FETHARD

In 1868, the parish of Fethard contained the following places:

"FETHARD, a parish, post and market town, in the barony of Middlethird, county Tipperary, province of Munster, Ireland, 8 miles N. of Clonmel. The surface consists principally of rich pasture lands. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Cashel, value with others, £1,076, in the patronage of the bishop. The church has a very elegant eastern window and a fine peal of five bells. Here are two Roman Catholic chapels, Wesleyan and Presbyterian meetinghouses, and ten day schools. The town which is small and irregular, stands upon the banks of the Glashall, or Glaisaluin rivulet, amidst a fertile plain near the foot of Slievenaman; and though now a place of small importance, was formerly a parliamentary borough by charter of James I. It returned two members before the Union, and was a town of considerable consequence. It has a police station, barracks, and dispensary. Fethard was founded in the reign of John, and the walls and fortifications were built by Edward III. They are nearly all remaining in good preservation. In 1306 a friary of the order of St. Augustine was founded here, which was afterwards granted to the Butler family. The building has been restored, and is now used as a Roman Catholic chapel. The town, after a short resistance, was ceded to Cromwell in 1650. The articles of capitulation are preserved by W. Barton, Esq., of Grove, the chief proprietor. The town pump occupies the site of the old cross, which is the reason for the curious custom of carrying round the pump any corpse conveyed through the town. There are many venerable castles in the parish, among which are Caherdearg, or Red City, and Knockelly. This last is an extensive and fine old ruin. Near it is Banetstown Castle, where Ambrose Power was assassinated by the "Whiteboys." Petty sessions are held every fortnight. Monday is market day. Fairs are held on the 20th April, Wednesday before Trinity Sunday, 7th September, and 21st November."

[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868]
by Colin Hinson ©2018