A headstone was unveiled at Leitrim Cemetery, Kilworth to honour the memory of Tomas Ó Riordáin, better known as ‘The Caist’. Pádraig Ó Braoin spoke on the day of a ‘fascinating personality’ and a man he described as having ‘an adventurous and interesting life as a labourer, in Ireland and England and as a soldier in the North Cork militia’. Mention was made of The Caist’s ‘experience of the inside of courthouses and jails’, something which received a light-hearted response from those present, numbering approximately 100. A fluent Irish speaker, his love of fishing was depicted by the image of a leaping salmon on the headstone which was unveiled, with the simple inscription ‘Tomás Ó Riordain ‘An Caist’ 1857-1939 RIP’.
Several sharp shooters from the locally based 13th Infantry Battalion FCA, were literally on the mark at the ‘very inhospitable’ windswept Kilworth Ranges in April 1995, qualifying for the All Army competitions, following the holding of the Southern Command Championships. The sub machine gun team (Gustaf), consisting of Sergeant Tom O’Sullivan (Glanworth), Company Sergeant Colin O’Callaghan (Doneraile), Sergeant Jim Kearney (Charleville) and Lieutenant Sean Tobin (Ballyporeen), qualified after ‘an interesting battle’. Star performer on the day was Sgt O’Callaghan, a member of the E Company based in Mallow, who distinguished himself by becoming the only Congo veteran to qualify for the finals. As well as being on the winning team, he also won the individual Gustaf. Other qualifiers from the battalion included Private Larry O’Hara, Fermoy (individual rifle competition winner), who would be joined in the finals at The Curragh by Andy English, Clondulane, the 1994 title holder.
The Liam Lynch Memorial Pipe Band Anglesboro celebrated 50 years in existence, at a function held in the Galtee View Lounge. Three of the five surviving founding members – Tomas Doran (former pipe major), Tom Martin and Tommy Lane – were present on the night, as an ‘electric atmosphere’ prevailed, with music for the occasion provided by Wallstreet. Mrs Kathleen Hanley, one of the ladies involved in the making of the first band uniforms, was also in attendance. The customary sandwiches and cocktail sausages were served, which were ‘consumed within minutes’. A hungry lot!
Fermoy Community Youth Centre was preparing to host ‘Carousel’, a production directed and choreographed by Valerie O’Leary and Rosemary Daly. Musical direction was by Tom Barry, with Deirdre Foley on piano and an accompanying orchestra. Some of those treading the boards included Bill Murphy (Cork) who was in the lead role as Billy Bieglow, Kate Murphy (Mrs Mullins), Catherine Cremin (Julie Jordan), Amanda Morrison (Carrie), Kevin McCormack (Mr Enoch Snow), Elmarie O’Reilly (Nettie Fowler) and Michael Dunne (Jigger Craigin).
A double strike from Castle Celtic’s John O’Mahony sealed a 2-1 victory over Park United, Mitchelstown, to see his team reach the last eight of the AOH Cup for the first time in their history. On a ‘very rough’ Mitchelstown pitch, 1-1 at the interval, a strike 10 minutes into the second half was enough to secure victory. Team: D Magner, P Cummins, N Vaughan, J Sheehan, F Barry, J Power, B Barry, R O’Regan, T Barrett, J O’Mahony, M Browne. Subs: J O’Brien (used), D Mellerick.
In brief – Colaiste an Chraoibhin, Fermoy students Melanie Smith and Michael Lynch, won the U21 two part choir competition at the national finals of Slogadh 95, held in Wexford. The Mitchelstown based animal care group were preparing ‘a new offensive’ against the problem of stray cats and dogs, offering a subsidised spaying or neutering service, in conjunction with several local veterinary surgeons. It was reported that a man involved in a car accident at Corrin, Fermoy suffered some head injuries, and had to have his ear sown back on, after it had been severed in the incident. Galbally’s Fergal Finnane was the recipient of a prestigious Limerick VEC award at a special function in Kilfinane Education Centre in April 1995 – he was nominated by Galbally GAA Club for his outstanding contribution during the past year, which included scoring two brilliant goals for the senior team, when they defeated Fr Caseys (Abbeyfeale) in the county final. Kilworth man Ray O’Sullivan would lead the Irish sea angling team in the 1995 World championships, to be staged in Mallorca in October – he had recently captained the Irish 5-man squad.
