‘The Final Victory’ book by Robert Jones
Helena O'Shea and Mr 'Tino' Fiuza Castiñeira, Coach and Patron of SDP and CRC Paddlers, Clonmel, promoting 'The Final Victory' book by Robert Jones, at Fethard Heritage Day Festival
There are a number of medical diagnoses that bring the word ‘death’ to our mind. Cancer is one of them. These events bring to us more than that: loss of control, feeling of failure, not been good enough.
Going back, or starting a sport for the first time, whatever the age, goes a long way to try to heal, and many times achieve it, the issues mentioned in the above paragraph.
‘Dragon Boating’ is one of these sports and offers something that others do not have. When one is in the boat with twenty-one other people, one must forget the pains and tribulations and become part of the boat engine. We must move like one, knowing that everyone in the boat has gone through the same chapter, and everyone is trying to fight those feelings of, Can I do It? and yes; absolutely YES; get it done.
In 'The Final Victory’ – based on real life events, with the author’s modifications – we have the opportunity of going through the feelings, pains, emotions and growing together, of a group of twenty-two paddlers, all of them suffering from different types of cancer, to achieve the recovery from this condition, some better than others, and achieve ‘victory’. This ‘victory’ is not about getting there first, it’s about surviving the odds and feel healthy again.
It is a great book, that you cannot put down, that will make you laugh, cry and feel the exhilaration of crossing the finish line ahead as a survivor.
Reviewed by Mr C. Fiuza Castiñeira, LMS, MCh, FRCSI
Coach and Patron of SDP and CRC Paddlers, Clonmel.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Sunday, September 7, 2025, of Patrick Bergin, Woodfarm Acres, Palmerstown, Dublin and formerly of Magorban, Fethard, peacefully at the Hermitage Clinic surrounded by his family.
Predeceased by his parents Patrick and Mary and his sisters Veronica, Catherine and Sr. Elizabeth. Loving husband of Dinah (nee Murray) and precious dad of Marion (Costigan) and Caroline (Hall). He will be sadly missed by his wife, daughters, brother Michael, adored grandson Anthony, sons-in-law Eamonn and Simon, nephews Gerard and Josh, cousins, neighbours and a great many friends.
Reposing at Cunningham's Funeral Home, Lucan (Eircode K78 R2C1) this Wednesday evening from 5pm followed by prayers at 7pm. Paddy's Funeral Mass takes place on Thursday morning at 11am in St. Philomena's Church, Palmerstown, (Eircode D20 H362) followed by burial in Killulagh (St. Livinius Church) cemetery, Delvin, Co. Westmeath. (Eircode N91 HP66). Messages of Condolence may be left online by CLICKING HERE. The family thank you for your kind consideration at this sad time. May Paddy's Gentle Soul Rest in Peace.
Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in the Parish Lotto on Thursday, August 28, 2025. The numbers drawn were 4, 12, 17, and 23. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Fitzgerald Family. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, September 11, 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
GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for September 2, 2025, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 17, 23, 26 and 27. We had no Jackpot winner and one Match 3 winner who received €150: Eileen Maher. One lucky dip winner received €100: Ben Shine. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, when the jackpot is €3,600.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on September 1, 2025, of Mary McCormick (née White), Mill Road, Corbally, Limerick and formerly, Derryluskin, Fethard. Mary passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, in the wonderful care of the staff of Milford Care Centre.
Mary, Predeceased by her beloved parents Jackie and Marie, will be forever remembered by her adoring family: husband Dermot, daughter Eleanor, son Jack, Eleanors partner Ian, her brothers John and Pat and his partner Finola, her lifelong dearest friend Dierdre, Dermot’s mother Mairead, sisters-in-law Helen and Tina, extended family and many friends. May Mary's gentle soul Rest in Peace.
Mary will repose in Mc Mahon's funeral home Blackwater this Tuesday, September 2, from 6pm to 7.30pm. Arriving for funeral Mass in St. Patrick's Church Parteen on Wednesday, September 3, at 11am followed by burial afterwards in Ballycannon Cemetery Meelick. Funeral Mass can be viewed live on Wednesday at THIS LINK.
Family flowers only. Donations if desired to Milford Care Centre Click Here to make a donation. Messages of condolence can be left online by CLICKING HERE
Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday night, September 7, 2025, to the music of, ‘Liam Mannering’. 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.
Fethard record great win in County Intermediate Football Round 2 game
On Friday, August 29, in the County Intermediate Football Round 2 game against C. J. Kickhams Mullinahone played in Cloneen, Fethard bounced back from a Round 1 defeat, to record a great score of 8-12. This gives them a clear chance to make the knockout stages in Round 3 in two weeks’ time, when they play Eire Óg Annacarty.
On Fethard’s first attack we hit the crossbar in the third minute, and Brian Healy took the opportunity when on the end of a great movement he scored a goal by the seventh minute. Mullinahone then got off the mark with a point from a free. Fethard followed with a purple patch with attack after attack for the next 10 minutes. Matt Coen scored 1-3 with one two-pointer from a free, and Liam Kiely scored a point from play, and Brian Healy scored another from a 0-1 from a free, leaving the score Fethard 2-5, to C. J. Kickhams 0-2.
Fethard, still playing attacking football, in the fifteenth minute they added another score when Matt Coen passed to Mark Neville, who found Jack Quinlan to score a goal with a great finish, followed by a remarkable two-pointer scored from play by Fethard’s full-back, Darragh Spillane. Mullinahone scored two more points from play. Fethard’s Charlie Walsh added a point from play, only to see Mullinahone reply with a point then in the twenty-eight minutes. Fethard’s Noah Flynn kicked a pile-driver, that hit the goal post, and the final point of the half was scored from a free by Brian Healy, leaving the score Fethard 3-9 to 0-5 ahead at half-time.
In the first ten minutes of the second half, the flood gates opened with goals from Fethard’s Mark Neville, Conor Neville. Brian Healy and Ryan Walsh, and a point from a free by Brian Healy, and a great point from Matt Coen. Mullinahone added a single point leaving the score 7-11 to 0-6 by the end of the third quarter. Mullinahone added two points from play by the fiftieth minute. John Lacey (sub) added 1-1 from play before the fifty-fifth minute. Both sides added two points each by Fethard’s Matt Coen and Joedy Sheehan, with Mullinahone adding one from a free another from play. During the second half Fethard introduced Conor Neville, Andrew Connorton, John Lacey, and Charlie Walsh came back in for the last 5 minutes.
Mullinahone added 4 points, two frees, leaving the final score of the match a point scored from the boot of Brian Healy. Best on the night for Fethard were brothers Gavin Neville, Conor Neville and Mark Neville, Jack Quinlan, Noah Flynn, Liam Kiely, Matt Coen, Ryan Walsh and Brian Healy. The final score was Fethard 8-15, to C. J. Kickhams Mullinahone 0-14.
Fethard team and scorers: Jamie McCormack, Rory O’Mahony, Daragh Spillane 0-2, Gavin Neville, Brian Delahunty, Dara O’Meara, Jody Sheehan 0-1, Noah Flynn, Jack Quinlan 1-0, Charlie Walsh 0-1, Mark Neville 1-0, Liam Kiely 0-1, Ryan Walsh 1-0, Matt Coen, 1-5 (1x2F), and Brian Healy 2-4 (3F). Subs Used: Conor Neville 1-0 (30min). Andrew Connorton (40min), John Lacey 1-1, (40min), Charlie Walsh (55min). Referee Adam Kealy (Ballingarry). – Match Report by Noel Byrne.
Ladies Football News
Recent results, Fethard Senior Ladies beat Galtee Rovers in their Championship match on a scoreline of Fethard 6-15 to 0-04; Fethard beat Holycross in the U-16 Championship on a scoreline of 1-14 to 2.07. In the Junior Championship Fethard lost to Rockwell on a scoreline: 0-04 to 8-16.
Split the pot tickets can be purchased in local Fethard shops as well as The Cobbler and Bob Fitzgearld's in Clonmel.
Congratulations to Majella Fogarty this weeks winner of the Split the Pot draw of €480. Majella is pictured receiving her prize from her niece and senior Fethard ladies footballer Alison Connolly (right).
Cathal Hurley was the €200 additional draw winner. Congratulations to Cathal and Laura on their recent wedding!
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.
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: Patrician Brothers National School 1912
We don't expect anyone in this photograph to be alive at the age of 120+ but it's nice to remember those who availed of education in those early years provided by the Patrician Brothers in Fethard. Perhaps some will see family resemblance in some of the boys faces.
We do have a record of the Patrician Brothers in Fethard from a booklet published in 1997, 'The Patrician Brothers in Fethard 1873-1993', published by The Fethard Historical Society. Staff at the Patrician Brothers’ school in Fethard in 1912: Bro. Paul Cullen (Superior) and Bro. Paul Cullen (Principal). Staffing changes during 1912: transferred out (Aug 1912): Bro. Columbia Carroll, Bro. Stanislavsky Bergin, Bro. Andrew Keating. Arrivals/appointments: Bro. Anselm Fogarty (from Mallow, June 1912); Bro. Athanasius Phelan (from the Novitiate, commenced 16 Aug 1912); Bro. Gerard O’Farrell (came pro tem, Oct 1912).
Several other sources provide essential background on Fethard Town around 1912.
Fairs and markets: Fethard continued to function as a market town in the early 20th century, with monthly fairs and additional livestock markets (notably for pigs and sheep in February, April, and August) driving local commerce. The presence of railway transport (since around 1880) facilitated trade.
Photographic Records: The Kenrick Collection includes photographs taken in Fethard circa 1895–1915—some may very well capture everyday life around 1912. A particular image shows Tullamaine Castle prior to its destruction in 1920.
Local Publications: The Tipperary Annual of 1913 offers historical reflections and descriptions of Fethard’s architectural heritage and civic history. Although not strictly a 1912 record, it provides context relevant to that era.
fethard.com
Historical Surveys: Rev. J.A. Knowles's 1903 work Fethard: Its Abbey, Etc. outlines the heritage of the town up to the early 20th century, including religious and civic structures.
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 Fethard under-21 South and County Football Championship winning team of 1966, 1967 and 1968. Back L to R: John Frewen, Tony Fitzgerald, Mick Ryan, Don McCarthy, Philip Byrne, Christy Aylward, Gerry Harrington, Noel Harrington, Willie Frewen, Joe Lee, Noel Byrne, Joe Allen, Davy Morrissey. Front L to R: Abe Kennedy, Michael ‘Waxie’ Kenny, Brendan Kenny, Pat ‘Weeshie’ Barrett, Davy Fitzgerald, Pop Barrett, Gerry Leahy, Austin Godfrey, Dinny Burke and Philip Dillon.
Willie O'Donnell with Handball Trophies (February 1989)
Taking part in Pat O'Shea's Pub Quiz in Fethard (February 1989) were L to R: Fidelma Maher, Gloria Walsh, Pat Walsh, Ailish Barrett and Pat O'Shea (proprietor).
Jimmy McCarthy and Margaret Cummins photographed at the Fethard GAA Club’s Annual Dinner Dance (March 3, 1989)
Barrack Street during 1937 Fethard Sewage Scheme. The house in the background was occupied by Mr & Mrs Jack Cummins, part of Mary Purcell's house can be also be seen. Back L to R: Michael McInerney, Alice McInerney, Jim O’Mahony, Agnes Allen, Eddie Coffey, Jimmy McInerney. In front: Mick Hennessy, Kiernan Kelly. Photo supplied by Jimmy McInerney (March 1989)
Fethard Senior Football Team, South & County Champions 1954. Back L to R: Gerald Mackey, Bill Meaney, Jimmy McCarthy, Ned Sheehan, Tony Newport, Paddy O'Flynn, Jack Prout, Michael Byrne, Paddy Tierney. Front L to R: Austin McDonnell, Gussy Neville, John O'Riordan, Liam Connolly, Jimmy O'Shea, Timmy O'Riordan, Cly Mullins (captain), Jim Williams, Donal Lehane and Michael O'Riordan.
Old house on Barrack Street beside Centra maybe where Lar O’Gorman lived? Anyone remember?.
Old houses on Barrack Street, Anyone remember who lived there?.
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
|
