Fethard’s ‘Poetry Day’ celebrated in style
The Poetry Day Ireland celebration has taken place annually in the Fethard Horse Country Experience since it first opened in 2017. Each year it follows the same format but somehow each year evolves with its own dynamic and Thursday, May 28, event was no different. While there was a wide variety of poems, and participants are invited to interpret the theme as they see fit, a very strong romantic element emerged as the afternoon progressed.
Having welcomed those present, Mary Hanrahan referred to this year’s theme ‘Home’. “Home resonates with all of us in various ways - place, people, connections, terms of reference. It evokes safety, security, a sense of belonging and, unhappily, the lack of those things for people who are less fortunate. In Ireland today for many of our young people acquiring a home has become fraught with challenge- something we never saw happening here. On a global scale, we have displacement of peoples, mass emigration and the search for a new home that often entails danger and no certainty of success.”
The poems read reflected that diversity of experience and Mary began to with ‘The House Remembered’ one of the twelve poems showcased as part of Poetry Ireland Day 2026 which may be accessed online at poetryireland.ie Cecily Purcell then introduced a musical element to the proceedings - a first for this event- with Clifford T. Ward’s ‘Home Thoughts from Abroad’.
There were poems such as Michael Walsh’s ‘Blessed’ evoking the strength of childhood memories. Frances O’Connor’s poem ‘Shells’ also harked back to childhood memories as did Geraldine’s ‘Summer Mansion’ and ‘Rhythm by the Sea’. There were tributes to local heroes unknown outside their own community and to those of international national fame such as Napoleon who featured in two of Michael Mallon’s chosen pieces: ‘The Golden Eagle’ by Nellie Bonaparte Wyse and the eponymous ‘Napoleon’. Michael also raised a laugh with his rendition of the witty ‘The Last Bus Home’.
L to R: Catherine O'Flynn, Michael Mallon, Fr. Henry MacNamara OSA, and Mary Hanrahan at Fethard's 'Poetry Day Ireland' held at Fethard Horse Country Experience on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
It is always a pleasure to welcome people who are willing to share their own work and this year Willie O’Meara made his debut with his very evocative poems. The first, ‘The man who lived at 51’ was a tribute to his dad Jim, the second was dedicated to his aunt Clare O’Sullivan, who is so fondly remembered locally, and the third celebrated his boyhood football hero, Joe Keane from the Green. Caroline McGrath gave a lovely a capella rendition of ‘Slán Le Máigh’ by the 18th century poet Aindrias MacCraith, in which he articulates ‘uaigneas’, the profound loneliness of someone banished from his home place.
Carol Kenny injected a welcome note of humour with Pam Ayre’s mischievous ‘The Bunny Home’. Maree Moclair read ‘Rescued Time’ a gently nostalgic poem by Seamus O’Rourke and Rose Dougliss reprised this theme reading ‘Sometimes’ from ‘A Little Pocket Book of Poems’ by Athey Thompson. Local poet Terry Cunningham is a loyal supporter of this annual poetry get-together, and he read his own composition ‘Nowhere’. Kate Corcoran read the extraordinary ‘Home’ a poem depicting the plight of Sudanese refugees ten years ago, a situation which, sadly, has yet to be resolved. Fr. Henry MacNamara chose ‘Following a Lark; A Country Boy Goes to School’ by the Orkney poet, George Mackay Brown, a wonderfully evocative depiction of a boy’s experience of growing up at one with nature while struggling with a hostile school environment.
Mary Hanrahan delivered the final poem of the afternoon, one of her own pieces, the poignant yet hopeful ‘Our House.’ Willie O’Meara brought the event to a close by getting everyone to join in a rousing rendition of the very appropriate ‘Homeward Bound’.
A Midsummer Gathering at Knockelly Castle
A Midsummer Gathering will take place on Saturday, June 20, at 7.30pm at Knockelly Castle featuring a A Summer Solstice Poetry Salon with Clare Mulvany. Including Poetry & Storytelling - Guided Journalling – including homemade seasonal vegetarian dinner. Tickets €65 places limited. Book online at www.knockellycastle.eco or CLICK HERE for more information and booking.
New valuable service for our local community
Fethard & Killusty Community Council is delighted to welcome Barbara to the Tirry Community Centre at Barrack Street. Barbara will be offering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), providing affordable support for people experiencing:
• Depression
• Anxiety-related disorders
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Trauma
• Long-term physical health conditions
CBT is a practical, evidence-based therapy that can help individuals develop effective strategies to manage challenges, improve wellbeing, and build resilience. For further information visit www.open-mind.online
The Community Council is pleased to support this valuable service and make it available within our local community. For a confidential chat with Barbara or to find out more, please call 089 4119576 or email openmind.cbt@gmail.com We wish Barbara every success in her new role at the Tirry Centre and look forward to the positive impact this service will have for local residents.
Died Recently
 The death has occurred on Friday, June 19, 2026, of Liz Curran (née O'Shea), Moyglass, Fethard, and formerly of St Patrick's Place , Fethard), in the wonderful and loving care of the staff of Willowbrook Nursing Home, Mocklers Hill, Fethard. Pre deceased by her husband Tony, her parents Michael and Mary , her brother Tom and sisters Bridget and Mary. Deeply regretted by her son Anthony, brother Michael, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Messages of condolence can be left online by CLICKING HERE
Reposing at McCarthy's Funeral Home, Fethard, on Saturday. June 20, 2026, from 5pm to 7pm. Funeral Mass in St Joseph the Worker Church, Moyglass, on Sunday, June 21. at 10am followed by burial in the adjoining Cemetery. The Mass can be watched online at churchcamlive.ie May she rest in peace.
Parish Church Lotto Results
There was no jackpot winner in the Parish Lotto on Thursday, Thursday, June 18, 2026. The numbers drawn were 3, 10, 14, and 21. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Kathleen Maher. Next week's draw takes place on Thursday, June 25, when the Jackpot 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/fethardkillust
GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, June 16, 2026, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 10, 13, 31 and 34. We had no Jackpot winner and no Match 3 winner. One lucky dip winner Eileen Ryan, received €100. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, when the jackpot is €11,600.
Died Recently in Dublin
 The death has occurred on Friday, June 12, 2026, of Prof. William 'Bill' Thomas Coffey, Monkstown, Dublin, and formerly Fethard, Co. Tipperary. Prof. Dr. William (Bill) Thomas Anthony, retired Professor of Electrical Engineering and Senior Fellow Emeritus, Trinity College, Dublin, died peacefully, with his devoted wife Adrienne in St. Vincents University Hospital. Beloved husband and best friend of Adrienne. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Adrienne, sisters-in-law Paula and Ann, brother-in-law Andrew, cousins, cousins-in-law, colleagues and friends. Rest in peace.
Reposing in Fanagans Carnegies Funeral Home, Monkstown, A94 XK28 on Monday, June 22, 2026, from 6pm to 7pm. Funeral Mass on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 10am in the Church of St. John the Baptist, Blackrock, followed by burial in Bohernabreena Cemetery. Messages of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE
For those who cannot attend, the Mass can be viewed online on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 10am using this link: https://www.churchservices.tv/blackrock.
Fethard 'Split The Cash' Community Draw
PLEASE CLICK TO SUPPORT FETHARD & KILLUSTY
COMMUNITY COUNCIL PROJECTS
BY JOINING OUR WEEKLY DRAW
Click Above to enter
Congratulations to Centra Staff, Fethard,who won this week’s Community ‘Split the Cash’ draw for €186 on Thursday, June 18, 2026. 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, June 25, 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.
Died Recently in Dublin
 The death has occurred on Saturday, June 13, 2026, of Ben 'Kaner' Kane, late of Glasnevin, Dublin 11, and lifelong member of CLG Na Fianna. Ben passed suddenly and unexpectedly. Loving son of Mary and Dermot, beloved brother of Amélie and beloved grandson of Danny and Rita Kane, Kerry Street, Fethard; and Dan and the late Margaret. Sadly missed by his extended family, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, neighbours, friends, teammates and fellow club members. “May He rest in peace.”
Reposing at his home on Thursday evening, June 18, from 4pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass on Friday morning, June 19, at 10am at Our Lady of Dolours Church, Botanic Road, followed by burial at Glasnevin Cemetery. Shorts and trainers welcome. Overflow parking available at CLG Na Fianna. Those who wish to leave a message of condolence for the family online may do so by CLICKING HERE. Please note that the funeral Mass can be viewed online at www.glasnevinparish.ie
No flowers please. Donations in lieu to Pieta House, 6 Lower Main Street, Lucan, Co. Dublin or online click PIETA HOUSE
Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday night, June 21, to the music of 'Limelite'. 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.
Died Recently in Dublin
 The death has occurred on Friday, June 12, 2026, of Dominic 'Dom' Morrissey, Artane, Dublin, and formerly Main Street, Fethard, peacefully in Blackrock Clinic with his daughter Saibh by his side.
Predeceased by his loving wife Mary and his sister Collette, Dom will be very sadly missed by his daughter, son-in-law Thibault, treasured grandchildren Fleur and Margaux, sisters Ann and Amy, brothers J.J. and Colm, sisters-in-law Angela, Deirdre and Geraldine, brother-in-law Brendan, and his extended family, friends and neighbours. Messages of condolence for the family can be left online by CLICKING HERE.
Reposing at his daughter’s home on Tuesday, June 15, from 5pm to 7pm. Funeral Mass in the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Artane on Wednesday, June 17, at 10am. Followed by burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, arriving at 2.30pm approximately.
For those who wish to view Dom's Funeral Mass you can do so by CLICKING HERE. "May he rest in peace."
Fethard Community Games Athletics Evening
Well done to all the athletes for their amazing performances and great team spirit shown at the Fethard Community Games Athletics Evening on June 1, 2026. We are incredibly proud of you all! Pictured below are some of our amazing young athletes with their medals.
County Art & Handwriting Finals
Congratulations to our fantastic young artists on their wonderful achievements at the County Art & Handwriting Finals, held in Cashel on June 6, 2026.
- U8 Boys Art Mahaad Sheikh Fethard-Killusty won 2nd Place.
- U12 Girls Art Hamna Khurram Fethard-Killusty won 2nd Place.
Both have qualified to represent Tipperary at the All-Ireland Community Games Art & Handwriting Finals, taking place on September 5th and 6th 2026 in the Visual Arts Centre, Carlow.
Everyone in Fethard Community Games Committee would like to congratulate Mahaad and Hamna on their fantastic achievements and wish them both the very best of luck representing Tipperary at the All-Ireland Finals.
LADC - Doherty Petri Irish Dance Munster
Congratulations to Erin Byrne who proudly represented LADC Doherty Petri Munster in the recent Mini Munster Dance Championships 2026. Erin competed in U8 at Fó-Chomórtaisí na Mumhan and came 3rd in the Priomh Championship. LADC - Doherty Petri Irish Dance is a Munster based Irish Dance School, trained by All-Ireland, World Champion and Primary school teacher Michelle Lawrence ADCRG and Munster, Irish Champion & Reiki Master Carmel Lawrence ADCRG.
Died Recently in England
 The death has occurred on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, of Maureen 'Mary' Murphy (née O'Connell), Lymm, Warrington, Cheshire, UK, and Lismoynan, Fethard. Maureen died peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her son Patrick, her parents Daniel and Margaret, brothers William, Sean, Frank and Jim and her sister Margaret, Maureen will be deeply missed by her husband Paddy, her children Jacqueline and Peter, her brothers Mick and Sonny, son-in-law Antonio, daughter-in-law Nicola, grandchildren Christian, Luca and Thomas, her many nieces and nephews and a wide circle of friends both in Ireland and the UK. Leave a message of condolence online for the family by CLICKING HERE
Funeral Mass for Maureen will take place on Thursday, June 18, at 12.30pm at North Chapel, Southern Cemetery, M21 7GL, with burial afterwards in adjoining cemetery. For those unable to attend, a live video link for the Mass will be available via the P Loftus and Son facebook page at 12.30pm. Rest in Peace Maureen.
Holy Trinity Church of Ireland
The medieval church of Holy Trinity Church of Ireland Fethard will be open this Saturday, June 20, from 11.30am to 12.30pm for visitors and private prayer, to look around or to listen to some pieces of organ music.
The organ was presented to Holy Trinity in 1867 by William Burges whose grave can be found in the churchyard. William Burges died in 1876, so this year is the 150th anniversary of his death.
For enquiries about baptismal, marriage or burial entries in our registers or visits by groups to this church please email clonmelunionofparishes443@gmail.com Services in this church are at 9.30am on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. All are welcome to attend.
Slievenamon Adventure Centre Summer Camp
Learn Ballroom Dancing – New Classes in Fethard
Corpus Christi Procession Sunday June 7
John Kenrick sent us this photograph taken at the Corpus Christi Procession on Sunday, June 7, 2026, as it made its way from the Parish Church to the Augustinian Abbey.
Ladies Football 'Split The Pot'
Sean Doyle receinging his winnings in Fethard Ladies Football 'Split The Pot' recent draw. Next draw is on June 14, in Burkes' Pub. To play online CLICK HERE
Graveyard Masses in June
The following are the dates for this year’s Graveyard masses in June. All are at 7.30pm;
- The Abbey on June 19th
- The Parish Church on June 26th.
Cash for Clobber clothes collection!
Holy Trinity National School Parents Association are holding a cash for clothes collection fundraiser from May 11, to June 23. Please support by donating unwanted clothing as listed on poster above, which can be dropped off at the school. Alternatively, contact 087 6918183 to arrange a suitable time.
Accepted items are: clothing, including uniforms, paired shoes, belts, scarves, ties, hats, bags, handbags, school bags, sports bags, soft toys, bed linen and curtains (bagged separately).
Unacceptable items are: No Bric a Brac (toys or books), No dirty/wet clothing, No mats/carpets, No single shoes, No pillows/duvets, No cut-off materials, No cushions, No towels, No blankets. Please place your items for recycling in a black bag.
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!
Faces and Places from the Past
This week we feature photographs from our archives that we have little or only some information for and ask your help with supplying missing names or information where possible. I've also used some more photos taken at the Kilcash Fancy Dress, Baby Show at Field Day held on July 25, 1982, that may have a few local faces included. Other names would be much appreciated.
Please 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 contact us by email at: fethardnews@gmail.com
The late Jack Gunne photographed in his blacksmith's forge on The Green, Fethard, in the early 1970s. It was November 23, 1982 when Jack Gunne last worked in his forge which was located in the Lower Green. He remembers the date well because that night he suffered from a stroke. Very little now marks the site where the smithy on the Green shaped shoes for this horse or that with the aid of his hand operated bellows. Jack was the third generation to carry on the family business and while in the latter years of his life he concentrated mainly on shoeing horses, all types of work associated with the blacksmith was undertaken. Indeed Gunne's forge once had the finest set of dies for miles around. Jack's father Iived in the Back Green and his parents were one of the original families to get one of the new eight cottages in The Green. Jack reckons that he was the second child to be born in the new cottages and when asked who was the first he quickly replied 'the late Jimmy Weston! Jack Gunne died on September 11, 1992, aged 78.
The late Jack Gunne photographed inside the door of his blacksmith's forge on The Green, Fethard, in 1972.
Mary Kenny and her daughter Monica on her First Communion Day. Monica celebrates her birthday on May 30. Happy Birthday!
Fethard Coursing Club presentation at Sparagoleith. Sean Henehan presenting the Inter-County Cup following the meet between Blackrock Club, Cork and Fethard Club held at Derryluskin on February 28, 1978. L to R: John Donovan, Derry Curran, Sean Henehan, Jimmy Ryan, Hugh Lynch, winner Gerry Hennerby from Blackrock Coursing Club, Cork, T.J. Ryan, Timmy O’Riordan, Martin Power, Johnny O’Brien, Michael ‘Gike’ Keane, and the child in front is John Morrissey.
The 1977-78 Coursing season was one of the best ever, and the highlight of the season was the Inter-County meet between Blackrock Club, Cork and Fethard Club held at Derryluskin on February 28, 1978. The Cork Club came in strength, complete with a beautiful perpetual trophy and after a great days coursing in brilliant sunshine, the Blackrock Club were victorious in the final. A very enjoyable day was had by the 200 people or more who turned, all of whom agreed how well organised the meet was. Hearty appetites were appeased by the kind ladies who supplied tea and sandwiches in the I.C.A. Hall. And then the moment of glory! The presentation of the Cup at the Fethard Arms, where music and frivolity were the order of the day. The P.J. Henehan Cup was won by Michael Flanagan. The Tom Carroll Cup was awarded by Jimmy Ryan. The Beaters Cup went to Michael Croke and the Dick Hayes Inter-Club Trophy went to Tony Flanagan.
A print from an old negative scanned around 1983 L to R: Mary O'Keeffe and her sister-in-law Liz Brett.
Sr. Betty Cagney photographed with some children from St. Bernard Group homes outside Coffey's Mill c.1983 which was the proposed site for the new Abymill Theatre.
Photo of a large group of children in the Barrack field c.1983 getting ready to start a parade for Fethard A.C. including Lydia Newport, Bro. Virgil Duggan, Mr Hayes (Bank Manager), John Looby, young children include Michael Coen, Sharon Carroll, Michael O’Riordan, Teddy Morrissey, Tommy Sheehan, and John Hurley.
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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