Johnny Sheehan celebrates his remarkable 101st birthday

Johnny Sheehan photographed on the occasion of his 101st Birthday celebrated on January 27, 2026, with his two daughters Phyllis and Terri. Johnny also received a specially crafted cake for the occasion in the form of a lathe (in front) made by his niece Audrey Looby. Happy Birthday Johnny.

Johnny Sheehan, a beloved native of Fethard, Co. Tipperary, recently reached the extraordinary age of 101 years, a milestone that resonates deeply within the local community. Known throughout the town for his craftsmanship, warmth and unwavering spirit, Johnny has lived a life defined by hard work, creativity and a deep connection to his roots in St Patrick’s Place. Born on January 27, 1925, Johnny has seen a century of change in Ireland and in Fethard, yet his commitment to his craft and his community has remained constant.


Johnny Sheehan photographed with his brother Michael, on the occasion of his 101st Birthday celebrated on January 27, 2026

A carpenter by training, Johnny’s love for wood led him to become an accomplished woodturner, creating beautifully crafted pieces — from lamp stands and candlesticks to bowls and pens — in the workshop at the rear of his home. Even in his centenarian years, he continued to enjoy his work, often seen at the lathe after lunch, delighting in the tactile joy of shaping wood and sharing his skill with friends and family. His artistry and dedication earned him admiration far beyond the town, representing the enduring value of traditional craft.


Johnny Sheehan photographed on the occasion of his 101st Birthday celebrated on January 27, 2026, with a specially crafted cake in the form of a lathe made by his niece Audrey Looby.

Friends, relatives and neighbours marked Johnny’s 101st birthday with great affection and joy, not just as a craftsman, but as an embodiment of the resilient spirit of Fethard. His life story, rich with experience and community involvement, continues to inspire younger generations who admire his zest for life and his refusal to 'retire' from the things he loves most.

Fethard's 2001 Senior Football team honoured at Fethard GAA Dinner Dance

Fethard 2001 Senior Football team that were honoured at the Fethard GAA Club’s Dinner Dance held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Hotel Minela, Clonmel. Back L to R: Tommy Sheehan, Noel Byrne (secretary), Brian Burke, Paul Fitzgerald, Miceál Spillane, Tom Mansfield (manager), Michael Ahearne, Pat Sheehan (selector), Kenneth Byrne. Middle L to R: Stephen O’Donnell, John Paul Looby, Damien Byrne, Martin Ryan, Michael Dillon, Michael Fitzgerald. Front L to R: Tommy Gahan, Kenneth O’Donnell, Conor McCarthy, Glen Burke, Tom Anglim, Michael Quinlan, Willie Morrissey, Brian Coen, and Danny Kane (selector).

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, Fethard GAA Adult Club held a very successful Dinner Dance in Hotel Minela, Clonmel, with an attendance more than 120.  The club were celebrating their very successful year 2025 on the playing fields of South Tipperary, winning four South titles – three football and one hurling – Intermediate football, Junior ‘B’ football, U19 ‘A’ football, and U21 ‘B’ hurling. On the night the cub also honoured the Senior Football Team of 2001 that won Fethard’s 21st County Title, a record held until last year and which was also our last senior title win.


South Champions – Fethard Intermediate Football Team 2025, photographed at the Fethard GAA Club’s Dinner Dance held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Hotel Minela, Clonmel.

The evening commenced with a lovely meal at 8pm, after which the medal presentation took place directed by club chairman Wilie Morgan, secretary Johnny Neville, and Brian Delahunty. All recipients receiving a tremendous applause throughout.


South Champions – Fethard Junior B Football Team 2025, photographed at the Fethard GAA Club’s Dinner Dance held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Hotel Minela, Clonmel.

Noel Byrne then addressed the gathering, giving a synopsis of the club back in 2001, stating from the records that, Fethard U17 Footballers won the County League and the Jim Frawley Cup; the U21 ‘A’ footballers won the South and County (after a replay); the Junior ‘B’ lost the South semifinal after a replay; the Intermediate footballers also lost the South semifinal. The Senior football team won the Clonmel Oil South League; the County League after a replay; the County Senior Football title. They qualified for the Munster Club Championship final and lost to Nemo Rangers on a scoreline, Nemo Rangers, Cork 1-11, Fethard, Tipperary 0-10.

Clip from the 2001 Munster Club Football Final Fethard v Nemo Rangers

The senior team played eighteen games during that year, with the U21 ‘B’ hurlers also winning the South title, and losing the County semifinal, after a replay. The year ended with Tommy Sheehan and Brian Burke both retired having given nineteen years of service to the Fethard senior team.


South Champions – Fethard U21 Hurling Team 2025, photographed at the Fethard GAA Club’s Dinner Dance held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Hotel Minela, Clonmel.

Michael Quinlan, captain of 2001 team then thanked team manager, Tom Mansfield, selectors Danny Kane, Pat Sheehan, the late Jimmy O’Shea and Buddy Fitzgerald, for assisting the manager during the year.  On behalf of the club, he then wished a speedy recovery to Cian Maher, who just returned home from hospital on Friday, and who was player in 2001.  
Great banter was then enjoyed by all present followed by tremendous applause before moving on to the presentations to the 2001 players and selectors, made by Noel Byrne, Life President, Fethard GAA Club.  The presentation was followed by a great night of music and also a display of memorabilia from 2001, including photos, scrapbook, records book, jacket sponsored by Coolmore, that was very much appreciated by all present.


South Champions – Members of the Fethard U19 ‘A’ Football Team 2025, photographed at the Fethard GAA Club’s Dinner Dance held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Hotel Minela, Clonmel.

GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 1, 13, 14 and 16. We had no Jackpot winner and no Match 3 winner.. One lucky dip winner received €100: Susan McCormack. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, February 3, 2025, when the jackpot is €7,800.

The Committee of Fethard GAA / Sports Centre Development Lotto would like to thank all our supporters near and far who participate in our weekly Lotto.

County U23 & Masters Cross Country Championships

Jack Davey on his way to be crowned U23 champion.

Fethard AC hosted the County U23 & Masters Cross Country Championships last Sunday at Rice’s Farm, Brookhill, and it proved to be a hugely successful and memorable day for the club. Competing on a challenging, true cross-country course, Fethard AC athletes delivered outstanding performances across all categories. With multiple individual and team podium finishes, the highlight of the day was being crowned 2025 Best XC Team, proudly taking home the Josie Garrett Cup for the second year running—a fitting reward for the dedication, consistency, and participation shown throughout the season.

Jack Davey produced a superb run to claim the U23 County title, finishing in 33:29. Jack showed strength and composure throughout the demanding course, pulling clear of the field to secure a well-deserved gold medal and lead the U23 men with distinction.


Fethard Athletic Club members photographed after receiving the Josie Garrett Cup for the second year running — a fitting reward for the dedication, consistency, and participation shown throughout the season.

Fintan Rice once again demonstrated his class with an exceptional performance, finishing 3rd overall and taking 1st place in the O60 category in a time of 30:10. His result was a key factor in multiple team successes on the day. James Maher ran strongly to secure 2nd place in the O45 category, crossing the line in 30:50, contributing significantly to the O35 team victory. Michael Power back from injury, claiming 1st place in the O35 category with a solid run of 31:00, adding another individual title to the club’s tally. Aidan O’Brien followed closely, finishing 2nd O35 in 34:06, rounding out a dominant O35 team performance. James Denn put in a determined effort to finish in 35:24, handling the tough terrain well. Neilie Hall ran consistently throughout to finish in 37:40, later playing a vital role in the O50 team result. John Hurley completed the 7km course in 37:47, contributing to the club’s team success and showing great grit on demanding ground.

The Men’s O35 team of Fintan Rice, James Maher, Michael Power, and Aidan O’Brien claimed 1st place, while the Men’s O50 team of Fintan Rice, Neilie Hall, and John Hurley secured an excellent 2nd place.

Matty Fleming delivered a standout performance in the Men’s O65 race, taking 1st place in a time of 21:04. His run was controlled and confident, earning him a deserved county title. Mike Croome-Carroll put in a strong and determined performance in the Men’s O70 category, finishing 3rd place with a time of 27:58. His effort added yet another individual podium finish to Fethard AC’s impressive medal haul on the day.

Carol Molloy led the women’s field with an outstanding run, finishing 3rd overall and claiming 1st place O35 in 17:50, setting the standard for the Fethard AC women. Jessica Kennedy followed with a strong performance, finishing 6th overall and 2nd O35 in 18:08, contributing to team success. Tanya O’Brien ran well to finish in 19:56, completing the O35 team podium. Paula Hendriksen put in a solid run to finish in 20:50, later helping secure a team bronze in the O45 category. Áine Doocey showed great determination, finishing in 21:28 and taking 3rd place O50. Marie Carroll crossed the line in 21:45, maintaining a strong and steady pace throughout. Oonagh Burke finished in 22:16, contributing to the women’s O45 team podium. Theresa Coffey ran consistently to finish in 23:07, closely followed by Deirdre Royce in 23:17. Lisa Williams completed the course in 23:30, showing strong endurance. Isobel Minogue finished in 23:47, earning 3rd place O55 with a fine performance. Siobhán Maher ran well to finish in 25:21, while Teresa Hurley followed in 26:53. Lorraine Kennedy and Ann Tillyer finished in 29:25 and 29:36 respectively, battling bravely over the tough terrain. Susan Laste capped off the women’s results with a strong run, finishing in 32:23 and taking 2nd place O60.

The women’s teams also impressed, with the O35 team of Carol Molloy, Jessica Kennedy, and Tanya O’Brien finishing 3rd, while the O45 team of Paula Hendriksen, Oonagh Burke, and Áine Doocey also secured 3rd place.

A huge well done to all Fethard AC athletes who represented the club with pride and determination. Special thanks to the Rice family, our committee members, stewards, volunteers, bakers, and everyone who helped in any way to ensure the smooth running of the County Masters Cross Country Championships. Their support and hard work were truly the icing on the cake for a fantastic day!

Fethard Bridge Club
Bridge resumed on January 14 after our Christmas break and the results of the game that night were:

• 1st Nett Anna Cooke and Eileen Frewen
• 2nd Nett Kathleen Maher and Margaret Slattery
• 3rd Nett Margaret Greene and Marie Holohan
• 1st Gross Rita Kane and David O'Meara
• 2nd Gross Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh
• 3rd Gross Carmel Condon and Brendan Kenny

Bridge continues every Wednesday night in the Ballroom at 7pm. New members welcome.

The Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2026 Awards – the Fethard connection!
Great news from this year's Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition was that Mary Gorey (ex Fethard and now teaching in St Joseph's College Borrisoleigh) was the recipient of the Amgen Educator of Excellence Award.


Amgen Biological & Ecological Educator of Excellence Award presented by Country Senior Manager, Amgen Caitriona Duggan to winner Mary Gorey from St Josephs College in Tipperary.

Introduction by Professor Pat Guiry


Stripe YSTE 26 Opening Ceremony Introduction delivered by former Fethard man, Professor Pat Guiry, chair of the board of the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.

'Widows' Paradise' – SOLD OUT!
Members of the cast photographed after their performance on Tuesday night to a hugely enthusiastic audience in the Abymill Theatre. L to R: Niamh Hayes, Shane Kenny, Mary Boland-Prendergast, Joe Hanley, Ann Walsh, Liam O'Connor, Una Kiernan, P.J. Henehan, Owen Healy, and Lisa Anglim. The play is produced by Marian Gilpin.

What's On Clonmel – weekly guide to entertainment

Welcome to the online version of What’s On Clonmel, your weekly guide to events and entertainment. Find your copy in pubs and shops across town, or subscribe to receive it in your inbox. Now you can also browse and submit events in our interactive calendar!

Big Picture: A view of Fethard from the late 1800s

"A picture is worth a thousand words" is an adage in multiple languages meaning that complex and sometimes multiple ideas can be conveyed by a single still image, which conveys its meaning or essence more effectively than a mere verbal description.

This photograph of Fethard has the potential to raise a thousand questions about the forgotten and lost features of our town from the late 1800s to early 1900s. Take a closer look and see if you spot any changes from today's world and maybe a few words that will help explain to those unaware.

The Photographer
On March 20, 1865, at the age of 24, William Mervin Lawrence opened a Photographic Studio opposite the GPO at Sackville Street, Dublin. Over the years the studio successfully photographed the length and breadth of Ireland. The collection consists of 40,000 glass plates mainly from the period 1880-1914, but some plates go back to 1870.

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 further information or questions, 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 received over 20 years ago from the family album of the late musician Johnny Casey, Cahir, and who formerly lived in the The Valley Fethard, where most of these photographs were taken. We invite people to let us know any 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

Johnny Casey celebrating his 21st Birthday


Neighbours Bill Mulligan and Johnny Casey playing some music at The Valley


Group photographed at The Valley L to R: Johnny Casey (father), John Casey, Kit (Catherine) Mackey (mother) and Johnny Mackey (uncle), Mary Cassidy (sister). In front Molly Mackey (grandmother) and child is Eileen Cassidy (niece).


L to R: Johnny Casey (sen), Mary Cassidy, Kit Mackey, Kathleen Jenkins (sister), Johnny Casey. Front: Joan Jenkins, Eileen Cassidy and Kathleen Jenkins.


We think this lady is Maggie O'Brien. She lived in The Valley and died around the time we went to live there in the nineteen-fifties. We eventually moved in to her house which had three bedrooms and a loft and seemed like a palace compared to the one-roomed house we had been living in. It must be a very old photo as she seems much younger than the old lady with a shawl that I remember from around 1955-56, in my pre-school days. I showed it to my mother and she thought it was a young Maggie as well. Wasn't a hundred per cent sure, though. The late Nellie Shortall would probably have remember her more clearly.


Winnie Caplice and Johnny Casey photographed on their wedding day by Justin Nelson on April 23, 1958


Three men ?


Johnny Mackey and John Casey

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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