Fethard, County Tipperary
Fethard (/ˈfɛθərd/; Irish: Fiodh Ard, meaning "high wood")[4][5] is a small town in County Tipperary, Ireland. Dating to the Norman invasion of Ireland, the town's walls were first laid-out in the 13th century, with some sections of these defensive fortifications surviving today.
For the village in County Wexford, see Fethard-on-Sea.Fethard is located 16 km (9.9 mi) east of Cashel on the Clashawley River where the R692, R689 and R706 regional roads intersect. It is a civil parish in the barony of Middle Third and in the ecclesiastical parish of "Fethard and Killusty" in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly. As of 2022, the town's population was 1,738.[1]
Economy[edit]
According to Tipperary County Council's 2017 "Settlement Plan for Fethard", the economy and employment within the town are "linked deeply with the heritage of the Town, the surrounding agricultural hinterlands and the equine industry".[11] Heritage tourism marketing for the area focuses on the town's medieval defensive walls and the area's association with horse-racing and breeding.[12]
Sport[edit]
The town is also known in the thoroughbred horse racing industry as the home of Coolmore Stud and of the stables of Michael "Mouse" Morris. McCarthy's Hotel was the home of Dick McCarthy, a professional jockey of the early 20th century, who rode Savernake in the 1930 Grand National.[13]
Fethard GAA Club plays at Fethard GAA Park, formerly known as the Barrack Field. The club holds 21 senior county Gaelic football titles, more than any other team in the county.[14]
Culture[edit]
The Fethard Medieval Festival takes place annually in June. A parade runs through the main street that culminates in Valley Park centred on the River Clashawley, next to the town's medieval walls. Activities in the festival include amusements, workshops, craft demonstrations, archery, live music, and food stalls.[17]
Fethard was used as a location for the 2011 film Stella Days, based on a book by Michael Doorley about life in Borrisokane during the 1950s.[18][19]