Tipperary Community Games Swimming County Finals in Thurles on Sunday, March 9.
Tipperary Community Games Swimming County Finals will take place in Thurles Swimming Pool on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 11.30am. Girls Warm-Up at 11.30am; Boys Warm-Up at 11.45am. Competition starts at 12 noon. Entries must be with County Secretary by Sunday, March 2, before Midnight.
Rules:
- Rules of Swim Ireland to apply except where amended by Community Games rules
- Races will be judged on touching the finish wall, 1st, 2nd, 3rd. Heats may be Timed.
- In the breaststroke & butterfly races, the touch must be with both hands
- In the squad, the incoming swimmer must “Touch” before outgoing swimmer leaves the block
- Order of Start : See National Community Games Rule Book, Page 23 Number 5.
- Competitors must be under the age specified on July 31, 2024.
- Only entries entered on ORS by area secretary will be accepted
Please Email Noreen Sheehy, Fethard & Killusty Area Secretary, at fethard-killusty@communitygames.eu The ORS System for entries will close at 12.00 midnight on Sunday, March 2. The Community Games Referee's decision is Final.
Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in the Parish Lotto on Thursday, February 13, 2025. The numbers drawn were 2, 12, 22, and 24. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Paul Hayes. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, February 20, 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
A 'Magic Table' has arrived at Fethard Day Care
Our new 'Magic Table' is a device which projects interactive light games and activities onto a table. The games and activities are designed to stimulate cognitive function and brain development. It is suitable for everybody to use including people with Dementia and Alzheimers.
Playing the games allows for positive interaction and so much fun. We would like to thank the Day Care Committee and the HSE Older Person Services, Southeast, for their support with this project. We look forward to many more days of Fun, Laughter & Friendships.
The Abbey Church and Cramps Castle: A Christmas Tradition That Lives On
The ruins of Cramps Castle lit up at Christmas this year by Pat Phelan in keeping with local tradition kept alive by his late father Gus.
For generations, the Abbey Church in Fethard has held a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. It has been a sanctuary of faith, reflection, and community – none more so than during the Christmas season, when Christmas Mass and the Crib bring people together in a spirit of warmth and celebration.
I still vividly remember, as a child in the 1980s, the excitement of attending Midnight Mass at the Abbey. There was something magical about being allowed to stay up so late, well past midnight, with the thrilling thought that Santa was somewhere overhead, waiting for all children to be asleep before making his long-awaited visit.
The late Gus Phelan who played a special traditional role ensuring that Cramps Castle's lights were switched on before Midnight Mass.
But the magic of Christmas didn’t end at the church doors. On our journey home, we would see Cramps Castle illuminated against the winter sky – a breathtaking sight that added to the enchantment of the night, especially when snow blanketed the ground. My late father, Gus Phelan, played a special role in this tradition, ensuring that the castle lights were switched on just before Midnight Mass, offering a guiding glow for all returning home.
While Midnight Mass is no longer celebrated at the Abbey, this past Christmas, the tradition of illuminating Cramps Castle was revived – this time, in special memory of my late father, Gus. More than just a tribute, the lights stood as a beacon of peace in our troubled world. I hope that for many, seeing the castle illuminated once again brought back cherished memories of Christmases past, reminding us all of the enduring spirit of faith, family, and community. – (Pat Phelan)
Tipp Echo Free Newspaper available Online
Read this week's or back issues of the Tipp Echo newspaper online
by clicking here. You can read local news from the surrounding districts and also view the Recollections from 2010 photographs from the past, and local Fethard News.
GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for February 11, 2025, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 5, 10, 26 and 29. We had no Jackpot winner and one Match 3 winner who received €150: Majella Hayde. One' lucky dip winner received €100: Sharon O'Meara. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, when the jackpot is €30,000.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Saturday, February 8, 2025, of Joan O'Connor (née Brett), Main Street, Fethard, in her 96th year, peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her parents Jack and Liz and her husband Timmy, Joan will be sadly missed by her sons Tadhg, John and Rory, her daughters Mary and Rita, her sister Carmel, nephew Fintan and niece Lisa, grandchildren Jack, Lory, Eve, Tim, Jane and Mario, sons-in-law Frank and Joe, relatives, neighbours and friends. May she rest in peace.
Reposing at her son Tadhg's house at Cois Falla, Rocklow Road, Fethard (E91 K642) on Tuesday, February 11, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Requiem Mass on Wednesday, February 12, at 12 noon in the Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Joan's Mass can be watched online at parishchurch.net
Messages of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE May she rest in peace.
Fethard Ladies Football Club's 'Bingo at The Ballroom'
Don’t forget Bingo is back this Thursday night, February 13, in Fethard Ballroom. Doors open at 6.30pm.
Bingo starts 8pm sharp!
Three more Munster medals coming to Fethard
L to R: Charlie Walsh, Noah O'Flynn and Rory O'Mahoney, the three Fethard footballers who all played a massive part in Cashel Community Schools Munster final win over Colaiste na Sceilige, Kerry, on Saturday, February 8.
Well done to Charlie Walsh (No 9), Noah O'Flynn (No 6) and Rory O'Mahoney (No 12), the three Fethard footballers who all played a massive part in Cashel Community Schools Munster final win over Colaiste na Sceilige, Kerry, by 1-8 to 1-5 in the TUS Corn Dhonncha Uí Nuanáin (Under 19 B Football) Final played on Saturday, February 8, at Ballyagran, Limerick. Cashel Community School follow in the footsteps of Tipperary town school, Abbey CBS, who won this competition in both 2022 and 2023.
The Cashel Community School team was: Evan O’Neill (Cashel King Cormacs); Adam Tobin (Clonmel Óg), Cian Lonergan (Golden Kilfeacle), Tom O’Driscoll (Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams); Colm Ryan (Cashel King Cormacs), Noah O’Flynn (Fethard), Seamus Kennedy (Clonoulty Rossmore); Shane Cooney (Clerihan), Charlie Walsh (Fethard); Harry Fogarty (Golden Kilfeacle), Sam Hall (Golden Kilfeacle) (Capt), Rory O’Mahony (Fethard); Niall Hallissey (Cashel King Cormacs), Colin Bourke (Rosegreen), and Ryan O’Sullivan (Clerihan). Subs: Charlie Hall (Golden-Kilfeacle) for Harry Fogarty (43); Brian O’Donoghue (Cashel King Cormacs) for Ryan O’Sullivan (52); William Colville (Rosegreen) for Colin Bourke (52); Brian Gleeson (Boherlahan-Dualla) for Sam Hall (57).
Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday night, February 16, 2025, to the music of, ‘John Molloy’. 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. Last week we had our first visit to the Ballroom of Andy Feery, attended by a great crowd. Everybody enjoyed dancing to Andy’s lively beats!
Slievenamon Golf Club update
There has been some publicity over the past week regarding the future of Slievenamon Golf Club. Slievenamon Golf Course remains open as usual until March 31, 2025, and afterwards as a Public Golf Course and for our distance members, whose membership we will continue to manage. The Clubhouse, Coffeehouse and Function Rooms remain open, along with our Mini Golf, Go Carts and Adventure Centre - to which we will be adding new activities over the coming months. We look forward to welcoming old friends and new visitors over the next year and beyond. – The Management and Staff, Slievenamon Golf Club.
Thank You for Your Support!
Emma Jayne Burke would like to sincerely thank everyone in the Fethard community for their incredible generosity in supporting her volunteering trip to Tanzania, where she will be teaching children. Donations—both online and in person—as well as the fantastic support for the bake sale and table quiz, have made a huge difference.
A special thank you to Fethard Community Group for their initial donation and ongoing support, and to Sadlers for generously sponsoring prizes. A big thank you to everyone who contributed in any way—your kindness and generosity are truly appreciated. An update will follow soon!
GAA Sporting Scholarships for Students
Fethard GAA Chairman Willie Morgan, presenting a sporting scholarship cheque for €1,000, to Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School. L to R: Billy Walsh (Principal), Willie Morgan (Chairman of Fethard GAA), Caitríona Mc Keogh (Deputy Principal), Sarah Smith (Fethard GAA star), and Daniel Gleeson (Fethard GAA star).
Fethard GAA proudly show their support to Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School as they annually commit to awarding sporting scholarships worth €1,000, to incoming students. Fethard has a great tradition in GAA sport and it’s encouraging to see the Fethard Club nurture new talent in our local schools. The cheque was presented to the school by club chairman Willie Morgan.
'Sweet Inniscarra' documentary airs on Tipp Mid West Radio over six consecutive Fridays at 11am, starting on February 7
In December 1931, scenes for a landmark film were shot in Cashel, Co. Tipperary by a film crew consisting of Irish, British and US personnel. Entitled Sweet Inniscarra, the film was based on the play of the same name written back in 1897 by American - Augustus Pitou. The updated film version of Sweet Innisicarra which was set in 1930s Ireland was significant in that it was publicised as the first 'all talking picture' (ie talkie) to be shot entirely in the country with an all-Irish cast and scenes.
'Sweet Inniscarra' was directed and produced by an Irish-American named Emmett Moore. His background was in producing silent films and this was his first talkie. The actors in 'Sweet Inniscarra' who were all amateurs, hailed from dramatic societies in Cashel, Fethard and Portarlington. The leading roles were played by Sean Rodgers (a founding member of Cashel Choral & Dramatic Society) and Mae Ryan (of Ryan's Hotel on the town). Frank Kenrick was one of the actors from Fethard, his daughter Frances Hetterley is interviewed for the documentary.
The plot of Sweet Inniscarra was centered around Gerald O'Carroll's love for Kate O'Donoghue. Her father however wished her to marry a wealthy major who unbeknownst to everyone was in fact a penniless villain at heart. Ultimately O'Carroll transpires to be the heir to a fortune in Jamaica and wins the day. The film concludes with the marriage of Gerald O'Carroll and Kate O'Donoghue.
Sweet Inniscarra was promoted as an Irish romance film depicting the habits, customs and mannerisms of the natives besides revealing many Irish beauty spots to the silver screen for the first time. The film encompassed music, song and dance, was 72 minutes in duration and shot in black & white. It was shown in cinemas in the USA in 1932 and in Ireland in 1933 receiving both positive and negative reviews. Unfortunately in the years that followed the film was believed to have been lost or destroyed.
This six part documentary will investigate the story of Ireland's first talkie, its cast, its producer Emmett Moore and examine some of the efforts made over the years to try and locate a copy of the film. Tom Hurley who produced the series will also be revealing the outcome of his own attempt to find a copy.
The documentary entitled 'Sweet Inniscarra' will be aired over six consecutive Fridays at 11am on Tipp Mid West Radio beginning on February 7, there will be a repeat of each episode on the following Tuesday evening at 6:30pm and the programmes will also be streamed on www.tippmidwestradio.com
Author Noreen Higgins McHugh Awarded Tipperariana Book of The Year for 2024
 The winner of the Tipperariana Book of the Year for 2024 is a book authored by Noreen Higgins McHugh. Noreen is native of Golden and lives near the Ragg outside Thurles. The book is titled the 'Revolutionary Women of Tipperary 1914-1923', covers the history of the Cumann na mBan in Tipperary and East Limerick.
The secretary of the Fethard Historical Society, Mary Hanrahan, describes Ms McHugh as an eminently respected historian who has completed extensive research of several sources including the archives of Military Pensions to compile the book.
The Tipperariana Book Fair celebrates books in general but is particularly supportive of publications originating in Tipperary about any topic.The annual book Fair takes place in the Fethard Ballroom on this Sunday, February 9, from 12 noon to 4.30pm.
St. Rita's Camogie Club
Well done to Faye Lavin and Torrie Doyle who played on the Tipperary U-17 team for their recent challenge game against Dublin, and also lined out for the Tipperary versus Cork game in the Munster U-17 League on Saturday, February 1. A fantastic achievement by both girls.
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.
Big Picture - Fethard Summer Camp 1998
This photograph was taken of Fethard GAA coaches with boys and girls taking part at the Fethard GAA Club's Summer camp held at Fethard GAA Park on July 10, 1998.
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 a Coolmore Family Day held on June 20, 1998. 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
Assorted photographs taken at Coolmore Family Day held on June 20, 1998.
Assorted photographs taken at Coolmore Family Day held on June 20, 1998.
Assorted photographs taken at Coolmore Family Day held on June 20, 1998.
Assorted photographs taken at Coolmore Family Day held on June 20, 1998.
Assorted photographs taken at Coolmore Family Day held on June 20, 1998.
Assorted photographs taken at Coolmore Family Day held on June 20, 1998.
Assorted photographs taken at Coolmore Family Day held on June 20, 1998.
Assorted photographs taken at Coolmore Family Day held on June 20, 1998.
Assorted photographs taken at Coolmore Family Day held on June 20, 1998.
Assorted photographs taken at Coolmore Family Day held on June 20, 1998.
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.
Listen to Tipp FM Radio Live for local News
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