Fethard Heritage Day Festival on this Sunday Aug 16
Temporary Traffic Management at Barracks Street Please note that Temporary Traffic Management will be in operation on the R-689 at Barracks Street, Fethard, from 7am to 7pm from Monday, August 17, to Friday, August 21, 2026.
Clonmel Credit Union invests over €180,000 in modernising Fethard branch
Fethard unveils new external 24/7 ATM. Fethard resident, Irish Rugby Player, Dorothy Wall, cuts the tape to officially launch the new ATM at the Fethard Branch of Clonmel Credit Union, accompanied by local Branch Manager and Fethard native, Audrey Conway.
Clonmel Credit Union has announced a significant investment of more than €180,000 to modernise its Fethard branch. The news comes as the credit union unveils an external ATM (automatic teller machine), giving the community round-the-clock access to cash and financial services for the first time since the last pillar bank withdrew its over-the-counter services in Fethard in 2021.
Clonmel Credit Union team L to R: Richard Thompson, Celine Scully, Irish Rugby Player, Dorothy Wall, who officially launched the new ATM, Sinéad Fahy and Audrey Conway.
CEO of Clonmel Credit Union, Pádraig Enright, said the project is part of the credit union's commitment to supporting members and regional communities at a time when traditional banks are reducing their branch networks and face-to-face services across rural Ireland. Fethard has a population of over 2,000 people with a wider catchment of approximately 3,500.
Clonmel Board Officers and Directors Christy Carroll, Annette Brett: Honorary Secretary, Fethard resident, Irish Rugby Player, Dorothy Wall, Chairman Eamonn O’Mara and Frank Bermingham
Commenting on the impact of the investment, he said, “We are listening closely to what our members and communities are telling us they need. Access to cash remains vital for many households, businesses, and community groups, particularly elderly residents in rural towns. This investment is part of our wider strategy to strengthen local services, support jobs and ensure that people can continue to live, work and do business in their own communities with confidence.”
Local Branch Manager and Fethard native, Audrey Conway, said the greatest benefit of the ATM is the convenience for people locally, “Until now, Fethard locals have had to travel a 22-kilometre round trip to access 24/7 ATM services. It was a major blow for the community when the bank withdrew its branch services and ATM, forcing people and businesses to travel for routine transactions. We are delighted to introduce this service locally today as we continue to make everyday banking more convenient and accessible for our members.”
Tynans and Company completed the refurbish at the Fethard branch of Clonmel Credit Union, pictured L-R Seamus Tynan, Peter Tynan, Sean Tynan, Junior Tynan, with project manager Noel Carroll and Sinéad Fahy from Clonmel Credit Union.
The launch of Fethard’s new ATM comes amid growing national concern about access to cash. The Government’s Finance (Provision of Access to Cash Infrastructure) Act 2025 states that 96.5% of the population must be within a 10 km radius of an ATM. The Act was introduced to ensure that communities across Ireland retain sufficient access to cash, a vital safety net for those who are digitally excluded, for older people, and in the event of outages or cyber-attacks.
“This is about being there for our community when it matters,” said Pádraig Enright, CEO of Clonmel Credit Union. “With this investment of over €180,000 in our Fethard branch, and adding 24/7 access to cash, we send a simple message. As the banks step back, we are stepping forward with practical, visible commitments to the people of Fethard and to the future of the town.”
Fethard local Dorothy Wall, Irish Rugby Player, photographed with her parents, Sophie and Anthony Wall.
A modern green branch for Fethard
The renovation programme brought the Fethard branch up to a comfortable contemporary standard. A central focus of the works was sustainability. The upgrade has significantly reduced the branch’s energy footprint, aligning the building with the credit union’s wider commitment to responsible, sustainable operations.
Clonmel Credit Union continues to support communities across South Tipperary and West Waterford through investment in the local area, ensuring towns like Fethard remain vibrant and have access to banking services. For more information, visit www.clonmelcu.ie
Guided Walking Tours for Heritage Week
The Fethard Historical Society is organising guided walking tours of medieval Fethard to celebrate Heritage Week as follows:
Saturday August 15, 2026, at 11am
Wednesday August 19, 2026, at 7pm
The guided tours begin at the footbridge in the Valley E91 HR77. Adults €5 (cash only). Accompanied children are free. Booking not required.
Pilgrimage to Holy Year Cross on Sliabh na mBan Large crowd making their way to Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon on a windy day many years ago. Includes Jim Ryan (Coolenure). Photo supplied by Maureen Whyte.
This year's Fethard and Killusty parish pilgrimage to the Holy year Cross on Sliabh na mBan is good to go on Sunday, August 16. The pathway to the cross or, if you like, the Stairway to Heaven, is clear. Our usual start time of 1pm from the wooden cross at the hill wall, remains the same.
For many many years now the mountain looked her brilliant best, well at the moment it's fair to say the old girl is looking far from her brilliant best, so for that very reason the climb should go ahead and will go ahead. I hope that many of you feel the same way, and will see you on the mountain on Sunday.
For those of you of course who cannot make the climb, Rosary will be recited in O’Donnells field where Mass will also be celebrated, at 3 30pm approx. So tell all your friends, or better still bring them with you.
Congratulations to Mairead Henehan who won this week’s Community ‘Split the Cash’ draw for €162 on Thursday, August 6, 2026. Ticket was drawn by Shirley Byrnes. 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, August 13, 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.
Still Time to enter GAA County Board Draw
This year's GAA County Board Draw will begin on Friday, August 28, 2026. Proceeds of every ticket goes straight to our club's under-age coaching, and running costs towards the pitch and other expenses.
Entry for the year is only €100 and takes about two minutes to sign up online by CLICKING HERE. If you tick auto-renewal when signing up, you’re sorted for every year going forward with no hassle. –Thanks for your support and best of luck in the draw – Fethard GAA Club.
Festival Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday night, August 16, to the music of 'Magic Moments'. 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 Heritage Day Festival August 16, 2026
We invite you to the 100th Anniversary Fethard Heritage Day Festival on Sunday August 15, 2026, a truly historic celebration of the traditions, stories and community spirit that have shaped our town for generations.
Reaching our centenary is an extraordinary milestone. For one hundred festivals, people have gathered in Fethard to honour our rich heritage, renew friendships and share the character of our remarkable medieval town with visitors from near and far. This year, we proudly continue that tradition while celebrating everyone who has helped the festival flourish across the decades.
Our anniversary programme promises a memorable family day filled with entertainment, culture, activities and opportunities to discover Fethard’s fascinating past with something for every age to enjoy. We hope the festival will bring our streets to life, create new memories and inspire future generations to value the heritage entrusted to them.
This celebration would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, sponsors, local businesses, organisations, performers and supporters. Their generosity, enthusiasm and hard work reflect the wonderful community spirit at the heart of Fethard. We offer each of them our sincere thanks.
Whether you are a lifelong resident, a returning friend or visiting for the first time, we warmly invite you to join us for this landmark occasion. Together, let us honour those who came before us, celebrate the community we share today and ensure that the proud tradition of the Fethard Heritage Festival continues for many years to come, into the future with pride and joy.
Mary celebrates her 102nd Birthday!
Congratulations to Mary Harrington, Garrinch, who celebrated her 102nd Birthday on Friday, August 7, 2026. Mary is photographed above with her daughter Noreen Sheehy, son-in-law Brian Sheehy, and grandson Criostoir Sheehy.
Parish Church Lotto Results
There was no jackpot winner in the Parish Lotto on Thursday, August 6, 2026. The numbers drawn were 7, 10, 12, and 14. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Joe Corbett. Next week's draw takes place on Thursday, August 13, 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/fethardkillusty
Fethard Tidy Towns & Climate Action Group Newest rainwater harvesting tank installed at The Tirry Centre, late June 2026… awaiting rainfall
In early May 2026 Fethard Tidy Towns & Climate Action Group, together with our CE team, replanted all the flower beds surrounding The Tirry Centre.
We added a rainwater harvesting tank to assist with watering our new planting. Who would have foreseen the record-breaking heat and draught experienced this July. Our rainwater tank will be beneficial whenever the rain arrives.
The good weather meant locals and visitors could avail of the two new picnic benches added into the green area close to Fethard playground. Our thanks to Cllr Michael Brennan, who nominated us for some Co. Council funding towards these picnic benches.
One of two new picnic benches, installed in June 2026
Fethard Tidy Towns and Climate Action Group meet on Wednesday evenings, 7.30pm at the Tirry Centre car park. We tend to the town’s planted areas, weeding and deadheading. We welcome anyone of any age to join us. We are few in number and would appreciate more helping hands to keep the many planted areas looking their best.
Over the last five years we’ve developed planting schemes around the town that are designed to be beautiful to look at for as long as possible, while also being climate and pollinator friendly. Climate was certainly this year’s major challenge.
Replanting at Tirry Centre, May 2026
Don’t be shy, drop in on Wednesdays that suit you, 7.30pm. We know everyone is busy but if you can help for an hour that would be fantastic. Bring along a trowel, secateurs if you have one, a kneeler if you need one, your enthusiasm and energy!
Mollie's 'Hair Raiser' for Cancer Charities
Mollie Standbridge has being growing her hair for the last few years with the intention of donating it for charity and using the opportunity to host a coffee morning with proceeds going to South Tipperary Hospice Movement and the Irish Cancer Society. Mollie's hair will be donated to Little Lady Locks who provide wigs for children who have had hair loss for any reason.
Every family has been touched by cancer. Thanks to research, many more people are living with cancer or are in complete remission. Please do0nate what you can to Mollie's Go Fund Me Page
GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, August 4, 2026, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 7, 13, 19 and 29. We had no Jackpot winner and two Match 3 winners: Liam Everard & Rebecca Bradshaw, who received €75 each. One lucky dip winner, Ann Fleming, received €100. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, when the jackpot is €13,000.
Fethard Heritage Day Festival Sunday August 16
Fethard Carnival 1926 – One Hundred Years Ago The following excerpt from The Nationalist Newspaper dated June 26, 1926, gives a good idea of life in Fethard one hundred years ago, and also the entertainment that they enjoyed.
“At any cost, I am going to Fethard tomorrow. I would not miss that fancy dress parade for a good deal, not to mention the polo, the athletic events, the music, singing and dancing.”
"These are the bits of conversation you hear these days for miles around.
The Fethard executive are likely to be richly rewarded for their enterprise in presenting such an original, spectacular and interesting programme to the public. We understand a friendly challenge has been issued and accepted by a Clonmel and Fethard choir to sing two songs, one in Irish and one in English. Great excitement prevails amongst the rivals’ friends in both camps. My sympathy goes out to the judge. The Fethard executive has made all preparations to cater for an enormous attendance.
The entries for the various events in the music, singing and dancing competitions are so great that several platforms have had to be erected. The field will be lighted by electricity after dark. There will be plenty of refreshments, plenty of amusements, and plenty of sensations all day long and through the night."
Yoga classes starting in Fethard Convent Community Hall this August
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 and take a trip back to previous Fethard Carnival Parades throughout the mid 1900s. If anyone has more please sent them to us and we'll post them here as well.
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
FCA group taken at Kickham Barracks in 1965. L to R: Tom Ryan (Carrick-on-Suir) John Fogarty (Fethard), Pat Lonergan (Carrick-on-Suir), Connie Coen (Fethard) and Willie Moroney (Carrick-on-Suir). Supplied by John Fogarty, December 2007.
FCA Group at Banna Strand, Tralee, July 1962 L to R: Paddy Aylward, Michael Maher, Jimmy O'Connor, Hugh O'Neill, Rick Flynn and Tony Holden (Clonmel) (Supplied by Michael Maher, Dublin (October 2008)
Aidan O'Mahoney send us this team photo of the South and County Juvenile Football Champions in 1966. Maybe someone will identify the team and even supply names ?.
'Hospital Sweep' Fethard Carnival c.1938. Nancy McInerney (in white uniform), Nurse Walsh (pipe and cap), Mrs Paddy O'Donnell (scarf), Dick Allen (Garda uniform) and Willie Slattery (white band cap).
Fethard Gone West. Group includes Hugh O'Donnell, P.J. Holohan, Sean henehan (on fiddle), Billy Kenrick, Tom Barrett, Thomas Henehan, Aggie Barrett, Derek Wall, Betty Holohan, Mary Goldsborough and Rena Staunton.
Any information welcome?
Rosarii Connorton, believe's this woman is her mother, Monica Kean, RIP, daughter of Joe and Ellen Kean, RIP from Killusty Pub.
Any information welcome?
Any information welcome?
Any information welcome?
Any information welcome?
'The Capture of Lord Haw-Haw' Fethard Carnival Fancy Dress 1940s
'The Hogan Stand'
Fethard Carnival Fancy Dress 1940s
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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