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Clonmel Historical and Archaeological Society
Clonmel Historical and Archaeological Society will host a lecture, ‘Medieval Clonmel and Old St. Mary’s Church’ on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 8.15pm in the Main Guard Clonmel, delivered by Professor Tadhg O’Keeffe, Full Professor of Archaeology, School of Archaeology, College of Social Sciences and Law, University College Dublin.
The lecture will examine the development of medieval Clonmel and Old Saint Mary’s Church, with particular emphasis on the historical and archaeological relationship between the town and the church. Drawing on archaeological and historical evidence, Professor O’Keeffe will explore the role of Old Saint Mary’s within the broader urban and ecclesiastical context of medieval Clonmel.
This is a unique opportunity to gain insight into Clonmel’s rich archaeological heritage from one of the field’s leading experts.
Doors will open at 7.30pm at the Main Guard, Clonmel, and the lecture commences at 8.15pm. Clonmel Historical and Archaeological Society will also accept membership renewals and new memberships at €10. Admission for members is €5, and non-members €7. Further information contact: Donal Ryan (President and Acting Secretary), Telephone: 087 641 4979 or Email: donal.ryan@mail.com
Tipperary People & Places Lecture Series
Tipperary People & Places Lecture Series February Lecture takes place on Tuesday, February 17, at 7pm in The Source, Thurles. Guest speaker is Dr. Niamh NicGhabhann Coleman, from UL, and the title of her talk is 'Catholic churches and chapels before and after Emancipation'.
Doagh Equestrian Clearance Sale
 Doagh Equestrian will hold their 'Pop-Up' Clearance Sale at Fethard Convent Community Hall on Friday, February 27, from 4pm to 7pm, with Bargains Galore available for all interested.
Community Awareness Evening on Tuesday, Feb 17
Fethard & Killusty Community Council is proud to support and host this important 'Community Awareness Evening' on Tuesday, February 17, at Fethard Convent Community Hall, Lower Main Street, Fethard, from7.30pm to 9pm. This is a free, open community event focused on Education, Awareness, Hope, including a positive conversation about mental health, addiction and recovery. We encourage everyone to come along, listen, and take part. Together, we can support one another and strengthen our community's requirements. Guest speakers include:
- John Leahy, Drug Education Officer HSE
- Joe Leahy, founder C-Saw Suicide Awareness Group
- Tracey Lawrence, local lady speaking about her personal journey to recovery.
All are welcome and refreshments will be served afterwards.
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.
Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday night, February 15, 2026, dancing to the music of, ‘Teddy and Cathal Barry’. 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
The results of our game on January 28 were:
- 1st Nett Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh
- 2nd Nett Geraldine Meagher and Majella Smyth
- 3rd Nett Kathleen Maher and Margaret Slattery
- 1st Gross Anna Cooke and Eileen Frewen
- 2nd Gross Ann O’Dea and Gemma Burke
- 3rd Gross Tony Hanrahan and Billy 0’Sullivan
Bridge continues at 7pm every Wednesday in Fethard Ballroom. New members welcome.
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.
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.
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
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).
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 Michelle Ward who won this week’s Community ‘Split the Cash’ draw for €190. Ticket was drawn by Mary O'Dwyer. 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 12, 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.
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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