Fethard Junior Football B County Champions  
Fethard ‘Golden Oldies’ put on a tremendous display of fast free flowing football in New Inn on Saturday evening, November 24, to win the County Junior B Football Title, Fethard 0-17 to Moycarkey Borris 1-6, for the second time – the last been in 1998 – with two players involved on both occasions P.J. Aherne and Philly Prout. This was Fethard Blues their first adult county football championship title since 2001, a span of 11 years.

Credit must go to all concerned for a tremendous occasion before a large attendance on a very cold evening leading at the short whistle by 0-8 to 0-4, with a great team effort from Paul Kenny in goal with Peter Gough, Michael Moroney and Ian Kenrick holding their lines all through. The half back line was held together by Damien Byrne flanked by Frankie Donovan and Ronan Allen, setting up many of the attacks up field. With youth and experience and a nice balance in the middle of the field, Cathal Hurley kicked five great points from frees and P.J. Aherne did the heavy work, on the half forward line Dean Tobin and Brian Healy 0-2 came in to their own in the 3rd Quarter with Willie Morrissey doing what he does best, winning the ball and taking on the defence and scoring a point from play. Substitute Darren O’Meara scored two points from play in the final 10 minutes while the full forward line was magic all the way through the game, with Michael Quinlan picking off seven points, four in the 1st half and three in the second, all provided from play.

Micheál Spillane, the ever-reliable provider of most scores, won every ball while Martin Coen in the other corner struggled with injury and had to leave the fray early in the second half. Johnny Neville came on for a period in the latter stages of the game and also John Fitzgerald.

On a night when both young and old all stuck to their task and played simple effective football that was a pleasure to watch, this results means that Fethard in 2013 will be graded senior football, and Junior A Football in the South Championship.

Team was: Paul Kenny, Peter Gough, Michael Moroney, Ian Kenrick, Frankie Donovan, Damien Byrne, Ronan Allen, P.J. Aherne (captain), Cathal Hurley 0- 5F, Dean Tobin, Willie Morrissey 0-1, Brian Healy 0-2, Martin Coen, Micheál Spillane, Michael Quinlan 0-7. Subs used: Darren O’Meara 0-2, Johnny Neville and John Fitzgerald. Other subs: Dion Butler, Willie Morgan, Ger Gorey, Ciaran O’Connell, Eugene Walsh and Philly Prout. Back room management: Paul Fitzgerald, Brendan Brett, Jimmy O’Shea and Pat Sheehan.

Santa coming to Fethard
Its official, the man in the red suit is coming to Fethard to meet all the boys and girls on Friday, December 7, Santa's elves have informed us that Santa will be in our town this year to turn on our Christmas tree lights at the square at 4.30pm, he will then bring all boys and girls down to the Youth Center at the Convent Hall and meet with them one by one. If your child would like to bring their Santa letter with them on the day Santa will take them back to the North Pole to read them with his elves there. There will be a Christmas market in the hall from 5pm to 8pm where you can browse in a nice relaxed atmosphere. On Saturday, December there will be a Christmas movie shown in the cinema in the hall at 2pm for small children (details next week) and at 7pm a movie for older children. On Sunday, December 9, Bernard Tynan will be hosting a craft fair in the hall with lots of stalls selling their own craftwork. This will be an ideal chance to buy some handmade Christmas presents. The fair will be open from 11am Sunday Morning to 5pm admission is free. This is a great opportunity for the people of Fethard young and not so young to get together and create a festive atmosphere in our town.

Red Ribbons to remember our deceased
This year red ribbons will be available to buy on The Square on December 7. You can buy a red ribbon write the name of a deceased loved one you want to remember at Christmas time and tie the red ribbon on the railing at the Christmas tree, the tree will be blessed once Santa lights it up and all the red ribbons will shine brightly in Fethard over the festive season remembering our loved ones that won’t be in town to spend Christmas with us but that will be forever in our hearts.

Patrician Presentation ‘Open Evening’
Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School will hold their Open Evening in the school on Monday, December 3, from 7pm to 8pm. All 5th and 6th Class Primary School Pupils and their parents are invited to attend.

Woodcraft Design
Congratulations to Noel Sharpe of NS Woodcraft Design who has opened a new carpentry and joinery workshop located in Church Street, Cahir, across from the Post Office. Noel is a highly qualified cabinet maker who specialises in fitted kitchens, furniture, and all things wooden, even dolls houses and toys, Further information call noel at: 087 6522688. Best of luck in your new business.

Ladies Minor Football reach final  
Congratulations to the Ladies Minor team on their superb victory over Ballyporeen in the county semi-final on Saturday, November 24. The fixture didn't run smoothly, however, as both teams were fully warmed up on the pitch at a neutral venue in Ardfinnan when word came through that the referee was unavailable – he thought the match was due to be played on Sunday. With light fading, a decision was made to move the match to Ballyporeen under lights and a replacement referee recruited (who was en route to another match in New Inn!).

The match finally got started almost one and half hours later than the planned kick-off time. Despite the upset, Fethard made a superb start in the first half, holding Ballyporeen to a single point (compared to their first half tally of 5-1 in their previous encounter during the championship). Although Ballyporeen made a strong comeback in the second half, the Fethard girls prevailed on a score of 2-7 to 2-4. Fethard are now through to the county final against Ardfinnan. This is the third year in a row in which Fethard and Ardfinnan contest a Minor final, with both sides having previously won one each. Hopefully, the Fethard girls will make it two-from-three in the next week. Best of luck!!

With the White Heathers
From their meet at Rocklow on Sunday last, the Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers had a good day in most inclement weather. Finding at McCarthys bog they ran to Rocklow and crossed the river to the Cashel Road where they were stopped.

From Ballybough railway bridge they had a short run back to McCarthys where they lost him. From the fort at Dr. Condon’s and back once again McCarthys they hunted through Rocklow covert to Hayes, Rathcoole and back to Mr Hugh Holohan’s.

They finished the day with a good circle from the grove near Mr Tom Ronan’s back to the fort at Dr. Condon’s where he got to ground.
Sincere thanks from the Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers to Mr Paul Ronan for lawn meet. The Ballyluskey White Heather Harriers meet on Sunday next, December 2, at Ballyluskey and the Fethard Lawn Meet takes place on Sunday, December 9.

Legion of Mary celebrate 60th Anniversary
Fethard Legion of Mary, founded on December 2, 1952, will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of its foundation in the parish with a Thanksgiving Mass Abbey Church at 11.30am on Sunday, December 9 (please note change of venue and time). All past members, senior, intermediate, junior, active and auxiliary, are especially invited and welcome to attend.

St. Vincent De Paul collection this weekend
The annual collection for St. Vincent De Paul will be held next Saturday December 1 and Sunday, December 2. Due to the recession, unemployment and cut-backs, there are more families in need this year than ever before. Thank you for your help in the past and please remember us again this year.

Irish Girl Guides
Fethard Guides, Brownies and Ladybirds accompanied by young leaders and leaders travelled to Templemore on Saturday, November 25, for an area day of activities. We joined girls and leaders from Cashel, Thurles and Moyne for a fun filled day. Activities included wide games, mini Olympics, scavenger trail and badge work. The weather stayed fine, even if cold, but all enjoyed being active in the outdoors. It was a tired but happy group on the bus back and of course the singing was brilliant!

Historical Society Talk
On this Friday, November 30, Fethard Historical Society will host a talk by John Gillis on ‘The Faddan More Psalter’. This talk will tell the story of the recovery and conservation of this early medieval manuscript unearthed from a peat bog in Co. Tipperary in the summer of 2006. The talk will be held in the Abymill Theatre at 8pm. Admission €3 for members and €5 non-members.

Pilates Classes
Pilates classes will take place in the Fethard Youth Centre, starting this Thursday, November 22, from 8.30pm. The cost is €7 per class and all are welcome to attend, just bring along a mat and a bottle of water. Any queries please contact Dolores at 086 2870373.

Fethard Bridge Club results
The results of our game played on Wednesday, November 14 were: 1st Gross, Rita Kane and Kay St. John; 2nd Gross, Berney Myles and Alice Quinn; 3rd Gross, Carol Kenny and Gemma Burke; 1st Nett, Philly Kenny and Nora Lawrence; 2nd Nett, Breda O'Grady and Ellen Rochford; 3rd Nett, Bridie Lee and Mike Burke.

On Wednesday, December 5, we play for our Change of Partner turkey prizes and on December 12 we play for Christmas Prizes. Anyone looking for a partner contact Berney Myles 6132038.

Fethard Ballroom Notes
The AGM of Fethard & Killusty Community Ballroom Limited will take place in the Ballroom on Sunday, December 1, at 8pm. All are welcome. Dancing on Sunday night, December 2 to ‘Catherine & The Images’.

Fethard GAA News  
Fethard Club will celebrate Mass for members, both living and deceased, on Friday night, November 30, at 7pm in Holy Trinity Parish Church.

The Club will hold its AGM on December 16, at 2pm in the Fr. Tirry Centre. A full house will be expected and needed to organize for the incoming season.

Died Recently
The death has occurred on Wednesday, November 21, 2012 of Ignatius (Naishy) Fenton, Crampscastle, Fethard. Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving wife Dolores, daughter Marian, sisters Aileen, Mai and Anna (Millar), brother-in-law Jim (Millar), sister-in-law Noreen, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. Interment took place in Dualla Cemetery.

Fethard & Killusty Community Lotto
The lucky numbers drawn on November 21 were: 15, 24, 25 and 26.
There was no Jackpot winner and one ‘Match Three’ winner who received €150: Therese Barrett, The Green, Fethard.

The three following ‘Lucky Dip’ winners also won €50 each: Conor Cunningham, Rathkenny, Drangan; William Needham, Friarsgrange, Fethard; and Eileen Purcell, Burke Street, Fethard.

The next Lotto draw will take place on November 28. The Jackpot prize is €5,950 and the Jackpot seller’s prize is €595. Lotto tickets can be purchased in local shops or online at www.fethard.com. Buy seven weekly tickets online and get one free! Check on the Fethard website for lots of special offers. All proceeds go towards community work in Fethard.

Patrician Presentation Jottings

Transition Year Presentation
Ms Pauline Sharpe from Tipperary Regional Youth Service gave a very interesting presentation to Transition Year pupils on Thursday, November 22. She dealt with issues relating to Youth in the Workplace.

Art History Trip
The TY pupils and senior art students will take part in an Art History Trip to Dublin on Thursday next, November 29, visiting the National Museum of Ireland, Kilmainham Jail and The National Art Gallery

Parents’ Association Table Quiz
Thank you to all who supported this quiz in any way on Monday, November 19, last. A special thank you to Ms Marian Gilpin who came out of retirement to be quizmaster for the night. The quiz results were as follows: Senior Category 1st Prize Aine Doocey, Kate Horan, Jim O’Donnell and Mandy Quigley. The Runners up were: Micheál and Sandra Spillane, Monica Griffin and Helen Cronin. Junior Category: 1st Prize: Ciara Hayes, Sadhbh Horan, Molly O’Meara and Megan Coen.

The school appreciates the involvement of the Parents’ Association in many school activities. Well done and thank you to the Parents’ Association chairperson, Mrs Catherine O’Donnell and her committee for all the hard work involved in organising this annual quiz for school sports.

Volleyball
The senior girls Volleyball Team played in the quarter-finals of their division on Tuesday, November 20, in Portmarnock Community School. The Fethard team was captained by Emma Hayes and included Christina Myler, Aisling Costin, Tara Horan, Michelle Walsh, Louise Fitzgerald, Molly O’Dwyer, Katie Whyte and Orla Walsh. The girls gave it their all on the day and excelled during the second set. Unfortunately, Portmarnock proved too strong in the end for Fethard. Well done to the girls on having reached the quarter-finals and for their great effort.

Fethard & District Rugby Club
With the blitz in Clonmel cancelled Fethard U11s were grateful to Clanwilliam for turning out in Fethard last Sunday and providing a rip-roaring game that warmed the cockles of all the spectators who lined both sides of the pitch. Right from the start we had both teams driving over the rucks and clearing ball, setting up some lively running play. Clanwilliam gave a master class in mauling and recycling the ball, Fethard drove hard and far and we were six minutes in before the first score. Scintillating running from Clan met determined Fethard defence, trailing by 2 scores Fethard rallied and produced two of the finest tries you will see, combining all the elements of open play. 2-2 half-time. The second half was as thrilling as the first with still nothing between the two sides, Clan's scrum was well rehearsed but Fethard matched them and once again stole a couple! Lineouts provided stable platforms for both teams and in the broken play there was no quarter given or asked and if you had to choose you'd say Clan had the mauls but Fethard the rucks. In the end Clanwilliam's backline speed won the day, by one score, but both teams deserved the plaudits of a happy crowd for a great game played in the right spirit. Fethard: Mathew Burke, Ethan Coen, Mathew Gleeson, Iain Harrington, Jack Hassett, Angus MacDonald, Lucy Murphy, Darra O'Connell, Sam Quigley-O'Dwyer, Richard Robinson, Eoin Walsh and Ryan Walsh.

Fethard U14
On Saturday night last Fethard U14 played Waterford City in a friendly, is was a cold November night for our spectators watching the game but with speed at which the game was played the teams didn't notice. Fethard were first to put points on the board early in the match once this happened they grew in confidence and powered ahead. Even though the Fethard scrum gave away a huge amount of weight per man it certainly didn't show. From the onset our forwards controlled the game and the back line powered ahead. The scoreline reflected this with Fethard scoring 7 tries with Waterford scoring their only try in the last few minutes of play. This was a great performance from the whole panel their level of fitness really shone through. Well done all. 

Fethard U15
Fethard U15s had a fine win against Waterford City last Sunday in cool wet conditions. The Fethard lads got off to a fine start in the first half with solid work throughout from Bill Phelan and great play from John Clancy. Connie Cohen put 3 tries on the board with a fine conversion from Gary Kavanagh. Joey Noonan, full back, scored a fine try in the corner. Thomas Murphy showed fine tackling and rucking along with Tim Daly and Gearóid Fahey also tackling extremely well. Michael Gaynor who consistently played well at number 8. Second half saw great ball carrying from Ned Grogan and Lorcan Ivors. Ross McCormack started strongly alongside Ritchie Holohan who gave solid play throughout. Matthew Lynch showed quick thinking and swift hands at scrum half out to Gary Kavanagh who put Connie Coen in for his hat tick of tries. Josef O'Connor out on the wing with Jack Kealy made great runs. Aaron Smullen who came on to ruck Waterford City off the ball. Then to wrap up the game fine skills from Mark Collins kicking the ball down field to put the speedy Jack Dolan in to the corner for the seventh and final try.

Items for Fethard News
Items for inclusion on the weekly Fethard News page on The Nationalist can be emailed before noon on Mondays to news@fethard.com or delivered by hand to Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard.