Emigrants Annual Newsletter time is here again
Now that the expected summer has come and gone and the evenings begin to close, we ask for your photographs and articles to be submitted for inclusion in this year’s annual emigrants newsletter. We especially appeal for new contributors to take pen to paper and write about their thoughts and memories of Fethard and its people — whether it be short or long, funny or sad, simple or complicated — we know our many readers at home and throughout the world will really appreciate your efforts.
We would also appeal to club secretaries and regular contributors to submit their articles as soon as they can to ensure the Newsletter is ready for printing in plenty of time to be delivered before Christmas.
If there are any school class photographs or other group photographs we would be particularly interested in using them in this year’s issue. Photographs can be brought by hand (or posted) to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, where they can be scanned while you wait and returned instantly.
The annual church gate collection in aid of the Emigrant’s Newsletter will be held in the parish at the end of the month, weekending 25th & 26th October 2008. If you would like to make a donation online you can do so by Credit Card
A packed ‘ABBA Night’ raised over €2,500 for Cystic Fibrosis
Saturday night was definitely a night to remember at Slievenamon Golf Club as the friends of Cystic Fibrosis sufferers arrived in their droves to enjoy the music of ABBA at our ‘Mamma Mia Extravaganza’ to raise money for this worthy cause. It is expected to raise over €2,500 when all the proceeds are finally tallied. Fancy dress was encouraged when this night was being advertised and I have to say we were not disappointed by the amount of time and effort that an awful lot of people put into their costumes not to mention their dance routines. Music on the night was supplied by the very enthusiastic and talented Jack Kenny who kept us on the dance floor from 9pm until 1am.
Cystic fibrosis which many of you may not be aware of is a very debilitating illness. It is a genetically inherited disease affecting the lungs and the digestive system. There is no cure for CF but medical research is ongoing in the hope of finding a cure for this illness but, as we all know this does not come cheap or free so fundraising is required by the parents and friends of CF sufferers. It is also Irelands most common life threatening illness and Ireland has the highest incidents of CF in the world with one in nineteen people carrying the gene. Not alone are these figures daunting to read, but to add insult to injury, Ireland has the lowest life expectancy due to many and varied reasons. All that we can hope for is that there will be some breakthrough for the patients and their families in the not too distant future.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank most sincerely my friends who helped me to run this fun filled evening by selling tickets, encouraging their friends and families to attend and to all who donated spot prizes and raffle prizes. Of course a huge thank all who turned up on the night and participated with such enthusiasm. And again to Jack, all I can say is . . . ‘Thank you for the music!’ (Liz Newport)
Fethard ICA
We remind all members that the monthly meeting for October takes place on Tuesday next 14th October. Our speaker for the night will be Breda Hennessy PRO for the South Tipperary Federation. The group in charge of Catering for the night is the Red Group.
Fethard Macra na Feirme
A table quiz run by Fethard Macra in aid of the Woodvale Walk Community House was held in Butlers Sports Bar last Friday night. This was a very successful venture and was very well supported by the local community. We would like to thank our friends from the neighbouring Macra clubs of Boherlahan, Rathkeevin and Dundrum who travelled down on the night to support this worthy cause. We would also like to thank Butlers for the use of their premises and the provision of the all important table quiz questions and also the many others who helped us out and contributed to the night.
In a very closely contested finish, members from a local Fethard team came in first place whilst members from the Boherlahan Macra club were eventually victorious as runners up. The raffle prizes were provided by our very generous local sponsors and businesses: Glanbia, As Time Goes By, Tip to Toe, Kellett’s Restaurant, Ian Meagher Petrol Station and Jimmy Hayes Turf Accountant.
A presentation of the proceeds raised will be made to representatives of the Woodvale Walk Community House on Thursday, 9th October at 9pm in Butlers Bar. Councillor Phil Prendergast will be in attendance on the night.
Indoor soccer continues in Monroe on Thursday nights. For further information contact Michael 087-9019443. Fethard club members will be travelling to Dundrum on Friday, 10th October to take part in the Wii competition organised by Dundrum and South Tipp Macra. This is the perfect opportunity and excuse for all club members for plenty of practice on your Wii during the week! For further information on the club contact Michael, email fethardmacra@gmail.com or check out our Fethard Macra Bebo page.
Fethard & District Juvenile Rugby Club
Mini Rugby hosted teams from Clanwilliam and Galbally last Sunday from Under-7s right through to Under-12s. The Under-7s team showed an improved performance for their second game playing Galbally with a great turnout and fielding a squad of 19 who all got a game. The team of Ben Purcell, Ryan Walsh, Matthew Thompson, Angus McDonald, Richard Robinson, Aaron Ryan, Adam O’Sullivan, Ruth McDonald, Max Maher, Michael Scully, Oisín Smullen, Shane Neville, Evan Looby, Connor McCormack, Matthew Gleeson, Ethan Cohen, Richard Anglim, Matthew Burke and Emma Jane Burke all showed determination throughout the whole game. We saw great tackles, improved passing and a good number of fantastic runs to score plenty of tries on the morning.
The Under-8 squad stepped up their game again this week and played a tough game against Clanwilliam first. This was evenly matched and provided avid viewing. The second game against Galbally proved equally exciting with Fethard gaining the advantage towards the final whistle. With constant tackling from all the team of Harry Cummins, Danny Gleeson, Darragh Lynch, Joe Carroll, Gavin Ryan, Ciaran O’Dwyer, Connor Vaughan, Frankie Meagher, Mark Stakelum and Padraig Harrington, along with the repeated recycling of the ball, a lively display of Rugby skills was enjoyed by all watching. Well done!
Our Under-9s scored a great victory against a very strong Clanwilliam side. Great play from Joseph O’Connor, Jack Grace, Aaron Smullen and Nigel Grogan set up tries for Richard Holohan, Cathal Fogarty, Patrick Scully, Harry Butler, Jack Dolan and Dean Kenny to run out winners by 8 tries to 2.
Thank you to the Clubs of Clanwilliam and Galbally for travelling over to Fethard and making an enjoyable morning of Rugby. Also thank you very much to all the parents who turned out to support. It is very much appreciated.
The Under-14s got their cup championship off to a great start with two out of two wins. Their first match was at home to Clonmel on Sunday last week and finished on a score line of 18-10 with some great performances throughout the whole team.
On Sunday we were at home again to Nenagh with another great win. The scoreline of 23-3 showed some great displays of rugby from this team and Gavin Delaney, Garreth Lawrence, Eoin Walsh, Jimmy Phelan, Kevin Hall, Colin Maher, Dan Walsh and Sean Whyte in the forwards were outstanding. A substitution was made for Dan Walsh (injured) and his replacement James Holohan scored a wonderful try after making a return from injury. The back line consisting of James Butler, David Hayes, Tadhg Fogarty, Kieran Walsh, Dylan Fitzgerald, Joss Murray and Niall Walsh proved they were a defence to be reckoned with. The try scorers for the day were, James Holohan, Dylan Fitzgerald, Colin Maher and Garreth Lawrence, with David Hayes making the conversion. Well done to these young men and keep up the good work.
Our Under-16s travelled to Waterpark where they were beaten by 27 points to 7. Our lads played their best rugby in the second half, and were denied a try on the line on at least three occasions. They showed their potential and then can look forward to the remainder of the season with confidence. A full panel at training is essential.
If you are not receiving the weekly texts regarding training and matches, please text your child’s name and age group i.e. U-8 to 087 744 7691.
The club has decided to begin developing Ladies rugby. The inaugural training session for young ladies will begin on Saturday 11th October at 11 am for 12–14 years old, all are welcome.
Membership reminder — If your son or daughter have not already registered please return your completed membership form to the Club ASAP with €25 (if new member please bring copy of long birth cert and 2 passport size photographs). Please note that if your child is not registered they will not be covered to play under the club insurance scheme. For coaches and parents under senior membership the new season’s fee of €50 and is also due now.
€67,000 Development Programme of Works for Fethard Roads Very Welcome
Fine Gael Public Representatives Tom Hayes T.D., Councillor John Fahey and Councillor Jimmy O’Brien today all warmly welcomed the news that Fethard’s roads are to be improved to the tune of €67,000. The roads are those on the way in to Fethard from various directions and will improve the entrance to the town for visitors and locals alike.
All three Fine Gael Public Representatives were delighted with this news, which will be hugely useful in improving the safety and condition of the roads around Fethard. They include improved footpaths, signage, pedestrian crossing, tarmac and ESB poles on different roads entering the town.
Fethard Bridge Club
On Wednesday 24th September we played for prizes sponsored by Centra, Fethard and the results were:
1st Gross: Anne Connolly and David O’Meara;
2nd Gross: Kay St. John and Rita Kane;
1st Nett: Alice Quinn and Berney Myles;
2nd Nett: Bridie Lee and Rosemary Lalor.
We played for the Free Sub Gross on Wednesday 1st October and the results were:
1st Gross: Brendan Kenny and Carmel Condon (winners of Free Sub);
2nd Gross: Betty Walsh and Brigid Gorey;
1st Nett: Alice Quinn and Berney Myles;
2nd Nett: Nell Broderick and Kathleen Kenny.
On 22nd October we will be playing for Hallowe’en prizes.
Anyone interested in learning Bridge please contact Gemma Burke 31799 or Anne Connolly 31217. Looking for a partner, please contact Berney Myles at 32038
Fethard GAA Club News
Intermediate Hurling County Quarterfinal played last Saturday resulted in a defeat on a scoreline, Fethard 0-12, Drom Inch 3-11. Having been very much in touch in the opening half trailing by 1 point, 1-7 to 0-9, we faded in the second half with Drom dominating the scoring exchanges. A few unsavoury instances did not help so we made our exit from the county series for another year and now await the South Final replay against Moyle Rovers. There was notable displays from Aiden Lonergan, Jamie McCormack, John Paul Looby, Chris Sheehan, Aiden Fitzgerald and our best player was the promising Eoin O’Connell whose intelligent winning and distribution of the ball was a joy to watch. The team was Paul Fitzgerald, James Kelly, Shane Walsh, Michael Carroll, Aiden Lonergan, Michael Ryan, Jamie McCormack 0-1f, John Paul Looby 0-2, Brian Coen 0-2, Tomás Keane, Aiden Fitzgerald 0-6 (4f), John Leahy, Eoin O’Connell, Christopher Sheehan 0-1, and Miceál Spillane (Capt). Subs used were: Michael Ahearne, Cian Maher, Kenneth O’Donnell, Stephen O’Donnell and J P McGrath.
We await our County Junior A Football Semifinal against the Mid Champions with anticipation.
The Lotto Jackpot was not won. The numbers drawn were 6, 9, 12 and 14. We had four ‘Match Three’ winners who received €40 each: Siobhan Meagher (Baptistgrange, Lisronagh), Justin Walsh (c/o Merrys Clonmel), Bridget Ryan (Killusty, Fethard), and Alice Moloney (Red City, Fethard). The €50 Lucky Dip was won by Michael Conway (c/o Merrys Clonmel). We would like to thank Harrington Developments for providing the tickets.
Our Condolences are at this time with Robinson Family (Kilsheelan) on the passing away of William while on holidays. Willie won a County South/County U 21 A Football title with Fethard in 1966. Go ndeana Dia trocaire orthu.
Community Alert Awareness Week 2008
As a Board member of Muintir na Tire, Deputy Mattie McGrath welcomed the launch of Community Alert Awareness Week 2008 by Mr John Curran TD, Minister of State, Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with special responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy and Community Affairs at a function in The Manor West Hotel, Tralee.
Deputy McGrath said, “Community Alert Awareness Week 2008 will commence on the 6th October 2008 and run until the 12th October 2008. Community Alert has been operating in rural Ireland since 1985 as a crime prevention programme. The programme is operated by Muintir na Tire in partnership with An Garda Síochána and harnesses the voluntary input of community members in almost 1350 Community Alert groups nationwide.”
Edward (Ned) Grove
Can anyone help with this enquiry we received from Romilly Turton (email: romillyturton@googlemail.com)
“My grandmother’s second husband Edward (Ned) Grove retired to Fethard and was certainly alive there in 1957. He probably died in the 1960s and left no children. I would love to learn more about him and would greatly appreciate any information that may be at hand – or just a response that you have none. Of course, I have no idea whether Grove came from Ireland, only that he retired to Fethard and probably died there. I would be reasonably certain that he was born in the 19th century towards the very end of it. I would guess that he was a Protestant, but I believe that he was not a religious person. He was quite an interesting man and I shall be more than happy to share with you the little I know. Many thanks in anticipation of your help.
