Without any doubt, Fethard, like every town and village in Ireland, has anti-social behaviour problems, e.g., the drink and the litter. I doubt very much if Fethards problems are any worse than any other town. For every one engaged in this way there are fifty young people who are not. Yes, perhaps we do need a greater Garda presence but describing two experienced Garda officers, as “fly by nights” is hardly the way to agitate for more Garda presence on the beat.

“Olivia” seems to fear the loss of our schools unless we attract more workers and residents. May I reassure “Olivia” that the schools will not be lost to Fethard unless it is the decision of the people. The present, relatively smaller, numbers attending local schools does not reflect any reduction in the quality of education given in those schools but rather the fact that the economic prosperity of the Celtic Tiger has given many people more choices than they had before.

Fethard is not in decline economically. In fact, at no time in history has the parish enjoyed so much prosperity. Fethard is not in decline in the sporting area with GAA, rugby and soccer clubs catering for the children and adults of this parish. Fethard is not in decline socially or spiritually as the huge amount of voluntary organisations such as Meals on Wheels etc plus the phenomenal generosity of people in supporting all worthwhile charities clearly shows. Fethard is not in decline educationally with record numbers of our young people doing exceptionally well at second and third level colleges etc.

I find the entire tone of “Olivia’s” letter to be negative with little in the line of positive suggestions as to ways of improving things that admittedly may not be perfect. This however is fairly typical of those who hide behind anonymity. Indeed I find it disturbing that anonymous views, especially those containing such strong criticisms should be given any credibility or publication.

Yours truly,
Denis Burke
Red City
Fethard
Co. Tipperary

• RE: Fethard Census - 08/09/2006 09:30:48 PDT (2)
• RE: Fethard Census - JIM FITZGERALD 08/22/2006 11:06:56 PDT (0)