Happy Wedding Anniversary to John and Maureen

Maureen and John Whyte photographed in September 2015, celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Fethard Festival would like to wish a very Happy Wedding Anniversary to John and Maureen Whyte, Main Street, Fethard, who celebrated a very special Wedding Anniversary on September 6. John and Maureen have always been very good to our committee allowing us to use their shop window to advertise any events we organise in Fethard.

John was a former member of Fethard & Killusty Community Council for many years from the inaugural meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 1976. John was elected President of Fethard Patrician Brothers Past Pupils Union at the second Annual General Meeting held on November 30, 1971. He was a long-time member of Fethard Credit Union since it was formed in 1970.

On January 17, 1973, John was elected as Fire Officer when a new fire engine was handed over to Fethard Voluntary Fire Brigade, following an intensive firefighting course completed by the ten volunteer members: Percy O’Flynn, Michael Ryan, John Murphy, Sean Ward, Austin O’Flynn, Alfie Brett, Tony Hanrahan, Frank Coffey and John Shortall.

In later years John was an active committee member of the ‘Friends of Fethard’, formed in 1989, and who were responsible for the restoration of Fethard Town Wall.

Both Maureen and John were always very firm believers in supporting Fethard community in any way they could, and they, mentioned that the community were very good to support them when they had their grocery business in Fethard.
In the coming days and we will have a very special Christmas window display for this year’s ‘Light Up Fethard’ as part of our Christmas Street Market Festive Weekend starting on, Saturday, November 29, with a Festive Tractor Vehicle Run, and the following day our Annual Christmas Street Market and Santa visit on, Sunday, November 30. Watch this space!

Obituary of Thomas Cooney
Thomas Cooney entered into eternal rest on September 7, 2025. Tom was born in Rathdrum, Fethard, County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1939 and was the son of Michael and Margaret (Quinlan) Cooney. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

He was predeceased by his brother, Jim Cooney, Fethard, and his daughter-in-law, Ricki Ortega-Cooney. He is survived by his former wife, Pauline (Rainsford) of Ridgefield, CT, his sister-in-law, Brigid Cooney, of Rathdrum, two sons, David of Port Washington, NY, and Michael of Otto, NC, four daughters and sons-in-law, Margaret and her husband Matthew Bagley of Rye, NY, Deirdre and her husband Mark DiSanto of Broad Channel, NY, Adrienne and her husband Brian Kenny of South Salem, NY, and Tricia and her fiancé Tyler Peck, of New York, NY. He is also survived by Jim and Brigid’s eight children, James, Eleanor, Esther, Michael, Billy, Paddy, Martin, and Patricia, and their spouses, partners and children.

After finishing Coleman National School in Rathdrum, Co. Tipperary, Tom attended Patrician Brothers School in Fethard, Co. Tipperary. He went on to have a long and successful career in the airline industry, mostly at Aer Lingus, who gave him his first job at Shannon Airport in Ireland. In 1963, they offered him the opportunity to transfer to JFK in New York City, and he took it. He went back to Ireland the following year to marry Pauline at Bunratty Castle in Co. Clare and the two of them returned to New York to raise their family. Tipperary and Ireland were never far from his heart, and he brought the entire family 'home' to visit as often as he could. 

Tom Cooney photographed with Fethard minor football team, who were South and County champions in1957. Back L to R: Bro Albert, John Burke, Tom Cooney, Michael Casey, Vincent Allen, Tony Woodlock, Jackie McGrath, Liam Condon, Liam Flaherty, Joe Fitzgerald, Michael O'Donnell, Tom Power (South Board Chairman). Front: Pat Leahy, Pat Woodlock, Johnny O'Shea, George Hackett, Billy Mackey, Seamus Hackett (captain), Sean Clarke, J. J. Morrissey and Sean Gunne.

Tom was an avid golfer, and an equally avid sports fan, adding two New York teams, the Mets and the Jets, to his beloved Tipperary hurling and football teams, which he never stopped supporting. He sent all six of his children to college, and he was endlessly proud of all of them. One of his greatest joys later in life was being 'Pop Pop' to his nine beloved grandchildren, Christopher Cooney, Jack and Grace Kenny, Eamon, Henry, and Áine Bagley, Olivia DiSanto, and Charlotte and Clara Graf. Tom was a long-time parishioner at St. Thomas the Apostle R.C. Church in West Hempstead, NY.


School friends 1956. L to R: John Whyte, Peter O'Flynn and Tom Cooney. There were four in the Leaving Cert class, the other being Don Byard who took this photograph.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather during Visiting Hours at Park Funeral Chapels, 2175 Jericho Turnpike in Garden City Park on Wednesday, September 10th, from 2-4 pm, and again from 6-9. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated the following day at 9:45 am at St. Brigid’s R.C. Church, 75 Post Avenue, Westbury NY. Following the mass we will proceed to his final resting place at Holy Rood Cemetery, right beside the church.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be made to either The American Center for Suicide Prevention, or Ceol na NGael at WFUV.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on September 7, 2025, of James (Jimmy) Teehan of Moyglass, Fethard, and Perth, Western Australia, after a short illness.

Predeceased by his parents Michael and Josephine. He will be sadly missed by his siblings Willie, Alice, Imelda, Nora, Jerry, Michael and Marian, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins , relatives and friends. Messages of condolence can be left online by CLICKING HERE

May Jimmy's soul rest in peace. Funeral arrangements later.

Culture Night 2025 –Friday, September 19

Siobhán Armstrong, historical harp musician, will perform in the Augustinian Abbey Fethard from 7.30pm to 8.30pm on Friday, September 19, as part of Culture Night 2025, hosted by Fethard Historical Society. Admission is Free! All are Welcome.

Siobhán Armstrong is one of Europe’s leading harpists. She performs and records with many of Europe's most prestigious soloists, orchestras and opera companies, and collaborates with some of Ireland’s best-known traditional-music performers.

Siobhán is the founding director of The Historical Harp Society of Ireland, spearheading the international rediscovery of Ireland’s ancient harp, strung in brass wires. She herself performs on a copy of the 18th-century Irish Downhill harp, which she will be playing on Culture Night.

The debut recording of her ensemble, The Irish Consort — Music, Ireland and the Sixteenth Century—has shed light on a neglected century in Irish music and was one of The Irish Times’ top five international Classical Music picks of 2021.
Siobhán would like to acknowledge Music Network and The Arts Council of Ireland for their kind support for her work.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday night, September 14, 2025, to the music of, ‘Andy Feery’. 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.

HamsandwicH play at Cashel Arts Festival

HamsandwicH have been one of Ireland’s most steady indie bands over the last 22 years. The band have recently released their fifth album. 

One of Ireland’s most enthralling live acts, they are known for their incendiary live performances. Featuring their signature calling card of Niamh Farrell’s powerful yet sweet vocal, Podge McNamee’s juxtaposing baritone, and Darcy’s soaring guitar riffs, if ever there was a band to feed off their audience it is HamsandwicH; melodic, hook-laden, and heart-warmingly charming.

Prior to the release of their debut album “Carry the Meek” in 2008, HamsandwicH were initially known as a singles-band with a successful run of independent and self-financed singles between 2005 to 2008 - “St. Christopher”, “Words”, “Click...Click...Boom!”, “Keepsake”, “Never Talk”, and “Broken Glass”. The “Carry the Meek” album was released in early 2008 compiling these singles plus three additional songs. Following the album’s release, the band were presented with the Hope for 2008 Meteor Award as voted for by the listeners of RTE 2FM.

With five studio albums under their belt, including the critically acclaimed Magnify, HamsandwicH continue to evolve their sound while staying true to their roots. From topping the Irish charts as an unsigned act to exploring stripped-back acoustic releases, their music remains heartfelt, bold, and unmistakably their own. We are excited to be bringing them to Cashel this September!

Fethard & Killusty Community Council's 'Split The Cash' Lotto.

Congratulations to this week's winner, who wishes to remain annonmous but won €196,45. Ticket drawn by Tom Cahill on Thursday, September 4, 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.

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in the Parish Lotto on Thursday, September 4, 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

St. Rita’s Camogie Club news
Well done to our U16 St. Rita’s Camogie team who beat Brian Borus on a scoreline of St. Rita’s 2-09, to Brian Borus 1-04. Well done to all the girls and their coaches on a great Evening for St. Rita’s.


Well done to St. Rita’s U13 camogie team who won their Silver League Final against Portroe on Tuesday evening, September 2, played at The Ragg. Back L to R: Grainne Fogarty, Freya Jones, Tasha Doran, Ella Daly, Kate Gaule, Aoife Spillane, Anna O’Sullivan, Ruby Kenny. Front L to R: Molly Power, Ava Byrne, Emily Murphy, Megan O’Reilly, Lauren Reddy, Katie Kelly, Ayla Barlaz, Katelyn Lacy, and Amelia Sheehan. Missing from photo is Holly Barrett.

Well done also to St. Rita’s U13 team who won their Silver League Final against Portroe on Tuesday evening, September 2, played at The Ragg. The final score was St .Ritas 5-03 to Portroe’s 1-03. Well done to all.

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.

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

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, MartinO'Neill, 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