MEMORIES FROM THE ARCHIVES

THIS WEEK 21 YEARS AGO

In March 2002, one front page headline in TheAvondhu carried the news that a ‘painting substance’ was the source of pollution at Gortnahown. Up to 50 barrels had been dumped less than a kilometre from the Mitchlestown water supply at the end of February, leaking a ‘foul smelling substance’.

Meanwhile in Kilworth, the council were unable to identify who was responsible for a deliberate slurry spill at the Slí na Sláinte walkway.

The cast of Fermoy’s ‘The Passion of the Christ’ were pictured on the front of The Avondhu in late March 2002 rehearsing; Fr Eugene Baker would be playing Jesus, and Kevin Lynch would take the part of Pontius Pilate.

A sheep was killed when a driver travelling from Fermoy to Mitchelstown collided with the animal after it strayed onto the road. The motorist was unharmed but there was ‘ considerable’ damage to the vehicle.

The rural postal service came under fire as some residents in Glanworth had to make their way to a crossroads to collect their mail, rather than have it delivered to their houses. What’s more, one of the postboxes was damaged when it got a kick from a horse!

Fermoy’s newest sculpture, of three hooded figures placed outside Christ Church, was erected at the end of March 21 years ago. The €45,000 figures represented an ecclesiastical figure (the one with a face), while the other faceless figures depicted ‘spirituality’.

The volunteer efforts of five Fermoy students were recognised in the Garda Youth Achievement Awards. Elaine Kiely, Conor O’Gorman, Aine Coleman, Sinead Walsh and Edwina Magnier were nominated by the Fermoy and Ballyhooly Handicap Support Group. Elsewhere, local Garda William O’Leary from Doneraile received a humanitarian award, a bronze medal for services to the Cork Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Former Irish soccer international Paul McGrath was in Fermoy to launch a national Spar World Cup promotion at the shop on Emmet Street, while Ollie’s Bar in Kildorrery looked forward to their official opening with a mystery guest set to be present, and live music from ‘Present Tense’.

Also in Kildorrery, O’Sullivan’s Centra held their official opening. The tape, and the cake, was cut by Lena and Charlie O’Sullivan. Three members of the clergy blessed the enterprise: Canon Patrick Twomey, Fr Denis Stritch and Rev Tom Sherlock.

In brief - Garda authorities recommended that the headquarters be moved from Fermoy to Mallow. Glanworth farmers continued their picket at the site of the Dairygold depot in the village, a week after their boycott was initiated. Mitchelstown’s new litter warden, Jim Donnelly, was pictured as he began his campaign to

clean up the town with a stern warning to offenders of the imminent €125 fine. The Mitchelstown Vintner’s Association enjoyed their social at The Firgrove Hotel. While amongst the job advertisements was a call for ‘a couple with flair and enthusiasm to lease a bar and restaurant with living accommodation’.

The ‘Entertainment’ pages in TheAvondhu showed all that would be happening for the upcoming Easter Bank Holiday weekend, including Joe Dolan at The Firgrove Hotel for €22. SG1 advertised PJ the DG and DJ Wingy Wingy, while there would also be a Conna Disco for the younger revellers. The Mitchelstown Young Drama and Company were looking forward to staging ‘Cinderella’ for the public; with a cast of over 100, the Mitchelstown Brass Band would be joining the cast and crew for the performance.

St Colman’s captain Maurice O’Brien was pictured accepting the Dr Harty Cup following the team’s victory over Our Lady’s Templemore, 2-18 to 0-6 in Clonmel. Andrew O’Shaughnessy top-scored with 1-7 (1-6 frees), with John O’Donnell scoring the other goal.

In soccer, Mitchelstown Celtic advanced to the semi-finals of the Griffin Cup. Beating newly-promoted White City, they were to face Burncourt Celtic. Meanwhile, Glanworth Celtic would take on Knockadea FC in the Blackthorn Cup final in the Town Park, Mitchelstown.

The Grange/Fermoy AC U12 team of Catriona O’Callaghan, Jenny Sheehan, Sonia Quirke and Michelle Hartnett, with sub Margaret Noonan, were crowned the Munster Indoor champions in the relay. Meanwhile, in Fermoy Pitch and Putt Club, Danny

Healy won the Donal Keohane Memorial Trophy.

Over in county Waterford, Tallow’s Ned Power won the Hall of Fame Award at the GAA Awards banquet, while

Mitchelstown Karate’s Martin Sheehan took first in the U16 black belt Kumite at the Piltown Open Karate Championships, breaking a bone in his foot in the process.

Finally, the Conna

Bowls team of Catherine O’Regan, Tommy Dineen, Derek Feeney and John Martin made history, qualifying for the finals of the Martha Treacy Cup for the first time.