Fethard Walled Town Medieval Festival 2010



	'Fired by Bees' exhibition - Town Hall Saturday 5pm The first event proper of the Festival is the opening of the ‘Fired by Bees’ ceramic exhibition at 5pm in the Town Hall. This exhibition, led by local artist Dóirín Saurus, pays homage to the Bee and in medieval times, and in Irish history in general, the Honey Bee played a huge part in the life and diet of the people. We have all heard of Ireland being described as a land of Milk and Honey and this was a very apt description, as cattle were always ‘huge’ in Ireland and in those far off days - before the advent of sugar – honey was what sweetened up people’s lives. The exhibition will remain open from 11am to 3pm every day up to Wednesday 25th August.
	Guided Walk of Fethard - 6.30pm on Saturday Mary Hanrahan will take you on a tour of Fethard's 'Medieval Trail' starting from outside the Town Hall at 6.30pm on Saturday 21st August. Free.
	Launch of ‘Fethard 1200-2000’ - 8pm Abymill - Saturday 21st August Saturday evening will see the launch of an important book ‘Fethard Co. Tipperary 1200-2000’ in the Abymill Theatre at 8pm. This large book, running over 600 pages, is the result of decades of research by Fethard man Michael O’Donnell. It is especially important because it covers the ‘ordinary’ workings of the town as well as the big political events. So such subjects as roads, water supply, schools and trades are all covered by Michael. What is even more important is that all the information is fully ‘referenced’, so if you even want to dig deeper into some particular subject you will know where to go looking. Such a large hardback book is expensive to print and bind and the normal price will be €40 a copy, but on the night of the launch the price will be reduced to €35 which can also be signed by the author. Such a detailed history of one small town is very rare and Fethard is again quite unique in this regard. South Tipperary Development Company (Leader) supported Michael to ensure his lifetime’s work got into print. The honour of launching the History of Fethard will go to Tony Newport, a ‘true blue’ native of the town and who for many years recorded the weekly goings-on in the Fethard Notes in the Nationalist newspaper. The author, Michael O’Donnell, will also speak on the night and be available to sign copies of his book. The Fethard Historical Society is very happy to host the launch and a marquee will be erected beside the Abymill Theatre where a catered reception will take place after the launch. The society invites every home to the event and, of course, all ‘outlying’ parishioners are also welcome to come and join Michael and his family on this historic night. A night to remember.
	John Spillane concert by Town Wall, McCarthy's Marque- Saturday 8pm Twice winner of the meteor award in the best folk/trad category, John Spillane has toured the country and the world spreading joy with a mix of melodic tunes, entertaining stories and poetic lyrics. Described as ‘one of the truest Irish voices of his generation’ by Irish music magazine, Spillane truly embodies the Celtic spirit. Christmas 2009 brought us the follow up to Johns double platinum selling album ‘Irish Songs We Learned at School’ with a new collection ‘More Irish Songs We Learned at School’. This new collection features great Irish musicians Christy Moore and Séan Ó Sé and will get everyone singing the songs of their youth. Not only that but last year saw Spillane release his first best of album ‘So Far So Good, Like’. This compiled some of his greatest works from the memorable anthems of ‘The Dance of the Cherry Trees’ and ‘Dunnes Stores Girl’ to songs from ‘The Gaelic Hit Factory’ and ‘Irish songs we learned at school’. A fantastic mix of songs, including two new tracks from one of Irelands much loved songwriters. With 2009 being a stellar year for the man with boundless enthusiasm for his craft its doubtful that 2010 will be much different! The only thing that’s for sure is that whether from the emotive tunes he whisks you on a journey with or his dynamic playful Cork wit, at the end of a John Spillane show there won’t be a dry eye in the house… “ … funny, quirky, massively entertaining. John is a story teller, a shanachie.” Dan Regan, Founder, Kansas City Irish Festival. Nominated for “Cork Man of the Year” John also was awarded the Irish Music Association (USA) “Top Solo Performer in Concert” award 2009 www.irishmusicassociation.com “One of the great songwriters to emerge in the last 10 years is John Spillane” Christy Moore “Other Voices” Feb ‘09 So far this year - Christy Moore has recorded one of John’s songs “Gortatagort” to be on his forthcoming album which Christy performed live on the TV show “Other Voices” “... some of the most skillfully crafted, vividly realized songs anyone has written in Ireland over the past dozen years.” Earle Hitchner, premier writer/reviewer for Irish Echo and The Wall Street Journal.
	Lee Valley String Band - Sunday 22nd August 3pm to 5pm The renowned 'Lee Valley String Band' from Cork will entertain by the Town Wall from 3pm to 5pm with their particular type of Old Time and Bluegrass music. The current line-up includes original member Chris Twomey autoharp; Mick O'Brien, guitar; Mick Daly, banjo; Kevin Gill, dobro; Hal O'Neill, fiddle (brother of Anne Connolly, Fethard Post Office, and Eoghain O'Neill from Moving Hearts); Brendan Butler, mandolin and Pete Brennan, bass. Chris, Brendan, the two Micks, Kevin and Pete all share vocal duties. The band featured on the Hummingbird / RTE project 'Other Voices 3', on RTE television in April 2005, and in July of that year, they shared the stage of the Cork Opera House with The Blind Boys Of Alabama.
	Festivities by Medieval Town Wall - Sunday from 2pm to 6pm Archery, Medeival Re-enactments, Puppeteer, Dog Show, Food, Fun and Games There should be ‘tests of skill’ for those with a keen eye and fast hands and legs and of course The Lee Valley String Band will fill the Valley with music between 3and 5pm.
	Fethard Medieval Cloak and Mantle Project Children, aged from 8 years upward, are welcome to enrol for a series of Workshops, led by artist Pat Looby, for this years Walled Towns Day Festival on Sunday 22nd August. This Textile Art Project is based on Medieval Clothing and Symbols that appear on historic buildings around Fethard. Pupils will create their own Cloak using materials and fabrics, embroidery, sewing, painting and decoration. Workshops take place from Monday 16th to Friday 20th of August in the same studio as last year, in the premises, formerly Dillon’s Chemist, opposite Newport’s Newsagents. The first session will start on Monday at 1.30pm and will continue daily thereafter from 11am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm. It is essential to book for these workshops, this can be done by contacting the Community Office on 61 31000. A special painting workshop for 5 to 7 year-olds will be held, in the same place, on Monday morning from 11am to 12.30pm. The skills learned here can be put to use in the Medieval Activity Tent at the Festival on the following Sunday.
	Medieval Fancy Dress Parade 2pm - Town Hall to Town Wall This year’s Fethard Medieval Fancy Dress Parade will take place on Sunday 22nd August with lots of prizes to be won. We ask children and parents to make a special effort to dress up in costume and participate in this year’s parade and events by the medieval town wall at The Valley. The Fancy Dress Parade will commence at 2pm from the Town Hall on Sunday 22nd August. The Fethard fancy dress parade was famous all over south Tipperary, and now its back again, but with a medieval twist. Prizes will again be given out to the best Adult and Children entries and those who push the medieval boat out to its colourful limits. The Knights, Ladies and Re-enactors will join in, and who knows who or what may turn up on the day.
	Festival Raffle A raffle is being run in conjunction with the festival to help raise funds. Prizes include: Lamb - suitable for deep freeze; Meal for Two and Bottle of Wine (McCarthys); €50 Voucher for Sadels Restaurant; Gift Hamper from O’Sullivan’s Chemist; Voucher for Lonergan’s Restaurant; Two Pictures from Carrolls Framing; and Voucher Mandy’s Hair Salon (wash & blow dry). Strips of five raffle tickets cost €2 for one and €5 for three, available at local shops. Draw takes place on Sunday 22nd August by Town Wall at 5pm. Winners announced on Fethard Website & here on the Fethard Page
	Live music on The Square from 12.30pm to 2pm Sunday The Fayerweather Band, appearing on The Square, Fethard, on Festival Sunday morning 22nd August at 12.30pm, are a Waterford based country rock band, blending a unique mix of Cajun, Bluegrass, South American and of course the hard driving Steve Earle type sound that we’ve all come to love. The band were originally formed in the early 90’s and played venues like The Night Train/Bad Bobs/Break for the Border/ in Dublin + many other venues around the country and built up a great following locally. The name ’Fayerweather’ comes from a street name in Boston where the band were touring at the time.Now reformed and enjoying every minute of it the band retains most of the original members…..’Skippy’ Sheridan on Drums, Kevin Lonergan on Bass and vocals, Martin Murray on Fiddle, Mandolin and vocals and new member Johnny Gleeson on Lead Guitar and vocals. Warning . . . This band plays ‘HAPPY MUSIC’ only, and is suitable only for people who like to enjoy themselves and appreciate good music!
	The Valley — entertainment by 'The Wall' on Sunday 2 to 6pm Then it’s off down to The Valley where a tented village awaits with flying eagles, to join the Archery, the Re-enactments, the Puppeteer, dog show, Herbal Walks, food stalls and craft workers.
	Fethard Medieval Walled Town Festival 2010 This is the fourth year of the festival where South Tipperary County Council, The Heritage Council and the local community have come together to provide a genuine family day out where fun and laughter and chat are the number one priority.

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