Fethard Community Café coming soon to Tirry Centre
After a recent survey done in Fethard there was a very strong response that people would like a community café in our town, so we have set the wheels in motion to set up a café in the Tirry Community Center, Barrack Street. With the help of our Fethard & Killusty Community Employment Scheme, and our weekly Community 'Split the Cash' draw we have started preparing our premises, presently having the room painted.
Getting the cafe open and up and running, is initially going to be expensive as the kitchen needs to be fully fitted, and also the dining room where the café will operate.
Our 'Split the Cash' weekly draw proceeds will be used for the next few months to support this project. We would really appreciate your participation in the draw, as our aim is to get the café up and running as soon as possible, and provide a space where people can meet up for a social chat and have something nice to eat.
If you would like more information or to get involved we invite you to come along to our meeting at 7.30pm on Thursday, October 2, in the Convent Community Hall, Lower Main Street. If anyone would like to make a financial contribution towards the costs involved in the set up please contact the Community Office, Barrack Street, or Pamela at Centra Supermarket.
Fethard & Killusty Community Council's 'Split The Cash' Lotto
Well done to Emma Walsh for winning our Community Split The Pot this week. Ticket drawn by P.J. Henehan. Thank you to everyone who is supporting our weekly draw. All money raised from this draw will be used to benefit our town.
Our next draw takes place on Thursday, October 2. Envelopes are €2 each or 3 for €5 and are available at the Tirry Community Centre, Kennys Centra Fethard, Lonergan's Bar, Fethard, and Butlers Off Licence, Fethard. Also we have a new scan to pay option. 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 25, 2025. The numbers drawn were 7, 8, 12, and 21. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Pamela O'Donnell. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, October 2, is €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
Cuan Aoise Memory Café Launch
Cuan Aoise Memory Café will be launched on Tuesday 30thSeptember from 11.30 to 1pm in Fethard and District Day Care Centre CLG E91RR94 and the last Tuesday in the month thereafter.
What is a Memory Café?
It is a fun, welcoming place to offer support to those living with Dementia, their families, friends and carers. Guest speakers give useful advice and information.
Families and Carers can find their lives becoming lonely and a bit more isolated, due to their loved ones condition. Memory Cafes offer them the opportunity to meet others in the same situation. This can be very beneficial to all. Special guest will attend on the day.
Steering Committee for Fethard and the surrounding areas are:
- Michael Costello Fethard Mens Shed - Coordinator
- Gemma O’Donnell, Dementia Adviser, South Tipperary.
- Aine Kelly, Dementia Adviser South Tipperary, Waterford.
- Mairead McCormack, Manager, and Mollie Standbridge, Secretary Fethard & District Day Care Centre CLG
- Paddy Fitzpatrick South Tipperary Development Company SICAP
- Mary Costello, Joanne Clancy, Cllr Amy Goldsboro
Irish Dementia Café Network hope to open a café in every town in the Country. Other Memory Cafes in the area are:
- The Rosemary Café, Millennium Family Resource Centre, Glengoole, 052 9157992 – 1st Tuesday of the Month 11.30 – 1pm
- Cashel Memory Cafe, Cashel Library 062 63856 – 2nd Tuesday of the Month 11am to 12.30pm
- Carrick On Suir Memory Café, Carrick Library
051 600719 11am to 12.30pm
- Cuan Aoise Memory Café, Fethard Daycare Centre
087 2799533 last Tuesday of the Month 11.30 – 1pm
- Tipperary Town Memory Café, Knockanrawley Resource Centre 087 3910840 last Friday of the Month 11am – 12.30pm.
Fethard Community Playgroup AGM
The AGM of Fethard Community Playgroup will take place in the Playschool, Rocklow Road, on Monday, October 13, at 8pm. All are welcome.
Fethard Ladies contest their 4th straight county final
Back L to R: Jess Gleeson, Gillian Fogarty, Emily Davey, Heather Spillane, Faye Lavin, Kate Bourke, Anna Prendergast, Sarah Smith, Aoife Morrissey, Muireann O’Connell, Aine Lawerence, Emalegih Cuddihy, Nell Splillane, Lucy Spillane, Meadbh Collum. Front L to R: Niamh Hayes, Mia Lacey, Anna Hayes, Sinéad Delahunthy, Carrie Davey, Emily Spillane, Alison Connolly, Megan Coen, Aine Connolly and Aoife Harrington.
Well done to our Senior Ladies Football team on reaching their 4th county final in a row by beating reigning champions Moyle Rovers, on a scoreline of 1-07 to 0-09 in Cloneen on Sunday, September 21, 2025.
Fethard led 1-06 to 0-04 at half-time with the goal coming from Kate Bourke. Both defences dominated the second half as they game ebbed and flowed. Moyle Rover's pressure led to several frees to narrow the gap, but Fethard held strong as the weather turned in the last few minute. Fethard now play Brian Borus in a repeat of the 2022 and 2023 county finals. The game is scheduled for two weeks time.
GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for September 23, 2025, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 4, 9, 18 and 28. We had no Jackpot winner and one Match 3 winner who received €150: Aoife Walsh. One lucky dip winner received €100: Marie Danagher. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, when the jackpot is €4,200. More Results
Harvest Festival Service on October 19
This year's Harvest Festival Service will take place in Holy Trinity Church of Ireland, Fethard, on Sunday, October 19, at 7pm. All are welcome and refreshments will be served afterwards. The service will be taken by Heidi Good, and Fethard Choral Group will attend. Well known 'Harvest Hymns' will be sung. Organist is James Clooney.
A new colourful booklet will also be launched at the event, entitled 'The Medieval Church of Holy Trinity Fethard'.
South U15 'A' Hurling Semifinal
On Saturday last, September 20, Fethard's gallant young team bowed out to a stronger Carrick Swans team in the South U15 'A' Hurling Semifinal, played in Marlfield before a large attendance. This game was an epic battle from start to finish, with all our seventeen playing their hearts out in a very entertaining game from start up to the final whistle.
Both sides were level after 15 minutes at 1-4 each. The Fethard goal was scored when Pa Coffey dropped a long range free in around the square, where Ewan Byrne collected and going for goal, was blocked on the breaking ball. Daniel Gleeson was waiting and made no mistake with his first time pulling finding the net. Pa Coffey scored 3 points, 2 from frees 1 from play. The other point scored by Ewan Byrne. In the second quarter Fethard dominated the exchanges, adding 4 points from frees, three from Daniel Gleeson and one from Pa Coffey, leaving the score at the short whistle, Fethard 1-8, Swans 1-5.
After the break Swans’ full forward roared into the game in the third quarter scoring 0-5 without reply over 10 minutes. Pa Coffey then pulled 1 back with a point from a free 80m out. We then lost Ewan Byrne due to injury, only to be replaced by his brother Tristan. Fethard then scored a great goal by Daniel Gleeson, bringing us right back into the game, leaving us 2-9 to 1-10 ahead.
We were struck a deadly blow when Swan scored a goal in the 50th minute. Daniel Gleeson brought us level with a great point from a free 60m out. In the next five minutes, Swans scored 1-2. Fethard fought back with a great goal from a Pa Coffey free. In the final few minutes, they tried their best with at least one goal chance getting away before the final whistle came to soon. The final score was Fethard 3-10, to Carrick Swans 3-12.
All seventeen players played well. The outstanding ones were: Adam O’Donnell, Conor Prendergast, Billy Hayes (our best player), Joe Purcell. Pa Coffey, Dean Moloney, Daniel Gleeson, Adam McGarry and Ewan Byrne.
Fethard team and scorers: Thomas O’Rahilly, Adam O’Donnell, Conor Prendergast, Zach Ward, Jimmy Higgins, Billy Hayes, Joe Purcell, Dean Moloney, Pa Coffey 1-5 (1-4F), Harry Walsh, Ewan Byrne 0-1, Daniel Gleeson 2-4 (0-4F), Eoghan Neville, Adam McGarry, and Jake Daniels. Subs used were Tristan Byrne for Ewan Byrne (injured), and Cillian McCarthy for Eoghan Neville. Thanks to all our players and management team for a great year. – (match report Noel Byrne).
Fethard Historical Society delighted with support shown for their Heritage Week Events 2025
The Fethard Historical Society participated in Heritage Week 2025 with three events celebrating both our medieval town’s historic past and its vibrant present.
The first event was a Guided Walking Tour of Medieval Fethard at 7pm on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Terry Cunningham and Mary Hanrahan led a group of about forty people on a leisurely stroll around Fethard’s historic buildings on a balmy summer evening. Highlights included the Town Wall, the Síle na gigs at Watergate and the Abbey, the Augustinian Abbey itself, East Gate Park, Holy Trinity Church of Ireland and the Town Hall. Interestingly, on this occasion most participants were from out of town, some travelling from places as far apart as Dublin and West Cork.
On Thursday, August 21, 2025 the society hosted a lecture ‘Bia na nGael’ by Terry Cunningham in the ICA Hall.
On Thursday, August 21, 2025 the society hosted a lecture ‘Bia na nGael’ by Terry Cunningham in the ICA Hall, a fascinating talk exploring the story of Irish food through the ages. From ancient farming and feasting traditions to famine and contemporary cuisine, the audience was invited to discover how what we ate reflects who we were – and who we are now. As one attendee remarked it was a most innovative way to introduce Irish history through the prism of the food produced and consumed by our ancestors. The evening concluded with a carefully curated mini feast of organic porridge oat bread, oaten shortbread cookies, Irish butter, Traas’s apple juice, Dóirín Saurus’s homemade apple jelly and a selection of cheeses courtesy of Grubb’s Farmhouse Cheese.
‘Sound Bites’, devised by Sybil Cope and Mary Hanrahan as “a step back in time on a sensory stroll through medieval Fethard”
‘Sound Bites’ on Saturday, August 23, 2025 was another first for the Fethard Historical Society. Devised by Sybil Cope and Mary Hanrahan as “a step back in time on a sensory stroll through medieval Fethard”, it evolved as a lively walking tour blending bite-sized history, traditional live music, and local seasonal flavours, generously provided by Fethard’s cafés, shops, and food producers. Numbers were limited due to the food element of the event, and it was booked out almost immediately. This was a free event funded by Tipperary County Council Heritage Office to whom the Fethard Historical Society would like to express their thanks for their ongoing encouragement and support.
‘Sound Bites’ on Saturday, August 23, 2025, was another first for the Fethard Historical Society, when Stevie Skeehan and Jack Nugent, Brú Ború Comhaltas Ceoltoirí, welcomed participants with a lively selection of traditional Irish music.
Dylan, from Sadler’s Restaurant treating the guests with their delicious, bite-sized sausage rolls.
Local musicians Stevie Skeehan and Jack Nugent, Brú Ború Comhaltas Ceoltoirí, welcomed participants with a lively selection of traditional Irish music. Dylan and Erin of Sadler’s Restaurant launched the food element of the tour with their delicious, bite-sized sausage rolls. Mary Hanrahan provided an historical commentary as the walk proceeded to McCarthy’s where Vincent ‘Jasper’ Murphy related a brief history of the hostelry. He also shared the story of Maggie Maher from Killusty who played a major role in preserving the writings of American poet Emily Dickinson. His chef provided an amazing array of foodie bites.
'Jasper' welcoming tour to McCarthy’s and telling the story of Maggie Maher and Emily Dickinson.
Next stop was the ‘Coffee Note’ opposite Edmond’s Castle where Amy Pollard performed one of her own favourite pieces. East Gate Park beckoned next where Emily, of Emily’s Delicatessen, generously shared platters of her signature brown bread. Jack and Stevie provided a musical accompaniment as the walk continued to the Abbey Church, back to the Síle na gig at Watergate, Fethard Castle winding up at Alla’s Patisserie to indulge in her fabulous apple cake.
Mary Hanrahan leading the group to the Síle na gig at Watergate
The tour ended in the Fethard Horse Country Experience in the Town Hall with a gorgeous array of tasty petit fours courtesy of Sadler’s, accompanied by Irish Hedgerow Wild Elderflower Cordial. There was just time for a final tune from Stevie and Jack before the event concluded. Feedback to date has been overwhelmingly positive so it’s definitely something the society may reprise in the future. It was wonderful to showcase the amazing food offerings available in Fethard against the historic backdrop of the town’s built heritage.
Amy Pollard performed one of her own favourite pieces for the group outside he ‘Coffee Note’ opposite Edmond’s Castle at Watergate.
The Fethard Historical Society would like to express its deep appreciation to all those who so generously shared their time and delicious produce on the day.
Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday night, September 28, 2025, to the music of, ‘John Molloy’. 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 Ballroom AGM
Please Note: The AGM of Fethard Ballroom will be held in the Ballroom on Tuesday, October 14, at 8pm.
Fethard Men's Shed Open to new members!
Fethard Men's Shed is open to new members, just drop in on Tuesday or Thursday to enjoy a cuppa and meet new people for a chat. We're settling in nicely in our new clubhouse at Fethard Town Park and in the process of setting up our workshop. Some of our activities include gardening, grass cutting, helping out around the park, chopping kindling, but most important, the chat and cup of tea.
So please don't be shy, you will always be amongst friends in our friendly Men's Shed. We look forward to meeting new members, who may learn new skills or teach your skills to others.
Tennis Courts starting Coaching Lessons
Tennis courts in Fethard are going great. The team of girls and Niall Higgins have organised coaching lessons and are putting in new flower beds at the entrance from the Rocklow Road this week.
Well done to all involved.
Free Community Interactive Workshop
Set Dancing Classes starting soon
If you ever imagined that Set Dancing was hard to learn, now is your chance to learn from an experienced tutor, who will commence Set Dancing Classes for men and women, at 10.30am on Thursday mornings at Fethard Convent Community Hall at Lower Main Street. These classes will be a fun and great way to also keep active and fit while meeting likeminded people who will enjoy the fun and experience gained. If you are interested, please call the following number for details: 087 2914437.
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.
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
|
