A new radio documentary investigating the murder of Henry Phelan, who was the first member of the garda siochana to be killed, will be aired on Tipp FM this weekend and next.Phelan, who was from Mountrath, was killed in Mullinahone in 1922, but he was in fact stationed in Callan at the time, and previous to this had served in Kilkenny City. County Kilkenny features heavily in the documentary, including coverage of the incident at the time by the Kilkenny People.

On the afternoon of November 14, 1922, Henry Phelan became the first member of the new Civic Guard (later renamed An Garda Síochána) to be killed when he was shot in a quiet pub in Mullianahone, County Tipperary. He was on a simple errand to get a hurling ball for a team he was starting where he was stationed in Callan.

He was 21 years of age at the time, but the circumstances behind his killing and the identities of those involved have never been clear. Today, almost 90 years later very little is actually known about young Phelan’s own background.

A new documentary due to be aired next weekend has looked into the man’s life both before and after he joined the force, and also examines some of the theories concerning why he may have been targeted.

The original Civic Guard application form that Henry Phelan filled out in his own hand writing together with the required letters of recommendation from his local parish priest and his IRA commandant are also featured in the documentary. Phelan’s first posting was in Kilkenny City, and after a short time he was transferred to Callan in South Kilkenny.

On the day he died, he had travelled with two colleagues to the village of Mullinahone. After purchasing the sliotar the three men entered the public house of Mrs Bridget Mullally when according to reports three men walked in.

One produced a revolver killing Phelan instantly. No one was ever charged, and over the years it was thought he had been mistaken for his brother who had served in the RIC in Co Tipperary.

Another theory is he was mistaken for a former RIC man from Kilkenny who had the same name as one of his brothers.

The documentary also includes a visit to the pub where the shooting occurred and will reveal possible clues and suspicions regarding the identity of his killers.

The two-part documentary, entitled “A Boy of Good Character: The Story of Garda Henry Phelan” was produced, presented and researched by Tipp Today producer Tom Hurley and was made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and Tipp FM. Part one is due to be aired on Tipp FM radio on Sunday,t May 20 at 6.30pm, with part two the following week.

LUKE AND JACK ARE COUNTY MINORS

On May 22, 1987, much of the GAA population of Mullinahone turned out in Semple Stadium Thurles to see John Leahy make his minor hurling debut in the championship for Tipperary against Limerick. We in Mullinahone believed at the time that it was a “first” but Mick Cahill R.I.P. who had appeared in one minor hurling game back in 1941 had been forgotten about. Later that year, we discovered our error. In the almost 25 years since Leahy appeared on the scene, another fifteen young hurlers from Mullinahone have donned the championship blue and gold at minor level.

The complete list is Mick Cahill (1941), John Leahy (1987), Philip Skehan (1990), Michael Skehan (1990), Brian O’Meara (1990,1991), Pat Croke (1992,1993), Kyron Vaughan (1993,1994), Eddie Carey (1996), Paul Kelly (1996,1997), Eoin Kelly (1997,1998,1999,2000) Paul Curran (1998,1999), Niall Curran (1998), Sean Curran (2009), Cathal Horan (2010,2011), Eoin Fennelly (2011), and our two latest Jack Shelly (2012) and Luke Mullally (2012). Leaving out Mick Cahill (1941), the first a rather useful could be selected from the other 16 who played during the last 25 years. Two questions spring to mind, “Who would be the sub?” And “Who would be the goalie?” To return to our two latest “caps”, who we hope to see again in Semple Staidum in the Munster semi-final against Waterford on June 29. Jack Shelly at 17 is already a county minor footballer. He is a student of Scoil Ruain, Killenaule and is the son of Johnny and Alaco Shelly of Clonagoose. Luke Mullally is in his final year as a minor. He is also a student of Scoil Ruain. He is the son of James and Mary Mullally of Ballyvadlea. Last summer Luke was one of a number of local students who climbed Mount Kilmanjhero in Africa as part of a school group who were raising money for charity.

Both lads were vital members of the Mullinahone C.J.K. minor hurling team who won the Tipperary minor “A” hurling title last year for the very first time. Times have changed indeed in Knocknagow. One minor hurling representative in 103 years and then 16 more in the last 25 years. Well done to both Luke and Jack on joining that still select group.

LOVELY EVENING IN CROCANOIR

Last Thursday evening, the members of the Knocknagow Retired People’s Club had their annual summer outing. The group didn’t travel far, but converged on Crocanoir (Bermingham’s) down in Ballycullen. Here the group enjoyed the songs and music of Fil Campbell, followed by a chat and tea. It wasn’t the first time that many of the club members visited Crocanoir, but one and all (those who had been there before and those who hadn’t) enjoyed the outing with many of the opinion that it was the best outing that they were ever on. The venue in the heart of the country is an island of peace and tranquillity and an ideal venue for a small to medium or family gathering.

MAY DEVOTIONS

Devotions will take place each Sunday evening in St. Michael’s Church at 7 p.m. during the month of May. Devotions consist of Rosary and Benediction. Each weekday evening during May at 7 p.m. from Monday to Friday the Rosary will be said at the Grotto on the Callan Road. The big local Church ceremony during May in St. Michael’s Church will be First Holy Communion on Saturday week May 19. First Holy Communion will take place at a special children’s mass at 11 a.m. on the morning of May 19.

ALZHEIMER’S DAY CARE CENTRE

Ruth O’Gorman informs us that the Alzheimer’s Day Care Centre and Home Care are holding a Tea Day on Friday May 11, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in ST. Fiacra’s Parish Centre (beside Supervalu, Loughboy). You are most welcome to come along on the day. The Centre is also taking part in the Stoneyford 10 K Walk/Run on Sunday May 20 in Stoneyford Village. If you are interested in sponsoring the Centre or in taking part to raise sponsorship, ring Ruth at 056 7771230.

CLARE FOGARTY CALLING

For some years past, Clare Fogarty and her friends have organised a Table Quiz on behalf of St. Brigid’s Hospital, Carrick on Suir. This year, Clare, due to being busy in College, didn’t get around to organising the annual quiz. In its place, a Church Gate Collection will take place the coming weekend in Mullinahone on Saturday night and Sunday. A Garda permit has been issued. Please help out this worthy cause if you can.

COMMUNITY GAMES (ATHLETICS)

If any person is interested in organising and running this year’s community games local (athletics), please contact any committee member or phone 052 9153832 before the end of May.

UNDER 14 FOOTBALL

After a number of near misses, our under 14 footballers came good against Fethard during last week. The team now face four (two home two away) games as their bid for a semi-final place. The games are due to be played on Mondays and Thursdays as they seek to continue the good work.

HEALTHY WALK

The first in a series of Sunday strolls begins at Crocanoir on Sunday next April 28. Meet at the end of the boreen for an afternoon wander along the winding roads through woods and fields in the shadow of Slievenamon. Listen to the birdsong in the valley, make some new and meet some old friends along the way. The walk begins at Crocanoir at 3 p.m. and ends in time for tea and scones on the banks of the Anner. All are welcome. Further details available from 052 9153117.

MATTIE MCGRATH T.D.

Deputy Mattie McGrath will hold an Advice Clinic on Friday April 27 in the Stack of Barley, Mullinahone at 4.15 p.m. and in the Archway Bar, Drangan at 5 p.m. All are welcome. Phone Mattie at 052 6129155 or 086 8184307.

HURLING UPDATE

Disappointment in the parish about the result in Thurles on Sunday. Regret to hear in the week before the game that knee surgery was to keep our county captain Paul Curran out of action for a while. Delight that when Eoin Kelly was called into action that he managed to make the scoreboard. Eoin’s fitness seems to be improving all the time. It was good too to see Sean Curran coming into the game even if it was late in the day. We look forward to seeing both Eoin and Sean in action for Mullinahone C.J.K. on Friday evening in Fethard against Killenaule in their top of the table South Tipp Clash. On a disappointing note, our minor footballers failed to field against Kilsheelan on Sunday morning last. This failure to field was no doubt a direct result of misgrading and subsequent heavy defeats.

TOURNAMENT

Our under 12s had a hastily arranged but very enjoyable hurling tournament in Mullinahone on Saturday last. Our friends from Armagh were in the area to see the NHL Semi finals in Thurles. They along with Windgap and Killenaule were hosted by Mullinahone in a most enjoyable afternoon of hurling. We hope to bring you the Mullinahone line-out next week.

GOLF SOCIETY

The next outing of the local Golf Society takes place on Saturday next April 28 at 11 a.m. in Abbeyleix Golf Club. Please contact Don or Ritchie if you wish to travel and take part.

MISSIONARY PRIEST

Fr. Liam Dunne of the Divine Word Missionary Order spoke at all masses in St. Michael’s Church last weekend. Fr. Dunne told of the Order’s work and also the work of the Order’s Missionary sisters. Fr. Dunne’s singing of a hymn from Papua-New Guinea went down very well.

LOCAL LOTTO

The Local Lotto Jackpot continues to grow after its pre-Easter deflation. Last week’s draw took place on Monday April 16. The numbers drawn were: (2,12,13,22). There was no jackpot winner but a sextet shared the Match 3 prize of €150. Well done and congratulations to Helen Hawe, Brendan O’Sullivan, Kathleen Wilson, Nigel Brett, Aisling O’Sullivan and Maria Bolger. Next draw will be on Monday next April 30, when the jackpot could be worth €2,100. Be in if you want to win.

BUS TO BINGO

To continue on a gambling note. A bus will travel from Mullinahone to Gortnahoe Bingo at 7.15 p.m. each Saturday night. Cost is €5 return. To book a seat, please contact 087 2188255.

MONTHLY MARKET

A monthly Mullinahone Market will take place in the Knocknagow Community Centre on Sunday next from 12 noon to 5 p.m – Bric-a-brac, toys, clothes, antiques, books and crafts will all be for sale. Tea/coffee and treats will also be available. More details from Suzanne Edwards who hopes to see you there.

UNDERAGE GAA

Please support the club’s Car Wash in the Church Car Park on Saturday next from 10 a.m. Club gear. Fitting for club gear on Friday April 27 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Hoodies, raincoat, tracksuit and training t-shirt available in both adult and kid’s sizes. No order taken without a deposit. Under 10’s training on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Our under 14’s were narrowly beaten by Ardfinnan last week. Fethard are next on the list. Under 16’s training is on Wednesday’s and Friday’s at 6.30 p.m. Enquire in schools for details of under 8 and under 6 training.

GAA HISTORY

Last week we had a look at those or some of them who had represented Tipp at minor football level. Research has shown that suspicion that Edward O’Brien (Butcher) should have been on the list was correct. Edward played county minor football in 1997. No doubt, our history committee will uncover much more in their research. Do help them out with photos, articles, stories or items of interest.

FIRST CONFESSION

First Confession celebration will take place in St. Michael’s Church on this Friday evening April 27 at 7.30 p.m. This is in preparation for First Holy Communion 2018 in Mullinahone on Saturday morning May 19 at 11 a.m.

PARISH NEWSLETTER

Anniversary masses next weekend Saturday April 28 8 p.m. Anniversary Breda and Kevin Fox, Ballytohill Sunday April 29 11.30 a.m. Anniversary John O’Meara, Killaghy.

There will be a special collection for the Eucharistic Congress expenses on the May bank holiday weekend May 5 and 6.

PARISH CLEAN UP

Don’t forget that the parish and village cleanup is ongoing. Keep the streets and roadways free of litter. Keep your eyes open for those who cause black spots and let people be more responsible for outside their own property. A case of all working together. Lend a hand to our Tidy Towns Committee.