Gala Christmas Concert for Abymill
The Abymill Theatre presents a Gala Christmas Concert in association with M&R Productions on Saturday 1st December starting at 8.15pm. The concert compère is Billy McLellan and will feature Derek Ryan (bass baritone), with guests, the Frank Patterson Choir from Clonmel; Darragh McGrath (magician); Deirdre O’Connor (soprano), Seamus O’Reilly (tenor), Sarah E. Murphy (contralto), and Liam Butler (Carrick Operatic Society). Part one of the show will feature soloists performing popular songs from light musicals and part two will be dedicated to the memory of the late Luciana Pavarotti and will concentrate on the world of the Grand Opera. This will be a night of music, song and entertainment not to be missed. Booking is now open at O’Flynn’s Menswear, Burke Street, Fethard. Tel: 052 31254. Tickets are €15 and €12 (concession).

Fethard ICA support charities
In conjunction with our November meeting and following a wonderful demonstration on flower arranging given by Mandy Quigley, the proceeds of the recent Craft Display and Sale was presented to the two nominated charities. The day was a great success with the sum of €1714 being raised. The organising committee wish to thank sincerely all those who supported the event in any way, a special word of thanks to the ICA South Tipperary Federation for their generous contribution. The results of the Raffle are as follows: 1st Prize Patchwork Quilt and Walling hanging, Agnes Carroll, Mitchelstown; 2nd Prize Small Quilt, Edwina Newport; 3rd Prize Rushwork Basket, Breda Keane, Mitchelstown; 4th Prize Bottle of Wine, Gillian Small, Limerick Patchwork Society; 5th Prize Gift Voucher, Gabrielle Schofield; and 6th Prize Patchwork Cushion, Josie Cleary, c/o Phil O’Dwyer.

Following the meeting, Ms Kate Corcoran accepted the cheque for €1000, on behalf of Concern and Mrs Therese Fennessy accepted the cheque for €714 on behalf of the Christina Noble Foundation. Both ladies thanked all those involved in raising such a large sum, and assured us that the money would be put to very good use for the benefit of those in greatest need.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on 15th November of Kathleen ‘Kitty’ Prout, Killusty South. Interment took place in Killusty.

New Childcare Committee
A successful meeting, convened by Fethard & Killusty Community Council, held on Thursday 15th November last, resulted in the formation of a new committee to co-ordinate the development of a purpose-built childcare facility in Fethard.  This meeting was well attended by a group of interested and enthusiastic people.  Representatives from the South Tipperary County Childcare Committee, Mr Gerry Hickey, Manager, and Ms Ger Boland, Development Officer, were in attendance.

The meeting was chaired by Joe Kenny.  He informed the meeting that at present there is both a need and an opportunity in Fethard to develop a purpose-built childcare facility in the town.  Joe’s address was followed by a contribution from Ger Boland who expressed her delight at the large number in attendance.  Ger informed the meeting that successful community facilities had been set up in many locations throughout the County from similar meetings.   Ger advised that getting involved in a committee would involve a considerable amount of work and that the involvement of skilled members would be highly beneficial.  Ger informed that applications for funding, which usually take about six months to complete, are assessed under the following headings: Local Need; Capacity of the Committee, and Value for Money.

Ger advised that as a substantial amount of the 2008 budget has already been allocated it could be likely, at this stage, that the 2009 funds would be applicable to Fethard.  She further advised that an amount of €1.2 million should be sufficient to develop a multi-functional childcare building incorporating indoor and outdoor play areas.  Ger stated that an in-depth analysis of current and prospective local needs would be a vital requirement before any decision to provide funding would be made.

Ger Boland continued by offering the services of the Childcare Committee – skills-training, support and co-operation – to assist the new group.  She also advised that all existing childcare providers in the town could be accommodated in a new development, the facility would be inclusive to all.  Mr Gerry Hickey advised that the strength of the committee would be greatly enhanced by ‘networking’; people on the committee might know someone (accountant, quality surveyor, architect, etc.) who would be willing to contribute.

Cllr. Jimmy O’Brien informed the meeting that negotiations are underway with the County Council to enable a suitable green-field site be made available for such a development.

The following Officers were elected: Chairperson Joe Burke; Secretary Helena O’Shea; and Treasurer Carmel Kiely.

Fethard Childcare Committee will hold their inaugural meeting on Thursday 6th December 2007 at 8pm in the Fr. Tirry Community Centre.  This meeting is open to all, so if you are interested in becoming involved or consider that you have something to contribute feel free to come along.

Hunting News
From their meet at Cloneen on Thursday, Tipperary Foxhounds had one of their best days of the week.  Finding in Rathkenny glen they hunted for Curaheen where they lost him.  Moving back to Spike they found in the covert. Hunting a full circle to Knockelly and back to the covert they had their fox away again and hunted to the Knockelly Road near Mr O’Flynn’s where he got to ground. Ballinard wood and the nearby fort proved blank. 

Carroll’s held at least two brace. After some excellent covert hunting Derry elected to go with a fox that broke at the end opposite the sawmills. This fox got to ground, however, after a short run near Downey’s Cross.  Carrigbawn Rock was blank, but the day concluded with a fast thirty minutes from Killusty glen. Hounds hunted towards Bannixtown and left-handed by Carrigbawn. Their pilot did a u-turn here and seemed to be heading back to where he was found. Turning right-handed he crossed the Fethard/ Killusty road to Grove estate near the back gate.  The cry as hounds hunted strongly through the forest was a joy to hear.  Leaving cover close to the old Kennels they hunted by Kilmaclugh Graveyard and marked to ground in the big badger sett in the Deerpark.  This run concluded a good day at 3.50pm.

White Heathers
The Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers will meet at Grove gate on this Sunday, 25th November; at Ballyluskey on Sunday, 2nd December; and at Ballinard on Sunday, 9th December.

Fethard GAA Club News
Fethard GAA Club are holding their annual mass for all deceased club members in Killusty Church at 7.30pm, (tonight) Thursday 22nd November. All are welcome.

Congratulations to Jimmy O’Shea and Jack Wall on receiving the Cumann na Sean nGael Awards in Brú Ború Cashel on Sunday 18th November bringing a total of ten awards to Fethard in five years.  The Cumann na Sean nGael Awards are presented for individual achievements and contribution to the GAA during one’s lifetime. Well done.

A Buster Draw for Fethard GAA is now in full swing. Tickets are €20 each and the draw will take place on 9th December in Clonmel Greyhound Stadium. Tickets available from any committee member
On Sunday next 25th November in Grangemockler a special commemoration will be held after 10am Mass for Mick Hogan of Bloody Sunday fame who was shot in Croke Park. As Fethard was one of the six clubs represented on that famous day on 20th November 1920, with Scout Butler, Ned O’Shea (Captain), Gus McCarthy all playing their part on the Tipperary senior football team that played Dublin, we would ask that as many as possible be present to honour those gone before us.

Our Lotto Jackpot €7,600 was not won. The numbers drawn were 12, 15, 19 and 30. We had one ‘match three’ winner who received €150: Esther Breen (Barrack St Fethard).  The €50 Lucky Dip was won by Rita Doyle (Woodvale Walk). Thanks to Fethard Wholesale Electrical for providing the tickets.

We extend our deepest sympathy at this time to the Kennedy family (Tipp) on the death of Hugh, and to the Prout family (Killusty) on the death of Kathleen. Go ndeanai Dhia Trocaire ar an ainmeachta.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on Wednesday 14th November were: 12, 17, 23 and 26. There was no Jackpot winner and one ‘Match 3’ winner who received €150:
Patrick Sheehan, Killusty, Fethard.
The €50 Luck Dip winners were:
Breda Lonergan, Hogan Square, Cahir;
Paula Gahan, Strylea, Fethard;
Maria Murphy, Coleman, Fethard.
Next week’s Jackpot continues at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1000.

Coffee Morning
Nuncie O’Dwyer will hold a Coffee Morning in Clerihan Community Centre at 11am on Sunday 2nd December in aid of ‘Playing for Life’ charity. All are welcome.

Nuncie was one of 37 who recently spent two weeks working with ‘Playing for Life’ in Pallotti parish, Arusha, Tanzania. Playing for live have projects running in Malawi and Tanzania and promote self-development through education, sport and health awareness in third-world countries.

‘My Fair Lady’ this Thursday
The Slievenamon Musical Societies production of my fair lady takes to the stage this Thursday 22nd November and runs until Sunday 25th. This old favourite is sure to be a great show and even if you are not a big musical fan you will love this and it’s also a great night out for young and old. The story of a young cockney lass who is catapulted into middle class society merely for a bet, is one of the most loved stories and has stood the test of time. The main characters Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle (complete opposites) take us on a journey which is a fun loving musical masterpiece.

The committee are busy organising booking advertising and all the work that goes into putting on a huge production like this. The back stage team are working really hard and great credit to them for all their time and effort, which will no doubt reap the rewards they deserve. Director Michael Scanlon is putting the final touches to this production ably assistant by musical director Kevin Hickey and choreographer Laura Doheny so you can be assured of a great nights entertainment. A must see! Booking now at Tel: 087-7814290 or 087-3283074.

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Help
Anyone requiring the help of St. Vincent de Paul for this Christmas can contact any member of the society for an application form or collect one from the back of our local churches. Please return the completed form to any member of the society before 28th November.
Parents on social welfare that have a child attending third level college are also invited to contact the society for some help if financial assistance is needed.

Fethard Scouts
The annual general meeting for Fethard Scouts / Cubs will take place on Wednesday 28th November at 8pm in the Ballroom. This meeting is open to the general public and all are welcome

Fethard Ballroom AGM
The annual general meeting of Fethard Ballroom will be held on Monday 26th November at 8pm in the Ballroom. All are welcome.

Cemetery Rosaries
Parishioners are asked to make a special effort in remember their dead by praying the Rosary in our local cemeteries during the month of November. The Rosary will be prayed in the following cemeteries on next Sunday 25th November, after 10am Mass in Killusty, 3pm at Tullamaine, 3pm at Kiltinan and 3.30 at Kilmaclugh.

Fethard Bridge Club
The results of our game of bridge on Wednesday 7th November were:
1st Gross: Gemma Burke and Brendan Kenny;
1st Nett: Anne Connolly and Eileen Frewen;
2nd Gross: Rita Kane and Kay St. John;
2nd Nett: Mary and Pattie Tobin.

On Wednesday 14th November 2007 we played our annual game for charity. No prize money is paid out and all the table money goes to the Multiple Sclerosis Society this year. The results of our game were:
1st Gross: Berney Myles and Alice Quinn;
1st Nett: Rosemary Lalor and David Abell;
2nd Gross: Rita Kane and Kay St. John;
2nd Nett: Mike Burke and Bridie Lee.

On Wednesday, 21st November, we start the Christmas Turkey competitions. Subscriptions of €25 are now due and to be eligible to win a turkey competition subscriptions must be fully paid.
Next Wednesday, 28th November, we play for the Nett Turkey prize and on 5th December the Change of Partner Turkey prize.  Our Christmas Party will be held on 19th December at McCarthy's restaurant. Names as soon as possible please to our president Bernie O'Meara. Anyone looking for a partner please contact Berney Myles at 32038.

Patrician Presentation Secondary School

French Film
On Wednesday 15th November the Transition Year and 5th/6th Year French pupils attended a screening of the French film, ‘Comme Une Image’ in the Excel Theatre in Tipperary Town. The pupils were accompanied to the film by their teachers, Ms Whelan, Ms Fogarty and Ms Looby.

‘Comme Une Image’ is director, writer and actress, Agnès Jaoui’s second feature film. Co-written by Jaoui and her long-time partner Jean-Pierre Bacri, the film won best screenplay at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival and was warmly received by audience in France and internationally.

Fethard Safe-Heart Programme
On Tuesday and Wednesday last, the Transition Year pupils successfully completed the Safe-Heart Programme under the expert direction of Mr Liam Hayes. The school is indebted to school parent Mr Hayes for offering to facilitate the programme in the school and thank him most sincerely for his time and efforts.

The pupils, who are in the final stage of a first-aid course, got intensive training in CPR and learned to use a defibrillator . It is believed that they are so far the youngest people in the country to acquire such a skill.

School Sports
The boys’ under-18½ Gaelic football team won their first round match against Carrick CBS in Kilsheelan on 15th November. The Carrick lads made all the early running and were ahead until a hat-trick of goals by J.P. McGrath steadied the team and led them to an eight-points win. Prominent on the day were Darragh Dwyer, Ciarán Ryan, Matt Fitzgerald and particularly goalie Darren Connolly who made many fine saves during the game.