Tipp Echo December 18 - 2024

Man was looking after his father at home before tragic house fire

A man in his 50s is understood to have been looking after his elderly father at his home in Co. Tipperary when a fire broke out, claiming both of their lives.

Father-of-three Stephen Lee, 83, and his son John, 56, died together in a blaze at a two-storey house in Littleton, near Thurles, on Monday morning at around 2.30am.

Neighbours raised the alarm, prompting two units of Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service to rush to the scene on McDonagh Terrace. The firefighters removed the men from the property but their lives could not be saved.

Stephen, a former worker with Eircom, was due to celebrate his 84th birthday with his family next week. It is understood his three children took turns looking after their father, who had lost his wife Mary recently and a daughter several years ago.

John, a father-of-two, was spending one night at the west Tipperary property when the incident occurred.

The news has been met with shock and sadness with Fianna Fáil councillor Seán Ryan, who is from Littleton, stating that both men were well respected and unassuming members of their

community.

‘My parent’s house is just around the corner from where this tragedy occurred,’ he told the Irish Daily Mail. ‘Stephen would have been a very quiet man and his wife Mary passed away last year. She was involved in the choir and bingo in Littleton. A man in his 50s is understood to have been looking after his elderly father at his home in Co. Tipperary when a fire broke out, claiming both of their lives.

Father-of-three Stephen Lee, 83, and his son John, 56, died together in a blaze at a two-storey house in Littleton, near Thurles, on Monday morning at around 2.30am.

Neighbours raised the alarm, prompting two units of Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service to rush to the scene on McDonagh Terrace.

The firefighters removed the men from the property but their lives could not be saved. Pic: Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The firefighters removed the men from the property but their lives could not be saved.

Stephen, a former worker with Eircom, was due to celebrate his 84th birthday with his family

next week. It is understood his three children took turns looking after their father, who had lost his wife Mary recently and a daughter several years ago. John, a father-of-two, was spending one night at the west Tipperary property when the incident occurred.

The news has been met with shock and sadness with Fianna Fáil councillor Seán Ryan, who is from Littleton, stating that both men were well respected and unassuming members of their community.

‘My parent’s house is just around the corner from where this tragedy occurred,’ he told the Irish Daily Mail. ‘Stephen would have been a very quiet man and his wife Mary passed away last year. She was involved in the choir and bingo in Littleton. They were just such a friendly, non-assuming couple in this a small, tight-knit village. His family would have stayed with him every night and it was John who was over at the time of the fire. It’s a very sad tragedy.’

Gardaí in Tipperary have carried out a technical examination at the house, but it is understood they are not treating the blaze as suspicious.

As the festive season approaches, John Quirke Jewellers would like to extend warm Christmas greetings to all our valued customers. This time of year is synonymous with joy, love, and generosity, and we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support throughout the year.

At John Quirke Jewellers, we understand that jewelry is more than just a beautiful accessory; it’s a way of capturing memories and celebrating special moments. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for a loved one or treating yourself, our collection is designed to bring sparkle

Festive Message from John Quirke Jewellers

and elegance to your holiday celebrations. During this magical season, we encourage you to embrace the spirit of giving, fostering connections with family and friends. Our team is dedicated to helping you find that perfect piece, ensuring that your Christmas is filled with joy and that every gift resonates with love. As we look ahead to the New Year, we wish you all health, happiness, and prosperity. Thank you for being part of the John Quirke Jewellers family. May your holidays be filled with cherished moments and unforgettable memories. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Clonmel Christmas Market brings Festive Cheer to Kickham Plaza

CLONMEL’S CHRISTMAS spirit was in full swing this past weekend as the annual Christmas Market transformed the beautiful Kickham Plaza into a magical winter wonderland. Organised by the Transition Year students from local secondary schools, this heartwarming event brought the community together to celebrate the season with twinkling lights, cheerful music, and a delightful range of festive treasures.

The dedication of these students was evident in every detail, from the beautifully decorated stalls to the warm and welcoming atmosphere that made the market so special. Kickham Plaza shimmered with festive joy, offering visitors an unforgettable experience of handmade crafts, unique gifts, and delectable treats created by talented local artisans and businesses.

The market was truly a celebration of Clonmel’s vibrant community. Stalls were brimming with gorgeous Christmas decorations, one-of-a-kind crafts, and mouthwatering food, all crafted and presented by local sellers. With a strong emphasis on supporting local talent, the market highlighted the

creativity and hard work of the people of Clonmel. Visitors were treated to live performances by gifted local musicians, spreading Christmas cheer with their festive tunes, while students from local schools charmed everyone with their heartwarming carol singing.

The entire plaza was alive with smiles and laughter, as friends, families, and neighbors enjoyed the magical atmosphere. From young to old, the market offered something for everyone, a true testament to the town’s strong sense of community.

LET’S MAKE IT EVEN BETTER FOR FUTURE YEARS

While the market was undeniably a success, there’s already talk of how it could grow even bigger and better next year. Imagine a Winterval Style Festive, complete with a dazzling Ferris wheel and other attractions to draw visitors from far and wide. Kickham Plaza has the space and potential to become a true destination for festive celebrations, bringing even more joy, and footfall, to the heart of Clonmel. This would not only boost local businesses but also provide an even grander platform for students and artisans to showcase their talents.

This year’s market was a shining example of what can be achieved when the community comes together. The Transition Year students, local schools, and participating vendors deserve immense credit for their hard work and creativity in bringing this festive event to life. Their enthusiasm and passion made this market truly magical and a source of pride for the entire town.

Whether you came to find the perfect Christmas gift, indulge in some festive treats, or simply soak up the holiday spirit with loved ones, the Clonmel Christmas Market was an unmissable event. The warmth, joy, and sense of togetherness it brought to Kickham Plaza were the perfect start to the holiday season.

Here’s to another successful market next year. Bigger, brighter, and even more enchanting! Let’s continue to nurture this wonderful tradition that brings Clonmel’s community closer and fills the town with Christmas magic.

Well done to everyone who made this year’s Christmas Market a resounding success. Clonmel, you’ve outdone yourself once again!

Report by Clonmel Stories.

The Mercantile Bathroom & Tile Company

The Mercantile Bathroom & Tile Company are excited to offer a full Supply fit & service. Whereas we are happy to work with your Builder & tradespeople if you require we have partnered with experienced Tilers & Plumbers to help you realize your project at every step from Design to installation.

The Mercantile offers free design consultation

with site visit along with our comprehensive Tile & bathroom offering at our newly extended showroom at 31 Parnell Street we guarantee to meet all your design requirements. With beautifully selected bathroom display settings and a wide selection of tiles for Bathrooms, kitchens, hall & living areas to suit all budgets.

Short on time? we also do site visits & after hours

appointments for your convenience.

The Mercantile Bathroom & Tile Company would like to thank all of our customers for their business in 2024. We are very grateful for the support shown to us this past year and look forward to showcasing our latest products and new ideas next year. Wishing you all a happy Christmas and & prosperous new year.

Celebrate Christmas with Linnane’s Carry Out in Thurles and Clonmel

As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of Christmas fills the air with joy, warmth, and an abundance of festive celebrations. For many, this time of year brings together family and friends, often around a hearty meal and a few good drinks. In the towns of Thurles and Clonmel, Linnane’s Carry Out is your go-to destination for all things festive, offering a wide range of take-away drinks and delightful hampers to make your Christmas celebrations even more special.

A Festive Selection of TakeAway Drinks

Linnane’s Carry Out prides itself on providing an impressive selection of take-away drinks, perfect for those looking to toast the holiday season in style. Whether you prefer a classic bottle, a glass of bubbly, or a warm mulled wine, Linnane’s has you covered. The knowledgeable staff is always on hand to offer recommendations, ensuring you find the perfect beverage to complement your celebrations.

This year, they are featuring an expanded range of craft beers,

fine wines, and spirits that reflect the festive spirit. From local brews to international favorites, there’s something for everyone. Consider picking up a few options to create a festive drinks station at your holiday gathering. With Linnane’s convenient take-away service, you can enjoy quality drinks without the hassle of lengthy lines at busy bars or crowded stores.

Hampers: A Thoughtful Gift for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for the perfect gift this Christmas, Linnane’s Carry Out offers a variety of beautifully curated hampers that are sure to impress any recipient. These hampers are filled with treats, fine wines, and artisanal products, making them an ideal choice for friends, family, or even as a generous corporate gift.

Each hamper is thoughtfully put together, bringing together the best local and international delicacies.

Catering to All Your Christmas Needs

Linnane’s Carry Out understands that each holiday celebration is unique. That’s why they offer flexible options that cater to various tastes and preferences. Planning a cozy family gathering? Grab a selection of take-away drinks and a hamper to share around the dining table. Hosting an office party? Their extensive drinks menu and

you

Additionally, whether it’s a small get-together or a large event, Linnane’s has you covered with their efficient service. Simply place your order in advance, and you’ll have everything you need to make your celebration memorable, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.

This Christmas, let Linnane’s Carry Out in Thurles and Clonmel be your partner in creating unforgettable holiday memories. With a fantastic selection of take-away

drinks and exquisite hampers, they have everything you need to celebrate the season in style. Stop by, explore their offerings, and bring home the joy of Christmas, making your festivities brighter and more enjoyable. Cheers to a wonderful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and good cheer!

corporate hampers ensure

have everything needed to keep the festivities going.

CLONMEL FARMERS’ MARKET at

Ss. Peter & Paul’s Primary School, Kickham Street, Clonmel - EVERY SATURDAY

LEFT: Young entrepreneur Aíne Heffernan is selling Katie Strickland’s range of delicious treats for the palate and eye at the Clonmel Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning at Kickham Street, Clonmel. Mince pies, scones, chocolate squares, cake slices, seasonal desserts, in fact it’s a sweet tooth heaven. Why not indulge before Christmas - go on, you deserve it!

RIGHT: For a pick me up on a cold pre-Christmas day call to Séan Heffernan at the Clonmel Farmers’ Market for coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and relax with a sugar boost from another stall. You can consume on site or take away to enjoy. Check out this young man’s stall soonn.

The CLONMEL FARMER’S MARKET is based in Ss. Peter & Paul’s School, Kickham Street Clonmel. It trades every Saturday between 10am and 2pm only. It’s traders sell fish, poultry, pork, all vegetables, eggs, cooked products, confectionery, hot drinks and soup, organic foods, etc. Christmas trading days are SATURDAY, 21st DECEMBER and MONDAY 23rd DECEMBER. We take our annual break for two weeks and resume in early January 2025. Keep safe and enjoy the festive season, from the traders in the CLONMEL FARMERS’ MARKET

LEFT: If fresh fish is what you desire the Hartleys fish mongers are definitely the one’s to call on. Dick who is a former fisherman is a mine of knowledge on everything that swims, Pat Hartley has his base on the Copper Coast between Stradbally and Tramore. Pat has an excellent range of fish in season and also has his own smoke rooms, if you want the makings of a fish pie or a special treat for the significant occasion, the person the talk to Dick and he will advise you on how to impress everyone with some culinary delights.

RIGHT: In Season Bio Farm has a excellent supply and range of organic vegetables all grown halfway between Clonmel and Cahir just off the N24,you will see the sign a little after the Apple Farm, E21R897. James Buckley and Delphine Porcherot are the proprietors and they have all the vegetables and salads that you desire and a selection sourdough breads all baked on site, something really pleasing not just at Christmas time but all year round.

CLONMEL FARMERS’ MARKET at

Ss. Peter & Paul’s Primary School, Kickham Street, Clonmel - EVERY SATURDAY

LEFT: Paddy Stokes’ (Kilsheelan) produce is a must for the discerning shopper and his champion potatoes are a treat that you just have to sample soon. If you were watching Ear to the Ground on RTE 1 TV you would have seen how the humble spud is grown, harvested and stored with the utmost of care, all just down the road in Kilsheelan.  Paddy has other produce as well such as cabbage, broccoli,carrots and parsnips, onions, lettuce, preserves, scallions, etc., etc. This is one stall that is definitely worth a call any time of the year for the freshest farm produce.

RIGHT: Early Bird free range eggs are always one of the very popular stalls at Clonmel Farmers’ Market and Trevor and Sandra have excellent quality and supply, The sales person is Siobhán LaTouche who is a familiar face as she had a stall herself in the Clonmel Farmer’s Market some time ago. The Early Bird eggs are also available in Super Valu Supermarket in the Poppyfield retail centre, Clonmel.

LEFT: Sue Esplan has a lovely selection of Pates quiches, chutneys, relishes, pies and also hot soup as a pick-me-up on any cold winter’s day. Sue is a mine of knowledge on her cooking and she will have something for you to enjoy this Christmas time

RIGHT: Trisha Butler has a excellent selection of free range poultry and pork for sale at the weekly market at Kickham Street, Clonmel. She also has sausages, rashers, puddings, turkeys and hams. With Christmas now almost upon us, get your orders in. You can contact Butlers Family Farm at 087 238 3227.

Cashel Town in talk of the

By Liam Browne

Popular Council supervisor retires to concentrate on business pursuits

Popular local council supervisor John Ryan, hung up his council boots one last time a week ago, when he stood down from his job with Tipperary County council after just over two decades. John had risen over that time to being the well-known and well-respected general services supervisor, and was often the first port of call when someone needed to contact the council at all hours of the day and night, and in all weathers, Summer and Winter. Despite covering a huge area of West Tipperary, he always ensured that the public got the best possible service and he will be widely

missed for that. Of course he hasn’t retired for good, rather he will be spending even more time in his other businesses, being the owner of Stove and Fireplace Fitters, the popular home heating business based on the Cahir Road. John recently opened a second store in Newbridge, Co. Kildare, and the expansion of the business was likely another reason that he stepped down from his council role. He has big plans for the future, both in the home heating business and other ventures, and we wish him and his team all the best for the future.

Big week for Cashel Palace with two major recognitions

The return of the Cashel Palace Hotel to its former glory on the Main Street a number of years ago, is something that is a huge source of pride for many in the town and far beyond, as it adds another globally recognised tourist attraction to Cashel. And that appreciation has been emphasised by two more recognitions over the past week and next, as the Hotel became the base of RTE’s annual Christmas Show with celebrity chef Nevin Maguire, and one of the hotels employees picked up a prestigious Hoteliers award.

The Christmas in Cashel with Nevin Maguire was part of a twopart special, the first of which was broadcast last Wednesday evening, with part two coming this Wednesday. In the show, Nevin was fulsome in his praise for the hotel which in its short time back open, has already picked up a Michelin Star award, and numerous accolades for not just producing fine food, but as much as possible for using locally sourced or produced ingredients. While there he was also delighted to catch up with Head Chef Stefan Mc Enteer, who worked for Nevin at Mac Nean House in 2014, where the two old colleagues cooked up a duck dish from the Bishop’s Buttery together and enjoyed a catch up. Elsewhere the hotel was cele-

brating not just their excellence in food, but also in customer service. Because last week, Cashel Palace Hotel concierge Emma-Mai Roche won the South East Employee of the Year award, presented by the Irish Hotel Federation. Emma won the award amongst tough competition, which is presented to employees who make an outstanding contribution to their workplace. From Fethard, she has worked in a number of high-profile hotels across the country, but Emma describes her role in Cashel as her dream job, and any guest that encounters her, knows that she does it so well.

Cashel Student tops the class in whole country with Engineering Award

Cashel Community School underscored its excellence in learning once again last week, when one of its 6th year pupils picked up a prestigious engineering award, that put him top of the pile in the country in his Leaving Certificate results last year. The award for Shane Buckley, was the culmination of almost a decade of work by the school. At that time, newly appointed principal Mr John Gallagher came into Cashel Community School and had a vision of driving Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) within the culture of the school. Along with teachers in the Engineering department, Kian Quinn, Eoin Fitzpatrick and Trevor Galvin, he introduced modules in STEM and Robotics to complement the Engineering subjects already on offer. This was well received, and students also availed of new machinery

that was bought to drive the innovative subjects, such as new lathes, drills, forming tools, 3D printers and Laser Cutters which allowed greater scope in designing and creating models. Mr Gallagher’s vision came to fruition this year when Shane Buckley from Knockavilla, was awarded the top leaving cert marks in the country for Leaving Certificate Engineering. This is a wonderful achievement for Shane and his Engineering teacher, Mr Fitzpatrick, and an acknowledgement of the constant progress being made to achieve excellence in CCS. Shane will now hope to continue his career in Engineering through college, and will be able to look back on the foresight of a principal who opened the gate for students like him, to succeed. And we look forward to seeing what feats Shane may achieve in the future.

PLANNING NOTICES

Tipperary County Council Tipperary County Council

We, Raymond Bourke and Donna Morrissey are applying to Tipperary County Council for permission for change of use of existing ground floor retail unit at Main Street, Fethard, Co. Tipperary E91VX88 - change from retail shop to residential use to incorporate new Living Room, Bedroom, Shower Room. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Permission is sought by Liam and Jean Phelan for the following development at Cluain Árd, 3 Melview, Prior Park, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Demolition of single-storey structure to the rear and demolition of chimney, alterations to existing elevations, external works and all necessary site services and site development works, including works to front and side boundary walls and gates.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

PLANNING NOTICES

Tipperary County Council

Permission is sought by DDR Investments Ltd. for the following works at The Ormonde Centre, Gladstone Street, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

a) Sub-division of Ground Floor from adjoining Retail Unit in The Marystone Centre.

b) Amalgamation of existing Ground Floor Retail Units and part of central Mall, to create a single Retail Unit.

c) Alterations to rear elevation (West) to Mary Street Car Park.

d) Signage to front elevation (East) and rear elevation (West).

e) All associated site services and site development works. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission Tipp

Echo Planning Notices accepted up to 11am on Tuesdays

Twin Hearts Meditation

OF PART 8 OF THE PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS 2001 (as amended)

Pursuant to the requirements of Article 81 of Part 8 of the Planning Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) notice is hereby given that Tipperary County Council proposes to carry out the following development:

Location: Graystown, Killenaule, Co. Tipperary

Description: The construction of a new single storey dwelling including Kitchen/Living/Dining area, 4 Bedrooms and a Sensory Room and new entrance and driveway, new septic tank and percolation area, new footpaths, underground services and all associated site works.

Nature and extent of the proposed development is as follows:

The construction of a new single storey dwelling including Kitchen/Living/ Dining area, 4 Bedrooms and a Sensory Room and new entrance and driveway, new septic tank and percolation area, new footpaths, underground services and all associated site works.

The development has been the subject of an Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening in accordance with Article 6(3) of the EU Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC) and article 250(1) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 as amended. The Appropriate Assessment screening concluded that the proposed development would not be likely to give rise to significant or indeterminate impacts on any Natura 2000 site.

In accordance with article 120(1)(a) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, the Lead Section has carried out a preliminary examination of nature, size and location of the proposal, and has concluded that there is no real likelihood of significant effects on the environment arising from the proposed development, and an EIA is not required.

Plans and particulars of the proposed development, including the Appropriate Assessment, will be available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy during office hours from Wednesday 18th December 2024 to Friday 24th January 2025 inclusive at -

• Tipperary County Council, Civic Offices, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary (E32 YV00)

• Tipperary County Council, Civic Offices, Emmet Street, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary (E91 N512).

• Tipperary County Council, Civic Offices, Limerick Road, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary (E45 A099).

• https://planning.localgov.ie

Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development will be situated, may be made in writing to

• Online https://planning.localgov.ie

• Tipperary County Council, at Civic Offices, Emmet Street, Clonmel’ Co. Tipperary, with the envelope to be marked ‘Jonathan Cooney, A/Director of Services, Housing Section, – Part 8 Submission for Graystown, Killenaule, Co. Tipperary

On or before close of business Monday, February 10th 2025.

Any person may, within 4 weeks from the date of this notice, apply to An Bord Pleanala for a screening determination as to whether the development would be likely to have significant effects on the environment.

Signed: Jonathan Cooney, A/Director of Services, Housing, Civic Offices, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

Date: December 18th 2024

CARRICK SWAN

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

Full results of our 2024 12 Days of Christmas Draw can be viewed on our social media pages. Congratulations to the winner of our €10,000 bumper prize. Jerry Landers & Dermot Moore, Carrick-Beg. Well done to both. Happy spending!

The club would like to congratulate all our winners, this year.

A.G.M

The Annual General Meeting of Carrick Swan Club will take place on Friday January 10th, 2025. If you think you might have a few hours per month to help out with the administration side of the club, now is the time to put your hand up. Reach out to any current committee member or reach out to us on Facebook for more information.

CLUB LOTTO

There was no winner of last week’s Carrick Swan Lotto. Nine people matched 3 and won €30 each. The numbers drawn last week were 03 - 05 - 17 - 25.

This week, our Lotto jackpot

is €4,000. This week’s draw takes place, as normal, on Thursday night, and it costs just €2 to enter.

As a thank you for the support shown to our Lotto this year, we’re increasing the match prize fund for this week to €1,000 so the Match 3 winners this week will share €1,000 instead of the normal €200.

Draws over the holiday season will be held on Saturday December 28th at12 pm, and on Saturday January 04th at 12 pm.

FINAL SWAN NOTES OF 2024

The Swan notes will return early in January for the 2025 season.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

Carrick Swan Club would like to wish all our players, coaches, members, supporters, and the wider community a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

CONDOLENCES.

Carrick Swan club would like to pass on our condolences to the Nealon family of Pill Road, and the Murphy family of Ard Mhure, on their recent bereavements.

Christmas comes to Carrick

From early on Saturday morning a festive feel was in the air. The traders, stall holders, craft makers and exhibition stands were busy putting the final touches to their areas and the public were busy bustling into town, finding parking spots and making their way towards the hive of activity that was Castle Street, The Tudor Manor House and the Castle Field.

Inside the manor house the guides were busy talking tour groups through the long history of this unique building while talks were given on various aspects of its illustrious past.

Outside the public were treated to a vast array of crafts and thanks to the food vendors a beautiful aroma filled the crisp winter morning air.

As the day wore on and the crowds walked between the castle field and Kickham Street one got a real sense of what we could achieve in our little town with a bit of community spirit and involvement.

Christmas had truly arrived and watching the children gather around the amusements in Kickham Street or just seeing the sheer excitement on their faces as they awaited the arrival of first the motor bikes on their toy run, then the children’s tractor runs and then the finale, the original Christmas tractors it was evident that we were witnessing something very special in our town.

As the founder of the Christmas Tractors put it, “We only do this for the children and to see the look of excitement on their faces”, and to be honest, if that was Stuart Downey’s goal then it was very much achieved.

Explore Carrick On Suir has proved to be a great asset to our town and in conjunction with civic minded individuals like Stuart, we can continue to make our town an even better and more special place to live, work and raise families.

The late Tom NealonA scholar, a Gaelgóir, a thespian and a friend to all

Sunday last saw the town of Carrick bid an emotional farewell to one of our dearest adopted sons.

Tom Nealon meant so much to so many people in the town and its environs. His impact on nearly every facet of life is almost impossible to comprehend. In 1956 the man from Ennistymon arrived in the town to take up a teaching post. Understandably life was hard for a young man so far away from home but Tom soon settled into life in Carrick and thankfully stayed.

During a time of corporal punishment and when some collared and lay teachers believed in the “spare the rod” mantra, Tom Nealon quickly established himself as one of the finest educators ever to stand in front of a group of children but his methods were always based on understanding and kindness.

Toms love of his native tongue and games was infectious, encouraging many a young lad who never pucked a sliotar or kicked a football to take up the ancient arts.

The outpouring of sorrow and kindness shown towards Tom, from past pupils, lucky enough to have sat in those hard, bum numbing benches in The Greenschool truly was a testimony to the man's great teaching abilities.

Outside of the classroom, Tom immersed himself in all cultural aspects of life around the locality.

He will be best remembered for his decades long service to Brewery Lane.

In 1959, Tom joined the original drama group that morphed into the multi award winning Brewery Lane and quickly came to the fore with the group. Some seven years later, on the boards for the play ‘the curious savage” Tom met and fell in love with Peril Sheehy, the lady that he would marry and remain devoted to for the rest of his life.

Over the next six decades Tom was the recipient of several awards including multiple best actor awards on the festival circuit.

Such was Tom's contribution to his adopted community he was awarded a civic reception by the local council in recognition of his influence on all aspects of life in our town.

In 1956 Ennistymon’s loss was Carrick’s gain.

In 2024 Carrick’s loss is a loss to the very fabric of our community.

The late Tom Nealon

Stuart Downey David Dunne and Explore Carrick On Suir Members.

Carrick-on-Suir children all set to take off in the Children's Tractor Run

FARMING IN FOCUS TIPPERARY

ICMSA highlight PRSI ‘absurd anomaly’ in transition from Sole Trader to Partnership

The Chairperson of ICMSA’s Farm Business Committee, Pat O’Brien, has called on the Government to address what he said was a serious anomaly that had farmers who had changed their enterprise status from ‘Sole Trader’ to ‘Partnership’ being asked to pay often sizable amounts of ‘back’ PRSI on the grounds that children of the family working the farm – who had been classified as ‘Class M’ under ‘Sole Trader’ status – were now employees of a ‘Partnership’ and were categorised under ‘Class A’ requiring a PRSI payment from their employer (their parents).

Describing the change in employee status for the purposes of PRSI as bureaucratic and absurd, Mr. O’Brien said that ICMSA was actively engaged in trying to convince the Department of Social Protection that in a situation where farms were trying to encourage the next generation of farmers to ‘take on board’

the realities and challenges of farm succession, it was utterly hopeless and counter-productive to classify the children of a fam family as standard employees on whom PRSI must be paid.

“We are trying to show the next generation that there’s a future in farming and that it is possible to make a living – and here we have an anomaly that has children of the farmer that are classified as employees being treated as non-family ‘standard’ employees on whom PRSI must be paid in accordance with their ‘Class A’ categorisation. It’s just absurd and means that those children are moved further away from any possibility of one of them expressing an interest in taking over the farm. If we are serious about farm succession, then we have to recognise the special circumstances around a family farm that make the idea of it as a standard employer with ‘employees’ just unworkable. ICMSA is determined to address

Pat O’Brien, ICMSA this absurdity and we’ll be raising it at every opportunity and most specifically at the Commission on Farm Transitions next year”, said Mr. O’Brien.

ACRES review meeting highlights multiple issues

Speaking after the DAFM organised ACRES Review meeting last week, IFA Rural Development Chair John Curran said the ball is now firmly in the Department’s court to deliver the real and substantive change that’s needed.

“With ACRES we need to simplify the whole process; improve lines of communication/transparency for farmers, and ultimately deliver more money into the farmers pocket,” he said.

‘The Department say they are aware and fully understand the frustrations among farmers with ACRES, particularly among those in Co-operation areas. We all know the limitations of operating within the Commission rule-book, but the DAFM need to be innovative and make tangible changes in the short-term for the benefit of farmers and the environment. Doing nothing and expecting things to sort themselves out will not work at this stage.”

“IFA relayed again the huge frustration among farmers with the implementation of the scheme, but also offered a series of tangible and practical solutions

(around improved communications; transparency; scoring; NPIs etc) for an improved agri-environmental scheme,” he said. The Department needs to take responsibility and be upfront and honest with farmers. What we heard at the meeting was that most of the delays for most of the 3,000 odd Tranche 1 applicants is

because of IT issues on the Department side, nothing to do with the farmer at all.

IFA Hill Farming chair Caillin Conneely said, “At the minute, farmers are just sick of ACRES. It’s just generally accepted that it’s a mess. In the long-term, maybe that is the biggest risk here, in terms of future scheme participa-

tion. Farmers deserve better”.

“The next meeting of the group is in mid-January, but in the interim, I’d encourage any farmer with outstanding training; LESS; Soil Sampling; Rare Breed requirements to get it sorted sooner rather than later. The next and last payment run of the year is next week.”

Rule changes on income from longterm lease will not impact inherited land

IFA Farm Business Chair Rose Mary McDonagh has said changes to the tax exemptions on long-term leases of farmland will not apply to anybody who inherits land, following amendments to the Finance Bill this year.

“The amendment to exempt gifts and inheritances is vitally important to ensure land mobility is not impacted as a result of these changes. It is positive to see that amendments, which IFA campaigned for, have been included to ensure this is the case.”

“There was a real concern among farmers that land transferred via gift or inheritance would be impacted by the changes to the tax treatment of land lease income that were

announced in Budget ‘24. The recent amendments now ensure that this will not be the case, which is a positive outcome,” said Ms McDonagh. From January 1st next, any individual who purchases land cannot avail of tax relief on lease income from this land for a period of seven years after the contracted purchase date of the land. However, this change will not apply to land acquired via gift or inheritance.

“IFA will continue to engage with Government on issues relating to tax legislation as it applies to agriculture to ensure that farmers best interests are looked after in any changes introduced,” Ms McDonagh concluded.

Weekly Cattle Prices

Prices reported as quoted or paid to IFA members (11th December) Strong demand. Factories paying 10c/kg to 20c/kg above quotes. Steer base €5.50/5.70/kg. Heifer base €5.60/5.80/kg. Young Bulls R/U €5.50/5.70/kg. Higher prices for larger and specialised lots. Cows €4.70/€5.50/kg. In-spec bonus 20c/kg for under 30 months and 8c/kg for 30 to 36 months. 12c/kg bonus for under 30 month steers and heifers grading O- and those with a fat class of 4+ that meet all other in spec criteria.

ABP Cahir: Steers 550 Heifers 555 Cows 470/510

ABP Nenagh: Steers 550 Heifers 555 Cows

Sheep

Update

IFA Sheep Chairman Adrian Gallagher said lamb prices continue upwards as factories struggle to secure suitable numbers of lambs. He said demand for sheep meat is intensifying each week against a backdrop of tight supplies. Throughput for spring lamb is back over 190,000 head from the same period last year and in expected to tighten further in the coming weeks as supplies continue to drop off. Factories have increased prices by 30c/kg this week and are offering deals from €8.50kg to €8.80kg on weights to 24kg with higher deals for groups and larger lots. This demand is also reflected in our key markets with UK sheep meat prices rising by a further 5c/kg to 10c/kg this week. Cull ewe prices have also increased by up to 20c/kg to 30c/kg with prices ranging from €4.30kg to €4.50kg available to sellers. Adrian Gallagher said demand for all types of sheep are very strong in marts and is a viable alternative for sellers unable to secure the higher factory prices. Adrian Gallagher said factories are very anxious for lambs and farmers should sell hard while moving lambs as they become fit.

Lamb Price Update 12/12/2024

Spring Lamb €8.50kg/8.80kg. Weights to 24kg. Higher deals groups/ larger lots. Ewes €4.30/4.50/kg.

Cahir Town in around the

By Maria Taylor

Bunscoil Christmas Market

Last week pupils of Bunscoil Na Cathrach held their Annual Christmas Market. This year once again, proceeds from the Christmas Market were in aid of Irish Cancer Society.

The pupils made many products that were for sale on the day. The Hall of the school was packed with tables displaying all the items that were for sale with many beautiful Christmas decorations, trinkets and tasty treats that were handmade & homemade by the enterprising students. There was also a raffle with some great prizes. Everyone wore Christmas jumpers or outfits on the day, Santa was on site and many children paid him a visit so there was a fantastic atmosphere in the School hall. Lots of students and their families visited and by the end approximately €4,000 was raised (full total not in to date) for the Irish Cancer Society. There will be a final total after Christmas and a cheque will be presented in the New Year. Well done to all the pupils who worked so hard to raise funds for the very deserving charity.

Ballingeary ICA Guild celebrates 50 years!

Christmas Retail support programme

The Cahir Development Christmas Retail support programme in conjunction with Tipperary County Council continued until last Friday December 13. During last week 3 x €50 vouchers were given out per day to people who shop in Cahir (from Monday December 9 to Friday December 13, 2024) and many till receipts arrived into the Business & Training Centre up to the closing date. This programme enabled Cahir Development to give back €1,500 to the traders of the town as a thank you for their ongoing support while also giving vouchers for local shops to those who shopped local and supported Cahir Traders too. Here are some more winners!

Day 5 winners were - Tracey O’Connor, wins €50 voucher for Hickey’s @ Steves, Cahir, Jessica Gray wins €50.voucher for the Lazy Bean@ The Heritage, Cahir and Mary Jenkins wins €50 voucher for Woodview Service Station, Cahir. Day 6 winners were- Hayley Dowling, wins €50 voucher for The Keep, Castle Street, Cahir, Ann Clifford wins €50 voucher for Mia Bella Hair Salon, Barrack Street, Cahir and Mary Fitzgerald wins €50 voucher for Morrison’s Pharmacy, the Square, Cahir. Day 7 winners were- Nicola Downey, wins €50.00 voucher for Mace/ Healthy House, Castle Street, Cahir, Aoife Hoban wins €50 voucher for John

The ladies of Ballingeary ICA celebrated their recent 50 Anniversary with a dinner and party in Cahir House Hotel on last Wednesday, December 11, 2024. They were delighted to have ICA National President Mary D'Arcy, Regional South West President Ena Howell, and South Tipperary Federation President Anne Devitt attend on the evening. The special guests were welcomed to the celebrations by Ballingeary Guild President, Jo Burke. There were many of the Founder Members present at the celebration The Ballingeary ICA Guild was founded in 1974 and has been meeting at Ballingeary schoolhouse ever since. They were also joined by members of the Aherlow Guild, the Carrick Guild, Lisronagh and Rathkeevin Guilds all from South Tipperary Federation.

Castle Street, Cahir and Caroline Mc Guinness

for Galileo Restaurant, Church Street,

Day 8 Winners were

Catherine Byron,

€50 voucher for Cahir House Hotel,

Cahir, Sophie Dowling wins €50 voucher for Supervalu, Bridge Street, Cahir and Ann Sweeney wins €50 voucher for Klassy Shoes, The Square, Cahir.

A beautiful cake made by Ballingeary ICA member Siobhan Brennan was cut on the night by National President Mary D'Arcy along with present Ballingeary ICA President Jo Burke and all guests were treated to a slice. A lovely hamper of local produce sponsored by Traas Apple Farm was presented to National Presi-

RIGHT: One of Ballingeary ICA Guilds Founder Members Jenny Kiely presenting National President Mary D'Arcy with hamper sponsored by Traas Apple Farm

dent Mary also. A lovely meal was served by the staff of Cahir House Hotel. The Ballingeary Guild Choir led by their leader Grace, added to the celebratory atmosphere. Long serving member Teresa O’Dwyer was presented with a cake to celebrate her forthcoming 90 birthday which she received with delight. And with Cian Lafford entertaining the group with an extensive repertoire of magic card tricks and music by his Dad Paul Lafford, everyone danced the night away and a fantastic evening was had by all. Congratulations to Ballingeary ICA on the momentous and memorable occasion of their 50 year Anniversary, long may they continue.

RIGHT: Long time Ballingeary ICA member Teresa O’Dwyer celebrates 90 Birthday with cake made by Siobhan Brennan of the Guild

Quirke Jewellers,

wins €50 voucher

Cahir.

-

wins

The Square,

At the Bunscoil Christmas Market last week were Olivia Guidera and Alina Petlenko

Aronas Raslauskas with dog and Cathal O’Donovan enjoyed the Bunscoil Christmas Market

50 Year Anniversary of Ballingeary ICA - Ballingeary ICA Guild members at the recent half a century celebration

If you have a story, news of an event or you know something that we would be interested in, email info@tippecho.ie or call 052 61 48800

Christmas Lights Campaign

With Christmas only a week away Cahir Development Association are appealing to everyone to make a small donation to or Christmas Lights Appeal.

We were devastated to see all our beautiful circular Christmas lights destroyed on the Square, The Bridge and Tipperary Road last week during the high winds. We were further disappointed to discover that someone had deliberately cut some of the lights on the main Christmas tree on the Square during last week.

So now our Christmas Lights Campaign 2024 takes on greater importance. We will be keeping the Go Fund Me page open for the

next few weeks and hope that everyone will help with a donation of just a couple of euro which will make a huge difference to us at the end of the appeal.

We are extremely thankful to Stephen Flannery and his crew who have been out and about following the winds and have worked to make sure all remaining lights were in working order for Christmas season in Cahir. The lights look beautiful and we are thankful to Flannery Electrical for the fantastic support.

As the Christmas Lights campaign is ongoing for the next few weeks we hope that everyone will donate a little something to help

out. Anyone who wishes to do so can donate through the Go Fund Me page at https://www. gofundme.com/f/lightupcahir24.

Give a little this year to light up Cahir once again. All support for this campaign is much appreciated and every euro counts. Thank you to all who have donated so far, your support is very much appreciated.

Cahir Development Association would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy, Healthy Christmas and New Year too. Thank you to everyone once again for the support.

Cahir Comhaltas Christmas Concert

As usual the annual Cahir Comhaltas Christmas concert brought a fine crowd and there was a full contingent of Comhaltas members on the stage on the day in Bunscoil na Cathrach. The concert took place on last Sunday December 15 at 3pm. There was raffle with some beautiful prizes on site that was well supported by concertgoers and the funds raised are much needed for branch costs. Cahir Comhaltas showcased all their musicians and

welcomed their new families to the branch on the day. The SCT music certificates were also presented to 44 of their students who took exams earlier this year.

Cahir Comhaltas have been keeping traditional music alive in Cahir for many, many years under the expert leadership of Michael & Mary Harty. During this year alone they can count a successful Summer Sessiun in Cahir Castle and the Annual Tradfest in September

huge successes. Last Sunday the concert in Bunscoil was yet another great achievement for Cahir Comhaltas and well done to all the students’ who achieved success in the recent examinations. Cahir Comhaltas thanks everyone for the tremendous local support shown during the year. They have commended the parents of students for support and bringing children to practice and events. Míle Buíochas from Cahir Comhaltas Committee

Debut album launched by Cormac Looby

Cahir native Cormac Looby's launched his new album in St. Pauls Church on last Saturday December 14. Cormac’s debut album is titled 'A Perpetual State Of Irony' and St. Pauls Church in Cahir was the third and final stop on his mini-tour of Ireland. The mini- tour included shows in Galway and Belfast. The album has been well received with coverage on RTE Radio 1, HotPress and many more outlets and can be purchased on Bandcamp.

Eve Whelan, a well known songwriter/ musician from Clonmel joined Cormac at his Album Launch in St. Pauls on the night and along with Niall Sheeran on drums, Dylan Carlos on Fiddle, Luke White on guitar, Tadhg Gleeson on Keyboard and Liam Watts on Bass a fantastic evening’s entertainment was had by all who attended. Cormac is hugely popular at gigs everywhere and is definitely one to watch out for. We wish Cormac great success with his debut album and his future on the music scene. Hopefully we can look forward to seeing him back at venues in Cahir in the New Year.

Cahir GAA Club

DRAW THE JOKER

The Draw took place in Cahir House Hotel last Sunday December 15, and the Jackpot of €12,000 was not won.

CONGRATULATIONS

Our Cahir U14's won the Ballydoyle Racing Cup in the U14 Hurling tournament that took place in Rosegreen last week. Well done to all the boys and coaches.

Other winners were €100 to Carol Keating, €50 to Avril Condon, €50 to Aaron Condon, €30 to Rosie Murphy and €20 to Eanna Heffernan. The next Draw Jackpot will be €12,200 and takes place this Sunday December 22, 2024 in The Hill Bar. Thank you for your support.

Cahir Park AFC

Sympathies- Cahir Park AFC would like to send their condolences to the family and extended family and friends of Mike O'Shea who has passed away. Mike was a valued Schoolboys Coach here at the Park. Our thoughts go especially to his wife Grainne and their sons Jack and Gavin at this sad time. Rest in peace

Juniors - Juniors and B Team are off now until after Christmas on a well deserved break from fixtures.

Schoolboys/ Girls - all Schoolboys and Girls are finished now until the New Year 2025 and will return with enthusiasm next year! Watch this space for more details.

Academy-Our Academy has closed for the year too and we look forward to welcoming back our youngest members in the New Year.

Cahir Park 50/50 Draw- The 50/50 Draw took place last Wednesday December 11, 2024 at

8pm live on Facebook. Congratulations to Frankie Wyse who was last week’s winner.

This week is our Christmas Draw with a hamper and other prizes available in some extra draws on the night. We will take 2 weeks off for Christmas and our next Draw will be on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.

Tickets can be purchased from Committee, online, through local businesses or through our Cahir Park AFC App under the fundraising header

Happy Christmas! - Cahir Park AFC takes this opportunity to wish all our members, players, parents & families, all our fantastic coaches & Management Teams and our staff a very Happy Christmas and a fantastic New Year 2025! Thank you so much for your support and dedication to our Soccer Club.

Next year will be a great one for all!

Live Crib at St. Marys Church

Everyone is invited to the Live Crib that will be in place at St Mary's Church, Cahir on Saturday, December 21 from 4-8 pm. There will be the donkey, the sheep, the cattle, Mary and Joseph and of course the new born baby Jesus! And to celebrate, there will be hot chocolate and Christmas carols all packed in to what will be a True Christmas celebration!

Community Lotto

There was no winner of the Community Lotto Draw that took place last week on Wednesday December 11, 2024. The Draw was witnessed by Christina Shulya. The numbers drawn were 1, 11, 16 & 29. The lucky Dip winners each winning €25 were Peg Downes C/o Cahir Bingo, Linda & Martin Francis, Ballydrehid, Cahir, Pa Joe Scanlan, Cahir Day Care Centre and Delia Frazer, AIBP, Kilcommon, Cahir. Congratulations to all.

The next Lotto Draw will take place on today Wednesday, December 18, 2024 in the Social Welfare Office at 12 noon. The Jackpot is €2,700 and tickets are available in the Enterprise Centre and in local shops too. We wish everyone the best of luck in the next draw.

Cormac Looby launces first album - Cahir Man Cormac Looby (front centre) with band mates Niall Sheeran on drums, Dylan Carlos on Fiddle, Luke White on guitar, Tadhg Gleeson on Keyboard and Liam Watts on Bass.

Cahir Comhaltas Christmas Concert - At Bunscoil Na Cathrach last Sunday December 15

Newly Baptised

Layton Thomas Leahy, College Green. Penny Ann Stapleton, Beechwood Lawns.

Recently Deceased

Prayed for at all Masses in Thurles parish at the weekend were the following who have died:

Alice Hogan, née Curran, Parnell Street

Carmel Keane, née McCarthy, Kennedy Park

Eddie Olden, Cabragh Road formerly Blackrock, Cork.

Rosalie O’Neill, née Blake, Roseville, Clongour.

John O’Grady, (Culbáire), Pinehurst, Clongour.

Paddy Coman, Coldfields, Two-Mile-Borris.

Armands Zalitis, Wolfe Tone Place, formerly Aluksne, Lativia.

Jody Mulcaire, Ballinree, Boherlahan, formerly Iona Avenue.

Deuglán Breathnach, , Templemore, formerly Ard na Croise.

Christmas 2024 in Thurles parish

Annual Carol Service:

Cathedral of the Assumption Sunday December 22nd, 7.30 p.m. We continue this century old tradition started by St. Francis of Assisi, of expressing through carols, words and dance our joy at Christmas and the Birth of our Saviour.

Christmas Confessions:

Tuesday December 17th: Bóthar na Naomh Church: 6.00 – 7.00 p.m. (Mass @ 7.00 p.m. Confessions continue after Mass if required. Pobal Eile Pastoral Area Confessions for Christmas:

Ss Joseph & Brigid Church, Bóthar na Naomh: Tuesday, December 17th @ 6.00 p.m. and continuing after 7.00 p.m. Mass if required. Sacred Heart Church, Templetuohy: Wednesday, December 18th, 7.00 – 8.00 p.m.

St. Mary’s Church, Moyne: Wednesday, December 18th, 7.00 –8.00 p.m.

Sacred Heart Church, Gortnahoe: Thursday December 19th, 7.00 – 8.00 p.m.

Cathedral of Assumption, Thurles: Tuesday, December 24th, 1.30 p.m. – 4.30 p.m.

Christmas Mass times:

Bothar na Naomh Church: Christmas Eve – 5.00 p.m. Christmas Day: 9.30 a.m. (Please note: NO 7.00 p.m. on Christmas Day).

Cathedral of the Assumption: Christmas Eve: 7.00 p.m.; Christmas Day: 8.00 a.m. & 11.00 a.m.

Pallottine Chapel: Christmas Eve: 8.00 p.m.; Christmas Day: 10.00 a.m

Eye onThurles

Holyhead disruption forces temporary postponement of Thurles book launch

Thurles Rugby Football Club was forced to cancel the launch of its long awaited history book temporarily due to a shipping problem at the Holyhead part caused by Storm Darragh.

The launch was due to take place onunlucky for some - Friday 13th, but had to be postponed for a week in order to allow for the delivery of the 100 year history - the books were caught in the port and were unable to be shipped due to the damaged infrastructure at the port which has delayed the shipping of thousands of parcels and deliveries.

The good news though, is that Thurles RFC's magnificent photographic exhibition which has been described as being 'stunning'

is open and is well worth the trip to the Source gallery to have a look. The exhibition really captures the essence of Thurles RFC and there are many magnificent photos included - some of which have never been viewed in public before. The exhibition continues until December 20th, so make sure to mark a date in the diary and spend time taking a trip down memory lane. It will be time out well spent from the hustle and bustle of Christmas.

The hardback book, which runs across 500 pages and was penned by club stalwart Tadgh Dwyer, would make a wonderful Christmas stocking filler for all Thurles people and will be available to purchase locally.

By the Cathedral Townie

A special day for St Mary's International Garden of Remembrance

Mr Guy Jones, Vice-Chairman of the Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee recently accepted a special plaque of recognition for the organisations work over the last 25 years for peace, remembrance and reconciliation in St Mary'''s International Garden of Remembrance, Thurles from Mr Martin Quinn, Secretary of the Tipperary International Peace Committee at the Christmas Peace Reflections held in Tipperary Town.

On the same day, Mr John Wort Chairman and Founder of the Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee accompanied by Mr P J Ryan, KM Order of Malta and Mrs Bridget Wort, committee member, were special guests of the Malta Ambassador to Ireland, H E Mr Giovanni Buttigieg to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Malta becoming a full member of the European Union.

Sixty Ambassadors; the Papal Nuncio; representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs; Department of Defence; Order of Malta; Royal British Legion Ireland; members of the Oireachtas; and many more distinguished guests were in attendance.

John Wort said: "We also had the time to talk to H E Larysa Gerasko, Ukrainian Ambassa-

dor to Ireland. We had a great conversation on what was going on in her country and the many Ukraine people who are living here in Ireland. We invited the Ambassador down to visit St Mary's International Garden of Remembrance. I will be contacting the Ambassador in the coming weeks to arrange her visit," he said.

The celebration ceremony was held in Fallon and Byrne, Exchequer St Dublin and it proved to be a great day for the Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee with recognition in its own county as well as by the Ambassador of Malta.

"Our 25 years in peace, remembrance and reconciliation has been acknowledged all over Ireland and many countries overseas.Our main sponsors, Dr Martin and Jo Anne Semple, Denver, Colorado, USA and the Republic of Korea Embassy, Dublin and the many donations made by people over the years have been a huge help in what we do and what St Mary's International Garden has become - it is an historical and very special Garden of Peace, Remembrance and Reconciliation," John Wort added.

ABOVE: Mr P.J Ryan, KM Order Of Malta; H.E Larysa Gerasko, Ukraine Ambassador to Ireland; and Mr John Wort, Chairman, Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee.

LEFT: Mr P.J Ryan, KM Order of Malta; Mr John Wort, Chairman and Founder Durlas Eile Eliogarty Memorial Committee; HE Mr Giovanni Buttigieg Malta Ambassador to Ireland; and Mrs Bridget Wort pictured at the event in Dublin.

The photo shows: Mr John Shanahan, Mr Guy Jones and Mr Martin Quinn at the event.

Stone from famous Thurles landmark fashioned to honour former priest who inspired Holy Cross Abbey restoration

A large pier stone from the famous 'Kissing Gate' of the Watery Mall in Thurles has been expertly repurposed into the bust of former priest Willie Hayes - the man who inspired and oversaw the restoration of iconic Holycross Abbey in the heart of mid Tipperary.

The bust, painstakingly carved by local artist and sculptor, Philip Quinn with the assistance of his wife Liz, was unveiled at a special ceremony in Holycross Abbey to mark the first anniversary of Willie Hayes' sad passing. However, there is some consolation in the fact that, though he did not get to see the completed bust, Willie Hayes was fully aware of the plans to erect it, and had specifically chosen the words to accompany the piece.

A curate in Holycross Ballycahill parish fifty years ago, Fr Willie Hayes and the parish were investigating the possibility of extending the then Church - now the Com-

munity Centre - to cater for the growing population of the area. The Abbey was in ruin with many graves located inside the walls. But, Willie Hayes had the brainwave of restoring Holycross Abbey to its former glory and using the facility as the parish church. It was a highly ambitious and onerous project but having gotten the backing of the then Archbishop of Cashel and Emly, Archbishop Tom Morris, the restoration project got underway with a massive fundraising drive initiated to fund the work - it is estimated that the work would have cost more than €10million in today's money. Willie Hayes oversaw the works with Thurles man Paddy Fogarty working as Foreman. And, the Abbey project gave much needed local employment with teams of workers on duty round the clock in order to get the work done. Showing extraordinary foresight, Willie Hayes charted the work

Thurles company reps honoured at UCD Veterinary Alumni Awards Night

Donal Duggan Snr and Donnacha Duggan of Duggan Veterinary Group, Thurles were recently honoured with an invitation to attend the prestigious UCD Veterinary Alumni Awards night.

This recognition highlights the significant contributions of the Duggan family and Duggan Veterinary Supplies to Ireland’s veterinary and agricultural sectors.

Dean Rory Breathnach, a prominent figure in veterinary education at UCD, warmly welcomed Donal and Donnacha on the night. Known for his dedication to advancing veterinary practice, Dean Breathnach emphasised the importance of collaboration between academia and industry, recognising the contributions of professionals like the Duggan family in driving innovation and supporting veterinary education. His remarks reflected UCD’s pride in its alumni and its commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships within the veterinary sector.

The event celebrated alumni who have made outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession. Donal and Donnacha’s participation underscores the enduring connection between Duggan Veterinary Supplies and UCD, a cornerstone institution for veterinary education and excellence in Ireland.

in great detail and took in-depth notes as well as photographs of every stage, worker, event and the milestones associated with the restoration - little did he know then that this work would provide the material for his historically significant and wonderful book Awakening of the Abbey which he published to great acclaim a few years ago - copies of that book are

currently available in the Abbey shop.

Shortly after the restoration work was completed, Willie Hayes left the priesthood and married his wife Maureen. Residing in Roscrea for many years, his links to Holycross Abbey and the parish remained very strong and he was a regular visitor and always welcomed and embraced with open arms to the parish - he was also responsible for establishing water schemes in both Holycross and Ballycahill and this work remains as important today as it was five decades ago.

In 2025, the Abbey will celebrate fifty years since the restoration was completed and there are many plans to help mark the event. Unveiling the bust of Willie Hayes to stand opposite Archbishop Tom Morris was one of the projects and this special ceremony was a very touching one with those in attendance, and indeed those who have viewed the work since, highly impressed with the skill of the stonemason. A lovely touch in the stonework is the fact that the supporting base came from a large kerbstone in Fethard - Willie's home parish - and he

would have passed that particular stone each day as he made his way to school. And, the famous 'Kissing Pier' from the swinging gates at the Watery Mall was a well known meeting place for people in Thurles for many generations. So, the marrying of the two significant pieces of limestone seemed perfectly appropriate when put forward by Philip Quinn of Stonemad masonry.

Maureen Hayes and her and Willie's son Brendan, were in attendance at the ceremony accompanied by the extended Hayes family. And, they were delighted with the very fine, lasting tribute to Willie which is a marvellous addition to the Abbey grounds.

A special golden jubilee choir -drawn from the Holycross and Ballycahill church choirs- performed for the first time at the event and significantly enhanced the ceremony which was presided over by Parish Priest, Rev Fr Celsus Tierney, accompanied by Archbishop Emeritus, Dermot Clifford; Rev Fr Pat O'Gorman; and Rev Fr Mattie McGrath - another former curate of the parish who oversaw the completion of the restoration of the remaining

wings of the Abbey. Archbishop Kieran O'Reilly, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly was unable to attend the event but sent a letter of support to the family, congratulating the Jubilee committee on the initiative shown, and expressing a wish that Holycross Abbey would remain the spiritual centre of the Archdiocese.

The full-time Secretary of the Abbey restoration project, Sadie O'Dwyer outlined her role in the work and how she became involved over fifty years ago. It was, she said, most rewarding and she marvelled at the enormous effort which went into bringing the Abbey back to life. Deputy Michael Lowry also spoke on behalf of the people of Holycross Ballycahill and said that the selfless work of Willie Hayes and many others inspired the local community to achieve great things and he pointed out that that very same spirit, drive and ambition is very much alive in the parish to this day.

The Jubilee Committee has many more plans to help mark the highly significant events of fifty years ago and they will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Donncha and Donal Duggan

The late Willie Hayes

Ursulines first year footballers play a blitz in Cahir

Thurles Ursuline Secondary School’s first year footballers enjoyed playing an afternoon of football this week against Cahir in two very competitive matches. Anna Stakelum and Isabelle Loughnane captained one side as Emily Ryan and Pia Tyndall captained the other. The standard of football was exceptional with Shona Murray, Gemma Power and many more impressing. All players enjoyed plenty of game time and the school looks forward to them representing Ursulines for many years to come. Well done girls.

Thurles CBS U17 hurlers take on Roscrea and Nenagh

Well done to Thurles CBS Secondary School’s forty four U17 hurlers who had two really competitive blitz’s with St Flannans, Cistercian College Roscrea and Nenagh CBS in the last week. Cistercian College hosted the event and there were some great games for all concerned.

If you have a story, news of an event or you know something that we would be interested in. Email info@tippecho.ie or call 052 61 48800

The Plan lights up for Christmas

The Plan on the Limerick Road in Tipperary Town is once again lit up for Christmas. Joe’s Garden Centre & Gift Shop donated the beautiful tree which is the centerpiece of the display in the bandstand. Seamus Clarke (Clarkes Tyres) gave the use of his scissors and Jerry Vaughan, Boiler Service and Repair, transported the metal trees to and from St Ailbe’s School for painting. Applegreen Tipperary gave out free muffins and Inver Tipperary, Limerick Road, provided free tea/coffee and hot

chocolate. Local businesses are to be commended for their support. Thanks must also go to Tipperary County Council for their support via the Christmas retail scheme grant; Tipperary Town Lights Committee for helping out with the Insurance; the West End Residents Association for working with the committee and for all their hard work in lighting up their part of the town and St Ailbe’s School for repainting the metal trees that they made a couple of years ago. Light Up the Plan for Christmas is a communi-

ty initiative and they work closely with other community groups and businesses to attract footfall into the town centre. The group wants people to enjoy visiting Tipp town and hopes that you will support the wonderful local businesses. Enjoy the lights and everyone is welcome on Christmas Eve when the CJ Kickham Band will perform in the Bandstand. Well done to the Light Up the Plan for Christmas committee and all the volunteers who who join with them in making this a wonderful lighting spectacle.

St. Nicholas AFC draw has

attractive prize on offer

St Nicholas AFC are running a draw which offers the winner a fantastic weekend for two including tickets to the Liverpool v Manchester United game on January 5th, 2025.

The Package includes Official Hospitality Match

Tickets and 2 nights in a City Centre Hotel. All Travel & Transfers included. The Draw will take place on the 21st December 2024.

Tickets are €10 for one Entry or 6 Entries for €50. Further information at the following link; https://stnicholasafc.clubzap.com/.../fundraising/ products

Chasing Pavements Run Club undertake Santa Run

The Chasing Pavements Run Club who undertook a Santa Run on Tuesday December 10th

On Tuesday night December 10th, the Chasing Pavements Run Club undertook a Santa Run in aid of the Irish Wheelchair Association Tipperary Town. This running club was established by Danny Whyte on April 23rd this year and is completely free of charge for anyone to join in. Special mention must go to Barry, Fergal, Anne-Marie, John, Áine and Michael, who are the team of pacers that have helped to grow the club in what has been

High visibility Garda operation in lead up to Christmas in Tipperary Town

An Garda Síochána Tipperary Central Community Engagement is launching a high visibility operation in lead up to Christmas in Tipperary Town. The operation will increase Garda patrols throughout Tipperary Town between Wednesday and Saturday in the weeks following, targeting anti-social behaviour, drug related crime, aggressive begging and loitering. Gardaí will be available to promptly deal with offenders in accordance with current legislation, practices and procedures. This approach was developed in accordance with Tipperary Town community stakeholders. Increased attention will be paid to

a very short space of time. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength, with numbers increasing almost every week.

The run locations are announced every week on Instagram on @_ dwruns, so be sure to give Danny a follow if you think this could be something you would like to join in on. Over 60 people took part in the run on Tuesday night and a GoFundMe page which was set up for the run has reached over €2,500. The donation link is as

follows; https://www.gofundme. com/f/chasing-pavements-christmas-santa-run-2024 and anyone that donates will be entered in a draw to win a prize. All money raised from the page is going to the IWA Tipperary Town. Anyone thinking of New Years resolutions might consider joining the Chasing Pavements Run Club and get your fitness levels up in 2025. Well done to everyone who participated in the run and to everyone who donated.

local businesses and post offices. Keeping members of the public safe in the busy festive period is our priority. All mobile units working within the Tipperary Central Community Engagement area are aware of the operation and will provide assistance when required. Superintendent Eddie Golden says that Gardaí on the beat is reassuring for members of the public. “It’s really just to keep that high visibility presence in the lead up to Christmas. All the feedback I get is that people want to see Guards on the ground. We have limited resources at the moment but nevertheless this operation will increase Garda patrols throughout Tipperary Town. It will be targeting anti-social behaviour, drug related crime, aggressive begging and loitering. We’ll be available to deal with these people as best we can using whatever legislation is there to make sure that people are conforming to the law” said the Superintendent.

to Niamh Cummins, former student at St. Ailbe’s Tipperary, who received her Entrance Scholar-

with Martin Quinn

Tipperary Town Garda on patrol in Tipperary Town. Photo courtesy of Garda Press Office

Recollections from 2004 with Joe Kenny

Eric O’Hickey modelling at the official opening of the Sybil Connolly Exhibition held at the County Museum Clonmel on Thursday, March 25, 2004. Sybil, born in Swansea in 1921 moved to Waterford as a teenager with her mother after the death of her Irish father. She studied dress making in London from the age of 17 before returning to Dublin to work for the fashion house Richard Alan owned by Jack Clark.

Pupils from Killurney National School who raised €300 for Bóthar and €135 for Down Syndrome Ireland, photographed on June 18, 2004. Back L to R: Ms. B. Fitzgerald (Senior Room Teacher), Billy Tobin, Conor Tobin, Niamh Guiry, Amanda Grant, Laura Tobin, Emma Cronin, Matthew Foyle, Ms P Burke (Rural Coordinator).

Middle Row L to R: Gino Forte, Brian Guiry, Michael Baylis, Kevin Guiry, Colette Baylis, Brian Grant, Adrian McGuire, Lisa Cronin, Julianne Tobin. Front L to R: Kieran McGuire, Elizabeth Ryan, Frank Mallekoote, Ms C. Purcell (principal), Rachel Foyle, John Baylis, and Tom Tobin.

Children from Gortnahoe who qualified for the Community Games Art and Model Making County Finals held in Fethard Ballroom on April 3, 2004. L to R: Orlaith Healy, Sarah Healy, Maria Kennedy, Haley Carroll, Siobhán Barnaville, Kale Holohan, Aaron Morris and Kieran Morris.

St. Kieran’s soccer team, crowned Fourth Division Shield Champions following their 2-1 victory over Two-MileBorris in the final played in Cashel on April 4, 2004. Richard Power, Treasurer TS&DL, presented the 4th Division Shield to Brian Buckley, captain of St. Kieran’s.

Children from Clonmel who qualified for the Community Games Art and Model Making County Finals held in Fethard Ballroom on April 3, 2004. L to R: Mairead Lambert, Shauna Carew, Eimear Whyte and Stephanie Power and Bridget Lambert.

A meeting to discuss the preparation of a Local Area Plan for Fethard was held in the Abymill Theatre on Tuesday, June 15, 2004. Photographed at the meeting were L to R: Jimmy Connolly (Fethard & Killusty Community Council), Hugh O’Brien, (Forward Planning Section South Tipperary County Council), Clare Lee (Forward Planning Section South Tipperary County Council), Brendan McSherry (Heritage Officer South Tipperary County Council), and Gerard Manton (Fethard & Killusty Community Council).

Recollections from 2004 with Joe Kenny

A winning team! Seamus Healy photographed with his five successful candidates elected at the Clonmel Borough Council election count held at the GAA Centre Clonmel on June 12, 2004. L to R: Billy Shore, Brian O’Donnell, Phil Prendergast, Pat English, Seamus Healy and Darren Ryan.

St. Nicholas team who lost 4-1 to St. Michael’s B team in the Paddy Purtill Cup Second Round game played on January 4, 2004. Back L to R: Robbie Ryan, Pat Russell, Shamie Ryan, Mark Lowry, Philip Doherty, Davy Ryan, Michael Kennedy, Pat O’Brien, Nico Riordan (manager). Front L to R: Noel Redican, John Martin, Colm Riordan, Kieran Ryan holding mascot Aaron Ryan, Alan Riordan and Aidan Riordan.

Kathy Sinnott photographed on her Election Campaign in Fethard on May 16, 2004. L to R: Janette Blake, Kathy Sinnott, Maurice Colgan, and Margaret Taylor.

Victoria and Anthony Foutz photographed at the official opening of the Sybil Connolly Exhibition held at the County Museum Clonmel on Thursday, March 25, 2004. Victoria designed the Jewellery displayed at the exhibition. Sybil Connolly (1921–1998) was the first Irish woman to have the international world of fashion falling at her feet. Through her innovative use of traditional fabrics, she became the first designer to successfully target the American market and also change the way sophisticated women dressed.

Photographed at the Family Inter-Cultural Evening held at the Sisters of Mercy School, Clonmel, on Sunday last were Clonmel children Back L to R: Nicola Anderson, Dean Looby, Chelsey Burke. Front L to R: Levi Whelan, Josephine O’Reilly and Shauna Burke.

A section of the huge crowd that came out to support the Protest March in aid of South Tipperary General Hospital photographed on June 5, 2004, coming down O’Connell Street, Clonmel.

Thurles Library hosts Festive Coffee Morning

Thurles Library was full of Christmas cheer last week as they hosted their annual Christmas Coffee morning.

The talented choir from Scoil Angela treated all those present to many festive favourites like “Walking in the Air” and ended with a rousing rendition of “Feliz Navidad” on the ukulele.

There was also a beautiful display of crafts by the members of the Thurles Library Craft group. A big thank you to everyone for joining the fun and making the coffee morning a great success.

Housing Crisis in County Tipperary: Businesses demand immediate action from the county’s newly elected TDs

The County Tipperary Chamber, representing businesses across the county, is calling on the newly elected TDs from Tipperary to take decisive action on the housing crisis that is stifling economic growth and impacting communities. Tipperary businesses are clear: without affordable and accessible housing, the county’s potential to attract investment, retain talent, and support local communities is at risk.

Michelle Aylward, CEO of County Tipperary Chamber, stated:

“The housing crisis is hitting Tipperary hard. Employers across the county are struggling to attract and keep the workers they need because housing is either unavailable or unaffordable. Businesses in Tipperary are working hard to create jobs and drive economic growth, but they need housing solutions now—not in years to come.”

The Chamber is urging the newly elected TDs to deliver for Tipperary by focusing on:

1. Regional Housing Investment:

Tipperary cannot be left behind in housing policies that often focus on major urban centers. We need investment that recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities of both our towns and rural areas.

2. Affordable Housing:

Businesses need homes for their employees—young professionals, families, and key workers—to live and work locally. The absence of such housing is already forcing talent out of the county.

3. Addressing Planning Delays:

Housing projects across Tipperary are being delayed by planning bottlenecks. Streamlining this process is essential to ensure housing developments can move forward quickly and efficiently.

4. Support for Towns and Villages:

From Clonmel and Thurles to Nenagh, Tipperary Town, and beyond, each community in Tipperary has specific housing needs. Policies must be tailored to ensure every corner of the county can benefit from housing initiatives.

Michelle Aylward continued:

“Tipperary is a county of opportunity, with thriving businesses and strong communities. But without urgent action on housing, we risk losing the progress we’ve made. Our newly elected TDs have a duty to the people and businesses of Tipperary to deliver real results. This isn’t just about housing—it’s about securing Tipperary’s future as a great place to live, work, and do business.”

The County Tipperary Chamber is committed to working with TDs, policymakers, and stakeholders to find solutions to the housing crisis. The Chamber is calling for an immediate focus on housing policies that prioritize Tipperary and ensure that our county can continue to thrive.

Michelle Aylward, CEO of County Tipperary Chamber

News from the Community

Urlingford

EMERALDS URLINGFORD & GRAINE LOTTO

December 9 prize fund was €5,100. Jackpot: €3,100.

Numbers drawn: 2, 3,12 and 26, bonus number 1.

Two match three winners: Tuesday Club and Rita O’Dwyer. Five lucky dips of €20 each: Darren O’Brien, Helen Leahy, Ronan Guilfoyle, P. Tobin, Tommy Neary.

Promoters prize: Paul Kavanagh.

Next draw takes place on Monday, December 16 in the Clubrooms.

Results next week.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE

CENTRE

Closing hours for Christmas: The Centre will be closed from Monday, December 23 and will reopen on Monday, January 6. We would like to wish everybody a Happy Christmas and a Happy and Peaceful New Year.

Looking forward to seeing you all in 2025.

Cois Nore: Outreach Advice Clinic, will close for Christmas Holidays from December 20 and will resume services from January 10, 2025. Any queries/information please contact Cois Nore on 056 7752222.

Counselling Services: Our low cost Counselling Services, includes one-to-one, adult and teens.

General Counselling: Bereavement, stress, anxiety and depression.

Other counselling services available: Drug, substance and gambling addictions.

Play therapy is now also available. Age 4+.

Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment.

Senior Alert: If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine.

Appeal for Clothes Donations: Any clothes donations would be greatly appreciated in aid of our counselling/play therapy services. Donations can be dropped off during our opening hours. Please call before dropping off. For further information, please contact us here at the Centre on 056 8838466.

SET DANCING

Set Dancing Graine Hall every Tuesday at 8.30pm. Music by Danny Webster. Sets called by Paddy Norton. New members welcome, young and old.

HAPPY VALLEY TRACTOR & TRUCK RUN

The Happy Valley Tractor and Truck Run will take place on Tuesday, December 31, New Year’s Eve in aid of Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre, Kilkenny. Registration will begin at 12 noon (entry

Valerie Carey

€20) with the run departing from Norton Engineering E41 D780 at 3pm. A monster auction with George Chandler at the helm, will be held on the day. In 2022 this event raised €13,000 for Cois Nore and in 2023 a further €25,750. Come along for a great day and meet our Emeralds Camogie team who won this year’s Kilkenny Junior Camogie Championship and League. Also, special guest on the day Kieran Cuddihy from Newstalk.

URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT

THE POT

December 15 winner of Split the Pot is Eileen Callaghan who received €464. Congrats on behalf of Clomantagh Group. Tickets €2 on sale in participating businesses in town.

Thanks to everyone for Heritage their continued support. Next week’s draw is for Clomantagh Heritage Group.

GRAINE CARDS

Progressive 25 card game in Graine Hall every Wednesday night at 8pm sharp. All are welcome.

URLINGFORD NEWS

Anyone wishing to submit news items, club events, announcements etc can do so by emailing urlingfordnotes@gmail. com. If you have any photos you wish to include, please forward them to the email address.

GALTEE ROVERS ST.

PECAUN'S

The West Senior Football final was refixed for tonight, Wednesday, but due to unavailability of players the club has conceded the game to Golden Kilfeacle. The semi-final of this competition was played in early June. In 2024, in championship games under the West Senior Board, the club were involved in 12 walkovers. The club was also involved in a walkover in a game at County Board level.

GALTEE ROVERS ST. PE-

CAUN'S LOTTO

There was no jackpot winner in last week’s Bansha Kilmoyler

Sports Lotto draw. This week’s jackpot is €19,700.

Last week’s €20 lucky dip winners were: The Grace family, Donna Ferris, Saoirse Ryan and Teresa Russell. Seller’s prize €20: Andrea O’Connell. Tickets, €2 each or 3 for €5, are available locally and online via Clubforce and Galtee Rovers social media pages.

GALTEE ROVERS ST.

PECAUN'S CLUB DRAW

The December monthly draw will be held on Saturday night at 6.30pm in the McGrath Centre. Please note the earlier time for this month’s draw. There will also be an additional draw for all draw mem-

bers who didn’t win during the year. Any outstanding draw money can be given in on the night. This is an important club fundraiser, and the club would like to thank all the draw promotors and everyone who joined the draw during the year. Your support is very much appreciated.

SENIOR CITIZENS PARTY Bansha Show Committee will hold its annual senior citizens Christmas Party on Sunday, January 5th in the McGrath Centre Bansha. Anyone that would like to go can they give their names into any shop in Bansha or to any show committee member.

Tipperary GAA Fundraising Campaign

WIN A HOUSE IN CASHEL

Tipperary GAA has officially launched a landmark fundraising campaign aimed at enhancing GAA facilities across the county. The campaign features an exciting grand prize: a fully furnished home located in Bregawn, Cashel, valued at €350,000. Alternatively, the winner has the option to receive a cash prize of €300,000. Tickets for this remarkable draw are priced at €100 and can be purchased

through the Rockwell Rovers GAA club or via the official 'Win a House' website. Notably, €30 from each ticket sold through the club will be retained to support local initiatives. Tickets are currently available through club treasurer Mary Newman or Andy Hennessy. Don't miss this opportunity to support Tipperary GAA while also entering to win fantastic prizes!

Bansha/Kilmoyler

Michael Barry

The Eire Og Annacarty/Donohill and Sean Treacy's combination team who played Boherlahan/Dualla in the County Under 21 'B' Football Final at Fethard Town Park on Sunday last.

Samantha Hartigan, Ballylanders (On-line) €30; Eamon O'Brien, Annacarty €30; Martin Myers c/o Mary Heffernan €30; Jean Kelly, Ballybrick (On-line) €30. Seller's Prize: 1 x €30

News from the Community

CHRISTMAS PARTY IN ST PAUL'S, CLOGHEEN

Moyne/Templetouhy

CONDOLENCES

Sincere sympathy to the family, relatives, friends and neighbours of Seamus Younge, Edenderry and late of Borrisoleigh. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES

The following are the mass times for Christmas – Christmas Eve – Templetuohy 5.30pm, Moyne 7.30pm. Christmas Day –Moyne 10am, Templetuohy 11am.

DIAMOND JUBILEE

Congratulations to Sr. Teresa Carey who celebrated her Diamond Jubilee as a Sister of Mercy on December 6th in South Africa where she has been for the past sixty-two years. We wish her many more years of happiness in South Africa.

MOYNE BRIDGE

Our Christmas competition was played on November 26th and December 3rd. Congratulations to John Joe Butler and Michael G. Ryan who shared first prize. 2nd Lisa Dunne, 3rd Betty Maher, 4th Biddy Shanahan, 5th Michael Kennedy, 6th Mary Maher. Our Christmas party took place at the Templemore Arms on December 10th. Highest compliments to the management and staff for the wonderful meal provided and to John and Sarah Gorman for their fine music and song which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Wishing all our members a very happy Christmas and good health in 2025. Bridge will resume at Moyne Community Centre in

early January.

TEMPLETUOHY BINGO

A special Christmas bingo will be held this Thursday, December 19th at 8.30pm. Prizemoney will be €2,300 with many spot prizes as well. Your support would be very much appreciated.

MOYNE ANNUAL TRACTOR RUN

The annual tractor run will take place on Sunday, December 29th at 12 noon sharp. Registration from 11.30am at the Community Centre. All proceeds going to local charities.

BIG DINNY’S MEMORIAL MILES FOR MILFORD HOSPICE

Members of the Kelly family and friends will take part in a fundraiser to raise much needed funds for Milford Hospice in memory of Dinny and Eileen Kelly and all parishioners who have used their services in the past. Run in particular in memory of Dinny and his sporting interests they will run from Powerstown Park in Clonmel to Templetuohy Coursing Field to coincide with the annual Templetuohy Coursing Meeting on 3rd & 4th January. Sponsorship cards and an iDonate page up and running for anyone wishing to contribute.

TEMPLETUOHY COURSING LOTTO

This week’s lotto jackpot is now €16,600. Lucky dip winners of €25 were Josie Kelly, Templetuohy, Michael Cullagh, Templetuohy, Teresa Ryan, Templetuohy and

Paddy & Eileen, Templetuohy.

MOYNE ATHLETIC CLUB

Congratulations to Eileen Ely, Louise Fogarty, Orla Healy & Lisa Quinlan who finished runners up in the team competition at the County Senior Cross Country Championships in Cashel last weekend. Well done also to Pakie Bowe on his performance in the Men’s event.

Congratulations to Michael Doyle who took part in the World Race Walking Tour Bronze event in Dublin last weekend and to all our athletes in action in the winter time trial event in Nenagh and thanks to all who helped on the day.

Winner of Split the Bucket of €105 on December 6th was Molly Dempsey with Arlette Phelan last week’s winner of €136. Thanks to all for your support.

MOYNE-TEMPLETUOHY

GAA, LGFA & CAMOGIE

This week’s lotto jackpot is €6,300 with Martina Blake, Paula butler, Tommy Doyle, John Stapleton, Marie Percy and Margaret Peters, the lucky dip winners last week.

The GAA club are having a fundraiser on December 28th starting with a five a side soccer tournament at 1pm in the club grounds followed by a nostalgia table quiz in The Temple Bar at 8pm. Prizes and raffles on the night. All proceeds supporting Moyne-Templetuohy GAA club and Big Dinny’s Memorial Miles for Milford Fundraiser.

Cappawhite

AGM

AGM for Cappawhite Community Council on Monday December 30 2024 @ 7pm in Cappawhite Resource Centre All are welcome.

OZANAM HOUSE

St Vincent de Paul – shop open each Tuesday 10am to 12.00 noon and Thursday from 2pm to 4pm.

PRIESTS' CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

Collection envelopes are now available in the church porches.

Thanks to all who support their parish each week and at collection time. If paying contributions by cheque please make them payable to: Cappawhite Parochial Account, otherwise the bank may not accept them.

GAA COUNTY DRAW

We had two winners in the

December Tipp GAA Draw last night! James, Kathleen & Liam Kiely €1000 and Anita Kelly €300. Well done guys ! DINNER DANCE

Save the Date - March 8 2025 Cappawhite GAA & LGFA Clubs Dinner Dance & Medal Presentation. Cappawhite GAA & LGFA Clubs will hold a Victory Social Dinner Dance in the Great National Ballykisteen Hotel on Saturday, 8th March 2025.

Medal Presentation on the night to honour our County Intermediate Ladies Football Champions and our West & County Junior B Hurling Champions! Music on the night by Deuces Wild & DJ Ronan. More details to follow & tickets will be available soon!

Friends of Tipperary Football

SHOP LOCAL IN TIPPERARY THIS CHRISTMAS

The Friends of Tipperary Football recently held their Annual General Meeting at Lár na Páirce, Thurles. We are pleased to announce the following elected and returned officials: President: Eddie Ryan - Chairperson: Martin Dwyer -Secretary: Karol Cuniffe - Treasurer: Sean Mulligan - PRO: Sandra English. We extend our heartfelt thanks to outgoing Chairperson Michael Devlin and PRO Stephen Gleeson for their dedicated service and contributions to the Friends over the years.

Please note that The Underage Development Draw will take place tonight, Wednesday, December 18th, at 8pm in Annacarty Hall. Teas and refreshments. Please help us spread the word! All are welcome! Thanks for your continued support! Together, we can help nurture the future of football in our community!

Gortnahoe/Glengoole

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm. The rosary is recited before Mass in Glengoole every Saturday evening.

MASSES FOR CHRISTMAS

Christmas Eve: 6pm in Glengoole Church and 8pm in Gortnahoe Church. Christmas Day: 10.30am in Gortnahoe Church.

SACRAMENTAL DATES

The dates have been announced for the following sacraments in the parish. Confirmation will take place on Friday 28th February at 11am and First Holy Communion will be held on Saturday 17th May at 11am.

GORTNAHOE BINGO

A special Christmas bingo will be held this Saturday evening 21st at 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm. Over €4,400 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game and a Chrstmas special game for €800. There will be hampers and lots of spot prizes on the day. It will be a great afternoons entertainment for all and looking forward to lots of support from the parish.

GORTNAHOE CHRISTMAS

DRAW

The Hall Committee has delivered tickets and flyers to each house in the Parish for the Christmas Draw. The draw will take place this Sunday 22nd December at 3pm in the Hall. Sold tickets can be returned to the Committee members or to the hall on Friday night the 20th from 8.00pm to 9.pm, Saturday the 21st from 11.00am to 12.00 noon and Sunday the 22nd from 11.00am to 12.00 noon

There will be great prizes on offer, first prize will be €300, second prize €200, third prize Christmas hamper, fourth prize €100, fifth prize Christmas cake and a bottle of whiskey and many other prizes. The Christmas Draw will be an important fundraiser for the upkeep of the Community Hall.

TUESDAY BRIDGE

Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information please contact this number 089 434910

CLUB CALENDAR

Gortnahoe Glengoole Juvenile GAA club calendar is now avail-

able at €10. A fabulous Christmas gift and is available from the committee members and Cahill's shop. 400 CLUB DRAW

The results for December, 1st prize winner €200, Angela & Martin Campion, Graiguewood, 2nd prize €100, John & Christine Barnaville, Urard. Other prize winners were Tom & Cathy Morris, Poynestown, Ann Raleigh, Glengoole South, Michael Heffernan, Glengoole, Catherine Cooney, Boulick, Philly Wilson, Rathbeg, Maeve & Caoimhe Hally, Ballysloe, Mary Phelan, Inchorourke and Mary Kennedy, Glengoole. Promoters prize winner was Eleanor Brophy.

SPLIT THE POT

Congratulations to Dick Purcell, Ballysloe who won €179 in the Split the Pot draw last Sunday. Envelopes are available in Cahill's Gortnahoe, Hogans Grange and at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. For the month of December Split the Pot will be in support of the Gortnahoe Christmas lights. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

Eibhlis Purcell

Richard Dunne

The annual Clogheen Senior Citizens Christmas party was a great success last Sunday. Photo shows the committee joined by a number of volunteers relaxing after a job well done.

Ena Ryan (B)

News from the Community

Mullinahone

LOCAL LOTTO

Last week's lotto draw took place on Monday 9th December. The numbers drawn were 1, 12, 14, 21, there was no winner of the jackpot which was worth €5,050. Five lucky dip winners each received €30.

Congratulations to Deirdre O’Sullivan, Mary Fitzgibbon, Josie O’ Keeffe, Sally & Sonny, Johnny Clarke.

SPLIT THE POT

The split the pot draw took place on Wednesday 11th December with €140 on offer to the lucky winner. Congratulations to Betty Egan. Envelopes can be purchased in all local businesses for just €2. If you’re not un, you can’t win !

CAROL SERVICE

A very enjoyable carol service took place in St.Michaels church on Sunday 8th December with all proceeds from the night going to Le Chairde Alzheimer Society Day Centre. €1,000 was raised on the night and a heartfelt thank you from Fr. Danny O’Gorman and St. Michaels Parish Choir to everyone who attended . All the young children of the parish are

invited to join the choir and Fr Danny on the alter at Christmas Eve Mass at 6pm.

RUDOLPH AND FRIENDS RETURN

Rudolph and his pals have once again returned to Mullinahone in time for the Christmas season. Many beautiful reindeer can be spotted on the approach roads into the village. These beautiful handcrafted deer courtesy of Mullinahone Mens Shed are adding to the Christmas atmosphere around village.

A fabulous christmas tree can be seen in the church yard and lights can be seen on the trees on the approach roads and at the grotto.

Great credit to all the volunteers who have taken the time to light up Mullinahone It would great to see more lights more lights being put up around the village, perhaps this could be something that could be built on over the coming years, with more people and businesses getting involved to “ Light Up Mullinahone for Christmas”

Also your reminder to support the annual tidy towns fundraising

Golden/Kilfeacle

CHRISTMAS SHINDIG

What an absolutely fantastic crowd turned up to our GAA complex last weekend. The Tumbling Paddies with DJ Richie had the huge crowd really rocking.

Huge thanks to music promoter John O’Brien Obs Kilross for organising this event along with other events during the year, It's great for our GAA club to have these music events for fundraising and we really appreciate all the help and support John gives.

To all GAA club members who

Burncourt

BURNCOURT COMMUNITY

COUNCIL – THANK YOU

It has been a busy year for Burncourt Community Council and a huge thank you to all in the community and beyond who have supported the various events and activities throughout the year. Also much appreciation to the volunteers of all ages who have given of their time freely and enthusiastically. Every Good Wish for a wonderful Christmas.

HOSPICE FUNDRAISER

Burncourt Hospice Committee is delighted to once again continue with their main fundraiser in the local communities.

SKEHEENARINKY CARDS

helped out on the night we say a huge thank you!!

SCOIL CHORMAIC

A note in from Johnny Luby thanking Anthony Casey and Gala for sponsoring a massive hamper for a raffle for Scoil Chormaic Cashel. Tickets available in store in Gala Golden €2 each or 3 for €5. Draw will be made on 20th December

GAA CLUB LOTTO

Our GAA club lotto jackpot is now an absolutely staggering €20,000. Draw takes place this

raffle which will be held on Saturday 21st December.

Three beautiful hampers are on offer and tickets can be purchased in all local businesses in the village. Ticket prices are €2 per strip or 3 ticket strips for €5.

SENIOR CITIZENS PARTY

The very popular annual Senior Citizens party took place last Sunday in the Community centre. A great afternoon was enjoyed by all with fabulous food and an evening of songs and dancing afterwards with The Highway Men providing the entertainment. Well done to all involved for organising such a highly anticipated event each year.

PLAYGROUP RAFFLE

Mullinahone Community playgroup are holding a fundraising raffle on the 19th December. Some amazing prizes are on offer, tickets can be purchased in Lonergans shop Carrick street and O’ Brien butchers Kickham Street. Tickets prices are 3 lines for €5. Make sure if you can, to support this wonderful facility in our parish.

Templederry

MASS TIMES IN THE PARISH FOR CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR.

Tuesday Christmas Eve KILLEEN CHURCH at 5 pm.

Tuesday Christmas Eve: TEMPLEDERRY CHURCH at 7 pm.

Wednesday, Christmas Day CURREENEY CHURCH at 10 am

Wednesday, New Year's Day

TEMPLEDERRY CHURCH at 7 pm.

CHRISTMAS PARTYMARK DATE IN YOUR DIARY

Sunday January 26th. 2025..... The Annual Parish Party.

TEMPLEDERRY PARISH OFFICE:

The Parish Office is now open every Wednesday and Thursday from 11 am to 1 pm.

People may book Masses, Weddings, Christenings etc etc or request information from

The parish records. Call 0504/52988. 087/6564933 during the opening hours of 11 am to 1 pm each day or email templederryparishoffice@gmail.com with any requests.

DEFIBRILLATOR IN TEMPLEDERRY NATIONAL SCHOOL.

There is a fully functioning and maintained defibrillator in the grounds of Templederry National School. It is located at the back of the school at the church side of the building.

It is boxed and there is no code to access it. It is free to be used by anyone where necessary in the locality /community.

The staff of Templederry National School are trained defibrillator operators/responders.

PRE-ENROLMENT TEMPLEDERRY NS

Pre enrolment for Templeder-

Kilsheelan/Kilcash

CHURCH NOTES

Christmas Mass times in Kilsheelan Kilcash Parish.

Saturday December 21st Penitential Service in St.Marys Church Kilsheelan at 6pm.

Tuesday. Tickets just €2 available locally and online at www.locallotto.ie

SHOP LOCAL All businesses in our parish would greatly appreciate your support by shopping local this Christmas Shop.. Locally. Eat...Locally. Socialise.. Locally

HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Golden Kilfeacle GAA Club would like to wish all our Club members and everyone associated with our Gaa club a very Happy and peaceful Christmas

Nollaig Shona duit go léir

Sunday 22nd December Penitential Service in St. John the Baptist Church Kilcash at 10am.

Christmas Eve Mass in Kilsheelan @ 6pm and in Kilcash @ 8pm.

Christmas Day Mass in Kilsheelan at 10am and in Kilcash at 11.30am

GAA COUNTY DRAW

The next draw will take place on January 8th at 8.30 pm in Lar na Pairce, Thurles at 8.30pm. Best of luck to all our members.

KILSHEELAN UNITED

Munster Junior Shield Round 4 (last 32): Kilsheelan United FC 'A' 2-1 Bridge United AFC 'B' (AET)

A historic result for our 'A' side today, as they came from behind to progress into the last 16 of a Munster competition for the first time in our clubs history.

Our next 50/50 is a guaranteed Jackpot of €1,000.

Draw to be held on the weekend of January 4th.

Wishing you all a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year from Slievenamon Celtic/Kilsheelan United.

CONDOLENCES

Deepest sympathies to the

ry National School for the school year 2025/2026 is now open.

This is completed through the school websitehttp://templederryns.ie/enrolment.

The Killaoe Diocesan Justice and Peace Committee encourages you to keep an eye on elderly neighbours, friends and family members during this winter season.

Just a quick Phonecall, or visit to ensure they are warm enough and have enough food. This could Make the world of difference.

TEMPLEDERRY GAA LOTTO:

Last week's Lotto draw was held in KENNEDYS GLASTRIGAN and there was no winner of the Lotto Jackpot.

This week's draw, which is the

CHRISTMAS LOTTO DRAW will be held in Michael Hogan's Templederry and the Jackpot will be €2,400

Cahill family on the passing of Josephine late of Lisbalting. Josephine passed away peacefully in St. Joseph's care home in Kilmoganny in her 99th year having lived an exemplary life on their family farm with exceptional health and a hard working ethic and a dedicated mother.

Josephine would have experienced many changes in her lifetime in terms of change to society and especially technology over a centenary and ably coped with it all that time of change, to her daughters Frances, Dolores, Patricia her son Kevin and extended family we offer our deepest sympathies.

OOLA COMMUNITY ALERT

Mixie O'Dwyer

HOSPICE AUCTION NIGHT

Skeheenarinky 45 Drive Card Game on Friday December 27 in the Olde Shanbally at 3pm. Spot prizes appreciated. Contact Sean (086) 3984970.

pice and The Hospice Suite at St. Theresa’s Hospital, Clogheen.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK.

Hospice Auction Night. On Saturday, December 28, in Ryan’s Pub, the Annual Hospice Night will take place. Items and donations for this worthy cause are greatly appreciated. Please contact Tadgh (087) 6804390. The New Year’s Day Walk on January 1 2025 will be held by Burncourt Hospice Committee together with the Rhododendron Walking Festival Committee. Come along to Glengarra Car Park at 10.30am for an 11am start. Refreshments afterwards in Burncourt Community Hall.All funds raised go to South Tipperary Hos-

“The most invaluable gifts are those impossible to wrap. Genuine generosity resides not in material possessions, but in offering our time, our undivided attention, our completely engaged presence. simply be present and listen without predetermined expectations. Suzy Hopkins and Hallie Bateman –“What To Do When I am Gone” CHRISTMAS GREETING.

To all readers of Burncourt’s Community NotesMay the Blessings of Gratitude, Love, Health and Peace fill your Homes and stay with you throughout the Coming Year. Joy and Happiness to all.- Breeda F.

If you wish to join Oola Community Alert Please contact 087 6634547. Application forms can be collected and returned to Aidan Kennedy, Paddy Ryan, Denis Ryan or Donna Quinlan. you may also request a form via email from oolacommunityalert@gmail. com.

OOLA COMMUNITY CEN-

TRE Bingo No Bing, Christmas week December 24th or New years December 31st Bingo Resumes Tuesday January 8th. we would like to wish all our supporters Happy Christmas.

CARDS

Progressive 45 Drive Thursday Nights @ 8pm Sharp all welcome

Results from December 5th 1st place Sharon Kavanagh & Larry Ryan. 2nd place, Eileen Ryan &

Table Prizes Eddie McConnell & Eddie Fitzgerald, Dinny Morrissey & Ger Beary

Results from December 12th 1st place,Philip Grant & Kay Walsh. 2nd place, Larry Ryan & Friends

Table Prizes Johnny Ryan & Pat O' Dwyer, Mixie O' Dwyer & Eileen Ryan

OOLA YOUTH CLUB

We would like to thank anyone who came out to support our Christmas Fair Fundraiser on December 8th at Oola Community Centre, it was a great day out and we are very thankful to the talented Ellie Peters, Stephen Stokes and Martin Cosgrave singing at the event. and to all the stall holders who supported the club. and to Mike Maher for having the contacts in the North Pole.

we area also very grateful to the support given by Tipperary Mid West Community Radio. and to Catherine Fogarty for giving us time to advertise the event on her Morning Call show. On Monday, 16th of December our senior club and their families and friends attended Fossetts Circus in Limerick. We are so grateful to Richard O'Donoghue TD for providing the tickets and inviting us to the gala night performance. OOLA YOUTH CLUB ON CHRISTMAS BREAK Oola Youth Club is now officially on christmas break and will reopen on 11th January, 2025. If you have a young person who would like to join oola youth club or if you are a parent and would like to volunteer as a leader please contact Donna at oolayouthclub@ yahoo.com.

Marcella Collins

Breeda Fitzgerald

Declan Geoghegan

Donna Quinlan

Sinead Moore

Margaret Kennedy

News from the Community

ACE OF HEARTS DRAW

The draw which was held in Jimmy Whites on Monday, December 9, carried a Jackpot of €2200 which was not won while the following took the runners-up prizes, €50 to Christy Matthews Cullen, 4 x €25 spot prize winners Shane Ryan (R), Maura Stapleton Brittas Thurles, John Joe and Cliodhna O’Brien Ballinulty and Catriona Cunningham Galbally. The seller’s prize went to Kathleen Irwin and the Jackpot for last Monday night, December 16, increased to €2300. To mark 10 years of the draw we had a number of spot prizes including two hampers which went to Mary Whelan and Ger Riordan.

New Inn & Knockgraffon Sandra

LAGGANSTOWN CHRISTMAS CRIB

Lagganstown's 12th Annual Christmas Blessing takes place this Sunday December 22 at 7pm.

As a token of the Christmas spirit, you are invited to donate some non-perishable food (e.g. tea bags, beans, soup etc.) and these goods can be placed in Willy the Legend's donkey cart next to the crib. This food will then be given to “Cuan Saor”, Women's Refuge Centre, Clonmel. All are welcome and hope to see you on the night when we will be supporting our friends in “Cuan Saor."

Your continued support is very much appreciated to keep this tradition of ours alive.

PARISH LINKS

The Parish Links are selling lines, and you have a chance to win a beautiful hamper which is on display at The Shop, New Inn. €2 a line and you can also purchase lines from any committee member.

The Parish Links committee organises a Christmas party for the senior members of our community each year. The Christmas party will be held this year in New Inn Community Centre on Sunday January 5, 2025, starting at 12.30.

The invitations will be in the post by late December. If there are any newcomers to the parish or if anyone knows anyone who would be interested in going to the Christmas party please contact Margaret on 052 7462132 / 087 6369279 or Eileen on 087 6334381 any committee member. This promises to be a great day with music being played by our own Eddie Golden.

CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES

CHRISTMAS EVE in New Inn church at 6pm and 8pm in

Knockgraffon church. CHRISTMAS DAY in Knockgraffon church at 9.30am and 11.30am in New Inn.

DANGAN GRAVEYARD

NOTICE

A recording of the headstones in Dangan graveyard is now available for viewing on the historic graves’ website ‘www.historicgraves.com’.

A website which allows visitors to search, and trace loved ones buried in graveyards across Ireland’.

25 CARD KNOCKGRAFFON

Winners on Wednesday December 11 with 12 games were Jimmy Looby/ Ml Murphy and in joint second place with 11 games each were Cathy O'Gorman / Phil O'Connor and PJ Boland / Joe Murphy. Table prizes to Tony Donaghy / Ml O'Gorman and Teresa Breen /Betty Ryan. Well done all. Cards start at 8.30pm sharp and all are welcome. Tea & refreshment afterwards.

SEEDS OF HOPE

Returning Biodiversity to Our Parishes is a Laudato Si conference for the dioceses of Cashel & Emly, Kerry, Killaloe, and Limerick. In the face of ongoing environmental crises, this conference seeks to inspire parish communities to care more deeply for God's creation. Join us on Saturday, 25 January 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Springfort Hall, Mallow, Co. Cork. To register, please email maria.murphy@trocaire.org.

A suggested donation of €10 will be collected on the day. “Together, we can sow and nurture the seeds of hope”.

TIPPERARY G.A.A. YEAR-

BOOK ON SALE THIS WEEK

It includes the achievements of Rockwell Rovers GAA Club. One

English

of the sections of the book that is read with interest and a little sadness is the “Friends we Lost” obituary notices of the many Gaels who passed away during 2024. As usual there are many, fine people, men, and women, who contributed significantly to the G.A.A. during their lifetimes.

All this, over one hundred and fifty pages, for €15. It would make an ideal Christmas stocking filler for any GAA enthusiast.

TIPP DRAW

Congratulations to Christy Clifford on winning €300 in the Tipp GAA Members (conf) draw held recently at Brosnan’s, Cashel. Well done to all the other winners. THANK YOU!

The Women's Group and South Tipp Hospice would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported their recent coffee morning at Barron's Pub in New Inn.

The event was a remarkable success, raising an impressive €850 for the Hospice. Special thanks are extended to all who sponsored raffle prizes and volunteered their time to help on the day, as well as to Alicia for the beautiful flower arrangements. Congratulations to Mary O'Donnell of New Inn, the lucky winner of the hamper prize. Additionally, a wonderful night was enjoyed by all at the Christmas party held recently at Bunratty Castle.

The New Inn Women's Group wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and would like to specifically thank Anthony Monaghan and the Cork Prison Officers Social and Charity Club for their generous donation of the fabulous hamper, which enabled us to raise much-needed funds for South Tipperary Hospice.

On behalf of the Draw and Committee I want to thank everyone who has helped to make it such a great success which is testament to the contribution made by the group overseeing the weekly draw plus the various ticket sellers, our sales outlets and of course the draw supporters who purchase tickets weekly to make it all possible. Well done and thanks to each and everyone for your continued support.

ST NICHOLAS FC

The winner of the weekly 50/50 fundraiser which took place on Wednesday night, December 11,

and a case of lightning can strike twice was Enda O’Sullivan who collected €200 and also took the top prize of €200 in the December 4 draw. Well done Enda / enjoy. The free Christmas draw entry for €1000 went to Vincent Hanley.

Tralee Dynamos FC made the trip last Sunday to Bohertrime for a last 32 tie of the Munster Shield competition but had to leave empty handed as St. Nicholas’ guaranteed their place in the last 16 with a convincing 5-1 victory.

While it was the Kerry side who were denied an early breakthrough on two occasions by some good block stopping by the St. Nicholas goalie, the home side took full advantage with an opening goal by Jason Sutton and a brace by Jack Redican to leave it 3-0 at the break and a mountain to climb for Tralee Dynamos to get back in the game.

Tralee was thrown a lifeline early in the second period with a somewhat controversial penalty which was well saved by the Saints keeper but the breaking ball was subsequently scrambled to the net reducing the gap to 3-1. Goal number four came courtesy of a deflection by a Tralee defender while centre back Aaron Blanche had the final say with a brilliantly taken twenty metre free to make it

5-1 and a place in the coveted last 16 draw of the competition.

Two points adrift and a game in hand of table toppers Kilsheelan side SC&K in the TSDL Div. 2 League plus the latest Munster Shield last 16 qualification, the influx of new players both local and further afield is certainly paying dividends.

At time of writing no fixture details for weekends December 22 or December 29 are available for inclusion.

BEST WISHES

This week as we approach the season of Christmas I want to send best wishes to any of our parishioners who may be ill in hospital or hospice at this time or who may be recuperating in a nursing home or at home, the very best Christmas greetings to you and we look forward to seeing you out and about in the near future.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

To all the pupils in Monard NS, An Tuais Maith Newtown, those attending Secondary in St. Anne's, St. Ailbe's or the Abbey CBS and our students going to third level colleges, we send our best wishes for Christmas, enjoy your well earned break and hopefully “an fear ceanna” Father Christmas will pay you a special visit.

BALLYLOOBY/CASTLEGRACE GAA CLUB

Result: 10/12/24: No Jackpot winner. No match three winner: Numbers drawn 2, 8, 9, & 15. Four Lucky dips: Eileen Caplice, Brian O’Donnell, Lee-James Burke and Mary O’Sullivan.

Next week’s jackpot will be €2,200. It might be you right in time for Christmas.

The club extend their thanks for your continued support. Tickets available at usual outlets & clubforce.com-Ballylooby/Castlegrace GAA

YOGA CLASSES

Yoga classes will return to Duhill Hall in The New Year after Christmas holidays.

CONFESSIONS FOR CHRISTMAS

Confessions for Christmas in our link of Parishes.

Cahir Church: on Monday, 23rd December at 7pm

Clogheen: on this Wednesday

18th December at 7:30pm

Ballylooby: at 7:30pm Masstime on Saturda, 21st December. Duhill: at 9am mass time on Sunday, 22nd December.

Mass times for Christmas Eve: Ballylooby at 7:30pm

Christmas Day: Duhill 9am & Ballylooby at 10:30am (usual times)

HONOURING OUR TEAMS

Ballylooby/Castlegrace GAA

honouring winning teams from 25 & 50 years ago

Ballylooby/Castlegrace GAA

will be hosting a Social on Saturday, 30th December in Cahir House Hotel, honouring winning teams from 25 and 50 years ago.

It promises to be a night of music, dance and a chance to catch up with members and friends.

Tickets must be purchased in advance from any Committee

Member Tickets now available for our social night on Saturday, 30th December in Cahir House Hotel.

Tickets need to be bought before the night.

Contact any of the following to get yours, Pat O'Donnell, Michael Burke Pat Murphy, Eamon Ryan, Pat Morrissey.

SYMPATHY

The death occurred of Ml O’Shea, Cahir and Bansha. We extend our sympathy to his wife Grainne, sons Jack & Gavin, his sister Francis extended family, friends and work colleagues. Michael’s funeral mass took place in St Mary’s Cahir followed by interment in adjoining cemetery on Saturday, 14th December.

Sympathy is also extended to Breda Ryan, Cahir on the passing of her husband Tom who passed away recently.

Sympathy is also extended to the family of John O’Dwyer, Cork and late of Ardfinnan who died in Cork recently. May they rest in peace.

Ballylooby/Duhill

Kathleen Moloney

Sologhead

Tommy Fitzgerald

Breda Culleton (Chairperson Women’s Group), Anthony Monaghan (hamper sponsored by Cork prison officers social & charity club), Michael O’Donnell (on behalf of Mary O’Donnell, Hamper winner) at Barron pub, New Inn . The Women's Group and South Tipp Hospice would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported their recent coffee morning at Barron's Pub in New Inn. The event was a remarkable success, raising an impressive €850 for the Hospice. (See full report in New Inn notes below)

News from the Community

Santa Claus arriving in Ballymacarbry recently to a huge crowd and great excitement

Ballymacarbry

Ballymacarbry Community Centre

CHRISTMAS FAMILY

FUN DAY

What a day we had at the centre yesterday for our annual Christmas Family Fun Day. A huge crowd came along to enjoy our three indoor bouncy castles and to hear our resident DJ Cody Peter do his thing! Of course, the main attraction was the man of the moment, Santa Claus and he did not disappoint the hoard of screaming young children awaiting him!!

The excitement was great to see. Thanks to all that came along, especially those that helped out with the running of the event. We wish all in the community and surrounding areas a very happy Christmas.

NIRE & BALLYMACARB-

RY NEWSLETTER 2024

It is a privilege to see that Panda Playground has made the front page of this year’s Nire & Ballymacarbry Newsletter. Huge congratulations

to author Claire Bridle and the many contributors for producing what is another fantastic publication. This is a wonderful resource to keep the community (at home and abroad) up to speed on all that is going on and will provide a priceless historical record of the area in years to come!

Get your copy ASAP as these are sure to sell out quick!!!

BALLYMACARBRY NS CHRISTMAS CONCERT

The amazingly talented boys and girls from Ballymacarbry Central School blew the community away with their two Christmas Concert performances which took place at the centre last week. The hall was packed to the rafters on both nights and the entertainment provided was priceless. It was obvious that a monumental effort was put into this production so well done to all the school staff and pupils that were involved.

DO IT FOR DECLAN TRACTOR RUN

Another reminder to pencil in the Do It For Declan

Ardfinnan

TOWNS

TIDY

Ardfinnan Tidy Towns

would like to thank Pat Quirke and all the volunteers who helped him throughout the year to keep our village clean and tidy.

Also thanks to FAS, TUS, the County Council workers and Councillor Michael Anglim, without their help would not be able to keep

going. We would also like to thank the following, Tommy Myles, Marhill Construction, the Meaney Brothers, Brett Bros. Ltd, Flynn Shop, Gerry Burke, The Mahoney Family, Construction Engineering, Central Takeaway, Nora Ryan, Ardfinnan Care Plus Pharmacy, Cahir Credit Union, Burke's Foodstore,

tractor run taking place on 29th December in Newcastle. Registration will take place in the community centre from 11am. Please support this great cause which is sure to be a great day's entertainment for the community!

CHRISTMAS AT THE CENTRE

While the festive break will mean the centre is a lot quieter than usual, the facility will be open and available to anyone that wishes to use it. If anyone wishes to make an impromptu booking over the break just contact the community centre mobile (086 032 8467) or one of the committee members to make arrangements.

Our 30 ft outdoor Christmas tree was erected this week beside Panda Playground, and we hope all will agree it has brought a great festive feeling to the village. We hope that the weather remains somewhat settled over the Christmas break so that local and visiting families can continue to enjoy our wonderful new community playground.

Denis Murphy

Perenia, Cahir House Hotel, O'Gorman Construction, O'Dwyer Transport, MD Burke Ltd., Lar Walsh, Mac Hygiene, Lamberts Garage for sponsoring the Christmas lights which are brightening up our village. It is all appreciated.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Drangan/Cloneen

CLONEEN SQUASH CLUB

Squash season is open and welcoming all players.  Whether just playing for fun, wishing to improve fitness or interested in playing a competitive sport.  All levels of fitness are catered for with fun ladders/leagues to get folks playing. Box league in progress to get players out playing and having fun.

This ensures members get to play against players of similar abilities.  Find out more at  facebook.com/ CloneenSquashClub .

Membership details are available on  www.cloneenhall.com  'Join the Squash Club

SCHOOL ENROLMENT

St Patrick's Junior N.S Drangan are now accepting applications for September 2025.

Enrolment packs are available from Drangan Playschool and the school office.

Please email  office@dranganns.ie  or phone 052-9152278.

GAA LOTTO RESULTS

GAA Lotto results Tuesday December 3 Numbers Drawn were 10, 12, 18, 20. No jackpot winner. Four match 3 winners were Mick Costello Senior, Cloneen; Browne Family Cloneen; Jennie & Lauren Horan Ballingarry and Michael McCormack Ballyvadlea who won €25 each. CONGRATS.

Second chance lotto for €1,000, numbers drawn were 1, 11, 21, 22. No winners.

Next draw will be on Tuesday December 31 for jackpot of €13,000. There will also be a lucky dip for Five Christmas Hampers. Don't miss out, play online or in your local shops, pubs, garages or hairdressers and it could be you

BOHERLAHAN-DUALLA GAA

When Boherlahan-Dualla won Co. Finals in under 21 hurling and football over the last two weekends a member of their forward line on both occasions was Patrick Gahan whose father is Tom Gahan from Rossane and whose mother is the former Rosie Fitzgerald of Ma-

goury. Well done Patrick. WELL DONE BOYS

Well done to the St. Patrick's boys who were presented with their medals in Kilcash on Saturday night last.

Players presented with their medals were: Peadar Cummins Under 14 Hurling Inter Divisional Shield 2024: Tom Butler, Jack Gleeson and James Egan; Dom Browne Under 13 Inter Divisional Football Winners 2024: Rhys Davies, Robbie O’Brien and Mikey O’Brien; Mick Frawley Cup Under 14 Inter Divisional Football winners 2024: Tom Butler and Jack Gleeson; Dom Browne Inter Divisional Under 14 Football winners 2023: Turlough Moroney, Jack Gleeson and Tom Butler. Well Done Girls

Well done to the girls of Cloneen School who recently won the Co. Finals of Under 11 and Under 13 Girls Football. Well done also to their teachers and Coaches Mr. Kelly, Ms. Leamy and Ms. Vaughan.

ST. PATRICKS JUVENILE GAA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting of St. Patricks Juvenile GAA Club will be held in the club rooms at Anner Park Cloneen on Friday January 10 at 8 pm. We encourage parents of juvenile players to come along and discuss the coming season for your boys.

BEREAVEMENT

We extend sympathy to The O’Halloran Family of Corbally on the recent death of their mother the late Mrs. Joan O’Halloran formerly of The Corner Shop Drangan. Joan had built up the Family Business to the major operation it is today, as well as helping many local clubs and organisations.

Her late husband Eamon was the mainstay of Drangan Badminton Club for many years and helped in no small way to bring it to being one of the top clubs in Co. Tipperary.

When St. Patricks GAA Club was founded in 1944 Eamon was one of the first three officers appointed in the club

when he was appointed Treasurer and Assistant Secretary with Chairman the late John Holohan and Secretary the late Jimmy Hickey. Eamon won South and Co. Junior football medals in 1953, a feat repeated by Paul in 1991, when Paul also won a South Tipperary Junior Hurling A medal and an Under 21 B Hurling medal. Paul had already won South and Co. Under 21 A Hurling medals when he was one of five St. Patricks players who lined out with Mullinahone in 1989.

Noel had already won a South Tipperary Junior A Football medal in 1986 while Michael played a prominent part in the revival of Junior Hurling in St Patrick's in the mid-1980s and won a South Tipperary Intermediate Football League with St. Patrick's in 1977. The tradition continues with Paul’s son Brian who has pocketed two South Tipperary Junior A Football medals and an under 21 B Football medal as well as two South Tipperary under 19 hurling medals.

Noel’s family have not been idle either with Niall lining out with Binn Eadair Juvenile Hurling and football teams as well as playing soccer and Rugby. Niamh was a prominent Hockey player while Aoife played basketball with Killester and captained the Irish under 20 Basketball team. Before opting for basketball at a high level Aoife had excelled at squash, swimming, athletics and tennis.

May the soul of Joan O’Halloran rest in peace.

Eamon Wall

Nicholas Moroney

News from the Community

FETHARD NEWS by

Joe Kenny

Fethard & Killusty Emigrant’s Newsletter selling fast

This year’s Fethard & Killusty Emigrant’s Newsletter is selling fast, to avoid disappointment get your copy as soon as possible as a limited number of copies are still available for sale in the following local shops at €12 each, Centra Supermarket (The Green), Daybreak Supermarket (Kerry Street), and Fethard Post Office (Main Street).

All copies for Fethard emigrants and family members living away from home, and on our mailing list, have also been packed and posted and are now making their way to destinations throughout the world.

We take this opportunity to thank everyone who submitted articles and photographs this year; our crew of voluntary helpers who helped with postage and packing, our local shops who stock and sell the Newsletters locally, and espe-

cially all those living at home and away, who make generous annual donations, that help in no small

way to make this annual publication possible – now it its 65th year.

We wish all our readers a very

Fethard Day Care Centre move to their new home

Happy Christmas and healthy New Year and sincerely for your ongoing support.

Fethard AC

The County Cross Country took place on Sunday, December 15, in Cashel, hosted by Dundrum AC. A fantastic day of running saw Fethard AC athletes take on the challenging course with the women competing over 6K and the men over 10K.

See report and photos of the day in our Sports Section

Giant Christmas Stocking winner announced

The draw for the ‘Giant Christmas Stocking’ was made online on Saturday last at Fethard Convent Community Hall. The winner was Maureen Davis, who kindly decided to have it raffled again with the wish that someone with children would win. The winning tickets drawn by P.J. Henehan, was Elizabeth Moore from Dublin. On behalf of the organising committee, P.J. thanked all who supported the draw and wished everyone a verry Happy Christmas.

Carol Service at Holy Trinity Church

Holy Trinity Church of Ireland Fethard invites everyone to their annual Christmas Carol Service that will take place on Sunday, December 22, at 7pm. Fethard Choral Group will attend with musical director Ann Barry, together with members of the Strappe family's traditional music players. The service will be taken by Heidi Good with organist James Clooney and cellist Fiona Barry. Come along and join us sing all the traditional Carols. Refreshments will be served after the service.

Festive Dancing at Fethard Ballroom

On Sunday night, December 22, social dancing at Fethard Ballroom continues with the wonderful Michael Collins Band, and on St Stephen’s Night we have dancing to Dave Lawlor and Michael Cahill. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our patrons who turned out in such numbers for our Christmas Party on December 8. A special word of thanks to our wonderful committee and all those who helped in any way to make the night so enjoyable for everyone. We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

Parish Church Lotto Draw Results

There was no jackpot winner in this week's Parish Lotto on Thursday, December 12, 2024. The numbers drawn were 1 10, 23, and 24. The winner of the weekly draw for €30 was Mary Hanrahan. Next week's Jackpot for Thursday, December 19, will be €5,000.

GAA Sports Development Lotto

Fethard GAA Sports Lotto draw results for December 10, 2024, are as follows: the numbers drawn were: 15. 17, 22 and 26. No Jackpot winner and no Match 3 winner. One lucky dip winner received €100: Ray Looby. Jackpot is €30,000.

St. Vincent de Paul thanks

Fethard St. Vincent de Paul would like to thank all who donated to our Christmas collection which was very well supported. As donations are still coming in, we will give the final total in January. If anybody has applied to us for assistance for Christmas and has not received a reply by next Saturday December 21, please text or call 085 808 6099 and we will do our very best to get to you before Christmas. After that it would be extremely difficult for us to reach you in time. A very happy and Holy Christmas to all.

Doggie bag dispensers now available in town

Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Fitzgerald, presenting the Tidy Towns award and €1,400, to Siobhán Atkinson and Mary

(right), representing Fethard Tidy Towns, in recognition of their thirteen increased marks attained in the National Tidy Towns Competition 2024.

Fethard Tidy Towns have now organised for four new ‘Doggie Bag’ dispensers erected around Fethard to help alleviate the problem of dog fouling on public roads, footpaths and parks. The boxes are situated at Jesuits Walk, the Ballroom (down steps), and the Town Wall at Watergate (Salam Farag’s building) and on the wall opposite Abymill Theatre. Hopefully in 2025 we will acquire funding to install bag deposit boxes as well as we realise the inconvenience for dog owners to dispose of dog litter when bins are limited. We ask for your cooperation in making our walkways and parks safer to walk and play. During the year Tidy Towns have also purchased benches for the playground park on the Cashel Road, with the one closest to the playground also wheelchair accessible. If you would like to get involved with Fethard Tidy Towns we would love to hear from you. We invite people of all ages to join us at any time. Everyone is welcome to help, shares ideas or even give advice. Email us at: fethardtidytowns@gmail.com

Healy

love, to never forget.

sending a dove to heaven, with a parcel on its wings; be careful when you open it, it’s full of beautiful things. for you were thought of yesterday and will be tomorrow, too

Always remembered by Frances, Michael, James, Richie, Paula, Sonya, Sarah, Johan, and JohnPaul, nieces and nephews. Also remembering our nephew Stephen’s 38th anniversary. Anniversary Mass on Tuesday, December 27th at 10am xxx

SURE PRINT

C L O N M E L www.sureprint.ie 052 6122839/052 6127303 sales@sureprint.ie

Memorial Samples available online or phone for sample booklet.

Cards can be personalised to your specification

A be to be

CARDS ALSO COPY/SCAN DESIGN/PRINT SIGNS/SIGNAGE T-SHIRTS/HI VIS

Because you’re mised so very much far more than words can say and sadly Mum, no presents, cards or hugs on Christmas Day

Just silent tears and a special kiss blown to heaven above to thank you for a lifetime of devoted, selfless love And a whispered Christmas promise that on each day yet to come you will always be remembered for you meant the world, dear Mum.

From your loving family.

In Memoriam

nieces and nephews.

In Memoriam

4th Anniversary

( 4th Anniversary) ( 2nd Anniversary)

56 Honeyview Estate, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

GEOFFREY JIM IN LOVING MEMORY OF Jim Fitzgerald

Manchester, and formerly Glenegad Road, Old Bridge and Marlfield, Clonmel. who died on who died on 16th December 2018

Aged 79 Years

Rest in Peace

Your painful days are over Your restless nights have passed, God gently closed your eyes And gave you peace at last. God leaves a heartache

No one can heal, Love leaves a memory No one can steal.

There are no tomorrows for us to share, But yesterdays memories will always be there.

Always missed and never forgotten by your loving family. Mass offered.

( 4th Anniversary) McNAMARA

GEOFFREY 56 Honeyview Estate, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. who died on 16th December 2018 Aged 79 Years Rest in Peace

Your painful days are over Your restless nights have passed, God gently closed your eyes And gave you peace at last. God leaves a heartache No one can heal, Love leaves a memory No one can steal.

There are no tomorrows for us to share, But yesterdays memories will always be there. your loving wife Pat, daughter

m’ yesterday’s

Always missed and never forgotten by your loving family. Mass offered.

27th December 2020

Rest in Peace

Loved and remembered by your loving wife Pat, daughter Susan, sisters Mary, Bríd, Ann, Frances and Ronnie, grandchildren Emma, Mickey, Ethan, Niamh and Orla, nephews, nieces, his many relatives and friends.

Susan, sisters Mary, Bríd, Ann, Frances and Ronnie, grandchildren Emma, Mickey,

6th Anniversary

Geoffrey McNamara

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Boherlahan/Dualla in winter wonderland

as U21s complete county double in a week

at the end of the first quarter.

MID TIPPERARY side Boherlahan/Dualla rounded off a great week and year at Under 21 level for the club when completing the Under 21 ‘B’ county double with football glory against combination side Eire Og Annacarty/Sean Treacy’s at Fethard Town Park on Sunday last.

Seven days on from their hurling final victory over Kilsheelan/Kilcash in Golden, ‘The Sash’ were full value for their pillar-to-post triumph, their success built on the foundations of a solid first half in which they led the West Tipp outfit by 1-7 to 1-1 at half-time. Try as they did to reduce that deficit after the interval, a game Eire Og/Sean Treacy’s side suffered a mortal blow in the 41st minute when a slightly contentious second goal put the Joe Casey managed Boherlahan/ Dualla side eight points clear and ultimately out of reach of their opponents.

The win marked the culmination of three progressive years for football in Boherlahan/ Dualla, with a third successive divisional title finally leading to county glory. The club’s last county success at Under 21 ‘B’ football came exactly 20 years ago when they defeated Kilruane MacDonagh in a final

played at Templemore. Sunday’s opening score came from Boherlahan centre-forward Patrick Gahan inside 90 seconds, his left footed effort from 30 metres, settling his side and sending them on their way.

Eight minutes in, the game’s first goal arrived via a quick counter-attack from the Mid champions. Team captain David Clarke delivered a fine pass from distance into Ryne Bargary whose instant lay-off put Dylan Fogarty in the clear. Fogarty then rifled a right legged effort to the top far corner of the net giving Brian Hammersley no chance between the combo sticks.

But if one thought this might be easy for ‘The Sash,’ the response was immediate and emphatic from Eire Og/Sean Treacy’s. Brian Nolan found James Butler with an intelligent crossfield pass and the late change to the starting 15 took his chance superbly with a low effort from 15 metres placed beyond Richard Delaney’s despairing dive.

Boherlahan’s hard-working Patrick Gahan had his second point in the 14th minute, his persistence paying off with a nice point after it seemed his chance had been blocked initially, putting them 1-2 to 1-0 ahead

The remainder of the first half was crucially bossed by Boherlahan/Dualla when they outscored the opposition 0-5 to 0-1, giving themselves that six points cushion at the interval which was never really threatened after half-time.

Two points in two minutes, from centre-back Charlie Ryan and wing-forward Eoin Moloughney, put Boherlahan four clear by the 23rd minute, with credit to Ryne Bargary in helping tocreate the first, and the second point down to the determined strong running of Moloughney who came through the centre to score.

Eire Og’s first score in 17 minutes and their only point in the opening half came five minutes before the break, a well-taken point off the left by Larry Collins from 35 metres out.

It was, however, just token resistance as the Mid side had much the better finish to the half with three unanswered points from Eoin Moloughney, Eugene O’Dwyer and the hugely impressive midfielder Gerard O’Dwyer.

Moloughney’s second point in an excellent first half for him came four minutes before the short whistle, the No. 10 finishing off a fine inter-weaving team move by raising the white flag.

Roaming full-back Eugene O’Dwyer was in the right place at the right time to capitalise on a parried effort by Brian Hammersley in the combo goal, O’Dwyer fisting over a point.

The highlight of the first half, the goals excepted, was the final point before the break. In an effort that brought to mind that famous Maurice Fitzgerald point in Semple Stadium, Gerard O’Dwyer curled a sideline ball over from 35 metres out off his right leg. It sent his side to half time buoyed up and six to the good in their quest for the year-end under 21 double, 1-7 to 1-1.

With a lot of work to do if

they were to get back into this decider, Eire Og/Sean Treacy’s had the deficit reduced by just one nine minutes after the resumption. A Larry Collins point from play and a Darragh Kelly free, either side of a superb point from Ryne Bargary for Boherlahan, wasn’t exactly what was needed.

But the combo hopes were brutally dashed in the 41st minute when Boherlahan/Dualla’s second goal arrived. A high de-

livery into the danger area was fisted home by captain David Clarke. And while to some it may have looked like a square ball, after due diligence and full consultation with the umpires, the referee allowed it to stand. Boherlahan were now 2-8 to 1-3 clear and looking very much like winners.

Facing an uphill battle, the combo team under the management of Andy O’Brien, Tom Fox, Seamus and Patrick Carey,

The Boherlahan/Dualla squad celebrate after their County Under 21 ‘B’ Football Championship Final victory over Eire Og/Sean Treacy's at Fethard Town Park on Sunday last.

Boherlahan/Dualla captain David Clarke accepts the Mockler Cup from County Football Board chairman, Fergal McDonald following last Sunday’s County Under 21 ‘B’ Football Championship final against Eire Og Annacarty/Sean Treacy's played at Fethard Town Park.

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refused to throw in the towel and kept on taking the game to their opponents. Three unanswered points in six minutes from Daragh Kelly (one free, one from play), and James Butler reduced the deficit to five points with ten minutes still remaining

However, the goal that was needed to put the game back into the proverbial melting pot was proving elusive, too often the combo build-up was too slow and the linking uncoupled by a wayward pass, and too often they attempted to build through centre-forward Darragh Kelly. Down the stretch all Boherlahan needed to do was hold what they had and with Gerard O’Dwyer prominent in the centre, the Mid side never looked likely to surrender their advantage. Two late points from an Eoin Moloughney free won by Ryne Bargary and by Bargary himself from play were the icing on the cake. The game’s last score went to Eire Og/Sean Treacy’s James Butler who finished with 1-2..

Referee Keith Delahunty then blew his “final” final whistle, the popular Moyle Rovers middle man bowing out after 35 years’ of great service as a referee at county, provincial and national

level. All supporters of GAA, and the Ladies Football Association, wish him a deserved happy retirement from refereeing.

No doubt this has been an Annus Mirabilis for ‘The Sash’ with a memorable under 21 double and plenty of positivity for the club to build upon in both grades.

The spine of the team was rock solid all through from Eugene O’Dwyer at full-back to David Clarke at full-forward, with Charlie Ryan, Jake Canny, Gerard O’Dwyer and Patrick Gahan all very prominent. The workrate of Eoin Moloughney and Ryne Bargary never relented, while Dylan Fogarty’s early goal was superbly taken and uplifting to the cause.

Eire Og/Sean Treacy’s gave it their best shot but that second quarter was to prove costly in the end, their opponents slipping six points ahead, a margin they still held at the end of the game.

There were many notable showings from the combo side Darragh Kelly was involved in so much over the hour, captain Darragh O’Brien performed well at centre-back, while Colm Kennedy, Larry Collins, Colin Heffernan, Brian Nolan and

James Butler never gave up.. Boherlahan/Dualla:

Richard Delaney, Tadgh O’Donnell, Eugene O’Dwyer (0-1), Ned Ryan, Dylan Fogarty (1-0), Charlie Ryan (0-1), Ross Darcy, Jake Canny, Gerard O’Dwyer (0-1), Eoin Moloughney (0-3), Patrick Gahan (0-2), Ben Kirby, Shane Tarrant, David Clarke (capt, 1-0), Ryne Bargary (0-2).

Subs: Diarmuid Coffey for Kirby (47 mins); Sean Bourke for Tarrant (55 mins); Cormac Gleeson for Gahan (60+3 mins); Brian Gleeson for Fogarty (60+3 mins); Kieran O’Neill for Eugene O’Dwyer (60+3 mins).

Eire Og Annacarty/Sean Treacy’s:

Brian Hammersley, Colin Heffernan, Brian Nolan, Adam O’Dwyer, Eoin Sheldon, Darragh O’Brien (capt), Tom O’Dwyer, Darragh Carr, Colm Kennedy, Liam Crosse, Darragh Kelly (0-3, 0-2F), Scott Ryan, Larry Collins (0-2), Cillian Kennedy, James Butler (1-2).

Subs: Michael Furlong for Kennedy (40 mins); Max Carroll for Carr (56 mins); Adam Kelly for Ryan (60+1 mins); Timmy Costello for Crosse (60+3).

Referee: Keith Delahunty (Moyle Rovers).

Two of the game's outstanding performers are pictured above. Boherlahan/Dualla midfielder Gerard O'Dwyer with the ball being chased by Darragh Kelly (Eire Og/Sean Treacy's) during Sunday’s County Under 21 ‘B’ Football Final played at Fethard Town Park.

Eire Og/Sean Treacy's Max Carroll in possession about to be challenged by Diarmuid Coffey (Boherlahan/ Dualla) during Sunday’s County Under 21 ‘B’ Football Final played at Fethard Town Park. In the background is referee Keith Delahunty who was refereeing his very last game after 35 years's of officiating for the GAA.

Eire Og/Sean Treacy's Scott Ryan weighs up his options as Charlie Ryan (B/D) chases him down in Sunday’s County U121 ‘B’ Football Championship Final at Fethard Town Park.

Eire Og/Sean Treacy's full-back Brian Nolan gets out beyond David Clarke (B/D) during last Sunday’s County Under 21 ‘B’ Football Championship Final played at Fethard Town Park.

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Smith, Higgins & McGarry star as Clonmel show nerves of steel to retain county crown

FBD Insurance County Tipperary U21A Football Championship Final CLONMEL COMMERCIALS 0-22

JK BRACKEN’S (Templemore) 1-13 (after extra-time)

THE CURTAIN came down on the Tipperary club calendar, more or less, on Sunday last, with the County Under 21 ‘A’ Football Championship Final at Fethard Town Park, with Clonmel Commercials emerging victorious after extra-time in an thoroughly entertaining contest.

In what was a fitting finale to the year, the reigning champions were forced to withstand a valiant challenge from the Templemore side, to dig themselves out of a huge hole with a rallying finish to normal time. Having survived for 20 minutes of the second period with a man less, and coming from three points in arrears with four minutes to play, Commercials did magnificently to force extra-time.

But thereafter, even while still carrying the numerical disadvantage into extra-time, the South champions dominated when adding six further points while keeping a now downhearted JK Bracken’s scoreless throughout the entirety of extra-time. Hats off to the champions, they had proven themselves worthy winners of the Shelly Cup, accepted afterwards by team captain and top scorer on the day, Cian Smith.

Any close contest in sport is about taking your chances and in Sunday’s final JK Bracken’s

definitely had plenty in normal time, but for them, unfortunately, they didn’t avail of their opportunities. Three points clear after 56 minutes of play, and with that extra man after Oisin Forristal’s red card in the 40th minute, the ‘Black & Whites’ had one hand almost on the silverware.

But full credit to a never-saydie Clonmel Commercials who kept chasing what might have been a lost cause to many others.

Two late Cian Smith frees reduced the deficit to a one point game as the clock went into added time before midfielder Joe Higgins, seized the moment, with an equalising point from a trademark high effort that just stayed inside the upright.

And still, JK Bracken’s had one more match-winning opportunity with the very last attack of the game. However, Ned Walsh, after doing great work to create space for himself, saw his effort go disappointingly wide. And with it, as it transpired, their fate was sealed in that moment.

Comfortable winners over Fethard in the South final and Arravale Rovers in the county semi, Commercials arrived hotly fancied to overcome Bracken’s, but they were very soon fully aware that the Templemore

side would offer much stiffer resistance in Sunday’s county decider.

A lively start had both sides up on the scoreboard inside four minutes, Commercials’ Peter McGarry, with his first of six from play on the day, opening his side’s account in the third minute, responded to almost straight away by a hard-earned Ned Delaney point for Bracken’s.

From that kick-out the gauntlet was laid down by the challengers with a superb move linking Dayle Hogan and Michael Cahill for Jack Nevin to test Shane Ryan in the Commercials goal, Nevin’s low effort ending up in the net after initially being parried. It was the early boost Bracken’s needed for some confidence building and self-belief and they were well up for it after that with their fast counter-attacking brand of football.

A Cian Smith free narrowed the gap before Jamie Ormond kicked a super point for the Templemore side after Ned Walsh had fielded the kick-out superbly.

Tit-for-tat the points continued on a day when both sides wanted to have a go with open and attacking play. Thomas Charles and Niall Deely were involved in the making of Commercials' next score up the right wing, Cian Smith finishing with a point off his trusty left.

But Bracken’s too could link plays, and captain Stephen Cahill, Michael Cahill and Jamie Ormond opened the Commercials’ defence, forcing the foul, which Ciaran O’Shea converted for 1-3 to 0-3 after a fast-flowing

The Clonmel Commercials’ squad celebrate after their County Under 21 ‘A’ Football Championship Final victory over JK Bracken’s at Fethard Town Park on Sunday last.

Action from last Sunday’s County Under 21 ‘A’ Football Final between Clonmel Commercials and JK Bracken’s at Fethard Town Park. ABOVE: Commercials' Thomas Charles tries to get past the attentions of Tom Corcoran (JKB). BELOW: JK Bracken's captain Stephen Cahill under pressure from Peter McGarry (Commercials).

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opening 11 minutes.

Luke Ormond then found himself with a goal chance but Shane Ryan did excellently to deny the low effort from the Bracken’s centre back, However, JKB did stretch their lead to four points three minutes later with the point of the day from Dayle Hogan off the outside of his left boot from 25 metres out near the sideline.

Four behind now, Commercials needed to respond, and that response came from three quick points from the outstanding Peter McGarry (2) and Joe Higgins. Indeed, it was this pairing to whom Commercials would owe most by the end of the day, not alone for their combined 10 points from play, but their total commitment to the cause over the full 80 minutes.

JK Bracken’s suffered a big blow in the 21st minute when losing early goalscorer Jack Nevin through injury, his last action being an accurate foot pass to Michael Cahill who then forced a foul which Jamie Ormond punished with a converted free. And the lead was out to three once again when Ciaran O’Shea put over another free, this one again earned by the ever-busy Michael Cahill.

Always honest in endeavour, Darragh O’Connor kicked the next point for Commercials and

mercials sent on a double substitution with the introduction of Michael Connellan and Jamie O’Keeffe, while almost at the same time Oisin Forristal was being dismissed for a silly kickout at his opponent.

Keeping focus now was key for the Danny Madigan managed Commercials, and Peter McGarry was fully honed in to the job at hand when linking up with Ross Slattery before fisting over his fifth point of the final.

Time and again Jamie Ormond was pivotal for Bracken’s this time with another point after Stephen Cahill and Joe Bourke were busy in the movement to make it.

And returning to opportunities going abegging on the day, Bracken’s had a big door opened for them right on the three-quarter hour mark when a quick counter created an overlap. Somehow with the Commercials’ defence seriously stetched the ball wouldn’t come to hand for Stephen Cahill and the Southerners were let off the hook when a goal was there for the Templemore team.

substitute Jamie O’Keeffe. There was to be no way back for JK Brackens in the 10 minutes of the second period of extra-time, the closest they came to a goal, desperately needed, was an effort from Stephen Cahill which was well blocked by Thomas Charles. The game’s final score came from Jamie O’Keeffe in time added on at the end of the second period.

Clonmel Commercials, deservedly, were champions once again on a final scoreline of 0-22 to 1-13, completing back-toback titles. Indeed it might have been three-in-row but there was no county championship at this grade in 2022, Commercials also having won the South title that year.

it was soon back to a one point game when Joe Higgins scored from 30 metres out leaving it 1-6 to 0-8 on 29 minutes.

Substitute Joe Bourke who had come on for the unlucky Jack Nevin then raised a white flag, before the first half scoring was completed with another superb jinxing type point from Peter McGarry who was turning the Bracken’s defence inside and out at every given opportunity.

At half-time the Templemore side just held the advantage at 1-7 to 0-9.

Two points for Bracken’s within 80 seconds of the restart, from Ned Walsh and a Dayle Hogan free, won by Jamie Ormond, increased the pressure on the champions. But remaining composed in the face of adversity, Commercials continued to stay in the game and Rory O’Dowd had a great goal chance saved by Cian Sheedy before Joe Higgins gathered the recycled ball and pointed. Declan Nee, ever industrious, was involved in the creation of the next Clonmel point, scored by Darragh O’Connor.

Blow for blow the pugilists traded points, Michael Cahill once more forcing a free from the Commercials rearguard with Jamie Ormond duly doing his duty with the resultant free. In a mad 40th minute Com-

Arguably, yet another goal was on the cards, when a Commercials sideline kick near their own endline was passed to the opposition. Bracken’s opted for the point in that move, a fisted effort from Jamie Bergin, but with more composure it might well have been a green flag waving. By day’s end, Bracken’s would rue such profligacy big time.

Commercials’s centre-back Tadgh Sheehan, always good for a score, pointed in the 55th minute but when Ned Walsh responded immediately at the other end to maintain Bracken’s three points advantage, it was increasingly looking like the cup was heading to Mid Tipperary.

But Commercials never lost their belief, Rory O’Dowd and Peter McGarry working hard to win those late frees, scored by Cian Smith, before Joe Higgins, with nerves of Clonmel BHM steel, kicked that equaliser at the death.

Commercials emerged for extra-time rejuvenated and inside two minutes had a goal chance but Rory O’Dowd’s effort was easily dealt with by Cian Sheedy. But soon they began to assert themselves and a purple patch of five unanswered points in five minutes ultimately decided the outcome.

The lead point came from Peter McGarry, after a goal chance was initially parried, the centre-forward taking the minor score on offer. The next three were all scores from Cian Smith, two fine points from play book ending a free won by, who else, Peter McGarry. And the last score of the opening half of extra-time went to second half

This was a good day for Commercials who faced down a mighty challenge and came through in the end. They might have done with sterner tests before the final after their extra-time victory over Moyle Rovers in the South semi-final, but they still managed to pull it out of the fire which will give them heart as a team going forward.

McGarry, Higgins and Smith were key to this success, but there were wonderful displays all around the field from the likes of Shane Ryan, Mark Corcoran, Thomas Charles, Tadgh Sheehan, Joe Higgins, Ross Slattery, Darragh O’Connor and Declan Nee.

A second defeat in a week at the same venue for Bracken’s after their Under 17 A side lost to Moyle Rovers last Sunday will be hard to take, this latest one in particular, all things considered. But even in defeat they deserve great credit for not alone taking the game to Commercials, but the manner in which they attempted to do so. It was good to see two sides attempting to work the scoreboard hard.

Bracken’s men to catch the eye were Luke Ormond, Jamie Bergin, Tom Corcoran, Michael Cahill, Dayle Hogan, Ned Walsh, Stephen Cahill, Ned Delaney and Jack Nevin, but overall the team couldn’t be faulted for leaving nothing behind them, only hurt pride in not being able to finish the job when the chance presented itself.

Clonmel Commercials: Shane Ryan, Eoghan Walsh, Mark Corcoran, Thomas Charles, Rory O’Dowd, Tadgh Sheehan (0-1), Billy Tierney, Ross Slattery, Joe Higgins (0-4), Oisin Forristal, Peter McGarry (0-6), Darragh O’Connor (0-2), Niall Deely, Cian Smith (capt., 0-7, 0-4F), Declan Nee.

Subs: Michael Connellan for Tierney (40 mins); Jamie O’Keeffe (0-2) for Deely (40 mins); James Power for Walsh (53 mins); Darragh Landers for Nee (53 mins).

Subs: Joe Bourke (0-1) for Nevin (inj., 21 mins); Jack Marnell for Bourke (60+2).

Referee: Sean Lonergan (Moyle Rovers).

JK Bracken’s: Cian Sheedy, Tommy Burke, Sean Collier, Jamie Bergin, James Ryan, Luke Ormond, Tom Corcoran, Ned Delaney (01), Jack Nevin (1-0), Ned Walsh (02), Stephen Cahill (capt), Jamie Ormond (0-5, 0-3F), Michael Cahill, Dayle Hogan (0-2, 0-1F).

County Football Board chairman, Fergal McDonald, presents the Shelly Cup to Clonmel Commercials captain Cian Smith after his side had defeated JK Bracken’s in the County Under 21 ‘A’ final at Fethard Town Park on Sunday last.

Clonmel Commercials's wing-back Billy Tierney retains the ball as JK Bracken's players Jamie Bergin and Michael Cahill close in to challenge during Sunday’s County Under 21 ‘A’ Football Championship final at Fethard Town Park. In the background is referee Sean Lonergan.

Joe Bourke (JK Bracken's) uses his shoulder to hold off Ross Slattery (Clonmel Commercials) in Sunday’s County Under 21 ‘A’ Football Championship final at Fethard Town Park.

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Kiladangan win thrilling Minor C Final

County Tipperary Minor C Camogie Final

KILADANGAN 6-8

DROM-INCH 4-8

The 2024 Tipperary Camogie season concluded with a gripping FBD Insurance Minor C (12-a-side competition) Final on Saturday morning at the County Camogie Grounds. In a high octane clash, Kiladangan emerged victorious over DromInch after a great display of skill, determination, and drama.

Drom-Inch started brightly, with Ciara Cahill and Laurie Mullen leading the charge. Cahill’s early point and Mullen’s third-minute goal gave DromInch an early 1-2 to 0-1 lead. However, Kiladangan’s Isabelle Kingston, their standout player, swung the momentum with two quick goals. Niamh Kelly added another to put Kiladangan firmly in the driving seat. Despite Cahill’s valiant efforts, including a crucial goal before halftime, Kiladangan held a 4-3 to 2-5 advantage at the break.

The second half was just as intense, with both sides trading scores in a thrilling contest. Kiladangan captain Ava Seymour set the tone with a point straight after the restart, but Drom-Inch’s Laurie Mullen responded with a goal to level the game at 4-6 apiece midway through the half.

Kiladangan found another gear in the closing stages. Niamh Kelly and Cara Mulcahy each struck for decisive goals, sealing the win for Kiladangan. While Drom-Inch fought valiantly until the final whistle, it was Kiladangan’s strength and finishing power that proved decisive.

With a final scoreline of Kiladangan 6-08 to Drom-Inch 4-08, the Minor C Final was a fitting finale to the 2024 season, showcasing the incredible talent and passion within Tipperary Camogie.

Drom-Inch: April Glasheen, Ruth Maher, Grace Moore, Eimear Conroy, Mary Ryan, Orlaith McLoughlin, Amy Cahill, Sarah Jane Ormond (0-01), Laurie Mullen (3-02), Ciara Cahill (1-05, 2 frees) , Mary Kate Ely, Hannah Byrne Kiladangan: Aoife Gleeson, Caoimhe Hayes, Saoirse Maher, Roisin Connolly, Ellen Seymour, Laoise Ryan, Eire Ryan, Ava Seymour (0-01), Isabelle Kingston (204, 2 frees), Sadhb Fogarty, Cara Mulcahy(2-02, 2 frees), Niamh Kelly (2-1),

DROM/INCH COUNTY MINOR C CAMOGIE FINALISTS 2024

KILADANGAN COUNTY MINOR C CAMOGIE CHAMPIONS 2024 Back Row L-R: Meave Mulvihill, Caoimhe Hayes,, Aoife Gleeson, Niamh Kelly, Laoise Ryan, Isabelle Kingston Front Row L-R: Eire Ryan, Sadbh Fogarty, Ava Seymour, Saoirse Maher, Ellen Seymour, Cara Mulcahy, Katie Ryan, Roisin Connolly.

Back Row L-R: Keira Patterson, Mary Ryan, Branagh Prout, Orlaith McLoughlin, Eimear Conroy, April Glasheen, Hannah Byrne Front Row L-R: Isabella Jones, Amy Cahill, Cliona Nolan, Laurie Mullen, Mary Kate Ely, Ciara Cahill. Sarah Jane Ormond, Grace Moore, Ruth Maher.

Kiladangan captain Ava Seymour is presented with the trophy by Tipperary PRO Geraldine Kinane

Grace Moore of Drom is tackled by Kiladangan’s Niamh Kelly during last weekend's County Minor 'C' final between the sides.

ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY MARTY RYAN

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Keith blows his 'final whistle' after 35 years of refereeing

While Sunday last may have brought the curtain down on the Tipperary GAA Club Calendar for 2024, it also saw popular GAA official Keith Delahunty (Moyle Rovers) blow full-time on his refereeing career after an impressive 35 years of dedicated service to the Association.

Having taken charge of the FBD Insurance County Under 21 ‘B’ Football Final at Fethard Town Park on the day, between eventual winners Boherlahan/Dual-

la and Eire Og/Sean Treacy’s, Keith has now decided, at 58 years of age, that it is time to give the well-worn whistle a fully-deserved earned rest.

First introduced to refereeing by fellow Moyle Rovers clubman Jimmy McCarthy during the 1980’s, Keith has served the Gaelic Athletic Association, and also the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, with much distinction over the decades. On Sunday last members of his immediate family, and friends, were in attendance to make sure he got all the big calls right and to relax and enjoy the occasion when the final game was safely put to bed.

After the successful conclusion to Sunday’s county

football final, Keith said he was “very happy to have given those years to refereeing both hurling and football, but also happy now to be moving on from it. I was going to finish up this time last year, but decided to give one last year to it and I am glad I did that. I enjoyed it, but a time comes for everything and everyone...”, he said.

Sporting sages often remark that a good referee is someone who goes unnoticed on the playing pitch, doing his job properly, without ever drawing attention to himself. And in a strictly professional way as a referee, the well-liked Keith Delahunty has certainly done that, time and time again.

Quickly reflecting on his career as a referee after Sunday’s game, two of the highlights that came immediately to mind for him were refereeing the County Tipperary Senior Hurling Final in 2010 when Thurles Sarsfields lifted the Dan Breen Cup after defeating Clonoulty/ Rossmore in the final at Semple Stadium. Another highlight was officiating at the 2010 All-Ireland Ladies Gaelic Football senior final in which Dublin defeated Tyrone at Croke Park. All associated with GAA in the county, and far beyond, join in thanking Keith for his 35 years of service and wish him all the best for the future.

THE VIEW: Great grants, €5 groans and a lovely tribute to late Nuala Nealon

By Noel Dundon

The GAA’s decision to charge U16's to attend the upcoming league games is not surprising but it has attracted sharp criticism from some quarters.

The charge will be to attend higher-division Allianz League games - children's tickets for Division 1 and Division 2 in football and Division 1A and 1B in hurling will be €5 and can only be purchased alongside an adult ticket.

The GAA said that "this new arrangement has been introduced after consultation with our counties and to assist with event control and health and safety protocols for fixtures that attract bigger attendance." It added that it reserves the right to extend the charge to other fixtures if there were concerns over stadium capacity.

Juveniles, of course, have long been charged €5 for championship games, with higher prices for All-Ireland semi-finals and finals. The prices of adult league tickets are unchanged at €20 (€15 for seniors/ students) for Divisions 1/2/1A/1B, and €12 (€10) for Divisions 3/4/2/3.

Match bundles of seven tickets for €100/€70 or

four for €65/40 (depending on the division) are available in football and six/three for €90/€50 in hurling, while there is also an early-bird discount of €5 on opening-round tickets purchased in December.

You would have to wonder why it is that there is no charge applying to league games in the lower tiers - surely this is making fish of one and flesh of another. Presumably, the idea is to encourage as many as possible to attend the games in the lower tiers - for instance the Tipperary footballers games in division 4 of the league. But, could the Association have afforded to leave the charging structure as it was? Surely, encouraging juveniles to attend the games is the best way to keep them on-board; following the games; and creating the kind of atmosphere we all crave at games?

A lovely tribute to late Tipp

lady Nuala Nealon

One of the main meeting rooms at Áras Mumhan in Limerick was recently renamed in honour of the late Nuala Nealon who sadly passed away unexpectedly on August 30th.

A native of Newtown outside of Nenagh in County Tipperary, Nuala worked for Munster GAA as an administrator for 32 years, following in the footsteps of her father Donie who served as Secretary of Munster Council from 1977 to 2004 and her grandfather Rody who served as one of the Tipperary delegates to Munster Council - Donie of course is one of Tipperary’s living hurling legends having won multiple All-Ireland honours as a player and mentor.

Following Nuala’s untimely passing, Munster Council voted unanimously to remember Nuala’s significant contribution to the GAA by renaming the heretofore Munster Room to become “Seomra Nuala Ní Nialláin”. What a lovely touch by the Munster Council.

Quarter of a million reasons for Tipp delight

Tipperary clubs received more than a quarter of a million Euro in development grants from the Munster Council this year -€235,013 to be precise. This is the third highest allocation in the province with Cork receiving the largest share of the €1.362 million

pot with an allocation of €404k. Waterford received the smallest allocation at €67,400.

Nineteen Tipperary clubs shared the pot ranging from €30,000 awarded to Kilruane MacDonagh, down to €856 awarded to Rockwell Rovers for a field sanding project. The monies are very important to the clubs and provide a real lifeline when they are trying to improve their facilities on and off the pitch. You would have to agree with Munster Council Chairman Ger Ryan when he pointed out that the grants supported 96 development projects throughout Munster - an impressive range of capital development projects, with clubs investing over €10 million in upgrading their facilities. He added that this level of expenditure is testament to the strength of the GAA in the Province and reflects the impressive vision of the clubs to continually improve facilities for players and supporters alike. Well done to the clubs and to Munster Council for their fine workthe GAA naysayers should take note of where some of the accrued funds actually end up - right back in the grassroots.

Don‘t miss it.

LEFT: Referee Keith Delahunty in action during his final game on Sunday last, the County Under 21 'B' Football Final between Boherlahan/Dualla and Eire Og/Sean Treacy's played at Fethard Town Park. ABOVE: Assisting Keith Delahunty for his final game were from left to right: Stephen Aylward, Paul O'Connor, Paddy Doyle, Sean Lonergan, Keith Delahunty, Seanie Peters, Paddy McMeel and Paul Byrne.

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CLONMEL

LADIES NOTES

Fixtures: The Winter 12 Hole

Ongoing Competition started on Sat 14th December. Format is Stableford. This competition can be played every day with combined best two scores to count.

A Fun 9 Hole Festive Scramble will be played on Wednesday 18th December - the BRS is open for booking.

RESULTS:

12 Hole Weekly Turkey Competition Helen O’Donoghue 23pts Christmas Hamper Competition 2024 sponsored by Terence Kennedy of Kenwall Painters Company Ltd.

1st Sinead Corbett 53pts

2nd Helen O’Donoghue 52pts

Best Gross Roisin Quinlivan Gross 28 C/B

3rd Fiona Maher 50pts C/B

4th Maura Lyons 50pts

5th Ann Boyle 49pts

6th Anna Moloney 46pts

7th Mary Burke 43pts

Congratulations to all our

prize-winners and sincere thanks to Terence Kennedy, for his generous sponsorship of this competition.

LADIES CHRISTMAS PARTY

The Annual Ladies Christmas party was held on Wednesday, December 11th in the Clubhouse.

A fun and festive evening was enjoyed by a large group of lady members who enjoyed a delicious meal, thanks to Eileen Condon and her fantastic team. Thanks also to the ladies committee who did a wonderful job decorating the clubhouse and to Carol, Breda and Caroline for their continued support to the ladies. A great night out was had by all.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Captain’s Drive-In will take place on New Year’s Day. Details to follow.

Wishing you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and weather permitting we look forward to seeing ladies out playing over the Christmas holiday season.

CAHIR PARK

FIND THE GOLF BALL DRAW

The latest draw took place on Saturday the 14th December after the jackpot been won the week before and the envelope drawn was for Jimmy McCarthy, but he wasn’t the winner of the jackpot. He picks up €20.

His number was 3.

Next week's jackpot will be €420. Many thanks to everyone who supports the weekly draw.

LADIES

Ladies' Christmas Scramble

Our Ladies' Christmas event took place on Thursday, December 12th, with a fantastic 3-ball Straight Scramble, kindly sponsored by Murphy Candles. A great day was had by all!

We also hosted a raffle fundraiser for SVP on the day. €360 was raised on the day.

Scramble Results

1st Place: Miriam Halley, Nora Noonan, Mags Tobin - 42.9

2nd Place: Mary Kenrick, Hillary Murphy, Margaret Costello - 44.3

3rd Place: Julie Connolly, Pauline Mulcahy, Carol Moore - 44.6

We also held our prize-giving for the Hamper and Turkey Competitions on the day which were generously sponsored by Dolan's SuperValu.

A big thank you to everyone who participated, decorated the clubhouse and supported such a wonderful day! AGM

The Management AGM will take place on Tuesday 17th December.

CHRISTMAS WISHES

We would like to take this opportunity to wish our members, staff, friends and family a very happy and peaceful Christmas and all the best in 2025. We hope to see you all on the fairways in

prize

in

for

Lady members of Clonmel Golf Club pictured at a recent prizegiving at the Clubhouse with this year's Lady Captain, Elaine Winston

Sean Kennedy presents the Christmas Hamper Competition first prize to Sinead Corbett (left). On right is Elaine Winston, Lady Captain. This competition has been sponsored for many years by Terence Kennedy of Kenwall Painters Company Ltd.

Second

winners of the 3-ball scramble at Cahir Park Golf Club as part of the Christmas Party festivities were from left: Margaret Costello and Mary Kenrick with 2025 Lady Captain Breda Kavanagh (centre). Unavoidably absent

photo was Hilary Murphy.

Cahir Park Golf Club Lady Captain Breda Kavanagh pictured with all her helpers at the Christmas Party (Ladies Committee)

Enjoying the Ladies Christmas Party and Prizegiving Night at Clonmel Golf Club were from left to right: Mary Howley, Mary Costelloe and Maura Cooney

Cahir Park Golf Club.

Carrickon-Suir

Golf Club

1st - Kieran Laffan; Michael Henebry; Padraig Dooley Cullinane Nett 48

2nd - James R Kirwan; James G Kirwan; Bradley Kirwan Nett 49

3rd - John Skehan; Donald Walsh; Kenneth Downie Nett 50 LADIES

1st - Bridget Mitchell; Mary O'Connell; Frances O'Donnel Winter League Round 7 - 9th December 24

Div. 1 Pat Duggan (PH 10) - 21

Div. 2 Noel Walsh (PH 12) - 18

15H S/F W/Ts – 15th Dec 24

1st John Mahon (PH 11) - 34

2nd Alan Byrne (PH 12) - 32 pts c/b

Ladies 9H Stableford (15 ladies played)

Div. 1 Janet White (PH 9) - 17

Div. 2 Margot Grace (PH 20)17 pts

FIXTURES

Fixtures for week ending December 22nd 2024

Mon to Sun – Winter League Round 8 Re-entry Wed – Ladies 9 Hole Stableford

& Sun – 15H Stableford White Tees Re-entry

COUNTY TIPPERARY GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

The Greenkeepers Revenge:

This weekend we had the first outing for our new Captains Danny O’Dwyer and Marie Graves and what a day it was, playing in the Green Keepers Revenge. This is where the Greenkeeper set up obstacles on the greens for the golfers to navigate through, to get the ball into the hole. Complements to Greenkeeper Brian Webster and his staff.

Many of the golfers turned out suitably dressed for the festive season. Before setting off in teams of four we were treated to a hot chocolate with a little spirits added for those who wished. We were fortunate with the weather which added to the enjoyment. We were also treated to a mulled-wine in the Venue Clubhouse on completion our golf.

The winners were; Sean Carroll, Liam Ryan (Con) Sharon Fahy & Michael Stapleton. In 2nd place Bridgit Shearman, George Ryan,

John Buckley and Dermot O’Dwyer.

The best seasonally dressed Lady and Gent on the day was Caroline Maher and John Graves, well done to both of you.

MEN’S GOLF:

The closing date for the Winter League is December 31st. If you have not played all your games, you can play during the Christmas period.

The 9-hole competition week 6 winner, Raymond Brick with 22 pts, in 2nd place L J Ryan with 20 pts. Besr Gross Aidan Murphy with 14 gross pts.

The 9-hole competition, week 7 winner was John Buckley with 21 pts, in 2nd place Ailbe Maher with 21 pts. Best Gross Daniel Kennedy with 15 gross pts.

The Two’s winner was Ailbe Maher who received €60.

LADIES GOLF:

This Tuesday we have our Christmas party which start with

golf scramble. It will be a shotgun start at 10am. After the scramble into the club house for some bites.

Our Christmas hamper results were 1st Carol Ferncombe 21+21=42. 2nd Rosemary Shanahan 21+21=42. 3rd Libby Ryan 19+19=38. Congratulation to the winners and Thanks to everyone who supported it. Over €500 was raised for ‘Circle of Friends’ charity in Tipperary Town.

CHRISTMAS SENIORS

MIXED GOLF:

The ladies and the gents came together for their annual mixed scramble last Tuesday.

The results of last week’s mixed scramble front 9: in 1st place The John Grogan, Annette Murphy Jenny Lawrence & Margaret King 28.1. In 2nd place Pat Ryan (Golden), Liam Ryan (Cashel), Sheelagh Marchall & Elizabeth Hayes 28.7. In 3rd place Tommy Moloney, Diarmuid O’Connor, Sadie Quirke & Rosemary Shanahan 28.9. Back

9; in 1st place P J Collins, Tom O’Donnell, Libby Ryan & Breda O’Donnell 26. In 2nd place John Ryan (Con), Johnny Hannigan Mary Knightly & Louise Horgan 28 (B6). In 3rd place Gerry Maher, Noel McGuire, Rose Smith & Maura Maher 28. Nearest the pin on the 6th

& on the 12th

A big thanks to John Grogan & Pauline Treacy for a very successful day.

Next Tuesday the proceeds from the Seniors Golf Competition will go to St Vincent de Paul,

Winners of the 3-ball scramble at Cahir Park Golf Club as part of the Christmas Party festivities were from left: Nora Noonan, Mags Tobin and Miriam Halley pictured with 2025 Lady Captain Breda Kavanagh

Third prize winners in the 3-ball scramble at Cahir Park Golf Club as part of the Christmas Party festivities were from left: Pauline Mulcahy, Julie Connolly and Carol Moore with 2025 Lady Captain Breda Kavanagh

The winners of Co Tipperary Golf & Country Club Greenkeepers Revenge fun competition played at Dundrum House Golf & Leisure Centre; Left to Right; Captain Danny O’Dwyer, Liam Ryan (Con) Sharon Fahy, Sean Carroll & Lady Captain Marie Graves.

The team in 2nd place in the Co Tipperary Golf & Country Club Greenkeepers Revenge at Dundrum House Golf & Leisure Centre Left to Right Captain Danny O’Dwyer, George Ryan, Dermot O’Dwyer, Bridget Shearman & Lady Captain Marie Graves.

Ladies enjoying their hot chocolate at the Co Tipperary Golf & Country Club Greenkeepers competition at Dundrum House Golf & Leisure Centre; Left to Right Ladies Pro Niamh Chadwick, Kitty Byrne & Mary O’Donnell.

Sadie Quirke

Noel McGuire.

the week in SPORT

The first three women – left to right – Kealey Tideswell Clonmel AC (3rd), Dymphna Ryan Dundrum AC (1st) and and Ciara O'Neill Clonmel AC (2nd).

The first three men – Mossy Bracken Moycarkey Coolcroo AC (3rd), David Mansfield Clonmel AC (1st) and Emmet McNamara Fethard AC.

Mooreabbey Milers AC: Mary Louise Ryan, Patricia Ryan and Noelle O'Brien.

Moyne AC: Louise Fogarty, Orla Healy, Eileen Ely and Lisa Quinlan.

Clonmel AC: Sarah Whelan, Ciara O'Neill, Kealey Tideswell and Suzanne Shine.

County senior titles for Dymphna and David

COUNTY ATHLETICS NEWS

Cashel was the venue last Sunday for the County Senior Women and Men’s Cross-Country Championships. Both races attracted both quality and quantity with seven clubs competing in the women’s race while nine clubs were represented in the men’s race. Conditions were very good, and great credit must go to Dundrum AC and indeed their Chairman, Michael Ryan for having the 2k course well laid out, with the grass cut low on the entire course. The course had everything for cross country, good running surface with a few inclines.

WOMEN’S RACE

The women’s race attracted thirty athletes. Right from the start a group of three athletes dictated the pace, the Clonmel duo of Ciara O’Neill and Kealey Tideswell along with the defending Champion Dymphna Ryan of Dundrum AC. Dymphna went to the front and set a strong pace from the start and she maintained that strong pace throughout the race. On the second lap she increased the tempo and soon there were only two athletes herself and Ciara dictating the pace with Kealey in 3rd place. Going out on the final lap she had a slight lead over Ciara but still all to run for. At the top of the hill on the final lap Dymphna made her move and increase her lead but it was only inside the final 300m she managed to go clear and came home a very worthy and defending champion in 23 mins 25 secs.

Dymphna was completing a four in a row success at this level and her seventh County Senior Cross Country title, a fantastic achievement.

Ciara also ran very well when winning silver in 23 mins 36 secs, two great performances. Then we had Kealey Tideswell running on well over the closing stages to win the bronze medal in 24 mins 5 secs. Then we had Eileen Ely of Moyne AC running very well when finishing 4th in 25 mins 18 secs and she was followed closely by her club mates Orla Healy and Louise Fogarty in 5th (25.36) and 6th (25,44) places, respectively.

With three athletes to score on the Club teams, Moyne had amassed 15 points, and all eyes were on the third Clonmel AC athlete, Suzanne Shine. She came through the field over the course of the race, starting in 12th place and working her way up to finish a very creditable sseventh place in 26 mins to secure the gold medals for Clonmel and the Sureprint Cup for the first time since 2015 on a team total of 12 points.

The bronze club medals were won by the defending champions, Dundrum AC, who were denied a six in a row when finishing third on 17 points and their team consisted of Dymphna, Catherine Fogarty 8th 26.04 and Karen Coughlan 11th in 26.47. Their chances of retaining the Cup were hampered following a midweek injury to Linda Grogan and we all wish Linda a speedy recovery.

The women’s race also incorporated a B

section for Clubs who enter two or more teams. Here the Dundrum trio of Patricia Ryan 12th 27.09, Mary Keane 13th 27.46 and Emily Leahy 16th in 28.05 won the gold medals. The Thurles Crokes team of Denise Touhy 22nd 30.12, Regina Dorney 26th 31.52 and Joan Stakelum 27th in 32.07 won the silver medals.

MEN’S RACE

The men’s race saw forty athletes go to the line for the five-lap race. Right from the start five athletes representing five different club set the pace. They were Emmet McNamara Fethard AC, Dermot Gorman Carrick on Suir AC, Barry Hartnett Dundrum AC, Mossy Bracken Moycarkey Coolcroo AC and the eventual winner, David Mansfield Clonmel AC. These five athletes were still dictating the pace going out on the 3rd lap. Then approaching halfway, David Mansfield made his move and open a slight gap which saw Emmet and Mossy responding with Dermot and Barry in close attention.

As they went out on the fourth lap David had increased his lead and from there on kept the strong pace going to come home a worthy Champion in 34 mins 32 secs. The battle for the silver medal was decided only inside the final stretch the with Mossy edging it close to the line to finish second in 34 mins 53 secs with Emmet McNamara winning the bronze medal in 34 mins 56 secs, three great performances.

For the record Barry Hartnett Dundrum AC was 4th in 35.28, Dermot Gorman Carrick on Suir AC 5th in 36.06 and Aidan Flannery Clonmel AC 6th in 37.09. Clonmel had a strong hold on the team

gold medals from early in the race as they had four athletes always in the top nine placings. Their successful team was David Mansfield, Aidian Flannery, Cathal de Faoite 8th 37.13 and Christy Aylward 9th in 37.54. They were winning this Cup for the first time since 2015 where David also led them home to gold in Galbally. The defending Champion, Moycarkey Coolcroo AC, won the silver medals with their team of Mossy Bracken, Matthew Ryan 7th in 37.11, Stephen Minogue 13th in 39.35 and Conor Keating 14th in 39.53. The host club, Dundrum AC, won the bronze medals with their team of Barry Hartnett, Tom O Connell 10th 38.37, Richard Bresnan 26th 43.01 and Michael Ryan 28th 43.40. The Men’s 10k race also incorporated a B Section for Clubs with more than one team entered. The Mooreabbey Milers team of Liam Lewis 29th 43.43, Ewan Cunningham 31st 44.02 and Dariusz Gazdowicz 32nd 44.05 won the gold medals. The Dundrum trio of Val Farrell 33rd 44.31, Jim Halley 34th 44.39 and Gerry O’Neill 35th 44.43.

At the presentation of the Awards, County Chairman, Owen Fanning thanks Dundrum Ac for hosting a very successful Championship event. He also thanked the clubs for supporting these Championships in great numbers.

ROSS ALEXANDER WINS NATIONAL SENIOR MEDAL

While the County action was taking place in Cashel, the National Race-Walking Championships were taking place in St Anne’s Park Raheny, at the World Athletics Race Walking tour. Ross Alexander turned back the clock

a little last Sunday with an exceptional performance at these Championships. National titles and world qualifying times were at stake for so many in the field of over 250 international race walkers. A magnificent array of world class walkers, Olympians, World championship class competitors as well as very many future national and international stars were showing off their fantastic potential as walk athletes.

For Masters M40 athlete Ross, it was his first time taking on the 35k senior distance but Ross was determined to put his autumn training block to the test and set his stall out early settling into a very good tempo clocking sub 5.30 per kilometre and going through 10k in 54 mins 25 secs, thus taking the National 10k men’s over 40 National title. As he pushed on, he reached the 20k mark in a massive new personal best time of 1hour 49 mins 39 secs, beating his previous best by over 4mins and 36secs a tremendous performance.

The personal bests did not stop there as Ross hit the 30k mark in 2.51.28 a new National over 40 record (subject to ratification) and another PB by 14 mins 30 secs. The last 5k of the race was a real battle of mental strength and physical endurance as the distance began to take its toll, on the Tipperary athlete but having put himself in with a shout for his first ever senior race walk medal. It was worth every ounce of sweat and no little pain, to complete the 35k in 3 hours 28 mins 16 secs and take the National Seniors Bronze medal. A well-deserved reward for so many years dedicated to the sport.

Photos from last Sunday's County Senior Women and Men’s Cross-Country Championships held in Cashel. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

FETHARD ATHLETICS CLUB

The County XC took place today in Cashel, hosted by Dundrum AC. A fantastic day of running saw our athletes take on the challenging course with the women competing over 6K and the men over 10K. We had great success in the men’s race, with Emmet McNamara delivering an outstanding performance to claim 3rd place (34:56)! He was supported by excellent runs from Fintan Rice, who came in 21st (41:22), Jack Spillane, finishing 30th (43:56), and our club chairman John Hurley, in 40th (49:34). A superb effort from the men’s team, showcasing strong results and teamwork.

The women’s team also put in a fantastic performance. Paula Hendricken led the way, finishing 19th (29:16), followed closely by Carol Molloy in 21st (29:54). Marie Carroll (25th, 31:14), Deirdre Royce (29th, 33:48), and Áine Doocy(30th, 34:02) all ran determined races, finishing strong and scoring valuable points for the team.

Huge congratulations to all involved, and a big thank you to Dundrum AC for hosting such a brilliant event!

DUNDRUM ATHLETICS CLUB

The County Cross Country Championship was held on Sunday 15th December on the Dublin Road, just outside Cashel and hosted by us.

The club would like to thank Michael Ryan and Karen Coughlan for the use of their land for the race.

It was a nice day for running, dry and bright with little wind. The course was fairly flat with a few small pulls.

We had 14 athletes from the club competing. The women raced over 6k and there was sevencompeting in this race.

Dymphna Ryan battled it out

very well to become clear winner in a fantastic time of 23.25. She was followed by Catherine Fogarty 26.05 and Karen Coughlan 26.47.

These three ladies won the bronze medals in the A team event. Tish Ryan was next to cross the line in a time of 27.09, followed by Mary Keane, Emily Leahy and Mairead Julian. Tish, Mary and Emily won Gold in the B team event.

The Men's Race was over 10k and we had 7 Athletes competing. First home for the club and in a great time of 35.28 was Barry Hartnett, he was followed by Tom O'Connell, 38.37, Richard Bresnan 43.01 and Michael Ryan

43.40. These four men won bronze in the A team event.

Our second team in the B category won silver with Val Farrell 44.31, Jim Halley 44.39 and Gerry O'Neill 44.43 making up that team.

WINTER TIME TRIAL

NENAGH INDOOR ARENA

Two juvenile members travelled to Nenagh to the Winter time trial open event in NenaghOlympic Indoor Stadium on Sunday 15th December.

Farrah Ryan ran 2.02 for the 600m, a new pb for her. Aine O'Neill did the shot and threw 7.11.

Well done to both girls keep up the good work.

The Fethard AC Women's team at the County Cross Country Championships at Cashel on Sunday last. From left to right: Paula Hendriksen, Aine Doocey, Deirdre Royce, Marie Carroll, Carol Molloy.

The Fethard AC Men's team at the County Cross Country Championships at Cashel on Sunday last. From left to right: John Hurley, Emmet McNamara, Fintan Rice and Jack Spillane

COUNTY CROSS COUNTRY SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP

Dundrum AC Ladies at County Cross Country Senior Championship race in Cashel on Sunday last, 15th December. From left to right: Tish Ryan, Karen Coughlan, Catherine Fogarty, Mary Keane, Mairead Julian and Emily Leahy.

Juvenile members & supporters Micheal & Shona Ryan with their dog Jess at the Cross Country Senior Championship race in Cashel on Sunday 15th December.

Barry Hartnett, first man home for the club in the Men's 10k County Cross County Senior Championship race in Cashel on Sunday 15th December.

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the week in SPORT

Festive cheer as Clonmel return to winning ways against Bruff in AIL

All-Ireland League Division 2C CLONMEL 28

BRUFF 22

Report

by

IAN COOKE

There was plenty of prematch festive cheer in Ard Gaoithe on Saturday as the clubhouse was packed with past players who enjoyed a warm welcome on a bitterly cold day. The Club Choir sang a rousing rendition of the great Munster Anthem, Stand Up and Fight, before the Under 12s added to the occasion with an enthusiastic guard of honour for both teams.

The home team were out to end a 3-match run of narrow losses against an improving Bruff side. The half way point in the season may be a little early for games to be “must win” but this game had that feel to it as Clonmel have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory a little too frequently in recent games.

There was an intensity to the warmup as Clonmel welcomed back some key players and Bobby Doherty set the tone early with a great take from the Bruff kick off.

Clonmel immediately developed strong forward momentum featuring carries from Jason Monau and winger Luke Hogan with both keeping the ball alive very well. Gerrit Husiamen had his first start from Clonmel in the AIL and did a passable RG Snyman impression with a neat offload in contact. But the early momentum was lost with a penalty for Bruff as the ball carrier got isolated.

From the resultant attack, Bruff were awarded another penalty for a high tackle just inside the 10 meter line. The goal expertly converted by returning out half Paul Collins to give Bruff a 3-0 lead after just two minutes.

Some in the big home crowd may have worried that Bruff got the start that Clonmel wanted and needed. However, from the restart an attempted clearance kick was charged down by the outstanding Tom O’Dea who showed great pace and athleticism to follow up and cross the line for an excellent try and an immediate response to Bruff’s early score.

The conversion from Joey O’Connor went in off the post and with just four minutes on the clock, the score was 7 points to 3.

Play moved up and down the pitch with both teams having to defend and both employed some

good tactical kicks. Dylan did very well to win a penalty from one such kick in behind to bring play back into the Bruff half.

The gash in the head sustained by winger Freddie Davies in Midleton last week did not affect his tackling and he made a number of important hits in succession.

After the first scrum of the game was awarded to Clonmel, a slick backs move ended up in the capable hands of Davies who made almost 50 m in a thrilling run. After leaving a trail of flailing defenders in his wake, he was finally felled by the last man.

Fortunately for Clonmel, we didn’t have to wait too long for Freddie to again show his pace after a set piece scrum scoring a fine try in the left-hand corner. The move featured some terrific passing and offloads between forwards and backs with both second rows and Jason Monua handling very well. The difficult conversion was expertly kicked by Joe O’Connor to leave to score 14 - 3 after 20 minutes.

From the restart, Cadogan’s relieving kick saw Gerrit Huisamen penalised for offside under the 10 meter law. Collins kicked to 12 metres from the Clonmel line but Bruff knocked on the ball in the lineout.

So, a turnover to Clonmel but this time the relieving kick did not make touch and Bruff attacked down the right wing. Tom O’Dea showed tremendous pace to cover back after the Bruff winger put in a tricky kick.

Bruff made no mistake from this lineout and mauled over to leave the score 14 - 8. While the Bruff maul was very strong, it was worrying that Clonmel repeated a habit of making errors and conceding a score immediately after scoring themselves.

However, this Clonmel team has great character and went back on the attack. The backs always looked threatening when in possession. This time the ball travelled from left to right and back again before captain Henry Buttimer spotted a gap in the Bruff defence and took full advantage to sprint clear and score under the posts.

Joe O’Connor was never going to miss the conversion leaving the score 21 points to 8.

Again, Clonmel did not deal with the restart allowing Bruff to attack. After terrific defence by Clonmel forcing the winger into touch Andrew Daly was shown a yellow card for some indiscipline and a penalty to the visitors.

From the next attack, Bruff were about to score in the corner when Luke Hogan arrived at pace but went a little high in the tackle. The referee awarded a penalty try and brandished a yellow card to Hogan.

Clonmel were down to 13 men now and the score was a fairly nervous 21 points to 15.

The home team showed tremendous character and the 13 men worked exceptionally hard and put some strong attacking phases together despite the numerical disadvantage. A highlight was Henry Buttimer’s relieving kick down the middle with the follow-up chase from Henry and Bobby Doherty forcing to a line out just outside the Bruff 22.

Andrew Daly made an immediate impact on his return to play after his 10 minute rest. Some slick handling by forwards and

backs found Tom O’Dea in space and he galloped clear to the line to score his second try which was also converted by Joe O’Connor leaving the score 28 points to 15 at half-time.

Clonmel were good value for this lead and even some of the Bruff faithful conceded that their scores were of the soft variety on the back of errors by the home team. To hold Bruff scoreless when down to 13 players was a great achievement.

However, the second half was an entirely different affair with Bruff dominating and Clonmel failing to score at all. Perhaps conscious of recent results, Clonmel introduced fresh lags and used many of the permitted changes from the bench.

Liam Ryan joined the game fresh from his man of the match performance for the seconds last

weekend and Brian O’Dea made a welcome appearance. It was hard to keep track of the rotating changes with all subs being used throughout the game. All contributed to a fine, mostly defensive effort, with Diarmuid Devaney making a particular impression.

Bruff enjoyed superiority for most of the second half and threatened time and again. After a lineout that appeared to be Clonmel’s was awarded to Bruff, the visitors put together phase after phase of attacking play. They looked certain to score in the corner and then again under the posts but terrific and committed home defence forced a knock on and a relieving 5 m scrum.

The home defence had to work very hard and did so holding up another Bruff attack to win a scrum deep inside our own 22. However, Clonmel were very slow to remove the ball from the scrum, Bruff got a nudge on and won a penalty which they kicked to the corner.

The resultant maul was strong again and just as it looked like Bruff would cross the white wash, they conceded a penalty for obstruction - a good old-fashioned truck and trailer.

The Clonmel faithful could breathe a sigh of relief but many were wondering if the 13 point lead would be enough at this stage given the misfortune and poor finishes of recent weeks.

Jason, Gerrit and captain Henry all returned to the fray and all put in solid defensive shifts as did their teammates. But constant defence is draining and Clonmel started to leak penalties.

From one such penalty, Bruff appeared to have kicked the ball dead but were awarded a five meter lineout. They made no mistakes this time and crossed the Clonmel line from their maul. Paul Collins kicked the difficult conversion leaving the score 2822 with 18 minutes remaining.

It was all Bruff at this stage and 6 points felt like a lead that may be too slender against the momentum of the visitors.

A thunderous hit by Bobby Doherty turned the ball over and took back some momentum for Clonmel who were then were awarded a relieving penalty after a high tackle.

After working very hard to get into the opposition half, an attempted long pass was intercepted by one of the big Bruff forwards who showed great pace to make good ground deep into Clonmel territory. Albert Fronek, who had a great game, and Henry

Buttimer worked really hard to get back to tackle him to ground. Albert got to his feet quickly and forced a penalty for not releasing. Some terrific pressure forced Bruff to knock on the ball on their 22 metre line and just as Brian O’Dea picked up the loose ball and seemed to have a clear run for the line the ref called play back for a scrum and Clonmel’s first attacking position of note in the second half.

Just as the Clonmel attack looked promising, it was Clonmel’s turn to knock on the ball. At least play was still deep in Bruff territory with the visitors forced to defend.

The highlights of the second half were few for Clonmel but included a kick ahead by Alex Sheehan which was fielded majestically by Freddie Davies who worked tirelessly all afternoon. The ball was moved quickly from left to right and into the hands of the evergreen Luke Hogan but the move broke down after the ball went forward just as Hogan looked certain to beat his man on the outside. A shame as it would have been a contender for the try of the season.

The final highlight was the final whistle. The game ended after Albert Fronek worked terrifically hard to cover the full width of the pitch to collect a kicked ball. After getting snagged while trying to break out of defence, he offloaded to Alex Sheehan who kicked to touch to end a thrilling game.

It was truly a game of 2 halves with Clonmel doing enough in the first half to secure a winning position with a bonus point for good measure. While the performance was not as convincing in the second half, holding a dominant Bruff team to one score was an achievement.

The final score was 28 – 22 which puts Clonmel up to sixthposition in the league and only threepoints off a top four position. This is a very competitive league with all teams capable of taking points off each other – all to play for as we look forward to 2025!

Clonmel 1st XV: Tim Nugent, Jason Monua, Ben Everard, Diarmuid Brannock, Gerrit Huisamen, Tom O’Dea. Bobby Doherty, Andrew Daly, Dylan Cadogan, Drew Musa, Freddie Davis, Joe O’Connor, Henry Buttimer, Luke Hogan, Albert Fronek, Subs: Liam Ryan, Tomas Stransky, Diarmuid Devaney, Brian O’Dea, Alex Sheehan.

Action from the AIL Division 2C game between Clonmel and Bruff at Ard Gaoithe on Saturday last. ABOVE: Clonmel winger Freddie Davies safely gathers the ball under pressure from the Bruff out-half. BELOW: Clonmel’s Gerrit Huisamen controls the maul

Nenagh win captivating contest in game of season v UCC students

All-Ireland League Division 1B UCC 25

NENAGH 34

Report by MIKE McMAHON

Nenagh try scorers: Evan Murphy, Jake O’Kelly, Conor O’Shaughnessy, Willie Coffey

Conor McMahon – 2 penalties, 4 conversions

UCC try scorers: Mike Cogan, Adam Wrona, Rory O’Shaughnessy

Gene O’Leary Kareem – 2 penalties, 2 conversions

Referee: Henry Richmond

This was surely one of the games of the season as Nenagh Ormond finally overcame a gallant UCC in a captivating contest which had the large crowd at The Mardyke on the edge of their seats right to the final whistle. Finishing with four tries and a bonus point, Nenagh maintained their push for promotion with a fourth consecutive win but for UCC to come away from this game empty handed was a very harsh return for the students.

The home side were on top

Nenagh U10s enjoy blitz with Richmond and the pizzas were good too

Nenagh Under 10s recently hosted Richmond in a Friday night lights mini blitz.

There was great excitement from both sides getting to play on the new all-weather pitch and under lights. Nenagh fielded fourteams so some rounds we played ourselves, but neither side held back in these games.

Both teams showed some great skills and improvements since our last meeting.

To top the evening off the kids were treated to pizzas from Romanos.

We break now for Christmas and will return in January. All Under 10 coaches want to thank the parents for bringing the kids to training every week.

We also want to wish all our players a very Happy Christmas.

Pictured are both squads at the end of the games.

for large parts of this game and played some scintillating rugby which would have put most teams away but the Nenagh defence was outstanding – as it has been for much of the season. UCC got off to the perfect start as they forced a penalty directly from the kick-off which was confidently dispatched by centre Gene O’Leary Kareem for an early 3-0 lead. Nenagh had a chance to respond almost immediately with a penalty effort of their own but it was pulled wide by centre Conor McMahon. A Nenagh fumble on 8 minutes gave UCC’s Darragh O’Shaughnessy the chance to hack through and chase for the line. With a try looking certain, Nenagh’s Rob Buckley saw no other option but to haul his opponent to the ground – an action which earned UCC a penalty 5 meters out and a yellow card for the wing forward. Down a man, the Nenagh defensive line could not resist the resultant UCC forward drive on this occasion, and prop Mike Cogan touched down for his side’s first try. O’Leary Kareem was successful with the conversion and the students were 10 points up with as many minutes played.

It was crucial for Nenagh that

they stayed in touch during this period and on 15 minutes they held onto possession well to work their way into a promising field position. Scrum half Charlie O’Doherty attacked down the right from the base of a scrum and as the ball was recycled, full back Josh Rowland almost broke through in the corner. As Nenagh worked their way infield, open side flanker Evan Murphy picked from the base of a ruck and dotted down to open his team’s account. McMahon added the extras.

Restored to the full complement with the return of Buckley, Nenagh started to get more into the game and won a series of penalties which culminated in a lineout close to the UCC line. The throw was well taken by number 8 John O’Flaherty and tapped back to second rower Jake O’Kelly who swiveled his way through a gap to touch down unopposed. McMahon was again successful with the conversion and Nenagh had their noses in front.

Their lead did not last long however as Nenagh once again failed to deal with the restart and UCC attacked down the left from the resultant scrum. A penal-

ty for offside gave the students a chance to set up a lineout maul, from which hooker Adam Wrona broke free to score in the corner.

O’Leary Kareem was wide with the conversion this time but made no mistake with a penalty 10 minutes later to give his side a four point lead with half time looming.

Just when it looked as if the home side would take that lead into the break, Nenagh struck again for their third try. This time it was John O’Flaherty who picked up a loose ball in midfield and made 20 metres before finding winger Conor O’Shaughnessy in support. He still had work to do but rounded the full back to touch down under the posts. With the conversion a formality, that left the half time score at 21-18 and delicately poised in favour of the visitors.

Nenagh began the second half well and carved out a couple of early chances to increase their lead. First Rowland combined with wing Patrick Scully to almost get over in the corner and then UCC finally cleared the danger when winning a penalty from a Nenagh scrum 5 metres out.

The home backline had looked dangerous throughout and 10

minutes into the half, they engineered the best try of the game. Attacking off quick lineout ball, they worked the ball to the right wing and then back infield to send O’Leary Kareem clear. He drew full back Josh Rowland before releasing Rory O’Shaughnessy to scamper under the posts and put his side in front once again. The conversion took the margin out to four points.

A McMahon penalty midway through the second half got Nenagh back to within a point and a second penalty from him gave the lead back to the visitors in what was becoming a topsy turvy, tension filled contest.

As the game entered the final quarter, UCC launched wave after wave of attack, rallied by the home support. Only two points down, any sort of a score would have given the advantage back to the students. A break through the middle by flanker Sean Edogbo was only foiled by a last-ditch tap tackle and shortly afterwards the home side seemed certain to score but knocked on going over the line. The siege was finally lifted when replacement wing forward Robbie Tynan successfully jackaled close to the line to win a penalty for his

side.

In a frantic finish, both sides threw everything into attack and incredibly there was still time for Nenagh to secure a fourth try with a brilliant individual score from Willie Coffey in the final play of the game. Taking a switch pass back into traffic, the centre magically emerged through a forest of UCC defenders with the line at his mercy. His touch-down gave Nenagh a try bonus point and the successful conversion stretched the winning margin to nine points – a scarcely deserved outcome for the home side but one that keeps the Tipperary men firmly in the promotion hunt as the league takes an extended Christmas break.

Nenagh: 1. Mikey Doran, 2. Dylan Murphy, 3. Colm Skehan, 4. Jake O'Kelly, 5. Kevin O'Flaherty (c), 6. Rob Buckley, 7. Evan Murphy,

lie O’Doherty, 10.

11. Conor O’Shaughnessy, 12. Willie Coffey, 13. Conor

14. Patrick Scully, 15. Josh Rowland, 16.

Devanny, 17. Jack O'Keeffe, 18. Craig Hannon, 19. Robbie Tynan, 20. Nicky Irwin, 21. Derek Corcoran.

Nenagh U16s lose out in close encounter with Young Munster

NENAGH U16 7 YOUNG MUNSTER 12

Nenagh Ormond under 16’s took on Young Munster in the Pan Munster U16 league on Sunday last in Nenagh. . The two teams were coming off losses last weekend so a win for either team here would be a big boost going forward in the competition. The conditions were damp and blustery with handling errors to the fore from both sides. Young Munster matched Nenagh’s

strength up front but Nenagh managed to capitalise after approximately 20 minutes with a well worked try from Jack Tierney after a sustained period of pressure in the Young Munster 22. The extra two points were added through the boot of Alex Dillon. However, Young Munster quickly bounced back with a try of their own in the corner shortly afterwards. They were not successful with the conversion leaving the

half time score at 7-5 in favour of the hosts. Young Munster started the better in the second half with a number of scrums awarded to them from Nenagh handling errors. Young Munster managed to dominate during this period and the pressure eventually told when they scored a try under the posts from a good move through their backs. They were successful with the conversion giving them a five point lead.

Nenagh tried valiantly to get the score that would bring them back into the game, but the Young Munster defence was resolute, and they held out until the final whistle. Final score Nenagh 7 Young Munster 12. The focus is now back to training which continues this Wednesday evening in preparation for the North Munster U16 league semi-final against Newcastle West next Sunday in Nenagh.

8. John O'Flaherty, 9. Char-

Ben Pope,

McMahon,

Jack

Nenagh and Richmond Under 10s had great fun at their blitz under lights on Friday night last.

Kilfeacle win well in Challenge Cup

CHALLENGE CUP

NEWCASTLE WEST 8

KILFEACLE & DISTRICT 27

Report by DENIS WADE

After the recent win against Bandon in the League it was vitally important to continue with another win in the Challenge Cup, however when the opponents were Newcastle West and you are playing away from home it was going to be a tough assignment. Everyone, from players, selectors, coaches and supporters, knew that if we were to take something from this game we would have to perform to the best of our ability as a team. Kilfeacle were missing 5 players for varying reasons and everyone wondered would this have a major impact on the day?

At kick-off on Sunday last the sun was shining and the home side had the advantage of a light breeze for the first half. Kilfeacle started the game well and immediately pushed Newcastle West back into their own 22. Kilfeacle pushed further and further into their opponent’s territory and managed to put together some threatening attacks which finished with a try, in the third minute, touched down by James Hogan. Gavin Heuston added the two points and Kilfeacle had raced into a 7-0 lead. The home side looked the more threatening for the next 5 minutes and scored a well worked try in the 9 minute which they failed to convert. The score was now 7-5. After 22 minutes Kilfeacle had extended their lead with a well taken penalty by Luke Heuston, this brought the score to 10-5 in favour of Kilfeacle.

Six minutes later and Luke Heuston scored another penalty to take the lead 13-5.

In the 40th minute another penalty attempt, this time for Newcastle West, sailed over the crossbar. With the score reading 13 points to 8, the whistle for half time was a welcome respite for both teams.

From the restart, Kilfeacle immediately took the game to Newcastle West and gained territorial advantage but met with a very resolute Newcastle West defence. It was not until the 59th minute when the unstoppable Kevin Kinnane burst through the defence to score under the posts. Luke Heuston scored the conversion and brought the score to 20-8 in favour of Kilfeacle.

Newcastle West were in danger of letting the game slip away so they upped their intensity which meant that they had the better of possession and territory for the next 15 minutes but Kilfeacle were able to deal with everything their opponent’s threw at them.

In the 74th minute Kilfeacle and District were further ahead with the Newcastle West defence giving way to a well worked try touched down by Bobby Purcell. Luke Heuston’s successful conversion made the score now 27-8 and Kilfeacle had put the game out of Newcastle’s reach. The final score line in favour of the visiting side didn’t flatter the victors as their win was deserved.

DELIGHTED WITH WIN AND THE MANNER OF IT

After the game Shane Luby said, “We are delighted with the win and the manner in which it was achieved. It was great to see a fine display by a young and exciting team, with Kevin Kinnane, Gavin Heuston, Bobby Purcell and Mikey Fitzgibbon impressing on the day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Newcastle West for a hard fought but sporting

match.”

CHALLENGE CUP V THOMOND IN JANUARY

Our next game is a tough away Challenge Cup Semi-Final against Thomond on the 5th of January. We know that our boys will give everything they have to the cause and not be left wanting, and what more can we ask for. The team as ever are proud and humbled by the amount of support they receive and hope that their supporters will continue to come along and support the team for their remaining fixtures.

ABOVE:

RIGHT:

Nenagh U15s overcome Bruff

Nenagh Ormond under 15s played Bruff in a friendly on Sunday last. As the game kicked off it was quite blustery with handling conditions quite difficult for both teams. Nenagh scored first through a great team try finished by Ben Madden.

After a good carry by Shaun Murphy the ball was moved wide by Kaden Fogarty making its way to James Dwyer. James weaved through a number of tackles and then off loaded to Luke Slattery and then Luke back to James who was hauled down just short of the line. Some quick thinking by Ben Madden at the base of the ruck as he picked and powered his way over the line. Nenagh scored again five minutes later. Alexander Monko made a half break and then off loaded to Aidan Steed, who had a powerful game in defense and attack. At the ensuing ruck Cody Sheehy cleverly went back against the grain picking out Anluan White who chose a great running line back at the angle. Anluan still had it all to do beating the last two defenders to score under the posts. The third try was also scored by Anluan White. Aidan Ryan made the initial

half break up the left wing. Cian Murphy carried further and then the ball was moved into midfield where Tomas Tierney made a half break. The ball was then moved wide to Anluan White who coasted past the defender to score his second of the day. Bruff scored next when the Nenagh defence seemed to switch off. Nenagh responded well to this setback and got a fourth try just before the half time whistle. Nenagh had the Bruff defence in disarray and when the ball was moved wide to Tommy Powell he beat the last defender with a good hand off to score in the corner. That left the half time score at 24 to 7 in favour of Nenagh. The second half was more of a scrappy affair with neither team dominating. Most of the play was between the twenty two metre lines. With playing conditions deteriorating it was a more attritional affair with the game tightening up and more forwards oriented. Bruff got the only score of the half with ten mins to go. Nenagh did get into the opposition 22 but struggled to turn pressure into points.

The final score was 24-14.

Training continues Wednesday evenings.

Clonmel's Henry Buttimer obviously enjoyed his man of the match performance and his try in the AIL Division 2C game against Bruff at Ard Gaoithe on Saturday last

Young Sam Normile, a third generation family member of Clonmel Rugby Club was delighted to meet rugby legend Paul O'Connell after the Under 16s Munster League game on Saturday last.

Kilfeacle squad: 1 Bob Purcell, 2 Brendan Barron, 3 Richard Whitney, 4 Darragh Kennedy, 5 Adam Crowe, 6 Thomas Fogarty, 7 Beau Walker, 8 Kevin Kinnane, 9 Gavin Heuston, 10 Timmy Clarke, 11 Killian Noonan, 12 Muiri Lambe, 13 Luke Heuston, 14 Mikey Fitzgibbon, 15 James Hogan, 16 Daniel Lambe, 17 Simon Barry, 18 Brian Barlow, 19 Shane Farrell, 20 Gareth Thomas, 21 Michael McCormack and 22 Cathal Hallissey.

NENAGH U15 24 BRUFF 14

TS&DL SOCCER SCENE

History Makers

Kilsheelan march on in Munster

Junior Shield

United keeper into a another great save mid-way through the half.

Club history was made on Sunday afternoon in Kilsheelan when their Junior A side defeated Clare opposition in Bridge United AFC to put their name in the hat for the last-16 draw of this seasons Munster Junior Shield - the furthest they have ever reached in a Munster competition in the club’s history. The game itself started at a frantic pace, with Ben Smith almost giving the home side the perfect start when he was played through one-onone but failed to convert his chance.

On three minutes, the visitors had a great chance themselves, picking up the ball after a defensive mistake in the Kilsheelan back-line, but fired their effort wide of Conor Grant’s goal.

A stunning save then denied Kilsheelan youth player Anthony Boyle, before Ben Smith forced the Bridge

With six minutes on the clock in the second-half, the visitors took the lead through Jason Whyte, as the Bridge United captain fired an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner to give Bridge United the lead.

Kilsheelan continued to press, and got the goal their performance deserved 10 minutes from time, when substitute Jamie Roche fired home from close-range after getting on the end of John O’Dwyer’s pin-point cross, to send the game to extra-time.

Extra-time was a story of tired bodies and mistakes aplenty from both sides.

Kilsheelan enjoyed the majority of the ball, and eventually got themselves in the lead five minutes into extra-time when Jack Landy found the bottom corner from distance to the delight of the home crowd.

Kilsheelan saw out the cagey remaining minutes to book their place in the next round of the competition.

Saints started brilliantly and came out of the blocks all guns blazing and dominated the early exchanges. First goal of the day was scored after 15 minutes by captain Jason Sutton when he broke the deadlock after a brilliant through ball from Aaron Blanche put him through one-on-one and he dinked the keeper, leaving him standing to score a brilliant goal . Saints were by far the better team in the early stages of the game. Tralee Dynamos had their chances too but Bradley McNabb, pulled off some fantastic saves to keep them out. In the 26th minute, St Nicholas’ lead was doubled when Jack Redigan finished brilliantly from the edge of the box. And Jack Redigan scored again with a great assist from Sean Daly just before half-time to make it 3-0.

Another fantastic finish by Redigan to the corner of the net.

The second half started well for Tralee, who had to find a way back into the game. St Nicholas defended brilliantly and in the 46th minute, Declan Riordan cleared off the line to deny what looked like a definite goal.

But Tralee got back into the game on 48 minutes when they were awarded a penalty. Bradley McNabb pulled off a brilliant double save but the ball fell kindly to Robert Lynch who made no mistake.

However St Nicholas restored their three-goal lead four minutes later Philip Doherty headed home with the help of a deflection.

In the 70th minute, St Nicholas killed the game with a fifth goal through a fantastic direct free kick from Aaron Blanche. They had another couple of chances, Jason Sutton had a brilliant effort saved well by the keeper late on. They were very comfortable winners in the end and were the better team by far.

Clonmel Celtic just came up short in their Munster Youth Cup 5th round tie away to Tramore. After turning around a two-goal half time deficit Celtic looked the more likely as the game entered the final stages until Josh Roche pounced to end Celtic’s interest in this year’s competition. It was the quintessential game of two halves. The home side had the best of the opening half and threatened in the very first minute when a mix up in the Celtic defence nearly proved costly. Despite a slow start Celtic had the first effort on target when a Luke Hannigan cross found Finn Napier, but his header was saved by Brendan Collins after four minutes.

On 11 minutes Cillian Fitzgerald was on the end of a good move, but he shot over. Tramore always looked dangerous when they attacked, and they hit the front on 15 minutes. Celtic will be disappointed that they failed to deal with a route one ball and Paddy Barrett took advantage to nudge the ball past James O’Brien to give the home side the lead.

Tramore enjoyed a good spell with James O’Brien twice denying Josh Roche as Tramore looked for a second. They did double their lead on 31 minutes with Celtic

once again failing to deal with a long ball over the top. Josh Roche raced on to the long clearance and finished well to make it 2-0. After a slow start to the second half Celtic suddenly burst into life. On 55 minutes Luke Hannigan forced a fine save from Brendan Collins, and he got up quickly to deny Jack Aylward from the rebound. Celtic were on top at this stage and were back in the game on 66 minutes when Jack Aylward was on the end of a Luke Hannigan centre to steer the ball past Collins. Celtic poured forward with renewed confidence and Cillian Fitzgerald twice came close for Celtic. He didn’t have to wait much longer though as in the 73rd minute he expertly headed home Luke Hannigan’s cross to bring Celtic level. Celtic were in the ascendancy at this stage as they chased a winner. Jack Aylward had the ball in the net on 80 minutes, but it was ruled out for offside. The home side looked a little leg weary late on though they did come close on 81 minutes when they struck the crossbar. They came even closer in the 89th minute when Darby Sheridan showed some neat footwork in the Celtic box but was denied by an excellent save from James O’Brien. From the resulting corner the ball dropped to Josh Roche, and he fired home to win the game for Tramore. It was a cruel ending for Celtic who did ever so well to get themselves back into the contest.

Munster Junior Shield

Munster Junior Shield

MunsterYouth Cup