Outing to Athassel Abbey
On Sunday 20th June, Fethard Historical Society organised a trip to Athassel Abbey outside Golden attended by a large crowd on a beautiful day. A guided tour of the Abbey was given by local historian Carmel O’Donnell, whose knowledge of the monastic settlement and its layout is extensive.

Athassel was built in the 12th century and was the most impressive achievement of the Augustinians. It covers nearly four acres on a bend of the river Suir. Following the dissolution of the monasteries in the16th century, the property was granted to Thomas, Earl of Ormond. The buildings were subsequently neglected, and fell into ruin and are now in the care of the Office of Public Works.

The group enjoyed a picnic in the cloister area of the building, with Kitty Delany supplying welcome refreshments, which was greatly appreciated by all in the scorching heat of the day.

Launch of IWA Golf Classic
The launch of the Irish Wheelchair Association oncoming ‘Golf Classic’ took place recently in Cahir House Hotel. The evening was opened by Don Campbell, team leader of South Tipp IWA, and this was followed by John Leahy, former Tipperary hurler, officially launching the golf classic. John also spoke of the great work the IWA does in the area and the great social life provided for wheelchair users through the association.

A fun putting competition was held on the night followed by music and refreshments. A great night was held by all.

The Golf Classic takes place in Mitchelstown Golf Club on Friday 16th July and a team of three will cost €150 which also includes a meal. Music and prize-giving will take place on the night. For booking and tee-off times contact: John Ryan 087 9613002 or Jimmy McCarthy 087 2805693.

The final bell tolls
An historic moment will be reached in St. Patrick's Boys' National School on Tuesday next, 29th June 2010. At 12 o'clock the school bell will ring for the final time. This will herald the beginning of the summer holidays and the end of the boys' school in Fethard. It was opened by the Patrician Brothers 137 years ago, in 1873.

From 1st September 2010, the boys and girls of Fethard will be educated together in the newly amalgamated Holy Trinity National School.

We hope to compile a history of the school and would be very grateful for any articles, photos, information, reflections, etc. which you would be willing to share with us.

Anyone, especially past-pupils, who would like to share this historic moment would be very welcome to join us on Tuesday, 29th June.

Fethard GAA Club News
Fethard are now head of the table in Intermediate Hurling after they beat Fr Sheehys  by 1-16 to 1-10 in Round 4. We have one game left to play against St. Marys so we have qualified for the last four. Fethard team: J.P. McGrath, Aaron Conran, Michael Aherne, James Kelly, John Leahy, Cian Maher, Tom O’Connell, Eoin O’Connell (0-5), Christopher Sheehan (0-1), Kenneth O’Donnell (0-1), Declan Doyle (0-1), John Paul Looby (0-1), Alan O’Connor (0-1), Colin Allen (1-5), Allen Bourke (0-1). Subs used: Shane Walsh and Tomás Keane.
On Sunday last, 20th June, our Junior A footballers went down to Ballylooby/Castlegrace on a scoreline 2-04 to 1-12.

Fixtures: Round 1 Minor B Hurling, Fethard v Kilsheelan in Monroe on Sunday at noon.

Our Lotto Jackpot €2,800 was not won. The numbers drawn were 9, 10, 19 and 24. We had one match three winner of €150, going to Brian Walsh (Baptistgrange, Lisronagh). The €50 lucky dip was won by Austy O’Flynn (Abbey St. Fethard). Thanks to AIB Main Street for providing the tickets.

Loudest Whisper
Loudest Whisper will make a welcome return visit to Butler's Bar, Fethard, on this Friday 25th June, when they play their unique blend of Folk/Rock music. The band is considered ‘Legendary’ in many quarters and should not to be missed.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The numbers drawn on 16th June were: 1, 8, 9 and 12. We had no Jackpot winner and one ‘Match 3’ winner who received €150: John Whyte, Main Street, Fethard.

The three following Lucky Dip winners received €50 each: Catherine McGrath, Rathcoole, Fethard; Joe O'Sullivan, Littleton; and Yvonne Mulvihill, ticket sold online. Remember you can purchase your lotto ticket online at www.fethard.com. Buy seven weekly tickets and get one free! Check on the website for lots of special offers.

Next week’s Jackpot continues at €10,000 and the Jackpot sellers prize is €1000.

Credit Union draw for car
Clonmel Credit Union will be holding their monthly ‘Car Draw’ in the Fethard office on Saturday 3rd July at 12 noon. The car draw is open to all members of Clonmel and Fethard Credit Union. All are welcome.

New laundry service
Fethard Dry Cleaning and Laundry Services have now opened under new management on The Square, Fethard, formerly Tipp Tack Shop. The shop will open six days from 9.30am to 6.30pm and services include dry cleaning, service washing, ironing and repairs.

Summer Sessions
Philip Donnelly kicks off the ‘Summer Sessions’ in the marquee at McCarthy's in Fethard this Saturday night 26th June. Admission Free. Come and see this legendary musician who has played on record and stage with the Everly Brothers, Johnny Cash, John Prine and many others.

Fethard and Killusty Community Games
The following competitors will represent Fethard and Killusty Area at the county finals of Community Games Athletics which will take place in Templemore athletic track on this Sunday 27th June. The area may send two participants both boys and girls in each event.

U8 60m: Ava Ward, Annica O’Connor, Ryan Walsh, Michael Quinlan.
U8 80m: Laura Harrington, Nell Spillane, Richard Robinson, Shane Neville.
U10 100m: Lucy Spillane, Megan Hackett, Ben Coen, Darragh Lynch.
U10 200m: Chloe Nolan, Laura Kiely, Conor Harrington, Peter Wall.
U12 100m: Laura Stocksborough, Amy Cowlard, Liam Quigley, Luke Coen.
U12 600m: Jack Dolan, Joseph O’Connor.
U14 100m: Annie Prout, Cassandra Needham, Mile Earle, Luke Grant.
U14 800m: Matthew Lynch, Connie Coen.
U14 Long Jump: Kate Quigley.

All competitors are to provide their own transport. Parade starts at 11.30am followed immediately by Opening Ceremony. The first event is due off at 12 noon sharp.

Team Events: Fethard and Killusty boys and girls volleyball teams will represent Co Tipperary at the Munster finals of the HSE Community Games in U.L. on Saturday 10th July. The boys are in the final and will play the winners of Clare v Limerick. The girls play Clare in the semifinal and the winner will play Limerick in the final. Best of luck to everybody.

Hospice Collection
The Fethard Support Group for South Tipperary Hospice will hold their annual church gate collection in Fethard, Killusty and Moyglass weekending 3rd & 4th July. Your continued support for this deserving cause is most appreciated.

Fethard Macra
Fethard Macra AGM took place in Butler’s Bar, Fethard recently. The following officers were elected:  Chairperson, David Ryan; Secretary, Michael Moclair; Treasurer, Leah McNamara; PRO, Noel Clancy; and South Tipp Rep, Liam Cleary.

The South Tipp Raft Race and BBQ will take place in Golden on Saturday, 3rd July. Fethard Macra will have a raft race team for this always enjoyable event. For further info on the club and club activities check out our facebook page or email fethardmacra@gmail.com