Fethard Community Raises €6,620 for Christmas Lights

One hundred-year-old Johnny Sheehan, switching on the Fethard Christmas Lights on Saturday November 29, 2025

The Fethard Business and Tourism Group would like to thank the local community, businesses and supporters after raising a total of €6,620 for the town’s Christmas Lights campaign. This year’s switch-on took place on Saturday, November 29, and was led by special guest Johnny Sheehan (100), local woodturner and lifelong craftsperson, who carried out the honour of lighting the town for Christmas.

The group paid special tribute to David O’Mahoney and his team, who installed and removed the lights and contributed far more time and effort than could ever be counted, along with making a very generous donation to the campaign. Thanks were also extended to Fethard Community Council, who purchased the star for the top of the Christmas tree, a feature that truly completed the display and made the lights stand out across the town.

The Christmas celebrations were supported by the Christmas Market at the Community Convent Hall and the Charity Tractor Run, creating a full weekend of festive activity in Fethard. The Christmas lights not only look wonderful, but they also play an important role in supporting local retail, helping to create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages people to shop locally and enjoy the town centre during the festive season. The campaign also benefited from community cash boxes, which raised €255, and from the generosity of local businesses who provided power access for the lights, including Sadler’s, Coolmore, and O’Sullivan’s.


Over one hundred tractors lined up to take part in the 'Christmas Tractor Run' organised in conjunction with the switching on of the Christmas LIghts in Fethard on Saturday November 29, 2025

The Fethard Business and Tourism Group would also like to acknowledge the support of Tipperary County Council and the @ShopLocalTipperary scheme. A spokesperson for the Fethard Business and Tourism Group said:

“The level of support from the community this year has been extraordinary. From businesses and organisations to individual donors, everyone played a part. We are deeply grateful for the generosity, encouragement and positive feedback we received about the lights.”

The Fethard Business and Tourism Group would also like to thank John Carroll of Mother Hubbard’s and MMT Builders for sponsoring and installing the beautiful Christmas tree, and everyone who supported the Christmas Market festival and contributed in any way to the campaign.

“To everyone who donated, helped, sponsored, volunteered, or simply shared kind words about the lights, thank you. Your support keeps Fethard bright and full of community spirit at Christmas.”

Key Donors and Supporters
The group wishes to sincerely thank the following donors and supporters: Tipperary County Council; Primus Advertising & Marketing; Jack O’Sullivan; Daltons Pharmacy; PJ Hogan of Maher Plant Hire; Rocklow Medical Centre; Tailormade Coaching; ‘Clothes Rack’ Charity Shop, Fethard; Fethard and District Daycare Centre; Fethard Athletics Club; Fethard Historical Society; Henehan Family; Jaco Oosthuysen; Brian Sheehy; Anne Marie Feighery; Caroline Harvey; Des O’Meara Physiotherapy; Frances Harvey; Gemma Burke; Helena O’Meara; Kevin Barrett; Liz Newport; Peter Grant; and Tom Holohan. (Issued by – Fethard Business and Tourism Group).

Tipperariana Book Fair this Sunday February 8

The Tipperariana Book Fair returns to the Ballroom Fethard, Co. Tipperary, E91 AH76 on Sunday February 8, 2026 from 12 noon until 4.30pm. The Fethard Historical Society looks forward to once more hosting what has long been vaunted as “the most successful one-day book fair in Ireland”.

As always, book dealers from all over the country will be present offering a wide variety of books from specialist first editions, historical tomes, children’s books, general interest and popular fiction. There is literally something for everyone and if you can’t find what you’re looking for the dealers will find it for you. Also, if you have valuable books at home, you can bring them along and get them valued without obligation.

Tipperary authors of books published last year will also be in attendance so it’s the ideal opportunity to come along, meet the author and buy a signed copy of that book for which you’ve been waiting.

The Fethard Historical Society also has its own stall offering incredible value in secondhand books of all genres: bestselling popular fiction, thrillers, the classics, children’s books, poetry, gardening books, cookery books etc. It’s another great chance to find a bargain or track down that particular book for which you’ve been searching.

The Book Fair returns with all the individual touches that make it so unique: live music provided by talented Clonmel pianist Eamonn O’Malley, the chance to browse at leisure and the always popular pop-up café featuring tasty treats and home baked goodies.

Admission is €3 and, as always, accompanied children are free making this a family friendly outing. Please note there isn’t an ATM/ Card Machine on site so cash is the order of the day. In the interests of sustainability, it is also suggested that customers bring their own bags.

The Fethard Historical Society is currently accepting donations of books for its stall. Books can be dropped into the Fethard Ballroom on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 10am until 3pm. Any queries can be directed to Mary Hanrahan on 087 900 9722. All proceeds from the Society’s stall go towards funding its activities throughout the year.

St. Vincent de Paul help?
Confirmation and First Communion ceremonies are just around the  corner. Any parent who needs help with the many expenses of this very special time can contact us by approaching any of our members or texting 085 808 6099 in complete confidence and we will be delighted to help in any way we can.

We wish to thank everybody who donated to our Christmas fundraising and also to the very generous shoppers who donate their change to us in the shops and retail premises We really appreciate your support and help

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Saturday, February 7, 2026, of Kathleen Harrington (née Purcell), Rathbritt, Fethard, and formerly of Ballyhenebry, Piltown, Co Kilkenny, peacefully in the tender care of the doctors, nurses and staff of the Oak Ward, Waterford University Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Kathleen, beloved daughter of the late James and Eileen Purcell, and sister of the late Seamus. Sadly missed by her loving husband Jerry; her brothers Eamon, Tom, Joe and Francis and sisters Margaret and Mary (Cooper); brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. May she rest in peace.

Reposing at her residence (E91XR88) this Monday evening from 3pm to 8pm. Closing prayers at 7.30pm. Requiem Mass on Tuesday, February 10, in St Thomas the Apostle Church, Rosegreen at 11am followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery, Fethard. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired to The Oak Ward, South East Palliative Care, University Hospital, Waterford. Messages of condolence for the family may be left online by CLICKING HERE.

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in the Parish Lotto on Thursday, February 5, 2026. The numbers drawn were 2, 5, 9, and 24. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Celina Sheehan. Next week's draw takes place on Thursday, February 12, when the Jackpot is €4,650.

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

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, of Thomas (Tommie) Culligan (Ex Irish Army CQMS0), Oliver Plunkett Hill and Wolfe Tone Park, Fermoy, and formerly, Fethard, Co. Tipperary. Tommie passed away peacefully in his 93rd year in the presence of his family and in the exceptional care of the staff at Amberley Nursing Home Fermoy.

Beloved husband of the late Mary (née Hull), loving father of Mary, Eileen, Sandra, Adrian and Sarah Jane. Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his daughters, son, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, extended family and friends. Rest in peace.

Tommie will repose at Ronayne’s Funeral Home Fermoy.
Visitation on Friday, February 6, from 5.30pm to 7pm. Reception into Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Dublin Road, Fermoy, on Saturday for Requiem Mass at 12 noon, followed by burial afterwards in Kilcrumper old cemetery. Messages of condolence for the family ban be left online by CLICKING HERE

Ballroom Dancing Classes in Fethard Ballroom

GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 18, 19, 23 and 31. We had no Jackpot winner and no Match 3 winner. One lucky dip winner received €100: Anne Marie Kenny. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, February 10, 2025, when the jackpot is €8,000.

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.

Fethard 'Split The Cash' Community Draw

CLICK HERE to enter the next draw online!

Congratulations to Johnny Ryan who won this week’s Community ‘Split the Cash’ draw for €205. Ticket was drawn by Annette O'Donovan. 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, February 5, 2026. 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 scan to pay option. Please remember to fill in all three envelopes if you avail of the 'Three for €5' special offer.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday night, February 8, 2026, dancing to the music of, ‘Michael Sexton’.  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 Bridge Club
On January 21 we played for sponsored prizes and the results were:

• 1st Nett Kathleen Maher and Margaret Slattery (winners of sponsored prize)
• 2nd Nett Geraldine Meagher and Majella Smyth
• 3rd Nett Judy Doyle and Bernie Phelan
• 1st Gross Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh
• 2nd Gross Carmel Condon and Brendan Kenny
• 3rd Gross Anna Cooke and Eileen Frewen

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

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.

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.

Killusty National School now enrolling for September 2026 – support your local schools!


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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