Fethard Heritage Day Festival - A Day to Remember!


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Fethard’s Heritage Day Festival’s 100th Anniversary celebrations took place on Sunday, August 16, 2026, and surpassed all expectations with over 4,000 visitors from far and near, making it an extra special occasion for locals and non-locals who attended as part of National Heritage Week.


Conor Kane, Clonmel, and family members L to R: Conor Kane, Chico (the dog!), Chris, Darren, Sienna, and Heather.

The Festival Parade began at 2pm outside Fethard Ballroom with Alan Johnston leading the parade with the Fiadh Irish Wolfhounds, followed by Banna Chluain Meala and their usual terrific colour-guard display. The Parade went up main street and back down to the festival site at Watergate where all activities were based.



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'Jurassic Park' one of the overall winners in the Fancy Dress Parade.

Fethard’s reputation as a destination medieval town is growing and the setting beside the Town Walls and Clashawley river is unique in Ireland. The Community Council are actively involved in acquiring the vacant Watergate Mill and yard for Fethard community as it constitutes a gateway to the Town Wall Park and is strategically placed for both tourism and community usage. Various roles are being explored for the mill building including an artists’ hub with upstairs accommodation.


Extended members of the O'Donnell and Coady families back in Fethard for the Heritage Day Festival.


L to R: Gus Nappier, formerly from The Green, his wife Bridget Nappier and Brendan Kenny enjoying the Heritage Day festivities.

The Heritage Festival’s committee are to be applauded for organising a spectacular family event, with the co-operation of local businesses and support, over €10,000 was raised that enabled them to stage the event that offered free entertainment for family members and visitors alike. A tremendous achievement to be proud of.

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Andrew Lloyd Webber, photographed photographed with Fetrhard Heritage Day Festival committee and helpers on Sunday, August 16, 2023.

One impressed visitor to the festival was Andrew Lloyd Webber, who owns Kiltinan Castle nearby, stated, “Thanks to everyone who made the 100th Fethard Festival Day so wonderful. It was an incredible family day in an incredible town. Long Live Fethard! And I can't wait for the 101st!”

Fethard avenge last year’s defeat in County Intermediate Football Championship
On Friday last, August 28, Fethard avenged last year’s defeat by Rockwell Rovers with a hard-earned victory in Round 3 of the County Intermediate Football Championship. The win saw Fethard top their group and progress to the knockout stages of the championship.

Fethard produced a gritty performance and, with the last free of the game, the hard-working Charlie Walsh scored a superb two-pointer — Fethard’s first of the match — to snatch victory. It was a gutsy display from start to finish, with the ‘Friary Town’ players leaving everything on the field over the 69 minutes. The sides had been level three times before Rovers edged a point ahead approaching the finish, only for Walsh to turn the result around with his excellent two-pointer.

In the opening 15 minutes, Rovers raced into a 1-4 to 0-1 lead, Fethard’s solitary score coming from Matt Coen, who was one of Fethard’s best forwards on the night. By half-time, however, Fethard had completely turned matters around and gone one point ahead.

The Fethard goal came from a great passing move involving Charlie Walsh and Jack Quinlan, with Mark Neville finishing it well. Matt Coen kicked two excellent frees, while Jack Quinlan scored a fine point from a very tight angle, leaving the half-time score Fethard 1-5, Rockwell Rovers 1-4. Fethard had eight wides to Rovers’ three during the half, reflecting the amount of possession and scoring opportunities they had created.

After the break, Fethard added a second goal through Mark Neville, who was quickest to react to a breaking ball in the square following a free. Matt Coen then picked off a fine point to leave Fethard ahead by 2-6 to 1-4.

A number of yellow cards followed on both sides and, in the 45th minute, one incident resulted in a penalty being awarded to Rovers, which they converted for a goal. The score gave Rovers a lift and, within a minute, they added their only two-pointer of the game to bring the sides level once again.

Fethard introduced fresh legs with the recovered Joedy Sheehan and the returning Dara O’Meara. Their experience helped steady the side and three unanswered points followed from Mark Neville, Joedy Sheehan and Liam Kiely, putting Fethard 2-9 to 2-6 ahead. Rovers pulled one back in the 55th minute.

More yellow cards were issued approaching the hour mark and a number of stoppages resulted in nine minutes of additional time. Fethard added a point through Matt Coen, but Rovers responded with 1-1 to move a point ahead and seemingly snatch the victory.

There was still time for one final twist. Charlie Walsh stepped up to take a late free and confidently kicked the two-pointer that put Fethard back in front. Referee Tom McClinchy blew the final whistle following the resulting kick-out, bringing a pulsating contest to an end.

Fethard deserved their victory on the overall display and finished with 13 wides to Rockwell Rovers’ seven. Best for Fethard on the night were Jack Quinlan, Conor Neville, Charlie Walsh, Mark Neville and Matt Coen. Final score: Fethard 2-12, Rockwell Rovers 3-8.

Fethard team and scorers: Alec Knightly; Brian Delahunty, Liam Kiely (0-1), Rory O’Mahony, Michael O’Meara, Daragh Spillane (captain), Noah O’Flynn, Jack Quinlan (0-1), Jack Purcell, Luke Lacey, Mark Neville (2-1), Gavin Neville, Charlie Walsh (0-2, two-pointer free), Conor Neville, Matt Coen (0-6, 4 frees). Subs used: Joedy Sheehan (0-1) and Dara O’Meara.
— Match report by Noel Byrne.

The late Peter O'Connell's mass in the Abbey on Saturday, September 5.
Peter was born in Coleman, Fethard in 1944, and died in Melbourne on February 2, 2026. A funeral Mass for Peter will take place in the Augustinian Abbey, Fethard on Saturday, September 5 at 11.30am.

Followed by his ashes being interred in his parents, Mick and Ellen's grave in Calvary cemetery.

Peter will be remembered by many as he came home frequently to visit family and friends in Fethard.

GAA Sports Development Lotto Results
Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for Tuesday, August 25 2026, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 2, 18, 19 and 28. We had no Jackpot winner and no Match 3 winner, and one lucky dip winner received €100, M.J. Croke. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, when the jackpot is €13,600.

Mollies' hair donated to 'Little Lady Locks'


A huge thanks to everyone who supported my coffee morning yesterday. €3,500 has been raised to date for South Tipperary Hospice Movement and Irish Cancer Society. Hair was donated to Little Lady Locks.

Thanks to everyone who baked such lovely cakes and to everyone who donated hampers and other gifts for the raffle. Special thanks to Róisín Blake of Róisín's Hair Salon for doing the deed and to Paula and Kerry at Fethard Horse Country Experience for hosting the event.

Fethard the stronger in Junior A South Hurling Semifinal
On Sunday last, August 23, in sun-drenched Cloneen, Fethard played Grangemockler/Ballyneale in a highly entertaining South Tipperary Junior A Hurling Semi-Final, with Fethard's Danny Barry the outstanding player, scoring 2-13 of his side's total. His contribution was particularly telling in the first period of extra time, when he scored 2-4 without reply — the ten minutes that won Fethard their place in the South Final against St Patrick's, which will be played on the first weekend in September.

In the opening quarter, Fethard led by 0-5 to 0-4, with Conor Neville, Jack Davey and Matt Coen scoring one point each, while Danny Barry scored one from play and one from a free.

Fethard were on top in the second quarter, adding 0-6. Danny Barry scored 0-5, four from frees, with Gavin Neville scoring the other point, leaving Fethard ahead by 0-11 to Grangemockler/Ballyneale's 1-5. Things also got a bit heated during the half, with our secretary and chairman receiving yellow cards to add to the excitement.

In the third quarter, Grangemockler/Ballyneale gave of their best, scoring 0-7 to Fethard's 0-4. Fethard's points came from Mark Neville, Noah O'Flynn, Charlie Walsh and a Danny Barry free, leaving the sides level at 1-12 to 0-15.

The final quarter produced a great end-to-end contest, with both teams scoring 0-4. Substitute Keenan Ahearne scored two points for Fethard, with Jack Quinlan adding 0-1 and Danny Barry 0-1 from a free. At the end of normal time the sides were still level: Fethard 0-19, Grangemockler/Ballyneale 1-16.

In the first period of extra time, Danny Barry produced a superb individual display, scoring 2-4 without reply — 2-2 from play and two points from frees — to put Fethard ten points in front.

In the final ten minutes, Fethard added another three points, Jack Quinlan scoring 0-2 and Keenan Ahearne 0-1. Grangemockler/Ballyneale added four points, leaving the final score: Fethard 2-26, Grangemockler/Ballyneale 1-20.

Fethard's young team stood out, with particularly strong performances from Charlie Walsh, Liam Kiely and Noah O'Flynn. Keenan Ahearne changed the game when introduced in the 45th minute, while Jack Quinlan also came strongly into the game in the closing stages when needed.

Fethard team and scorers: Brian Delahunty, Rory O'Mahony, Daragh Spillane, Liam Kiely, Noah O'Flynn 0-1, Jack Quinlan 0-3, Charlie Walsh 0-1, Luke Lacy, Danny Barry 2-13 (10 frees), Conor Neville 0-1, Matt Coen 0-1, Mark Neville 0-1, Jack Davey 0-1, Gavin Neville 0-1 and Michael Quinlan. Subs: Keenan Ahearne 0-3, Adam Ryan and Alec Knightly.

– Match report by Noel Byrne.

Fethard 'Split The Cash' Community Draw

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT
FETHARD & KILLUSTY COMMUNITY COUNCIL
BY JOINING OUR WEEKLY DRAW

Congratulations to Rachael Cahill who won this week’s Community ‘Split the Cash’ draw for €184 on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Ticket was drawn by Dolores Costigan. 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, September 3, 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.

The late Veronica (Vera) Paine, née O'Donovan
Update, a funeral service has taken place for Veronica (Vera) on August 7, 2026, in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, England. A Remembrance Mass for Veronica (Vera) will take place in the Augustinian Abbey Fethard, on Sunday, August 30, at 12 noon.

Vera, predeceased by her parents Andy and Greta and her husband David, she will be fondly remembered by her siblings, Maria (Murphy), Denis, Kay (Spillane), Meta (Cunningham), Michael, Christina (Farrell) and Andrew. Remembered by her nephews and nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces, brothers and sisters in law and extended family. May Vera rest in peace. Messages of condolence can be left online by CLICKING HERE

Fethard Town Park Update on Car Parking

Parish Church Lotto Results
There was no jackpot winner in the Parish Lotto on Thursday, August 20, 2026. The numbers drawn were 1, 6, 14, and 23. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Ruth O'Meara. Next week's draw takes place on Thursday, August 27, 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 AGM on Friday, August 28

Fethard Tidy Towns & Climate Action Group will hold its AGM on Friday, August 28, in the Tirry Community Centre at 8pm. All are welcome.

Social Dancing at Fethard Ballroom
Social Dancing continues at Fethard Ballroom on Sunday night, August 30, to the music of 'Peter Burke'. 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 Historical Society’s summer outing


The Fethard Historical Society’s summer outing began with a visit to Cormackstown Heritage Centre, near Holycross. Patrick Slattery, proprietor, has accumulated a veritable Aladdin’s cave of rural memorabilia from the past three hundred years. What began as a personal hobby has grown to such an extent that the museum is now full to overflowing. The premises is laid out in sections: a dairy collection including butter labels, churns and an old-style creamery laboratory, a shop where one could purchase everything from ‘an anchor to a needle’, a pub, a cobbler’s, a blacksmith’s forge, a schoolroom and a farmhouse kitchen. There’s also a whole corner dedicated to the history of the travellers with particular emphasis on wagon making. Another section is a tribute to the Irish Showband era.



Patrick proved to be a most informative guide with a humorous turn of phrase and endless patience answering the many questions that came his way.



An inventory of the museum contents would be a challenge indeed and one would need to visit a few times to actually see everything. Some of the highlights included: a butcher’s bicycle complete with basket, an implement for making collum balls, Roll books from Kilcooley National School dating to the 1920s, World War II memorabilia, porcelain plates, so cleverly mended that the repair was invisible on the surface, a revolver taken from the Barracks in Holycross on July 4, 1920, ledgers from the Famine, a 19th century honey extractor, carbide bicycle lamps and a magnificent gramophone.

Then it was on to Holycross Abbey where there was time to take a quick stroll around the beautiful grounds. A definite highlight for the society was a chance to view the splendid memorial to Willie Hayes, who came from Rathcoole, Fethard, and who spearheaded the restoration of Holycross in the 1960s when such an undertaking was deemed all but impossible. Willie left an extraordinarily detailed account of the restoration in his book The Awakening of the Abbey, currently available for purchase in the Abbey bookshop. 

Then it was up to ‘The Dormitory’, a beautifully restored space with lofty oak beams, for tea and home-baked treats. The group was welcomed by Tom Gallagher, Chairman of the newly formed Holycross Historical Society. The evening ended with a convivial exchange of ideas re historical societies and the ways in which they can realise their potential.

Parents Association's 'Cash for Clobber' collection

Fethard Holy Trinity National School Parents’ Association would like to thank everyone who cleared out their homes for the annual Cash for Clobber collection and to all the children in the photo who kindly helped out on the day the bags were being collected. It weighted in at 1060kg and fundraised €318.00 for the school.

South Tipperary Adult Autism Social Group
In person meet up social group for adults with Autism on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Please contact Lolli Henrys for location information and to secure your place. More Information

Harvest Festival Service

Holy Trinity Church of Ireland Fethard will hold their annual Harvest Festival Service on Sunday, October 4, at 7pm. All are welcome to attend this traditional celebration of the bountiful harvest that we all enjoy. Heidi Good will lead the service with well known hymns accompanied on the church organ by James Clooney. Fethard Choral Group under Musical Director Ann Barry will attend. Refreshments will be served after the service. Your support would be most appreciated.

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.

'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.


'Hungarian Rhapsody' Fethard Carnival Fancy Dress 1940s


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


'Hungarian Rhapsody' 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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