Table Quiz in aid of Tipperary Branch IWA
November Graveyard Rosary Timetable
Saturday November 1, 2025
- The Convent - after 11am Mass
- The Parish Church - at 3pm
- Holy Trinity – at 3.30pm
Sunday November 2, 2025
- The Abbey - at 3pm
- Everardsgrange – at 3.30pm
Thelma Griffith celebrates her 90th Birthday
Thelma Griffith (centre) photographed on the occasion of her 90th Birthday, with her co workers while serving as chairperson of Fethard & District Day Care Centre in the Tirry Community Centre, Barrack Street, Geraldine McCarthy (left), Day Care Supervisor, and Joan Donohoe (right), Fethard Community Scheme Supervisor.
Congratulations to Thelma Griffith on celebrating her 90th birthday in Fethard. Not long after coming to Fethard, Thelma restarted the Sunday School in the Church of Ireland vestry in 1995, following the last recorded Sunday School in Fethard being back in the mid 1920s. Over the following months she became a very active member of Fethard Tidy Towns, Fethard & Killusty Community Council, Fethard Historical Society, and was a support member of the ‘Fethard to Fethard’ Annual Walk in aid of the Fethard Day Care Centre that took place in July 1997, that raised £9,215 after expenses.
Thelma was elected chairperson of Fethard & Killusty Day Care Centre in 1999, with the following committee: Brian O’Donnell (vice chairperson), Julie Wall (secretary), Agnes Evans (treasurer), Sr. Christine (Day Care Centre supervisor), Mary Fennel (South Eastern Health Board), Megan Sceats, Nellie Donovan, Phil Whyte, Jimmy Lawrence, Noreen Allen, Maura Tynan, Sean Ryan, Agnes Allen, Carmel Rice, Nora Lawrence, Mary Guider (Killenaule) and Joe Kenny (Community Council). The centre, based in the Fr. Tirry Centre, was running very successfully after its four years in operation.
Thelma worked tirelessly to promote the centre and raise funds with supervisor Sr. Christine, who started the ‘Friendship Club’. This club consisted of daily raffles, with the members donating all the prizes, be it baking, handmade, bric-a-brac, etc. Out of the proceeds the members enjoyed an annual day trip and purchased items that helped the smooth running of the kitchen. Before long they had purchased their own minibus, driven by Liam Connolly, to collect and drive home clients from Cloneen, Killenaule, Drangan and outlying areas.
In the following years, as the Day Care Centre catered for far more clients and further opened their doors from three days to five days. Thelma became the main fundraiser, organising very successful Christmas bazaars over many years, table quizzes and always pushing us all to do more and better for the elderly.
Thelma is the personification of what being a Christian means.
Thelma celebrated her birthday with her fellow parishioners and Day Care family, including past and present staff, at their new home in the Presentation Convent. We wish her many more happy and healthy years and thank her sincerely for her unwavering support and work in our community over her many years living among us. Happy Birthday Thelma!
Fethard & Killusty Community Council's 'Split The Cash' Lotto
Well done to Emma Webster for winning our Community Split The Pot of €260 this week. Ticket drawn by Gerry Murphy. Thank you to everyone who supports our weekly draw. All money raised from this draw will be used to benefit our town.
Our next draw takes place on Thursday, November 6. 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.
GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for October 28, 2025, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 1, 18, 20 and 22. We had no Jackpot winner and two Match 3 winners received €75 each: Leanne, Tom & Aoife Sheehan, and Shane Lawrence. One lucky dip winner received €100: Deirdre O'Meara. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, when the jackpot is €5,200.
Fethard GAA are looking for any photos to include in a Photo Album that they are compiling to be put online. Please send same to nollaigobroln@gmail.com or What’s App to Noel Byrne at Tel: 086 8076080.
Irish Mythology Exhibition Open
Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in the Parish Lotto on Thursday, October 30, 2025. The numbers drawn were 4, 7, 14, and 22. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Aoife Dillon. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, November 6, 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
Fethard beaten in the South U21 A Football semifinal
On Sunday, October 26, 2025, the South Tipperary U21 A Football semifinal was a thrilling game from start to finish with both teams level seven times, and the game going to extra time with Fethard losing in the finish by two points, on a scoreline Fethard 2-14 to Moyle Rovers 4-10.
In the first half Fethard scored 0-6 to Moyle Rovers1-4, the points coming from Liam Kiely, Charlie Walsh, Charlie Hackett, Mark Neville and a two-pointer from Jack Quinlan. Ben Allen came to the rescue on two occasions, making a great save and intervention just before the short whistle to keep a point between the sides. In the 35th minute we lost our keeper to an injury while trying to prevent a Moyle Rovers goal. He was replaced by Alex Knightly.
Fethard scored a point from a free from Mark Neville in the 37th minute. Charlie Walsh scored a goal after a great movement to bring the teams level again. Moyle Rovers had four points up before Shane Neville set up John Lacey for a great point. We then had an exchange of points from both corner forwards. Our Charlie Walsh was also denied a goal with Brian Morrison, Moyle Rovers corner forward and a thorn in our side, scored another point from play.
In the 58th minute, Michael Quinlan set up John lacey, who in turn found Conor Neville, who scored a great goal in the 60th minute. A free for dissent brought forward 50m, let Mark Neville score a point and draw level at 3-7 to 2-10, and bringing the game to extra time.
The first period was a physical battle on all fronts with both sides reduced to fourteen players. Rovers scored a simple goal and a point to lead by four points at the interval. In the final ten minutes Fethard really fought back to try and win the battle, scoring four points, with Jack Quinlan scoring 0-3 and Mark Neville 0-1. Rovers scored two points leaving Fethard with not just enough to get over the line with time running out. We lost by two points in a great game.
Best on the day for Fethard were Ben Allen, Shane Neville, Dara O’Meara, John Lacey, Jack Quinlan, Conor Neville, Charle Walsh and Mark Neville. Scorers Charlie Walsh 1-2, Jack Quinlan 0-5 (2ptr), Mark Neville 0-4 (3F), Conor Neville 1-0, Liam Kiely, John Lacey, Charlie Hackett.
Team: Ben Allen, Michael J Phelan, Rory O’Mahony, Michael O’Meara, Shane Neville , Dara O‘Meara, Noah O’Flynn, John Lacey, Darragh Spillane, Liam Kiely, Jack Quinlan, Charlie Hackett, Conor Neville, Mark Neville, and Charlie Walsh. Subs used: Alex Knightly 35m, Danny Barry for Michael O’Meara 45m. – (Match Report Noel Byrne)
St. Rita's Camogie Club Fethard
On behalf of everyone at St. Rita’s Camogie Club, we would like to wish the very best of luck to Clodagh Foley and Izzy Maher, who line out with Peil Na MBan Naomh Padraig in their Munster Junior Football Final this Saturday. It’s a momentous occasion for the club as they contest their first ever Munster Final. What an incredible achievement for the girls. Go out enjoy the day, and give it everything!
Cashel Union of Parishes held their Harvest Thanksgiving Service in the Church of the Holy Spirit, Magorban (E91 CH92), Woodhouse, Fethard, on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 3pm. John Kenrick send us some photos taken at the service below. Thanks John!
Harvest Thanksgiving Service at Magorban 2025
Harvest Thanksgiving Service at Magorban 2025
Harvest Thanksgiving Service at Magorban 2025
Autumn Open Cross Country – Abbotstown
Fethard AC were proudly represented at the Autumn Open Cross Country Classic in Abbotstown, where two of the club’s athletes delivered outstanding performances over the challenging 8km course.
Fethard Athletic Club members L to R: Fintan Rice and Emmet McNamara
Emmet McNamara competed in the Over-35 category, producing a fantastic performance to finish in 26:43 and claim 3rd place in his age group. His pace and determination were evident throughout, reflecting his commitment and strong form this season.
Fintan Rice, running in the Over-60 category, also delivered an impressive performance, completing the course in 32:02to take 3rd place in his category. His consistency and experience shone through as he maintained a strong rhythm across the demanding terrain.
Both athletes’ excellent results have been rewarded with selection for the Irish team to compete at the Home Countries Masters Cross Country Championships, taking place on November 15th in Leeds. This is a tremendous achievement for both Emmet and Fintan, and a proud moment for Fethard AC.
Fethard & Killusty Community Council AGM
The Annual General Meeting of Fethard & Killusty Community Council will take place at 8pm on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, in the Tirry Centre, Barrack Street, Fethard.
Fethard Bridge Club Results
The results of our game on October 22 were:
- 1st Nett Gabrielle Schofield and Norah Ryan
- 2nd Nett Carmel Condon and Brendan Kenny
- 3rd Nett Margaret Greene and Marie Holoha
- 1st Gross Ann O'Dea and Gemma Burke
- 2nd Gross Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh
- 3rd Gross Anna Cooke and Eileen Frewen
Bridge continues at 7pm every Wednesday in the card room at Fethard Ballroom. New members always welcome.
Tractor Run in aid of Fethard Schools November 29
Light Up Fethard Vintage Car & Tractor Run promises to be one of the brightest events this year, in conjunction with Coolmoyne and Moyglass Vintage Club. Proceed will go towards Fethard’s schools and we encourage all to join in the fun with your lit-up vintage vehicles.
Registration takes place from 6pm to 6.45 pm at Fethard Town Wall at Watergate. The run will commence at 7pm. Fee is €20 per vehicle entered.
Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday night, November 2, 2025, to the music of, ‘Chris Dallat’. 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.
Christmas Cookery Demo, Nov 6 at Fethard Ballroom
Don’t miss our Christmas Cooking Demo in Fethard Ballroom on November 6 from 7.30pmm featuring Sinéad Delahunty, Delalicious, cookbook author and food educator; plus Live Cocktail Demo and Bites with Sadler’s Restaurant; and Flower Arrangement demo with Flower’s by Mandy, Fethard. Tickets costing €25 are available now from Sadler’s Restaurant, O’Sullivan’s Pharmacy, Dalton’s Pharmacy, Fethard Horse Country Experience or committee members.
Picture Perfect - Christmas Mini Session - coming to Fethard for the Christmas Market Day, Sun Nov 30.
Closing down after 70 years in business
Meehan’s Drapers & Stationers of Mullinahone are closing down on November 29, 2025 after 70 years in business.
Meehan’s Drapers stock Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School uniforms, which are reduced to half price and from now until November 29, 2025. The shop is open from Monday to Friday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, and Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Contact us by Tel: 087 7716192 or 086 3739706.
Christmas Shoebox Appeal
The Christmas Shoebox Appeal is an Irish project that promises to get your 'Christmas Shoebox' into the hands of a needy child in Eastern Europe. All they ask is for you to fill a shoebox with a range of simple Christmas gifts, and drop it off at your local drop off point at Centra, Fethard, or Monica Pollard, Rocklow Road, up and including Monday, November 10, 2025. Monica also has some wrapped empty Shoeboxes available if someone needs one. HOW TO BUILD A SHOEBOX
All you need to do is get an average size shoebox (or a plastic storage container would also be great), and wrap it with Christmas paper. This year we are very short of empty shoe boxes and would be very grateful if anyone has some, to please drop them in to Fethard Community Centre.
Reminder for submissions to Emigrants Newsletter
Submissions invited for this year’s issue
Work has begun in compiling this year’s issue and club secretaries and organisations have been notified of this year’s deadline for articles, which is Friday, October 17, 2025. This invitation also applies to any individual at home or abroad, who feels like sharing their memories or family photographs for publication in this year’s issue.
We really appreciate our regular contributors and would love to have many more if possible. It is these articles that help make the Newsletter special and unique. It doesn’t matter if the articles are short or long, you will have the support of the editorial committee to help and tidy up and loose ends if required. We encourage you to give it a try . . . you won’t be disappointed. Articles and photos (with captions) can be submitted by email to emigrantsnewsletter@gmail.com or by hand or post to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, Co. Tipperary E91 XR26.
Donations to Emigrants' Newsletter
You can also make a secure Credit Card or PayPal donation towards this year's Fethard & Killusty Annual Newsletter at www.fethard.com/donate/
All donations of €15 or more will be acknowledged in this year's issue unless you wish to remain anonymous.
Newsletters available online
Our aim is to make all our emigrants' newsletters available online. We currently have 18 issues available online from 1998 to 2015, the most recent being 2015 The others are available at fethard.com/newsletter Many of the older newsletters will need to be reformated to publish online, but we hope to achieve this if time allows.
Big Picture: Holy Year Cross Slievenamon 1950s
This photograph was the second pilgrimage to Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon taken on June 29, 1951, and we've had many requests to identify some of those in the photograph while we still have people with us that can. If you are one of those, please email us at: fethardnews@gmail.com and send us your valuable information, using the number on photograph along with the name of the person you recognise. We will publish same at a later stage as we receive them.
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
Richard (Dick) Lucey added the following information
8) Tommy O'Connell, Main Street, who had the shop with his wife.
13) Tim Tierney, Burke Street.
51) Mrs McLennan, Main Street.
52) Possibly one of the McLennan boys.
53) Mrs Sergeant Byrne, Main Street.
Hope this helps and that I got it correct!
Kevin Ryan replied with: no 8 is Tommy O’ Connell, no 9 ? Pollard, no 11 Mick Kearney, no 26 Jack ( sprig ) Nagle, no 46 Mick Halpin. To answer Fionas question, by the time Ray passed away the Cross was in a bad state of repair, so the lights never worked after that, the old wooden cross was replaced by the present one in 1974. Regards, Kevin Ryan.
Noel Byrne submitted the following information: No 4 Nora O Shea Quartercross, 7 Pat Byrne Claremore, 8 Tom O Connell Burke St, 21 Mrs Phil Darcy Killusty, 25 Connie Ryan Killurney, 25 Jim Kenny Grove Young Adult, 26 Jack Sprig Nagle Tinrush, 27 Pa Gleeson Cloran, 34 Sheehan ?, 38 Tommy Pollard Quartercross, 49 Mick Halpin Killusty South, 54 Jim Darcy Killusty South, 66 May Lonergan Helper to 65 Mary Barnable Hill Wall, 11 Is a Kearney Jack or Frank Killusty, These are some of the people I recognised Noel.
Fiona Taylor replied with the following information request: My grandmother was the last of my family branch to live in Killusty so it's probably a bit easier for me to notice resemblances. "Sheila's identification is really interesting as I was questioning no.59's identity. When I looked at no.59 first I thought of my granduncle Ray Dunne because they look very similar but then it dawned on me it wasn't Ray because the man in the photo was too old. However, now that we know no.59 is a Ryan I have more questions because I know my GGG grandmother was Bridget Darcy née Ryan. Bridget was Ray's grandmother. Would anyone know if there are any connections between Joe Ryan and the Darcys? Kind Regards, Fiona."
Sheila Corbett identified her parents: Holy year cross photo. No 59 is Joe Ryan and 60 is Dolly Ryan, Roebucksland, Fethard.
Fiona Taylor : Sent us the following Information:
"Jim Corr of Cappadrummin is my great granduncle and I believe he is the balding gentleman marked no.13.
Jim passed away just a few years after this photo was taken in 1954 aged just 53.
The gentleman next to him marked no.15 is quiet possibly his brother John (Jack) Corr...
Their 1st cousin Jim Darcy is the gentleman front left marked no. 54.
My grandaunt Alice O'Neill nee Dunne is definitely the lady marked no.44.
The boy marked no.10 looks like Johnny Sheehan..?
The boy marked no.11 maybe Christy Williams..?
The boy marked no.48 maybe a Byrnes..?
To me the lady in the hat marked No.5 looks quiet like an elderly Hannah Darcy nee Curran mother of afore mentioned Jim Darcy and the girl next to her marked no.4 looks quiet like her daughter Bridget Penfold nee Darcy (1912-1991)...
However, Hannah passed away in 1946 so if this picture dates to the 1950s it couldn't be her..?
If not then it's quiet possibly someone related to them..?
Hannah's grandmother was Mary Walsh sister of my GGG grandmother Ellen Corr née Walsh. There's a double marriage connection so basically two Darcy siblings married two 'Walsh' 2nd cousins.
I know my granduncle Ray Dunne took on the responsibility of tending to the light on top of Slievenamon after my great granduncle Jim Corr passed away. Sadly Ray passed away at a young age also at the age of 52 in 1978 when his family were still young and I don't know who tended to the light and cross after this."
The Cross on Slievenamon – a historic day in 1950!
A special contributor gives this impression of the first pilgrimage to Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon, which took place on Sunday, November 12, 1950.
"It was a pity the day was so bad", "We had great compassion for ye on Sunday". These were some of the phrases that greeted us as we returned from the blessing of the Cross on Slievenamon. But, fellow pilgrims, did not need these words of pity and compassion after Sunday's ceremony. The climb was stiff and steep; it was rough and wet. At times we had hardly enough breath to sing our hymns or to answer our rosaries on the pilgrimage up to this cross. A sleety shower caught us on the bleak bear mountainside, but not one turned back.
It blew a gale at the Cross as His Grace Most Rev. Dr O'Donnell gave his triple episcopal benediction to his noble memorial of the Holy Year and the Dogma of the Assumption. His grace sprinkled it with holy water from the sprig of the mountain heather and then humbly kissed the base of the cross.
The wind still tugged and tore at us as we devoutly, up there, high praised above the plains of Tipperary, answered Mary's prayer and as we listened to His Graces address, and Canon Ryan’s, both of which breathed forth our strong Catholic faith, and love for famed gentle, beautiful Slievenamon.
We witnessed with pleasure the rewarding of the committee who were responsible for promoting and erecting the cross.
Each member was presented to His Grace, who gave each one a medal His Grace brought just recently from Rome. The medals bear on one side the profile of Our Holy Father and on the other a beautiful representation of Our Lady being assumed into Heaven. And those men – Michael Mulcahey, Jim Corr, Dan Davis, Michael Byrne – and all the rest, indeed deserve reward for work so well done.
The wind blew all that time, fierce and strong, but thank God and Our Lady, there was no rain. Were we sorry we went up? On the country, we were glad and delighted, I may say.
We had, high up there, a sense of achievement, or triumphing over difficulties, of having made a true pilgrimage, of having gone, in some sense, the ‘Way of the cross’.
The memories of that day will never die – to see Bill Prout carry out the pilgrimage cross exultingly and joyously at the head of our procession; to see His Grace of Brisbane, make the last difficult ascent as a humble pilgrim on foot of the mist of pilgrims; to see Canon Ryan so boldly ride his white horse to the Cross – these are things we shall always remember.
Yes November 12, 1950, on Slievenamon will always be a historic in our lives."
Faces and Places from the Past
This week we have a variety of photographs taken at a Coolmore Family Sports Day held on June 9, 1996. 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
Coolmore Family Sorts Day, June 9, 1996
Coolmore Family Sorts Day, June 9, 1996
Coolmore Family Sorts Day, June 9, 1996
Coolmore Family Sorts Day, June 9, 1996
Coolmore Family Sorts Day, June 9, 1996
Coolmore Family Sorts Day, June 9, 1996
Coolmore Family Sorts Day, June 9, 1996.
Coolmore Family Sorts Day, June 9, 1996
Coolmore Family Sorts Day, June 9, 1996
Coolmore Family Sorts Day, June 9, 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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