Fethard Men’s Shed ask for your support

Fethard Men's Shed GoFundMe page CLICK HERE

Fethard Men’s Shed are appealing to everyone to please give your support to us at the Men's Shed situated at Fethard Town Park.  We have now set up our own GoFundMe appeal to raise essential funds for installation of two basic but essential needs, running water and electricity, which are both vital for the survival of our Men’s Shed going forward.

We aim to raise €15,000 to €20,000 to cover the costs of installing electricity and water to our premises. Without these vital connections to work lighting, heating, power for tools, and running water for comfort and hygiene, the future of the Men's Shed is at risk. It will also mean so much for our members’ wellbeing and health.

We feel the Men's Shed, plays a crucial role in supporting men's health and wellbeing, particularly in rural communities. They help combat isolation, depression, and loneliness by giving men purpose, routine, and companionship. Therefore, your donation no matter how small, will help secure the future of Men's Shed Fethard and ensure that we provide this vital space for years to come. GoFundMe Page CLICK HERE

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday night, March 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.

2025 South GAA Board Awards Presentation

Photographed at the 2025 South Board GAA Award presentations are Back L to R: Willie Morgan (Chairman Fethard Cub), Catriona Davey, Caroline Sheehan, Carri Davey, Emily Davey, Marty Davey, Ben Allen. Front L to R: Noel Byrne, Jack Davey JFB, Joedy Sheehan IF, Tommy Sheehan, Tommy Sheehan Jnr, and Miceál McCormack.

On Friday, February 13, 2026, over 200 attended the presentation of the 2025 South Board GAA Awards, in Cahir House Hotel. Fethard club were well represented with the Intermediate Football Award going to Joedy Sheehan (Fethard), and the Junior Football B Award going to Jack Davey (Fethard). It is great to see our players been rewarded for their services to the GAA. A great night was had by all.


Recipients of the 2025 South Board GAA Awards, presented in Cahir House Hotel on Friday, February 13, 2026.


Joedy Sheehan receiving the Intermediate Football Award presented at the 2025 South Board GAA Awards presentations held in Cahir House Hotel on Friday, February 13, 2026.


Jack Davey receiving the Junior Football B Award presented at the 2025 South Board GAA Awards presentations held in Cahir House Hotel on Friday, February 13, 2026.


Joedy Sheehan photograsphed with family members after receiving the Intermediate Football Award presented at the 2025 South Board GAA Awards presentations held in Cahir House Hotel on Friday, February 13, 2026.
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Parish Church Lotto Draw Results
There was no jackpot winner in the Parish Lotto on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The numbers drawn were 1, 5, 13, and 16. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Sally Hayes. Next week's draw takes place on Thursday, March 5, when the Jackpot is €4,800.

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 'Split The Cash' Community Draw

CLICK HERE 
to enter the next draw online!

Congratulations to Helen & Paul Besso, who won this week’s Community ‘Split the Cash’ draw for €186 on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Ticket was drawn by Mark Sullivan. 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, March 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. CLICK HERE  to play online.

GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 2, 11, 15 and 31. We had no Jackpot winner and no Match 3 winner. One lucky dip winner received €100: Sharron O'Meara. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, March 3, 2025, when the jackpot is €8,600.

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.

Tipperary Ladies U10 team impress at Clonmel
Tipperary’s U10 Ladies Football team delivered a successful display during the halftime mini-game played at the Tipperary v Monaghan Lidl NFL Division 2 clash at Clonmel Sportsfield. The young players brought energy and skill, entertaining the crowd and showcasing bright future talent. Well done to all involved! Back L to R: Anna Mai Guiry, Grace Sheehan, Lily Rose Fogarty, Abby O'Donnell, Jessica Thompson, Fiadh Dillon. Front L to R: Emma Boland, Annalese O'Meara, Aisling O'Meara, Daisy Egan, Mary Glynn, Caoimhe Kennedy, and Sophia Lawlor.

Congratulations to Cathal Brett

Congratulations to Cathal Brett who was our recent winner of the Split the Pot draw worth €523 on February 22. Our next draw takes place on March 8, to be in with chance to win, CLICK HERE to buy a ticket online or, tickets can also be purchased in local Fethard shops. Thanks to everyone for their support.

If you'd like to enter every draw without trying to remember each week, you can join online and set up a recurring purchase — one quick setup and you’re automatically entered every time. Alternatively Envelopes can be purchased locally at €2 each or three for €5, The next dray takes place on his Sunday, March 8, in Burke’s Bar. Thank you all for your continued support. CLICK HERE to entry online for our next draw.

Community Awareness Night – a great success!

Guest speakers at the Community Awareness Evening held on Tuesday, February 17, at the Convent Community Hall. L to R: John Leahy, Drug Education Officer HSE; local lady Tracey Lawrence, who spoke about her personal journey to recovery; and Joe Leahy, founder C-Saw Suicide Awareness Group.

What an incredible turnout Fethard & Killusty Community Council had at their Community Awareness Evening held on Tuesday, February 17, when the Convent Community Hall was absolutely packed! A huge thank you to everyone who came along to support such an important and meaningful evening focused on awareness around drink, drugs, and suicide. These conversations are not always easy, but they are so necessary.
We would like to sincerely thank our three fantastic speakers: John Leahy, Drug Education Officer HSE; Joe Leahy, founder C-Saw Suicide Awareness Group and special guest local lady Tracey Lawrence, who spoke about her personal journey to recovery. Each speaker delivered powerful and informative talks, and we are so grateful for the honesty and insight they shared.


Guest speaker Tracey Lawrence (right) photographed with her supportive daughter Ava, after receiving a special boquet of flowers.

A very special mention to Tracey. We cannot praise her enough for speaking so openly and bravely about her road to recovery. Tracey's courage, honesty, and strength was truly inspiring. You should be incredibly proud of yourself – you were absolutely amazing. Tracey’s daughter Ava was there to support her mam, and the incredible strong bond between mother and daughter was very obvious on the night.

Tracey made the following comments afterwards:“If you had asked me two-and-a-half years ago to speak in the Convent Hall, Fethard, alongside John Leahy and Joe Leahy, I would of said, ‘not a hope’. But this is one of the joys of ‘recovery’ – it gives you your confidence back, along with the determination to help others."
“What a great evening on Tuesday, raising awareness surrounding addiction and suicide. I was very grateful to be a part of it. Thanks to Pamela Sweeney, John Leahy and Joe Leahy who all made me feel so welcome, and thanks for the beautiful bouquet of flowers I received – it made my night  – it’s not often I say it, but I'm proud of myself!"

Thanks again to everyone who attended and supported this community awareness event. Together, by raising awareness and having these important conversations, we can continue to support and strengthen our community in Fethard.

Removal to Holy Trinity Parish Church, Main Street, Fethard, (E91 FD85) on Friday, February 20, 2026, where he will repose between 5pm and 7pm. Funeral Mass on Saturday February 21, at 11am, in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Messages of condolence can be left online by CLICKING HERE. May he rest in peace.

Died Recently in Australia
The deaths have occurred recently in Australia of a brother and sister formerly from Coleman, Fethard. Peter O'Connell (died February 2026) and his sister Mary Hopkins, née O'Connell (died December 2025). Both Mary, in her 97th year, and Peter, in his early eighties, emigrated to Melbourne many years ago but never lost their love for Ireland and in particular the Fethard area. Both travelled home whenever they could, to visit family and friends.

Peter was a great lover of the Fethard and Killusty Emigrants’ Newsletter and, over the years, some of his many photographs appeared in the newsletter. He travelled back nearly every second year and, on his visits, took the opportunity to research his family tree, The amount of information and old photographs he gathered and recorded is amazing. He was rarely seen without a camera in his hand.


O'Connell family from Coleman photographed at a past family reunion. L to R: Mary Hopkins, Tommy O'Connell, Josie (O'Connell) Gildea, Joe O'Connell Margaret Croke, Connie O''Connell, Peter O'Connell and James O'Connell. (Missing are Nora Heffernan, Jackie O'Connell, Kilsheelan; Michael O'Connell, Paddy O'Connell, Billy O'Connell.)

A few years ago, on one of his many fact-finding research visits, he went up to the Ryan's former home on Slievenamon This house was next to Pat Maher's home where Maggie Maher, the woman who saved Emily Dickinson' s poetry in America, came from. Mary and Peter were from a large family, some of whom emigrated to England and Australia, while others lived locally.


One of the many interesting photographs that Peter O'Connell supplied to the Fethard & Killusty Newsletter. L to R: Pat Halpin, Quartercross, Josie O'Connell, Coleman, and Nicky O'Shea, Quartercross.

No doubt Peter is busy researching the family tree in his new home. Peter's ashes will be brought home to Fethard later this year, to be interred with his beloved parents, Mick and Ellen O'Connell, in Calvary Cemetery.

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.

Fethard Bridge Club

The results of our game on February 4th were:

• 1st Nett Tadhg O'Connor and John Woodlock
  
• 2nd Nett Marie Holohan and Margaret Greene
  
• 3rd Nett Bill O'Sullivan and Noel O'Dwyer
• 1st Gross Carmel Condon and Brendan Kenny
  
• 2nd Gross Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh
  
• 3rd Gross Judy Doyle and Bernie Phelan

On February 11th we played the second round of our Player of the Year competition which was a change of partner and the results were:

• 1st Nett Anna Cooke and David O'Meara
  
• 2nd Nett Ann O'Dea and Noel O'Dwyer
  
• 3rd Nett Margaret Greene and Majella Smyth
• 1st Gross Gemma Burke and Betty Walsh
  
• 2nd Gross Eileen Ryan and Brendan Kenny
  
• 3rd Gross Carmel Condon and Bernie Phelan

The results of our game on February 18th were:

• 1st Nett Rita Holohan and Eileen Ryan
  
• 2nd Nett Bill O'Sullivan and Noel O'Dwyer
  
• 3rd Nett Margaret Slattery and Kathleen Maher
• 1st Gross Anna Cooke and Eileen Frewen
  
• 2nd Gross Monica Anglim and Betty Walsh
  
• 3rd Gross Bridget Cuddihy and Dena Mulcahy

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

Ballroom Dancing Classes in Fethard Ballroom


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!

Fethard’s Oldest Citizen in 1980


This photograph was taken in 1980 for the Fethard & Killusty Emigrants' Newsletter to go with an article 'Fethard’s Oldest Citizen' published below. Pat O’Shea, born in 1888, was Fethard’s oldest citizen in 1980. Pat is photographed above with his wife Kathleen (Farrell) whom he married in 1924. They had four daughters Joanna, Mary, Nellie and Peggy.

Article from the Emigrants' Newsletter published 1980

"Pat O’Shea is Fethard’s Oldest Citizen. Born in 1888, he celebrated his 92nd birthday on September 16, 1979. Pat, stocky and well built, his appearance belying his age, can recall his long life in great detail.

He was born, the fourth child in a family of nine to James O’Shea and his wife Johanna of Curraghscarteen in the parish of Fethard. The oldest of four boys, he remembers that growing up in the latter part of the last century was not easy, especially if you lived in the country.

Having attended Moyglass School where he got a good basic education, he was forced by circumstances to quit school early in life and got work with local farmers to supplement the family income. His father was killed by a cattle-train at Blacksbridge not far from Fethard in 1905 and times got tougher still. That very same year he started work with the railway. He was employed as a plate layer with wages at seventeen shillings and six pence per week. He recalls the paycar arriving from Dublin every fortnight to pay the workmen, who numbered about 60. Fethard station was the headquarters for this large workforce and was a dominating factor in the life of the town. During a strike in 1911 the British Army were forced to replace the men, including the train drivers. However, the strike did not last long and things soon got back to normal.

Pat left the railway in 1914 and joined the British Army - to fight for small nations as he thought. He trained at the Curragh and was shipped to France in 1915. He spent three long years as a Lance-Corporal with the Flying Machine Corps for the duration of the First World War. He took part in all the great battles including the battle of Mons and the battle of Somme. The principal task of his outfit was to launch a barrage on the enemy trenches prior to an assault. Many of his friends did not survive but Pat was more fortunate and came home in 1918. He returned to his old job on the railways.

1919 saw him with the Denis Lacey Flying Colum where he put his vast knowledge of army life at the disposal of his fellow Irishmen in their war against the Black and Tans. He was missing from work on many occasions and was only saved from discovery by the help of a friendly supervisor.

In 1924 Pat married Kathleen Farrell and lived in a house on Rocklow Road prior to moving to his present home in St. Patricks place. He has four daughters Joanna, Mary, Nellie and Peggy. In 1953 he retired and has spent most of his life since then working with local people. The people of Fethard are proud to have Pat O’Shea as their oldest member and wish him many more years of happy life."
–Fethard & Killusty Emigrants Newsletter 1980

Faces and Places from the Past
This week we look back to the 1970s with some taken at the Fethard & Killusty Community Council's fundraising Race Night Dance held in 1978 at Fethard Ballroom. 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

Presentation in 1978 of a Cheque for £250 from AIB Bank to members of the Fethard Community Council, towards the cost of the renovations at Fr. Tirry Community Centre, Barrack Street. L to R: Jimmy McInerney, Tom Butler, Percy O’Donnell, Austin O’Flynn, Tim Slattery (Manager AIB Bank, Fethard), Fr. John Stapleton, Peter Colville and Jerry Skehan.


Photographed at the Fethard & Killusty Community Council's Race Night Dance in 1978, are L to R: Gemma Kenny, Pat Walsh, Philly Kenny, and a son of Mary Murphy (Woodvale Walk).


Photographed at the Fethard & Killusty Community Council's Race Night Dance in 1978, are L to R: Joan Culligan, Pat Culligan, Bill Maher and Babe Maher.


Photographed at the Fethard & Killusty Community Council's Race Night Dance in Fethard Ballroom, 1978, are L to R: Margaret Ward, Kitty Martin and Paddy Martin, Berna Morrissey and Dan Morrissey.


Photographed at the Fethard & Killusty Community Council's Race Night Dance in Fethard Ballroom, 1978, are L to R: Rena McGrath, Margaret Lonergan, Jim Butler and Celia Allen.


Photographed at the Fethard & Killusty Community Council's Race Night Dance in Fethard Ballroom, 1978, are L to R: Carmel Rice, Dermot Rice, Catherine Ryan, Jimmy Connolly and Ann Connolly.


Photographed at the Fethard & Killusty Community Council's Race Night Dance in Fethard Ballroom, 1978, are L to R: Mary Fallon, Betty Holohan (née O’Donnell), and Rose Henehan.

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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