The cast of this year’s Fethard Players’ production, ‘The Year of The Hiker’, photographed on stage after their performance in the Abymill Theatre. L to R: Colm McGrath, Niamh Hayes, Ciarán Mullally, Pat Brophy, Rita Kenny, Jimmy O’Sullivan and Ann O’Riordan. The play was produced by Austin O’Flynn.

Esther McCormack, The Green, Fethard, photographed on the occasion of her 80th birthday with members of her family who joined her to celebrate the special occasion in April . Back L to R: Tishy, Gina, Kieran, Valerie, Marian. Front L to R: Michael, Esther McCormack and John Joe. 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

Dedicated to our friends and relations living away from home

Copyright © 2011

Published by the Fethard & Killusty Emigrants’ Newsletter ISSN 1393-2721

WWW.FETHARD.COM

Layout and design by Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard Printed by Modern Printers Kilkenny

Front cover: Approaching Main Street from Rocklow Road - Early 1900s Back cover: Abymill Creamery and Watergate - Early 1900s Photographs supplied by Diana Stokes

All rights reserved. No parts of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any informa- tion storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

1 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Table of contents

A time in my life ...... 142 Gold ...... 17 A tribute to Harry Ferguson ...... 57 Greetings from Bro Paul in Eldoret . . . 125 A Winter’s Tale ...... 238 Holohans of Tullow ...... 8 A year of change ...... 3 Holy Trinity National School ...... 244 Augustinian Abbey ...... 7 Irish Girl Guides ...... 123 Badgers Soccer & Social Club . . . . . 163 It feels like home! ...... 26 Bootcamp Tipperary & Gi Joes . . . . . 134 John Joe’s Corner ...... 242 Boyhood Days! ...... 164 Killusty Pony show 1962-2012 . . . . . 216 Bringing in the Hay ...... 167 Legion of Mary ...... 6 Coolbawn ‘Tug of War’ Festival . . . . . 72 Life after Killusty School ...... 37 Coolmoyne & Moyglass Vintage Club . . . 68 Memories ...... 80 Country Markets ...... 223 Memories of my Grandmother . . . . .184 Crocanoir - the Fethard connection . . . . 97 Mrs Murray’s Emporium ...... 188 Crocanoir – ‘the crock of gold’ . . . . . 94 My time in Ghana ...... 46 Days of the Half-Door ...... 208 New Tourist Guide Service for Fethard . 175 Deaths in the parish ...... 206 Newsletter Contact Details ...... 194 Do You Remember 1982 ...... 104 One of the Dohenys! ...... 135 Donations Received 2011 ...... 192 Our dear departed 2011 ...... 207 Dublin to Kazakhstan via Fethard . . .196 Parish Greetings ...... 5 Fethard & District Day Care Centre . . . . 12 Patrician Presentation Awards Day . . . 256 Fethard & District Rugby Club . . . . . 170 Queen Elizabeth visits Fethard ...... 253 Fethard & Killusty Community Games . .14 Season’s Greetings from Killusty N .S . . . . 78 Fethard Ballroom Ltd ...... 49 Senior Citizens Club ...... 226 Fethard Bridge Club ...... 156 Some of your comments ...... 232 Fethard Camper Van Parking . . . . . 225 South Tipperary Military History . . . . 219 Fethard Community Playgroup . . . . . 59 Statia Kealy (1903-2011) ...... 122 Fethard GAA Club ...... 74 T .A . Kenrick & Co ...... 154 Fethard Historical Society ...... 127 The Epicurean Review ...... 220 Fethard ICA Guild ...... 222 The man who used to lie on the nails! . 224 Fethard Ladies Football Club . . . . . 158 The scenic route to college ...... 234 Fethard Scout Group ...... 100 The Walled Town ...... 56 Fethard Tidy Towns ...... 227 Tipperary House, Grantham ...... 214 Fethard Youth Club 1969-71 ...... 81 Vice Principal retires ...... 229 Fethard’s hidden Medieval Roof . . . . . 51 Wedding Bells and All Ireland Finals . . 177 Fethard’s Unsung Hero ...... 62 World Champions down under . . . . . 180 Gentleman & sometimes philosopher . . 199

2 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

A year of change by Joe Kenny (editor)

This drawing of Watergate, date unknown, was submitted by Diana Stokes, The Square.

s we arrive at the end of well off and need our support. Athis current year of change, Fethard is a great place to live. meditation, hardship, emigration and It has all the groundwork in place loss for many people in Fethard and for future generations to grow and Ireland, we find that life still goes on cultivate a rich community life. With and our Irish spirits are lifted up by cheap travel and mobile communi- those who take up the challenge and cations the concept of community make the best of what’s left. We will no longer has geographical limita- survive without doubt. tions, but we all still need a ‘home’ to Community spirit was never embrace our childhood memories, more important than it is today. If family and friends. Many readers of we are to get through this reces- this Newsletter will have lived away sion we will need to support local from Fethard for longer than they businesses, shop local, get involved have ever lived in Fethard and yet in local organisations, particularly their affection for this town pours those whose funding was cut or flowingly in the many letters we withdrawn, and especially help receive every year. That alone makes those in our community who are less this Annual Newsletter, now over

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fifty years in existence, worthwhile. sible and all our friends at home When I look back at my own and abroad who very kindly make life the part I remember most is my financial contributions towards the childhood. I remember growing up printing and delivery of the news- on The Green with neighbouring letter. I also thank the great team of families, McCarthys, McCormacks, voluntary helpers who organise the Careys, Trehys, Healys, Sharpes, annual church gate collection and Hanrahans, to name but a few. I still the packaging and posting of the dream of a ‘Green’ reunion that will newsletter to all our emigrants. probably never happen. I take this opportunity to wish all I’d like to thank all the contribu- our readers a very Happy Christmas tors who make this publication pos- and a prosperous New Year. ◉

Anglim family from Knockelly c. 1926. Back L to R: Monica, Paddy, Peggy, Angela Front L to R: Mary, Joan and Bunny

4 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER Parish Greetings he Irish saying goes, ‘Ní neart better place to call home. We know Tgo chur le chéile’ – there is all who do this feel blessed them- strength in togetherness – Christ’s selves for St. Francis reminds us, ‘It is birthday at Christmas calls us to that in giving we receive!’ togetherness. We thank all the children Jesus came on earth to live as and youth of our parish for the one of us, to call us to unity and joy and happiness they bring, be peace. Each one of us can be as it at their concerts, sports events, in St. Francis’ prayer, instruments of Holy Communion or Confirmation Christ’s peace by our words and day. We also thank our senior citi- actions and in return, be filled with zens who continue to inspire and that same peace and contentment. encourage us all with their joy and Christmas is a time for giving and vibrancy of life and indeed showing it’s good to see that it doesn’t always the wisdom they have been blessed have to be expensive gifts. Many in with down the years. our parish give of their time and tal- May we all be blessed with the ents to others throughout the year joy, peace and hope of Christ’s birth in a voluntary selfless capacity in and go forward into 2012 renewed in various groups and individually. This Him and in one another. ◉ is a blessing to all. Thanks to all who do so making Fethard and Killusty a Fr .Tom and Fr .Anthony

Photographed at this year’s pilgrimage to Holy Year Cross are L to R: Christy Williams, Fr. Anthony McSweeney and Gus Maher 5 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Legion of Mary he members of the Legion in publicly demonstrating, respectful- Tof Mary join in wishing ly their love for Our Blessed Mother all our readers a peaceful, happy in attending the May Procession and Christmas and New Year. The past also their love and respect for the year has been encouraging. We true presence of Jesus in the Blessed provided Catholic papers, books Sacrament in attending the Corpus and prayer leaflets for all those Christi Procession. who wished to purchase them. We We invite you to consider join- attended the Rosaries in the various ing the Legion of Mary, or to hand in cemeteries during November with your name to become an auxiliary many of our fellow parishioners. member. Our parish is as strong as The special Rosary in the Abbey on our weakest link. Therefore, let all Sunday afternoons for the month of of us pray for one another and sup- October was welcomed by faithful port one another. Let us reach out supporters. to those persons who need us. We The work of the Legion is not might recall St. Augustine’s words always obvious but is carried on that tell us our hearts are restless silently, quietly. Members are encour- until they rest in God. aged by parishioners who constantly Fethard Legionaries are under attend daily Mass, join in the Rosary the spiritual direction of Father John each day in our Parish Church, join Meagher, OSA. ◉

‘Ladies on the inside, gents on the outside’ - Fethard Legion of Mary members enjoying a ‘Paul Jones’ at their curia social in the Convent Hall 1970s 6 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER Augustinian Abbey

Very Rev. James Danom OSA, photographed in Ireland where he visited Augustinian priests who had previously worked in Nigeria. Local priests, Fr Timmy Walsh and Fr. Martin Crean, between them, spent 60 years ministering in Nigeria. L to R: Fr. John Meagher OSA, Fr. Gerry Horan OSA (Provincial), Very Rev. James Danom OSA (Bishop of Shandam, Nigeria), Fr. Martin Crean OSA (Prior), and Fr. Timmy Walsh OSA. ear Reader, to all of you at beginning in the Abbey. This was Dhome or in exile, on behalf very appropriate as he always cele- of the Community, I hope you are brated them on Good Friday. He was at peace and doing well in mind interred in his beloved Ballylanders. and body. We just celebrated World We the community and indeed Fr. Mission Sunday, where the theme Tim’s family were consoled by the this year was ‘Together in faith’. To attendance of diocesan clergy and you, the people of this parish, wher- people of the area who came to say ever you are, we do keep you in mind goodbye. The church was full to over- and in our prayers. This newsletter flowing on both occasions. does keep us together with interest- Fr. John Meagher OSA celebrat- ing articles, photographs old and ed his 95th birthday in September. new and news, ‘tipp’ bits. He continues to enjoy good health, The high point at the Abbey this which allows him to continue his year was a sad occasion. It was the ministry in the abbey. funeral of our beloved community I would like to take this opportu- member, Fr. Tim Walsh OSA. He will nity to thank each and every one for be fondly remembered for his cool, their support, help and generosity calm approach, and his warm smile throughout the year. It is very much for each and every one. He was a appreciated. On Behalf of Fr. Gerry, genius for remembering everyone’s Fr. John and myself, I wish you the name, even the dog and the cat’s peace of the Christmas season and a name. He died on Good Friday, just happy New Year. ◉ as the Stations of the Cross were Fr .Martin Crean OSA

7 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Holohans of Tullow eraldine Coleman (nee and three daughters (including GWalsh) formerly of Newtown, twins): Bill (USA), Kevin (Killusty), wrote to us on behalf of her Waterford Michael (Mullingar), Bridget friend, Frankie Jordan, who remem- (Waterford) who was born 1910 bers spending childhood holidays at and died 1952, Eileen (Fethard) and the foot of Slievenamon before her Mary (London). mother died when she was 12. Their cousin was Fr. John Walsh After looking at last year’s P.P., Lattin, Co. Tipperary, and her sister Newsletter, Frankie started teasing owned a pub in Cloneen. There was out her family tree and wanted to some confusion over the spelling of share the information. The following the ‘Holohan’ surname but they set- is the results of her efforts to date. tled on this one. Her grandparents were Michael Maybe some of our readers can and Bridget Holohan (nee Walsh), help with further information. ◉ Tullow, Fethard. They had three sons Geraldine Coleman

Grandparents, Michael and Bridget Holohan (nee Walsh), Tullow, Fethard.

8 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

L to R: J.J. Morrissey, Colette Morrissey and John Whyte photographed outside their garage on Main Street in the early 1950s

Three generations of Morrissey First Communions. J.J. Morrissey (Fethard 1947), Desmond Morrissey (London 1973) and Robert Morrissey (Tralee 2011)

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Children from Burke Street area photographed at the Abbey in the late 1950s. Back L to R: June Kennedy, Mary Kenrick, Dolores O’Flynn, Biddy Mullins. Middle L to R: Eileen Hayes, Ann Kenrick. Front L to R: Jacinta O’Flynn, Lou Kenrick and Concepta Healy.

10 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

Mary (Kenrick) O’Brien sent us this photograph from Limerick after someone, who recently observed her talking to neighbours at a function, said, “Ye Burke Street people really stick together!” To which Mary replied, “And why not!” This photograph taken at a GAA Dinner Dance in February 1986 will further endorse the fact that they sure do! Back L to R: Richie Hayes, Jimmy O’Shea, Anthony Hayes, Margaret Coffey, Frank Coffey, Paul Hayes, Percy O’Flynn, Paddy Kenrick. Front L to R: Mary (Kenrick) O’Brien, Austin O’Flynn, Peggy Kenrick, Kitty Hayes, Kevin Coffey and Theresa Cummins.

Theresa Cummins and Seamus Cummins photographed at their Burke Street home Christmas 1996

11 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Fethard & District Day Care Centre hristmas comes around very We had a full programme Cquickly and once again we throughout the year. The Bealtaine will try to keep you up to date Festival held in May is a great show- on all the activities happening at case for our older citizens who the Day Care Centre. At this time have so much to offer with their of the year we are getting ready varied skills such as cookery, knit- for our Christmas Bazaar. Our cli- ting, sewing, pottery, painting, acting, ents start making Christmas Cards singing, dancing and of course their and Christmas Decorations as early patience and advisory skills. We had as February and our knitters are various fundraising events through- busy knitting throughout the year. out the year. We would like to thank This year’s bazaar takes place on all who helped us in any way. Thursday, 20th November, 2011. Our holiday this year saw us We continue with our exercise visit Dundalk, Co. Louth, in May. We classes every day. We all feel the enjoyed some nice day trips up benefit of doing the exercises, keep- North. We had good food, good ing our joints supple and as we all company, wonderful scenery and know that is very important. the weather was okay. Our summer

Photographed at Fethard & District Day Care Centre Christmas Party 2010 are L to R: Leisha Fogarty, Fr. Anthony McSweeney and Joan Heffernan

12 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

Photographed at Fethard & District Day Care Centre Christmas Party 2010 are L to R: Esther McCormack and Annie Ryan outing took us to Loughlinstown, Co. meet the district nurse. Carlow, Kilkenny. Thank you to staff, volunteers, the Our Christmas party will be held Secondary School’s transition year in Raheen House in December. We students and committee members would like to take this opportu- who continue to try and provide the nity to thank all our sponsors who best service possible for our clients. continually help in our fundraising The committee is as follows: Jimmy efforts. In 2010, we had a visit from Connolly (chairperson), Fionnuala the Tipperary teams with the ‘Liam O’Sullivan (secretary), Liam Hayes McCarthy’ and ‘Cross of Cashel’ cups (treasurer), Carmel Rice, Breda after winning the All Ireland Senior Nolan, Desmond Martin, Marie Hurling and Under 21 titles. Tiobraid Murphy, Geraldine McCarthy (super- Abu. visor) and Michael Cleere (minibus The Day Centre Committee meet driver). once a month. We still continue to A very happy and peaceful provide our monthly ‘Senior Day’, Christmas to all in our communities where our elderly neighbours who and to you our readers from all at the do not attend the centre can avail of Day Centre. ◉ a hot meal, chiropody service and

13 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Fethard & Killusty Community Games ethard & Killusty Community We didn’t take part in volleyball FGames are alive and well as we were short of trainers and thank God. It is hard to believe managers. The volleyball finals at another year has passed by and I’m both Munster and National level are still in the role of PRO after 26 years. held during school holidays and It is time to be moving on and very therefore it is very difficult to get unlikely that I will get a pension. people together. We were fairly active during Ben Coen, son of Anne and Shay, 2011, participating in art, gymnas- Killusty, represented Tipperary in the tics, athletics, swimming, juvenile boys under-ten 100m at the national quiz and under-ten football. We also finals where he qualified for the entered under-twelve girl’s football semifinals on his very first attempt. but were unable to field a team due Well done to Ben. the regulations of the age group and We had nine children represent- the parish rule. The same applied to ing Fethard at the county swimming the mini-rugby. The club performs finals and all did very well. Caroline fantastically every year but finds it and Zoë Stokes (Ballybough), hard to get the required numbers Aisling Gorey (Moanbeg), Hannah in a specific category from the area. Dolan (Coolmore), Abigail Maher

Fethard Community Games 2011 Artists from Killusty L to R: Cathal Ryan, Jack Pollard, Miceál Cuddihy, Ella Mai Hackett and Francis Holohan. 14 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

Artists from Fethard at Community Games County Final in Silvermines. L to R: Cassie Needham, Abby McGrath, Sadhbh Horan, Jennifer Phelan and Matthew Burke (Tinakelly), the Pearson twins, Conor We had a very exciting evening and Oliver (Coolmore), and the at the area finals in Fethard Youth Morgan brothers, David and Thomas Café. Special thanks to teachers (Grangebeg). David Morgan won a Rita Kenny, Patricia Treacy, Frances gold medal, Caroline Stokes won Harrington and Rose Heffernan silver, Zoë Stokes and Oliver Pearson who prepared the children and both won bronze medals. were a great help on the evening. Aobh O’Shea, Ruby Kennedy and Last but not least a big thank you Hannah Dolan all competed in the to our quiz host Mrs Mary Healy, county finals of gymnastics. The Green, who is so obliging and There were two teams from always does a marvellous job. Fethard at the county final of the Our teachers always play a lead- Juvenile Quiz in Thurles. Both per- ing role in the administration of our formed very well. Silver medals Art competition. The area results in were won by our B Team of Emma the Art Competition were as follows: Hatton (Ardsallagh), Lucy O’Hagan Girls U8 – 1st Abby McGrath (Main Street), Mark Heffernan (Fethard); 2nd Ella Mai Hackett; (Ballyvaden) and Jack Dolan 3rd Ciara O’Meara (Fethard). Girls (Coolmore). Sub was Matthew U10 – 1st Jennifer Phelan (Fethard); Lynch (Coolmore). 2nd Ashley Bradshaw (Fethard); Our A Team members were: 3rd Sophie Lillis (Killusty). Girls U12 Luke Brastock, Andrew Phelan, – 1st Aisling Gorey (Fethard); 2nd Connie Coen and Ross McCormack. Roisín McDonnell (Fethard); 3rd

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Amy Cowlard (Fethard) . Girls U14 – silver medal while Jennifer Phelan 1st Cassie Needham (Fethard); joint and Matthew Burke won a bronze 2nd Sadhbh Horan (Fethard) and medal each. In the first round of Eimear Kenny (Fethard). Girls U16 the under-ten football, our boys – 1st Larissa Clancy Fethard). Boys put up a great performance but U8 – 1st Miceál Cuddihy (Killusty); were unlucky to be drawn against 2nd Jason Thompson (Fethard); 3rd an excellent team from Kilsheelan Alex Ryan (Fethard). Boys U10 – who went on to contest the county 1st Matthew Burke (Fethard); 2nd final in Semple Stadium. Cathal Ryan (Killusty); 3rd Michael We have submitted a motion Quinlan (Fethard). Boys U12 – 1st to the County AGM to transfer the Jack Pollard (Killusty); 2nd Matthew volleyball finals to provincial finals Hunter (Tinakelly); 3rd Conor in March and national finals in May. Harrington (Fethard). Boys U14 We would like to thank every- – 1st Harry Butler (Fethard); 2nd body who helped us in any way dur- Jessie McCormack (Fethard); 3rd ing the year especially with the fun- Francis Holohan (Killusty). draising and extend our very best At the County final of the Art in wishes to everybody for a Happy Silvermines Sadhbh Horan won a and a Holy Christmas. ◉

The Fethard Volleyball team which represented Munster in the Community Games All Ireland in Mosney 1985. Back : Monica Kenny, Pamela Lawlor, Mandy Conway, Lorraine McCormack, Claire O’Riordan, Anna Bradshaw, Margaret Quinlan, Kathy O’Donnell. Front: Mairead Croke, Mildred Lawlor, Rebecca Conway and Dorothy Keane. The girls were coached by Ann O’Riordan, who devoted many months of time and energy training the team. 16 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

Gold . . . by Denis Hayes p in the high country and is fertile pasture land with cattle Uof north-east Victoria in and horses, vineyards and crops of Australia, the mountain streams flow- canola and sunflowers. ing off Mount Selwyn and the sur- It is a lovely place, much favoured rounding peaks come together to by campers and hikers, bird watch- form the Buckland River. It is not a ers and artists. Parents bring their particularly long children here for or deep river and picnics and to it flows eastwards explore the bush. for about 70 kms On a hot sum- to join its bigger mer’s afternoon sister – the Ovens there would be River. During the no nicer place early part of its to seek some course it flows shade and lis- through a very ten to the gentle narrow valley, lazy sounds of which in places the forest with has room only for the aroma of the the river and the eucalypt trees narrow unsealed in your nostrils. road beside it. In For the gourmet places the valley traveller, there widens a bit to are comfortable form a few acres lodges with ele- of river flat and The narrow valley of the Buckland river in the gant wining and occasionally there Alpine region of Victoria, the scene of an early dining. is a clearing on Australian goldrush But the his- the hillsides for a small paddock or torical documents tell a different two. The hills on each side are very story. In the 1850s, this place was steep and heavily forested. known as the ‘Valley of the Shadow About halfway along its course of Death’. In 1853 a group of six gold the valley widens right out and the prospectors led by an American river now curves around the base named Henry Pardoe found their of Mount Buffalo with its vertical way into the Buckland Valley and granite cliffs rearing above it and there they found what they were the waterfalls gleaming in the sun. looking for, and lots of it. They man- On the other bank the land slopes aged to keep the news of their find gently towards Devil’s Elbow Hill a secret for some weeks despite hav-

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ing to make a trip to Beechworth, Hundreds more were arriving by the the nearest town at that time, to day on foot or in horse drawn carts. purchase supplies and equipment. Wives and children came along too, It was widely known that gold had maybe with all their worldly posses- been found in different parts of sions in a wheelbarrow. The trees the Alpine region of Victoria and were cut down to provide firewood, there were lots of people in the for building some sort of dwelling area. Some were actively prospect- and to make the aqueducts to carry ing and some were hanging around water down to the gold screening the towns on the lookout for some- operations. one that showed signs of having The miners depended on mer- had a good gold find. They would chants for food and essentials and then follow that person back to the they were easy prey for unscrupu- source of their find and commence lous operators. There was no means panning themselves. of chilling meat so all meat arrived Pardoe was a wily prospector on the hoof and was slaughtered and led his group, followed by the on the spot. There was no place to hangers-on, back to some other val- dispose of the offal but in the river ley and set up camp there for the where it joined all the other waste, night. The followers, thinking that sewage and mud. The entire valley they had arrived at the goldfield, soon became a stinking quagmire would also settle down for the night. but the search for gold continued Pardoe and his group would then along the river. very quietly pack up their camp and The gold they were searching for head off over the ridge and make was known as alluvial gold and it their way through the bush and the occurred as varying sized nuggets hills back to Buckland. The plan or smaller particles in the gravel came unstuck when they sent one in the river bed, or at the river side of their party back to Beechworth for on a bend or buried in the river more supplies. It appears that he let bank where it had been depos- the cat out of the bag after he had a ited over the millennia. The gold few too many in one of the pubs. particles had been dislodged from There was no need to follow eroded quartz reefs further up at the messenger this time. They knew the source of some of the tributaries where to go and probably got there and washed down by floods over before he did. The word spread and the years. The simplest form of gold within a very short time there were mining was to put a shovel full of thousands of people in the valley. gravel into a flat metal pan and swill Every square inch of liveable space, it around. The obvious bigger stones no matter how steep, had a tent or were thrown out and the contents a shack or just a tarpaulin over it. swilled around with some water. The

18 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER gold particles, being heavier than with graves possibly marked only the gravel particles, behaved in a with wooden crosses, of which different way in the pan. The miners there are still some signs to be seen. became quite skilled at identifying The old marked graves identify a the gold particles. whole family of Fitzgeralds, a fam- The hectic life continued for ily of Dunphys including an infant, some months and then disaster a Margaret Walsh, an O’Connor, a struck. Typhoid fever, in a very viru- Moran, a James O’Shea from Kerry lent form, broke out. The mortality and some more names of Irish ori- rate was very high. Men, women and gin. This cemetery is all that remains children fell ill and died. There was of the township of Buckland, which, no source of medicine or medi- records show, contained several cal help. The vast majority of the pubs, stores, shops and a police sta- residents at the tion. It is said gold field were that there are single men, so people buried when sickness all over the struck there valley – in any was no sup- spot where it port system to was possible to either nurse scrape a hole them or bury in the rocky them. There and steep hill- was a story of Small Cemetery in the ‘gold valley’ where some Irishmen sides. Some are buried with names Fitzgerald, Dunphy and Walsh two young min- were probably ers, one of whom fell victim to the never buried at all. fever and in his distress implored his The deaths continued into 1856 friend to do something to help him. although a great number of peo- The friend, in desperation, grabbed ple had moved out. Eventually the his pan and headed down to the fever ran its course, and a year or river. He struck gold and within a few so later there was again of popula- hours had enough to buy a horse tion of miners. This time the popula- and cart to take his friend to hospital tion contained a significant number in Beechworth. of Chinese miners who had come About half way along the river, from their homeland to seek wealth there is a small cemetery that is a bit and a means of supporting their overgrown and easily missed. There families back in China. They brought are some fairly recent burials with their customs with them and built good headstones and a few old head- their temples and shops and kept to stones from the 1850s. This cemetery themselves. They were skilled and must have been filled to capacity successful miners, which caused

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the non-Chinese to become jealous build on a raft which floated on and suspicious of them. Eventually, the flooded area to be dredged. It the racial tensions reached bursting consisted of an endless chain on a point and in 1857 a serious riot broke long boom with huge iron buckets out. The Chinese temples, houses attached to the chain. Initially they and shops were burnt or destroyed. were steam-driven but later used Many Chinese were badly beaten electricity. The chain rotated on its and, almost certainly, several were boom and the buckets bit into the murdered — another catastrophic soil, sand and gravel and tipped their event in the Buckland Valley. contents into a system of rotating The police superintendent sent sieves. The small particles dropped in to investigate the riots was the into other sieves with finer mesh Irish-born Robert O’Hara Bourke. screens. Eventually the gold was sep- He has gone down in history as arated from the sand and grit and the leader of the ill-fated Bourke and the rest of the material was dumped Wills expedition that left Melbourne as ‘tailings’. in 1860 to find a route north to the Environmentally, they were a dis- Gulf of Carpentaria. They reached aster. All the trees and plants were the Gulf in a very poor physical state removed over a wide area and the from starvation and exposure and dredge process had turned the top- they set out on their return journey. soil and the subsoil upside down They were meant to rendezvous with with big heaps of tailings left piled a supply team on a certain date but up where they were deposited. These missed the appointment by a few dumps are still visible even after half hours. Both Bourke and Wills died in a century or more of Mother Nature the desert of exhaustion and hunger. trying to repair herself. Eventually, all the easily acces- Concurrently with the dredg- sible gold in the river valleys ran ing, mining companies had com- out and the miners moved on the menced underground and open new finds in different places. There cut mining. The mineshafts were was plenty of alluvial gold left but sunk where the miners found a it was deep under the river beds or seam of gold still embedded in the the river flats and required expen- quartz rocks. The shafts followed sive machinery and financial out- the seams and the gold bearing lay to harvest it. Mining companies ore was brought to the surface. The were formed and the era of the gold hunks of quartz were crushed and dredge started around the 1890s the crushed material was spread and continued up to 1954. The big- out on flat beds. The gold was then gest dredge was at the El Dorado chemically extracted from the ore goldfield near Beechworth. It was a using mercury and cyanide. The massive two thousand ton structure gold attached itself to the chemicals

20 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER and the mixture was heated to evap- and that the licensing system be orate the chemicals and leave the changed and made fairer. It was the gold. Again, it was an environmental only armed rebellion in Australian disaster and very inefficient, recov- history that led to the reform of ering only 40% of the available gold. unfair legislation and is considered The gold mines in Ballarat in to be the ‘Birthplace of Australian Victoria were the richest in the world democracy’. The flag is still to be around 1851 and were the scene seen in a museum in Ballarat and is of an event of national importance a representation of the stars of the to Australia. When a gold seam was Southern Cross. found and a mineshaft was planned, While all these events were going a licence was required from the gov- on, men were prospecting in every ernment of the Colony. The licence part of the continent and contin- gave the owner an area of 3.6 sq ued to do so for many years to meters and a fee of thirty shillings come with varying degrees of suc- had to be paid every month whether cess. Laurie Sinclair from Scotland, gold was found or not. The licens- who considered himself of Norse ing system was administered by the heritage, was prospecting in what is police and a Gold Commissioner. now Western Australia, at the west- The system was very corrupt and a ern end of the Nullabor Plain. He cause of much discontent amongst tied his horse to a tree while he the ‘Diggers’ as the miners were did some panning. We do not know called. Also, a ‘digger’ had been mur- how successful Laurie was but when dered by a group of men friendly he returned to his horse he found with the police and the perpetrators that the horse had been pawing the were not charged. ground and in doing so had dug up The discontent came to a head a fine lump of gold. The horse’s name in December 1854 when a group was Norseman and the mining town of armed Diggers, led by Irish- that developed there afterwards was born Peter Lalor erected a stock- called after the horse. The citizens of ade on the Eureka Mine site and Norseman had a bronze statue of the challenged the authorities. They horse erected in the Main Street. flew their own famous Eureka flag Is there more gold left to find? By which was stitched together by the all accounts there is a mountain of Diggers’ wives. The army was called it in the desert west of Alice Springs. in and the rebellion was put down Harry Lasseter was a restless 17-year- in twenty minutes with the loss of old when, in 1897, he thought that several lives and the arrest of a num- he would seek his fortune in Alice ber of Diggers. However, it led to an Springs. Not finding what he wanted Official Inquiry which recommend- there he travelled on westward along ed that the all the rebels be freed the McDonnell Ranges with a plan

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to get to the west coast. On the and he died in a cave. His remains way, he found a huge gold-bearing and his diary were found some time quartz reef. He took samples and later but Lasseter’s Reef is still out noted the position of the reef based there in the desert - 10 miles of high on local landmarks and set out grade gold-bearing quartz. again. However, the desert took its Modern gold mining is a highly toll, the horses died of thirst and sophisticated operation. My nephew Harry walked on nearly dead him- Mark Hayes, from Rathcoole, in my self. Fortunately he was found by an native Fethard, works in the industry Afghan camel driver who brought in Western Australia and describes a him to safety. Harry returned to look system that has huge resources and for the reef in 1900 accompanied equipment. Workers are protected by a surveyor. They found it again by Health and Safety Legislation and this time they took proper bear- and are required to observe strict ings of latitude and longitude and work practices to ensure their safety more samples. However, when they and a profitable return for the min- returned to their base, they discov- ing company. ered that their watches had the What has all this human effort, incorrect time and so the bearings suffering, crime, murder and environ- they took were incorrect by a large mental destruction been for? amount. Harry was a determined Fifty percent of it goes into jewel- man and by 1917 he had culti- lery, 40% into investment and 10% vated a group of men that were pre- into industry-dentistry, electronics pared to mount another search. But and resistance to corrosion. An old after some unsuccessful searching, friend of mine, now passed away, squabbles developed and most of who had spent all his working life the group went home. in the finance industry used to say, Harry tried again in 1930, this time “ What use is gold? They dig it up with funding from the Australian out of one hole and put it down Workers Union. A large truck and another one”. The good book does a light aircraft were provided but not tell us what St Joseph did with they searched in vain. The truck got the gold that the Wise Men gave wrecked in the rough desert ground the Infant. Did he put it in hole in and the aircraft crashed on landing the ground to be recovered later? early on in the search. Finally, the Did he grumble about the extra others went home and left Harry weight that the poor donkey had to with some camels and provisions. carry into Egypt? Or maybe it was He searched on alone until his cam- in handy coins that he could use els got spooked one day and bolted to buy provisions and essentials for with the provisions on their backs. the Mother and Child. A bit of gold The desert took its final toll on Harry comes in handy at times! ◉ 22 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

Michael Cummins (right) who died on 28 April 1999 in Northampton pictured with his sister Margaret (Peggy) who died in Edgware in 1986 and his brother Jackie who died in 1988 in Hemel Hemstead.

Gunne family from The Green photographed together after 30 years L to R: Sean Gunne (Clonmel), Kathleen (Fethard), Pat (London) and J.J. (Tralee).

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This group of Fethard people includes Fr. Lambe, Ned Maher, Tom Barrett, Betty Holohan, Paddy McLellan, John Collins, Phyllis O’Connell, Helen O’Connell and many more familiar faces we can’t put names on. Maybe somebody can help?

Paddy Lonergan sent us this photograph of The Californians band based in San Francisco and featuring Declan Mulligan (front) from The Valley. Declan was best known as a guitarist with American rock band, The Beau Brummels, and played the harmonica opening of their hit single ‘Laugh, Laugh’ which reached the top 20 of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in February 1965.

24 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

Nurse Stasia Walsh with her son Paddy in front of car, The Back Green, 1933

Happy children pictured outside the home of Doreen and Johnny Murphy at Rathcoole, Fethard, in the late 1960s. From left, Gerard Murphy, Nina Dawson (nee Murphy), Eamonn Wynne (a cousin of the Murphys) and Pat Murphy. 25 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 It feels like home! by George Byrnes remember my mother sitting I was surprised to look up and not Iat the dining room table and see her there. I got up to tell my crying. “What’s wrong Mom?” “I’m mother, “I felt grandma was here.” thinking about my father. He died Whether it was real or not, it was our 25 years ago today. I miss him so ‘Goodbye’. much”, she said. I was eleven years “Was he from Ireland, like grand- of age. I had my first experience of ma?” I asked. death the previous spring when my “Yes.” grandmother, her mother, died, and “Did they get married in Ireland?” so for the first time, I understood in “No, they met in New York.” a child’s way how my mother felt. “Where in Ireland did he come At the time my grandmother died, I from?” was inconsolable. Several days after “He came from a small town in her funeral, I had a strong feeling Tipperary called Fethard” she was there in the living room “Fethard”, I repeated. It was the with me, watching over me playing. first time I heard that name.

Archbishop Patrick O’Donnell of Brisbane, Australia, and Archbishop Thomas Morris of Cashel and Emly, photographed together for the consecration of the renewed parish church on Friday, 31 May, 1969.

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Several years later, on my first story of the banshee keening for day of high school, I met a sec- one my ancestors. I laid the letter ond cousin, Stephen Molloy. We had aside with little opportunity to learn never met before but my mother more. When you are raising the cur- told me I would be meeting my rent generation of your family, it’s cousin. Like myself, Stephen had hard to take the time to find out no idea how we were related. We more about past generations. knew our mothers were best friends My mother died in May 2002, although they rarely even talked eight months after the twin tow- to each other anymore as neither ers fell in her beloved New York. drove and both were raising fami- On that September day, we stood lies. and cried together at the sights we I asked him, “Where in Ireland did saw on the television. The next day, your grandfather come from?” her hip broke and the downward He answered, “Fethard.” spiral towards May had begun. As I Mystery solved? Well, not really. went through her belongings, I found In actuality, our grandmothers were many remembrances of her father sisters from Westmeath who arrived and family, I resolved my trip to in New York in 1901 and 1903 respec- Fethard must come sooner than later. tively. In 1905, two young men, Jack In 2007, my wife and I were pro- O’Donnell and Patrick Molloy from vided our opportunity, a move to Fethard arrived in New York met the Germany with my job. The move two sisters from Westmeath and mar- provided the perfect springboard to ried them. (Note: I believe Patrick investigate my ancestry. Our first trip was actually from Rathduff). was in November 2008. We stayed Fast forward to the mid-1990s. at the Cozie B&B with Theresa and I asked my Uncle Jack O’Donnell Willie O’Donnell (no relation as far about his father, my grandfather, Jack. as Willie and I know). We spent our “Haven’t you seen the letter Uncle first day becoming familiar with Patrick (Dr. Patrick M. O’Donnell, late the area. My great grandparents, archbishop of Brisbane) sent to me Thomas and Johanna O’Donnell in 1978? It tells all about our geneal- owned a draper shop in what is now ogy,” he told me. I had not seen the O’Sullivan’s Pharmacy. My wife and letter (which is available on the I met Jimmy O’Sullivan in the shop. Fethard website), but I soon had a Both Jimmy and I thought we were copy and I devoured the informa- somehow related although we later tion in it. I read the strange (to my found such not to be the case. In American ears) sounding names of any case I have had the pleasure of places near Fethard: Knockinglass, seeing Jimmy on each of my visits Rathduff, Moyglass, Coolanure, to Fethard and have even seen him Rathcoole. The letter even had a perform at the Abymill.

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From Fethard, we headed saw a man at the side of the road for Moyglass. I knew from the raking some leaves. I stopped, intro- Archbishop’s letter that my grand- duced myself and asked him if he father, Jack, was raised at Rathduff knew where the O’Donnell farm was. with his grandparents, as he was He replied, “Who sent you here?” I the eldest son of seven children. I explained I was American and try- had read as many as 82 first cous- ing to find some of the places of ins would attend mass at Christmas my ancestors. He invited us in for in Moyglass in the mid-1800s, so some tea. The man we met was Mick it seemed the best place to start. O’Neill. For the next hour or more, We were surprised to find the new Mick told us how his mother had church as we expected to see a bought the farm and on a later trip much older one. Not knowing he showed me the deed with my where to go from Moyglass, I asked great-grandfather Thomas’ name. We a young girl if she knew where the were not on the farm at Rathduff, but O’Donnell farm at Rathduff was. She at another one at Coolanure. This said, “Certainly I know where it is,” was one of the farms where the ban- and proceeded to give us directions. shee was heard to keen when my We soon found the entrance to the great-great-grandfather James died. farm, but there was no one there to Mick was also a friend of my confirm it, so we drove on for a while. grandfather’s brother Jim O’Donnell Several miles down the road, we and Mick regaled us with stories of

George Byrnes photographed with Mick O’Neill (left) 28 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

Diane and George Byrnes photographed with the ‘Pheasant Pluckers’ at their session in McCarthy’s Hotel November 2008. L to R: Johnny O’Connor, Fintan Rice, Tommy O’Brien, George Byrnes, John Shortall, Diane Byrnes and Joe Kenny. Jim’s working the scales at the mar- tury youth deciding to leave family ket in Fethard. I had heard my moth- and friend to go to America. Perhaps er talk of her Uncle Jim and how he had read letters from his aunt smart he was; how he used to solve and uncle who had left Rathduff to the crossword puzzle in the local settle in Albany, New York. I do know paper to win the prize, and would he corresponded with them when then submit an entry week after he came to New York, and that their week under the names of his friends descendants attended his funeral and relatives until he himself was in 1937. Although the opportuni- once again eligible to win the prize. ties were great in America, still, the Finally, Mick said: “Would you like to decision must have been difficult. see Rathduff?” and off we went. We That’s my view as a 21st century soon arrived at the entrance we had American, one whose very existence been to several hours earlier. The was dependent on Jack O’Donnell’s gentleman who now owns the farm decision to leave. My mother often is a friend of Mick’s and we sat and wondered where I got my wander- chatted for a while. As I looked at lust and I would always tell her it Slievenamon in the distance, I could must have come from her parents. imagine my grandfather standing in Later that evening, we went to the same spot looking at that moun- McCarthy’s where I know several tain. What I could not imagine was generations of my family have lifted the perspective of that late 19th cen- a pint and more. Joe Kenny was kind

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enough to lend me a guitar and had a quick wit and could make invited me to sit in with the Pheasant quick mathematical calculations in Pluckers. We played and sang for his head. He also told me how Jim several hours. Great craic, and a most made his brother the Archbishop memorable ending to a memora- wait outside while he finished his ble day, but the next day we had to pint at McCarthy’s and perhaps even return home to Heidelberg. had one more before leaving. The We returned to Fethard for our next day, Tony gave me a picture of next visit in April Uncle Jim, with 2009. Although Tony’s sister. The on our previ- picture had been ous visit we had taken on Main found the old Street Fethard, family farms at probably in the Coolanure and 1940s. Rathduff, I still It rained all wanted to find the way to the the cemetery cemetery at at Rathcoole Rathcoole but and farm at as we arrived Knockinglass. the sun shone. Again, we stayed The cemetery at the Cozie B&B. was overgrown Willie O’Donnell and most of the directed me to headstones were the cemetery at Jim O’Donnell last lived on Burke Street in the impossible to building that is now Emily’s Delicatessen. Rathcoole and read, so I was una- Theresa sent me to one of Fethard’s ble to find the graves of my ances- treasures, Tony Newport. Theresa and tors. We prayed there for a time and Willie have a beautiful B&B and then went on our way. they have taken some delight in our The next morning, a Friday, I adventures as well as helping us in woke early and drove to Moyglass. our searches. I came back to the B&B. My wife My first stop was at Newport’s Diane knew something was up. I where I met Tony and his wife, who told her we were going to Mass in prepared some delicious potato Moyglass at 9am. “If I’m going to pancakes. Tony knew my mother’s meet a relative, it will be there”, I uncle Jim O’Donnell. He told me said. There were about a dozen Jim last lived on Burke Street in people at Mass, and afterwards, I the building that is now Emily’s introduced myself as a grand neph- Delicatessen. Tony told me that Jim ew of Archbishop O’Donnell. One

30 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER nice lady spoke to me about her some Baileys in our porridge. Once meeting the Archbishop. Another again we stayed at the Cozie B&B. woman said to me: “If ye be kin to Theresa was surprised to hear of him then ye be kin to me”. I had our discovery regarding porridge, met Ann Skehan Kennedy. Our com- but accommodated us. This most mon ancestor is James O’Donnell recent visit had two highlights. of Knockinglass (1757-1810). Within Once again we visited the Kellys minutes we were at Ann’s for tea at Knockinglass. Tom told us he and scones. We had a wonderful wanted us to look at some pictures visit talking about our families. Later they had found and see if we knew we met Ann’s husband Seamus. any of the people in them. One Seamus and Ann then directed us to of the final pictures we saw was the O’Donnell farm at Knockinglass. one of Archbishop O’Donnell (then The current owners of the farm are a newly ordained priest) with his Tom and Ann Kelly. Within minutes parents, my great grandparents. We of our arrival we were again hav- made a copy of the picture. It is the ing tea and explaining my relation- only picture the American branch ship to the O’Donnells. They had as of the family of that generation of many questions as we did. We then O’Donnells. headed for the barn where Ann As the weather was holding soon had us in waders and she and well (in fact it was beautiful for her daughter showed us the farm our entire visit), we decided to and took us down to where some of climb to the cross on Slievenamon. the old buildings (now ruins) stand. Archbishop O’Donnell had dedi- What a thrill to stand there knowing cated the cross in November 1950. A my ancestors worked those fields week later he was in New York with before the American Revolution. As his American nephews and nieces. I stood by one ruin, Ann said: “Take I have a picture of myself (four a rock.” I bent over to take one from months old) in the Archbishop’s lap. the ground. “No, take one from the The climb was challenging enough building”, she said. “It is from your in September. We can only imagine ancestors.” We “smuggled” the rock what it was like in November 1950. back into Germany and it now has Of course, for the many of you who a prominent spot in our home back have been there, you know the view in the US. is spectacular. Our third trip to Fethard was As you can see, there has been in September 2010. We were in the much serendipity on my journey process of leaving Germany and to find the people and places that returning to the US. Prior to arriving now have great meaning and affec- in Fethard we spent some time in tion for me. Through the Fethard Kinsale where we learned to mix website, I have met other relatives

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Diane Byrnes (right) photographed with Ann Kelly and her daughter Siobhán on the original O’Donnell farm at Knockinglass.

and learned much to pass on to Civil War as well as the story of the future generations of our family. O’Donnell fiddle passed at the gate Without Archbishop O’Donnell’s let- at Knockinglass that now resides ter I could have come to Fethard with one of the Canadian cousins. and found nothing. In fact, Fethard New stories are even being cre- may have simply got lost in a child- ated today as we have an American hood memory. Without asking the cousin (12 years old) who is a young girl in Moyglass for direc- fiddler and has competed for the tions, I would never have met Mick past two years in the Fleadh Cheoil O’Neill. Without Mick, I wouldn’t na hEireann in Cavantown. As you have seen the view from Rathduff can imagine, there have been many to Slievenamon much less climbed other discoveries left out of this it. If not for going to Mass on a story, we have made many new Friday morning in Moyglass, I friends and there are still even more might never have found the farm family connections to make and at Knockinglass. And it goes on and discover. on. On this journey, I have met Irish I am hoping to return to Fethard cousins living in Ireland, England in August 2012, this time bringing and France, and a Canadian cousin. my daughter and son and showing Yet to be discovered are relatives them a little bit of the place we in the US, Australia and perhaps came from. I’m sure they will feel as elsewhere. We have discovered sto- at home in Fethard as do I. ◉ ries of relatives in the American

32 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER O’Flynn’s Drapery in the 1970s

L to R: Veronica Bergin, Joan Coffey, Ann Kelly, Ann Keane, Mary Ryan and Breda Neville

L to R: Mary Ryan, Adrian Cashin, Joan Coffey and Ann Neville

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L to R: Pat Halpin, Quartercross, Josie O’Connell, Coleman, and Nicky O’Shea, Quartercross.

Aylward House on Slievenamon, Killusty South. L to R: Mary Aylward nee Phelan (married to John Aylward, Jackie’s parents), Noreen Tobin, Grove, Kevin Gildea, Paul Gildea and Marian Gildea (children of Josie O’Connell, Coleman, who were home on holiday from London). In the back is Mary ‘Minnie’ Allen (nee Aylward, a sister of Jackie). 34 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

Postman Jackie Aylward carrying groceries home

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London Zoo in the late 1950s L to R: Mary O’Shea, Quartercross, Jimmy O’Connell, Coleman and Alice Tobin, Grove.

Fethard Police force 1922 Back L to R: J.J. Carey, Fethard; John Power, Rosegreen, Fethard; Michael O’Connell, The Valley, Fethard. Front L to R: William O’Connell, Crampscastle, Fethard; and Peter Morrissey, Ballydoyle, Fethard.

36 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER Life after Killusty School

This family photograph was taken when Johnny came home from Australia in 1967. Back L to R: Paddy, Tom, Dick, Michael, Jimmy and Ned. Front L to R: Dan, their parents May and Pat, and Johnny. left Killusty School in the great help towards the cost of rear- ISummer of 1939 at just 14 years ing a large family such as ours. of age. In September of that year I got I stayed with my first employer my first job with a farmer, as a cream- for two years and then moved on, ery boy, milking three cows night still mainly working for farmers. Now and morning and going to Cloran and again you would have to go Creamery where Paddy Murphy was to the Fair of Fethard which meant manager. My wages were five shil- you had to be up at 3am that morn- lings per week and every Saturday ing and drive the cattle along the night I brought home the five shil- road – which in itself wasn’t always lings and gave it to my mother and as straightforward as you might she always gave me back one shil- imagine – sometimes they would ling. I wasn’t asked to hand this up go down a boreen or take the wrong but it was the done thing then and turn and you had to ‘head them off’. you felt proud to be able to give It wouldn’t do to show up at the fair money to your mother and I sup- with one missing and telling the pose it was, in its own small way, a farmer that the last you saw of it,

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Killusty group photographed outside Killusty Church in the 1950s. Back L to R: Mick Duggan, Jack O’Donnell, Willie Slattery, Dan Davis, Mick Byrne, Jim Darcy, Jim Corr. Middle Row L to R: Pat Maher, Christy Williams, Johnny Sheehan, Jim Davis, Neddy Dunne. Front L to R: Liam O’Flaherty, Phil Byrne, Carmel Byrne, Ber Byrne and John Byrne.

was heading for the hills. If the cattle of the four legged variety. were sold the boss might give you In between farm jobs I worked a half-crown, a half week’s wages. with my father doing general build- Mike Holohan of Tullow taught me ing work, making farm carts, wheels how to plough and John Holohan etc. My father was a master wheel- of Cloneen taught me how to raise wright and general handyman as he a narrow furrow. I was now a plough- served only three years of a five-year man and as we had compulsory apprenticeship – however his crafts- tillage during the war years plough- manship was second to none and men were always needed and then, the skills I learned from him have as now, the farmer was the back- served me well to this day. bone of the country. I have many In the spring of 1947 I decided to happy memories of all the farmers join the Army. Patie Lonergan and I I worked for, never an angry word enlisted in Clonmel and we were sent (not from me anyhow), lots of hard to the Curragh - McDonagh Barracks. work, no tractors in those days, the We weren’t long there when we only horse power we had then was were joined by my brothers Jimmy

38 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

Johnny Sheehan (left) and his brother Jimmy photographed in Dublin as they left for England in 1953.

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Cidona Award presentation for achievement in Clay Pigeon Shooting 1973 Back L to R: Tony Sheehan (award winner), Dan Sheehan, Paddy Sheehan, Dick Sheehan, Bridget Sheehan, Johnny Sheehan, Mary Sheehan, Terri Sheehan. Front L to R: Phyllis Sheehan and Peg Sheehan. and Ned and then Tom Leahy and to Liverpool where my aunt Annie Paddy Duggan from Cloran and, as put us up. I got a job in Stanlow Oil our instructor was Sergeant Johnny Refinery as a labourer and worked Meehan from Thorneybridge, it was seven days my first week and got like being at home in Killusty. After £16, my Lord! a fortune, I had never our sixteen weeks of training Patie seen so much ‘green backs’ together. and I were transferred to the Medics The following week I wasn’t asked to and spent some time in the Military come in on Sunday which came as Hospital in the Curragh studying a big disappointment, so on Monday nursing. Jimmy became a piper and I asked my mate ‘Taff’, a Welshman, was sent to the 12th Batt. Ned quali- why he was in yesterday and I wasn’t. fied as a driver of all military vehi- He said to me, “did you drop the cles, Tom Leahy also became a piper matchbox?” I had no idea what he and Paddy Duggan a drummer and meant so he told me that if you are both of them were sent to Athlone. asked to work Sunday you should I left the army in 1950 and decided put £1 in a matchbox and drop it to go to England with my brother near your foreman and you would Jimmy. Like thousands of others at get every Sunday. I never dropped that time we boarded the “Princess the matchbox, never worked another Maud” and set sail for Wales, then on Sunday there and soon left that job.

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One day I saw an advertisement due to meeting with the two Mayo for carpenters in Derbyshire and I brothers and Chesterfield College had been watching how it was done of Technology and Science and of in Stanlow Oil Refinery and thought course the skills I learned from my this is easy. I knew you had to be a father. union member so I brought a letter While working in Chesterfield I of certification that I was a carpen- got married to Peg who hailed from ter that I got from a friend in Killusty. Newcastle, Clonmel and whom I I was accepted into had met in 1952 prior the union and with to going to England. the bit of experi- We were married in ence I gained from Southport in 1953 by my father and some a Fr. Moynihan from second-hand tools I Kerry and that was 58 bought in Liverpool I years ago and we are applied for the job in still going strong. Chesterfield and got After I left it. I spent four won- Chesterfield I worked derful years with that in Co. Durham on a company and was base for a brick kiln, the last carpenter after that I came back of the original sixty- to my sister Mary five to leave. During in Camden Town, my first year on the London and from job I met two broth- there my brother Ned ers from Mayo who and I set off for Wales Noel Heffernan presenting Johnny Sheehan had been going to with his Judo Black Belt in 1990 where we worked on a night school and they Hydro Electric project. advised me to give it a try, which After that we went to Hereford to I did. It was the best thing I ever work for Alfred McAlpine – (a famil- did; at only £1 per year I had two iar name to many of you reading night’s practical joinery and tech- this). We spent a year there, working nical drawing and one night in seven days a week, 8 to 8 Monday the College of Science each week. to Friday and 8 to 4 Saturday and The instructors were extremely Sunday and we had our own rooms helpful and kind. I was taught all in Redhill Hostel. about Specific Gravity, Trigonometry, While there we met an old Statics and Dynamics (bodies at school mate from Killusty, Padraig rest and bodies in motion), Force O Riain from Loughcopple. If you Diagrams, Loadings, etc. My years of are reading this Padraig, “Dia Dhuit success on the job and ever since is agus Nodhlaig Shona ’s Beannaithe

41 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

Fethard wood craftsman Johnny Sheehan (left) photographed in his workshop with visitors Richard Hatton, Colin Dixon and Elaine Dixon in 2007. Colin was in Fethard to research his ancestor, Henry Dodgson, from Oldham, Lancashire, who was a postman in Fethard and lived on the Green after marrying Johanna Coffey.

New range of Fethard pens, handmade this year by local wood craftsman, Johnny Sheehan

42 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER a Chara Dilis, go bhfoire Dia ort”. the House of Shin’. I had a very expe- We left Hereford after a year and rienced tutor named Kenshiro Abbe went to work for a company in Port from Japan, he was an eight Dan Talbot in Wales and spent eight happy Judo (eight grade of Black Belt) and years with them, doing small jobs in 6th Dan Aikido. His high grade enti- of all places, Ireland from Belfast tled him to wear a red and white belt. to Ballymena, Ballina, Co. Mayo to It was an experience of a lifetime. I Rathmore in Kerry and major jobs spent about six months, three nights all over South Wales, UK Midlands, a week studying his every technique Lincoln and Grimsby. While I worked and later played the sport of Judo in in Rathmore I was taken to London many towns and cities throughout to discuss a contract in Queensland, the U.K. and Australia. I taught Judo Australia. It was a water cooling in Lincoln Judo Club and any club tower of a particular USA design and I ever practiced in I was always wel- was being built under licence for a comed with open arms. When you man named Jim De Flon, California. donned that Judo suit you were one The main contractors were Kaiser of them and the camaraderie and Eng. & Constructors from Oakland, friendliness is an experience you California and my company, Film never forget such were the teachings Cooling Towers the sub-contractors. of Jigoro Kano, founder of Judo and Because of my track record and rein- Morihei Ueshiba founder of Aikido. forced concrete construction experi- Life in England wasn’t always ence, my bother Ned and I having easy and the thought of coming built a somewhat similar concrete home to stay was often in the back tower in British Celanese in Derby, of your mind. However, I am grate- the company decided I was the ful for the opportunity to have met person they wanted to supervise this so many wonderful characters over particular tower, the first induced the years, all of those I worked with draught tower of its kind in the and those I stayed in digs with, many world. Firstly I had to ask Peg if I gone now but not forgotten, all in all should go or not, she was happy that a great experience. I should go and she would take care My next adventure was my year of everything at home including our in Oz (1966), a chapter yet untold three children. This she did alone for until this time next year and then of a whole year and thank you Peg for course there was my time in Nigeria, giving me the opportunity to work a totally different experience alto- down under. gether. In 1962 when Ned and I worked in Nollaig faoi shean agus faoi sho- Birmingham I joined the local Judo nas cun chach sa bhaile agus thar Club in Sparkhill, the Kyu Shin Khan lear . ◉ which translates to ‘Investigator in Sean O’Siodhacain

43 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Fethard GAA Dance November 1982

GAA Dance at Cahir House November 1982 L to R: Ned Connolly, Eileen Connolly, Mary Looby, Chris Looby and Kathleen Connolly

GAA Dance at Cahir House November 1982

44 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER Fethard GAA Dance November 1982

GAA Dance at Cahir House November 1982 L to R: Winnie Carroll, Noel Sharpe, Irene Sharpe and Mary Sheehan

GAA Dance at Cahir House November 1982 Back L to R: Francis Kearney, Frank Kearney, Tom Kearney, John Looby, Front L to R: Biddy Kearney, David Lawton, Bridie Kearney, Tossie Lawton and Patricia Looby

45 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

My time in Ghana by Eva Slattery (Kiltinan)

Eva Slattery at Apam, a seaside fishing village North of the capital Accra

hen I think of Ghana, I and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. Wthink of the people and Ghana has been a republic since how wonderful it is that they value 1957 when it achieved independ- so highly improvement, community ence from Great Britain. and connecting with people. So, eager to take the challenge In August 2008 I received an of a new role, I arrived in Ghana in email from my employer looking for October 2008 and I am still here. I people interested in an eight-week am working here for Vodafone who assignment in Ghana. My initial bought a local mobile phone opera- question was, “Where’s that?” I am tor in 2008. During my time here, as sure most of you are asking the same well as long hours and a challenging question so as a bit of background environment, I have also thoroughly Ghana, officially the Republic of enjoyed the Ghanaian people and Ghana, is a country located in West visiting the many sights there are Africa. It is bordered by Côte d’Ivoire to see in Ghana. It has also been (Ivory Coast) to the west, Burkina of great excitement to have many Faso to the north, Togo to the east, people over to visit me from Ireland

46 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER including quite a few from the ties living together with no fighting Fethard area. I will share here a few among them. of the many experiences of Ghana There are lots to see and do here, and how I believe it has been a won- traditional villages, markets, slave derful opportunity to have been able forts, beaches, safari parks, and water- to live in this country falls. Just walking around Ghana is People ask me many questions an experience with the street sell- about Ghana. Is it ers everywhere, selling safe? Are people very everything and any- poor? What is there thing, from fruit and to do there? What is bread to toys to toilet the religion? What is rolls. And all sold to the food like? Are the you through the car people friendly? I’ll try window as you queue to answer some of this at traffic lights. based on my experi- A major highlight ence. Ghana, being a for me here has been UK colony in the past, the establishment of means almost all peo- the Irish Society of ple here speak English Ghana (ISG) which a making integration few of us set up just very easy. There are over two years ago. It also an estimated 80 has since led to the local tribal languages establishment of which I have not exact- an Irish Consulate ly mastered in any in Ghana which has way. It is a third world about 50 people now country but in recent Clare Lee from Killusty at a beach registered here. We resort in Accra years has achieved sig- organise a “St Patrick’s nificant economic improvement Day Hooley” annually with all funds based on the arrival of many inter- raised going to charity. We were national companies and the finding very lucky this year getting a large of oil off the Gulf of Guinea a few amount of corporate sponsor- years ago. The general safety ele- ship which enabled us to fly Mary ment and ability for people to go Coughlin and her band over from out and about without security has Ireland for the event. Over the past also helped in many companies bas- two years of events we have raised ing themselves here. The population about €15,000 for development of of Ghana is mainly Christian (80%) sanitation in rural villages in Ghana. with the remainder being Muslim. It As I mentioned, I have had the is refreshing to see both communi- pleasure of many Fethard visitors

47 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

Carmel Asbury and Eva Slattery with a group of children in a village following some digging to build a new toilet over the past three years. My mother the small things in life are valued so Phyllis Slattery has been here along much, people are happy with what with two of my sisters, Liz Matthews they have and live with the attitude and Carmel Asbury. Other Fethard of “what will be will be”. friends here have been Karen Kenny I am sad to say that my time in (Killusty) and Clare Lee (Killusty). Ghana is soon coming to and end All have enjoyed the fantastic and with my contract here finishing in diverse experience that is Ghana December 2011. I will forever have and seen much of the country. wonderful memories of the place Being in Ghana is a wonderful and the people. I know all who have experience that afforded valuable visited also have fond memories of life-long lessons. I have valued my here. You may ask have I any bad time here and the opportunities to memories of Ghana – well it will spend time with the people here have to be said that the food is not and to get out and about into their exactly something I’ll have good homes and villages which is a far memories of but a small price to cry from the Golden Vale land of pay compared to the other wonder- Fethard. It is refreshing to see how ful attributes. ◉ 48 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER Fethard Ballroom Ltd

he frosty weather indicates tation to put in place and main- Tit’s time to put together a tained. few notes for the Fethard Annual During the summer the Newsletter. The frost also reminds Ballroom was a sea of blue with the us of the dam- Gardaí taking age done last over the place year to a lot of 24–7 for a week property espe- to provide cially around security for Christmas time. the Queen of The Ballroom England’s visit was no excep- to Coolmore tion, having Stud. Happily considerable it all went off frost damage very peacefully to the heating and turned out system which to be good PR proved quite for our country. costly to repair. A dancing During the year Monica Aherne (centre) presenting the Mick Aherne competition in we also had a Perpetual Trophy to 2011 winners Mary Small memory of our visit from the and Christopher Berne late chairman, local Fire Officer and as a result Mick Aherne, was held in April with some minor changes had to be proceeds going to South Tipperary made, and considerable documen- Hospice. A special perpetual trophy

49 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

to his memory was presented to committee busy, along with the on- the winners. This was a most enjoy- going maintenance on the hall. able night with competitors attend- We have been very fortunate ing from far and wide. This event to have Tom Tobin allocated to the raised €1,250 which was presented ballroom from the local Community to Phil Keogh from South Tipperary Employment Scheme. Tom has Hospice. blended into the role of coordinat- The ballroom had a very busy ing all the clubs and individuals year with bookings every night who use the Ballroom and is a great catering for the following groups: asset to have. Card Games, On your Toes, Girl To the groups, clubs and individ- Guides, Scouts, Under Age Dancing, uals who supported the Ballroom Irish Dancing, Keep fit Classes, we say thanks and to all the people Martial Arts, and Adult Dancing of the Parish and beyond, we wish Classes. Two special card games you a Happy and Holy Christmas were also held in aid of Parish and a Peaceful New Year. ◉ funds. All of these events keep the Robert Phelan (Hon Secretary)

Fethard Ballroom and Dancing Club members presenting the proceeds from the Mick Aherne Perpetual Trophy Dance Competition held in Fethard Ballroom. The total amount raised was €1,475 which was presented to South Tipperary Hospice at Fethard Ballroom dance. L to R: Margaret Phelan, Monica Aherne, Tony Marshall (Chairman Dancing Club), Majella O’Donoghue (South Tipperary Hospice), Billy Corcoran, Pat Kirwan and Nancy Barry.

50 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER Fethard’s hidden Medieval Roof

he Fethard Historical Society Quinlan had discovered early tim- Thad a great triumph this sum- bers in Fethard when her team were mer when they succeeded in get- repointing the bell tower in 2004 ting the roof of Holy Trinity church and Margaret tipped Maire off. dated. It is now the oldest scien- Peter Grant filmed Maire as she tifically dated timber roof on the made her way round the roof cav- island of Ireland. ity and her exclamations of surprise It all started on Walled Towns Day and delight have been captured for 2010 when Maire Geaney from Cork posterity. The early timbers, still in came to have a look at the timbers. place, are hidden above the plas- Maire was finishing a degree on tered ceiling of the nave but shel- the subject of early roofs in Ireland tered beneath the newer (1800) slate and Fethard was the last roof on roof that you see from outside. her list. She wasn’t expecting much But how old is this hidden because only a handful of early roof? For this we had to turn to the roofs have survived the mayhem of Dendrochronology Lab at Queen’s previous centuries and no roof has University, Belfast. Queen’s are lead- ever been laboratory-dated to before ing players in the world of ‘tree-ring about 1550. Architect Margaret dating’ and over many years have

51 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

successfully built up the ‘Master post. We decided that the Fethard Database’ which shows the annual Historical Society should go it alone. growth rate of oak trees in Ireland Luckily Queen’s offered to drastical- going back more than 7,000 years ly reduce their fee and Labhaoise (to 5474BC). Depending on weather McKenna (Heritage Officer for conditions, and in effect ‘recording’ South Tipperary) stepped in with a those conditions, each year leaves decent chunk of the budget. its own particular signature in the In June 2011, the scientists, David growth rings of the tree. This means Brown and Phil Barratt, arrived that if you cut down a 500-year old and were greeted by the rector, the oak today you can count back along Reverend Canon Barbara Fryday. the rings and ‘read’ the way the The two experts cut tiny slices from tree grew in say, 1550, 1798 or 1916. the timbers and drilled pencil-sized Queen’s can date any piece of oak, cores and took them back to Belfast from anywhere - from a building or where they were analysed over the a bog, or a from a piece of furniture next few weeks. - by comparing it with their Master On the Saturday of Walled Towns Database, provided there are at least weekend 2011, David Brown deliv- 70 years of growth on the sample. If ered his results to a packed Holy the actual bark is present, Queen’s Trinity Church. It was worth the wait: can tell you exactly which year the with a margin of error of just nine tree was felled and as oak roofs were years plus or minus, the ‘felling date’ assembled when the wood was new is officially: 1489! This is just what or ‘green’ (and easy to work) this we had hoped for. David Brown gives us a very good guide to the described it as ‘a truly spectacular date the roof was put up. But the lab result for an Irish roof.’ We now work is expensive. have a roof that dates back to the So we applied to the Heritage time when Christopher Columbus Council for a grant and to the discovered America! Minister for Arts, Heritage and Now we can fit it into the con- the Gaeltacht and to the National text of the time. Tipperary was Museum for a licence to ‘alter’ the torn apart in the middle of the samples and a licence to ‘export.’ The fifteenth century and Fethard was Church of Ireland were very accom- no exception. In 1468 the town was modating and gave written consent. devastated and burned by Garret The Heritage Council loved the idea Fitzgerald, brother of Thomas, Earl but regretted that funds were not of Desmond. The Earl, who was an available this year because the work accomplished man of great human- was not urgent. Next year didn’t look ity and education, had been sum- too good either. We almost gave up. moned to Drogheda at the begin- Then the two licences arrived in the ning of February by the Lord Deputy,

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A nationally important fifteenth century roof was identified in Fethard by David Brown of the School of Geography, Archaeology and Palaeoecology, Queen’s University, Belfast, who presented the results of his sampling and laboratory analysis of the oak timbers of the roof of Holy Trinity Church in Fethard. L to R: Paul Price, Maura Ganey, Rev. Barbara Fryday, David Brown and Tim Robinson. Sir John Tiptoft, together with two (which is the Roman Catholic roof, others, Edward Plunket and the Earl predating Henry VIII’s break with of Kildare. Tiptopf was a sadist and Rome by some 50 years) survived is known to history as ‘the Butcher and now sits in the top of the church of England.’ He admired his contem- like a time-traveller from this distant porary, Vlad ‘the Impaler‘ and intro- and terrifying world. duced Vlad’s infamous and grisly The scribe carpenter, Paul Price, torture ‘impalement’ as an official provided a detailed report describ- punishment in England. Desmond ing the medieval construction tech- had met his match. On Valentine’s niques used in the roof and this Day 1468, the Earl was taken outside report together with the Queen’s and beheaded without a fair trial. report have both been lodged with Desmond’s brother, Garret, enraged the relevant authorities. by this treatment, set out from the You can read the reports on our south with a reported 2,000 horse- website and watch our specially men and 20,000 kerns and they cut commissioned video featuring Mary and burned their way up through Hanrahan as narrator which tells the Tipperary and Kilkenny on a tide of story at: www.fethard.com fury to the borders of the Pale. And just for the record: Sir John In the aftermath of this calamity, Tiptoft was himself beheaded (to Fethard was slowly and painstaking- the delight of the crowd) in October ly rebuilt and the precious oak roof 1470. ◉ 53 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Fethard Senior Citizens Club – Clonacody 1983

In 1983 Fethard Senior Citizens Club was one year old. The club went on an outing to Carrigans of Clonacody where a superb afternoon tea was provided by the ladies committee. L to R: Josie King, Nora O’Neill, Bridget Ryan, Alice Keane and Mary Mullins.

At the Clonacody Afternoon Tea Party in 1983 were L to R: Ellen Slattery, Eileen Needham, Bridie Leahy, Johanna Tobin and May Maher. 54 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER Fethard Senior Citizens Club – Clonacody 1983

At the Clonacody Afternoon Tea Party in 1983 were L to R: Nancy Sheehan, Mary O’Dwyer, Noreen Cummins and Mary O’Connor.

At the Clonacody Afternoon Tea Party in 1983 were L to R: Bridgie Burke, Maggie Sayers, Joe Greene, Alice Ryan and Jim Ryan. 55 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

The Walled Town by Tony Dolan (October 2011)

O sleepy town of Fethard All colours of the rainbow in the early morning light, ‘cause everyone is free. With your majestic castle That winding river and those flags flying high. with its bridges here and there, Those pointy steeples Water flowing sometimes reaching to twilight sky, when the weather isn’t fair. What was it like in Cromwell’s time Those geese walking the streets with its walls so high? warbling as they go, Surrounding this little village Time passes every year at the foot of Slievenamon, less of them going to and fro. A box of toy bricks The churches ringing bells that a child would play upon. ring out over the town, Would come crashing down Summons everybody as those sides would be breached, to put their tools down. Those people now inside Walking beside that monument they could be reached. in the early morning light, There is a street they cannot pass Remembering times past with that coffin on their shoulders, whether wrong or right. After those foreign men Even the Queen of England went over those boulders. was here up the road, Once a year it’s re-enacted Not in the seventeen hundreds with horses, swords and shields, but lately you would be told. Keep it still remembered It has all come together after all those years. old wounds have healed at last, Costumes and ancient games Can take the weld off those sure doors played out for all to see, and raise our flag on the mast.

56 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER A tribute to Harry Ferguson

Photographs by Adrian O’Donovan

very farmer is familiar with the age of 25, Ferguson determined Ethe name of Harry Ferguson that he would build his own aircraft. as the inventor of the ‘3-point-link- On 31 December, 1909, Harry age’ and ‘Depth Control System’ Ferguson successfully made the first found in the sturdy and economical aeroplane flight in Ireland, becom- Ferguson tractors which were found ing the first Irishman to build and on most farms up to fifty years ago. fly his own aeroplane. This tribute Ferguson’s inventive genius revolu- marks the centenary of that great tionised farming and his inventions event. in tractor design were adopted by In 1911, Ferguson started his tractor manufacturers all over the own motor business in Belfast. He world. Today, more than 85 per cent designed improved carburettors of all tractors world-wide incorpo- which were necessary to provide rate his brilliant ‘3-point-linkage’ improved accuracy and efficiency in and ‘Depth Control System’. fuel delivery to the engine. He intro- Harry Ferguson was a farmer’s duced two basic improvements in son, born one of eleven children on this technology which he patented 4 November, 1884, in the small vil- in 1917. He then turned his atten- lage of Growell in County Down. He tion to the development of farm showed an inventive streak at a very machinery, inventing the first wheel- early age. While working in his elder less plough, known as the ‘Belfast brother’s garage, he became interest- Plough’. By 1949, Ferguson tractors ed in racing cars and motorcycles. held 78 per cent of the tractor mar- He was also fascinated by aircraft ket in Britain. which were then in their infancy. At Ferguson had a passion for

57 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

motor-sport. He developed the adopted by rally cars and, eventually, Ferguson Formula Four Wheel Drive by the world-wide motor industry in System shortly after World War II in the form of the ‘viscous coupling’. an attempt to improve road safety. Harry Ferguson was an excep- In 1950, Ferguson designed the R5 tionally brilliant engineer and inven- Ferguson car which is reckoned to tor with a passion for doing good, be 40 years ahead of its time with fea- who placed Irish inventive genius on tures such as four- the world stage. wheel drive, disc His greatest moti- brakes, anti-skid vation was to braking system, alleviate hunger electric windows, by developing and a hatch-back advanced agri- design, which cultural machin- anticipated the ery which would modern car. To increase food prove the safety production. value of his four- Another great wheel drive and Irishman, Dean his anti-skid Jonathan Swift, braking sys- observed that a tem, Ferguson man who can designed a make two blades Formula 1 racing- of grass grow car, known as where only one the P99, which grew before, incorporated Pat White with his tribute plane to Harry Ferguson does more good these features and restored by local panel beater John O’Donovan. than a whole became the world’s first Formula race of politicians! Harry Ferguson 1-winning four-wheel drive car, when rightly deserves to be remembered. driven to victory by Sterling Moss In 1933, after designing and winning the Oulton Park Gold Cup Patenting his 3 point linkage and in 1961. Ferguson had hoped that depth control system, known as the the prestige of a Formula-1 victo- Ferguson System. Harry Ferguson ry would result in the wide-spread built a lightweight prototype trac- adoption of his safety devices. Sadly, tor incorporating his inventions to Harry Ferguson had passed away demonstrate the advantages of the on 25 October, 1960, before his car Ferguson System. achieved this magnificent success. This tractor, known as the ‘Black Subsequently, the Ferguson Formula Tractor’, became the forerunner for four-wheel drive system was widely all modern day tractors. ◉ 58 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER Fethard Community Playgroup he summer months this year Playschool. This work was complet- Thave seen great changes in ed in time for our September open- our Playschool. After many years ing. We now have a beautiful, bright upstairs in the Health Centre we and welcoming playschool for all had to find a new premises for local children to avail of. September. Having spent the past A huge ‘Thank You’ to everyone 2 to 3 years fundraising for a new who helped out with the refurbish- building, we were very disappointed ment, to Mrs Treacy, Fr Breen and the that government funding for these school board for their kind offer and projects had completely dried up to everyone who donated money leaving us with a bleak future. over the past few years, this money Luckily for the playgroup and the has been put to good use in updat- many children who use our facil- ing the hall to a beautiful new play- ity each year, the old school hall in school that our children can contin- the boy’s primary school had just ue to enjoy into the future. A special become vacant due to the amalga- mention to the playschool manager, mation of the two primary schools Helena O’Shea who co-ordinated last year, and the management of the work during her summer break. Holy Trinity NS kindly allowed us to For enrolling enquiries please take it over. A team of parents and contact Helena on 052 6132316. other interested volunteers spent Hours of opening are Monday to the summer months refurbishing the Friday from 9am to 12 noon and hall to bring it up to standard for a 1.15pm to 4.15pm. ◉

Fethard Community Playgroup October 2001. Back L to R: Ronan Coffey, Áine Proudfoot, Eoin O’Donovan, Alex O’Donovan, Annie Prout, Nicola Thompson. Front L to R: Mike Earl, Dean Dorney, Dylan Ryan- Hanigan, Nathan Thompson, Shane Hannigan and Aidan Lyons. 59 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

Photographed in Killusty September 1982. Back L to R: Davy Ryan, Louise O’Meara. Front L to R: Aidan O’Meara, Shane Ryan, Jason Ryan and Susan O’Meara.

Photographed on The Green in February 1981 are Back L to R: Rosemary Ryan, Bernadette Ryan, ? , Ann Browne, Annette Fox. Front Philly Ryan and Tony Thompson.

60 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

Presentation Convent Class in the early 1950s Back L to R: - Slattery, Catherine Williams, Mary Quinlan, Monica O’Dwyer, Ann Schofield. Middle L to R: Mary Napier, Pauline Hanly, Ann Hanly, Carmel Matthews, Mary Maher, Kathleen Murphy, Mary Croke, Anna Bradshaw. Front L to R: ?, Kathleen Napier, Theo Fergus, Euna Whyte and Agnes Evans.

Féis Choir winners photographed outside the Convent (early 1950s). Back L to R: Breda Ryan, May Fitzgerald, Honor Mulligan, Margaret Purcell, Ann Schofield, Euna Whyte, Dot Wall. Front L to R: Ann Connolly, Vera McSweeney, Chrissie Sayers, Theo Fergus, Pauline Hanly, Carmel Rice, Mary Sayers, Ann Napier, Rita Walsh, Agnes Evans and Margaret Murray. 61 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Fethard’s Unsung Hero Everyone has the power for greatness, not fame through Glen Bower, levels out for but greatness, because it is determined by ser- Grangemockler and rises slightly vice. (Martin Luther King) again into Ninemilehouse, before dropping steeply into the plains n the pantheon of great men of South Kilkenny. Dominating Iand women produced from the the latter border village is the old Fethard area, the names of Captain Bianconi Inn, appropriately named Henry Kellett of Naval Exploration ‘The Grand Inn’. fame, Alice Leahy of ‘Trust’, Thomas Inside, in a corner of the large Burke, the confederate soldier and dining room, I noticed an old dec- Fenian activist, orative rock- after whom Burke ing chair. I was Street is named, informed that it spring readily to was presented mind. Worthy of to the establish- consideration for ment in 1899 by inclusion in that a fellow ‘Fethard elite group is the Man’, Thomas name of a forgot- Walsh. The con- ten and unsung nection would hero, Thomas F. be that his aunt Walsh. was married Colarado’s to one of the mining history is Coadys, who dominated by the have owned and stories of three operated the men, Horace Grand Inn since Tabor, Winfield Bianconi days. I Scott Strattan, resolved to learn and Thomas F. Fethard’s Unsung Hero Thomas F. Walsh more about Walsh. Of the this mysterious three, Walsh was the last to make his Fethard man. big strike, in 1896 near Ouray, called Two studies are available to the ‘Camp Bird Mine’. assist in uncovering the details of Outside of Clonmel, on the his life: ‘Father Struck it Rich’ by Waterford road, the N76 slips Walsh’s daughter, Evalyn Walsh away and heads towards Kilkenny. McLean (from 1936); and ‘Thomas F. Before leaving Tipperary, it climbs Walsh, Progressive Businessman and the steep slopes of Slievenamon, Colorado Mining Tycoon’, by Denver

62 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

Attorney, John Steward, dated 2007. his formal education at age 12, and The former deals primarily with became an apprentice millwright in Evalyn’s life, but does have detail Fethard, which was just north of the of her father’s activities, particularly Walsh family farm. He never forgot after he became a multi-million- his formative years in Fethard and aire. The latter is more interesting would later establish a library there in uncovering the full Tom Walsh plus a fund to help feed the poor of from cradle to grave. In pursuit that town. of accuracy, John Steward visited In 1869, at age 17, with his father, South Tipperary during his exten- brother and sister, Tom set out for a sive preparatory work, and con- new home in America. The others tacted the Rotary Club of Clonmel, continued on to Colorado, where who appointed a guide to take him relations, the Coadys, were already round the Fethard area. in residence, but the young carpen- Tom F. Walsh (the extra initial ter remained on the East Coast in to distinguish him from his father Massachusetts, living with his cous- Thomas K. ) first saw the light of day ins, the Powers. He was to stay there on April 2, 1850, in Baptistgrange, for two years and enjoyed steady outside Fethard. This was not a good employment in his trade. time to be born in Ireland, stagger- Tom F. first arrived in Colorado ing and starving from the ravages of in 1871. It would be 25 further years the recent Great Famine, but worse before he made his big strike. In the was to follow. He was the fifth child interim, he learned the mining trade, and was to be left without a mother and gradually became an acknowl- just two years later when Bridget edged expert in ores and where they died at the young age of 33, along resided. Walsh was never to be con- with his baby sister Alice. Both were fused with the popular perception of laid to rest in Kilmurray Cemetery, a miner wandering around waiting Ballyneale, with only a simple mark- to make his strike. On the contrary, er to identify their grave. Later in life, he continued with his carpentry Tom F. would arrange for the erec- business and made shrewd property tion of a more impressive monu- purchases, from which he gradually ment. became a reasonably well-off man. Later also, after he had become His massive discovery therefore in a world traveller and renowned 1896 at the Camp Bird mine in Ouray after-dinner speaker, Tom F. provid- was not that of a fortunate prospec- ed a rear glimpse into his world of tor stumbling on a rich gold vein, but growing up, “waylaying the walking of an expert mining engineer, well pedlars of gingersnaps and cook- versed in the field. ies as they passed on the way to Careful land research, where he the patron of Fethard”. He finished analysed meticulously the samples

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which he removed from different For the remaining 14 years of his areas, convinced him that Camp Bird life, Tom F. Walsh became the confi- was a viable area to explore. Having dant of the highest politicians in the spent several years in painstaking land, including two presidents, and research, he was in a position to became an outspoken proponent of decipher the depth and direction of progressive ideas. His workers were the main and subsidiary ore lines. well treated, both on and off duty, Armed with this information, Walsh to such an extent that his operation bought up adjacent plots to ensure at Camp Bird was held up as the that his claim could be maximised to worldwide standard for all others to its fullest capability. Only when every- aspire to. His philanthropy became thing was in place, did he announce legendary and he donated a library his ‘find’, and proceeded with the in Ouray and another in Fethard. development which, unlike many of He set up a fund to aid the poor the miners who struck it rich, he was of Fethard, which was administered in a position to fund himself. by a local publican, one Richard Tom F. may have been a pragmat- McCarthy, of McCarthy’s Hotel fame. ic businessman, and this is reflected It is understood that he always held in his decision to install the best a close affinity for Fethard, but the labour-saving equipment available larger town of Clonmel was also at his mine, but he was also a car- close to his heart, and he named his ing employer who put the comfort mansion in Colorado, ‘Clonmel’. and well-being of his staff as a top Because of his successful mining priority. The living quarters which operation, he was renowned as a he designed and had build at Camp mineralogist, and was appointed as Bird, complete with showers, up to advisor to the Federal Government date cooking facilities, with a hos- in Washington, where he owned a pital and school at nearby Ouray, house. His fame spread to Europe, ensured that his staff and their fami- and he became friendly with King lies were content. In an era where Leopold of Belgium, who consulted labour relations, particularly in the him on his country’s extensive min- volatile mining business, were always ing interests in the Congo. It is under- simmering one degree away from a stood that Walsh distanced himself strike, Tom Walsh‘s operation never from this activity when he learned suffered the loss of even one day’s that the conditions for the native labour. When unions complained of miners in that African country were the conditions in the mining indus- not up to the standard he desired try, they were always quick to praise and indeed practiced. He continued the Fethardman’s approach and his friendship with Leopold, however, bemoan the fact that other owners which endured to his death. could not reach his standards. Tom F. Walsh became a promi-

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President William Howard Taft assisted Tom Walsh in rechristening his Littleton Estate ‘Clonmel’ at a gala event in September 1909. Courtesy, Western History Department, Denver Public Library. nent member of national society, and Camp Bird Mine exhibit included in 1900, President McKinley appoint- ore specimens and a description of ed him as a U.S. Commissioner to the mine development and activity, com- International Exposition which was plete with a statement that the mine held in Paris in that year. Walsh’s brief produced $5,000 in gold each day. was to show his adopted country Writing about its favourite son, the to the old world which he had left Ouray Herald proudly proclaimed, more than 30 years before. Walsh’s “The purple of royalty bows to the

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yellow gold of Tom Walsh. Tall, raw- from the distant past, particularly boned, blue-eyed, good-natured, the one who is now dead one hundred type of man behind the pick, he years, in classical terms, but Tom F. has practically become the greatest Walsh was one of those rare human American in Paris”. Similar articles, beings who epitomised all that was perhaps less grand, appeared in both best of the human spirit. U.S. and European newspapers. He returned to Ireland for a visit At the conclusion of the exhibi- in 1899 and it was at that time that tion, the Walsh family returned to he donated the rocking chair to New York and the Grand Inn, Tom F. attract- in memory ed the follow- of the happy ing comments childhood vis- from the New its he shared York paper, there with his The World, “Mr aunt, Margaret Walsh repre- Scully Coady, sents the true who had acted Tipperary as a surrogate type, and even mother after today has a the death of fascinating his own. His trace of the daughter, Tipperary Evalyn, accom- brogue. But panied him as even from a young girl, his appear- and remarked ance alone, that, when any Irishman she admired would guess the majesty of that he was Slievenamon, a ‘Tipp’. Mr Walsh replied, Evalyn Walsh McLean Walsh is about “There’s no 6 feet tall and weights 195 pounds. gold in those hills”. He would return His full moustache is reddish though again in 1903 at the inauguration of his hair is brown. His eyes are his the headstone to mark his mother’s most striking feature. They are blue grave in Ballyneale. and seem to pierce through and Tom F. Walsh came under through a man.” strong pressure to run for public Sometimes it is a lazy cliché rath- office from his many friends but er than a tribute to describe a man he always refused. Strangely, for an

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Irishman, he was a member of the ‘Hope Diamond’. Evalyn Walsh Republican party in America and, McLean purchased this 47 carat indicative of his national standing, piece from Cartier of Paris in late the Republican President, William 1911, for $154,000. Howard Taft, performed the christen- The Hope Diamond is world ing ceremony for the Walsh estate in renowned and carries the legend Ouray in September 1909, the name that it brings nothing but ill-luck to chosen being ‘Clonmel’. its owners. This myth was certainly On the evening of April 8, 1910, true in Evalyn’s case as she suffered six days past his 60th birthday, Tom the loss of her son, who was knocked passed away after a short illness. His down and killed by a passing car wife, Carrie, who had never enjoyed in Washington when aged 10, her good health, outlived him by 22 daughter died at age 24 in 1946 from years. Many tributes were paid at a combination of sleeping tablets the time of his funeral, none better and alcohol. Her own marriage into than the eulogy from one Damon the McLean family of ‘Washington Runyon, just embarking on a career Post’ fame failed, and she lost a in journalism, and who would later considerable portion of her father’s become famous for his movies, musi- fortune in the Great Depression of cals and short stories, “Walsh was the late 1920s. very rich, he was rich beyond the Evalyn Walsh McLean died from dreams of avarice, but that wealth pneumonia at age 61 in 1947, having was clean. He had oppressed not never recovered from her daughter’s one single soul in its attainment.” death. The Walsh estate had shrunk Tom F. Walsh was indeed a pro- considerably by that stage and most file, not alone in courage, but also in of the wealth remaining was in honesty and integrity, Fethard can jewels. One of her executors, Judge be justifiably proud of him. Perhaps Arnold, later recalled that his imme- a fitting way to acknowledge and diate problem was how to secure a honour his memory would be to house full of jewels with the banks consider twinning Fethard with closed. He gathered up the jewels, Ouray in Colorado. This would result including the Hope Diamond, into in his name being remembered, not a shoebox and deposited them with alone in the latter town where he is FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover. revered, but in the former where he New York jeweller, Harry Winston, spent his youth. later purchased the Hope Diamond, allegedly for 1 million dollars. Postscript After years of displaying the stone, The centre piece of the Jewellery he donated it to the Smithsonian display in the Smithsonian Museum Institution in 1958. ◉ in Washington is the world famous Tom Burke (September 2011)

67 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Coolmoyne & Moyglass Vintage Club

At Moyglass Vintage Day are L to R: Seamus Barry, Sean O’Donovan, Tim Daly, Liam Daly, Matty Tynan, Tom McCarthy (tractor owner), Eamon Barry and Tom Barry photographed beside 1950 Ford 8N tractor. Tom’s father, Daniel T. McCarthy, Garryvale, Co. Cork, purchased the tractor new in 1950 oolmoyne & Moyglass vin- success. Over forty vintage tractors Ctage club held its first meet- left Moyglass Village via Knockelly ing on 10 March, 2008, at the Village and stopped at Fethard Ballroom to Inn, Moyglass. The club holds a rest the old engines and chat about static show and road run annu- the various advantages of each par- ally for vintage cars and tractors. ticular machine. Funds raised from these events are The run returned to Moyglass presented to various charities, such via Barrettstown and Coolmoyne. as, South Tipperary Hospice, Our The tractors taking part included Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin, a large variety of models includ- Fethard Acorn Playgroup, and ing: Fergusons, Nuffields, Leylands, this year to Friends of St Patrick’s Lanz, Kramer, Zetor, Belarus, David Hospital, Cashel. Brown, Allis Chalmers, Fiat, John To date approximately €11,500 Deere and Ford. The ‘gold-bellied’ has been raised for charity. This four cylinder Ferguson 35 on dis- year it was decided to hold a festi- play was owned by the late Dick val weekend in conjunction with McCarthy of Mobarnane who had the Moyglass Hall committee. The used it to drive a New Holland baler. Tractor Road Run event was held A Ferguson 35 was used to pull a on Saturday, 23 July, and was a huge Vicon beet harvester. These tractors

68 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER would have been phenomenal with oil engines and other memorabilia. their power to achieve time saving Over forty vintage cars were and labour reduction in the fifties exhibited including a 1957 and sixties. The care and attention Bentley, Jaguar XJS-CV12, BMW given to these machines allows the 320 Convertible, Triumph Herald present generation to get a glimpse Convertible, Volkswagen Beetle, 1950 of the jewels of the past. Austin A35, Merlin MG, Mercedes The static show on Sunday B180, Convertible Humber 1930, was held in Kevin McGivern’s field Escort RS 2000 original to south Tipp, and had exhibitors from Roscrea, 1980 Scamell recovery truck, 1955 Abbeyleix, Clonmel, Newcastle, Daimler Ferret armoured car, 1977 Grangemockler, Sliabh na Mban, Land Rover Military Ambulance, and New Ross, Holycross, Golden, Cashel, a range of other models most dating Thurles and a large local input. The back to the fifties. The vintage motor- Crosse family from Donaskeigh bikes included a 1937 Triumph, 250 drove their Fowler Steam engine, and a 1956 BSA 810. The first car to which is one hundred years old, arrive was from Scotland. The com- through the village. It would have mittee are extremely grateful to all been almost sixty years since such those who displayed their cars, trac- a machine was seen in Moyglass. tors and other machines. Other items exhibited were a sev- The field day had a huge attend- enty-year-old Garvie threshing mill ance and all enjoyed the sunshine, and two vintage combine harvesters, competitions, craft stalls and dis- along with a very interesting range of plays of miniature animals, song-

Making their way to Vintage Day in Moyglass are L to R: Jimmy Purcell, Tommy Purcell and Noel Barry

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birds, turtles, fish etc. The mixed The committees of the crowd relaxed and chatted until all Coolmoyne/ Moyglass Vintage Club dispersed to the Community Hall and Community Hall wish to thank where a ‘tug-o-war’ blitz, family bar- all those who gave of their time to beque, dancing and singing took make the weekend such a huge place. The music drifted in the even- success. The feeling of community ing air and could be heard over the spirit was very evident over the hinterland. weekend. Photographs of all these The dog show was as popular as events can be seen on Facebook on ever and had over thirty entries. The Ned Kellys, The Village Inn. wheel barrow race was won, after In September the club was repre- a stewards enquiry, by Conor and sented at the 80th anniversary of the Geraldine O’Donnell, other side- Ploughing Championships in Athy shows included sheaf throwing by by a Garvie threshing mill and an Michael Griffin, half cwt by Bernard Allis Chalmers tractor. In October Prendergast and a penalty shoot we ran a bus trip to Co. Louth to out by James Walsh. view a private collection of Allis There were also numerous ath- Chalmers machines from 1914 to the letic events including a mothers’ last model of 1985 and a video view- race. The busiest attractions of the ing of the first reaper and binder day were the children’s bouncy cas- in action. We returned via Howth tles and pony rides. Transport Museum and were joined

At the Coolmoyne and Moyglass Vintage Day are L to R: Vikie Damon, Betty Kennedy, Kelly-Ann Nevin, Jake Dorney, Jimmy Egan (owner of 1959 Massey 35), Patricia Kennedy and Michelle O’Donnell

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Katie O’Flynn with female Harris Hawk at the Moyglass Vintage Day on our trip by members from neigh- Liam Cronin, Martin Hannigan, D. bouring clubs. Maher, Liam Morris, Marc Mulcahy, The committee and members Michael O’Brien, Frank O’Connell, are Michael O’Neill (President), Mark O’Connell, Jimmy O’Shea, Billy Pat O’Loughnan (Secretary), Sean Prout, Larry Ryan, Tos Ryan, Michael O’Donovan (Chairman), Seamus Trehy and Declan Walsh. Barry (Treasurer), Matty Tynan (PRO), The club will hold their annual Eddy Murphy, M.J. Ryan, Ray Walsh, Christmas Party at The Village Inn Maurice Blake, John Slattery, Charles on 9 December 2011, and the pres- McCarthy, Joe Trehy, Joe Walsh, Pat entation of cheque to Friends of Kennedy, Michael Fahy, Tom Mulcahy, St Patricks Hospital will take place Hugh O’Donnell, Lar Fanning, John during that evening. O’Connell, Henry Smyth, Jimmy Our AGM will be held on 6 Egan, Pat Ahearne, John Barry, Tom February, 2012, at The Village Inn, Barry, Annie Brennan, Thomas Moyglass, and new members are Mulcahy, Pat Buckley, Tim Corballis, very welcome. ◉ 71 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Coolbawn ‘Tug of War’ Festival

Coolmoyne/Tullamaine combination team photographed at Coolbawn ‘Tug-of-War’ Festival c.1980

om Meehan (formerly of (and women) trying to take a rather TCoolbawn) now living in large rope from each other. There Brisbane, Australia, sent us this was fierce rivalry between the dif- photo taken at the Coolbawn ‘Tug- ferent villages and townships which of-War’ festival around 1980. was demonstrated at annual tug-of- Tug-of-War became popular fol- war festivals. lowing a demonstration at a Macra These festivals included a variety Field Evening in Drangan in 1976. of activities including clay shooting, The competition in Drangan was athletics, and hurling matches. The between Ballynonty, under the lead- Coolbawn Festival was held at the ership of Sean Healey and Drangan Airfield in Coolbawn (thanks to the led by Ned Morris (Drangan won on generosity of Michael Smyth). the night). The hurling team in the photo- This led to a resurgence in the graph is a Coolmoyne/Tullamaine sport and it was not uncommon to combination who played against see, in the fields around Killenaule Killenaule on the day. ◉ and Drangan, groups of grown men Tom Meehan

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Photographed in Parson’s Green, Ballyporeen, while on a pre-school trip c.1985. L to R: Cathal O’Brien, John Harrington, Sharon Burke, Maura O’Donovan and Clare Burke

Presentation Convent students in June 1984 Back L to R: Assumpta Coffey,?, Marion Fenton, Sarah Carey, Meaveen Murray, Front L to R: ?, Mary Ryan, ?, ?.

73 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Fethard GAA Club 011 was, like all years, a very February and this very young team 2busy one for Fethard GAA. We made up of a number of minors, fielded seven teams in hurling and did very well to win their first two football at minor, under-21, junior games but were beaten by a strong and senior grades. Mullinahone team in the final game It was our younger players who which brought that campaign to an led the way with both minor teams, end. hurling and football, reaching South The under-21 hurlers played the semifinals. However, with the foot- opening game in July and account- ballers defeated by a single point in ed for Skeheenarinka on an impres- May by Ardfinnan, and the hurlers sive score line of 6-17 to 3-11, how- bested by Skeheenarinka in October, ever, we had to wait until the end of a South Final appearance for this October to play the next game and group of players was not to be. the long break and terrible condi- At under-21 level it was the tions did not help us, as Carrick footballers who started our year in Swans ran out winners and ended

Members of the Fethard teams of 1978 and 1984 honoured by The Nationalist, County Board and the Park Hotel at a function on Sunday, November 6, in Clonmel. Back L to R: Paschal Hanrahan, Kevin Ryan, Tom Ryan, Sean Moloney, Sean Aylward, Gerry Fogarty, Jimmy O’Shea, Davy Fitzgerald, Liam Connolly, Tommy Sheehan. Middle L to R: John Keane, Davy Morrissey, Dinny Burke, Anthony Colville, Joe Allen, Waltie Moloney, Gerry Harrington. Front L to R: Michael Healy, Buddy Fitzgerald, Richie Hayes, Seamus Hackett (representing his son Dermot), John Hackett, Michael Kenrick and Paddy Kenrick.

74 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER our involvement. Unfortunately we were unsuccessful Our junior A footballers played in the first game against Killenaule two games in high summer, but suc- in July and thus ended our involve- cess was limited in that competition ment in senior football for 2011. and we failed to progress to knock- While our success was limited out stages. on the field for 2011, we can take At Intermediate Hurling level many positives from the year. The we played three main highlights games over April, were the honour- May and June, ing of our cham- again relying pions of yester- on a very young year at the foot- team and a num- ball county final ber of defeats led in November to our exit from when the suc- the competition cessful teams at the end of the of 1978 & 1984 league stages. were honoured The senior by the county footballers began board. This was on St. Patrick’s a proud day for day against the individu- Moyle Rovers als and the club in the South and it was great Jimmy O’Shea (right) making a presentation on behalf Championship of Fethard GAA Club to Eoin Fitzgerald for his active to see these men and were within contribution to the Tipperary minor football panel, re-united. Sean a few points of the winners of this year’s All Ireland minor football final. Moloney was also champions while giving a number honoured with the Sean na Gael of players their first taste of senior award in November for services to football. The round robin format the GAA. Sean joins a number of of the South Championship meant previous Fethard clubmen to receive eight games and Fethard were the award and it is a most deserving successful against Carrick Swans, tribute to a man who has served the Cahir and Clonmel Óg. However, association, club and county, with defeat in our final game against distinction throughout his life. Ardfinnan meant we just missed out The club was also delighted to of qualification for a quarter final. complete improvement works to our This left us in a situation where we dressing rooms during the year. The would have to win two games in the improved facilities are a particular county series to reach the quarter achievement given that all labour final of the County Championship. involved was supplied voluntarily by

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After months of voluntary effort to update and modernise the dressing rooms at Fethard GAA Park, friends and members of the Club gathered together to celebrate their extraordinary achievement on Friday, September 9, 2011. All involved in this superb project, including those who weren’t able to attend on the evening, were thanked by Canon Tom Breen P.P. for their dedication and commitment to the Fethard club and community. Standing L to R: Tom Anglim, Michael Hayes, Austie Godfrey, Tommy Gahan, Pat Sheehan, Eoghain Hurley, Tomás Keane, Shay Coen, Patsy Lawrence, John Hurley, Gavin Fitzgerald, Canon Tom Breen, Ronan Fitzgerald, Jimmy O’Shea, John Paul Looby, Brian Higgins, Jimmy O’Meara, John Fitzgerald, Frank O’Donovan, Mary Godfrey, Michael Sheehan, Padraig Spillane, Stephen Fitzgerald, Eugene Walsh, Denis O’Meara. Michael Quinlan, Noelle Ahearne, Tom McCarthy, Sharon O’Meara. Front L to R: Andrew O’Donovan, Kieran Treacy, P.J. Ahearne, Willie Morrissey, Eddie Crotty, Ian Kenrick, Nick Spillane and Rebecca McCarthy. our club members and we would club was also delighted to honour like to wholeheartedly thank all Eoin’s achievement with a presenta- those involved. tion in the Fethard Arms in October, Perhaps the highlight of the where many club members came year on the county scene came together to mark the occasion. On on the third Sunday of September the night, Jimmy O’Shea, was also when the Tipperary minor football- presented with a commemorative ers beat Dublin to be crowned All clock as a gesture of the club’s Ireland Champions for 2011. The gratitude for a life time of service to club was particularly proud of our Fethard GAA. own Eoin Fitzgerald, who was a So upon reflection our great panellist on the day. Fethard have club had many positives throughout had at least one representative on the year, and we will continue to the minor team on each of the strive for success, both on and off occasions in which Tipperary have the field, in the future. played in the All-Ireland final and We would like to wish a very we were delighted that Eoin was Happy Christmas to all our members, able to carry on that tradition and past and present, far and near, and even more importantly bring an All we hope that 2012 will prove fruitful Ireland medal back to Fethard. The for us all. ◉ 76 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

GAA friends L to R: Willie and Lou O’Grady, Tony Newport, Alice and Sean Moloney

Fethard GAA Club members photographed at the presentation to Nicky O’Shea who retired as club treasurer after 17 years of service. L to R: Austin Godfrey, Gus Fitzgerald, Mary Godfrey, Andy O’Donovan, Nicky O’Shea, Denis O’Meara and Jimmy O’Shea.

Eoin Kelly, captain Tipperary Senior Hurling Team, with coaches and helpers at Fethard Cúl Camp

77 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Seasons Greetings from Killusty N.S.

Killusty National School Pupils phptographed on 21st November 2011 his year we have enjoyed a our good friend, Christy Williams. Tbusy and varied schedule in Christy will be celebrating a ‘big’ our beautiful school. With eight new birthday in December. We will all entrants, our pupil numbers remain help him to celebrate this wonderful healthy. occasion. Christy is a true gentleman The children enjoy a diverse cur- and his contribution to life in our riculum. The Board of Management, country school has been constant, the parents and the community in obliging and at all times helpful. general, are excellent to support On behalf of our school staff their local school. In these times and pupils, I extend our gratitude to that support is more important than Christy and to all the community. A ever. The school and its grounds are Christmas and New Year filled with maintained beautifully by all the peace, happiness and prosperity is school community, ably assisted by wished to all. ◉

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Pilgrimage to Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon, 14 August 2011

Roger Daly, busy at work delivering heating oil to customers in Fethard and surrounding areas.

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Memories (i.m. Peggy Marshall nee Kenrick)

The half covered signpost set behind overhanging branches, conjuring so many faces peering from hazy shadows; some almost forgotten others clear and vivid eerily united by their very absence .

Joyfully recalling my first kiss in Harrington’s field from a dazzlingly beautiful local girl, banishes all those mysterious visions .

My mother’s voice echoing from her birthplace out the road, regaling me passionately about her precious Fethard .Smiling now at the memory of me cheekily calling it a village .

Frank Marshall

80 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER Fethard Youth Club 1969-71

Fethard Youth Club reunion in Gerry Brennan’s Bar, Clonmel in the late 1970s. Back L to R: Brendan Kenny, Philip Ryan, Tony McCarthy, Tony Hanrahan, Willie O’Donnell. Front L to R: Miceál McCormack, Fr. Killian OSA, Don McCarthy and Tony Fitzgerald. s I sat in McCarthy’s hotel to Sparky down in the chipper in Aafter attending a perfor- The Square. mance of the Fethard Players’ pro- Like all good stories, we will start duction of ‘The Year of the Hiker’ with, ‘Once upon a time’. Sometime and listening to the Pheasant in the late 60s a meeting was con- Pluckers, Joe Kenny pulled back the vened to establish some kind of little curtain near the stove and says, activity for young people in the it’s about time you wrote something town. The usual town Fathers came about Fr. Killian and the Youth Club. together plus a limited number of I pleaded that I didn’t have the ener- young people to discuss the situa- gy and I couldn’t get pen to paper. tion. A further meeting was called His reply, “Do it now or it will be and a great discussion took place never done!” and the hairy guy con- with a view to forming a brass band. tinues with the fiddle player John A lot of questions were asked as to Shortall and the bass player Barry the whereabouts of the old instru- Connolly with their rendering of ‘Da ments and the cost entailed in try- Fish is Gud’. Later it was explained ing to start a new band. After a long to me that this piece was a tribute walk down that road we ended in

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deadlock. Someone suggested we I was in charge of finance. It is so start a club for young people and long ago that I cannot name the maybe use the Tirry Club as a HQ. committee but I do know we had Within days a motley crew of the one, with the chief purpose of trying younger generation assembled and to keep law in order. In those days we decided it was the way forward. the biggest offence would be kick- Around this time a new priest was ing at the door trying to gain admis- appointed to the Abbey namely, Fr. sion when someone had been P. J. Killian OSA and he decided to barred for some minor offence. The spearhead the operation. For the meetings took place in the Abbey few years he spent in Fethard, he house and were great occasions. I became the material of legends suppose the late Mary Hally’s cook- and is still spoken about 40 years ing, her buns and cakes, were the later by the young generation of that icing on our ‘cake’. time. Michael Kenny was elected My job was to collect the money, chairman, Fr. P. J. Killian was spiritual 3d per night, to help to defray costs, advisor and boss, Thomas Barrett lighting, fuel for the stove and things secretary, Don McCarthy and Tom in general. Collecting this money O’Connell were secretaries also, and was a story in itself and for another

Presentation to ‘Miss Apollo’ at a Fethard Youth Club dance in the ballroom. L to R: Fr. Killian OSA, Geraldine Maher, ‘Miss Apollo’, ? and Miceál McCormack

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Group pictured at a Fethard Youth Club function in the old Tirry Club, around 1969. Picture includes: Angela McCarthy, Frankie Napier, Toby Napier, Margaret McCarthy, Philomena Morrissey, Catherine Sayers, Mary Fox, Peggy Carroll, Gusty Napier, Joe Kenny, Philip Ryan, Don McCarthy, Michael Kenny, Don O’Connell, Timmy Curran and many more. time. I used to do my best but the day. There were others too, but I can- young people were way ahead of not remember them now. I remem- me with excuse and stories to avoid ber Gerry Fogarty coming up with the taxation. The favourite excuse the idea that those who brought was the ‘Tick’ which meant I will pay records to play would be admitted you the next night – ‘twas like the free. Ingenious Gerry. summer sun, gone and forgotten. I made one foray into record As we progressed we added buying and came back with the pieces of equipment, a dartboard, ‘Hills of Connemara’ and was nearly chess, draughts and the late Dick shot! That was my last time buying Burke gave us the use of a small records. Joe and Brendan Kenny billiard or bagatelle table. We pur- and Don McCarthy took on that side chased a record player from the of the business. Now that I think of late Tommy O’Connell which gave it, Don and the ‘Green Gang’ fancied us the music that we required. themselves as a barber quartet and Brendan Bowyer, Joe Dolan, Dicky they could give a fair rendering of Rock, and Derek Dean and the the Tremeloes, ‘Silence is Golden’. I Freshmen, ‘Pa Pa Oh Mow Mow’, and remember Joe Kenny winning the The Beatles were the music of the ‘Burke Cup’ for bagatelle as it was

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called, beating the hot favourite ful that one of our own was getting Philip Ryan in the final. a chance in the new world. Another In our wisdom, at a meeting in meeting, more delicious helpings, the Abbey house, we decided we plus an agenda drawn up to see would run a few hops [dances] to the boy on his way. The Town Hall supplement our meagre income. I was booked for a dance licence remember Tom O’Connell going to and for money to be taken on the town on the buns that night at the door. A three-piece group from tea. We decided to charge 6d for Clonmel was booked. A drummer, a entry to the hops. All was well until a guitar player from Mick Delahunty’s big friendly policeman called Mick orchestra, and the leader was a Fallon told us that we were kind certain talented young musician of breaking the law by charging called Micheál Ó Súileabháin from on the door and something about Mitchell Street in Clonmel. Yes, the needing a licence. Young heads same professor of music of world came together and with the help fame that we are all so proud of. The of Fr. Killian, we found a stratagem name of the group was ‘SIN’. It was to circumvent our little problem. a great night with everyone having No charging on the door – collect a great time. Toby received a very inside. expensive Calibre cigarette lighter Joe Ryan, Gerry Nevin, John Joe and replied with a wonderful few Keane, Gerry Fogarty of course, the good humoured words. But there late Philip Ryan, Angela McCarthy was a twist to the story one night and the Hanrahan sisters were all about six weeks later. I rambled into of the opinion that the floor wasn’t ‘the club’ as we called it, and it was slippery enough. Expert advice flying. John Coffey and Ed Healy was sought and a conclusion was were having a cracker of a game reached that the method of the of table tennis, Michael Kenny was late Jim Mullins of the Town Hall showing his skill at the dart board, a fame was the answer, Rinso or Lux. serious chess game was up and run- Post haste to Mon Kenny to acquire ning, the girls were listening to the the goods. The shakers and movers record player as they sat around the seemed to generate the rhythm that pot belly stove and the usual hors- they required. Mind you the ‘Hokey ing around with the younger crowd Pokey’ didn’t speed up. As the fellow was taking place. At the pool table a said, ‘those were the days’. quartet of our very best were trying One great occasion I remember to emulate the likes of Steve Davis well was the news of Toby Napier’s and Hurricane Higgins – they had imminent departure to the States. At all the trick shots but very few made that time it was nearly impossible to the pockets for a score! get out to America so it was wonder- Over in the far corner of the

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Members of Fethard Athletic Club in the old Tirry Club back in 1970. Back L to R: Pat Sheehan, Joe Kenny, Miceál McCormack, Tony Hanrahan, John Shortall. Middle L to R: Eddie Fox, Davy Ryan, Michael Healy, Richard Nevin, Davy Morrissey, Joe Keane, Martin Healy, Fergus McCormack. Front L to R: Teresa McCarthy, Helen Maher, Michael Downes, Donal Downes and Teresa Downes. room I heard Tom O’Connell stretch- happened?” He looked me straight ing a few chords out of his famous in the eyes and delivered the now Spanish guitar, accompanied by a famous lines, “Twas freeeeeezing very familiar and distinctive voice in Montana, nothing only ice and that any Fethard person would not snow about six feet tall everywhere, fail to recognise, giving holly to the so I said, it’s not for me, I want to go song, ‘O’Sullivan’s John’. The famous home to Fethard, so here I am!” He balladeer, Pecker Dunne, was in resi- then turned away and started sing- dence somewhere around Breen’s ing ‘Poor Oul’ Dicey Riley’ with Tom Bridge at that time and I was sure strumming along beside him. he had a great influence on the As we progressed through the Tirry Club kid, but when I reached year the committee made arrange- the troubadour, who was it only the ments to go to Clonmel to a youth brave Toby all the way back from club hop in the hall in Morton Street, the good old USA. giving the boys and girls a chance to I knew he could not be on holi- meet new people and develop new days so I said, “What’s the story, what friendships. ‘The Jets’ from Cahir

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and a band from Limerick, ‘Reform’, it and started to serve his time as a were the buzz bands at the time. We apprentice at O’Flynns Drapery in went to Cahir, Thurles, Holycross Burke Street. Very soon after, Mattie and a few more hops. It was a devil Bradshaw and Joe Kenny designed trying to get them all back on the two new corduroy, blue or red, bell- bus and the girls were worse than bottom suits, good to look at but a the boys. Those reading this will little tight. It wasn’t long until half know who I mean! Then, when we of the ‘good-lookers’ in town were would get moving, we would have ordering these new suits to go with a singsong all the way home to the their polo neck shirts. I don’t know Square in Fethard. Those were the how long the suits or craze lasted as days, no drugs and very little drink. I only saw them once. Fr. Pat made contact with Towards the end of the second the boxing club in Mullinahone year there was a ripple of discon- through Stephen Waters and we tent in the air. The schools were tried our hands at boxing in the not happy with us, likewise some club. Mullinahone came to us and of the clergy. We were requested to we visited them and had many great open the club earlier and close ear- nights of boxing. On a few occa- lier. Ireland was changing, ideas was sions our lads lost the rag and paid changing, culture was changing. severely for it. It was not uncommon Shortly afterwards, the word came to see the odd black eye or swollen that Fr. Killian was being transferred jaw. During this period we decided from the parish. It was obvious to us that we needed to train so we had all why this came about, but Fr. Pat the idea of running Ballybough a never complained or never wanted couple of nights a week, all of 4 us to complain either. miles. They could get around in 28 Changes were made, athletics minutes and on one occasion I had were introduced and 40 odd years somebody back to the hall in 22 later, the Fethard Athletic Club is still minutes. I thought I was after dis- in existence. covering a world-beater. When the The reverend Fr. Killian OSA remainder returned I told them the eventually returned to England good news and they said they had where he died at St. Clare’s Abbey missed him on the Rocklow Road so a few years ago. He was great then I discovered he had come in by the and is even greater now! We still school – a shortcut. Disappointed remember and love him dearly. was a word that would be mild in Thanks for the memories Fr. Pat and my assessment of the situation. God bless you. ◉ Adrian Cashin arrived from Carlow or ‘Carla’ as he used to call Miceál McCormack

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Snow Jan 1987

A walk in the snow at Congress Terrace in January 1987 saw these children working hard building a snowman.

Top L to R: Joe Bradshaw, Ursula Bradshaw, Belinda McCormack, Edel Bradshaw and Lorraine Tracy.

Left: Three members of the Shine family braving the elements to build their showman at Congress Terrace

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Photographed at Grove Wood railway bridge Back L to R: Brendan Ryan, Eamon Maher. Front L to R: Michael Barrett, Pat Barrett, Jim Allen and Tony Fitzgerald.

L to R: Mikey Fitzgerald, Mary Meaney, Peggy Fitzgerald and Margaret Fitzgerald (Mikey’s mother)

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L to R: Mick O’Donnell and George Bradshaw

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St. Patrick’s Place in the 1960s L to R: Jim Sayers, Jimmy Fitzgerald and Danny Ryan

Mrs Tierney (Greta Heffernan) July 1957 outside her house in Burke Street

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Mai and Nell Grady, Burke Street

Marie and Mossie McCarthy July 1957

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ICA group photographed in the Fethard Arms on the occasion of their Golden Jubilee 1977

ICA group photographed at the unveiling of a plaque at Clarebridge, Killusty on Sunday 12 August 1979. The plaque was unveiled to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of An Grianán, the College of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association in Co. Louth. The unveiling also marked another very historic occasion - the very first Summer School of the I.C.A., which was started on nearby Slievenamon in 1929 by Mrs Hughes and the ladies of Fethard I.C.A. guild. Mrs Hughes, who was past National President of the organisation, regaled the gathering with a vivid account of those early days, when twenty women trekked up the moun- tain where they camped out, some were lucky to find accommodation in the hut.

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Fethard Patrician Presentation under 16 Hurling team, County Schools ‘B’ Champions, Hennessy Cup Winners 1991/92 Back L to R: Pádraic Cloonan, Stephen O’Donnell, Martin Cuddihy, Tomás Keane, Raymond Condon, David Flanagan, Declan Maher. Middle: Tom Neville, John Kelly, John Paul Keane, Paul Fitzgerald, Noel Barry, Thomas Bourke, Edmond Walsh, Dick Prendergast (coach). Front: Barry Corbett, Miceál Seán McCormack, Damien Byrne (captain), Michael Bourke and Martin Phelan.

L to R: Dick Fitzgerald, Michael Fitzgerald and Biddy Fitzgerald

93 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Crocanoir – ‘the crock of gold’

r Nash climbed over our ing footballs than bullocks, plucking Fneighbour’s stile and slowly guitars than chickens, picking ban- waddled towards me, ‘You must be jos than spuds. the fool who came home farming Too many bumps along the way - you’re living in an awful back- convinced me that there had been ward place - no-one will find you an element of truth to Fr Nash’s down here.’ I was 19 years old and words. Maybe it was foolish to try doomed! Inspiration was in short to be what ‘you are not cut out for’. supply back in the early eighties The cows and cattle were sold and and no better man than the late par- I took to the road. Many journeys, ish priest of Mullinahone to cram countries, stories and songs later, ‘fool’, ‘backward’ and ‘farming’ into the magnetic pull of my end of the the same sentence. boreen lured me back home. The following ten years saw my When my grandparents moved gradual immersion into the agricul- to Mullinahone from Fethard in tural world of cows, cattle, milk quo- 1922, the neighbours welcomed tas, hay, silage, straw, rain, manure, them to Croc an oir (the crock tractors, ploughs, marts, vets and of gold). Seventy years later the creameries. Throughout that time ancient name of the area would there was always a nagging realisa- become the template for a venture tion that I was a square peg in a into the unknown world of tourism. round hole. In truth I preferred chas- The old farmhouse had been crum-

94 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER bling to the ground since 1961 and from every continent. Guests from the adjoining sheds had spent too Guatemala, Uganda, New Zealand, long tossing slates to the wind. Ukraine, Russia, United States, Israel, Stone by stone the renovation of Australia, Canada and many other Crocanoir became a labour of love. countries in between have shared A wooden footbridge replaced the their stories, brought their cul- old ‘stick’ which spanned the river ture and taken a little bit of gold Anner. Bushes and scrub made way back with them from the end of a for meandering woodland paths. Mullinahone rainbow. Flowers and shrubs sprung up in We help those researching place of weeds. family history to piece together Powerwashed walls revealed fragments of their roots that have names etched in stone of those been lost with time. Jim Sausse who once lived and loved here, WH from Maryland stood hand in hand 1863. William Hawe found no gold with his daughters in Saucestown, in Crocanoir, but mined for it in Fethard, beaming a smile that shone far away Australia; C H - Catherine brightly over all his ancestors who Hawe, grandmother of the famous emigrated during the famine. Those writers Maurice and Padraig de who left in droves from these parts Brun, great grandmother of poet could not have known that it might Maire McEntee. The Hawes were be several generations before their farmers and tailors who had lived descendants would once more here since the late 1700s. breath the air from Slievenamon. We now welcome visitors from At Crocanoir we welcome them all over the world. Many guests use home and take them on a journey the place as a base to tour the local through time to old homesteads area or to visit family and friends. and family burial places. There have There’s been everything from 90th been emotional reunions with long birthday parties to history lectures, lost cousins, tears shed in wind- writing workshops to poetry read- swept graveyards but above all great ings, CD recordings, dance classes pride at returning to the place from to pet grooming workshops. People which they came. come to travel someplace new eve- When the notion of holding con- ryday, others love to sit by the fire certs in the old potato store was and do nothing at all. first mooted many thought it an I often smile at the memory of Fr idea bordering on madness. Maybe Nash telling me all those years ago it’s still a mad idea but in its own that no one would find us here in unique way it works. The ‘farm- this backward place. What I wouldn’t yard theatre’ has carved a special give to be able to tell him that some- niche in the musical landscape of one’s been to the end of the boreen South Tipperary. The calibre of art-

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Patti, Jim and Kathy Sausse taken at Saucestown bridge in Fethard ist attracted to the venue speaks wheat and chaff. Dancers might volumes for the musical foothold, be less than nimble now but the which Crocanoir has gained in such music keeps their memory alive. The a short time. The captive audience rhythm of music under the moun- have sung their hearts out under the tain spans several eras at Crocanoir rafters to Charlie McGettigan’s ‘Rock and the series of never-ending con- and Roll Kids’, Mick Hanly’s ‘Past certs is now passing the beat to the The Point of Rescue’ and Jimmy next generation. Crowley’s ‘Boys of Fairhill’. From the A few years ago Crocanoir exuberant fiddling of Frankie Gavin, was a crumbling ruin at the end the plaintive songs of Kieran Goss, of a boreen near Mullinahone, a the rich bluegrass sound of the 200-year-old farmhouse steeped in Niall Toner Band – there’s been a history, music and emigration to foot stomping tune or a tear-jerking distant shores. That tumble down song to suit every taste – Colin farmhouse is now a 4 Star self- Henry, Janet Holmes, Colum Sands, catering oasis visited by guests Sean Tyrrell and Buddy Mondlock from all over the world. Last year are among the many performers to the Irish Independent newspaper have woven a magical strand into chose it as ‘One of the Top Ten the fabric of Crocanoir. Holiday Hideaway destinations in Where better to hear good old Ireland.’ To get a better idea of the time music than in a barn which transformation have a look at www. once housed the threshing dances crocanoir.com or better still, come of a bye-gone era. Jigs, reels and to Crocanoir and check it out for lancers followed days of toil with yourself. ◉ 96 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER Crocanoir - the Fethard connection y grandfather lifted my wall down a grassy lane towards the Mfather into my Granny’s remains of an old house. Time and arms, climbed into the pony and I stood still. The years melted away trap, took the reins in his hands and and for a moment I was holding my trotted away from Kilnockin for the grandfathers hand. last time. It was the summer of 1922. Mullinahone became their new My Dad was ten months old. home. My grandfather gave up his Although Kilnockin had been her job as creamery manager in Cloran home for only six years my Granny and became a full-time farmer. After spoke about the place throughout cycling home from a day’s work her life. It was where she began her at the creamery he had to spend married life and where four of her many hours drawing water to his five children were born. My father animals. He now had a farm with Gerald, his brother Sean and sisters an unfailing supply of water thanks Peggy and Breda were baptised in to the river Anner. My grandmother the local church. Life took them in was back living near her own peo- many different directions from those ple and another baby was born. first Fethard footsteps but we never The farmhouse which my grand- passed that little farm in Kilnockin parents bought was the family without hearing my father say, ‘that’s home for the next 40 years. Time where I was born.’ and the elements caught up with it Ninety years later whenever a and the door was closed for the last journey takes me from Fethard to time in 1961. By now a new genera- Killenaule I slow down in Kilnockin, tion was growing up and running glance to the right and before I get water no longer a luxury. the chance, My son says, ‘I know Dad, A new house was built and the that’s where Granddad was born’. old one became home to a menag- A few years ago I drove into a erie of living things. Pups, kittens, farmyard in Kilnockin and intro- chickens, calves and a host of other duced myself to Neddy Trehy. He creatures found comfort within the clasped my hand, shook it warm- crumbling walls. My father’s sudden ly and said, you’re welcome back. illness when I was 15 catapulted Neddy had heard his father talk of me into the role of farmer. But I was the Berminghams who once lived more comfortable with a guitar in across the road and was delighted my hands than a plough. The life to meet ‘one of them’. of cows, tractors and cattle never I looked over a hedge into the came easy but it had to be. fields that my grandfather had After a time the road beckoned ploughed. Clambered over a stone and the cows were sold. Time away

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lured me home but this time to a us, left Fethard in the early 50’s with different life. The old house was the family for London, we always renovated stone by stone slate by returned every year to Fethard to slate, the cattle were hunted from spend the school holidays with our the barn next door and replaced grandfather Stephen Dwyer who lived with guitars, mandolins and banjos. in St .Patricks Place .As brothers and We renamed the place Crocanoir sisters we like to get back every few (the crock of gold) the name it years to take a trip down memory once had many centuries ago. The lane and meet up with old friends ”. cattle shed hosts concerts, plays, workshops and drama. Next year Whenever an enquiry comes Oscar winner Glen Hansard will from someone with Fethard con- swap the Hollywood stage for a spot nections I always tell them that my under the rafters at Crocanoir. father was born there. Even though My grandparents came from he left as a small child there’s still a Fethard by pony and trap, lived in connection with his birthplace that a world without electricity phones will never be broken. running water motor cars. Now we In years to come I can hear my get messages via the internet from all son tell his children as they pass by over the world in an instant. Here’s Kilnockin, ‘That’s where your grand- one of them from Denise Mackey father’s father was born’. ◉ “Our parents, sadly no longer with John Bermingham

Kilnovkin Races in the 1940s

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Sarah (Murphy) Mullins hunting home the cows some years ago

99 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Fethard Scout Group

Cubs prepare for Sleivenamon Hike ethard Scout Group have had Green. Having participated in the Fa wonderful year. As prom- County Sports Day in Kilsheelan ised in our report last year, we have they took home a number of med- set up a Beaver Colony. Our mem- als. They also took part in a National bership has grown by a massive Event in Cobh, Co Cork. 68% in the past year. As a group we Cubs Section have had many activities from all The Cubs with 19 members and 3 sections; Beavers 6 to 8 years old, Scouters (John, Michelle and Denis) Cubs 9 to 12 years, Scouts 12 to 16 took part in the fun weekend in years and Ventures 16 to 18 years. Melleray, a night hike, and also took While there have been many group part in a hike through the woods on activities, each section runs its own Slievenamon, a hike on the lower programme, under specific scouters. hills of the Galtees and in the group Beavers Section weekend camp in Parson’s Green. Beaver Section has 22 members They also took home a number of and 4 scouters (Nichola, Anna, Tony medals from the County Sports Day. and Laura). Their first event was a Scout Section Teddy Bear’s Picnic to Kilcooley Scout Section has 17 members Abbey, later they went on a hike and 4 Scouters (Brendan, Rachel, through the woods on Slievenamon, Mikey and Dermot, returning they also attended a day on the after spending nearly 8 months in group weekend camp in Parson’s Spain). Activities included a hike

100 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER on the Galtee Mountains, County days with groups from Ardfinnan, Orienteering on the lower hills of Kilsheelan and Clonmel. This was a the Galtees, winning the U16, U14 most enjoyable camp in the sunny and coming second in the U12. A south east, with very good weather. number of scouts underwent Patrol When we came home at the begin- Leader training with the emphasis ning of August we took a break. on map, compass and route plan- We were back in September ning. Scouts organised some back- which led into the County Fun woods cooking for the Beavers and Weekend in October with some Cubs during their hikes. very wet weather that saw many The toughest event was the showers and changes of clothes. It County Shield a weekend competi- started with a night hike on Friday tion that challenges all their skills to Holy Year Cross (first soaking); and a test (albeit it unplanned) in tag rugby on Saturday morning and extremely wet weather. The disci- to say it was ‘wet an muddy’ would plines were many and varied, from be an understatement; Saturday first-aid to tent pitching, cooking, afternoon there was an Obstacle map, hiking, compass work, knots Course that included swamp cross- and lashings, campfire singing, all ing and a number of river crossings done on the mountainside of the (which helped wash off the mud), Knockmealdowns. While Fethard a campfire on Saturday night led by didn’t win the overall event they our own man Brendan (sound man did exceptionally well and came Brendan). Sunday morning we had away winning the cooking (these a Treasure Trail organised and run lads won’t go hungry even under again by our own man Mikey. This such bad conditions). led us to Scouts Own — a time out The main event of the year was from activities for reflection on who the Annual Camp. This year we trav- we are and what life’s about, and elled to Carne, Co Wexford, for 9 where we as individuals are in rela-

Scouts kayaking in Rosslare during Annual Camp

101 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 tion to nature and spirituality. Ventures It would be unfair not to men- With three members and one tion that the county decided to scouter, (Sean ‘Lofty’ Cloonan), ven- attempt self-catering for the first tures are most helpful in the week- time on such a weekend. This was ly running of the Cub and Scout a big task when you consider you Sections, gaining some valuable must serve four hot meals a day supervisory experience. Ventures to about 160 hungry people. Well completed a hike on Slievenamon that’s what was done this year by and are currently making plans for four kitchen staff scouters, one from 2012. Kilsheelan and three from Fethard. I am presently finalising arrange- They outperformed anything I have ments with Scouting Ireland seen (even with my 25 years mili- Supremo, Chief Scout Michael tary service). Full marks to Ann John Shinnick to attend our Group from Kilsheelan, and Michelle, Tony Investiture / Promise Renewal on and Anna from the Fethard group. Sunday 22 January 2012. This will They have set a precedent. The food mark the start of celebrating 25 years was excellent and extremely well of Scouting in Fethard and will be presented. The nutritional value of the first time the Chief Scout visits us. these meals helped the troops meet We extend an open invitation to all all the various challenges. I imagine ex-members to come and join us on the scouts could have gone on and this special occasion. on. As they say, an army marches on The Scout Group took part in its stomach. what is now a tradition, a parade to

Beavers on a day visit to our group weekend camp

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Brendan running campfire on at weekend camp 11am Mass on St Patrick’s Day, and chairperson Mary Healy, treasurer participation in the annual May and Mary O’Donnell and secretary Corpus Christi processions from Mary Lynch. Many thanks for your Holy Trinity Parish Church to the great help and to our leaders (now Augustinian Abbey. known as scouters), Sean ‘Lofty’ As a group, led by Brendan who Cloonan, Brendan Bailey, Rachel is a great campfire man having Hanlon, Mikey McCarthy, to return led both our weekend campfires, soon from abroad, Dermot Culligan, we celebrated Hallowe’en with a John Walsh, Michelle Hennebry, campfire sing-along in Grove wood Denis Larkin, Nicola Quigley, Tony with the kind permission of Harry Burgess, Anna Bailey and Laura and Rosemary Ponsonby. O’Shea. Without you it could not All four sections have some great be done, your commitment, enthu- plans for 2012, which they hope to siasm and love of helping young fulfil. All concerned have complet- people is fantastic to see (poetry in ed their training for the new ‘One’ motion). Hopefully the challenges programme. Most Scouters have you set and your help guiding them completed training to Stage 3 and through, will stand our members are awaiting stages 4, 5 and 6. Stages good stead in the future. Bi ullamh! 1 to 6 will take about two years to Many many thanhs to the complete, another three scouters Ballroom Committee for the facility, are awaiting Stage 1. and their enduring patience, and Many thanks to all who helped to all the people of the parish and in any way during the year with beyond, we wish you a Happy and meetings and events, the parents, Holy Christmas and a peaceful Harry and Rosemary Ponsonby, the New Year. ◉ ‘top table’ people of Group Council, Robert Phelan

103 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Do You Remember 1982

hough youth will complain Car Sales; The Bridge Bar, Main Tof boredom and of the Street; Sherrards, Rosegreen Road; lack of entertaining facilities and O’Connell’s Main Street; Reflections beyond doubt the same happened Hair Studio; Kay McGrath’s Ladies in Fethard in 1982, yet the town then Fashion Shop; The Lantern had much to offer the young and Restaurant, Main Street; McCarthy’s active. There was a broad range of Hotel, Main Street; Hanrahan’s GAA games and activities (indeed Meats, The Green; The Castle Inn; this article could be filled with GAA Dick Hayes, Turf Accountant, Main material and Street; Newport’s nothing else), Newsagency, athletic organisa- Main Street; tions, three ten- O’Flynn and Sons, nis courts, two Menswear, Burke handball courts, Street; Pat O’Shea, a squash court, a Lounge Bar, Main badminton club, Street. In this year a basketball and Mai Grady of volleyball court, Burke Street died at least one soc- and her shop was cer club, a gun put up for sale. club, a fishing A new restau- club, a dramatic rant, the Lantern society, a solvent Tim Tierney, Burke Street Restaurant, Credit Union opened on the (always on the lookout for volun- Main Street in May in the premises teers), a musical society, and disco formerly owned by Larry Keating, the and dancing facilities at the Country horse trainer. This was run by local Club. And there was a library. man Kevin Coady, whose mother And the town was served by a had a successful cafe in The Valley number of shops and business prem- for many years. But the old creamery ises, some of which have survived on the Grove Road went. During to this day: M. Trehy, Mechanical the year it was knocked down to Repairs, The Green; O’Brien’s Motor make way for a new Avonmore shop. Repairs, The Green; Larry Kenny’s Many of the older readers of this Centra Food Store; Paddy Lonergan, Newsletter will recall, with a feel- The Forge Tavern; Joe and Nora ing of nostalgia, delivering milk in Ahearne, The Fethard Arms; Whyte’s twenty-gallon churns at the unload-

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Barrack Street covered in snow January 1982 ing platform and going round to the to spend £30,000 in the clean-up. The other side to collect their allowance snow began to fall at about 5pm on of separated milk. Men such as Willie Thursday 7 January and by the week- O’Donnell of Kilnockin went daily end many older folk were of the with their horse, cart and churns to opinion that conditions were worse that creamery, but their way of work- than anything experienced in 1947 ing had no place in a new modern or 1962. Despite the bad weather Ireland. And many, too, will always Fethard people were not left short of associate Tim Tierney from Burke basic foods. Michael O’Brien ignored Street with that creamery. the frightful conditions to deliver Most needs, then, were catered milk and Jim Ivors from Boolagh for, though the drift to the nearby big Bakery and Liam Connolly from town of Clonmel, which had begun Mother’s Pride saw that the town did about twenty year previously, was not run short of bread. Even the two strongly evident and increasing. grave-diggers, Joe O’Dwyer and Ed As the new year of 1982 began it Lawless, worked in the most appall- was not the local facilities that exer- ing surroundings to ensure that cised the minds of Fethard people. It those who died were laid in their was the most atrocious weather with graves in a becoming manner. Each its snow and icy conditions during one of them everyday heroes, whose the first week of January. Conditions bravery in the face of harsh nature is in the south of the county had been so soon forgotten. so bad that the County Council had In early modern times Fethard

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had obtained for itself a royal char- (based at Shannon, Co. Clare) to ter which granted a form of local give advice and guidance to cou- government. This mode of govern- ples who had hopes of building ance was to continue in one type or their own house or purchasing one. another down to the mid twentieth Hopes were also expressed that century. Fethard people, consequent- fully-serviced sites could become ly, had a familiarity with running their available for such building. The area own affairs and this knowledge is about Strylea was seen as having very palpable when we come to look potential and would be an extension at the Community Council which of an existing development. A further enhanced in so many ways the meeting of the Housing Organisation social fabric of Fethard. The officers was held in the Community Hall of that Council were Austin O’Flynn, on 29 September. At this meeting it chairman, Peter Colville, secretary, was suggested that a house could John Whyte and Percy O’Donnell be built for £23,875. Later still, in as joint treasurers. The committee November, a site was opened to the were Father John Stapleton, Tom public in the Strylea neighbourhood. Butler, Johnny Maher, Jerry Skehan, The Council also had an Mary Healy, Sally O’Brien, Kathleen input, together with the Industrial Harrison, Gay Horan, Michael Ahern, Development Authority, into the Michael O’Dwyer, Sean Spillane, Gus building of an advance factory (a Maher and Tim Slattery. factory ready for a working occu- During the year of 1982 fund- pier) on the Kilnockin Road. The raising to repay debts was the pri- building work was undertaken by mary, though not the only, aim of John Harrington and Sons. the Community Council. So as to Though the Council had its own collect the much-needed money the meeting place in the Community Council had a weekly ‘25-Drive’ and Hall in Barrack Street it did not a ten-week’s draw of £10 per sub- neglect the old social centres. In scriber. A Jumble sale, which consist- the early part of that year the Town ed of clothes, furniture, food, vegeta- Hall had been closed because it bles and domestic ware and which did not meet modern fire-safety was a financial success, took place regulations. It was the property of on 7 March. All this was to pay for the County Council, but they were the lately opened Tirry Community slow to undertake the necessary Centre on Barrack Street, a most renovations. It is to the credit of wonderful addition to the social and the Council that they prodded the cultural life in Fethard. County Council into saving this old In July the community invited building from falling into decay: a the then well-known Father Harry structure that may have been built Bohan’s Rural Housing Organisation in the early part of the seventeenth

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Jumble Sale in the Tirry Centre were very popular and a great source of fundraising for the community (January 1982)

Tom Butler and Mary Healy helping with crowd control at the Jumble Sale (January 1982)

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Photographed at a meeting in the Tirry Centre 1982 are L to R: Neddy Delahunty, Philip Maher, Sally O’Brien, John Fitzgerald, Liam Cloonan, Michael O’Doherty, Mr Eustace, Sean Ward, Don O’Connell, Pat Cleary, Denis McGrath and Fr. Tony Lambe.

Photographed at a meeting in the Tirry Centre 1982 are L to R: John H. Delany, Jack O’Shea and Mick O’Riordan.

108 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER century. In 1608 the charter granted been in Fethard on Friday night 26 to Fethard’s remodelled corpora- February to play for the Tipperary tion ordered that a common hall Hunt dance. On the night of the and tholsel or market house should Summer Festival about 400 turned be built at some convenient place out to hear his music and so popular within the town where the officers of was he that the dancers loudly and the corporation could assemble. The continuously shout for ‘More’, ‘More’ building that was erected is probably as the final notes were played. The the Town Hall we know today. During dancing was from 10 until 2 and a the month of November the work of turkey supper was provided for the re-plastering and painting was car- admission of £5. Mick Del was back ried out. again in Fethard on 26 November As early as 29 March the Council to be again greeted by crowds of held a meeting to plan a Summer ardent fans. On the Saturday after- Festival – the old Fethard Carnival noon there were various athletic by another name. A long session of events such as tug-o-war, sprints, skip- preparatory work and organisation ping, etc. The Bunclody Ceili band lay ahead during the months of April, was to perform on Saturday night May and June before that festival but due to some misunderstand- was a reality. Such was the work- ing they did not appear. They did, load involved that parts of it were however, come to the Country Club farmed out to various groups during on the night of Saturday 17 July and those months. And this was neces- were greatly enjoyed. Sunday was the sary because it was planned that it principal day of the Festival with a would encompass discos, a dinner carnival parade to the Barrack Field. dance, a ceili dance, a baby show, a A prize of £100 was offered for the dog show, various athletic contents, a best item displayed on the parade card drive, and other entertainments. and the second and third prize items The profits from the four-day event shared a further £100. On that occa- were used to pay off the outstanding sion the first place was won by an debts on the Father Tirry Community item called ‘Circus’ entered by the Centre (The Centre had opened for Croome-Carroll group. The second public functions in September 1980). prize was won by the Presentation The Festival was held on 24, 25, Convent and the third by the Christy and 26 June. The principal event, Mullins Group. The newly-formed a Carnival, was held on Sunday musical society presented ‘Kilnockin 26 June. The festival open on the Races Re-visited’ and won a prize Thursday night with a disco in the with it. In the Barrack Field, among Country Club and on the Friday other things, there was a baby show night Mick Delahunty’s band provid- which was won by Marie the daugh- ed the music. Mick Del had already ter of Nora and Michael O’Meara, St.

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Patrick’s Place; and Tony Newport was played by Ann O’Riordan who organised a dog show. was making her debut on the adult The people of Fethard displayed stage. Percy O’Flynn played the role their talents in other ways, the Hogan of the Dame, a part that his father Musical Society, for example, was one Billy had made his own in other such. The Society had been founded years. The script was adapted and in September 1981, but was not a partly re-written from an original by totally new venture as Fethard had a Billy McLellan and was produced pantomime group which performed by Michael O’Donoghue. The show most successfully in the 1940s and had a successful run and garnered 1950s. In the new creation it was much praise. Later, on Sunday 14 decided to honour Father William February, a shortened version was Hogan who had served as a curate staged at Holycross and this went in Fethard from 1 April 1939 to early forward to the county final in a December 1955 and had played a ‘Tops of the Town’ competition. The leading role in the local music life Fethard entry was placed second of his day. He was a founder mem- among four entries. In October, fol- ber of the old Fethard Pantomime lowing the summer gap, the society Society. Father Hogan was born at began rehearsals on the Rogers and Main Street, Cashel, on 5 May 1905 Hammerstein musical, ‘Oklahoma’ in and was ordained a priest on 11 the Tirry Community hall. May 1930. He was appointed parish Dramatics were also an element priest of Killenaule on 15 January of life in Fethard in 1982. In October 1966, retired in September 1980 and the Fethard Players were busy died at Ballycarron, Cashel, on 30 putting the final touches to their November 1982. At that founding production of ‘The Whole Town’s meeting of the musical society Ned Talking’ – a farce by Anita Loos. The Maher (a well-known figure in the play was presented to the public at old pantomimes) was elected presi- the Country Club between Thursday dent and an appeal for singers and 2 and Sunday 5 December, with a actors went out. The original com- matinee on the Sunday afternoon. mittee officers consisted of Michael The play was produced by Austin McCarthy, chairman, Gemma Kenny, O’Flynn and the performers gave a secretary, and Catherine Newport as truly memorable presentation, well treasurer. The society immediately worthy of the theatrical tradition that got down to the production of a has been a part of Fethard. pantomime, ‘Goody Two Shoes’ (the Early in this year Paddy Fitzgerald first in Fethard in twenty-six years). from St. Patrick’s Place died; Paddy This was staged at the Country Club had served as stage manager to the between Wednesday 21 and Saturday Fethard Players for many years. This 23 January 1982. The principal role position was taken up by his son

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The late Francis Kearney putting festival posters up in 1982

Dick, assisted by his brother Tony. and Carmel Butler. Macra held their Drama also had a place in annual field evening at the local cat- the activities of the local branch tle mart premises on Sunday 20 June of Macra na Feirme. At the end at which fifty-five teams from six of January they won the county different counties participated. At it final of a one-act drama compe- a wide range of events dealing with tition. The producer was Paddy home and farm were contested. By Maher; for a one-act the play (‘Us November the members were back and Them’) had a big cast which to drama when they commenced consisted of Frank McGivern, Sean rehearsals on Sean O’Casey’s ‘Juno O’Dea, Liam O’Connor, Pat Fahey, and the Paycock’. Again the pro- Simon Delahunty, John Heffernan, ducer was Paddy Maher. The play John Morrissey, Teresa O’Connell, was staged in the Country Club on Ann O’Connell, Margaret O’Connell 18 and 19 December, and later on

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Fethard team entered in the Killusty seven-a-side soccer competition 1982. Back L to R: Paddy Burke, Anthony Hayes, Paul Hayes, Richie Hayes. Front L to R: Brian Burke, Michael Hayes and Pierce Dillon.

Team entered in the Killusty seven-a-side soccer competition 1982. Back L to R: Dermot O’Donnell, Jim O’Donnell, Liam O’Dwyer, Paul Looby, Gerry O’Dwyer. Front L to R: John Fitzgerald, Gerry Horan, Conor O’Connor and John O’Connor.

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Friday 7 January 1983 it was pre- open to all who attended. sented in the Clerihan Community The locals, however, had their Centre as part of a Macra amateur own entertainment outside of drama competition. drama and musicals. Throughout the During the year many also re- year the Pioneer Total Abstinence acquainted themselves with places Association was active with meet- and people. On 15 August a group of ings held on the first Friday of each people, led by Sister Fidelis walked month. The Association staged two to the Holy Year (1950) cross where concerts during the year, one of the Rosary and the Stations of the them on St. Patrick’s Night. A group Cross were recited. The annual of them travelled to Knock Shrine Fethard/Killusty re-union took place on 6 June bringing along a new at the Irish Centre, Camden Town, banner which had been designed London, on Friday 5 November. A and made by Joyells of Limerick. meeting of old friends, but, sadly, only This was carried about the Shrine seven people travelled from Fethard by Mrs. Helen Flynn of Derryluskin for the occasion to the disappoint- and Joe Greene of The Green. For ment of Mr Pat Shine the London the Association and indeed for many organiser. But even by 1982 travel others in Fethard the year opened between Ireland and the United with the tragic death of Laurence Kingdom was becoming easier and (‘Lolo’) Trehy of Kilnockin. In the less expensive. Families were meet- prime of life he was taken from his ing oftener and the Irish Sea was no wife Maura and his children in sud- longer a great barrier. The past pupils den and appalling circumstances. of the Patrician Brothers schools In his life Lolo was active in his also had their re-union. At their community, in the Pioneer move- annual general meeting on 2 March ment and in the Fethard Community it was decided that membership of Council. The latter provided a guard the union should also be opened to of honour to his coffin at his burial girls from the Presentation Convent on Saturday 2 January. On his pass- and following this change Mrs. ing, his neighbours and friends real- Margaret Prendergast of Brodeen ised with shock that they had lost a was elected president. The annual jovial companion who was every- dinner/dance was held in the Hotel ready with a laugh and a joke. Minella on 16 March. The other nota- Like the Pioneers the ICA was a ble event was an open day held on well-established organisation in the 23 May which began with a Mass town. As well as holding monthly celebrated by Father James Fogarty, meetings the association was active- then curate at Bansha and a former ly engaged in Meals-on-Wheels, the ‘old boy’. On that day the school chrysanthemum show, the Summer grounds and the class-rooms were Festival and the Milk Run. In this

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year Mrs. Mary Gunne was presented Friday morning after Friday morning. with a special plaque in recogni- The stalls were filled with a variety tion of her many years of service to of vegetables, cakes, confectionary the Association. And An Grianán, the and fruit. This year a new line in headquarters of the ICA, dedicated cream cheese, pickles and chutneys a special hall to the memory of were on offer. Their very popular Mrs. Olivia Hughes. Fethard women Christmas Market was held on 17 were also enthusiastic members of December. Like the Country Markets the Garden Club which also met on the Credit Union also supplied a a monthly basis, especially during necessary service to the town and the winter months when nature is countryside. It had a successful year dormant. During the year the mem- in 1982 with its membership increas- bers visited various notable gardens ing. By the end of that year its share throughout the country. They also capital stood at £78,000. organised that great traditional event An excellent social service in the the Fethard Flower show (they had town was the provision of meals-on- taken over the running of it in the wheels which provided a hot meal previous year) which was held in on a number of days each week to the Country Club on Thursday 14 people who lived on their own. When October. The club also arranged a living on your own it seems hardly Flower Festival in Holy Trinity Church worth the effort to give an hour following Carol Service on Sunday preparing food that is eaten in a few 19 December. minutes; consequently, this voluntary Both men and women worked service was a great blessing. During on the Country Markets stalls on the year the service dispensed 2,964

Bro Ultan’s retirement day from St. Patrick’s Boys School 1982

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Theresa and Kevin Coady photographed with their new chef at opening of the Lantern Restaurant 1982 meals which meant that each recipi- gave a dollop of credit to the young ent had nineteen meals delivered to people. This party was a part of the him or her. Throughout the year the monthly social evenings for senior financial help to this organisation citizens that had been held in the had been most generous. Its leading Tirry Community Centre since 4 officers were Dr. J.B. Maher, presi- November. At that first evening the dent, Sister M. Agatha, secretary, and singing of Joe O’Dwyer, Jack Ryan Mr. P. Power, the manager of the local and Ned Lawrence was the high- Allied Irish Bank, was the treasurer. light of the occasion. In the last issue of The Nationalist For those still mobile and hav- for 1982 there appeared a photo- ing a wish to relate to other peo- graph of Fethard ladies who catered ple there were a number of active for the old folks and not so old organisations. The Bridge Club met folks of the parish at the Christmas during the dark nights of winter, hav- party; a party that was described as ing rested from its labours during being wonderful and a delight for the summer months. In 1982 the all who attended. The guests were club had thirty-seven members and entertained by a group of boys and among its leading players were Dick girls who sang and danced: thirteen Gorey, Betty Walsh, Brendan Kenny young people who were prepared to and Mrs. Annie O’Brien. The club give up their afternoon to entertain visited a number of like-minded a group of ‘old codgers’. The party clubs in south Tipperary and had acknowledged the old who did so the distinction returned. The mem- much to keep Fethard a living entity bers held their annual dinner in the in hard and difficult times, but it also newly-opened Lantern Restaurant.

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L to R: Janice Carroll, Edel Fogarty, Jennifer Fogarty and Orla Carroll photographed on The Green, November 1982 Anyone of a more active disposition ticipated in various competitions at had the Badminton Club. It held an all-Ireland level and were very its practice sessions on Wednesday successful in many of them. A judo and Saturday nights and was seeking club was founded in the town on 9 new members. But the old veterans, October 1982 by Michael O’Meara Tony Newport, Jimmy McCarthy and and Johnny Sheehan – both from Frank Sparrow, were still playing well. St. Patrick’s Place. By year’s end the Another active sport, volleyball, was club had forty members and had still being played by the pupils of great hopes of survival. The instruc- the Presentation Convent. They par- tor was Johnny Sheehan and the sec-

116 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER retary was Patricia Breen. The town O’Riordan and the secretary Michael also had a handball club which Flanagan. The St. Patrick’s Athletic performed well in different events Club, under the able chairmanship at county level. At the annual con- of Tom Butler from Coolenure, held vention of the Tipperary County a celebration and dance on Friday Handball Board held on Sunday 12 15 January. On the night awards and December two Fethard delegates, medallions were presented to the P. Woodlock and Joe Keane, were many successful boys and girls who elected to that board. had a triumphant season during Coursing, hunting and athlet- the previous year. The evening was ics have had a place in the life of quite a social occasion. Among the Fethard probably for as long as the attendance were Ann and Jimmy town existed, and it was no differ- Connolly, Brother Raymond, and ent in 1982. The local coursing club Ann and Hugh Lynch. A number of had a very successful year with a young athletes represented the club plentiful supply of hares. Four clubs, at a meeting at Horse and Jockey on Waterford, Clonmel, Knockgraffon Sunday 21 February, but no medals and Fethard, entered the Waterford were won. On Monday 12 April thir- meet of that year. Waterford provid- ty-three athletes competed in track ed the winner, but John Barrett of and field events at Kilmacow. While the Fethard club was the runner-up. they gained no ‘firsts’ they did bring The Blackrock Coursing Club, Cork, home three plaques. On the 18th of paid a visit to Fethard on Sunday that month four athletes travelled to 14 February. The coursing meet was Newbridge where the competition held at Derryluskin at twelve noon. was stiff. Nevertheless, Jacqueline An extremely well-organised line Stokes and Kay O’Riordan finished of beaters, consisting of Michael first and second in their heat. There Shine, Michael Keane, Derek Walsh was also an excellent performance and Hugh Lynch, supplied plentiful at Abbeyleix on Sunday 25 April. game for the occasion. A wonderful For the remainder of the season afternoon of coursing was enjoyed the club continued its active par- with Fethard being strong winners. ticipation in various county events The day ended with a much-appre- with Jacqueline Stokes being very ciated tea which was provided by much the star performer. For exam- the ladies committee. The annual ple, she won five gold medals at general meeting of the club was the national track and field cham- held at the Bridge Bar on 12 October. pionships held at Tullamore on Michael Keane was elected presi- Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 July. The dent, the chairman was Derry Curran athletes were, in the main, trained and the vice-chair was taken by by Brother Raymond; the Sisters at Hugh Lynch. The treasurer was Tim the Nano Nagle Homes regularly

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Photographed at the official opening of the GAA Dressing Rooms in 1982 are L to R: Paddy Browne, Bro Stephen, Fr. P. Noonan P.P., Mick Frawley (Chairman County Board), Dick Cummins, Dean Christopher Lee, Ned Sheehan, Martin Cuddihy, Dick Fitzgerald, Miceál McCormack and Stephen McCormack. made their mini-bus available for for Fethard since 1954. The abilities conveying the participants to the of teacher Denis Burke may have various events, and at the admin- made a considerable contribution istration level the club was well to the win. represented by Tom Butler and Dr. The roots of the G.A.A. in Fethard Paddy Stokes. After the summer holi- go deep and the name of the local days training again commenced in football team still resonates at coun- September on Tuesdays and Fridays ty level. The local club began the after school. St. Patrick’s Club was year by holding its annual meeting honoured on Saturday 6 November in January under its chairman Dick when its leading athlete, fifteen-year- Cummins. Morale was high among old Jacqueline Stokes, was the recipi- the players even though over the ent of a BLOE star award which was preceding year they had won no sponsored by the Bank of Ireland. championship. The under-fourteen This was for her outstanding achieve- players had, however, performed ments in track and field events over well, which is always a good indi- the previous season. On the previous cation of the health of a club. For night, in the Munster Hotel, Thurles, 1982 the chairman was again Dick Jacqueline had been conferred with Cummins, the president was the a further honour. In May the boys parish priest, Father Noonan, and from the Patrician Brothers school the vice-presidents were Father won the Cusack Cup in football. Lambe and Paddy Heffernan. Dick This game (between Fethard and the Fitzgerald was elected to the oner- High School in Clonmel) was played ous (and probably thankless) post in Fethard on the night of Tuesday of secretary; a post, that in terms of 8 June, and it was the first such win gratitude, is only a little better than

118 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER that of selector. On Sunday 11 April won the county final in 1887 and new dressing rooms were opened at between that and 1978 had won the complex. The opening ceremony it on thirteen occasions. In 1982 was performed by Mick Frawley, then the locals trained diligently and had County Board Chairman, and the hopes, but it was not to be. Clonmel blessing was given by Father Philip Commercials won the day in a dis- Noonan. The occasion was graced appointing game by two goals and by the presence of that honorary three points to one goal and two Fethard man, Dean Christopher Lee, points. Going home the Fethard fans then parish priest of Cashel. On the had only memories of other great day, also, the men who obtained the days for consolation. And such mem- Barrack Field from the Department ories must have meandered back of Defence and made it what it to the county senior football final was in 1982 were remembered. The of 1957 when the local lads gave local chairman, Dick Cummins, was a superb display of attractive foot- very much a guiding force in hav- ball when they defeated Loughmore ing the addition (dressing rooms at Cashel Sportsfield by two goals and showers) to the complex built. and four points to one goal and During May extensive re-laying of four points. On that day Fethard was the floor of the handball court was in debt to centre forwards Chris undertaken at the sports centre and ‘Cly’ Mullins and Mick Byrne, to changes were made to the ceiling Gus Danagher and Leo English at and the lighting. Later in the year, midfield, to a rock-solid defence by through the efforts of the chairman Liam and Sean Connolly and Sean Dick Cummins, a stand was erected Moloney (who had the distinction on the west side of the Barrack Field. twenty-one years later, 1978, of play- Later, at a dinner dance, Mr Bill ing on the Fethard county champi- Connors was honoured with a onship team), and to Joe Hannon ‘Player of the Past’ award. Others who defended the goal. A number were also honoured during the year: of those young men, who were such Michael Fitzgerald was voted Young credit to Fethard, are still living. As Footballer of the year, and among an aside, the Fethard minor football the referees who gained honour team also won the county champi- were Joe Keane, Arthur Daly and onship in that year of 1957. Denis Burke. The local G.A.A. club also On Sunday 29 August, at Semple brought a little of the exotic to Stadium, Thurles, Fethard footballers Fethard when, on Saturday 31 July, beat Arravale Rovers by two goals the Hibernian Football Club from and seven points to eleven points Rockland, New York, were guests of and so qualified for the senior coun- the Fethard Football and Hurling ty football final. Fethard had first Club. The visit had been arranged

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through the co-operation of Tom ‘silver snake’ pipe that came along O’Riordan (in America) and his behind them was one of the great brothers Mick and Tim O’Riordan feats of economic and industrial in Fethard. The American club’s development in Ireland, the taking under-sixteen football team, all of natural gas from Kinsale to Dublin of them American-born, played at a cost of £40 million. This project against a local under-sixteen team had been launched on 1 April 1982. on that Saturday evening and won. It was during the warm days of The fitness and competitiveness of August that the ‘snake’ passed under the visiting side amazed the large Slievenamon. In the area between attendance; that, and their ability Mullinahone and Lisronagh gigantic to kick long balls left the local lads machinery moved about and a mas- bemused and was a treat to watch. A sive workforce of about 400 men brilliant display of goal-keeping by worked their way along the planned Fethard’s Tom Ryan saved Fethard route. So great was the local interest from a disaster. in the ‘gasmen’ that adults and chil- Another unusual in 1982 was dren walked up part of Slievenamon the ‘silver snake’. In July a fencing to obtain a better view of the tempo- crew for the Kinsale gas pipeline rary highway stretching across south hit the Fethard area. At the rate Tipperary. By the end of September of fifty yards an hour they erect- all were gone and the landscape ed two rows of wire fencing some gave no indication of the upheav- twenty yards apart, running from al; thirty years later we can hardly Mullinahone through Kiltinan and remember the route of the pipeline. on to Lisronagh; all in less than a Another change that enhanced week. Following them came a blast- the appearance of Fethard was the ing and gas-pipe laying crew. The new entrance to the Presentation

Fethard team that played a visiting team from Hibernian Football Club from Rockland, New York, on Saturday 31st July 1982

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In 1982 the new entrance to the Presentation Convent from Lower Main Street was constructed. Convent which was erected in up on the night to clarify to all August. The curved entrance was of who attended what the future plans cut limestone and was tastefully set entailed. And it would seem that off by the polished stonework of the changes were essential as on vari- gate piers. The recesses along the ous Sundays during 1982 there had walls were paved in a cobblestone been traffic hold-ups on the Main effect with seashore stones. The gate- Street during Mass times. Quite a way was designed by local architect, lot of the problem was due to bad Mr. Stringer from Tullamaine and parking. the builder was Frank Barrett. The The year began with bad weath- new entrance enhanced and com- er and it ended likewise, but with plimented the fine building that is weather of a different sort. This the convent. To make way for the time it was heavy, continuous rain new gateway part of what was Bill at the end of November and early Tierney’s shop was removed. December. So heavy was the flood- A proposed change which ing that salmon were noticed run- would improve the general appear- ning in the Clashawley and jumping ance of Fethard was the draft plan the waterfall on the Rocklow Estate. which was compiled by the County Salmon had not been seen in the Council. The plan was put on dis- Clashawley in over thirty years previ- play at the Council offices on 29 ously to this sighting. But Fethard did October and a special meeting was enjoy good weather also, especially held in the Town Hall, Fethard, on during the month of August. ◉ Tuesday 30 November to explain the contents. Council officials turned Michael O’Donnell (Owning)

121 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Statia Kealy (1903-2011) tatia Kealy, was born on 5 July, Statia prayed for the dead. Prayed S1903 at Ballinphrase in the for the living. Prayed for priests. Parish of Galmoy. Her small cottage, Prayed for her parish and for her where she lived for most of her long own people. And she prayed that she life, was always a hospitable, gener- would not be alone when she died; ous, laughter-filled, contented home. that Fr. Ian could be there with her to When her parents died, Statia lived anoint her and mind her. She prayed on her own for fifty-two years. But for this to Padre Pio (‘poor Fr. Pio’ she she was never called him). And really alone. Statia had her Statia welcomed prayers answered. an unending She died at the stream of neigh- age of 108, on bours, family and 23 September, friends. Her fire 2011, the Feast warmed them. of Padre Pio, Her brown bread shortly after Fr. nourished them. Ian had celebrat- Her sparkling ed Mass, shortly humour enter- after she had tained them. received Holy Her compas- Communion, sion soothed shortly after them. Her belief she had been in a good God anointed, just as consoled them. the Rosary was They left know- finished. She died ing they had as the oldest per- spent time with a Statia Kealy (1903-2011), aunt of Liz Sheehan, St. son in Ireland, truly remarkable Patrick’s Place, died on 23rd September at the to become the fantastic age of 108. woman. In recent newest person in years Statia moved to Castledermot, Heaven, after a very long life, very Co. Kildare where she continued to well lived. Statia Kealy’s contribu- be an exceptional and generous tion to our lives has been immense. host and a gracious friend. Her sto- She will be sorely missed. But she ry-telling ability never diminished is safe with God. We know she will and her ability to put people at ease continue to be good to us. never faded. And she continued to Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam pray continually. dílis . ◉ 122 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER Irish Girl Guides

Area event on 20 February in Caherdaniel Church where 950 Guides gathered for ‘Thinking Day’ s Irish Girl Guiding oughly enjoyed despite the inclem- ACentenary Year 2011 comes ent weather. to a close Fethard District Ladybirds, We attended ‘Thinking Day’ cel- Brownies, Guides, Young Leaders ebrations in February in Limerick and Guiders will have participated and made a trip to Parson’s Green in many celebratory events locally, on a lovely sunny Saturday in April. nationally and regionally. In July two guides, Laura Hards and The highlight of the year, ‘Bailiú’, Amy Brophy, enjoyed five days camp- took place in Semple Stadium ing in Murroe, Co. Limerick. Our three Thurles on Saturday 9 May. The bus Young Leaders Molly O’Dwyer, Molly left Fethard bright and early and Proudfoot and Tara Horan accompa- soon we joined up with thousands of nied the girls and they were enrolled girls and their leaders from all over and commissioned as young leaders. Ireland. It was spectacular to see all A great achievement which ensures the units parade around the stadium the future of Guiding in Fethard. with their flags and banners behind Our numbers have increased a marching band in the sunshine. since September especially in the However, the rain soon arrived as an Guide unit. Presently we are busy attempt was made to create a new rehearsing a sketch for National Guinness record for tying the most Gang Show in Thurles this November. Reef Knots in an unbroken chain. This will be the last event of the cen- Although no record was broken it tenary year celebrations. was great to be involved. The after- Many thanks to the parents who noon of fun and games was thor- help us out and also to our lead-

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Fethard Girl Guides and Brownies photographed at St. Patrick’s Day Mass at Holy Trinity Parish Church, Fethard, are Back L to R: Catherine O’Connell (leader), Majella Drea (leader), Molly Proudfoot, Molly O’Dwyer, Tara Horan. Middle L to R: Theresa Hurley (leader), Amy Brophy, Noella O’Meara, Emma Jane Burke, Lucy Spillane, Judy Doyle (leader). Front L to R: Shannon Thompson, Megan Ryan, Megan Hackett and Jennifer Phelan. ers: Ladybird Guiders Catherine three, the two Mollys and Tara. And O’Donnell and Pamela Daly; Brownie of course, thanks to the children for Leaders Catherine O’Connell and giving us such fun, they make it all Majella Drea; Guide Leader Teresa worthwhile! ◉ Hurley and Judy Doyle and our fab Judy Doyle

Newly enrolled Guiders and Guides in the Fethard Guide Company, February 1991. Back L to R: Margaret Phelan, Stephanie McCormack, Kate O’Connell, Ailish Sheehan, Mary Murphy Front L to R: Bridget Purcell, Claire Healy, Edwina Kane and Claire Moloney 124 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER Greetings from Bro Paul in Eldoret reetings to all readers of the needed morale boost to the teachers GFethard Newsletter from and nurses. Kenya and from Kabongo in par- We opened our Patrician Primary ticular where we are busy as usual. School (our first in Africa) on I appreciate very much getting the January 7, 2003 and our complex wonderful newsletter faithfully for now has 11 classrooms, 2 staffrooms, the past 33 years at least. It is always a nursery school, a computer teach- very interesting and never seems ing lab, an administration block, a to weaken from library, a multi- year to year. That purpose room is a credit to all plus library, a involved in put- dispensary with ting it together. a medical labora- I would like tory, a drip irriga- to say how much tion scheme for we appreciate vegetables, two the help of some dormitories (girls of your read- and boys), a con- ers in the edu- crete basketball cation of very court, a football poor children field (being pre- in the Patrician pared), and a Kabongo Primary mobile clinic. School here None of this near Eldoret in would have Western Kenya. been possible At present we are without he help educating 452 mainly poor children of many friends around Ireland, and four classes have already gradu- Fethard included, Australia, England, ated from our school. All of our grad- Scotland, and the US. I would like uates to date have secured places in to mention and thank very much secondary schools and that will put the children of Killusty National them on the road to breaking the School and their Principal Frances cycle of poverty which is so obvious Harrington, the Fethard Players and in their neighbourhood. Abymill Theatre, the Slievenamon Also at present I am fully occu- Golf Club among others. pied with the construction of 20 Although all the children are houses for our teaching and nursing very disadvantaged compared to staff. These houses will give a much Irish children (even in these hard

125 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

economic times) many of the par- be milder than last year’s version. I ents try to pay some fees for the am looking forward seeing Fethard education their children get in our again next May/June and hopefully school. We subsidize as best we even in 2013 when we will be cel- can. May I mention that we can edu- ebrating the Golden Jubilee of the cate a child here for about €45 for Kinane Cup win of 1963. Where one year in school . . . and that will does time go! God Bless you all. include books and writing materi- For those wishing to contact Bro. als for the whole year. Our visitors Paul, his email address is: are always amazed at how keen our [email protected] children are for education and that Mobile phone +254 722377509. is a great blessing here. Skype: paul.d.brennan and Postal May I conclude by wishing Address: Bro. Paul D. Brennan, P.O. Box all our ‘Fethard Friends’ the very 5064, Eldoret, Kenya 30100. ◉ best and hope that the Irish winter around Slievenamon this year will Bro Paul Brennan

Volleyball May 1982. Back L to R: ?, Olwyn Wall, Amita Gaynor. Middle L to R: Marina Gorey, Sharon Grimpson, Geraldine Carroll, Noelle Wilson. Front L to R: Ann Browne, Anna Judge (coach) and Anne Gahan.

126 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER Fethard Historical Society

Pictured above are members and friends of Fethard Historical Society on their recent trip to Jerpoint Abbey and Gowran Abbey. Back L to R: Catherine Corcoran, Gerry Long, Terry Cunningham, Jennifer Whyte, Tim Robinson, Ann Gleeson, Dóirín Saurus, John O’Flynn, Martin O’Shea, Catherine O’Flynn, Marie Moclair, Dennis Holland, Marie Hanrahan, John Slattery, Tommy O’Brien. Front L to R: Diana Stokes Richard Robinson, Joan Holland, Julia Holland, David O’Brien, Sr. Maria, Liz O’Brien, David Moclair and Mary Hanrahan. 011 was in many ways a tem - and South Tipperary County 2turning point for the Fethard Council’s new Local Area Plan for Historical Society. Many of the ‘big the town ensures that proper plan- aims’ of the Society (founded over ning will safeguard the unique fea- 20 years ago) have been mainly tures of the ‘old town ’ for future achieved and now it is time to set generations. new plans for the next twenty years. Medieval Fethard is now recog- For instance, all the detailed archae- nised by all the government bod- ological reports have been written, ies – especially by South Tipperary Michael O’Donnell’s great history County Council - as being of national has been published, hundreds of importance and it has taken a lot of thousands of euro have been spent work by a lot of people (both inside by The Heritage Council preserv- and outside the society) over the last ing the Town Wall (now the best in twenty years to get to this point. the country), Fáilte Ireland acknowl- So now it is possible to move edges the national importance of on and to begin to see a return for Fethard – as seen by its funding of all that effort and money. The soci- the new Historic Town signage sys- ety is very supportive of the new

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Business and Tourism Group that has gramme of more lectures and out- been established by the Community ings as these are always very popular, Council with the intention of kick- especially with families. The summer starting a real tourism industry in the outing in June to Jerpoint (including town. The Society has been advocat- the ‘lost village’) and Gowran, which ing for many years the setting up of was organised by Pat Looby, was a ‘visitor hub’ in the Tholsel (Town particularly successful. Similarly, the Hall), a structure which was built wonderful lecture by Dr Bernadette four hundred years ago (c.1600), Cunningham on Seathrún Céitinn making it one of the oldest public (Geoffrey Keating) the noted Gaelic buildings still surviving in the coun- scholar in September, organised by try and it is ideally suited to the task John Cooney, also drew a full house. of a ‘focal point’ for the town. Roots More Lectures and Outings There is always a steady stream of The society (now that the ‘tracing roots’ enquiries which unfor- Committee should have some more tunately cannot be adequately dealt time!) intends to return to a pro- with on a voluntary basis, but to help

Photographed at the launch of Historic Town Trail are L to R: Colm McGrath, chairman Fethard Historical Society; Gary Breen, Manager of Fáilte Ireland South East; Cllr Liam Ahearne, acting chairman South Tipperary County Council; and Eileen Horgan, Community & Enterprise, South Tipperary County Council. 128 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER in this area the Society funded two all over Tipperary and beyond. The college students to make a photo- Book Fair is the only fund-raising graphic and scripted survey (on a event of the year so its continued numbered mapped grid system) of success is very important to the soci- Calvary Cemetery and this will be ety. Donations of books from the pub- made available via the Fethard.com lic are always very welcome. website. Also, a colourful book on The society held its AGM on 29 the medieval heraldic and family March in the new Youth Centre as plaques that exist in Fethard, writ- the audio visual facilities were used ten and illustrated by expert Gerald to show footage of the 2010 Fethard Crotty, will be published by the Medieval Festival and also footage Society in 2012. of the Society’s trip to the medi- New Visitor Guide eval festival in Chinon in France The Society is working on script- in August 2010. The officers and ing and publishing a new ‘visitor/ committee elected for 2011 are as town trail brochure’ as the supply follows: Colm McGrath (chairper- of the much acclaimed present ver- son), Patricia Looby (vice chairper- sion is now almost exhausted. It is son), Mary Hanrahan (secretary), hoped to include a ‘services map’ Ann Gleeson (assistant secretary), (i.e. accommodation, transport, Catherine O’Flynn (treasurer), Terry businesses etc.) on one side and a Cunningham (public relations), Historic Town Trail on the other side. Diana Stokes, John Cooney, Marie The plan is that this new guide can Moclair, Tim Robinson, Kitty Delany, be wholly or partially self-financed Marie O’Donnell, Liam Noonan and through the advertising content of Jane Grubb. the ‘services’ section. Members of the society also trav- All the usual in 2011 elled to events, festivals and meet- The year began with the ings around the country and hosted ‘Tipperariana Book of the Year’ many visiting groups to Fethard. Of award ceremony on 28 February. special importance was the visit by The comic book, ‘The Curse of the majority of the staff from the HQ Cromwell the Siege’, by Dermot of the Heritage Council in Kilkenny Poyntz of Clonmel and illustrated on 15 July, when they saw at first by Lee Grace of Waterford was the hand the good use their money had chosen book for 2010. been put to over the past five years The 16th annual Tipperariana in restoring and stabilising Fethard’s Book Fair, held annually on the sec- Town Wall. ond Sunday in February and now in Medieval Festival its 13th year, was again a big success, Members of the Society were and is a ‘must visit’ for hundreds of heavily involved in organising the book lovers and history buffs from fifth annual Medieval Festival as part

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of Heritage Week on the weekend of the Tidy Towns group, and the of 19 to 21 August 2011. The soci- County Council staff, for the appear- ety are responsible for organising ance of the town and the Valley Park the finances for the event which area, as without their efforts it would involves over €10,000, with €6,000 not be feasible to invite any visitors grant from the Heritage Council and to the town, at festival time or any €2,000 support from the Heritage other time for that matter. section of South Tipperary County Oldest Roof in Ireland? Council. A great deal of effort by the The ‘discovery’ of the hidden organising committee and support roof in old Holy Trinity Church and from other organisations and indi- the whole saga of its precise dating viduals went into ensuring another is a story that made the national truly wonderful event, especially the papers during 2011 and the Society parade and the frolics in the Valley were very happy to fund the work on the Sunday (check out the ‘News of the Queen’s University experts in Archive’ section of the Fethard web- this regard. Tim Robinson must be site if you missed the event). complemented for his work in ‘chas- The medieval music concert on ing up’ this very significant discov- the Friday night in old Holy Trinity ery. The full story appears on page 51 church and the official launch of in this Newsletter the new Historic Town Trail signage Olivia Hughes Memorial on the Saturday night were also full- The limestone inscription house affairs which again shows to Olivia Hughes, paid for by the the interest there is in good cultural Fethard Historical Society some events. years ago, seems to have got dam- The society sponsored the fam- aged during its removal from outside ily crest project in the secondary the Town Hall during the making school, co-ordinated by art teacher of the Stella Days film and also to and committee member Pat Looby, make way for the new Historic Town and again this is a great way of con- Signage system. Olivia Hughes was a necting young people to their roots very important person on the nation- and to society in general. al stage, for her founding of The Irish Five members of the festi- Country Markets (first one was held val organising committee went to in Fethard in 1947) and the ICA Dooley’s Hotel in Waterford on 3 training college in An Grianán in Co. February to receive a Munster Louth, so the Society will again sup- Express Heritage and Culture award, port the initiative to have a memorial presented by David Norris, for the to Olivia Hughes restored to a place ‘quality experience’ that is the of prominence in the town. Fethard Medieval Festival. Special Many ideas for the Future. mention must be made of the efforts A project to have professional

130 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

Photographed at the presentation of the Munster Express/Dooley’s Hotel South East Heritage and Cultural Awards in Waterford where Fethard Medieval Festival won an award are L to R: Terry Cunningham (Chairman Fethard Historical Society), Labhaoise McKenna (Heritage Officer South Tipperary County Council), Joe Kenny (Chairman Fethard & Killusty Community Council), guest speaker Senator David Norris, Michael Starrett (CEO Heritage Council), Pat Looby and Mary Hanrahan. (February 2011) copies made of Fethard’s Medieval will be asked to host some events Statues – now taking centre stage in in 2012 for the return trip of the The National Museum in Dublin – Newfoundland Irish as part of the would be a job worth undertaking, on-going connections between but would take much money and South East Ireland and our cousins effort as they are very precious and who went from here to the ‘fishing rare objects. Because Ireland was grounds’ off North America over controlled by protestant England in three hundred years ago. Reformation times, it meant that all Two members of the soci- religious effigies and statues were ety, Colm McGrath and Terry sought out and destroyed and thus Cunningham have set up a business only a handful still exist in this coun- ‘Backs to the Wall Tours’ to provide try. Amazingly, Fethard somehow hid a guide service for incoming tour three of these ‘life size’ statues (and and school groups who wish to visit one smaller one) and it would be the town and area. Their website wonderful to have exact replicas www.backstothewalltours.com will back in their home place. It would be available in January 2012. also be a big attraction in the town The Fethard Historical Society so the society is beginning to think wishes all Fethard people, at home of how all this might be organised and away, a very happy Christmas and financed. indeed. ◉ It is very likely that Fethard

131 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Fethard Medieval Festival 2011

Members of the Hayes extended family from Rathcoole at the Medieval Festival 2011

General view of the Medieval Festival by the Town Wall with over 3,000 visitors this year

132 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER Fethard Medieval Festival 2011

Fethard Town Wall Medieval Festival 2011 L to R: Rita Walsh, Ann O’Donnell, Philly Kenny, Rose Cudden and Ellen Tobin

Medieval Fancy Dress Parade are Back L to R: Michael Tillyer, Anne Tillyer, Mary Cummins, Monica Moriarty. Front L to R: Abbie Tillyer, Laura Cummins and Amy Brophy

133 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 ‘Bootcamp Tipperary’ & ‘Gi Joes’

Girls being put through their paces at ‘Bootcamp’ ust four miles from Fethard great fun day for adults and children Jon the back road to Drangan over ten years celebrating birthdays, and in the townland of Rathkenny for hens, stags, or just a break from you will find the home of ‘GI Joe & the norm with buddies. Bootcamp Tipperary’. A new ven- That’s the exception but every ture run by Colm McGrath on his Monday, Wednesday, and Friday family farm that provides a fun filled nights, from 7pm to 8pm Colm runs experience for families, friends, par- a great ‘Bootcamp’. This is a military ties and clubs. style physical workout that covers ‘Gi Joe’ for example is a series all aspects of physical training. Fat of up to fourteen games that pro- burn, tone, improve aerobic and vide both physical and mental chal- anaerobic, core training, improve lenges. Everyone who participates flexibility, improve posture. It’s fun will have to step up to the mark in too and does not cost the earth at individual events such as paintball only €5 per session. targets, batter and balance, or spear Don’t take my word for it, check throwing. But in order to build up a it out on the website www.tipptours. big score everyone must also par- com or on Facebook, ‘Bootcamp ticipate as one of a team in such fun Tipperary’. Better still come along events as the minefield, the tyre wall, some night and find out first hand. or the obstacle course. At the end the Contact: Colm McGrath, Rathkenny, scores are added up and only one Fethard. Telephone: +353 52 9152129 can be awarded ‘Gi Joe’ status. It’s a or Mobile: +353 86 3502360. ◉ 134 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

One of the Dohenys! by John Cooney erched on the roof of the ‘Sure it’s Doheny, Michael Doheny Phouse while putting mastic the Fenian.’ around the old chimney, a neighbour And so it transpired that the older passed by and shouted up at me, ‘Go men from the area of the country- on the Dohenys’. It was a hot enough side to the North and the North East day, which may have gone some way of Fethard (that area where you put to explain his unusual behaviour, but the stamp on the envelope) were after twenty years often referred to of being neigh- when they went bours you would into the town think that he of Fethard as a might have got ‘Doheny’. This my name right. habit has died Meeting another down it would neighbour some seem but the rem- days later and nants still linger. A in the terrible little thread of his- excitement of tory had wound country living, he itself around me got a full account and there was of what had hap- nothing for it but pened. This gen- to follow it. tleman burst out If, like me, laughing and you have a tab- said, ‘Be God but loid sense of his- I haven’t heard that one for a while tory it can be hard to locate Doheny and it was often you might hear it in the story of the country. You’d years ago when you’d go into the know about Cromwell and how the town. But sure you know what it is he Protestant landlord class were in was referring to?’ complete charge of the Catholic ‘I’m afraid I do not.’ Tell the truth majority, then Daniel O’Connell and shame the devil. emerged and won Catholic eman- ‘But sure aren’t you interested in cipation in 1829 or thereabouts and that type of thing? Some times you then you have the famine, mass emi- want the ground to open up and gration, the Fenians, the IRA, 1916, swallow you and other times you the free state and then up along to want the ground to open up and Dana Rosemary Scallon standing swallow the other fellow. It was the for President. A crash course in his- latter in this situation. tory was needed but luckily there

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Miceál McCormack photographed at Michael Doheny’s parents grave in the grounds of Holy Trinity Church of Ireland, Fethard still is a great essay on Michael very vulgar appearance and a pecu- Doheny on the Fethard website liar coarse unpleasant voice. But let’s written by Micheal O’Donnell. The not forget that he was a barrister. period after the famine is somewhat Members of that profession are not vague for us but the strongest politi- to be described in similar fashion cal group to emerge was the Young today! Instead, it is said that these Irelanders who eventually and after days a barrister is a solicitor without much effort rekindled a belief in a personality. This quip could not the population that they could go be applied to Doheny. Brought up on and govern themselves. The in poor circumstances near Brook Young Irelanders ignited an interest Hill where he was born in 1806, his in the Irish language and culture parents, Michael Doheny and Ellen and indeed were the forerunners to Kelly, died when he was young and Sinn Féin and the so called Celtic he worked on the farm to support Revival. They were the inspiration himself and his siblings. He received for many poets and writers not the part of his education from a travel- least of which were Yeats and Wilde. ling scholar before he sold the farm Gavin Duffy, editor of the influ- and moved into town, possibly to ential young Ireland newspaper, Burke Street (only the best for him) ‘The Nation’, described Doheny as where he further educated himself a Tipperary peasant and the offi- and finally became a teacher. He cial Dublin Castle papers state that became involved in politics and Michael Doheny at that time had a with financial support from friends

136 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER went to London to study the law. The leaders of the Young Irelanders, Upon returning to Ireland he settled men such as William Smith O’Brien in Cashel to practice as a barrister and Thomas Francis Meagher were and made a name for himself in how unsure in their leadership and most he helped the people of the town of the Catholic clergy spoke out and how he defeated the local land- about a revolt in this country. The lord class through the courts. leaders themselves like O’Brien Briefly, Doheny became a major would appear to have wanted a figure in the Young Irelanders which demonstration of force rather than was the group that had broken away its use and most of the gatherings from Daniel O’Connell’s repeal and demonstrations took place in movement - The Old Irelanders - Tipperary where seventy years later due to differences of opinion about the War of Independence would the use of force to gain independ- begin. A point of interest surely. ence. It would appear that Doheny There was a mass meeting in and O’Connell might not have Carrick-on-Suir in July 1848 before seen eye to eye on many matters. the Young Irelander leaders went to Around the time of the famine there Ballingarry. There, a tense stand-off was considerable agitation in the took place between a party of police countryside and people were influ- who had taken refuge at the widow enced once again by revolution in McCormack’s House and the large France and other parts of Europe. agitated crowd. In the attempt to dis-

Mary Healy unveiling a plaque marking the birthplace of Michael Doheny at Brookhill, Fethard, on Sunday, December 4,1988.

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lodge the police from the farmhouse, America and his freedom with his people were killed. It must be said wife (nee O’Dwyer) and family. In that this action was ill considered America, Doheny was part of a small and could not be described as a group of people who founded the revolt or an uprising, nevertheless Fenians in America and he also it frightened the British Authorities wrote the preface to O’Mahoney’s in Dublin Castle. This incident, it English translation of Foras Feasa na is said, is where the tricolour was hEirinn written by fellow Tipperary first unveiled in the heat of battle man, Keating. If that was not enough though it had he wrote poet- been hoisted ry and set up in Waterford two magazines for some time in New York before. Various where he also arrests were established a made in the law practice. following days The Felons which subse- Track was quently led to reprinted many the famous trials times. It might in Clonmel of be fair to say it O’Brien and his is viewed these comrades where days as a histor- they were sen- A Michael Doheny Memorial Fund Committee was started ical document tenced to hang- in New York after reading the Fethard Historical Society’s or part of revo- ing before that article in the Tipperary Star 1988. This committee headed lutionary litera- by Jim Grogan, Cashel, found Doheny’s unmarked grave sentence was and erected a headstone to his memory. Michael Doheny ture. There is a commuted and is buried in First Calvary Cemetery, Section 4, Laurel quality about they were then Hill Boulevard, Woodside, New York. Pictured above at it in that much exiled to Van the unveiling are L. to R. : Michael Flannery, Jim Grogan of it is not writ- (Chairman) and Paddy Doheny. Dieman’s land. ten in his own Michael Doheny, after what he style but in a style that he thought terms the ‘Ballingarry Disaster,’ had had to be used at that time and, of to go on the run and his description course, as he travelled around the of this escapade forms a substantial country there is not a mention of the part of his book, hence the title, ‘The famine. Nevertheless this book has Felons Track’. survived and will be read long into Eventually, in disguise, Doheny the future as it is a great account of made his way on board ship to what happened in the 1840’s from Bristol in September 1848, and from around the towns that surround there to France before sailing for Slievenamon. Reading a book about

138 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER events that have taken place in this area, he went to stay for a short the past but which name all the period of time with his uncle who places that you are familiar with was parish priest in Dunmanway, has a peculiar feel about it and before leaving for America. The foot- makes it interesting. In some books ball match was a draw but the from this period, Doheny is referred festivities on the night were won to as the Cashel Counsel because by Fethard. Miceál McCormack was nationally he made a name for able to tell their hosts the story of himself in the courts in Cashel as Doheny and how he played hurling an extremely able and confident on The Green in Fethard. The name practitioner. It was also in Cashel of the referee on that occasion was that he was hailed by crowds on the Michael Collins and the match took streets when he returned there in place in the Sam Maguire GAA November 1861. He died the follow- pitch. ing year in New York. A plaque at his birthplace in Michael Doheny is by far the Fethard, his grave now marked in most influential and the most New York, a GAA club named in important historical person to his honour in County Cork and come out of Fethard. He was active his name still referred to in his on the National Stage and knew all own locality, Doheny was a brave the important people of his time. barrister who became a felon and His co-founding of the Fenians in worked tirelessly for the freedom America was a great achievement of his country. Commentators come and his book is still read today. And, and go but his own book survives as if a bit of a rough diamond, he was testimony to his own life and times definitely brave, intelligent, creative and for me was well worth the read and a man of the people. and the shout. There is the plaque to him The following is the last verse unveiled by Mary Healy in 1988 from one of his poems. ◉ and looking back at the Fethard Newsletters there was a com- I’ve run the outlaw’s brief career memorative stone erected on his And borne his load of ill, unmarked grave in 1989 in New His troubled rest, his ceaseless fear York. In August 1997 the Fethard foot- With fixed sustaining will: ball team went to Dunmanway, And should his last dark chance befall Co. Cork, to play a game of Gaelic E’en that shall welcome be football. And the reason why? The In death, I’ll love thee, most of all Dunmanway GAA club founded in A Chuisle geal mo chroidhe.” 1886 is called Doheny GAA Club. When Doheny was forced to leave

139 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

Killusty skittles team, September 1982 L to R: Christy Williams, Mick Holohan, Jim Williams and Michael Holohan (Tullow).

Dance in the 1950s L to R: Bridget Fahey, Jimmy McCarthy, Noreen Ward and Jimmy Crean.

140 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

Fethard Pioneer Association Outing in the 1960s

Green neighbours in the 1970s L to R: Joan O’Meara, Nellie Fitzgerald and Mary Gunne

141 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

A time in my life by Pat Culligan

Survivors all three . . . Pat Culligan photographed with his two ponies ‘Tom Crean’ and ‘Shackleton’

ne Saturday morning in told her my story. She examined me Oearly January 2006 we decid- and she referred me to Cashel hospi- ed we would go up Slievenamon tal with a suspected hernia. and round up four ponies and dose I was examined by Mr Murchan them. While we were trying to catch and during the course of the exami- them one of the ponies got away nation he asked me if I had ever and ran down the lane. I jumped up had a colonoscopy. I said no. He on my horse and went down inside arranged a scope for me the follow- the ditch to head him off. When I ing week. I went into hospital on got in front of him I jumped off my Wednesday morning for my colon- horse like Frankie Dettori and when I oscopy. I was kept in overnight and landed on the ground I got a violent when the doctors came around on pain up my back. I lay on the ground Thursday morning they told me for about five minutes before I could they had found a growth on my move. When I gathered my thoughts colon. They had done a biopsy and I got up and walked my horse back sent it away for analysis and I would to the gate where the ponies were. I have to wait for the results for about headed home and went to bed. On three weeks. I went back home and Monday I went to my doctor and carried on as normal. I didn’t think

142 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER an awful lot about it. At the time I him that Joan would be home on was hunting at the weekends and March 21. He said he would see us life was good. both two days following her return. After about three weeks I got a So from February 14 until March 23 letter from the hospital telling me I told nobody about my illness. The that I had an appointment with Mr days were long and the nights were Murchan on February 14 at 5.30 lonely trying to cope with this on pm. I went over thinking I was going my own. to have to go into hospital and Joan came back from her holi- have the hernia removed. When Mr days on a Saturday evening. We gave Murchan came in he asked me if I that night talking about her holiday, was on my own and I said, yes. He where they had been and what they proceeded to give me the results. had seen. I decided I would wait He told me that I had a tumour on until the following day to tell her my my colon, that it was cancerous and bad news. On Sunday morning Joan that it needed to be removed as went to 11 o’clock Mass as she always soon as possible. He also told me does. I sat on the armchair in the liv- that he would not do anything with- ing room deciding what way I was out talking to my wife, Joan. I asked going to tell her my news. When she him if I could come back and see came back in from Mass I told her I him the following week because had something important to tell her. I I needed to get my head around also asked Dermot to come into the what I had just been told and which living room with Keith. I then told my had taken me by complete surprise. family about my illness. Everybody I went home and that evening when was devastated with the news. That Joan came home from work and day we also told my extended family. asked me how I got on I said every- I suppose at that stage I had accept- thing was okay. She said, “that’s great ed the situation myself. We both met you must be relieved”. I said I was. Mr Murchan the following Tuesday The reason I did not tell Joan and he gave full details of what lay the truth about my results was that ahead. I went into Cashel hospital on she was going away on holidays to March 27, 2006 and had my opera- South Africa and if she knew about tion. The operation was a success my cancer she would not go. I want- and I went home after seven days. As ed her to go away and enjoy herself. is standard practice, the tumour was Joan went off on her holidays. I removed and sent away for analysis went back and met Mr Murchan two to see how far advanced the cancer weeks later and he went into more was. I waited about three weeks for detail about my diagnosis. He again the results. Then I got a letter from said he would not do anything with- the hospital telling me to attend Mr out discussing it with us both. I told Murchan’s clinic on April 18. This was

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Fethard Community Council Race Night Dance 1978 L to R: Joan and Pat Culligan, Bill and Babe Maher.

Presentation of 1984 Fethard Festival Tennis Tournament runners-Up prizes: Ann O’Riordan, Austin O’Flynn (committee), Pat Culligan and Jimmy McCarthy (committee).

144 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER one visit I was not looking forward It seemed I had put that year behind to. I drove over to Cashel on my own, me. That summer Joan and I went on my choice. I sat in the waiting area holiday to Italy. It probably was the for about half an hour. Then a nurse most enjoyable holiday I ever had. came towards me and called out my We went to Sorrento. What a beauti- name, Patrick Culligan. She called, I ful place. The weather was fabulous. answered, yes, as if I was being called If you ever happen to go there make into the classroom at school. sure you visit the Amalfi coast. It is She escorted me into the room. just breath-taking. The Isle of Capri Mr Murchan was sitting behind his is worth a visit also but not if you desk. He looked at me and told me are afraid of heights. We came home the results were good (relief). “It is a from our holidays and the summer mild form of cancer and you won’t moved into winter. My next scope need any chemotherapy.” I walked was due the first week of February down the corridor that morning 2008. Little did I know how much my as if I had won the lotto. Life was life was about to change. back on track. I rang Joan and told I went into Clonmel hospital for her my news. Everybody was so my colonoscopy. I remember waiting relieved, thank God in the day ward for about an hour Thinking back on things that hap- as is standard practice. Then I was pen when you are in and out of taken down for my examination. I hospital some, of them are funny. I woke up a couple of hours later and always remember the day Joan and had tea and toast. I was left there for I first met Mr Murchan. When we left quite some time which I thought his office we were walking down the was unusual. Then a nurse came in corridor and Joan was very upset. to tell me I was being taken down There was a friend sitting there and for a scan. When I came back after when he saw us both he came over my scan I asked if I could go home. to me and asked me if Joan was okay. The nurse said I would have to I said Joan is fine. I thanked him for wait as Mr Murchan wanted to talk his concern and we went home. to me. I knew then that something I was told at the hospital that I was wrong. It was quite late when would have to have a colonoscopy Mr Murchan came up to the day every twelve months. I said to myself ward to see me. When he arrived it’s a small price to pay for success. there was a nurse with him. It was I was out of work for six months. very quiet as everybody had gone I went back to work in October home and I was the only person 2006 and everything was going fine. left. He invited me to sit down and I went hunting again which was he began giving me details of the most enjoyable. I had my next scan results of his examination. He told in March 2007. The results were clear. me that when he did the colonosco-

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py he found a large tumour on my details. He told me he was surprised colon and that is why he sent me the cancer had returned so quick- down for a scan. He told me that the ly. He said the tumour was quite cancer had returned and that it was large and that it was in an awk- quite aggressive. He showed me pic- ward place. He gave me details of tures of the tumour which had been what he intended to do. He took taken during the scan. He asked me through the next two years and me if I could come into his office he said I should take two years out the following week and he would of my life and concentrate on my go through it in more detail. I had situation. He told me I would have previously made arrangements for to have an eight-week course of my friend Barry to collect me. I rang radiotherapy. I would have to have a and asked him if he could come course of chemotherapy at the same and pick me up. This was about 7.30 time. When the radiotherapy and in the evening. I walked down to the chemotherapy were finished I would front door of the hospital that even- have a break of six weeks. Then I ing wondering what direction my would have an operation after which life was talking. You often hear that I would have a colostomy bag. One saying: “Why me?” Well I really did month after the operation I would say to myself, why me? start a six-month course of chemo- I got into the jeep and Barry said, therapy in Waterford Regional hos- “are things okay, you’ve been very pital. Then after about seven months long?”. I said, “No, I am in trouble I would have the colostomy bag again”. He drove me home. There removed with another operation. were no more words spoken on that And all things being equal I should journey home. I think I didn’t even be back where I started. I decided at thank him for collecting me but this point that I was going the beat he understood anyway. When I got this illness. I needed to be strong home Joan was waiting. She didn’t and focussed about what was ahead have to ask me how I had gotten on, of me. I decided that when I met all it was on my face. We both sat down the medical people I was going to and talked about it and then we leave all the negative information had a good cry. I had been holding behind me in the hospital and take it back all evening. We sat there talk- home all the positive opinions. But ing until late into the night. Two days before all this started I had to have a later I got an appointment to see Mr unit inserted in my chest to facilitate Murchan in five days’ time. the needle for my chemotherapy. On the following Wednesday I About two weeks passed and I got went into Clonmel hospital to meet an appointment for Ardkeen hospi- Mr Murchan. I went into his office tal to have the port inserted in my and he proceeded to tell me the chest. The appointment was for April

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Pat Culligan photographed at the Fethard Flower and Produce Show October 1985

Betty Holohan and Mrs Schofield photographed at the Fethard Flower and Produce Show October 1985 147 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

9, 2008. That was the beginning of a I began to get very sore and tired. I long journey for me. After I had the remember very well my last appoint- port fitted I got a letter asking me ment was the June bank holiday to meet Dr. Leonard, the oncolo- weekend and I said to Joan that I gist. He would take me through my didn’t think I would be able to face course of treatment. He told me that it as I was very ill. While I was being I would have to have two sessions of signed out after my last session the chemo, one with radiotherapy and consultant told me I would be okay the other after my operation. After in ten days. When he left, the nurse a short wait I was told that I would told me it would take three weeks be starting my radiotherapy at the for me to recover. How right she was. Whitfield Clinic in Waterford. I start- After twenty-one days it was as if ed my course of radiotherapy in the somebody turned off a switch in my second last week of April 2008. Barry body. All the pain just disappeared. drove me down for my first session. Now I had six weeks left before The treatment only takes about five my operation in September and I minutes. I had about four sessions enjoyed them immensely. and I remember on my way home I went to Clonmel hospital the one day saying to Barry, “I wonder if first week in September. They told this treatment is working?”. Little did me in the hospital it was going to be I know what was coming down the quite a big operation. While I was in line. So I continued my treatment. the bed waiting to be taken down

Minister for Agriculture Ivan Yates TD pictured with Chairperson of Tipperary SR County Council Theresa Ahearne, garden enthusiast Pat Culligan (left) from Fethard, his wife Joan (right) and child Dermot, at the Ireland in Bloom Festival at Knocklofty on 30 April 1995. 148 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER to the theatre I said to myself I have I went home on Saturday from 1pm two choices: I can either feel sorry until 7pm. It’s funny when you are for myself or face up to my situation. very ill, I was watching the clock So from then on I decided that the waiting for seven o’clock to come. I glass was always half full and not went back in at seven and I felt safe half empty. The porters came into my and secure in the hospital. I spent room and I climbed onto the trolley. a month in hospital then I was left Before this a doctor had been with home. My chemotherapy was due to me and asked me if I would agree to start in about one month so I was not have an epidural as it would deaden to have much relaxation at home. the pain in the lower half of my body. I had an appointment in Ardkeen I told her I would trust her opinion. I hospital in the oncology ward. I was was taken down to the theatre and to meet the liaison nurse. When I met the last thing I remember was bend- her in the ward we shook hands and ing forward and getting an injection I introduced myself. She checked to into my lower back. Then somebody see if there was a spare room avail- asked me to count to ten. I think I got able but they were all engaged. So to five before the lights went out. we stood at the nurses’ station. She I woke later that evening in the gave me details of the chemotherapy intensive care unit and I felt as if and how it might affect me. I was there was a bus lying on my body. standing there listening and there The nurses told me the operation were people all over the place. She had gone well. Later Mr Murchan told me that my hair might fall out came in and told me how things and I asked her if it was possible had gone. He told me I would be that it might not fall out and she said in ICU for some time. As I came to yes. I said to her we’ll go with the my senses after some time the pain option that it won’t fall out because was quite hard. On the morning of you must be positive. She started to my second day in ICU the nurses laugh and she made me laugh. She came to me and told me they were really was a very nice person dealing taking me out of bed for a few min- with an awkward issue but I suppose utes. They are extremely professional that’s her job. She gave me literature about what they do but I didn’t to take home and read. I can tell you think getting out of bed could be it didn’t make nice reading. I left it so painful. Through the next week on the armchair and I picked up the I was taken out every day. When Irish Field instead – that was a paper I had improved sufficiently I was I could understand. taken back to the ward. After about My chemo started in October. two weeks the doctors told me one I was into a new situation which Friday that I could go home for the would last for the next six months if afternoon on Saturday and Sunday. I got a clean run at it. I was taken to

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my cubicle and I was connected up found her husband on the footpath the chemotherapy unit. It takes about outside the house and she thought four hours for the procedure to work. he was dead. She smiled and dis- While I was there the nurse sug- connected me from the unit and gested the next time I came down I went home. As the weeks passed I should bring a book to read. She by I found the chemo having more also told me when I got out of the of an effect on me. It was a case of hospital to make sure I was well leave the hospital, get into the car, go wrapped up. This was October and home and get into bed. At this stage it was getting cold. That morning I was getting quite sick after each Barry had told me that he was going course of treatment. You think at the to the horse sales in Goresbridge. time that you are the only person He said he would drop me down to suffering from this dreadful disease Ardkeen and go on to Goresbridge. until you walk into the ward and see He said he would collect me in the all the young people there, some as afternoon on his way back. At about young as twenty-one. I suppose the four o’clock my phone rang and it lowest point in my treatment came was Barry. He told me he was about on New Year’s Eve, 2008. I felt very five minutes away from the hospital. sick when I went to the oncology I put away my paper and I wrapped ward. I had my bloods done to see if I myself up well. When I got outside could have my chemotherapy. When the door I heard horses whinnying. I the results came back the news was couldn’t see the jeep but I said that is bad — my bloods were too low and my taxi. When he drove into the front they could not give it to me. I went of the hospital he had two horses in home and my morale was very low the trailer. They were whinnying like that particular week. It just seemed hell. All the people out smoking must as if all the treatment so far was have thought the circus was coming going up inside my body and saying to town. But before I got into the jeep I’ve had enough. It was the first time I had to have a look at those two in many years I did not attend the beautiful horses. It just gave me an Tipperary Hunt meet in Fethard. My idea of where my priorities lay. next session was due two weeks later The next time I went down I and everything was okay this time brought a book with me. The name round. of the book was “Peg Sayers” which When doctors give you a time I found very good reading. As you span of six months for treatment, probably know, it is about life on the missing some sessions make it seem Blasket Islands in the late eighteen like it goes on forever. I did not nineties. The nurse came on late miss any more of my appointments duty and asked me how Peg Sayers and chemotherapy finished the first was getting on. I told her she had just week of March. I must say while I

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Dancing display at Fethard London Reunion Festival & Fancy Dress Parade July 1995 L to R: Melissa Breen, Sabrina O’Dwyer, Michelle Coffey, Kersty McCarthy, Zoë Cooney, Samantha Sheehan, Eimear Fogarty and Noelle Leahy.

“One Little Indian” Pat Culligan and his son Dermot at the 1995 Fancy Dress Parade

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Pat Culligan photographed with his sister Kathleen Dolan earlier this year

was in Ardkeen hospital I found the noon. We got talking about his opera- staff to be very caring and under- tion and it turned out he had basi- standing. It took me quite some time cally the same problem as I had. He to recover from the effects of my asked me if I would mind telling him chemotherapy. what I had gone through. We went My next project was to go back back into my bedroom and I gave into Clonmel hospital and have my him a full account of what had hap- surgery reversed. This was sched- pened with me. After some time the uled for the first week in May 2009. nurse came in and told me I would May arrived and I headed back into be going down to the operating thea- Clonmel hospital. It was as if I had tre in about ten minutes. The man never left. While I was lying there in stood up and he shook my hand the bed waiting to be taken down to and thanked me for my kindness. the operating theatre a gentleman I thought as he walked out of the outside in the corridor was walking room he seemed more at ease with up and down. I noticed he had his himself. When you are in that situa- gown on for the theatre so I thought tion all you need is somebody who he must be waiting to go down to will listen to your problem. At times the operating theatre. I went out and I think we are all totally wrapped up I introduced myself and we got talk- in our lives. ing. He told me he was waiting to The operation should take no go down for an operation that after- longer than one hour but mine took

152 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER quite some time. The staff told me some things which still matter to it was complicated. I said to myself, me and there are also things which what’s new. Everything seems to be I thought were important, but are complicated with me. It took me not so important anymore. I wonder almost twelve months to recover if I won the national lottery what from this operation. It was summer would I do with the money? I don’t 2010 before I felt my life was begin- know. Every morning I can get up ning to come together. I returned in and go out into the garden. I feel as October 2010 for my scan and my though I have won this battle. I love colonoscopy check-up. The results my garden and I suppose since my were good and they told me to illness it has given me strength and come back for my next check-up in happiness. As they old saying goes, April 2011 which I did and again the “A thing of beauty is a joy forever”. results were okay. Between times I It is great to be able sometimes to have to attend the oncology ward in go off and see the ponies. I can Ardkeen hospital every six months. thank them for saving my life. It is It just seems you are going from one funny how the hand of God works at appointment to another but I sup- times. I would also like to think it has pose it’s well to be able. changed my idea of a hospital. Since Looking back at that time in my I’ve been ill my appreciation for the life I wonder how I coped with it staff in Clonmel hospital has grown all. I suppose it was the help and immensely. The staff are so kind and support which I got from my fam- professional it goes beyond the call ily and friends which helped me get of duty. I hope that Clonmel hospital through this illness. I often think of never closes down. all the days when I would go home, The next project in my recovery put on my tracksuit and go jogging is to get back up on my horse and for about eight or ten miles, three of ride across Slievenamon. You might four times a week and then all this wonder why I am writing this story. happened. But as they told me in the It is because some of the people I hospital, my fitness played a major met along the way have not been part in my recovery. They also told as lucky as me. They have passed on me that my life would never be the to another life and I think if some- same but I will settle for where I am body finds themselves in the same at the moment. You might wonder at situation that I was in they might get times how much these events will some inspiration from this story and change your life but as the doctors it might help them through their ill- tell you, things won’t be the same ness. And you must always believe for lots of different reasons. When that the glass is always half full and I look back on my situation things not half empty. ◉ have definitely changed. There are Pat Culligan

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T.A. Kenrick & Co. by William T . Coffey ince the building in Main Joan Anglim who descends from SStreet, next door to the for- another Kenrick brother. mer bank, is being refurbished this Ultimately, May inherited the year, it is interesting to recall that business circa 1905 and was intro- this was formerly the hardware busi- duced to my grandfather William ness T. A. Kenrick & Co founded by Buggy who was from Rathmoyle, my great grandparents (Kenrick / near Tullarone, Co. Kilkenny. A let- Coman) in 1874 and later run by ter written to his brother Richard my grandparents William Thomas in 1915 concerning the sickness of Buggy and his wife (Nora) May a beast and the photograph below Buggy, nee Kenrick, until 1937. illustrates the many faceted nature My grandmother was born on 7 of the business. May 1884 and apparently her par- My grandfather had some con- ents died young so she was brought nection with Sherwoods, Montana, up with her sister Tess by her aunt in so far as two of his uncles were and uncle in Knockelly. involved in the ‘Gold Rush’ there One of her uncles, Father according to letters which were Ned Kenrick, was parish priest of discovered in the farmhouse in Borrisoleigh and oversaw the build- Rathmoyle which had been in the ing of the present parish church possession of his family since 1769. there. I still have a portrait of him They appeared to have been well kindly given to me by my cousin educated and ran a gold assay

154 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER office as shown in the photograph opposite the Kenrick shop which is (bottom of page 154). a building of great antiquity in so far My grandparents lived in Ivy Villa as it has a medieval core. ◉

155 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Fethard Bridge Club

Carmel Condon (centre) presenting the President’s Prize to Berney Myles and Alice Quinn (right).

ethard Bridge Club is now in a charity night and donated the pro- Fits 35th year. At our President’s ceeds for the evening to the Fethard Prize dinner held in the Fairways Day Care Centre. Our Christmas Restaurant at Slievenamon Golf Club party was held at Raheen House on on Friday, May 20, 2011, our presi- December 18 at which our Christmas dent Carmel Condon presented the prizes were presented. following prizes: President’s Prize At our AGM on Wednesday, to Alice Quinn and Berney Myles; May 25, the following officers and Committee Prize to Rita Kane and committee were elected: Ann Kay St. John; Club Championship O’Dea (president), Anne Connolly (Hayes Memorial Trophy) to Bernie (vice-president), Brendan Kenny O’Meara and Anna Cooke; Player (secretary), Anna Cooke (treas- of the Year (O’Flynn Trophy) to Nell urer), Rita Kane (assistant treas- Broderick; Individual Champion urer). Tournament Directors: Alice (Dick Gorey Perpetual Trophy) Quinn, Betty Walsh, Frances Burke to Kay St. John; Lucey Trophy to and Gemma Burke. Committee: Eileen Ryan and Jim Lahert; and the Carmel Condon, Marie Delaney, Suzanne Opray Trophy to Bridie Lee. Eileen Frewen, Kay Walsh and Tony We played for the free sub for the Hanrahan. Partner Facilitator: Berney coming year on September 28 and Myles. October 5 and the winners of the May we take this opportunity to gross free sub were Betty Walsh and wish all bridge players (and non- Monica Anglim, and the nett free sub bridge players!) at home and abroad was won by and Alice Quinn and a very happy and holy Christmas Carol Kenny. In November we held and a prosperous New Year. ◉ 156 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

Photographed at the President’s Prize dinner are L to R: Nell Broderick, Annie O’Brien, Jim Lahert and Paddy Martin

Carmel Condon (right) presenting the Committee Prize to Rita Kane (left) and Kay St. John.

157 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Fethard Ladies Football Club

Jessie McCarthy, Ciara Tillyer and Katie Butler are pictured with Patsy Lawrence (chairman, Fethard GAA) and Tom McCarthy (chairman, Fethard Ladies Football) following their win with Tipperary in the Munster Under 14 Final against Waterford on May 8. Tipperary went on to win the All-Ireland Final against Roscommon on June 11.

ethard Ladies Football Club The club was also represented at Fofficers elected for 2011 are U12 level in 2011 when Kate Davey, as follows: Fr Tom Breen (president), Megan Coen, Molly O’Meara and Tom McCarthy (chairman), Mick Ciara Hayes were selected on the Tillyer (vice chairman), Maureen Tipp U12 development squad. The McCarthy (secretary), Cabrina level of talent coming through in Roche (assistant secretary), and Joe the club is so good at the moment Keane (treasurer). that it is only a matter of time before 2011 prove to be a great year we see a lot more girls representing for Fethard ladies football at inter- the club at inter-county level. county level. We had three play- It was also a very successful year ers represented on the Tipperary for our U12 girls who won the coun- U14 ladies football panel, Jessie ty U12 C title when they defeated McCarthy, Katie Butler and Ciara Boherlahan in the final played in Tillyer and Tom McCarthy as a team New Inn. The girls played some won- selector. The Tipp team went on to derful football during the year and win the All Ireland final and it was having been beaten by Boherlahan great to see three All Ireland ladies in the 2010 decider it is great testa- football medals return to the parish. ment to coach Michael Hayes and

158 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER his team for getting the team back group for the future. to this year’s final and bringing back Our U16 team received five guest our second U12 county title in three players from Killenaule to strength- years. en our squad and as a result we This year saw our U14 team, were ranked in the B grade for having been beaten in a D final in the championship. Following con- 2010, being moved up two grades vincing wins over Moycarkey, Lattin in 2011 to compete in the B grade, a Cullen, Mullinahone and Aherlow decision by the ladies county board we reached the semi-final in April. that had no explanation. However, Due to poor organisation within the girls got their heads down and the fixtures the semi-final was not under the guidance of Michael played until October where the Hayes and Aisling Dwyer had great girls faced Moycarkey. They came wins over Brian Boru’s and Galtee through a tough game with a five- Rovers to reach the semi-final where point win to set up a final clash with they defeated Lattin Cullen in a Aherlow. Again, due to various cir- thriller in Cahir. This saw the girls cumstances, the final was not played into the B final where they faced until 27 November in Ballylooby Galtee Rovers and despite giving a where we were beaten by a stronger great performance were beaten by Aherlow side despite giving a fan- a stronger Bansha outfit. This was a tastic performance. It had been a fantastic achievement from a team long year for the U16s and their who were two grades out of their commitment to training was excel- depth and just shows that this is a lent. A big thank you to coaches Tom

Fethard Under 12 Girls celebrate their win over Boherlahan in the County Final on Saturday, June 25.

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Ryan, Kieran Butler, Tom McCarthy, win to secure our first ever minor Maureen McCarthy and Alice Butler ladies county title. There were great for all their time and effort. scenes of joy as captain Mary Jane This year our U18 minor ladies Kearney accepted the trophy on tried to go one step further than behalf of the team and the memory 2010 when they were narrowly beat- of the narrow defeat in 2010 was en by Ardfinnan. Under coach Tom erased. Anglim the ladies got back to train- Our junior team was compet- ing and despite a first round defeat ing in B for the first time this year, to Emly they bounced back with a having won back-to-back county convincing win over St. Patricks. A titles in 2009 and 2010. Fethard walkover from Boherlahan saw the started the league campaign girls into the semi-final where they with a new look team following had a great win over Piltown and the arrival of two new players and were back in the final for the sec- five guest players from Killenaule. ond year in a row to face Ardfinnan. The ladies had a great run in the The final was a titanic battle played league and reached the final where in poor conditions in Bansha on 20 they played Mullinahone in a very November. Despite being two points wet Ballingarry. This was a brilliant down going into the last 10 minutes final despite the conditions and the Fethard girls rose their game the ladies were very unlucky to be again and closed with a five point beaten by two points and some

The Fethard Under 14 Ladies Team reached the County ‘B’ Final against Galtee Rovers on September 11. Back L to R: Aine Proudfoot, Laura Stocksborough, Jessie Ryan, Annie Prout, Katie Butler, Sadhbh Horan, Nicola Thompson, Ruby Kennedy, Ciara Tillyer, Cliodhna O’Connor, Laura Ryan, Chloe Bourke. Front L to R: Ciara Hayes, Megan McCarthy, Rebecca Kenny, Molly O’Meara, Megan Coen, Kate Davey, Jessie McCarthy and Kiya Bourke.

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Fethard’s Minor Ladies team celebrate their win over Ardfinnan in the County Final on November 20. Back L to R: Leanne Sheehan, Rachel Prout, Faye Manton, Katie Butler, Lucy Butler, Mary Jane Kearney, Ciara Tillyer, Aine Phelan, Aobh O’Shea, Karen Hayes, Evie O’Sullivan, Annie Prout. Front L to R: Ruby Kennedy, Aimee Pollard, Jean Anglim, Jessie McCarthy, Lorna Walsh, Emma Walsh and Hannah Daly. strange decisions on the night. The This year the club also put a big championship saw victories over emphasis on our U10s and U8s under Cappawhite and Boherlahan, and the guidance of Willie Morrissey, a convincing win over Cappawhite Miceál Spillane, Mick Tillyer, Sandra in the playoffs saw us take on Spillane and Mikey Ryan. The girls Templemore in the semi-final. After took part in a series of challenge one of the ladies’ finest performanc- matches and blitzes and with tre- es against the favourites, this game mendous work done by the coaches ended in a draw. The replay was the future of Fethard ladies football played under lights in Templetuohy is very bright. We also started back where Templemore secured a vic- our ‘Gaelic4mothers’ programme in tory. The Fethard ladies could not 2011 for a thirteen-week period and reproduce the performance of the with some great training sessions in drawn game given they had a camo- the GAA field and Clonea beach the gie semi-final the following day. This ladies finished their campaign with was still a great achievement for the two teams taken part in the nation- junior ladies in their first year in B al blitz in Portmarnock. Thanks to with a new look team and they will coaches Tom McCarthy and Mikey go close to the title in 2012. Thanks Ryan for taking on the G4Ms this year. to coaches Tony Fox, Tom McCarthy, Overall 2011 proved to be a very Sean O’Regan, Marion Harrington successful year on the playing fields and Maureen McCarthy for all their for Fethard Ladies Football with two time and effort. county titles won, reaching three

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The Fethard U16B Ladies who played superbly all year to reach the County Final against Aherlow on November 26. Back L to R: Sophie Meehan, Aine Phelan, Aobh O’Shea, Aine Proudfoot, Karen Hayes, Amiee Pollard, Ellen Walsh, Ciara Tillyer, Lucy Butler, Hannah Stapleton, Cliodhna O’Connor, Lorna Walsh, Niamh Shanahan and Annie Prout. Front L to R: Ruby Kennedy, Kiya Bourke, Katie Butler, Jessie McCarthy, Emma Walsh, Kate Davey, Jesse Ryan, Nell Trehy and Roisín O’Regan. more county finals, three All Ireland and finally all our players and par- medals brought home and fantastic ents for their co-operation and time work being done at underage. We look given to Fethard ladies football. forward to more success in 2012. Looking forward to seeing you On behalf of the club we would all again in 2012 and we would like like to thank all our sponsors for to wish all our players, supporters their continued support, the Fethard and readers a Merry Christmas and a GAA senior club for all their help Peaceful New Year. ◉

Fethard’s first ladies football team before their first competitive game against Cahir in Fethard on 6 April 2003. Back L to R: Lisa Ryan, Cathy Waters, Sharon O’Meara, Mary Gorey, Jennifer Fogarty, Edel Fitzgerald, Marie Holohan, Helen Frewen, Ursula Lawrence. Front L to R: Vanessa O’Donnell, Meela Noonan, Jennifer Keane, Valerie Colville, Kersty McCarthy, Barbara Ryan, Rebecca Morris, Kate Hanrahan and Sarah Ahearne. Also on the team were Norah O’Meara, Lisa McCormack and Niamh Sheehan.

162 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER Badgers Soccer & Social Club number of big changes out cricket and made contact with Awere made in the club this the club in Clonmel but in the end past year, the main one being the there did not seem to be sufficient joint decision not to return to the numbers interested. Finally, we took community field for the summer a complete break in August as eve- months. When we did this in the ryone seemed to be on holidays. We past numbers would collapse with returned to the all-weather pitch in just six or seven people turning up Killenaule in September and from for games, then when numbers did the start there was a good turn out. improve it was time to start mov- The move to the Killenaule Astro ing back to the all weather pitch turf and the break in the summer again. On top of that there was the has worked on a practical level expense of getting insurance just for but the down side is that we are those couple of months. sadly loosing our connection with This summer we tried a new Fethard. But in this present climate initiative of having a number of dif- I guess we could be waiting for ferent activities each month. In June some time before Fethard gets an for example we had bootcamp on all weather surface of any kind. the first Wed, cycling on the second, Seasons greetings to one and all racket ball on the third and snooker from the badger set. on the last Wed. We did intend trying Cave canem! ◉

Boot campers 2011. Back L to R: Rita Phelan, Aine Murphy, Tracy Carroll, Lisa Carroll, Ann Hassey, Mary Maher, Julieann Smyth. Front L to R: Jennifer Rice, Mary Healy, Louise McGrath and Geraldine Casey.

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Boyhood Days! by ‘Ringo’ Napier

Peter Napier, The Green, photographed with his four sons in the mid 1950s Front: Gus and Frankie. Back L to R: Toby, Peter and Ollie

hen I was a boy growing of street hurling matches. We were Wup in St. Patrick’s Place we aptly known as the ‘Holy Terrors’ as did not have much as everyone was we were a terror to play. Our greatest in the same boat. It was a poor time games were against the ‘Ma Maws’ in the early 1950s. I remember we who were a great team and tough to used to play in the Ring around St. play against. Patrick’s Place. In the summer we I loved going to the pictures at would go down to Grove Wood and The Bridge when we had the money. cut down some ash poles. When we When we didn’t have enough got them back home we put a line money somebody inside would of nails up the side of two poles and open the toilet window opposite use a third thin one as a crossbar for Shortall’s grocery shop and let the jumping over. The more athletic lads rest of us in, including myself. used another pole for pole-vaulting I remember the first Rock n over the high jumps. My brother Roll film that came, it was called, Ollie was the best pole-vaulter of ‘The Lady is a Square’ with Lonnie us all. Donegan. We all went mad down in We used to play soccer in the the Pit, or as it was called in those plot by the cattle mart wall and days the ‘Flea Pit’. We were dancing what games we had! We had lots and jumping around like fools. The

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‘Cuckoo’ Shine would come down chance of that anyway! We would with his lamp and try to stop us go to the pictures and wait for the dancing . . . some chance! lights to go out to start the film. Then I remember we used to drop in we would throw the apples up to to McCarthy’s orchard and get the the balcony seats where the ‘lovers’ biggest cooking apples we could were and wait for shouts when they find. We would put them inside our got hit. Great craic! jumper and around our waist so we We used to have a great time did not look too fat — not much playing cowboys and Indians at the

L to R: Nonie Napier, The Green; Joe ‘Kelly’ Napier; Ellen Napier (grandmother); and Kate Napier (aunt) home on holiday from the USA. 165 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

Ollie Napier playing piano Abbey Rocks and Crampscastle. the Green, where my grandmoth- That is how I got the nickname er Nonie used to live there was ‘Ringo’ — I thought I was the fastest a house across the road from us gunslinger in Fethard, like ‘Johnny where the Bawneen Ryan lived. We Ringo’, the cowboy in the films. used to call to his house where It was great when the circus he had a fire in the middle of the came to town, Duffys was a great room. He told us great ghost stories show. They would come to town while he smoked his chalk pipe. He early in the morning, driving the scared the lives out of us but we wagons by horses then and we would never let on. We would then would watch them put up the tent go across to Lovers Lane at the back in the Barrack Field. There were also of Jack Mackey’s where he lived great roadshows in the Town Hall, with his partner Mary who was also with people like George Daniels known as the ‘Electric Hare’. There and the ‘Courtney Brothers’ from we’d have a fag and a chat . . . some- Wexford. I remember the first show times a kiss from a girl . . . if there I ever saw was at the back of Trehy’s was one with us. garage up the Green. Talking about Great times they were! ◉ 166 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

Bringing in the Hay by Sarah Ryan ow is it that tea from a flask the squeaky picnic basket and the Hand ‘hang sanquiches’ or pink and brown woollen rug all ‘samwidges’, however you pro- meant one thing - no, not the seaside nounced that piece of ham between – hay time. I can’t imagine that hay two pieces of bread, never tasted so to a present day child could possibly good? “Tay is good for the drought”, instil as much excitement as we felt. my father exclaimed, as we were It is said that sense of smell conjures ‘abroad’ in the field tucking into up memories and for me a waft of our summertime picnic. The amus- that pure sweet scent of hay drying ing parlance that we have here in on a summer evenings is so evoca- South Tipperary probably needs no tive of my childhood and those care- explanation around Fethard, but I free days we knew as ‘Bringing in have since learned ‘abroad’ means The Hay’. you are actually out of the coun- The long grass growing in the try. A non-Irish, English-speaking meadow, or as it was known in our person would probably think we house and still is, the hayfield, sig- were speaking double Dutch on all nalled the beginning of summer. In counts. That tartan emblazoned flask, the weeks leading up to cutting the

A group of adults and children having a break during saving the hay in Anglims farm in Knockelly . Paddy Anglim, William Anglim, Connie O’Donnell, Edmund O’Donnell, John “Cutsie” O’Donnell, Bunny Anglim, Tess Anglim, Angela Anglim. Children in front are Eta and Ena Murphy (cousins from Dublin).

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hay we would go to the hayfield words such as ‘laring’ the hay. No with my father to monitor the pro- matter how many searches of the gress. One day it seemed that cattle Oxford dictionary I still can’t find were munching the lush spring-time what ‘laring’ actually means, but it grass and within a matter of weeks meant what it meant to the people it had turned to waist-high grass, who were in the know, and that was well children’s waists anyway. The all that mattered. Neat rows of grass hayfield was an amazing place to lay where swishy high grass once play hide-and-seek; no one could stood. It looked like a racing track see you, no one knew where you and we’d run between the cut grass were and search- and the remain- ing for one of ing yellow stub- your five sisters bl e. in 15-acres of Another few high grass was days of nice sun- no easy feat. shine, and hope- We knew that fully no rain, the summertime, hay was tossed end of school and turned and and bringing started to turn a in the hay was greenish brown. fast approach- A man who we ing when Philly didn’t know Byrne’s field arrived to the behind our field on a trac- house was cut for tor towing a New silage around the Holland baler end of May. In which tossed late June or early small rectangular July, conversa- bales randomly tions regarding around the field. Bill Mulligan saving the hay in The Valley weather patterns This is where we were commonplace, along with got involved; chasing the baler and close ears to the weather forecast building neat triangles of four bales and even consulting that green stacked with blue string with knots book, Old Moore’s Almanac - that facing down in case it rained. Daddy still finds in his Christmas Four bales made a great little stocking every year - all ensued in house to play in and if the sun shone the cutting of the hay. strong enough the bales would be The long grass was chopped to dry in a matter of days. Sometimes the ground and was followed by on those long summer nights a per-

168 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER fect moon laid a blanket of white occasional bale along the ditches moonlight on the rapidly drying having fallen on its journey to a barn bales. I never remember that it somewhere. We loved to ride in the rained back then; that is probably back of the lorry as we went collect- a sign of an idyllic childhood with ing bale after bale. The higher the plenty of summer sun and splendour. bales went the more of the surround- ‘Big boys’ from secondary school ing countryside you could see. Load that we had only ever seen walking after load of bales were dispatched to school or at Mass were brought to the hay barn until ever last bale in to help bring in the hay. As we was in its rightful place. The empty got older we would be roped into hayfield was now left naked with bale lifting and stacking and build- yellow stubble until a few short days ing muscles in our scrawny teenage would see small blades of fresh arms. A few blisters in the palm of green grass emerging from the soil our hands were soon replaced with and eventually carpeting the whole well deserved calluses. As we used field with luscious after-grass. the cattle lorry rather than a tractor Exhausted, happy and the hay and trailer, bringing the bales was saved for another year it was time a little easier and certainly more for us to concentrate on some other stable. There was no need to tie the summer fun. And as every Tipperary bales with ropes unlike the trailer person should know, ‘Cork bet and loads of bales we would see wob- the hay saved’ was the definition of bling along the roads of Fethard. many a good summer. They would always seem to lose an What memories! What an era! ◉

Group of Fethard workmen photographed at the hay some years ago.

169 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Fethard & District Rugby Club

The Fethard Ladies’ Rugby Under 15 team played their first ever game of rugby on Saturday, April 2, making club history. Back L to R: Valerie Connolly (coach), Aine Phelan, Katie Butler, Emily Kavanagh, Aoife Delaney, Aisling Costin, Loreen Baude, Christina Myler, Aobh O’Shea, Molly O’Dwyer. Front L to R: Niamh Houlihan, Kelly McCormack, Ciara O’Donnell, Karen Hayes, Kerri Purtill, Jayne Pennefather (guest), Aoife O’Sullivan (guest) and Niamh Connor (guest). ccording to legend, rugby In April, we marked another great Awas created at a school in milestone for the club when we Rugby, Warwickshire, when a pupil fielded our very first Ladies’ rugby named William Webb Ellis caught team. The Under 15 Ladies took on the ball in his arms and started run- a combination team from Thurles ning with it during a game of soc- and Carrigaline. Both teams started cer. Sadly, it’s hard to find any hard well, but it was the Fethard team evidence to back this up. But if you who got the opening score when pass by the Community Sportsfield Marcella Myler touched down, any weekend between August and scoring the first ever Ladies’ try in May, you’re sure to find a whole lot Fethard. We wish the Ladies team more people following in his foot- continued success for the 2011- steps with the oval-shaped ball. 2012 season, under the direction of The history of rugby in Fethard Valerie Connolly, Lisa Anglim and goes all the way back to the 1920s Polly Murphy. when there was a particularly suc- The Mini’s rugby teams had a fab- cessful team in the town. Rugby ulous 2010-11 season. The ethos of found its way back to Fethard in mini rugby is to foster and develop 2001 after a very long absence, young players (boy and girls) in the and this year marks the important game of rugby in a safe, non-compet- milestone of our 10th anniversary itive, enjoyable environment. We pro- as Fethard & District Rugby Club. vide regular training on Friday nights,

170 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER with matches most weekends. We tionally well-prepared for the final, have a committed group of coaches but the young Fethard team were working with our players at these never going to be beaten easily. At ages including Polly Murphy, Paul half-time we led 7-0 through a Paudie Scully, Alasdair McDonald, Michael Feehan try and conversion, but we McCormack, Packie Harrington, and knew we had to up our performance Paul Kavanagh. We are also delight- in the second half as Waterpark had ed to have two of our senior team a strong breeze. Although we fought players involved in mini coaching hard to set up Micheál Gaynor – Nigel O’Connell and Kevin Hayes. for another try in the second half, The Under 13 team completed Waterpark never gave up and scored the double in May with a magnifi- a fine try which led to a nail-biting cent performance to beat Waterpark final fifteen minutes. Fethard held in the East Munster Cup final, hav- out to win 12 points to 7 and cre- ing already secured a League win ated history for our young club in earlier in the season. Great credit is what was a great game of rugby due to coaches Paul Kavanagh, Liam enjoyed by a large attendance. We O’Dwyer and Danny Keogh for their also wish continued success to this efforts with this group of players. Our season’s Under 13 squad under the path to the final included great wins direction of Martin Murphy, John over Galbally and a much bigger Smullen, Hugh O’Connor and Shane Nenagh side. Waterpark were excep- Ivors.

Munster & Ireland rugby player Keith Earls was a special guest at the Summer Rugby Camp in Fethard during July. Pictured with Keith are Harry Butler, Patrick Scully and Iain Harrington. 171 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

Our Under 15 team had a mixed big gaps in their season but when season with some great wins on they did get to play they had some the way. This team was made up great matches and played with great mainly of Under 14s but they played skill in very close games. Pat Walsh above their age showing great com- did a lot of work on his own with mitment and spirit along the way. this team, helped on match days by Our thanks to Conor Murray, James Tommy Morgan. Their end-of-season Hayde and Pat O’Donnell who pro- paint balling venture was a great vided great support and direction success, with more than a few bruis- to this group of boys. Our Under es to prove it! Pat O’Donnell and 15 season ended with a very enjoy- Tony Fitzgerald took over the Under able wind surfing trip to Bunmahon 17 team for the 2010-2011 season – with ideal weather conditions and best of luck. a great BBQ afterwards. Our Under Somebody once said that box- 15 squad for the 2010-2011 sea- ing is like ballet, except there’s no son is a formidable group, and we music, no choreography, and the wish them every success under the dancers hit each other. That’s just guidance of Liam O’Dwyer, Conor how it was one fine July evening Murray, and Danny Keogh. in The Ballroom. Our Boxing Night The Under 17 team had a very fundraiser, organised by Paul Scully broken 2010-2011 season between to enable ongoing development at inclement weather and the compe- the Community Sportsfield, was a tition not finishing on time. This left great success. Nine matches took

Matthew Tynan lands a straight right on Shane Kavanagh during their match at the Boxing Night Fundraiser in July. This match ended in a draw. 172 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER place on the night, each one as Community Sportsfield with fellow entertaining as the next, with most Munster and Ireland star, Conor of the boxers coming from the club’s Murray. Keith and Conor were our own senior rugby team. We are very special guests when they helped grateful to all those who supported out with the Summer Rugby Camp the event on the night, to those who in July, which was a great treat for sponsored individual boxers, and to the club. With both players eager- the many local companies who pro- ly awaiting news of their eventual vided much needed assistance. We selection for the Ireland World Cup also extend our thanks to Dr. John team, it was a great opportunity for Gillman and all the medical staff on our young players to meet their standby, to the Ballroom Committee idols. They answered plenty of other for making the venue available, and tough questions, signed autographs, to our ‘Master of Ceremonies’ Miceál played some games, and posed for McCormack. Of course, the event photographs. We are very grateful to just wouldn’t have been possible Keith, Conor, and the staff at Munster without the boxers themselves, each Branch for helping to make this such of whom gave absolutely everything an enjoyable event. on the night. Participation in Tag rugby con- On the playing field, our sen- tinues to grow across the country, a ior players continued to lay foun- trend that is reflected in our own lit- dations in the 2010–2011 season tle patch of countryside. The sport is which will surely pay off in the attracting an increasing number of coming seasons. They reached the ladies, perhaps because it is a non- final of the Casey Cup and the play- contact game. In October, Patricia off stages of the Gleeson League Fitzgerald led a crew of 27 ladies – a great return for a team that only into the Community Sportsfield for started in 2009. For the 2010-2011 an eight-week program of Tag and season we are delighted to have fitness training under the expert eye the coaching support of Ed Leamy of Tony Fitzgerald. Tony has drafted which will bring an additional edge in Matthew Fitzgerald to help with to match preparation. We wish con- the Tag, and Tommy Sheehan to tinued success to the team and Paul help with the fitness routines. Many Kavanagh, and express our thanks to of this group of ladies came from Liam Hayes for his medical support. the Gaelic4Mothers scene which Did you know that Munster and was active through the summer Ireland star Keith Earls was learn- months. This is interesting because ing the electrical trade before he both Gaeilc4Mothers and Tag are made it big in rugby? Apparently, intended to be non-contact sports – that’s what some of our young play- an aspect of both games which we ers found out when he visited the hear is sometimes overlooked! We’d

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As the referee sounded the final whistle, the Fethard Under 13 team celebrate their win over Waterpark in the East Munster Cup Final on Friday 29th April 2011. like to build on this in the coming to visiting teams. Every year, parents seasons, and would welcome even dig deep to support our fundraising greater participation from ladies in efforts, without which we could not the future. survive. Our patrons are too many Involvement of parents in the to mention, but a huge ‘Thank You’ club is central to our mission. So we goes to all who have helped the Club were delighted to have a representa- through our first ten years. Many tive from Munster Rugby join us in small and large businesses in the October to give parents an introduc- locality have helped us greatly, espe- tion to the rules of the game, and to cially our friends at Coolmore and help them get involved in training Photostation. We are grateful too for drills. This was a very enjoyable the support we receive from staff event that helped many parents – at Primus and Susanna Manton’s particularly those who are new to Solicitors. The last word of thanks the sport – get a better understand- goes to Ted Cummins for the work ing of the game. he does every week to keep the club On a final note, the Fethard & grounds looking so well. District Rugby Club committee We are a community club, play- thank all our players, parents and ing host to visiting teams most week- patrons for their support through ends over the winter months. The 2011. Our players are our ambassa- Club would like to extend an open dors through their good conduct on invite to everyone to join us in the and off the field of play. Our parents Community Sportsfield for training help in so many ways, whether it’s and match days to support the play- through their cheers from the touch- ers - entrance is always free, and you line, or through the catering, refresh- can be assured of a warm welcome, ments and hospitality they provide and some great displays of rugby. ◉ 174 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER New Tourist Guide Service for Fethard new tourist ‘guiding’ busi- as the finest example of a medieval Aness, known as ‘Backs to walled town in Ireland. the Wall Tours’, has been estab- Group Guiding Service lished in Fethard by two enterpris- ‘Backs to the Wall Tours’ will ini- ing locals, Colm McGrath and Terry tially be a guide service for organised Cunningham, both of whom have groups who wish to visit and enjoy a long involvement in the tourism the story and ambience of the town. and local history The town is very scene. Details unusual in hav- of the services ing nearly all its offered can be Wall still standing seen on www. and also having backstothewall- its 800 year old tours.com and Norman church it is planned and 700 year to adapt and old Augustinian expand the ser- Abbey still in cur- vice in response rent use. to market But it will be demand in the the story of the years ahead. town, rather than Colm is the detailed his- the current tory, that the visi- Chairperson and tor will experi- Terry the PRO ence, as the motto of the Fethard on their public- Historical ity says, ‘Tours that Colm McGrath and Terry Cunningham Society, a group bring history to that has worked for over twenty life, not bore you to death’. years to get state funds and official So all types of groups – be they recognition for this unique town. social clubs, work groups, parish The Town Wall has now been com- groups, as well as tourist coach tours, pletely surveyed and conserved will be able to spend a few hours vis- (with funds from the Heritage iting the town. Hopefully some will Council) and a new Historic Town stay on for food and entertainment Signage System was erected dur- and also stay over in the many fine ing 2011 (with funds from Fáilte guesthouses in the area. Ireland and South Tipperary County For 2012, the ‘Backs to the Wall Council). Fethard is now recognised Tours’ will also target school groups

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from both primary and secondary working with Teagasc last Christmas schools from within a fifty mile radi- and is now initiating his own tour- us of Fethard. The school tours will ism and food related projects and involve some re-enactment, games his www.foodinseason.ie website is and role-play and will dovetail with being developed to further his own the schools’ programmes in history, individual enterprises. geography and related areas. Great Support It is planned also to have some The ‘Backs to the Wall Tours’ duo ‘fixed-time’ tours (at least one set have got great help and support time per week) during holiday peri- for their new venture from many ods to cater for visitors and locals quarters and in fact the guide ser- who are not part of a group but who vice could not function without this wish to join a guided tour of the co-operation. Holy Trinity Church of town. Time and dates of these walka- Ireland and the Augustinian Abbey bouts will be posted on the Backs to have given every facility, while the the Wall Tours website. Community Council is also assisting The two promoters through its facilities and informa- The partners in this new venture tion service. bring with them a wealth of experi- Of course, but for the work and ence that will ensure that a ‘Backs funding of the Heritage Council and to the Wall’ visit to Fethard will live South Tipperary County Council long in the memory. and especially the huge effort of Colm McGrath, a native of the Fethard Tidy Towns group , there Rathkenny, has worked in the ‘guid- would not be any tourism product ing business’ for many years, both fit to show to any visitor. in Dublin and here in Tipperary and Colm and Terry would like also for the past few years he has pro- to thank the other members of the moted his other tourism and activ- Historical Society for their help, ity businesses via his website, www. especially Mary Hanrahan who has tipptours.com. Colm’s known acting set and maintained a very high and historical re-enacting skills will guiding standard for all the visiting also be used in the new ‘Backs to ‘guest’ groups who have come to the Wall’ tours, especially with the the town over the years. school and educational groups. Information and Contact Terry Cunningham, as well as The ‘Backs to the Wall Tours’ ser- his local history involvement, has vice can be checked out on www. worked professionally for over backstothewalltours.com, and twenty years with Teagasc on rural contact can be made by emailing tourism and artisan food develop- [email protected] or by phoning ment in Tipperary and the other five Colm on 086 3502360 or Terry on south-eastern counties. Terry ceased 086 3905373. ◉ 176 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER Wedding Bells and All Ireland Finals

Toss-School in Lisronagh in the 1960s L to R: Paddy Markley, Pat O’Mara, Tom Purcell, Donal Slattery, Dick Smith, Mick Norris, Mattie Slattery and Johnny Smith. eptember is my favourite Every summer Sunday afternoon Smonth of the year here on we would gather in the home of Eastern Long Island. After Labour Andy and Nell O’Donnell and listen Day the crowds who flock here to Miceál O Hehir’s vivid commen- to swim and surf in the Atlantic taries on the match of the day. The waves and sunbathe on our beauti- great players of the time were famil- ful beaches have left like migrating iar to us despite being too young to birds. The beach parties, clam bakes have been to a big match. Hurlers and cocktail parties are over for like Jimmy Langton, Christy Ring, another Hampton season. Mother Tommy Doyle and ‘Inky’ Flaherty. In Nature pays an overnight visit and football some of the big names were adjusts the temperature by 10-12 Mick Higgins, Paddy Bawn Brosnan, degrees to give what we year round- Sean Flanagan and ‘the man with er’s in Amagansett refer to as ‘great the cap’ – Peter McDermott. sleeping weather’. One broadcast in particular In September also, my thoughts stands out from the rest, when turn to Ireland being the month of Cavan and Kerry played the 1947 the all Ireland finals. My love affair final in the Polo Grounds, New York. with these great sporting events goes We were spellbound to hear Miceál back to my childhood in Lisronagh. O Hehir’s voice from three thou-

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sand miles away fading in and out Champagne corks were now pop- as he described Dinny Lyne of Kerry ping and lunch of nachos, guaca- and John Joe O’Reilly of Cavan lead mole and quesadillas was set out. In the teams in parade behind the New the midst of it all, my nephew Henry York Police band. The game was O’Mara from Lisronagh and long- played on a rock hard pitch in swel- time friends Joe and Miriam Lillis tering heat with Cavan winning this from Hamden Connecticut arrived historic final on a score of 2-11 to 2-7. with an urgency that spelled, ‘Let’s I have been to many finals watch the game’. We were just in over the years. I have listened to time to see President Mary McAleese broadcasts in Kilburn, Cricklewood, greet the players in the pre-game Camden Town, Toronto, Hartford, ceremony. My watching the game New Haven and San Francisco. In was constantly interrupted by the 70s live telecasts to the USA calls for my assistance. I was lucky began and nowadays, thanks to the enough however to catch Kevin miracle that is the internet, I can McMenamin’s goal that sparked have Michael Lyster and his panel Dublin’s comeback and sent them bring me the GAA action of the day on the road to victory. The game live in my own home every Sunday was over, the limousines were wait- morning. ing and shortly afterwards we were When our daughter Justine on our way to the wedding. It was chose September 18 this year for a happy, joyful and emotional day her wedding it posed quite a dilem- and so gratifying to see old friends ma for me. Why, that’s All Ireland united, new friendships made as the Sunday! Wasn’t that supposed to be partying went on till the late hours. my special day? The activity and ten- It was close to midnight when we sion on the morning of a wedding returned home and rest and sleep would surely not accommodate were badly needed. A reception for watching an All Ireland. So, I resolved the relatives, neighbours and out-of- to put it out of my mind till the end town guests was scheduled in our of the day and watch a delayed tel- home the following day so viewing ecast on ‘The Sunday Game’ when the football final would have to wait. the celebrating was over. It was not until Wednesday after- From early morning the phone noon when my wife Lucy and I drove rang continuously and by eleven my sister Sally and husband Michael o’clock the house was a hive of Somers from Clonmel, to the ferry activity. Flower arrangements were at Orient Point, did the entertaining delivered, a hairdresser and beauti- come to an end. We came home to cian set up their tables, four beautiful a house that had rung with laughter bridesmaids arrived and a photogra- and camaraderie for three days and pher snapped his lens by the minute. was now strangely silent. The lines

178 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER from Thomas Moore’s ‘Oft in the Stilly records made. In 1953 when Armagh Night’ couldn’t be more fitting had Kerry on the ropes a penal- “…I feel like one who treads ty miss by Bill McCorry saw their alone, some banquet hall deserted hopes of a first title disappear. When whose lights are fled, whose garlands Kevin Mussen and Down footballers dead and all but he departed”. carried the Sam Maguire Cup over Later on that evening I watched the border for the first time in 1960 the All Ireland, in blissful solitude a new era in Gaelic Football began. and was of course thrilled at gal- Seamus Darby’s goal in the dying lant Tipperary minors winning the minutes of the 1982 final denied Tom Markham cup. The Dubs were Kerry of a five in a row record. And champions now and Kerry was what about 2011? Well that is an back home, wondering how they let easy one! Stephen Cluxton’s point- it all slip away. ed free kick on the call of time on Great All Irelands are defined by the day Justine O’Mara was married memorable moments, great scores, in East Hampton, New York. ◉ great misses, records broken and Jimmy O’Mara

Class reunion of 1974 photographed in Fethard Arms in January 1991. Back L to R: Liam O’Dwyer, Ian Cooke, Willie Phelan. Middle L to R: Lisa Rice, Sara Carey, Orla Broderick, Cecilia Walsh, John Hackett. Front: Michael Barry. 179 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

World Champions down under by Sandra Ryan n April 2007, six of my friends jumped at the chance and took it. It Iand I got a one-year working was joining The Coast which made holiday visa to Australia. We arrived staying in Australia easier because in Sydney in 2007 and within a there was such a close network few hours of landing we visited the of ex-pats on the team and they local bar and were recruited by fel- became my family away from home. low Irish to play I have now Gaelic football played five sea- and camogie sons with The for The Central Coast and by Coast GAA Club. being part of this We were keen to team I have won meet new peo- over 30 medals ple so five of us between camo- decided to join. gie and football When we through the arrived at train- league, cham- ing everyone was pionship, pre- very welcoming season and post- and friendly so season competi- we instantly had tions. Both codes 20-30 new friends. have worked The team bonded and trained very well off the pitch Marie Keating and Sandra Ryan with the Cup hard to develop which was reflect- for the International Rules 2011 individually and ed on the pitch. In as a team. We my first year playing with The Coast have also been very lucky to have we managed to win the League and Eoin Moynihan (Cork) coaching Championship for both Camogie the football for the last five seasons and Gaelic Football and the winning as well as Adrian Murphy (Wexford) streak has continued since then. and Philip Ryan (Tipperary) lead- The girls and my best friends ing us for camogie. who came to Australia with me, I’ve also had the privilege of rep- moved back to Ireland after their resenting NSW (New South Wales) one-year visa expired but I was in The GAA State Games in 2008 (in lucky enough to be offered a com- Adelaide) and 2011 (in Brisbane) pany sponsored visa which would for Gaelic football and also in allow me to remain and work in Camogie in 2011. Gaelic and camo- Australia for a further four years. I gie have developed a lot over the

180 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER last few years in Australia. Especially cality of the game that I loved. since the recession has increased The club I got involved with the immigration of Irish to Australia. was the Bondi Shamrocks. When I In 2008 the GAA joined forces decided to join them there was no with the AFL (Australian Football club, it was just an idea. Three girls, League) to start the annual one from Ireland, one from New Compromised Rules competition. Zealand and one from Australia This is a combination of Gaelic got together and came up with the Football and AFL, also known as concept of recruiting Gaelic girls to International rules. This was where play AFL. They asked me to come I got my first taste of AFL. After the on board the committee to help competition I got talking to some set it up along with a few other girls girls who said they were setting up from the Gaelic. There was a lot of an Irish based AFL team and they work to do but everyone was enthu- asked if I was interested in joining. siastic and keen to get the club off I had never even seen a game but the ground, although all the enthu- after playing compromised rules I siasm would have been a waste if it thought I might enjoy it. AFL is simi- wasn’t for the generosity of the City lar to Gaelic football in many ways of Sydney RSL Club who came on but a lot more physical. It is played board as our major sponsor and has with an oval ball on an oval pitch remained our sponsor since then. but the main difference is you’re In November and December allowed to tackle. It was the physi- 2008 we began recruiting players,

Bondi Shamrocks in the St Patricks Day Parade 2009

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2011 NSW State AFL Team designed jerseys and organised the from each of the teams in prepara- paperwork involved in running a tion for the National Championship club. We began training in January. which were to be held in Adelaide The Sydney weather is amazing in in 2011. The TPP involved train- January so our pre-season training ing, fitness tests and skill tests. was done Saturday morning at 9am Professional AFL players such as on Coogee Beach. It was a great way Nick Davis and Ryan O’Keefe from to introduce the new girls to the the Sydney Swans have come to team and learn the rules. The soft training sessions to give us advice sand also helped with the tackling on kicking and tackling, etc. In 2011 practice. the TPP squad was dropped from 52 The Shamrocks have recruited players to 33 players and then dis- backpackers from all over the world banded. The remaining players were such as Ireland, Australia, England, then under review for the NSW State Germany, Canada, America, Scotland AFL team to compete in the AFL to name a few. In our first season the National Championships in June. Shamrocks reached the semi-finals A month before the competition and it was our Gaelic style of play I was lucky enough to be selected which helped us get there. on the NSW state team. I was one In 2010 SWAFL (Sydney Women’s of three Irish out of twenty-seven Australian Football League) set up players selected. All three Irish girls, the TPP (Talented Players Program) myself, Marie Keating from Limerick which was designed to develop and Una McKay from Tyrone were Women’s AFL by selecting players very honoured to be representing

182 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER the state we have lived in for the last Guinea and both an indigenous and few years. We came out Division 2 multicultural Australian team. The Champions which was the first time competition was very strong but NSW had won the Nationals. we managed to come out on top The AFL International Cup, which against each of the team in the is played every three years, was being rounds phase making us favourites held in Sydney and Melbourne in in the final against Canada. It was October 2011. The Shamrocks were a close game but Ireland was too to be hosts to the Irish Team (The strong and became the first ever Banshees) due to our Irish back- ‘World Champions’ in Women’s AFL. ground. They were in contact with AFL is Melbourne’s main sport. me asking if there were any Irish It is the equivalent of hurling in girls who would like to play with Tipperary, so the atmosphere and the team. I and another few of the organisation around the competition Irish Shamrock players joined forces was amazing. We had the privilege of with 15 girls who travelled from walking around the famous Etihad Ireland to represent our country in Stadium in Melbourne in front of the first ever women’s AFL world a crowd of 36,000 at half time. The cup. We competed against five Banshees have since returned home teams: Canada, America, Papua New and won the European cup. ◉

John Ryan’s Irish Junior Set Dancing classes, October 1991. Back: Fiona Conway, R. O’Donnell, Mary Doyle, Sharon Burke, C. Harvey, Katie White, B. Cloonan, Carina Condon, Kerry Ryan, Jennifer Keane. 3rd. Row: Susan McCormack, Aoife Nagle, Marie O’Meara, Siobhán White, Edwina McGrath, C. Lawless, Ann Looney, Tara Ryan. 2nd Row: Orla Nagle, Pamela Sharpe, Marissa Roche, Eleanor Roche, Melissa Rochford, Sandra Ryan, Eimear Fogarty, Heather Ryan. Front : Marcella Myler, Audrey Conway, Ann Marie Myler, Eimear Gahan, Evelyn Fogarty, Mary Costello and Amanda Ryan. 183 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Memories of my Grandmother

L to R: Margaret Joyce, Marian Sheehan, Nancy Sheehan and Eddie Sheehan, St. Patrick’s Place 1968 n New Year’s Eve 2010 bounds! One of their most memo- Omy grandmother Nancy rable escapades took place on a Sheehan (nee Butler) passed away winter’s afternoon as they cycled out at the age of 87. Nan was born in to Coleman woods. The Garda on number 2 Kerry Street, the young- duty at the time noticed they didn’t est of eight children, named Willie, have lights on their bikes and both Cathy, Mem, Cis, Edmond, Dickie, sets of parents had to pay a fine of Maggie and Nan. Their parents were 5 shillings at the time. Another time Edmond and Margaret Butler. Her when Nan was courting Granddad dad was recruiting officer and sec- and Nellie was courting Henry retary for the British Legion and her Heffernan they were walking along mother worked in Fethard Laundry the railway line, and the story goes and reared pigs as well! Everyone that Henry had a lovely new brown loved calling to number 2 Kerry suit on and his hands in the pockets Street and before leaving the cosy walking along when he slipped and Butler home, all callers would have rolled down the embankment, well a full belly (and a haircut if needed the laughing could be heard all – thanks to Nan’s dad). over, especially Granddad who had Amongst Nan’s friends were a real hearty laugh. That day was Nellie Shine from Congress Terrace always a topic of fond recollection and May Watts from the Green. whenever they would meet. Their adventures together knew no Nan and Granddad met at a

184 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER dance at the Fethard Town Hall. He dren, Phyllis, Eddie, my father Pat was Edmond Sheehan from Red and Marian. Nan would bring them City and his parents Edmond and up to Red City, setting drills for car- Bridget. He had one sister called rots and beet, They were happy Alice and three brothers, Tom, John times. Granddad had a bad acci- and Paddy. The brothers were farm- dent soon after their marriage and ers and also ran a sand and gravel hence Nan would turn her hand to pit. There was anything to help always music with the finances. in the Red City My uncle Eddie home and every recalls that Nan Sunday was a and Kitty Mackey ritual for fam- would do the ily and friends washing for as they gathered Duffy’s Circus for a session that whenever their would last until show arrived the twilight hours. into town. The Nan and going rate was a Granddad were shilling per shirt married on 29 but ‘extra dirty’ September 1941. shirts had to be Nan told me that re-negotiated to Granddad gave 1 shilling and 6 a half crown on pence per shirt. their wedding Nan was a day and they member of the spent the day in ICA for years and Clonmel after- loved everything Marian Sheehan and her dog ‘Pepsi’ wards. They lived about it, the flow- in Kerry Street, Market Hill, Lakefield er arranging, baking etc. She and and Barne after they got married – Granddad grew the best of fruit and moving wherever the work was. I was vegetables, which they’d share out told that Nan begged Granddad to amongst the family and what was take the job in Barne as there was left Nan would use to make tarts an ass and cart going with it and and jams. Nan also worked In the Nan could use it for shopping trips dispensary for many years and knit to Clonmel and to the creamery in Aran jumpers that were made to Clerihan. order. Granddad kept greyhounds They settled down in St Patrick’s and often brought the best of the Place, Fethard and had four chil- litter to the Clonmel track for a race.

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Nancy Sheehan with her son Pat in pram, Philly and Eddie, Kerry Street 1957. He loved dogs and would keep sev- Nan loved the summer time, the eral in his run. minute she would see the sun shine As kids we loved Nan’s house in the whole family would be drafted St. Patricks Place. There was always in for a trip to Tramore. We used to something on the go like jam mak- go down to Ma O’Brien’s chalet for ing for the Friday market or her two weeks in the summer. We often special ‘orange peel’ scones in the laugh now at the amount of people oven. She was an amazing cook and that would fit in the van/car. In later nobody ever left her home hungry. years Nan would go to Carne beach She kept lodgers too, past employ- in Wexford with the senior citizens ees of the group homes and they of Fethard, accompanied by my become friends of the family to this aunt Philly. day. She was also great with the sew- Granddad used to go down ing machine and turned Marian’s Rocklow way where Leonards would Confirmation suit into a dungarees auction trees. The men would pick for me. We’d love it when parcels the trees they wanted prior to the would arrive from Nellie in England auction ensuring that no one would as they would include dresses and bid against them, so they usually got t-shirts. We thought we were great,, the wood for the ‘right’ price. The big- and we couldn’t wait to get them on. gest problem then was getting the

186 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER timber home. Luckily Granddad got and they’d spend the whole day on well with the local Abbey priests together. It was nice for them to who gave him the use of a pony have each other to share so many and trap to take home the felled memories. When Nan passed away timber. Other than that, the ‘lancey she had 13 grandchildren and 14 cart’ would have to come out to great-grandchildren. We miss her so bring home the timber. That meant much. We all loved staying with her the involvement of several help- and hearing the stories of her life in ers – Peter Napier, Nelly Fitzgerald, Fethard. She had lovely neighbours Josie McCarthy and Kitty Mackey to in St Patrick’s Place, Mary Mullins name a few . On being one of one occasion them, they were coming home very good friends. through Grove Nan got the send- the wheels gave off she deserved, way under the the ceremony in ‘lancey cart’ the Abbey was which led to a beautiful with her most famous grandson Eddie quote from Kitty, singing. The “Oh most sacred choir sang some heart of Jesus Christmas carols will we ever which was lone- make it back to some but lovely. St Patrick’s Place”. Nan would have These were hard loved it. She’d but good times in always sing along Fethard. with the choir In February at Mass. At her Pat Sheehan photographed with his mother Nancy in 1993 Granddad St. Patrick’s Place, Fethard. graveside Eddie passed away and sang with my sis- Marian (their daughter) died in ter Julie-Ann and Nan’s great-grand- December of the same year. That was son Jack played the fiddle. It was a tough time on Nan and the whole just what she would have wanted. I family. She was very lonesome after had a beautiful image of Nan and them, but her home was never empty Granddad clapping away as they for family and friends. She was the listened on . . . head of the whole family and looked Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam after and cared so much about them. dilis (may her faithful soul be at the Nan loved to go visit her sister-in-law right hand of God). ◉ Nora Butler on Sundays in Garrinch Melanie Woodlock (nee Sheehan)

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Mrs Murray’s Emporium by John Lee haven’t thought about Mrs commenced trading in the mid IMurray’s shop in decades. Her 1950s - I don’t remember my life one-woman enterprise was located before Mrs Murray’s shop. Bill and about 300 yards from our house Mrs Murray didn’t have any children and half way on the road between of their own and even as a small Kiltinan Barracks and Killusty vil- child I was for some reason very lage. The tiny shop was just inside the aware of this fact. Her husband Bill, front door of her single storey cot- who was a tallish stern man, didn’t tage and included an adjacent front say much but my father seemed to window. The front door was always like and have respect for him. Bill open providing access and essential voted Fianna Fail and he kept his light for her customers. The window trap shut. These attributes - and in provided illumination behind her particular keeping one’s trap shut, counter. Her retail space was stolen seemed to be a very important meas- and separated from her kitchen with ure of a man’s value to my father. a lightweight unpainted hard-board In her shop the high level shelves door and partition “skilfully erected” were covered in an overhanging oil by her husband Bill. The dividing cloth which was cut in a fancy chev- screen was quite tall – from a child’s ron pattern. As her business devel- point of view anyway. The partition oped she would purchase and dis- did not reach the ceiling and apart play her more exotic stock offering from supporting wooden shelves, on these high level shelves – well gave her husband Bill the privacy he spaced out tins of Luster Fruit and craved. It did, however, allow him an less well spaced tins of Bachelor’s opportunity to know what was going peas. There mustn’t have been much on in his wife’s shop. demand for exotic canned fruits in I can’t remember what Mrs our area because I kept a very tight Murray’s first name was – as children eye on the Luster Fruit and it never we simply called her Missus! She her- ever moved. From time to time she self was a smallish plump woman also seemed to have big square tin and always wore an old fashioned boxes of loose biscuits – the biscuits faded blue sleeveless wrap-around were bagged on demand and sold apron with a flat red piping around by weight in either 4 or 8 ounce lots. the edges. This particular dress style The fastest moving commercial wasn’t common in our area and stock included a variety of ciga- it marked her out as being an out- rettes in packets of ten – Woodbines, sider - she was originally from near Players and Sweet Afton. She also Drangan which was about seven supplied matches. Maguire & miles away. Her business must have Patterson was the particular brand of

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Mrs. Murray’s old home - now alas without the shop and somewhat modernised! that time. Her supply in matches was Murray and what he described as irregular. On a few occasions when her kip of a shop! I was dispatched for a packet of ten What we knew as “white grinder Sweet Afton and a box of matches, bread” was another item of choice. my return without the matches, espe- For sound health, safety reasons and cially when my father was working transport purposes each loaf pur- up the fields and well away from chased was wrapped carefully in an the house and “dying for a smoke”, out of date newspaper. Paraffin oil was filled with trepidation. On being was also stocked and from time to informed about the matches he time its smell pervaded the entire would tear open the cigarettes and shop (and the bread). For her young- place one in his mouth. I was always er clientele she sold hard toffee impressed by this act of optimism sweets and fizz bags. Fizz bags were and would relax a small bit – he an appalling concentration of col- must know something that I didn’t. oured sugar with a toffee lolly pop He would then begin to shake his enclosed for licking when dipped coat for the rattle of some previously into the sugar. My teeth are still pay- undiscovered box of matches. This ing the price for my love of fizz bags! would be followed by removing the As a child, I was particularly unlit cigarette from his mouth and aware of buns (small cakes in the a frantic search of each individual language of today’s grocers), deliv- coat and trouser pocket. Failing to ered twice every week by a bread find any match or any way to light man wearing a brown shop coat and his cigarette, the contents of the top a battered soft hat. The bread man pocket would be forensically exam- drove a small green van with the ined in the vague hope of even one lettering “CBC BAKERY” on the side. solitary match. The longer and more The van regularly passed our house obviously futile the search became, and my older brother Jody, who was the more he would lambaste Mrs a class above me in school, told

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me that CBC stood for the Central house was totally deserted. I was Bakery Cahir. I didn’t really care a little afraid, and I also knew that one way or the other for his cryptic I was too small to stay on my own prowess as my interest was in the so I headed for Mrs Murray’s shop. buns themselves and not in their I told her my sad story and she provenance. I admired those buns immediately brought me into her enormously. They were displayed in little kitchen and made tea for me. a very flat brown box on top of Mrs To my absolute delight she then trot- Murray’s little counter. Normally I ted off and got me a bun from the could just about see the side of the flat brown box on the counter. It was box. Sometimes, if Mrs Murray was a square black bun – I now know delayed in the kitchen, I could put it was a Chester cake. It would not my toe on a skirting board fixed to have been my ideal choice – I really the front of the counter and using admired the buns with the cream, my elbows climb up a little higher jam and the two little vertical wings than usual. Once while trying this on top. It didn’t occur to me, or as I tricky manoeuvre I slipped and fell like to recall, I was too polite to ask in a heap on the floor making a bit for an exchange. In any event, this of a clatter. On hearing the noise was turning out to be a great expe- Mrs Murray rushed out to find me rience. I now had a lovely hot cup stretched on the floor – I had to tell of tea and a bun before me - with her that I was after having a bad no distractions and no competition turn. I had heard that Tom Greer, an from hungry older brothers. It was old man who lived up the road, had a private moment of pure pleasure. had several of these bad turns in I took a bite from my black bun - it recent weeks. They seemed to be a was a little hard, but I could manage common enough complaint so why that, so I kept on going and had a few shouldn’t I have one. In any event more bits and filled my mouth. I now the risk of falling was always worth really needed the tea to wash this it as the small additional elevation black bun excess down. I took a right allowed me to get a fleeting glimpse good drink of the tea and I couldn’t of the tops of the buns. They were believe it, no sugar! That was the end an unbelievable sight to me but of my private party - there and then I utterly outside my modest purchas- got up and left Mrs Murray’s kitchen. ing power. Even today I can still remember One day, however, when I was still what I was thinking on the way very small, my older cousin Margaret home to my mother – Mrs Murray gave me a ride home from Killusty has no children of her own and she School on the carrier of her bicycle. doesn’t know that children take lots As a result I must have been a bit of sugar in their tea. ◉ early coming home because our John Lee

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L to R: Willie Leahy, Mickey Fitzgerald, Kathleen Leahy and her mother Mrs (Margaret) Leahy.

Paddy Murray and Jack Halley

191 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Donations Received 2011 Acknowledged below are donations (€10 and over) received from readers and organisations up to 30th November 2011. We would also like to thank all those who wished to remain anonymous. Aherne, Joan (Murphy), Clondalkin, Dublin Colville, Anthony, Essex, England Allen, Vincent, Edenderry Colville, Tony & Maeve (O’Shea), Tullamore Anglim Joan, The Valley, Fethard Comerford, Esther (Nevin), Kilkenny Arkell, Joan (O’Donnell), Warwick, UK Connolly, Thomas, Essex UK Armstrong, Monica (Dwyer), Northampton UK Connolly, William & Dorothy, The Green, Fethard Ashby, Dennis, Chatham, Kent, UK Cooney, Tom, New York Augustinian Abbey, Fethard Cord, J., Sussx, England Aylward, Christy, Clonmel Corr, Patrick Michael, Australia Aylward, Mrs. Mary, Bray, Co. Wicklow Cummins, Joan (Sayers), Cashel Aylward, Tony & Paula, Naas Cummins, Liam, Clonmel Barnes, Frances (O’Halloran) Kent, UK Cummins, Michael, Yorkshire Barrett, Angela (McCarthy), Ardfinnan Cummins, Mrs. R., Hemel Hempstead, UK Barry, Fr. Michael, Borrisoleigh Curran, Timmy, Welwyn Garden City, UK Barry, Michael, Kilkenny Curtin, Jacqueline (Moloney), Stillorgan Barry, Rose (Ryan), Lismore Curtin, Rena (McGrath) Kilkenny Barry, Seamus, Tullamaine, Fethard Daly, Roger, Fethard Oil Berry, Geraldine (Heffernan), La Castera, France Dalton, Mrs. M., Howard Beach, N.Y. Bowers, Mary, Portlaw, Co. Waterford Darcy, Mrs Phil, Kent, England Bradley, Tess (Fogarty), West Sussex, UK Davey, Catherine (O’Connor), Penzance, Cornwall Bradshaw, Mattie, Ardfinnan Dawson, Sheila (Cummins), Gloucester, UK Bramley, Anna (Skehan), New South Wales Delaney, Catherine (Bergin), Castlerea Brett, Rosie (Bradshaw) Clonmel Dineen, James, California USA Broderick, Nell and Paddy, Kilnockin Rd, Fethard Dineen, Lory, Tramore Burke, Eamonn & Nora, Tralee, Co. Kerry Dixon, Patrick, Enniscorthy Burke, James, San Francisco, USA Doheny, Noel & Marion (Fitzgerald), Ealing, UK Burke, Joanne, Dublin Dunne, Patricia (O’Dwyer), Newcastle West Burke, Mary, Thurles Dunphy, Deborah (Guiry), Dunhill, Co. Waterford Burke, Richard, Gleneleamy, Clonmel Evans, Bob & Karin, Germany Butler, Mike, Limerick City Everard, Richard, Holland Butler, Sean, Lisronagh Fahey, Betty (Bradshaw), Clonmel Byard, Dr. Donal, New Jersey, USA Fahy, Brigid (O’Dwyer), New York Byrne Healy, Peg, New Jersey USA Fergus Sheila, Congers, New York Byrne, John, Ballincollig, Cork Fethard & Killusty Community CES Byrne, Lelia, Middlesex, UK Fethard & Killusty Community Council Byrne, Michael, Wellington, New Zealand Fethard 1978-1984 Football Teams Byrnes, George, Texas, USA Fethard Bridge Club Cantrill, Alan and Hazel (Mackey), Burton-on-Trent Fethard Community Ballroom Ltd Canty, Mary (Casey) Tramore Fethard Country Market Carrigan, Lucy, Brooklyn, New York Fethard Girl Guides Caruana, J.P. George J., Kensington NSW Fethard Historical Society Casey, Rosemarie, Wimbledon, London Fethard ICA, Cassidy, Maura (Stokes), Dublin 6 Fethard Legion of Mary Cathie, Alice (Mulcahy) Hants UK Fethard Scouts 27th Troup Clark, Rita, San Mateo USA Fitzgerald-Ryan, Denis & Sheena, Middlesex, UK Clear, Margaret (Gough) California USA Fitzgerald, Con, Bradford Coady, Johnie & Mary, Dorset, England. Fitzgerald, Jimmy, Fenit, Co. Kerry Coady, Marie (Burke) Ninemilehouse, Carrick Fitzgerald, Michael & Mary, Crampscastle, Fethard Coady, Michael & Elizabeth, Manchester Fitzgerald, Ollie, Leicestershire, UK Collins, Olivia (Schofield), Templemore Fitzgerald, Paddy, Gwersyllt, Wrexham UK

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Fitzgerald, Patrick, Blaby, Leicester UK Maher, John & Anne, Texas, USA Fitzgerald, Tony, Clonmel Maher, Mary (O’Donovan), Moyne Fitzpatrick, Jo Beatty, Long Island, NY Major (RIP), Betty (Shine) Surrey UK Fitzpatrick, Thomas, Woodlawn, New York Marshall, Frank, Kilkenny Flanagan, Frank & Rita (Fitzgerald), Bristol,UK Marshall, Tom & Patricia, Portlaoise Flanagan, Tony, London W5 Martley, Sr. Margaret, Cork Flynn, Denis, Redhill, Surrey McCarthy, Don, Leixlip, Co. Kildare Fogarty, John & Veronica, Garrinch, Fethard McCormack Sheridan, Eileen, Naas, Co. Kildare Fox, Andy, Thurles McCormack, Michael, Luton Beds, England Frewen, Willie, Fenor, Co. Waterford McCormack, Thomas, Gwynedd, Wales Gibbs, Maria (Scanlan), Calgary, Canada McElroy Paula (Carey) Newry, Co. Down Gleeson, Pauline (Ryan), Boherlahan McLean, Arthur, Thompson, USA Gordon Morgan Dee, Michigan USA McNamara (RIP), Joe, Templemore, Co. Tipperary Gorski, Alice (Fitzgerald), Middlesex McNulty, Mary (Maher), Bedford, UK Grant Gerry, Blackrock, Dublin Meaney, James J., London SW19 Griffin, Ena, Herts, England Meaney, Michael, Ipswich, UK Grimson, Douglas, Queensland, Australia Meehan, Mrs Ellen, Oklahoma, USA Gunne, Sean, Clonmel Moloney, Patrick F., Bucks. UK Halley, John, Dublin 16 Moloney, Tom, Northampton UK Hanlon, Mary (Ryan), Dalky, Dublin Mooney, Anna (Skehan), Belfast Harkin, Jennifer (Cummins), Old Leighlin Moore, Mary (Gorey), Drogheda Hawe Biddy (McGarry) Kilmoganny, Co. Kilkenny Moran, Bro. James, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois Hayes, Canon Matthew, Bath, UK Morrissey, Billy, Herts. UK Hayes, Joe & Mossie, Rathcoole, Fethard Morrissey, Colm, Delgany, Co.Wicklow Hayes, John, Toronto, Canada Morrissey, J. J., Tralee, Co. Kerry Hayes, Willie, Roscrea Morrissey, Mary, Falcarragh, Co. Donegal Healy, Mary, The Green, Fethard Morrissey, Shaun, Cheshire UK Henehan, Paddy, Dublin 20 Morrissey, Teresa (McCarthy), Ballymacarby Hennessy, Mary (Smith), Middlesex, England Mullins, Denis, New Jersey Hetterley, David & Frances (Kenrick), Hereford Mullins, Paul, London Holloway PP, Fr. James, Pallasgreen Mullins, Vincent, North Yorks UK Hopkins, Mary (O’Connell) Victoria, Australia. Napier Frankie ‘Ringo’, The Green, Fethard Horan, Kevin & Lisa, Braintree, USA Neville, Michael, Cork Hunt, Maureen (Mackey), Staffordshire, UK Neville, Roger, Tullamore Jones, Mrs. Barbara, East Sussex Neville, Seamus, Tramore Kavanagh, Rena (Keyes), Waterford Nevin, Michael & Christina, Versailles, Kentucky Keane, Joe, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare Newport, Tony & Mary, Congress Tce, Fethard Keane, Joe, St. Patrick’s Place, Fethard Nichols, Betty (Dineen) Warwick UK Keane, John, Tullamore O’Brien, Mary (Kenrick), Limerick Keane, John & Catherine, Minnesota USA O’Brien, O.S.U. Sr. Margaret, Brussels, Belgium Keane, Patrick & Bridget (Carroll), Mass. USA O’Carroll, Lila, (McGrath) California Kearney, Breda, London, UK O’Connell-Binns, Katie, West Yorkshire, UK Kennedy, Fr. A.B., Portumna, Co. Galway O’Connell, Gabrielle (Hayes), Waterford Kenny, Billy & Carol, The Green, Fethard O’Connell, Jimmy, Hornchurch, Essex UK Kenrick, Paddy, Clonmel O’Connell, Mrs Freda, Scunthorpe Kevin OSU, Sr. Monica, New York O’Connell, Peg (Darcy), Basildon, Essex UK King, Eddie, Derbyshire, England O’Connell, Peter, Victoria, Australia Knight, Mai, Wantage, UK O’Connell, Sue & Jim, Halifax UK Leahy, Gerry, Kilkenny O’Connor OSA, Fr. John, Dungarvan Lee, John, Bishopstown, Cork O’Connor, Mary, Westport, Co. Mayo Leonard, Euna (Whyte), Cork O’Donnell, James, Tuckhoe, New York Lonergan’s Bar, The Square, Fethard O’Donnell, Anna (Mackey), Niles, Illinois, USA Looby, John & Patricia (Halloran) Surrey, UK O’Donnell, Jim, Minnesota, USA Lovatt-Dolan, Elizabeth (Quirke), Blackrock O’Donnell, Jimmy, Dublin 16 MacDermid, B. Walter, Silver Spring, MD, USA O’Donnell, Joe, Surrey, UK Mackay, Ann (Murphy), Devon, England O’Donnell, Liam, Glasnevin, Dublin 11 Mackey, Denise, London SW16 O’Donnell, Mary (O’Meara), Ontario, Canada

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O’Donnell, Michael, London N4 Shortman Mary (Quirke) Herts, England. O’Donnell, Tony, Dublin 9 Skehan, Helen, London O’Donovan, Gabrielle (Mackey), Carlow Skehan, Nicholas, Dublin O’Dwyer, Johnny, 3 Strylea, Fethard Skehan CSsR, Rev. William, Philippines O’Flynn, Patrick, Glen Ellyn, Illinois Slattery, Eva, Dublin 8 O’Flynn, Peggy, Ballincollig Slattery, William, Mitchelstown O’Hanrahan, Patrick, London W9 Smith, Robert, Norfolk, UK O’Hara, Catherine, Oxford, England. South Tipperary County Museum, Clonmel O’Keeffe, Larry & Helen (Cummins), Clonmel Squires, May (O’Dwyer) Essex O’Mahoney, Laura (Ward), Ballybay Stapleton, Martin & Rita (O’Grady), Dublin 7 O’Mara, Jimmy, New York Staunton, Rena (Stokes), London NW1 O’Meara Family, , Killusty Sullivan, John S., Highland Mills, New York O’Neill PP, Rt. Rev. Msgr. William, Savannah, USA Sweeney, Carol (Delahunty) Westminster, USA O’Reilly, Rita (Walsh), Dunadry, Co. Antrim Synnott, Bridie (Roche) Essex, England O’Riordan Macpherson Eleanor, Argyll, Scotland Szwarc, Agnes (Culligan) Kent UK O’Rourke, Paddy, Dublin 6W Taylor Family, Saucestown, Fethard O’Sullivan, Brian & Edith, Glasgow, Scotland Tingley, Ellen (Culligan), Seven Oaks, Kent, UK O’Sullivan, John & Claire, Clonmel Tobin, Margaret (Burke), Altrincham, Cheshire, UK O’Sullivan, Michael, Rathvin, Fethard Tobin, Michael, Oak Lawn, USA Orski, Patricia (Morrissey), Beckenham, Kent Tobin, Patrick & Ellen (Walsh), Clonmel Patrician Presentation Secondary School, Fethard Torpey, Kitty (Strappe), Cambridge UK Phillips, Sam & Joan (Flanagan), Bristol, UK Totonchi, Louise (Kenrick), Illinois Power, Ned, Wolverhampton UK Trehy, Jimmy, Donoughmore, Lisronagh Presentation Convent, Fethard Voss, Eleanor (Morrissey), Surrey UK Quinn, Tom, Surrey, UK Wade-Palmer, Eileen (Doherty) Hampshire UK Quirke, Joe & Hayley, Masterton, New Zealand Wagner, Rita (Fallon), New York Reeves, Maureen (Fogarty), Shrewley, UK Walsh OSA, Fr. Joseph, Victoria, Australia Roche, Peggy (Kenny), Thurles Walsh, Anne (Kenrick), Glenageary, Co Dublin Ryan (Jnr), Mattie, Buffana, Killenaule Walsh, Gerard, Ontario, Canada Ryan, Mary (Murphy), Cashel Walsh, Pat, Leeds UK Ryan, Michael J., St. Albans, Herts UK Walsh, Pat, N.S.W. Australia Ryan, Michael, Monasterevin Walshe, Michael A, Surbiton, Surrey, UK Ryan, Noel, Surrey UK Warren, Susan, Omaha USA Ryan, Philip, Paulstown, Co. Kilkenny Watson, Simon & Amanda, North Shore City, NZ Sgarlata, Patricia (Sheehan), Florida USA Whelan, Jimmy & Susan, Preston Sharkey, Neil, Galway Whelan, Paddy, London UK Sheehan, Jimmy, Birkenhead UK Whyte, Michael, Leicestershire UK Sheehan, Johnny & Peg, St. Patrick’s Place Williams, Sheila, Effingham, Surrey UK Shine Lynn, Berkenhead, UK Wyatt Phil, Jossestown, Fethard Shine, Pat, Herts. UK Wynne, Monica (Dwyer), Clonmel Shine, Tom, Cahir

If, for any reason, we have omitted your name, please let us know and we will acknowledge your donation next year.

Newsletter Contact Details Articles for publication Joe Kenny, Rocklow Road, Fethard, Co. Tipperary. Tel: +353 52 6131663 Fax: +353 52 6130051 Email: [email protected] Donations, Letters, Change of Addresses Carmel Rice, Brookhill, Fethard, Co. Tipperary. Tel: +353 52 6131134

194 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

Alan, Kitty and Billy Power, St. Patrick’s Place

Fredrick and May (Mackey) Cribbens with Kitty and Dick Power

195 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Dublin to Kazakhstan via Fethard

Irish Champion, Jack Connolly, photographed with some of the crowd who turned out to greet him on his return to Fethard on Saturday, March 12, 2011 011 has being another out- the home supporters. 2standing year for Jack On January 27 Jack was hon- Connolly, who is a member of oured with a presentation made Clonmel Boxing Club. Just fifteen to him by the Fethard Community years old, Jack continues to be very Council for his outstanding achieve- successful, and the highlight of ments in boxing during 2010. A great the year was when he was chosen night was had by all who came to to represent Ireland at the World salute their local hero. Junior Championships. Jack won his fourth county title The year started on Friday 21 in a row on 4 February, when the January with a home internation- County Championships were host- al against Wales, in the City North ed by the Slievenamon Boxing club Hotel, Dublin, where Jack beat the in Cloneen, where his opponent Welsh Champion, Jim Price from would not enter the ring. Boxing Cwnbran, at 57kgs. A very hard can be a hard sport especially when fought three rounds against the rug- you are drawn against one of your ged Welsh man, with Jack com- close friends, which was the case on ing through on a majority decision. 20 February, when Jack fought and Next up was a home fight in Fethard, beat Paddy McDonagh of St Francis for the T.J. Redmond memorial. Jack Boxing club. was up against Prince Swaili from Saturday March 12 was the day Bracken Boxing club, Dublin, with Jack won his third All-Ireland title the Fethard man taking the honours in a row, his fourth in total, at the 14 points to 5, much to the delight of National Boxing Stadium in Dublin.

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The 2011 finals began on March between them, it would go down 4, when Jack defeated the Ulster to the wire, and by God it did. After Champion, Conal O’Boyle from round one, zero zero, round two, Letterkenny Boxing Club, in a class two-two, and mid-way during the exhibition of boxing, by 9 points third round Jack scored the win- to 2. Semifinal day was Saturday ning point with a beautiful straight 5 March and across the ring was right, to win the contest 3 points to the Connaught champion Edward 2. This was a sweet victory as 2011 Ward from Athenry Boxing Club. A is the centenary year of the Irish much harder fight this time but the Amateur Boxing Association. Munster man did not disappoint and Another honour for Jack in May went on to win 4 points to 2. was being named on the under card A week’s break before the final, for the Night of Champions at the with more training and dieting and Walter Raleigh Hotel in Youghal, a lot of time spent on the weigh- headlined by World Champion Katie ing scales, then it was back to the Taylor. Jack was up against Stephen National Stadium to meet the Moylan from Dungarvan Boxing Leinster Champion, Martin Collins Club, where he put in one of his best from the K&K Boxing Club. This was performances of the year, with a very heart attack time, everyone knew convincing unanimous decision. Collins was the one to beat, and The highlight of the year was of everyone knew there was nothing course being picked to represent

Members of Fethard & Killusty Community Council presenting Jack Connolly with a cheque and plaque to mark his remarkable boxing achievements at national and international level in 2010. L to R: Joe Keane, Joe Kenny (chairman), Jack Connolly and Jimmy Connolly (treasurer).

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Jack Connolly after winning his fight. L to R: Prince Sawili, Ref, Jack Connolly

Ireland at the World Junior Boxing Boxing Club, came home with Championships, held in Astana, his head held high, after pushing Kazakhstan. A record 380 boxers Malsatov to the limit, with both from 52 nations in 13 weight catego- boxers getting a standing ovation ries entered, with 26 boxers entering after what was voted best contest in Jack’s weight at 60kgs. Jack was of the day. Jack, who has past inter- drawn against the brilliant Shamil national experience at European Malsatov from Russia, who three level, having boxed in Russia 2009 weeks earlier became the 60kg and Bulgaria 2010, can now add European Champion. his experiences at World level to Malsatov knew he was in a fight, become an even better boxer and with Jack having lost the first round, person. pushing the Russian all the way Another fantastic year for this and had him on the back foot, the very popular young man. Continued Tipperary-man winning the second success and safety, Jack, in your cho- round, 7 points to 6, but the Russian, sen sport for the coming 2011-12 who went on to win the world gold season. You are a credit to yourself, medal, snatched the third round 3 your family, your town, your club, points to 2. and your country. ◉ Jack, who boxes out of Clonmel

198 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER Gentleman & sometimes philosopher ed Donovan was a tall Slievenamon. He had walked, with Nphysically fit man who lived other local men, all the way from almost all of his long life on the Killusty Village to Ardnacrusha in western slopes of Slievenamon. He Co. Clare to find work on the build- smoked Major cigarettes, had a keen ing of the Shannon Hydro-Electric interest in horse racing and was Scheme. The journey to Co. Clare had a confirmed bachelor. Apart from taken two full days and his search for his sense of humour, which wasn’t work was successful. He often spoke always immediately of his Shannon expe- apparent, his most riences and how at distinguishing physi- the end of the project cal feature was his he had been offered full head of carefully a full-time job. When groomed wiry grey farming was diffi- hair. When away from cult in the late 1950s the Hill he travelled and early 1960s he by bicycle and almost was sometimes sorry always dressed in he didn’t take it. On a longish dark coat these occasions, how- and soft dark hat, “I’m ever, he also seemed always ready for a to suggest that he funeral”, he used to didn’t have enough say. In rural Ireland formal education for in the 1950s and 60s any work outside of funerals were very farming and would often the only social Ned Donovan advise us children to occasion of any con- stay in school as long sequence. At Ned’s own funeral his as possible. Despite this apparent life and several of his stories were lack of confidence, Ned was not eas- recalled and I must say that I knew ily impressed, and if you were trying most of his stories by heart. When to impress him with a really good death finally came Ned was ready. story he would often say, “that’s a lot He had lived a simple life, and his life, of I roved out” meaning he’d heard it like most of his stories had a sound before or didn’t believe a word of it! moral core. The construction of the first and With the exception of his biggest civil engineering project in time spend away from home in the Irish Free State didn’t impress the late 1920s Ned lived all of his him much either – what really life in a thatched farmhouse on impressed Ned during his time on

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Back L to R: Eddie Cormack, Tom Fogarty, Jim Cormack, Clanora, Glengoole; Front L to R: Mick Trehy and Nellie Trehy.

Jim and Mary Trehy (nee Kenny) with their daughter Mary.

200 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER the Shannon Scheme were the wives power lines to spoil the mountain, of the German workers. He often and no running water or sewage spoke of the very modest accom- systems to pollute the planet. The modation provided by Siemens original footprint to accommodate for the German families temporar- Ned’s house was dug deep into the ily transferred to Ardnacrusha. These slope of the hill and the completed families, he told us, lived in little thatched structure was almost invis- more than timber boxes. However, ible. Apart from a few modest out- the German women made these lit- buildings surrounding the Donovan tle boxes into ‘pure palaces’ accord- homestead and the thread of white ing to Ned’s account. The women smoke rising from an open fire in hung frilly curtains on the windows the kitchen, the cottage reflected and created beautifully stencilled its owner, and kept its business to designs with colourful paints around itself. Ned I’m sure would be very the outside of each window and amused that homes like his are now door. Every single hut had an outside protected structures. Irish archae- seat with a little flower box also ologists and planners would now painted in vibrant colours. Endless classify his old home as a ‘direct- winding pathways were created to entry type’ thatched house. This link the huts and as these pathways particular layout belongs to quite weaved in and out they were fringed an ancient style and is generally in an endless variety of blooming regarded as having evolved from flowers. Rabbits were reared for the the ‘byre dwelling’ where animals pot, and little gardens were dug on and humans lived under the same the sunny side of each hut in which roof. On his return from Co. Clare, the German women grew every sort and amongst other farm yard and of vegetable imaginable. Ned just building improvements, Ned had couldn’t believe that these women added a flat roofed porch to the could create something so beautiful front - so I suppose Ned’s house type and achieved so much with so little. would now be classified as a direct More than anything else he could entry with a porch added. not believe their spirit and endless The cottage interior was reached capacity for very hard work. through the added porch which By today’s standards Ned’s brought you straight into an open own accommodation back on kitchen which occupied the centre Slievenamon was also quite modest. one third of the overall accommoda- However, from a modern planner’s tion. The main feature of the kitchen point of view, Ned’s house satisfied, was a big table and an open-hearth indeed exceeded, all good planning fireplace. A cast iron bellows fanned aspirations. Not only was its design the open fire and a wrought iron simple, it also had no unsightly crane with hooks, pots and adjust-

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able hanging irons, provided the as winter of Black ‘47. After clearing cooking facilities. Immediately off the porch and his way out of the the kitchen and towards the eastern house he had to go looking for his gable were two small bedrooms with sheep. He found them, according timber floors and sheeted ceilings. to his account anyway, when his The parlour was on the opposite famous dog begun to bark when end of the cottage and towards the she came across little yellow breath southern gable – this room had a holes in the show. The sheep it seems small fireplace and a stained timber had clustered behind a wall and floor and ceiling. The dark stained although they were buried under ceiling was skilfully cut in a decora- several feet of snow drift, their warm tive geometric pattern to reflect its breath kept an air channel open and importance - however, except for a the sheep survived unscathed. very occasional visit from the local As I’ve already mentioned, Ned senior clergy this good room was never married, but he seemed to seldom if ever used. Apart from the enjoy his single life and he most kitchen table I can’t recall anything certainly loved his house and where further about furniture in the house. he lived on Slievenamon. His house Outside the deep overhanging eaves was just below the hill wall with the protected the fragile walls from hill rising sharply behind it - he often inclement weather and the thatch, joked that he had so much land that which virtually submerged the small he had no choice but to make a chimney, was regularly maintained heap of it at the back of the house. In by Ned himself. his stories for us children he always I met Ned Donovan’s mother used his house as the setting – in once on a return journey from the some of his stories he had two sons Cross on Slievenamon. That must – Jack and Tom. There was no end have been in the mid to late 1950s to their ability and the lifestyle that and she seemed like a very, very they enjoyed – one of lads even had old woman to me at the time. I a helicopter. I’m not sure which one, can’t remember anything else about but he could according to Ned fly the visit except getting very hot tea, anywhere he wished to go. In the late blackberry jam and bread, and the fifties I found that very, very impres- size of the keyhole in the front door! sive and very appealing. It was just That keyhole was enormous. Ned a pity they weren’t about when Ned told me he remembered the new was walking to Co. Clare! porch filling with snow – it seems We never got to meet Jack and that the fine snow had drifted in Tom in the flesh, we always just through that enormous keyhole and missed them - they had it seems settled at an angle down to the floor. rushed off urgently to some exot- He was recalling what he referred to ic place or another. Many of Ned’s

202 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER stories also involved familiar things bucket of milk, and returned to bring -farm animals, crows, dogs, cows and the calf home sucking his tail. even spiders. His dog, for example, One of my favourite stories was so clever she could look at the involved two black crows who meet clock and read the time and always at a funeral – they were first cousins had the cows in for summer milking apparently and hadn’t met for some on the dot of 9am and 6pm respec- years. It seems that they got into tively. When my cousin Shem heard discussing their age and respective the dog story he suggested that if health – not an unusual topic for a the dog was that clever, and could funeral. One the crows enjoying this read the time, surely she was clever funeral conversation lived locally enough to send Ned out for the and was in great condition - his cows! Anyway, Ned told us once that eyes were bright, his feathers were a particularly wild young calf had gleaming and he looked and felt escaped from the shed and broken really great, The other crow was in into a neighbour’s fresh field of grass. bad shape – no shine on his feath- Despite all kinds of entreaties from ers and a bit lethargic too. In an Ned the miscreant calf wouldn’t effort to help his cousin the local return home. The dog, on seeing crow suggested that the other should Ned’s dilemma had run back to the consider improving his diet. No, he milking shed, dipped its tail in a fresh didn’t need to do that, he felt his diet

Slievenamon forestry workers Back L to R: John Quinn, Chris Grant, Jackie Cahill, Tom Ryan, Jimmy Walsh, Connie Ryan, Joe Hanrahan, Bill O’Brien, Christy Lee. Middle L to R: Connie Cahill, Tommy Kearny, Ned Sheehan, Johnny Whelan, Tom Tobin, Pat Corbett. Front L to R: Willie Cahill and John O’Donovan.

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was okay as he was feeding regularly his cousin for telling him about on a sheep farm in the Nire Valley Cantwell’s bull. One day after leaving in Co. Waterford. “The Nire”, said the Cantwell’s farm the warm summer other, aghast, “you would get nothing breezes were particularly strong and for nothing in a place like the Nire, he was really having a great time – and definitely nothing from a Nire he thought he might enjoy gliding sheep farmer!” “Look”, said the local in the warm breezes with his eyes crow, “meet me at Cantwell’s farm closed. No sooner said than done. in Loughcopple tomorrow morning With his eyes closed and the breeze and I will show you how to get in carrying him off to extraordinary good shape.” The next morning the places he suddenly came to a pain- two crows met as arranged. The plan ful stop. He hit the top of an ESB pole was quite simple, they would follow just outside Kiltinan gates and was Cantwell’s overfed bull and eat what- thrown flat on his back in the mid- ever grain excess the bull passed. dle of the road in a semiconscious Within a few weeks the Nire crow condition. His local cousin, who was was feeling absolutely wonderful keeping a bit of an eye on things and he couldn’t believe it. He was flew down beside him to see if he feeling so well in fact that he began was okay and also remind him of to soar into the sky and for the first something that Ned Donovan felt we time in his life, wheel around in all should be mindful of. Bullshit will circles and allow the gentle breeze get you up there, but it won’t keep carry him wherever it wanted. He you up there! ◉ felt he really must go and thank John Lee

L to R: Kathleen Leahy, Back Green; Josie Carey, Biddy Dwyer, Back Green; Maggie Higgins (lived in Johnny Carey’s house on the Green) and spent most of her life in the Good Sheppard Home, Waterford. 204 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

Tomás O’Mahony and Julie Ann Sheehan Brendan McIlroy and Lee-Ann Burke

Sisters Bridget and Mary Ellen O’Reilly, Barrack Street,, Fethard, who were both married in a double wedding ceremony at Holy Trinity Parish Church Ashling Croke and Ian Kenrick

Noel ‘Harry’ Barry and Pauline Millea Cora O’Donnell and Trevor O’Leary 205 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Deaths in the parish The following is a list of deaths that occurred in the parish during the year. We have also included many of the deaths (from information supplied) that occurred away from Fethard and, in brackets, the place of funeral service if known. Bergin, Veronica, Magorban (Magorban) Morrissey, Sheila, Cheshunt (Herts UK) Connery (Bradshaw), Angela (Powerstown) Mullins, Pat, St. Patrick’s Place (Calvary) Connolly, Ned, Garrinch (Calvary) O’Brien OSU, Sr. Philomena, (New York) Crean, Willie, Annesgift (Redcity) O’Donnell, Pierce, Grangebeg (Killusty) Doyle, Owen, Woodvale Walk (Calvary) O’Shea, Rita, Main Street (Calvary) Fox (Delahunty) Peggy, (Kilbehenny) O’Dwyer, Tracy, Canon Hayes Tce. (Calvary) Harrington, Hannah, Abbey Road (Calvary) O’Neill, Terri, Jossestown (Island Crematorium) Keane, Margaret, The Green (Calvary) Ryan, Annie, St. Patrick’s Place (Calvary) Leahy, Hannah, Fr. Tirry Park (Calvary) Sheehan, Nancy, St. Patrick’s Place (Calvary) Maher, Tony, Killenaule Road (Calvary) Walker (O’Donnell), Eleanor, (Australia) Major (Shine) Betty, Monroe (Surrey UK) Walsh OSA, Fr. Timmy, Abbey (Ballylanders) McGrath (Duggan), Eileen, (Calvary) Walsh, Breda, The Glebe, Coolmoyne (Calvary) McInerney, Jimmy, Burke St. (Newlands Cross)

Redcity Cemetery clean-up in July by local Tullamaine residents assisted by members of Fethard Tidy Towns. L to R: Seamus Barry, Martin Leahy, John Barry, Pat Burke, Kevin Shelly, Jimmy O’Shea, Michael Fitzpatrick, Joe Keane, John Slattery, Gus Smith, John O’Connell and Noreen Sheehy.

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Our dear departed 2011 from available photographs

Rita O’Shea Nancy Sheehan Breda Walsh Willie Crean Hannah Leahy

Jimmy McInerney Annie Ryan Fr. Timmy Walsh OSA Sr. Philomena OSU Margaret Keane

Ellen McGrath Ned Connolly Owen Doyle Betty Major Hannah Harrington

Tony Maher Peggy Fox Pat Mullins Tracy O’Dwyer Terri O’Neill

Pierce O’Donnell Veronica Bergin Angela Connery Peggy Stapleton (2010)

207 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Days of the Half-Door by John Fogarty

Agnes Allen photographed at the half-door of her house at Barrack Street March 1989.

he Valley. A summer morning. sound of it she is standing in the TSitting on the stile opposite middle of the kitchen floor, hands our house. Sliabhnamon blue and on hips. He swings onto his bike and curvy to the east. Stone of the stile pedals swiftly down The Valley and cool on the backs of my bare legs. away - the air of an escapee about Mamie Mackey leaning over her half- him. Mamie watching his departure door smoking a Woodbine. Taking in across the rim of the half-door. the sights and sounds of the morn- Larry Shortall and Martin Nagle ing – sights and sounds that arrive are busy feeding timber to a big cir- and depart with leisurely intervals cular saw. It spins at blinding speed, in between. Now and again Josie screams insanely, like a banshee, Barrett’s head darts inquisitively over rising, falling, rising, ripping madly her half-door, looking left, looking through logs, spraying their clothes right, like a demented cuckoo pop- with sawdust until they look like ping in and out of a clock. snowmen in summer. Jim Croke, wearing bicycle clips, A farmer from Tullamaine goes drags his bike hurriedly through by, standing to the rear of a big box- the doorway, followed by a muffled cart that runs smoothly along on tirade from his sister, Mamie. By the inflated tyres.

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The horse trots briskly, hooves Ellen, on the other, a cushion insulat- clattering on the tarred road. ing her frame from the bumps and Draught chains rattling. Cart creak- vibrations of the trundling, un-sprung ing. Shafts swaying slightly, occasion- cart. Making their once-weekly shop- ally you can hear the sound of milk ping trip to town. The iron-hooped sloshing inside the churns. The farm- wheels on the cart wobble and rattle er winks and nods a greeting from thunderously. The wheel-spokes are under the brim of his hat, ripples the painted a rusty-red. The sound of the reins along the horse’s back. Urging wheels draws Mamie and Josie to him gently on to the creamery. the half-doors once more. This time Sometimes we’d run along behind Mamie Croke appears as well. They carts and straddle the short shafts exchange greetings with Peter and on the rear, getting a bumpy spin for Mary-Ellen, comment on the weather. as long as it took the farmer to spot The ass plods on head down. Mamie us. Not this morning though. and Josie watch as they disappear Time passes. The circular saw slowly down The Valley. screams on. Mamie and Josie have A fresh focus of interest comes abandoned their posts. An ass and up The Valley. cart turns into The Valley from Kerry Ned Bulfin appears on his red Street. Makes its way slowly along. milk-cart, standing behind the Peter Hegarty from Barrettstown is churns. Wearing a brown shop-coat. seated on one side, his sister, Mary- The pony stops unbidden on the

Group of ladies and men who helped with the catering at Fethard Carnival in 1945. Includes: Mary Gunne, Mamie Mackey, Mrs. McSweeney, Mrs Ned Bulfin, Mai Goode, Mai Grady, Mrs Henehan, Josie Carey, Mrs Stapleton, Mrs. Finn, ‘Lady’ Mackey, Tommy Wall.

209 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

Annie Sayers, taken in the plots on the Green, damp canvas was put on the ass ‘Billy’ to keep down the flies during summer. The cart was used for drawing sticks from Grove.

space outside our house. Mamie and The pony appears to be dozing- Josie withdraw from the doors, reap- he has heard it all before. pear carrying enamel, blue-rimmed They move off once more along milk-jugs. They are joined by Mamie the Valley and turn into Kerry Street. Croke wearing a cross-over apron A car sweeps in from Kerry and a man’s body coat. Johnnyo Street and roars past, bringing curi- the Valleyo appears wearing wel- ous heads out over the half-doors lingtons with turned down tops. once more. A brand-new, two-tone David Kane, who lives next door to Triumph Herald. Low to the ground us, comes out. All carrying jugs. I with fin-shaped wings at the back. run inside for our jug. Ned remains Driven by Dick Hogan, the creamery standing on the cart, fills the jugs manager. I gawp at it and imagine from a long-spouted milk-can. They the thrill of getting a spin in such a chat with Ned, stand around with car. I had been in a car only once, a filled jugs in their hands, he leans black Prefect. Pat Gunn had brought on the churns while they probe for Tony Sayers and me for a spin to the any fresh titbit of news he may have top of Market Hill and back. The trip picked up on his rounds. Talk of the and the thrill of a lifetime. living and the dead. The Triumph seems almost futur-

210 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER istic compared to that workaday ‘Well Jesus, Mary and Holy Saint Prefect, seems like something from Joseph, I’m not telling you a word a science fiction movie seen in the of a lie’. Capitol cinema across the road. Dick Tom lights a Woodbine, spins the Hogan gives a jaunty wave, roaring peak of his cap to the back of his along like Toad of Toad Hall. It disap- head, places his elbows on the asse’s pears in a flash, dust from the dry hindquarters - and resigns himself to road settling slowly in its wake. a wait. He is well used to resigning Mamie Croke shakes her head himself. disapprovingly. There is no hurry, time doesn’t Johnnyo leaves his house and matter. Going to the shop at the sets off down The Valley carrying creamery takes so long for them that a cow-stick. Shortly after, his father, it is more an expedition of discovery Denis, opens the door and looks than a trip. out, closes it again. He doesn’t have They pause and salute as Arthur a half-door to look over, keep an eye Eustace comes cruising up the Valley on things. He peeps occasionally in his bread-van, eases past the ass from behind the curtain of his small and cart and the talking women, front window instead. He would see pulls up outside Nellie Shortall’s more from a half-door, if he had one. shop. Steam from freshly-baked Another ass and cart appears. bread billows around him as he Moving slowly as ass-drawn carts draws the bread-trays out and stacks always do. The Daltons of Red City loaves along his arm. have arrived in town. Tom has the The women discuss Boulea reins. But has control only of the ass. bread from Ballingarry versus He is seated at one corner of the cart, Fethard bread. They all agree that the Moll at the other. Nonie sits regally new, Mother’s Pride sliced pans that on what looks like a pared-down but- have appeared in the shops are just ter-box. Both women sit on cushions. a new-fangled craze that won’t last They stop at Mamie Mackey’s house and aren’t a patch on the pan loaf. and there is immediate drama. There ‘Tom, Tom, come on Tom, get the is always a fierce energy fizzling aul’ ass going, or we won’t be home around them, especially when they for the day’. are talking. Words tumble over one Tom shakes up the ass and they another like quicksilver, they range move off. from one thing to another with aban- It seems very quiet when they don. Interrupt one another freely, are gone. look to one another for confirmation Pad O’Shea comes wheeling his of some point or another. bike up Mulligan’s hill. He has a shov- ‘Isn’t that right, Nonie? el and a garden fork strapped along ‘Tis true for Moll’ the cross-bar. He turns into the plots

211 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

where he will spend the morning ladies. working on his vegetables and pota- They chorus a respectful answer. toes which are as close to perfection ‘Dhia dhuit’ he says to me, a little as can be: tall rich green potato more curtly. stalks with pink and white blossoms. I know the answer I should make Thick carrots and parsnips. Bulbous is ‘Dhia is Mhuire dhuit’. But I don’t onions, scallions, lettuce, beetroot. make it. Shorty after Pad enters the plots I stiffen, mumble something, his brother Mick arrives. Mick is thin, watch him pass like a dark cloud. Pad portly. Soon he is out of sight. Their plots are side by side, the Behind me, at the far side of the first two inside the gate. Clashawley in McCarthy’s orchard Brother Virgilius comes briskly Dick Nevin is ringing a horse. Many along on his morning walk, his sau- horses have been ringed in that sage dog trotting beside on his lit- spot under a towering pear tree. A tle bandy legs. He looks strange to deep circular track has been worn me without his soutane and green into the ground. He rings him first to sash. Almost like a different person. the right, then to the left. Talking all Almost. the time. When he is done he walks ‘Dia dhib’ he says politely to the behind the horse guiding him with

Maggie Sayer’s mother, ‘Kate White Sayers’ with young girls Joan and Catherine (right). Dog’s name was ‘Jimmy’ who accompanied Maggie’s father Tom when he went fishing at night. Also included are Annie Sayers (Dalton) and Kitty Sayers (Lawrence). The sunhouse in the background was built by Paddy Sayers (brother). Taken at their home in the Valley.

212 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER two long ropes, the surplus looped knows the sound of his cart. The in his hands. The horse prances women reappear and study him with along as if on springs. an undertaker’s eye. He is en route The three women have with- to the goods store at the railway sta- drawn from the doors once more. tion. He is thin and pale and looks Josie can’t resist the occasional cold even on a summer’s day. look out even Jimmy Mullins when there is no appears on a post- sound to indicate bike making his that something way from door to or someone is door along The approaching. Valley. He is filling Larry and Martin in as town post- Nagle have fin- man. He goes in ished cutting to our house for timber, the diesel a cup of tea. That engine that pow- is my cue to go ers the saw shuts inside. He will down with a loud, show us his hand gasping shudder. with the missing A woman finger and tell us dressed all in that he chopped black glides it of while splitting smoothly by on a kindling. bicycle. There is And so it an elaborate mud- goes on, the daily flap around the rhythm of traffic front wheel and on the road out- a basket on the side our house, the front. She wears horses, donkeys, This lady, we think, is Maggie O’Brien who a hat, sits ramrod lived in The Valley in the 1950s. cars, people con- straight, looks stantly moving, all directly ahead, doesn’t salute. She in their own time, with their own passes this way every Sunday morn- quirks. The three women stand at ing on her way to second Mass at their half-doors watching the com- the Abbey. I wonder how far she has ings and goings of life in their little cycled. world. Up and down the traffic goes, A rolling, rumbling sound comes over and back the women go, day from further down The Valley – like after day, like dancers dancing to the the din of a distant battle. Paddy ‘The music of time until their days run out Racket’ Ryan is on his way. Everybody and their dance is done. ◉ 213 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

Tipperary House, Grantham by Michael Millett here’s a well-known Irish As an international therapist, Tstory, as old as the hills of healer and life-coach, et al, I know Ireland themselves – it goes, that that in life, whether it’s applying for a man was travelling through the a new job, buying a house, taking up beautiful countryside of Ireland, writing or saying something which when he came to a crossroads with needs to be said - the truth is, we signposts pointing in all directions so often don’t start from an ideal but none of the place. All of us names on the have baggage signposts meant from the past. a thing to him. As Old fears, trau- luck would have matic memories it, a local man and the rest. We was strolling by also have current at that moment, life challenges so the traveller whether they are approached and to do with rela- asked him: “Sir, tionships, money, can you tell me family and work the best way to responsibilities Tipperary from or a multitude here, please?” of other things The local including con- man thought straints of time. about the ques- All of these con- ‘Tipperary House’ Grantham tion, thinking spire to challenge deeply and finally answered him us on the journey to our particular with hesitation: destination, our own Tipperary or “Sure, if I was going to Tipperary, I destiny if you like. wouldn’t start from here.” My Tipperary has brought me It would be easy to laugh at this to Grantham in Lincolnshire, beside and dismiss it as a rather silly answer the River Witham. This area for me and an Irish idiosyncrasy of expres- personally is a timeless place with a sion, but there’s more to it than meets magnetic quality. the casual eye. I spent my earliest years up to Isn’t it the truth, that, given the the age of fourteen growing up in choice, in so many aspects of our the city of Nottingham. My family lives, we “wouldn’t start from here” then relocated from Nottingham to either? Fethard where I spent a number

214 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER of years as a teenager. My father is mileage to come and visit Grantham buried in Tipperary and my mother and Lincolnshire for yourself. currently lives there and will in time A friend of mine asked, “Isn’t end her days there too. ‘Tipperary’ a strange I spent 25 years in name for a house in London before mov- Lincolnshire?” I disa- ing to live in this new greed because one house in Grantham. reason for naming it ‘Tipperary House’ is ‘Tipperary House’ is located approximately that Lincolnshire is 26 miles south of the steeped in Norman city of Lincoln, and history with its castles approximately 24 miles and cathedrals and east of Nottingham. Tipperary is the same It stands on the with its castles. East Coast Main Line To read more on railway (London- Michael’s work at Edinburgh) and is only Michael Millett ‘Tipperary House’ you just over an hour by can visit his website at: train from London’s King Cross. I www.elevatedtherapy.org.uk/tipper- think, all in all, it’s well worth the extra aryhouse.html ◉

Fethard Carnival Fancy Dress Parade entry c. 1954

215 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Killusty Pony show 1962-2012

Photographed at this year’s Killusty Show on 2nd July were L to R: Jean-Marc Moquet, Stud Manager, Kiltinan Castle Stud, Tara Moquet on ‘Blackie’ and Clarisse Moquet-Boisgard

n 1962 there was a surplus of shows in the calendar, the other Igood ponies in Slievenamon two being the RDS Show and the and in the surrounding areas due IPS Championship Show. From small partly to the presence of a number of beginnings it has risen to the top high quality pony stallions standing of the heap thanks to the volunteer at Kiltinan Castle owned by Mrs De committee who work so hard each Sales La Terriere. Killusty Pony Show year and to the generous sponsors was founded in that year to provide who see to it that the journey to a shop window for these ponies. Tipperary is worth making. Fifty years on, Killusty Pony Show A chance encounter on the continues to expand and caters for bridge over the Anner at Killusty all categories of ponies at its annual between Gus Keane and Judy Butler staging on the first Saturday in July. and a discussion about the chances More than a thousand entries in of selling ponies, surplus to require- eighty-seven classes do battle for the ments, led to the holding of the first coveted rosettes. Killusty has always Killusty Show and Sale on Thursday, led by example and to demonstrate 10 May, 1962. Mr Harry Kellett came the esteem in which it is held, it is from Dublin with his young daugh- one of the only three ‘double points’ ter, Iris, who became a very famous

216 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER international show- jumper, to judge the public address almost without at the first show and Patrick Quirke exception since the show began. did his best to sell the surplus ponies The Civil Defence ambulance crew and a great time was had by all. have attended to any mishaps with Committee meetings in the early expertise and efficiency. Dr. Paddy years were well attended in Keane’s Stokes was chairman for many years. Pub, Killusty, with Ted Butler as chair- Since his retirement, Noel Byrne has man. As soon as the business of the kept the show on the road. day was complete, new members The venue has changed over the were asked to perform their party years as yet more and more space is pieces as a form of initiation. This did required to accommodate the grow- not stop at the usual songs and reci- ing numbers of competitors with tations. One new member walked on larger and larger horseboxes. Clare his hands from the room and up the Castle and the parish field were out- corridor and return, in the same posi- grown and the present show is now tion to rapturous applause. situated in Claremore. The elite of the pony breeding As the first of many pony and showing world were well rep- shows, Killusty was the forerunner resented on the committee. Stallion in more ways than one. The first masters Gus Keane, James O’Shea Slievenamon Championship was and Frank Keane added their con- £50, the equivalent of 9 1/2 weeks siderable knowledge to the exper- agricultural wage, nearly €2,000 in tise at hand. Hard-working local today’s currency. At present, total community stalwarts Arthur Curtain, prize money approaches €4,000 Bill Holohan, Patrick Quirke, Mick with ten €150 championships. As Byrne, Johnny Sheehan and Nicky demand increased for versatile O’Shea saw to it that the field was ponies at every level, it was the first present and correct. Judy Butler, show in Ireland to stage a Working Rosemary Ponsonby, Di Stokes, Hunter Class (over natural fences, and Betsy O’Connor attended to banks and streams the likes of which the beautification of the grounds would not be countenanced now). and the feeding of the multitudes. Show ponies, Welsh ponies and Liam Quirke was the first secretary Connemara ponies, both in hand followed by Rosemary Ponsonby, and ridden, have been joined by Adelia Grier, La Curtain, Betsy side-saddle classes (on the flat and O’Connor and Lorraine Thompson. over jumps), show hunter ponies, Monica Keane and Mary Quirke performance and working hunter acted as treasurers for many ponies. Equitation classes for riders years. On show day, Christopher on the flat and over jumps are also Horseman’s dulcet tones have kept staged now for those whose ponies the throng informed and amused on might not be of show standard.

217 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

From 2003, coloured ponies have ing. As the progeny of All Springs had a separate in-hand for the first and Kingfisher brought fame to time. A colourful dog show and a Kiltinan, so did Kiltinan Charles, well-subscribed Fancy Dress Class Gold and Silver Pepper, Rare Night complete the picture. The 2012 show and Jackets Goldfinch bring fame will be the fiftieth show and will see to Killusty. After 50 years, Killusty eight rings in operation staging 87 has fulfilled its aim of being a shop classes including 15 championships. window for the Irish Pony and it is Ponies will a name recog- come from all nised around parts of Ireland the world and the cups where ponies and trophies are found. will spread 1962 com- wide at the mittee was: Ted end. In the early Butler (chair- years, many man), Liam of the best Quirke (secre- pony breeders tary), Monica in the North, Keane (treasur- such as Frank er). Committee McCormack members were and Andy Lorraine Thompson, secretary, making a presentation at Judy Butler, Gus Cathers, made this year’s show to Bernie Byrne to mark her long years’ Keane, James the long trek service to Killusty Pony Show. O’Shea, Frank to Killusty to measure their ponies Keane, Dr. Paddy Stokes, Arthur against the best of the South and Curtain, Bill Holohan, Patrick Quirke, they did not always win. In latter Mick Byrne, Johnny Sheehan, Nicky years the Northern representa- O’Shea, Rosemary Ponsonby, Di tion is sparser, partly because the Stokes, Betsy O’Connor, Adelia Grier, Ulster Pony Society holds their La Curtain and Mary Quirke. 2012 Championship Show on the same Committee are: Noel Byrne (chair- weekend. Even with the prolifera- man): Pat Culligan (secretary and tion of classes and the entries from treasurer) Michelle Walsh (public all over Ireland, locally bred and relations officer), Donnie Slattery owned ponies continue to do well (field manager). Committee mem- against the rest. bers: Lorraine Thompson, Betsy Ponies shown, bought and sold at O’Connor, Judy Butler, Jenny Butler, Killusty have gone to the top in their Derek Walsh, Barry Walsh, Jacinta fields of endeavour whether show- Kennedy, Pat O’Brien, Cillian Slattery ing, show-jumping, evening or hunt- and Orla Walsh. ◉ 218 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER South Tipperary Military History

Members of the South Tipperary Military History group on a tour of First World War battle sites in Belgium and France. L to R: Joss Whelan, Richard Howley, Kay Neagle, Robert Reid, Brendan Kenny, John Neagle, Seamus Gleeson and Rena Lawrence. In front is Christine Downey. outh Tipperary Military Luftwaffe over and around Ireland SHistory Society was formed in WW2. Over the summer months in March 2010. It came from an idea we organise field trips to historic by Kay Neagle. Almost two years on, locations such as the Kilmichael now the society is well established and Beál na Blath ambush sites and and very active. STMHS is non-polit- the military barracks in Limerick ical and non-religious. It is open to and Kilkenny. The highlight of this anyone interested in military history year’s activities was an overseas tour and can be found on Facebook and of the battlefields of World War One on Twitter. in France and Belgium. During the winter months the From January we will be moving society organises a series of lec- our lectures to the newly opened tures which have been held at IUNVA House at Clonmel Railway Slievenamon Golf Club on the third station. Forthcoming lectures Tuesday of every month. We try to include one by Kay Neagle on the hold talks on subjects as varied Battle of Ginchy, local republican as possible. This year we covered George Plant, and the Irish soldiers the Irish Army’s peacekeeping mis- who fought in the American Civil sion in East Timor, the activities of War and in Korea. In June we plan to a member of The Third Tipperary visit the battlefield at Aughrim and Brigade in the War of Independence later on, hopefully, Normandy. and Civil War, Irish Soldiers in for- You can get details from our web- eign armies, and the WW1 Gallipoli site http://www.stmhs.ie/ or look for battlefield and the activities of the us on Facebook and Twitter. ◉ 219 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 The Epicurean Review he Epicurean Review is challenge. Aside from the Chinese Tthe official newsletter of restaurant, (yes, there’s actually a ‘The Epicurean Club of Boston’, Chinese restaurant in town, which America’s oldest professional chefs’ served the best spicy hot and sour association. Fethard featured in soup Doug and Kathleen ever had), the March 2010 edition after board there were no restaurants open member Doug Corrigan of Dean for dinner. After walking back to Foods and his the Cozie on wife Kathleen Monday night had the pleasure through fog as of visiting Ireland. thick as soup, And so the story Doug suggested goes . . . to his hosts that “If this chick- he cook dinner en was a girl, I’d for them the fol- marry her!” So lowing evening. said Adam, the Thinking it was son of our hosts, the Smithwick’s Theresa and (the best ale in Willie O’Donnell, Ireland, accord- upon tasting the ing to Doug) main course of talking, Theresa Doug Corrigan’s and Willie didn’t home-cooked take Doug meal at the Cozie seriously, but Bed & Breakfast Kathleen, know- in (www.coz- ing her husband, Doug Corrigan at the Cozie B & B in Fethard iebandb.com) knew that he Fethard, Tipperary, Ireland. Doug and meant it! The next morning before his wife Kathleen made their first- Doug made it to the breakfast table, ever trek to Ireland this past January Kathleen snuck in a quick conver- and stayed three nights in Fethard, sation with Theresa about his idea the hometown of Kathleen’s grand- for cooking that evening’s meal. father. Laughing, Theresa thought it was a One thing they didn’t know grand idea, “If you think he’s really about the small Norman town of serious, Kathleen?” Oh, about as Fethard was that finding a place to serious as a heart attack, Theresa. eat on Monday through Wednesday Knowing he’d be cooking made evenings would present a bit of a Doug’s day. A back-of-the-envelope

220 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER meal plan had beef as the main Doug prepped, Willie chatted with source of protein, prompting Doug him, interrupting to ask if he wanted to buy the red wine they’d need for a beer. “Sure!”, said Doug. With that, the meal. Returning home from the Willie reached into the fridge and grocery, Theresa and Willie filled pulled out a Bud. You know, some their kitchen table with a mountain things you just can’t make up. of food, but in place of beef Doug Hearing Chef Massey’s voice in found chicken. The beef, accord- his ear, Doug added cheese to both ing to Willie, a former butcher him- of the whole grain pasta dishes — self, “needed to hang another 48 a roasted pepper and fresh basil hours.” Not to be deterred, Doug pesto — to ensure an adequate cracked open one of the two bot- source of protein for Theresa. Using tles of Chilean wine-a cabernet and plenty of garlic and herb with a merlot-purchased at the local con- splash of olive oil, Doug baked the venience store and went to work. chicken for 30 minutes. Sorting through the great array of To dress the salad, Doug created chicken, vegetables, Irish sharp a mixture of olive oil, fresh-squeezed cheddar cheese, and pasta and lemons, some herbs, and a sprinkle getting acquainted with Theresa’s of vinegar. The O’Donnells’ daughter selection of spices, Doug decided Lisa thought that the chicken was on the meal for all of his diners, “just gorgeous”, but a chicken worth including the vegetarian meal for marrying? That’s a compliment to Theresa. last a lifetime, as are the memories Theresa, wanting to ensure that of Doug and Kathleen’s first (but Doug did no harm to his clothes, pro- not last) trip to the Emerald Isle. vided a rather amusing Christmas We’ve heard that Doug loved the apron with silver bells in just the apron so much, he took it home. ◉ right spot. As the wine breathed and

The Cozie B&B on the Rosegreen Road, outside Fethard. GPS Coordinates: N 52deg. 27.770’ Latitude W 007deg. 42.187’ Longitude. 221 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Fethard ICA Guild he twenty-seven members of In December 2010 our loyal TFethard ICA Guild have been member, Mrs Rita O’Shea, Main taking life a little easier this year after Street, passed away. We miss her pres- the many centenary celebrations of ence from our meetings. May she rest the organisation in 2010. We thought in peace. and spoke a lot of the great women Our meetings are held on the who founded the ICA in Fethard. second Tuesday of every month in Their motto was, ‘Deeds not Words’ the ICA Hall on Rocklow Road. We and it is indeed thanks to them that break for the months of July and the ICA in the early years became August. At each meeting we have a place where women could find guest speakers or demonstrations. warmth and laughter, an attractive This past year we have had talks on haven in times that otherwise pro- nutrition, health, up-cycling clothes, vided little cause for joy. gardening, Reiki, sole therapy (a

La Walsh accepting the Cós Féile an Tostáil trophy from Colm Cleary on behalf of the Fethard ICA Choir in 1960 222 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER unique skin treatment, massaging for some shopping and ended our your feet using Garra Rufa fish), and trip with a meal and a show in a very good cooking demonstration. Dooley’s Hotel. Our AGM was held in March South Tipperary ICA Federation and the following officers were held a sponsored walk in May in aid elected: Betty Lanigan (president), of Breast Cancer Research. One of Margaret Phelan (vice-president), our members took part and a total Anne Gleeson (secretary), Phil of €4,278 was collected. Wyatt (treasurer) and committee In March we had Tai Chi class- members: Anne Horan, Marie Crean, es which lasted for seven weeks. Sheila O’Donnell and Breda Slattery. We found them very beneficial We held our Christmas Party in and hope to do them again after Raheen House, Clonmel. Most of our Christmas. members came along and had a Workshops on card-making, very enjoyable afternoon with great handbag making, beading and other food and lots of chat. crafts are held in the South Tipperary For our summer outing we paid County Museum in Clonmel. Many a visit to Waterford Crystal factory. of our members attend. We are It was great to see the factory up always looking for new members so and running again, but on a much if any ladies would like to join the smaller scale. We saw some very ICA, please come along to one of decorative pieces of crystal which our meetings or contact any of our were commissioned for prizes for members. the London Olympic Games. After The members of Fethard ICA lunch we travelled on to New Ross would like to extend Christmas and to see the Ros Tapestry Exhibition, New Year greetings to all readers of another wonderful display of art the Fethard & Killusty Newsletter. work. Each piece took many years It certainly is a good read that is to complete and the colours were looked forward to by so many, at so vibrant. We returned to Waterford home and away. ◉ Country Markets

ere in Country Markets Ltd year for tomatoes, just one or two Hwe are still going strong in suppliers had them early. spite of the recession. It was a good We are in the Town Hall every year all round. Luckily we got a Friday morning where all our new member who specialises in helpers are ready to greet our confectionery. Her cakes, brown customers. We are now looking bread and meringues are eagerly forward to 2012 when we celebrate looked forward to. It was a strange our 65th anniversary. ◉ 223 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 The man who used to lie on the nails! was talking to a boyhood on them. Ghosts and priests figured Ifriend, Don McCarthy, early this largely in many stories and Byrne’s year. He asked me, “do you remem- favourite topic, the guards. ber the man who used to lie on the He hated the guards. He never nails?” I remember him well and I did explain exactly why but he told hope this little account will bring us of a myriad wrongs done to him back memories to others as well as and other travellers. He would rant Don. and rave when drunk, “what did I first met ‘the man who used them *** guards do when ‘twas to lie on the nails’ when he start- put up to them” at some lodge in ed camping on the back road at Carlow or Wexford. He didn’t tell us Garrinch. He was a travelling man what was put up to the guards and and his clan consisted of his wife, his we had of course no idea what did infant son and of course, himself. guards did anyway. We just listened. When we were tired of football He didn’t have very much but and hurling we, the kids of the he was decent enough with what road, started to gather around the had, and offered us cups of tea. He encampment. After a while we got loved plenty of sugar in it and it was quite used to him and he to us and great to be treated as adults by the we sat around the fire listening to light of the camp fire. He treated us stories and even sometimes drink- as equals. ing tea with him. At GAA matches we would see He told us his name was John him sitting up near the gates inside Byrne and he was originally from the ground. He would crack a whip Co. Wicklow. His wife was Maggie and shout,“may I attract your attrac- but he referred to her only as ‘the tions Ladies and Gentlemen”. Maybe woman’. She was quieter than his grammatical error was deliberate Byrne and pitifully thin with a con- to create an amusing atmosphere. stant cough that even an ignorant He would then put on his little show 12-year-old could see was not a which consisted of lying on bed of sign of good health. She was very nails with a concrete block on his diligent to the baby and treated him bare chest. He also lay down on a with great gentleness. pile of broken glass. He then pro- Byrne loved telling stories. If he ceeded to put a large pin or small had a few drinks taken he would nail through the skin of his throat tell us great tales of traveller life. We just below the Adams Apple. Even learned of the kindness of many at twelve, I had heard of the danger people to the travellers and the of infection and I never saw any many injustices that others visited Dettol or boiling water or any other

224 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER means of preventing it. However, I few times he appeared around on never heard of Byrne getting any his own with no family with him illness or infection either! and eventually he stopped his vis- The crowd would then throw its altogether. I often wonder what a penny or a halfpenny on to a became of John Byrne, his sick blanket and disappear to watch the wife Maggie and their little boy. If match while ‘the woman’ collected anybody does know I’d like to hear the small cache of coins which was from them. After drinking sugary tea the pay for his possibly dangerous with the Byrnes I could never think labour. badly of the travellers afterwards. In With the coming of TV in the truth, the experiences of our child- sixties, the ‘nail man’s’ performance hood is our greatest teacher. ◉ seemed to get very infrequent. A Denis Burke Fethard Camper Van Parking

new camper van park has barbeque area, football pitch and Aopened on a one-acre site at quiet county walks. Tullamaine, Fethard. It is situated in At €10 per night, and open all a very scenic area, surrounded by year round, it is great value for stud farms, on a quiet country farm money that cannot be beaten. So three miles from Fethard town. If you far customers have come from use a ‘sat nav’ device you will find us Ireland and abroad being only 8 at the following GPS coordinates: miles from the ‘Rock of Cashel’. N 52 28.077, W 7 45.573. They have expressed great praise The serviced sites are on hard for the facilities and value for standing, with ESB, water, toilets money. Contact: Seamus Barry on and sewerage facilities, picnic and 086 2547162. ◉ 225 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Senior Citizens Club enior Citizens meetings are stopped for dinner in Racket Hall Sheld on the first Tuesday Country House, Roscrea. All our sen- of each month at the Tirry Centre iors really enjoyed the day out. where all our members are served In August we had our mini-trip to tea, sandwiches and cakes, followed Tramore and our evening meal in the by entertainment such as music, Waterford Manor Hotel, Kilmeaden. bingo or a guest speaker. A very enjoyable evening was had In March we had Dr. Carmel by all our seniors. November is our Condon speak and she gave a very quiz month with the questions very informative talk on different aspects ably prepared by Eddie, and always of health. In April we had our Easter another very enjoyable night. Party in the Tirry Centre where Preparations are underway at the members presented their Easter moment for our annual Christmas Bonnets. These were judged by Ms Party to be held at the Anner Hotel, Pat Looby and prizes were awarded Thurles, in December, preceded by to the first three chosen. Mass in the Augustinian Abbey. In May we held Mass in the Tirry We take this opportunity to thank Centre celebrated by Fr. Anthony each and everyone who has helped McSweeney and followed by a love- us in any way, either financially or ly tea. In June we held our annual otherwise, to keep our club going. A outing. This year’s venue was Clonfert very happy and peaceful Christmas where all our members attended to all our friends at home and evening Mass. On the way home we abroad. ◉

‘Birthday Party’ entry in Fethard Carnival Fancy Dress Parade in the late 1950s

226 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER Fethard Tidy Towns

Mrs Mary Harrington cutting the tape at the official opening of the new ‘Harrington Walkway’ at Jesuits Walk, Fethard. ethard Tidy Towns commit- scape, but unfortunately the judges Ftee for 2011 is as follows: Joe were not as impressed as the but- Keane (chairman), Thelma Griffith terflies and photographers! (secretary), Brian Sheehy (treas- The Valley river walk is a great urer), Deirdre Brady, Jimmy Smith, joy to walk and more people are Eamonn Kennedy, Vincent Doocey, availing of this facility every year. Sr. Marie, Tom Tobin, Jimmy O’Shea, We still have difficulty in getting Johnny Burke, Mary Connors and dog owners to keep a closer watch Gabrielle Schofield. on where their pets do their ‘busi- Fethard Tidy Towns are now ness’, so maybe it’s time for the litter working to a three-year plan and warden to do his ‘business’. We also things are going very well. This still have the ongoing problem of year we had an increase of four cans and bottles being dumped in points on our score in the National the river but our diligent crew of Tidy Towns competition. While this volunteers do tremendous work in wasn’t a huge increase for all the keeping the walk looking well. work completed we are still learn- We always welcome more vol- ing what makes the judges ‘tick’. unteers to help us with the all-year This year we planted two sections task of litter picking, so if you’re of wild flowers by the Clashawley local and willing to help please give River which were very popular with your name to one of our committee the people of Fethard adding a members. This year we have planted great splash of colour to the land- a selection of bulbs, shrubs, trees

227 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 and more wild flowers, the fruits of South Tipperary County Council, which should be obvious in spring. local foreman Jimmy Horan and The tubs of flowers at the churches his fantastic team of workers. Mrs were also a great success and will be Mary Harrington officially opened back in time for the summer growth. the walkway on 14 September, 2011. Our wildlife adviser, Kevin We still have a tremendous Collins, has spotted many kinds of amount of work to be done in birds, fauna and flora around the Fethard but it is very rewarding town and hopefully we can encour- when you begin to see the results age a wider range to make Fethard on the ground. We thank everyone their home in the near future. who gives us encouragement and One of the major projects under- support, and special thanks for the taken this year was the ‘Harrington many donations we receive to help Walkway’. This new walkway takes make our work possible. pedestrians off the busy Clonmel Keep a close look on the local road so they can safely walk from paper, The Nationalist, for details of Congress Terrace to Jesuits Walk upcoming meetings if you would away from traffic. The whole project like to get involved. We take this was made possible by the gener- opportunity to wish all readers a osity of the Harrington family for very Happy Christmas and a litter- allowing us the use of their land, free New Year. ◉

Members of the County Council who worked on the Harrington walkway project. Back L to R: Bertie Moroney, Michael O’Connor, Joe Keane (Tidy Towns), Cllr Jimmy O’Brien, Jimmy Horan (Overseeer) Eoin Powell (Area Engineer), Cllr John Fahey. Front L to R: T.J. Sheehan and Bill Coffey. 228 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER Vice Principal retires rs. Maureen Maher retired ing to improve the facilities on offer Mfrom Holy Trinity National to the children in her care. She read- School, Fethard on 31 August 2011. ily embraced computer technology Maureen trained as a Primary and, likewise, her love of photog- School teacher in Mary Immaculate raphy enriched her teaching and Training College Limerick and introduced another dimension to spent one year teaching in Carlow the classroom experience. Her pas- before joining the staff in Nano sion for the environment and all Nagle N.S. Fethard things ecological in 1974. Maureen enthused staff taught with us first and pupils alike, as Miss Adams and was reflected before chang- in our commit- ing her name ment to promot- on marriage as ing litter-aware- was usual at the ness, healthy eat- time. During her ing, energy con- teaching career, servation and the Maureen taught importance of most classes and recycling. She was she served as Vice- also responsible principal for her for our success- final six years in ful involvement Nano Nagle, a position she retained in the Tidy Schools competitions for the past year in the amalgamat- and other related projects such as ed Holy Trinity N.S. that came into tree-planting, water-harvesting and being in September 2010. growing flowers, fruits and vegeta- Maureen brought boundless bles. This year, she spearheaded Holy enthusiasm and huge commitment Trinity’s first steps towards gaining to all aspects of her teaching career. Green School status and we look Her classroom was a treasure trove forward to inviting her back to be of learning materials, educational present with us when we receive our games and challenging hands-on first green flag. activities, many devised and hand- As many of those who are famil- made by herself, all designed to iar with the ethos of our school afford a comprehensive learning will be aware, we subscribe to the experience for her pupils. Maureen’s Adlerian approach to discipline dedication to her school work never based on mutual respect, inclusive- waned and she was continually striv- ness and encouragement. This came

229 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

naturally to Maureen with her innate As Maureen embarks on this new sense of fair play and her genuine phase in her life, we wish her all the concern for the entire school com- very best because, as they say nowa- munity. She was always thoughtful, days, she so deserves it. We know kind and caring and her instinc- she won’t have time to be bored (or tive modus operandi with her pupils even to miss us!) as she is already was that of the gentle reprimand as busy with plans involving hill-walk- opposed to the stringent rebuke. We, ing, learning Spanish, completing the her teaching colleagues, appreciated Camino del Santiago and possibly her habitual good humour, her ready travelling even further afield. We wit and her lively sense of fun. Every congratulate her on her involvement school community, just like all other with the recent photographic exhibi- work places, experiences its own tion in the Arts Centre in Clonmel challenges and Maureen’s calm and the stunning pictures she dis- good sense, her willingness to lis- played there. We know also that we ten and her ability to see another’s will stay in touch and that she will point of view, undoubtedly played be as keen to hear our news as we an important part in promoting a will be to share hers. We wish her positive working environment for joyful travelling with her husband all of us. Incidentally, when we came Seamus and continued happiness back to school in September we with her four wonderful sons, Ross, found a “welcome-back” hamper Niall, Fintan and Kevin. from Maureen awaiting us in the A Mháirín, a chara, go n-éirí do staff room – a typically thoughtful bhóthair leat agus go dté tú slán. Slán gesture on her part. go fóill. Adios! ◉

Fethard Carnival Fancy Dress entry in the 1950s L to R: Bridie Bulfin, Margaret McCarthy, Girlie Healy, Kathleen Cummins, May Donovan, Annie Flynn, Dollie O’Donnell, Baby O’Donnell, Rita Flynn and Maggie Tierney (Kerry Street). 230 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

A young John Carroll (proprietor Lonergan’s Bar, The Square, with his wife Roseanne) photographed with a ‘Turkey’ as a prize for a Christmas Pool competition when he worked in Paddy O’Gorman’s Pub in Clonmel. John was good at ‘promotion’ then and still is today in Fethard.

Photographed at the 60th Anniversary Pilgrimage to Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon, 14 August, 2010 are L to R: Con O’Connell, Paddy Croke, Eleanor O’Connell and Jim O’Connell

231 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Some of your comments . . .

It was so amazing to visit Fethard in 1952 This year’s pride of place must go to ‘To when Gran would always give me 6d to an Athlete Dying Young’, a delightful story, go to Jimmy Hanrahan’s shop. Wonderful beautifully told by Tom Burke. I have read advertising pictures of racing yacht selling it many times and will again. The fact Player’s Tobacco – but much better a 3d that Frank bought a house in Ireland, for bar of Cadbury’s Chocolate and a bottle retirement, pleased me. Sad that he died of pop made in Clonmel. Why so amaz- so young. ing? Over here all such sweet stuff was on Rena Staunton (London) ration and totally impossible to buy. No wonder Fethard made such an impact! August 2010 was the 60th Anniversary of Alan Cantrill (Tutbury UK) the Holy Year Cross on Slievenamon. My family and I travelled especially to attend I will be celebrating my eightieth birthday as I was there when it was erected. next June P.G. and hope to do so by climb- I can chat about items in it to brothers and ing Slievenamon again. Looking forward to sisters spread around England, Ireland and saying hello! Australia. A fantastic tool to keep ties to Pat Shine (Herts UK) our place of birth. Jim O’Connell (Essex UK) 2010 edition, best ever! Well done on a mar- vellous production. Fabulous quality and I still think of Fethard / Killusty my home, so professionally put together. even after being away 56 years. I still love Many thanks. to come back, less often these days. I find Fr .Michael Barry (Borrisoleigh) it lonely as most of the older people are gone. I really appreciate you sending me I am not a native of Fethard but I enjoy the Newsletter. reading your annual newsletter. My native Bridget Morrissey (Warwickshire UK) parish is Solohead and Cappawhite. I never cease to be amazed with the quality What would we do without the Newsletter of your newsletter. I read it from cover to each year? Thanks for remembering us. cover. You can be very proud of Fethard Tony O’Donnell (Dublin) and your wonderful newsletter. I was ordained in 1967 and I have been here in Looking forward to the next Newsletter America ever since. I usually go back to already. Hope you can continue for many Ireland every summer, but it is now a very years to come. Many thanks! different Ireland from the Ireland I left in Eleanor Voss Morrissey (Surrey UK) 1967. Rt .Rev .Msgr .Willie Oliver O’Neill, PP, VG . Say hello to Seamus Hackett! (Georgia USA) Michael Tobin (Illinois USA)

232 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

Thank you for sending the Newsletter. It’s Although I spent so little time in Fethard, interesting to see Fethard growing and I left when I was about nine years old blooming. All the best for 2011. (1950), Fethard still remains in my heart Karin Evans (Germany) and I look forward to the Newsletter. Keep up the good work. Great to hear the news from around Ned Power (Wolverhampton UK) Fethard and also great to know you have so many young contributors, God Bless. I was baptised in Fethard in 1945. My Maureen Mackey (Staffordshire UK) father was Ted King and my grandfather was Ned King of the Green. My aunt was I think of the words of the song “Home Josie. I would love to return one day. town, want to wander round your Eddie King (Ilkeston UK) backstreets”, when I get the Newsletter. I love it! Like a visit from a family member, the Laura O’Mahoney (Monaghan) Newsletter. Locked away indoors time stands still . . . wonderful production. Another excellent read. Thank you so much. Rita Flanagan (Bristol UK) Patricia Orski (Kent UK) Congratulations on another superb Congratulations, it is really an production. extraordinary achievement for Fethard & Fr .A B. .Kennedy (Portumna) Killusty! Denis Kelly (Cork) As always, delighted to get the Newsletter. Bigger and better this year. Fethard A booklet of quality with lots of news to will always be home, happy times and look forward to at Xmas. Thank you. memories. Patrick O’Hanrahan (London) Tom Shine (Cahir)

Fethard Main Street c.1900

233 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

The scenic route to college by Lee-Ann Burke

Lee-Ann Burke photographed with her family at Red City, Fethard. Back L to R: Dermot, Glen, Lee-Ann, Kevin, Emmet. Front parents Dinny and Eileen work as a lecturer in the put in separate classes. However this IEconomics Department in was not as straightforward a task as University College Cork, and have the teachers thought. We clung to been there for over six years. I took each other and cried. I shouted at what I like to call ‘the scenic route’ the teachers saying, ‘you’re not tak- to college and had a variety of part- ing my brother’. He was only going time jobs to get me there. My earliest to the class next door, but I was very memories of school are of being protective. Dad had to be called in taken to school on the crossbar of from the secondary school to sepa- my dad’s bike. I felt so grown up com- rate us and eventually they were able ing home to tell my brother Kevin to take Kevin to a different class and what to expect when he started. I so we never shared any more classes. started school at Easter. It was com- A lovely memory that my friends mon then but it meant I had to start and I still talk about on occasion is back over again in September. That’s Rita Kenny reading Jane Eyre to us when Kevin started school too and in 3rd Class. As far as we can recall we were now in the same class. My she read to us every Wednesday parents did not want us coming up afternoon for maybe 20 minutes the ranks together so we were to be or so before the bell rang. It was

234 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER something that we looked forward a much cleaner and nicer job alto- to all week. We loved to hear all gether and while I worked there about Jane and Mr Rochester. She I never had to get my mother to read it so well that we were almost wash my hair at the sink because transported to Thornfield Hall every I couldn’t bend my neck, like I did Wednesday afternoon and unusu- when I worked at the bulbs or pick- ally enough, we were disappointed ing potatoes for Manfred Naundorf! when the bell was rung. Unlike a lot of my friends, I was My first part-time job when I not really sure what direction I want- was in school was working out at ed to take when I left school. I really Annesgift picking tulip bulbs. Dad, enjoyed studying French in school so who has been keeping a diary every I decided that I would go to Brussels night for over forty years wrote on to work as an au-pair for a love- that day, June 8, 1992: “We were feel- ly Belgian woman called Caroline ing nostalgic this morning with Lee- Fallon, no Irish connections but she Ann and Kevin off to their first job, loved Enya! She had two children, ‘the bulbs’. I suppose it is part of Noe and Lucie. I lived with that fam- the painful breaking away process ily for a year and really enjoyed it. that will have to be gone through Brussels is a beautiful city. I attend- as they become more independent ed French classes in the University and break away entirely from us. of Brussels and met so many people. They both ‘survived’ their first day There was no Facebook then so I and are going back tomorrow”. have lost contact with them unfortu- We survived over two months nately. I came home with a fantastic of it even though it was tough work level of French and have put it to but loads of our friends were there good use over the years since so it too so we did have some fun. We was a year well spent. used to meet at the Ballroom and My dad, being the career guid- cycle out together. We got paid £1 ance teacher in the school, told me per hour which was £35 a week. about a new course starting in post Myself and Kevin used to give in £5 leaving cert colleges in 1997 funded for ‘our keep’ at home and keep the by the IDA and including a 17 week rest. We spent it on video rentals in funded placement in a European the new Night Owls video shop in country. I applied for it and started in town or in Clonmel on Saturdays but September 1997 and spent the sum- we kept some for the monthly, huge- mer of 1998 working as a receptionist ly popular, Killenaule Disco. It was in a hotel in Montpellier, in the South hardly surprising that I truly learned of France. It was during the World the value of money that summer. Cup and as it was held in France Working part-time in O’Sullivan’s the excitement was incredible. The chemist a couple of years later was night that France won was absolutely

235 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

unbelievable. No one went to bed they shared in every single achieve- and the city of Montpellier went ment throughout my time in UCC. wild. I remember meeting some Irish I absolutely loved that job. The sto- fans (even though the team didn’t ries that the sisters told me about make it in that year) who were over life in Africa were fascinating, from ‘for the craic anyway’. the work they did, the schools they After finishing built and the lan- that course, and guages they spoke. working for a cou- I remember in par- ple of years for ticular Sr Johanna Sheraton Hotels from Fermoy. She and subsequently had been diagnosed for Siemens where with Alzheimer’s I dealt with calls disease when I from Ireland, the started working UK and French there but remem- speaking countries, bered parts of her I applied for a night childhood and had degree in Arts in some memories of UCC in 2000. As it her time in UCC also. turned out, even- During her time in ing study was not Africa she had been for me and I trans- Lee-Ann Burke photographed with her brother made chief of the ferred to being a Kevin and his children Kiefer and Eboni village. Such was her full time day student in 2001. Being work ethic and her enthusiasm for in a very big class in UCC was very school building and education. A different to the community feel- white woman being made chief of ing of being in a smaller college a village in Africa was unheard of. and it took some getting used to. She was an amazing person. The I continued working part-time for sisters in the infirmary often called Siemens at weekends but also got me Sister too and some asked me if I another part-time job in the infirma- would sign up for a life of service to ry of the convent of Our Lady of the God. The sisters loved to hear about Apostles, a missionary order nearby life in UCC and about what the lec- in Ballintemple in Cork. I worked tures were like as a lot of them were there every Friday, bank holidays UCC graduates. They often asked me and college holidays. how my love life was, what dates did The sisters in the convent treated I go on and so on. They loved getting me so well, they gave me time off a bit of gossip every now and again, for my exams, they said novenas like any woman I suppose!. for me while I sat the exams and I finished my undergraduate

236 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER degree in 2004 and then started a enjoy lecturing and all the other masters degree in economics. I wrote aspects of the job. When people ask a research thesis on Malaria expend- how many hours we teach, and I iture in The Gambia. Of course the say, on average 6 hours a week, they sisters were very interested in that almost laugh. However, those 6 hours and used to tell me about the times in front of a class require maybe 20 that they were very ill with malaria hours preparation, even if you have and what medication they got. taught that subject before, in order I started a PhD in 2006 research- to keep up-to-date with the mate- ing mental health in Ireland. During rial and the ever changing econ- those three years I worked par-time omy. We prepare and set our own as a lecturer in the economics exams and we deal with student department but also part-time as a queries. As a lecturer, I am expected teacher in a secondary school for to carry out academic research. I am children in the care of the Health working closely with the National Service Executive. The classes were Suicide Research Foundation in very small and the pupils I taught Cork on a mental health study in were living in care in order to keep schools in Cork and Kerry. This is a them safe. These were two very dif- European-wide mental health study ferent worlds of education. I taught, and involves working with suicide and still teach, privileged people research centres in Sweden, Italy, and in UCC. I knew that those I taught France amongst others. I am the lead in the school would never, in all health economist on this project and likelihood go on to university, while we are trying to decide on the most those in UCC would never, in all cost-effective way to improve mental likelihood, understand what it is like health in young people and reduce not to have that privilege or similar the numbers of those committing ones. At times it was very frustrat- suicide. It is a very interesting project ing moving from one world to the and one I believe can be worthwhile other a couple of times during the with long-lasting consequences for working week. The teachers in that some of those pupils involved. school did fantastic work trying to It is nearly twenty years now encourage the young people to stay since my friends, Kevin and I picked in education, but it was very diffi- tulip bulbs for £1 an hour. I have cult and not many of them even sat learned so much from every job I the leaving certificate. have had and there has definitely I now have a full-time job in the been a wide ranging variety of them Economics Department in UCC. My each requiring lots of different skills area of focus is health economics and aptitudes which I know will and I teach at both undergraduate always stand to me in both my per- and postgraduate level. I very much sonal and professional life. ◉ 237 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 A Winter’s Tale or many years we have lives of most people, it disrupted Fenjoyed relatively mild win- lives to a degree it is now difficult ters. It is to do with global warming, to imagine and for some, especially we have been told, and some even the old and frail, it was lethal. My go so far as to predict that in a gener- memory of it, apart from hearing ation or so we shall be experiencing the tales my parents told me subse- Mediterranean style weather with quently, is of being brought to the the prospect of vineyards mush- backdoor by my mother and Aunt rooming in these islands. However Girlie to see the huge floods from the last two winters have given the eventual thaw as the Clashawley those of us who grew up in the 40s flowed into the Abbey Fields and a and 50s a reminder of winters past mighty lake arose. and, in my case, set in motion my The coldest winter of the last penchant for reminiscing. century was probably 1962-’63, the The first winter of which I have year I left home with the intention memory, very hazy and patchy, is of finding work in England for a that of 1946-’47. It was probably few years until the Irish economy the coldest of that century so far. picked up and I could return. A Certainly it wreaked havoc on the vain hope it was to prove but, I

Sheila and Michael O’Donnell (Mary Flynn’s children) photographed with Brendan Kenny, Don McCarthy, Marie Scanlon, Cathy Trehy and Norma Hanrahan playing in the wooden crates at the back of Mick Trehy’s garage. July 1959.

238 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER digress. That December the tem- of sporting fixtures was disrupted perature dropped below freezing totally and it was well into summer a week before Christmas and was before the backlog was cleared. to remain so day and night for the Winters at school hold dismal next ten weeks. I recall shivering memories for me. Apart from a fire as I waited for the airport coach at at the end of each large classroom Bristol Temple Meads Station and at the primary school, there was no watching through the train window heating. What heat the fire offered on the route from Dublin to Fethard largely went up the chimney and the ice adhering to the telegraph we all shivered. Such conditions are wires as the train headed south- often described as character-form- ward. The journey back in early ing, certainly people in England used January is one I still remember to be in the habit of so describing vividly; Dublin Airport was being them. It rather reminds me of George kept functioning by a snow plough Bernard Shaw’s remark, “the English which swept and piled the snow in believe they are moral when they great banks on the sides of the main are only uncomfortable”. Freezing in runway. As the plane, a fully laden that dim and dingy pit which passed Fokker Friendship, climbed over for the old school might have been Dalkey Harbour you could detect character-forming but not, I would the sheet of ice covering the water speculate, in the way some people inside the harbour wall. The coach would like to believe. It made me from Bristol Airport slithered its way appreciate all the more the fact that into the city and the train from my mother kept a very warm kitch- Bristol was delayed by hours as staff en, the product of a Stanley range struggled to unfreeze frozen points fuelled by turf, briquettes were still on the track. It was quite an experi- some years away, and it was a haven ence and people pulled together to which we were glad to return to assist each other and make the each winter’s evening. best of things. That January the final The other memory I have is of England rugby trial was shifted chilblains. These were the result of from Twickenham to Torquay, five the inadequate heating and, perhaps, miles from where I was then work- poor circulation. Most suffered from ing, because it was far too cold in them and they were very uncom- London to stage it. At Torquay it was fortable. My abiding memory of the made possible by covering the local condition is the infernal itching they rugby pitch with several feet of brought on and scratching them straw on Wednesday and removing seemed to make them only worse. it on the Saturday an hour before Still we survived and grew up with- kick-off. The game went ahead but out, I hope, too many hang-ups. The only just. Elsewhere the schedule fact that I have not experienced

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them for almost fifty years makes me are made in China. By the evening grateful for the many comforts we of Christmas most of the clock- now take for granted, central heating work models had broken reflect- being by no means the least. ing the fact that our parents were When the temperature fell in shamelessly exploited by firms who November it really froze hard. One produced such utter garbage and amusement we resorted to was skat- profited from it. I liked comic annu- ing on the road in front of the pub- als and can still recall the exploits lic water pumps which were situ- of Desperate Dan, Biffo the Bear ated at street corners. One, I recall and the adventures of Buffalo Bill. in particular, was at the junction of Christmas began in earnest with Barrack Street and the Square. We six o’clock (am) Mass and I have often sprayed the road liberally as happy memories of being woken at night fell knowing that in the morn- 5.30 and emerging into the world ing that road would be a mini ice outside our house and being hit rink and we could skate on it. There by a temperature of minus sever- were few cars about in those days so al degrees Celsius, enough to take motor accidents were not an issue. your breath away. Still, despite the When it froze I remember the ice in hour, the Abbey was full and people pools in the Abbey Field was often crammed into the pews for there more than half an inch thick, almost was never enough room to accom- sufficient to support our weight. We modate us all comfortably. I doubt often amused ourselves by trying to that that still applies for the past break it and it brought home to us fifty years have seen, among other how tough frozen water really was things, the decline of religious faith for it was not easy to smash. In retro- and practice. Nevertheless I still spect it reminds me of how cold the look forward to this aspect of winter weather of fifty years ago was and as its most important feature and how unused to such conditions we find myself making my way through have become. the silent streets of Plymouth to The happy event of winter was midnight Mass. Until she died a Christmas. It began in mid-Novem- few years ago at 93, I used to drive ber when the toy displays appeared a neighbour to this ceremony, she in the shop windows of Landers in had being going continuously since Main Street and O’Meara’s in Burke she was a very small child and was Street. Toy cars and trains for boys, unwilling to give up despite her age dolls for girls were the most popular and frailty. and many of these were made by a In 1957 the Russians launched Birmingham company called Chad the first space satellite, Sputnik. It Valley. The business still exists but, crossed the sky in low orbit at 90 I believe, most of their products minute intervals and, at times, could

240 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER be seen as a star moving across the many other developments, satellite night sky. The newspapers gave the television, worldwide communica- times when it was likely to appear tion and, of course, globalisation and I remember being awakened with all its benefits and drawbacks. by my father at 3 am to watch it. The Last winter brought back many night was cold in the extreme, eve- memories of winters in the 1950s. rything was covered in a stiff hoar However, this was so much easier frost. We stood outside for about to contend with for the numerous half an hour waiting to see it. It did advances of the intervening years not appear and we went back to have raised our material quality of bed frozen to the marrow. A few life immensely. We are better housed, days later it appeared at about 6 pm better fed and generally more com- and we were enthralled to see this fortable and for these blessings my tiny but luminous object crossing generation are, I think, grateful. ◉ the sky. It was the harbinger of so Tommy Healy (November 2011)

L to R: Madge Kelleher/Cummins, Nell Cummins/O’Reilly, Johnny O’Reilly and Margaret Mary Kelleher. Taken July 1946 241 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

John Joe’s Corner by John Joe Keane Generosity of brightness away the wasps. Stripped to the As a young, brash boy on enter- waist, he lay on a bed of nails, and ing Newport’s Newsagency, Tony placed a large stone on his chest, quipped, ‘It is better to light a can- applause and coins were given. dle than to curse the darkness’. Then he pierced his arm with a Sayings of a tolerant age, such as, large safety pin, a hardy individual, ‘For the grace of God, there go I’, on an earner. or, ‘May the troubles of the year go with it’. Others were, ‘A good start Johnny Leahy is half the battle’; ‘He who laughs Wit, being part of his conversa- last, laughs best’; ‘When you buy tion, here are a few examples, a fine the calf, you buy the cow’; ‘A river day, how is it going? Flying, a great runs its course’. Days of holy water way to travel, replied Johnny. The hit when everything was blessed and song was ‘The Twist’, what part goes, if someone did well, there was no when you do the twist, was the ques- begrudgery, only pride. Value was tion he asked. The answer Johnny widely known, knowledge, burden, gave was, your bowels. In a parade, the Rosary recited daily. Different decked out in tyres and exhaust times, they resonate now and again. pipes, Johnny’s placard read, ‘Tired and Exhausted’. Another item Crowds of Gaels was boots tied on to boots called Pipe band amidst the sunshine, ‘Coming and Going’. Entertainment. they came, from near and far, lengths of suits were the prize, for the win- Mary Ann Keane ners of the Fethard tournament. Hailed from North Cork, Sarsfields and Jimmy Doyle playing, Castletownroche, married Tom goaled, that’s the chat, roared the Keane, settled in Fethard, knew many spectators, material supplied, tragedy, with the loss of twins, a suits had to be tailored, individually, boy and girl, Eleanor and Joseph. valuable at that time. Other teams Reared seven children, believed in were Mount Sion, Glen Rovers, a the power of prayer, was a staunch forerunner of the All-Ireland Club. patriot, had a big heart, was very tol- erant, saw many changes and had A bed of nails a big affinity for the Abbey Church, Over by the town wall, on match passed away in 1990, the year her day, the ground sheet was spread. beloved county won the double. People, streaming to the Barrack A great mother, wife, daughter and Field, watched, as Johnny cracked Christmas always thought of fondly, the whip, a boy asked why, to keep son.

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Jimmy McInerney Born to Score Emigration being rife, he spent On hearing Dush Keane, is not too well, time in England, attended the The man who held us all in a spell reunions before coming home Starred against Bansha and Loughmore to Fethard, ran a shop in Burke That boy, could play football and score. Street, wrote a book on the Patrician Took a penalty in seventy-eight, title on a plate The goalie, never moved, saw it to late Brothers in Fethard. Liked walking One of Fethard’s messiahs, at senior level, joy the dogs and having a drink social- Cute, athletic, built tall, appeared to be coy. ly, reared in Barrack Street during Played for the county, came from The Green tumultuous times, sorry to hear of Sought foreign pastures, his senses keen his passing, a character, one of the All want to wish him, a big recovery soon old stock, may he rest in peace. Deserves it, in his prime, a discovery’s boon.

Thomas McCormack sent us this photograph from Wales of his grandfather, Michael McCormack, Ardsallagh, Fethard, photographed outside his house and workshop about 70 years ago. Michael was a carpenter and wheelwright specialist by trade.

243 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Holy Trinity National School

Junior Infants’ Class 2011 at Holy Trinity National School. Back L to R: Keira Daniel (Ard Alainn), Nicole Murphy (Monroe), Ben Allen (Woodvale Walk), Lucy Burke Lawrence (Woodvale Walk), Lucy Brett (Kilnockin Road), Aoife Harrington (Kerry Street). Middle L to R: Olivia Ward (Garrinch), Leo Makhinya (An Seanlíne), Charlie Brennan (Lisronagh), Liam Kiely (Coolmoyne), Danny Hayes (Abbey Street), Róisín Geoghegan (Woodvale Walk), Ciara Donald Besso (Friarsfield), Isobel O’Donnell (Coleman). Front L to R: Rebecca Needham (Abbey View), Emily Spillane (Tullamaine), Joshua Hall (St. Patrick’s Place), Angel Louise Reilly (Canon Hayes Park), Kate Murphy (The Valley), Aoibheann Collum (Ballyvaden), Zoë Prout (Woodvale Walk). Missing from photograph Robert Thompson Brawders, Jake Fox and Cian Murray. taff: Mrs Patricia Treacy, Ms Peig McGarry from Gortnahoe SPrincipal, Ms Tríona Morrison, is still with us on a voluntary basis Vice-Principal (1st Class), Mrs and we all benefit hugely from her Margaret Gleeson (Junior Infants), many years of experience. Peig works Ms Denise Meehan (Senior Infants), with learning support pupils as well Mrs Mary Hanrahan (2nd Class), Mrs as participating in team-teaching in Rita Kenny (3rd Class), Mrs Eileen the classrooms. Without Peig, many Fitzgerald (4th Class), Ms Aisling of our children would not get the Fanning (5th Class), Mrs Sarah help they need as our official learn- O’Sullivan (6th Class), Ms Carmel ing - support provision isn’t sufficient Lonergan, Ms Lorraine de Lacey and to meet the current demand. We Mr Tom Butler, Learning Support\ have felt the effect of cutbacks just Resource, Mr Keith MacAmhaidh like everyone else in Ireland. We (High Support Unit), Ms Ann-Marie have lost one of our teaching posts Harty SNA, Mrs Ann D’Arcy (secre- and in June we had to say good- tary), Mr Willie Ryan and Mrs Mai bye to Agnes Grogan who worked Costello (caretaking staff). so dedicatedly with us as a SNA.

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However, Agnes, too, has returned but there’s no doubt that the end to us on a voluntary basis and as would not have been so successfully always her assistance is a huge sup- realised without the on-going sup- port to pupils and teachers alike. Sr. port of our wonderful parents who Maureen Power retired from Nano collaborated so whole-heartedly Nagle in 2010 but she has also with the South Tipperary Volunteer opted to return to assist us two after- Group under the leadership of Mrs noons per week. As a result, knitting Amanda Quigley. Amanda had is flourishing among the boys and approached Mrs Treacy offering girls from 2nd to 6th class. support and with all hands on deck Throughout the past year other throughout the summer holidays, volunteers have come to our assis- the entire school was cleaned, refur- tance as we coped with the on-going bished and painted. No task was too disruption of builders on site. A new daunting as volunteers plastered, extension housing learning support painted inside and out, washed win- rooms, storage areas, toilets and a dows, cleaned and polished floors new, much bigger staff room was and installed sound-proofing. The added on to the rear of the build- courtyard was given a make-over ing. The original staff room and the and beautiful new flower beds were offices were reconfigured to provide planted in the school grounds. It is proper offices for the principal and truly one of those occasions when the secretary, as well as additional words are not adequate to express storage space. Internal walls were the depth of our gratitude. We can demolished to afford access around, only offer a heartfelt “go raibh míle, rather than through, the P.E. hall. Mrs míle maith agaibh” to all concerned. Kenny relocated to that hall with The South Tipperary Volunteer 6th Class while Ms Fanning’s class Group also organised a competition and Mrs Fitzgerald found themselves for the schools in South Tipperary over in the old St. Patricks N.S. hall. At where children were asked to draw times, it felt like musical classrooms pictures or write stories and poems as we packed up and vacated before on the theme ‘what it means to be various school breaks to allow nec- Irish’. We were delighted when our essary work take place; unpacking school was asked to host the prize- and re-occupying in time for the giving for the competition and even school re-opening. We all learned more thrilled to learn that Holy to negotiate around the builders’ Trinity N.S. was the overall winner. equipment and the safety barriers Mary Davies, the then presidential and to ignore the sound of drilling candidate, was the guest speaker on and hammering. Throughout it all the day and she paid glowing tribute we were kept going by the thought, to all those who so unselfishly give of “it will be worth it all in the end” their time and talents volunteering

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to improve things in their respective soccer leagues. Mrs Kenny, Mrs communities and without whom so O’Sullivan and Ms Fanning have many undertakings would never be trained as spike-ball coaches and possible. She established a genuine after-school training takes place rapport with all the children present every Tuesday and Friday. The GAA and had an insightful and apprecia- trainers, Tom McCarthy and Johnny tive word for each of the prize win- Cummins, come every Friday after- ners. The winning entries have been noon to do Gaelic football and compiled in a lovely book entitled hurling in school with the pupils ‘What it means to be Irish’ that retails in 2nd-6th Classes. Mr Butler and at €10 and is available from the Mr MacAmhaidh take the chil- South Tipperary Volunteer Group. Ms dren training after school every Davies then presented our Principal Wednesday. 3rd–6th classes go with a cheque for €1,000. swimming in the first term and this We had another occasion to cel- has proved a resounding success. ebrate in October 2011 when we The class teachers have availed of received 1st prize in the ‘Love Where the opportunity of being in Clonmel You Live’ photographic competition. to pay visits to both the Clonmel Ciarán Moroney and Patrick Shine Library and the County Museum. represented our school at the Green The staff of both venues are always House in Dublin and accepted the most welcoming and keen to facili- prize of €500 on our behalf. The tate interesting activities for the competition was run by An Taisce children. To date the children have and sponsored by Alupro Ireland. attended workshops in pottery and The boys were accompanied by Mrs ceramic painting as well as visiting Treacy and Mrs Maher on their trip the River Suir project. Sixth Class to Dublin. A very enjoyable day was also got the chance to meet chil- had by all! dren’s author Judy Curtin when she The children take part in a num- came to do a reading session in the ber of art and writing competitions library in Cashel. The Museum staff throughout the school year and also facilitated after-school art and while we emphasise the primary craft sessions for all class teachers in importance of participation we are October and November. also delighted to celebrate success Gillian Coulter, of ‘The Magic of when it comes. Well done to all Music’, continues to do music with who won prizes during the year! all classes every Wednesday. Gillian’s Sport continues to play a large enthusiasm and her boundless ener- part in our school year with the gy inspires her pupils and gives them children participating in athletics in a wonderful grounding in all aspects Marlfield, inter-school Cumann na of the music curriculum. First class mBunscoil, spike-ball and Futsal learned the tin whistle, all classes

246 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

Sixth Class Pupils at Holy Trinity National School. Back L to R: Courtney Walsh, Erica McGrath, Aisling Gorey, Jack Ward, Bradley Phelan, Dylan Lyons. Third Row L to R: Laura Butler, Rebecca McGarry, Liam Quigley, Jesse McCormack, Shane Curran, Adam Dorney, Jordan Coen. Second Row L to R: Roseanne Dalton, Mark Hayde, Harry Butler, Jack Spillane, Megan McCarthy, Amy Cowlard, Eric Fogarty. Front L to R: Carly Tobin, Farrah Cummins Doyle, Amy Needham, Vanessa Pyke, Róisín McDonnell and Tara Regan. Missing from photograph is Amye O’Donovan, Alan Doherty and Conor Clancy. got to do percussion and after sons, all of which she would then Hallowe’en this year everyone got a donate to the centre. This was a first chance to experiment with her won- for us but we were delighted to sup- derful new set of drums; big drums, port Marina in her endeavour. We little drums, all kinds of drums. Lots felt it was a great opportunity for the of noise, lots of fun! Last Christmas children to engage with the wider the children, under Gillian’s direc- community in doing something for tion, put on a Rock Nativity in the our senior citizens. The dance les- Fethard Ballroom and it proved a sons took place every week for an resounding success. hour after school. Before we knew Marina Mullins, who will be it, the children were waltzing, doing familiar to many of you as a ball- the cha-cha-cha, the quickstep and room dancer and also for her artis- the rumba with élan. Marina and tic talent, approached the school her dance partner, Pat, proved to regarding the possibility of offering be born teachers and their pupils ballroom dancing lessons to the took to the floor to showcase their children. Marina explained that she talents before families and friends wished to raise funds for the Fethard in a ‘Come Dancing’ competition in Day Care Centre so she proposed the Fethard Ballroom on 25 May last. charging a nominal fee for the les- Marina ran the competition exactly

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as the professional competitions First Holy Communion took are run and the superbly costumed place in May 2011. As usual, it was competitors were put through their a wonderful day for the 24 girls and paces in the various heats. Judging boys in 2nd Class, their families was a serious business but in the and the wider church community. Fr. end all received prizes thanks to Anthony McSweeney officiated and the generosity of the Maher family, the school choir sang accompa- the Green, who donated beautiful nied beautifully by Goldie Newport trophies that had been won by their on the organ. We are blessed to parents Bill and Babe Maher during have Goldie so readily available their dancing days. Micéal Maher, and we would like to acknowledge very fittingly, was there to present her invaluable contribution to all the proud participants with their our special occasions. It was a final lovely prizes. Our pupils’ foray onto outing as First Communion teacher the dance floor was a wonderful for Mrs Maureen Maher, before her success and we are happy to report retirement in August and, as always, that Marina continues to offer ball- the children were excellently pre- room dancing lessons for children pared for their big day. in the ballroom. Mrs Rita Kenny again undertook

Holy Trinity N.S. pupils photographed at the Challenge to Change seminar in Kilkenny. Back L to R: Corey Carroll, Andrew Phelan, Connie Coen, Timothy Hurley. Front L to R: Sadhbh Horan, Chloe Burke, Cassie Needham, Lesley Ann Prendergast, Emma Keating and Ciara Hayes.

248 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER a ‘Challenge for Change’ project with site; presenting the content of the 6th class on the theme of biodiversity. project to the other classes in the The aims of the project named ‘All school; presenting the project at the Things Bright and Beautiful’ were: ‘Challenge To Change’ seminar in the to learn about biodiversity and its Springhill Court Hotel in Kilkenny. value to the planet; to appreciate the The pupils summed up the world’s biodiversity; to study the flora impact of the project on them by and fauna of our locality; to look at stating that they learned lots of new an exotic ecosystem- the rainforests; information, realised how a small to examine the threats to biodiver- change can make a big difference to sity; to see what we can do to halt the environment, enjoyed the day in this loss. Sixth class planned to do Kilkenny, especially the workshops, all the above and to also include and gained a deeper appreciation all other classes in the project. Their of the beauty of the world around us. many activities included: a guided An annual highlight for pupils nature walk to our local Grove Wood and teachers alike is the school tour; with naturalist Liam Bourke; using for the pupils because they are out newspapers, magazines, books and of the classroom and experiencing the internet to research the topic; something different, for us teachers each class in the school was invit- because we get the chance to inter- ed to produce art work based on act with them in a more informal the theme of biodiversity; a talk by setting. This year, the senior school Ms Labhaoise McKenna, Heritage tour for 1st–6th classes took us to Officer, about the flora and fauna of the University of Limerick campus the region; working with local Tidy where the children enjoyed a variety Towns representative, Brian Sheehy, of outdoor activities such as canoe- to set up habitats in the school ing, rafting, orienteering, swimming, grounds that the pupils checked reg- etc. The pupils had a great time and ularly; a visit by 5th and 6th Classes we enjoyed watching them enjoy- to the Nagle Centre in Ballygriffin, ing themselves. The little ones or as Co. Cork to explore that community’s they prefer to be called, the Junior approach to protecting and enhanc- and Senior Infants, visited one of ing the environment; contacting Ms. our favourite places, Parson’s Green Denise O’Meara, mammal ecologist over in Clogheen. It’s a great place at Waterford Institute of Technology for all age groups but particularly who set up experiments with them suitable for them. They had a great that revealed that the Bank Vole, pre- time visiting the animals, boating viously uncharted in South Tipperary, down the river, going for a ride in visits our school grounds!; publish- the pony and trap, viewing the old ing two articles in the Nationalist farmyard implements and, best of newspaper and on the Fethard web- all, having fun in the playground.

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As most readers of this newslet- and Mrs Margaret Gleeson are spear- ter will be aware we have a long- heading our Green School project. term commitment to recycling and Annual windfall: In recent years, protecting the environment. We Traas’s Apple Farm Cahir has pre- have always endeavoured to devel- sented us with boxes of apples at op our school grounds in order Hallowe’een – one for everyone in to afford pupils various learning the audience! It is a very generous opportunities: planting the grove of gesture from a local producer of native Irish trees that now features quality organic fruit that provides a a nature trail, creating a ‘bug hotel’, healthy treat for our pupils. Another putting in raised beds to grow veg- example of how we are supported etables, planting a wildflower patch, by the wider community. installing a water-barrel in the court- Another major change occurred yard to conserve water, harvesting this year when Mrs Maureen Maher apples from the container-grown and Sr. Winnie Kirwan retired from trees in there and putting in a bird Holy Trinity National School, Fethard table to coax birds into this inner on 31st August and 30th September space that can be viewed from the respectively. Maureen joined the staff surrounding corridors as one pass- of Nano Nagle in 1974, teaching most es in and out. Once again, parents classes along the way and serving as have made a major contribution to Vice-Principal for six years, a posi- these endeavours and we have also tion she retained when Holy Trinity been able to call on the expertise N.S. came into being in September of local naturalist, Liam Bourke. Mrs 2010. She taught 2nd Class for the Kenny and Mrs Gleeson applied to last number of years and was respon- South Tipperary County Council for sible for preparing the children for funding and received €410 that will First Holy Communion, a task she be used to extend the school wood- accomplished with her usual verve land by introducing hazel, alder and efficiency. Sr. Winnie came to us and horse chestnut trees and to in 2004 from Zimbabwe and, while facilitate environmental workshops she sorely missed her African pupils for the children. This year, we are and the very different way of life taking what seems to be the next out there, she threw herself whole- logical step and beginning the pro- heartedly into the teaching of our cess to obtain Green School status. Senior Infants. Sr. Winnie loves nature Watch this space! and the Derek Mooney webcam As we go to press, we have broadcasts were a daily feature in received news that the school has her classroom. Sr. Winnie brought a received a grant of €410 from South new perspective into our school; an Tipperary County Council to fur- awareness of how blessed we are in ther develop our grounds. Mrs Kenny so many ways. She helped us to be

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First assembly meeting for Holy Trinity National School with prayer service led by Sr. Winnie, on the first day back at school following the amalgamation of St. Patrick’s Boys School and Nano Nagle N.S. a little less complacent and a little ready to lend a listening ear. We miss more appreciative of the difficul- both Maureen and Sr. Winnie, we ties faced by those less fortunate. acknowledge the wealth of knowl- Sr. Winnie also became involved in edge, talent and experience they the local community and her house shared with us all. We thank them for in Árd Álainn became a centre of their dedication to the pupils they Christian welcome, prayer and spir- taught, we remember the good times ituality. Like Maureen, she transferred we shared, we look forward to con- with us to Holy Trinity N.S. though, as tinued friendship and we wish them a Presentation sister, the demise of both every blessing in the future. Nano Nagle, was particularly poign- The Parents’ Association contin- ant for her. Sr. Winnie also suffered the ues to do sterling work supporting us loss of her mother during that year, in all our endeavours. They give most took charge in the convent and then generously of their time, energy had to contend with health prob- and expertise and they are always lems. Through it all, she remained ready to help in any way they can resolutely committed to school and at school events. The association the pupils in her care. Her concern also undertakes fundraising when extended to all members of staff, she the need arises. We would like to took a genuine interest in our per- thank them most sincerely for their sonal concerns and she was always support without which our school

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would be much the poorer. Christmas Angel’, and the rest of us Likewise, the Board of are busy making and doing for our Management has always afforded upcoming Christmas Bazaar. The us every possible assistance and we builder’s dust may have only just gratefully acknowledge the unstint- settled, Holy Trinity National School ing support of all those who have may only be fifteen months old but served on the boards of both St. we have made an assured begin- Patrick’s Boys School and Nano ning, the rhythm of our daily routine Nagle N.S. over the years. We wel- is well established and our school come the members of the new community is moving forward con- Board of Management of Holy Trinity fidently to meet whatever challenges N.S. which has just begun a new term the future may bring. Once again, of office. We are confident that they we proffer our thanks to all who too will prove an source of encour- support us in our task especially agement as we all work together to the parents, Canon Tom Breen, Fr. do the very best we can for the entire Anthony McSweeney, the Board of school community. Management, all our volunteers and As Christmas approaches, we the wider Fethard community. We are all getting ready to celebrate would like to wish them all the joys the season that’s in it. The Parent’s of the festive season and we would Association have just put up a beau- also like to extend greetings to all tifully decorated Christmas tree in who read this newsletter especially the courtyard that will brighten the all those who are far from home. dark December days. Our Infants are Nollaig Shona agus Athbhlian faoi practising for their Christmas play, ‘A Mhaise dhíbh go léir. ◉

Tiag, Shane and Kian Lonergan saying ‘hello’ from San Francisco for their parents Mark and Ann Marie.

252 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER Queen Elizabeth visits Fethard

o you have any revolution- Elizabeth and her husband Prince Daries, rebellious types, mur- Phillip were going to visit Coolmore derers, mercenaries, students or any Stud in a private capacity during other member of a dissident group their official State visit to Ireland, as living in your house, or due to visit guests of John and Sue Magnier. your house on or before 20th May?, Security for the visit was para- was the question implied on the mount. Teams of Gardaí surveyed the questionnaire being brought to the area, searching hedges, manholes people of Fethard. It did not state and any place else that the afore- anywhere that Queen Elizabeth was mentioned revolutionaries might coming to visit Fethard. But every- plant a bomb. One man was seen body knew that she was coming as x-raying every manhole in town, her visit was an Irish secret. If you before they were spot welded or marked the box marked ‘No’ – that sealed with silicone to prevent them was fine – the Queen could pass by being opened prior to the visit. your house en route to Coolmore The Ballroom in town became Stud without fear of incident . the official headquarters of the There were a few signs around Fethard-based contingent of over town that something of note was 300 Gardaí. In the days leading up to about to happen. Helicopters hov- the visit, there was a member of the ered over the town and surrounding Gardaí patrolling every few yards, at area, obviously photographing and crossroads and in fields. The rumour filming the area for the impending mill kicked in, with reported sightings visit. Then it was announced. Queen of Irish Army snipers on the tower of

253 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011

the Church of Ireland and on the sur- Even the air was blocked to any rounding hills. Whilst this wasn’t true, local or visiting pilots. There was a 20 one good story emerged about a cer- mile no-fly zone around the Fethard tain individual who worked within area. When a Garda representative the tight three-mile security cordon was asked what would happen if around Coolmore. Rather than travel one of the local fliers took to the sky through the various checkpoints to during the visit, he said sternly, “just get back to the don’t . . . you will toilet, he opted be forced down to use the neigh- or shot down . . bouring woods . and don’t even to relieve himself. dream of going When the Queen inside the zone had left the area when Obama the following comes (President day, he noticed Obama of the a number of sol- USA was due to Drains and openings were spot-welded and marked diers emerging visit his ancestral from the same woods in camouflage home in Moneygall on the Tipperary gear. “Were ye in there yesterday?”, /Offaly border a few days after the he asked. “Yes, and it wasn’t very Queen’s visit). Seemingly Obama pretty”, came the reply. had fighter jets out of sight and ear- Finally, the day arrived for the shot, but within range. Queen to leave Dublin and head The television showed the Queen for Cashel and from there on to leaving the Rock of Cashel and thus Coolmore. Busloads of extra Gardaí ended the media coverage until she poured into Fethard. Every road got to Cork. The weather was poor was blocked and access was grant- in Tipperary and the top brass of ed to inhabitants who had given the Gardaí in Fethard seemed wor- their details to the Gardaí. The shut ried. If the weather closed in, the down of the area was very thorough. Queen would be travelling by road, One girl got through the checkpoint which was their worst nightmare. even though she had brought a Word crackled over the radio…”the car that wasn’t in the Garda data- VIP car has left Cashel”. Those of base, when she informed the Garda us who heard that announcement on the checkpoint that she had over the Garda radio wondered if the meat from the butchers in the she was indeed coming through boot of her car for the caterers that Fethard en route to Coolmore. There were cooking dinner for the Gardaí! were rumours that the Queen was Queen or no Queen, the dinner was going to stop in Fethard and visit getting through. McCarthy’s where some of her

254 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER friends had recently visited (one of were seen heading for Cork. The whom is secretary to the Queen’s Queen’s and two gunships to pro- Charity Trust, who is descended from tect her. And as the Gardaí were the Kellett’s of Clonacody). stood down, many were boarding Sirens were heard, and soon a busses to head for Moneygall to pro- fleet of cars sped down the Cashel tect President Barack Obama, while Road, shot through the Main many of the staff who entertained Street, up Barrack Street and on to the Queen in Coolmore were arriv- Coolmore. It looked like the Queen ing into Fethard to wind down after had whizzed through Fethard. Then, the event. another fleet of cars approached, A number of people were put stopped outside McCarthy’s and a on the spot and asked what their number of men in suits, wearing abiding memory of the Queen’s visit ID tags emerged from these cars. to Fethard. Most recalled the heavy One approached the bar. “Are ye still security, one woman with small kids serving dinner?”, asked the detective. said that their children were very “We are, but where is the Queen?”, impressed with the amount of squad came the reply. “Having dinner in cars and wondered if they could Coolmore, and now we have a break bring their (toy) guns to town, and to have ours. Her helicopter just another man summed it up quite landed. What’s on the menu?”. succinctly, pointing out that she A while later, three helicopters didn’t actually visit Fethard at all! ◉

Waiting for the Queen of England’s visit through Fethard on 20 May 2011 were L to R: Brian Palmer, Caroline Palmer, Judy Butler and Christopher Horsman. 255 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER 2011 Patrician Presentation Awards Day

ur Annual Awards Horan (senior) and Thomas OCeremony was held on Channon (junior). Sports Awards to Friday, October 21. Present for Jessie McCarthy and Gerry Horan. the occasion were guest speaker, Attendance and Punctuality Dr. Lee-Ann Burke and her family, awards: Orla Walsh (1st Year), the chairperson of the Board of Eoghan Hurley (2nd Year), Karen Management, Br. Matthew Hayes and Hayes (3rd Year), Aobh O’Shea (3rd other board members, the chair- Year), Michelle Walsh (3rd Year), person of the Parents’ Association, Molly O’Dwyer (4th Year) and Ted Mrs Catherine O’Donnell and other Barrett (5th Year). parent representatives, the principal Achievement Awards were pre- of Holy Trinity Primary School, Mrs sented to Christina Myler (Art), Patricia Treacy, Presentation Sisters, Daiana Adamczak (Art) and Michael Sr. Maureen and Sr. Maria and the McCarthy (Woodwork). parents and family members of the Student Council Certificates: award-winning pupils. Mike Earl (2nd Year), Aine Proudfoot The awards were presented as (2nd Year), Shannon Dorney (3rd follows: Students of the Year: Katie Year), Adam Fitzgerald (3rd Year), Whyte (1st Year), Cormac Horan Aobh O’Shea (4th Year), James (2nd Year), Jane Fitzgerald (5th Maher (4th Year), Emma Hayes Year); Jean Anglim (Best Leaving (5th Year), Chloe Byrne (5th Year), Certificate); Karen Hayes (Padraig Ronan Fitzgerald (5th Year), Jane Pearse Award), Michelle Walsh Fitzgerald (6th Year) and Andrew (Paddy Broderick Award), music Maher (6th Year). 6th Year Mentors: group Army Rising (Marian Gilpin Jane Fitzgerald, Rachel Prout, Mary LAM Award). Ann Fogarty, Sean Whyte, Andrew Fethard Quill Awards to Tara Maher and Louis Rice. ◉ 256 2011 FETHARD & KILLUSTY NEWSLETTER

Dancers from Holy Trinity National School who took part in the Ballroom Dancing exhibition organised by Marina Mullins on 25 May 2011. Proceeds were donated to Fethard & District Day Care Centre

Billy Morrissey and his son John, Tullamaine, Fethard, photographed with their dog ‘Clover Hill’ ready for Coursing Week in Clonmel this year

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Delivering milk to the Abymill Creamery in the early 1900s

Watergate Bridge in the early 1900s

ISSN 1393-2721