FETHARD - Co Tipperary: The Bishop Buried Backwards, Plague Rats and a Town That Defied the Normans

Joe travels to the medieval town of Fethard in County Tipperary, where the legacy of its Anglo-Norman past is still very much in evidence. However, the Anglo-Normans who conquered the region from the O’Brien clan were all but defeated by an unexpected foe, as local historian Terry Cunningham explains to Joe. He recounts how differences in agricultural practices between the Normans and Gaelic Irish resulted in a shift in the balance of power in the area – after the plague rats arrived. Terry also takes Joe to visit the local church where a Catholic bishop who became a Protestant lord was interred the wrong way round as a punishment by the local people. A happier tale is to be found in another church, the Holy Trinity Church which has stood on the site since the 13th century – albeit with a few alterations over the centuries. Mary Hanrahan takes Joe on a tour, pointing out some of the church’s unique features, including a monument associated with a love story between a soldier and a maid, who ended up living in a castle. Another Fethard building which has stood the test of time is the Tholsel – an early 17th century structure which has served a number of important functions over the centuries. Although age took its toll on the Tholsel, it has now been lovingly restored by the Fethard business community, and Joe pays a visit in the company of local horse-breeder, Maurice Moloney, who chats about the plans to put the Tholsel to use as a tourist attraction celebrating something very close to Maurice’s heart. The rich history of Fethard has provided much inspiration to critically-acclaimed artist and collector, Pat Looby, and Joe visits the home she shares with her remarkable collection of antiques and bric-a-brac amassed from years of car boot sales and auctions. Pat discusses how she creates her stunning art from such fodder as ancient field pattern maps and rusty objects. Another artist Joe pays a visit to, is ceramic artist, Doirín Saurus, at her studio and gallery just outside Fethard. After admiring Doirín’s colourful and quirky tea sets, Joe decides to try his hand at some pottery as well – with dubious results! Doirín gives Joe a sneak peek at an award she has crafted for a man who has done much for Fethard over the years – including keeping the long tradition of preparing a newsletter for the Fethard diaspora overseas. Joe pays another house call to Joe Kenny, who chats about the history of the newsletter, and his lifelong love of photography. He shows Joe some images from an incredible collection of major historical significance that he found hidden under a relative’s stairs!