Fethard Heritage Day Festival better than ever!

Click on image above to see photographs taken at this year's Heritage Day Festival on August 24, 2025 or CLICK HERE

Fancy Dress Parade sponsored by Kare Plus

Members of the 'Kare Plus' team getting ready to take part in the Fancy Dress Parade in Fethard on Sunday, August 24.

“It was an honour to be part of such a vibrant event and to connect with so many members of our community” said Cecily, “We were grateful for our Kare Plus Mascot Bear ‘Cairde' to get the opportunity to lead the Fancy Dress Parade alongside the healthcare professionals of the future, Jordi and Phoebe Hughes – twin children of Cecily Hughes, owner of Kare Plus and main sponsor of this year’s Heritage Day Fancy Dress parade in Fethard. They were accompanied by their friends Hannah Richards and Rian Marchetti, as the group made their joyful way up Fethard’s Main Street.
CLICK HERE to see more photos


Three Fancy Dress Judges L to R: Michael Brennan, Cecily Purcell and Michael Mallon

The parade concluded with the presentation of prizes for the best fancy dress costumes, awarded by Cecily Hughes Kare Plus were delighted to be the main sponsor of the Fethard Heritage Festival Fancy Dress Parade, a highlight of this much-loved annual event in recognition of the creativity and community spirit on show. CLICK HERE to see more photos


Overall winners 'Fethard Under The Sea' entry by the Melbourne family in Fethard Fancy Dress Parade on Heritage Day , August 24

This was the best Fancy Dress turnout in years and the winners of prizes picked by our three judges: Cecily Purcell, Killurney, Michael Brennan, Clonacody and Michael Mallon, Drumdeel, and sponsored by Kare Plus, along with a special ‘Best Historical’ entry sponsored by Fethard Historical Society, included, 1st ‘Matilda’, 2nd ‘Queen of the Jungle’, 3rd Highly Commended ‘Wizard of Oz’, 4th ‘Fethard Fairies’, 5th ‘Elsa & Gecko’. Adult Original & Artistic: 1st ‘Dying Pub Trade’; 2nd, ‘The Tipp Tractor’. Joint Winners ‘Fethard Junior & Intermediate Blues’, and Fethard Ladies Football & Camogie Clubs’. Best Group was ‘Super Marios’ entry from the O’Brien Family; and best overall group was ‘Fethard’s Little Mermaids’. Congratulations to all entries! CLICK HERE to see more photos.


Members of Fethard GAA Club out in force at the Festival Heritage Day Fancy Dress Parade ‘Fethard Junior & Intermediate Blues’

We are already looking forward to next year’s event – the 100th anniversary Fethard Heritage Festival – which promises to be an extra special celebration of tradition, community, and fun. CLICK HERE to see more photos.

The Heritage Day Festival is community organised by volunteers and Fethard & Killusty Community Council, and made possible with the very generous support of many local businesses and organisations, including Coolmore Stud, Lonergan’s Bar, Daltons Pharmacy, O’Sullivan’s Pharmacy, Kenny’s Centra, Tom Anglim, Tipperary County Council, The Heritage Council, An Garda Síochána, Tipperary Civil Defence and many more mentioned on fethardfestival.com our sincere thanks to everyone who helped in any way.

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in the Parish Lotto on Thursday, August 21, 2025. The numbers drawn were 2, 9, 14, and 18. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Edwina Newport. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, August 28, 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 & Killusty Community Council's 'Split The Cash' Lotto.

This week's winner was Mary Healy who won €442. Ticket drawn by Philip Bolger on Thursday, August 28, 2025. We ask for your support for our weekly draw that will take place every Thursday morning at 10.30am in the Tirry Community Center.

Tickets are €2 each or three for €5, and can be purchased from the Community Office in the Tirry Center also from Kenny's Centra Supermarket, Mary O'Dwyer (Mullins) or any member of Community Council. Please remember to fill in all three envelopes if you avail of the 'Three for €5' special offer.

GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for August 26, 2025, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 13, 17, 32 and 34. We had no Jackpot winner and one Match 3 winner who received €150: Kieran Quigley. One lucky dip winner received €100: Paul Hayes. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, when the jackpot is €3,400.

Fethard/Clerihan earn late win over Moyle Rovers in the U19 A South Football Final

Fethard U19 A South Football Champions 2025. Back L to R: Luke Lacy, Jack Davey, Liam Kiely, Jack Stokes, Jonathan McCarthy (Clerihan), Joseph Gaule, Ben Allen, Gavin Neville, Andrew Connorton, John Lacey, Charlie Walsh, Michael Dempsey (Clerihan). Front L to R: Danny Barry, Alex Knightly, Harry Hickey (Clerihan), Oisin Ryan, Mark Neville (captain), Sam Knightly, Rory O’Mahony, Noah O’Flynn, and Ryan O’Sullivan (Clerihan).

On Wednesday, August 20, Fethard/Clerihan came back in injury time to take the honours and clinch the U19 A Football South Final played in Cahir GAA Park on a final score of Fethard 2-10 to Moyle Rovers 0-14. In a remarkable twist of endeavour and skill, Mark Neville scored a two-pointer with the last kick of the game, to earn himself the player of the match and Fethard/ Clerihan, the Dick & Tony Fitzgerald Cup. Fethard already won this grade in its augural year 2023, and with 10 players available from the panel of 2023, it was that experience that stood to our young team.

Charlie Walsh scored two brilliant goals, the first in the third minute and the second in the thirty-first minute, in a fast and furious game. At the end of the first quarter, the sides were level 1-1 to 0-4, the point also scored by Charlie Walsh from play. At half-time we were 2 points behind, 1-3 to 0-8, with our points scored from a 45 by Charlie Walsh, and a point from play by Ryan O’Sullivan. By the end of the third quarter, we had fallen further behind by 0-12 to 2-3.

Fethard captain Mark Neville receiving his 'Man of the Match' award from South Board Treasurer Lisa Doyle.

In the final quarter we got a handle on the game with attack after attack, scoring a point from a free by Mark Neville, and within a minute adding another point by Liam Kiely. Moyle Rovers had their only score of the final quarter – a two-pointer.  As we headed to the sixtieth minute, we added another point from a free by Mark Neville, and in injury time Mark Neville levelled the game with a pointed free on the thirty-metre line. The game not over, we were awarded a free just outside the half-moon in the sixty-fifth minute, when up stepped Mark Neville, holding his nerve, to kick a magnificent two-pointer and victory for the ‘Friary Town’ who now go on to the county semifinal at a future date.

Well done to all, including management who contributed to a great football game on a lovely summer’s evening. Best for Fethard were Rory O’Mahony, Michael Dempsey, Jonah McCarthy, Gavin Neville, Noah O’Flynn, Liam Kiely, John Lacey, with standout players in Charlie Walsh and Mark Neville.


Fethard/Clerihan U19 A South Football Champions 2025 photographed with supporters and management.

Fethard / Clerihan team and scorers: Ben Allen, Rory O’Mahony, Michael Dempsey (Clerihan), Jonah McCarthy (Clerihan), Luke Lacy, Gavin Neville, Noah O’Flynn 0-1, Liam Kiely, John Lacey, Andrew Connorton, Danny Barry, Jack Davey, Ryan O’Sullivan (Clerihan) 0-1, Mark Neville captain 0-6 (5F), and Charlie Walsh 2-2 (1 from a 45). Sub used Jack Stokes (57m). Subs not used: Oisin Ryan, Harry Hickey (Clerihan), Alex Knightly, Michael O’Rahilly, Joseph Gaule, Sam Knightly, and Christopher Sheehy. Referee was Declan Hickey.

Well done to team management on winning their second adult football South Tipperary title in 2025: Team manager Tommy Sheehan, selectors Paul Fitzgerald, John P. Looby, Edmond Sheehan, Kenneth O’Donnell, stats Michael Hayes, physio Louise O’Donnell, medic Willie Connolly.  – Match Report by Noel Byrne

A Smash Hit Comedy in aid of Fethard & District Day Care Centre


A smash hit comedy ‘In The Window’ featuring Nuala McKeever, will take place in the Abymill Theatre for two nights, Thursday, September 25th and Friday, September 26, at 8pm, with cheese and wine reception at 7.15pm. Tickets are €25 available in Day Care Office and O’Sullivans Pharmacy. Proceeds are in aid of Fethard and District Day Care Centre.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday night, August 31, 2025, to the music of, ‘Peter Burke’. All are welcome to come along and enjoy a terrific night’s social dancing from 8.30pm to 11.30pm. Admission is €10, which includes refreshments.

75th Anniversary Pilgrimage to the Holy Year Cross

A group of young pilgrims photographed at Holy Year Cross this year. Photos supplied by John Lee.

The 75th anniversary of the parish pilgrimage to the Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon was all that we hoped for, and more. The weather was perfect, the attendance was far more than expected, the food was in abundance. Adding to this, we had our Archbishop, Kieran O’Reilly in attendance once more this year; and after working on the original cross 75 years ago, we had Christy Williams, Dan Sheehan and John Slattery together once more, it was a perfect day.



The ceremony began at the Hill Wall, where Dermot O’Donnell led the walk to the cross. When we reached the Cross, John Lee was on hand with his trusty camera to do what he does best and photograph the event. When the walkers had returned to O' Donnell’s field, Archbishop Kieran celebrated Mass, assisted by Fr Liam Everard PP, Fr Henry McNamara, OSA, and Fr Tom Breen AP. When Mass was over everyone was treated to tea and refreshments, and after being on the mountain that cup of tea really hit the spot.



A few ‘thank you’, are in order and if I leave anyone out, please remind me for next year. Firstly, a huge thank you as always to our host Keith O' Donnell, for carrying on the tradition started by his parents Jimmy and Eileen many years ago, by letting us take over his field for a couple of days. To our Archbishop, Kieran, you have been with us twice, you will surely go for the ‘three in a row’. To our local clergy, Fr Liam, Fr Henry and Fr Tom, as always thank you for taking the time to be with us, your attendance is greatly appreciated.



I won't even try to name everyone that helped out, you all know the part you played, and like a jigsaw, if you don't have all the parts in place, the picture isn't complete. The people we really need to thank are those who came from near and far to play your part in keeping this parish tradition alive. It was heartwarming to see parents with their young children on the mountain, those memories will last them a lifetime.



It was also great to see so many past Fethard footballers and Killusty soccer players on the field, I half expected a match to start up. Thanks to those of you who were there for the first time, we hope you enjoyed the day, and we hope you will be back again.



To our hardy annuals, who turn up year in year out, I know you will be back next year, it's in your DNA, there is nowhere else you would rather be.

My Pilgrimage to Holy Year Cross at Sliabh Na Mban

Tommy Healy (left) photographed with Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly after Mass celebrated in O’Donnell’s field when pilgrims returned from Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon on Sunday, August 17. (More phoptos to follow)

Last Sunday, August 17, was my third pilgrimage to the Holy Year Cross on Sliabh Na Mban. The previous pilgrimage was in 2018 while on holiday from Plymouth, my home for the last 56 years. The first was in 1950 when the cross was erected and I attended its blessing and unveiling by Dr Patrick O’Donnell, Coadjutor Archbishop of Brisbane, a Fethard man and past pupil of the Patrician Brothers School at which I was then a pupil. The cross had been erected to commemorate the Holy Year of 1950 when Pope Pius XII had promulgated the Doctrine of Our Lady’s Assumption into Heaven.


Three of the original 1950 attendees were present at the 75th Anniversary Mass at Holy Year Cross pilgrimage on Sunday August 17. The three are photographed here with Archbishop Kieran O'Reilly (back centre), Christy Williams (back left), Dan Sheehan (back right) and John Slattery (front).

The original ceremony took place on Sunday, November 12, 1950, two days after my seventh birthday. It was held in November that year not August, the traditional month for subsequent ceremonies. That day was cold, very wet and windy, unlike this year when we all had to take precautions against sunburn, heat stroke and dehydration. Hydration was provided in 1950 by the weather; we all got thoroughly soaked and chilled. I went along with my father, the rest of my family being too young to attend. We wore commemorative badges which cost a shilling, mine blew away and Tommy Fogarty bought me a replacement.

Three generations of the Hurley family photographed on the piolgrimage to Holy Year Cross on Sunday, August 17. L to R: Áine Proodfoot, Mary Hurley and Concepta Hurley.

While the walk to the cross was an easy exercise in 1950, this year’s was a lot more formidable and challenging. Being a few months short of 82, this became a case as I went along of mind overcoming matter and geriatric reality. I made it, just, thank God, helped by kind folk of lesser years who assisted me in the final stages of my descent. For their efforts I am truly grateful. Despite that I enjoyed the event immensely and noted with pleasure that, despite the decrease in religious observance, the congregation at Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly’s Mass in O’Donnell’s field was larger than on my previous visit.
 by Tommy Healy (Plymouth)

Where has all the water gone? – The River Clashawley runs dry. by Siobhán Cox – local freshwater ecologist.


The River Clashawley in Fethard almost completely frozen during the spell of arctic weather in December 2023

The River Clashawley in Fethard is a key feature of the town. The river plays a vital role in the local ecosystem, providing an ecological corridor and habitat for birds, bats, insects, fish and mammals. Anyone walking the banks of the river recently will have noticed the extremely low water levels, or even absence of water in the river. These low water levels combined with dense plant growth in the channel have been a cause for concern amongst locals - the concern being the aesthetics of the river, and the potential impact these conditions are having on fish and other animals.

Understanding the Clashawley riverbed

Removal or cutting back of plants within the river and its banks has been suggested locally as a measure to “improve” and “clean-up” its appearance. From the outset, it’s important to note that healthy rivers are naturally “messy”. In fact, it is this messiness that provides the range of habitats which support a variety of plants and animals. The author cannot stress enough that such action would only disturb the riverbed and damage important habitat for animals, including fish. Importantly, the local community should note that any interference with the river channel could be an illegal act, and would require at the very least consultation and express permission from Inland Fisheries Ireland.

So why are water levels so low, and plant growth so high? To answers these questions, it’s important to understand generally where the water in a river originates. There are several key sources, these include groundwater (water that exists beneath the Earth's surface, filling the spaces within soil and rock), surface runoff (water that runs overland into drains and rivers), and subsurface runoff (water that migrates through the soil and the upper layers of the earth into rivers). The importance of these sources for maintaining a steady flow of water in a river will depend local conditions such as soil type and geology.


Above– calcium carbonate crust on moss on the bed of the River Clashawley.

The River Clashawley flows over karst, limestone bedrock. Karst is a type of landscape where the bedrock has dissolved and created features such as caves, sinkholes, disappearing streams, springs and turloughs. In karst areas, there is strong interconnection between rivers and groundwater. In fact, groundwater can provide more than 70% of average river flows in these areas. The interconnection between the River Clashawley and groundwater can be seen by looking closer at the riverbed. A keen eye will notice a hard white crust on the stones and mosses. This has been caused by mineral rich groundwater flowing up into the river, and depositing calcium carbonate onto the river material. A similar process happens when hard water is boiled in a kettle, and limescale builds up. In this geological landscape, groundwater flows supplying water to a river can disappear in dry conditions, and the river can disappear underground entirely. This phenomenon has been specifically noted for the River Clashawley in the “Three River’s Project” (concluded around 2002), which was a government initiative to develop catchment-based water quality monitoring and management systems for the Boyne, Liffey and Suir catchments.


Above – Dried up riverbed. Note the layer of dead algae on the riverbed.

It is important to bear in mind that plants are a natural feature of rivers, especially slow-flowing, lowland rivers such as the Clashawley. The lush growth of plants in the River Clashawley is likely influenced by inputs of nutrients (mainly phosphorus) and silt from agricultural land into the river. Nutrient and organic pollution from agriculture has been identified by the EPA as a “significant pressure” affecting water quality in the River Clashawley. Phosphorus and silt enter the river from overland run-off. The silt provides a medium in which the plants can grow, and the phosphorus allows the plants to thrive. Low water levels exacerbate the situation by increasing the concentration of nutrients in the water.

Despite the excessive growth, the plants within the River Clashawley act as an important physical feature within the river channel. The large clumps within the main channel and margins capture and stabilise sediment (including silt) and create diverse habitats. Importantly, these clumps (which can become islands) help to reduce the impact of low water levels within the river, by reducing the surface area over which water can flow. Instead of shallow water flowing over a wide, bare channel, water is forced to flow through narrower, deeper channels created by the plants. These channels play an important role in creating habitat for fish such as trout and salmon, especially when water levels are low.

The natural geological context of the River Clashawley combined with the intensive agricultural landuse within the catchment, creates a perfect storm for diminished water quality. The lush plant growth is likely a symptom of siltation and nutrient enrichment within the catchment. Tackling the root cause of excessive plant growth within the river (nutrient enrichment and siltation from agricultural run-off) requires action at the catchment scale.

Annual Emigrants Newsletter request for photos and articles for this year's production

This photo from the 1970s was supplied by Martha Sheehan (née O'Dwyer) for this year's Annual Newsletter for which we were delighted to receive, as many can't remember it ever been taken. Maybe it's a age issue! It will also serve as a reminder for anyone with news, stories, articles or photographs for inclusion in this year's Emigrant's Newsletter to please send them on as the production wheels have started. The boys photograph above taken somewhere in Fethard are Back L to R: Davy Morrissey, Richie Barrett, Billy Sayers, John Fogarty, Pat Sheehan, Joe Kenny, Eamon Keane, Willie Lonergan. Front L to R: Frank Fogarty, John Donovan, Eddie Nevin, Liam Leahy, Michael McCarthy, Joseph Fogarty and Davy Ryan.

Work on compiling this year's Annual Emigrant's Newsletter has now commenced. We invite anyone interested in submitting articles or photographs for this year’s issue to contact Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard.

The publication of the first Fethard & Killusty Annual Emigrants’ Newsletter was a much-discussed topic in Fethard over many years, when appeals were made for copies of early issues if any still existed. In 1998 our appeal was answered by the late Pat Shine, London, and formerly from Crampscastle. Pat and his brother Tom from Cahir called to Fethard and after a long, interesting chat about times past, Pat mentioned that he came across an old Newsletter in a drawer at his home in London, and promised to send a copy on his return.

Some days later I received the promised copy and, better still, it mentions the fact that it was the first attempt at sending a Newsletter from Fethard. It was dated on top, ‘Christmas 1960’, but on checking the dates of the events and deaths featured in it, we discovered that they all happened in 1959. We concluded that the Newsletter was published in December 1959 and posted before January 1960. The first Newsletter consisted of one page printed on both sides and was published by Fethard Legion of Mary to help keep in touch with the many emigrants who had to leave Ireland in search for work overseas.

This year, we celebrate our 66th year publishing the Fethard & Killusty Annual Newsletter, now a full-colour 248-page production, and are still in a position to post copies free of charge to our many emigrants living away from home throughout the world. This is only made possible by the general donations we receive from our readers and from Newsletter sales at home. Our sincere thanks to all our supporters and to those who submit articles and photographs, that our readers so much enjoy.

Big Picture: Trehy-Donovann Wedding c.1950s

In memory of Ellen (Nellie) Donovan, née Trehy, Fethard, who died (in her 101st year) on Thursday, July 31, 2025, we received this photo from Mollie Standbridge that was taken at Nellie Trehy's wedding to Ned Donovan, registered in Thurles in 1954.

Mollie Standbridge supplied this photo with the following information. Your readers might be interested in this photo. I’m not sure of the date, nor of most of the names. The ones I do know are the lady behind Nellie in the white hat is my mother, the late Mary Murphy, my father, Tom is behind her. The four men right from top are Eddie Trehy, Mick Trehy, Lolo Trehy and Michael Hall. Nellie and my mother were first cousins with Nellie the older by 5 months.

You can zoom in closer to see more detail by clicking the photograph to zoom-in and double-clicking the photograph to zoom-out or use the controls when you hover at the bottom of the photograph. 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 from our files. We invite people to let us know any missing names, including first names, or any other information that we can add to our information for future generations. If anyone can help us, please do and send any comments, photo information, names, to fethardnews@gmail.com

This photo supplied by Brenda Crossman, Walthamstow, England (November 1996) L to R: Kathy Fennel (child), Josie Fennel (McCarthy), John Gavin, Mary Gavin (McCarthy), Bridget McCarthy and Michael Fennel (child)


Old Fethard team photo supplied by Brenda Crossman, Walthamstow, England (November 1996)


Photo supplied by Joan Dooley, née Fergus (November 1996) L to R: Jack Ryan, Jim Cormack, Michael Dineen and Tom McCormack in front of Tierney's Drapery shop on Lwr Main Street.


This photograph taken during an Office of Public Works Survey around 1960 shows the Watergate Bridge Mill buildings as they were then, photo supplied by Willie Hayes, Roscrea (November 1996)


Paddy and Tony O'Donnell having a chat with Mick O'Donnell, none of us had forgotten The Polo Grounds. Picture taken in September 1995 on the Crampscastle Road, supplied by Paddy O'Donnell, Dublin (November 1996).


Michael O'Donnell (Mary Flynn's child) photographed with his friends Brendan Kenny and Don McCarthy at the back of Mick Trehy's garage. July 1959. Photo supplied by Alice (Flynn) Roberts, South Australia (November 1996)


Nellie Fitzgerald photographed on Gus Murray's motorbike with Kitty Flynn on the back, looking on is May Wall (left) and Nora Burke (right). Taken 15th September 1959. Photo supplied by Alice Roberts (née Flynn) , South Australia (November 1996)


Fethard Carnival photograph, Barrack Field, 1939. Nellie Fitzgerald. Garda Walsh with his wife, and Kate McCluskey, school teacher in Killusty. Supplied by Miceál McCormack (November 1996)

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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