everard P.P. and Fr. Tom Breen A.P. (right).
Johnny Sheehan, photographed on the occasion of his 100th Birthday with his siblings on Monday, January 27, 2025. Back L to R: Michael Sheehan, Ann (Sheehan) Baker, Dick Sheehan, Bridget (Sheehan) Mann, and Dan Sheehan.
Johnny Sheehan, photographed on the occasion of his 100th Birthday with Liz Sheehan and her extended McCormack family
Johnny Sheehan, photographed on the occasion of his 100th Birthday with members of his brother Dick and his wife Bridget's extended family.
Johnny Sheehan, photographed on the occasion of his 100th Birthday with his good friend Pierce Coady.
Johnny Sheehan, photographed on the occasion of his 100th Birthday with Jacinta Kearney (left) and Joanne Kearney (right) and Rosemary Ponsonby (back).
Johnny Sheehan, photographed on the occasion of his 100th Birthday with Rena Sheehan.
Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday night, February 2, 2025, to the music of the very popular ‘Teddy and Cathal Barry’. 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.
Senior Citizens’ Club’s meeting postponed
Please Note that Fethard Senior Citizens’ Club’s meeting for February is postponed, and our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 4, at 7.30pm.
‘Juno’ – A Roaring Success!
Fethard Players cast of 'Juno and the Paycock' photographed after their performance in the Abymill Theatre last week. Back L to R: standing Marian Fenton, Mary Fitzpatrick, Lar Fanning, Pat Brophy, Alan Bourke, Liam O'Connor, P.J. Henehan, Mark Fitzgerald, Pat Dunne, Craig O'Brien. Seated L to R: Mary Boland Prendergast, Una Kiernan Byrne, Ann Walsh, Mia Treacy, Lisa Anglim, Owen Healy, and Tom Gilpin.
Fethard Players cast enjoyed packed houses and standing ovations for their performance of Seán Casey’s ‘Juno and the Paycock’ for six nights at the Abymill Theatre. The large, experienced cast captured the essence of the O’Casey drama, set in a Dublin tenement at Ireland’s Civil War. The performance was literally flawless from all the cast, which was echoed by the appreciative response from the audiences present. The play was produced by Marian Gilpin who deserves great credit for another great and successful production.
Happy Birthday to Deirdre Dorney
Deirdre Dorney photographed with her father, Seamus Dorney, family members and friends at her 50th Birthday Party celebrated in Lonergan's Bar Fethard
Congratulations to Deirdre Dorney, Fethard, who celebrated her 50th Birthday with family and friends at a special function held at Lonergan’s Bar, The Square, Fethard, om January 20, 2025.
Special Consensus play the Abymill on Saturday
Clonmel World Music proudly presents Special Consensus (Chicago) in the Abymill Theatre Fethard on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Special Consensus are in their 50th year of touring. They are all multi award winning and grammy nominated musicians, and the band have toured all over the world. We are delighted to bring such a world class band to town. Tickets and information clonmelworldmusic.com
Tipperariana Book Fair on Sunday, February 9, 2025
Fethard Historical Society hold their annual Tipperariana Book Fair on the second Sunday in February each year. This year’s event takes place on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Fethard Ballroom, from 12 noon to 4.30pm.
The Book Fair was first held in 1996 and has now grown to be one of the largest, if not the largest, book fairs in Ireland. Dealers come from places as far away as Armagh City to West Cork, and from many places in between. It’s a great place to find a book that you may have been seeking for years - and if it is not available on the day you can be sure the dealers will find it for you. If you have valuable books at home you can also bring them along and get them valued without obligation. Further Information Tel: 086 3777348.
A Historic Day at County Masters Cross-Country in Fethard
Fethard AC's Master Women’s and U23 team photographed at the County Masters Cross Country held on Sunday, January 19, at Rice’s Farm, Brookhill.
Fethard AC has made history once again, with an unforgettable performance at the County Masters Cross Country held on Sunday, January 19, at Rice’s Farm, Brookhill. The challenging 7km route and the electric atmosphere of the event brought out the best in our athletes, culminating in multiple medal wins and exceptional performances across all categories.
The day was filled with triumphs, starting with Emmet McNamara, who delivered a stunning race to finish 1st overall and claim gold in the over-35 category. His tactical run, particularly during the final lap, left spectators in awe as he pulled ahead of competitors Dermot Gorman of Carrick-on-Suir AC and Barry Hartnett of Dundrum AC. James Maher, with his trademark consistency, finished 8th overall, earning 2nd place in the over-45 category and continuing to demonstrate his skill on the cross-country circuit.
Not to be outdone, Fintan Rice, the mastermind behind the venue, finished 12th overall and won gold in the over-60 category. His dedication to the club, both as a competitor and host, is invaluable. James Denn, racing for the first time at this level, secured his first-ever cross-country medal, finishing 28th overall.
Fintan Rice crossing the finish line at the County Masters Cross Country held on Sunday, January 19, at Rice’s Farm, Brookhill
The debutants also showed their promise, with John Henry Smyth, Keith Browne, and M.J. Croke all delivering impressive performances. John Hurley, our club chairman, despite carrying an injury, pushed through to secure vital points for the team. Pat Morrissey, also making his debut at cross-country, earned his first-ever team medal, a remarkable achievement after a tough week.
The over-35 men’s team, consisting of Emmet McNamara, James Maher, Fintan Rice, and James Denn, proudly secured a third-place finish, while the over-50 team, featuring Fintan Rice, Neilie Hall, and Pat Morrissey, also claimed a well-deserved bronze.
Emmet McNamara crossing the finish line at the County Masters Cross Country held on Sunday, January 19, at Rice’s Farm, Brookhill
In the over-65 men’s category, Matthew Fleming, making his debut, ran an outstanding race to finish 3rd overall and 2nd in his category, a great start to his cross-country career. Meanwhile, veteran runner Billy Prout finished 4th overall and took home the bronze medal in his category. Both athletes contributed to the day’s success, exemplifying dedication and perseverance.
The women’s event saw seventeen incredible athletes from Fethard AC compete in the County Masters, with some standout performances. Edel Roche finished 9th overall and earned a podium spot, securing 3rd place in the over-45 category. She was instrumental in leading the over-45 team to victory, joined by Aine Doocey and Deirdre Royce, who finished 28th and 29th, respectively.
Other top performances included Carol Molloy, finishing 20th overall and taking 3rd in the over-35 category, and Paula Hendriksen, who ran a steady and strong race to finish 11th overall. Marie Carroll proved her strength in cross country, finishing 21st overall.
The over-55 category saw Isobel Minogue take 2nd place and Siobhán Maher claim 3rd. Newcomers Eileen Smyth, Teresa Hurley, Lisa Williams, and Ann Tillyer all made a remarkable debut, showcasing immense potential for future events. Lorraine Kennedy, always a reliable competitor, finished 37th, providing crucial support to the team, while Lorraine Frances, competing in the over-60 category, also made an impressive debut, securing 2nd place in her category.
The U23 women’s team once again demonstrated their dominance in cross-country running, claiming gold for the second consecutive year. Alison Connolly crossed the line in first place, followed by Izzy Maher, who secured second. Éabha Ryan, making her debut, completed the sweep with an impressive third-place finish. This strong performance by our U23 team continues our winning streak in the category, and we couldn’t be prouder of these athletes.
County chairman, Owen Fanning (left), presenting the Josie Garrett Cup to Louis Rice and club chairman John Hurley (right).
The results from the County Masters Cross-Country capped off an incredible year for Fethard AC, where our athletes showcased their dedication, strength, and team spirit in every race. This outstanding performance has earned us the title of best Tipperary cross-country team 2024, as we were crowned winners of the Josie Garrett Cup for the first time. The remarkable achievements of every athlete this season have contributed to this success.
A huge thank you to all the athletes, coaches, supporters, and volunteers who make these victories possible. Special thanks to the Rice family for hosting the event and providing a fantastic venue.
Big Picture - Fethard Presentation Convent Class 1950s, anybody help with names ?
This class photograph was taken we guess was taken in the 1950s at the Presentation Convent Primary School in Fethard. We would love to have the pupils names if anybody can help identify the faces or the date.
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
One of the many emigration scenes that many will remember from the 1940s and 1950s, as these two lads, with bags packed, are photographed with neighbours before leaving The Green for England in the early 1940s. L to R: Alice Carey, Katie (Kenny) O'Brien, Ursula O'Brien, Mary O'Brien, Bridget and Maggie Carey, Jimmy Walsh and Mattie Higgins.
Martin Stapleton and Tommy Carey photographed outside Martin's house in Dublin on the morning of the Fethard Legion of Mary were at the Late Late Show on Television. They were returning from the Fethard London Annual Reunion.
Tommy Carey's parents, Eileen and Michael Carey, Kilnockin.
Tommy Carey, Josie Carey, and Peggy Stapleton, the horse belonged to Trehys and grazed Carey's half acre at Kilnockin.
Willie and Josie (Croke) Leahy, St. Patrick's Place. Rita (O'Grady) Stapleton, Kitty O'Sullivan, Margaret (Keane) O'Sullivan, Rory Walsh's grandmother and aunt of 'Gike' Keane.
Annie Sayers and Biddy Dwyer (Mackey). Stephen Dwyer was her father and Bríd Loughlin was her mother. Biddy was married to Jack Mackey who lived near Ballroom.
Lory Kenny, and possibly Josie Kenny, Drumdeel, playing with a young Brendan Kenny, Laurence Kenny and another girl?
Bill Higgins and his son Kevin, lived in Johnny Carey's house on The Green
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.
This site is maintained by Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, Co. Tipperary, Ireland.
By using this site you accept the conditions of our Disclaimer document which can be read by clicking below. DISCLAIMER
