The rather unusual case of a male, in his twenties, ‘who had a penchant for lying down in the centre of the road’, came before Justice John Clifford at Fermoy District Court in July 1995. Garda Tony O’Sullivan gave evidence that he discovered the individual, who ‘appeared to be asleep’, lying down on the road near to a bend at 5.10am on a summer’s morning, ‘presenting a danger to both himself and passing traffic’. “Good God”, exclaimed Justice Clifford, “I will have to fine him even if it is for his own protection”. It later transpired that it wasn’t the first time the man had been found doing such an act – for his troubles he was fined £50.
A strong stance was being taken by Fianna Fail Deputy Ned O’Keeffe in opposition to plans by Cork County Council to ‘establish a halting site for up to six Travelling families in the Mitchelstown/Fermoy area’. Speaking to The Avondhu, he stated he was ‘astounded’ at the number of telephone calls he received from people in the area ‘concerned about the nuisance and problems that such a site would bring’. Considering such a site as unnecessary in the area, he was ‘totally opposed’ to any such moves and would ‘defend those who felt threatened’.
Garda sources indicated that they were ‘optimistic’ of a breakthrough, following ‘exhaustive investigations’, in relation to an armed robbery in Doneraile, where a sum in the region of £11,000 was taken. A car, stolen in Dublin, blocked the path of two bank officials who were transferring ‘a large sum of cash from the Doneraile sub bank branch over to Mallow, when they were held up’. It appeared three individuals were involved and made their escape when they ‘ran across a field and fled’. The raiders had left the ‘stolen car behind them and a quantity of cheques’.
The jarving (horse and trap) business was establishing in Lismore. More associated with the thriving tourist town of Killarney, Vincent Moloney saw an opening in the market, primarily because of the heritage status of the West Waterford town. Not just confining his business to Lismore, where he was giving guided tours, he was also taking people for spins on the Redbarn beach at Youghal, as well as having a number of wedding bookings for later that year.
A ‘very dim view’ was being taken by gardai of several ‘gang skirmishes (which) visited Kildorrery during its festival weekend’, stating a repetition of such scenes ‘would be treated very seriously’. It was reported that some ‘niggling incidents’ culminated in ‘a larger bout of trouble down the Fermoy Road’, with ‘faction fighting caused by a minority of teenagers, which included girls’. Those involved were reported to have been from Mitchelstown, Castletownroche, Shanballymore and Glanworth. Members of the festival’s organising committee were thanked for acting in a very responsible fashion throughout the weekend in helping to ‘defuse’ some situations.
St Fanahan’s College was selected to take part in the 1995-96 series of the popular RTE series ‘Blackboard Jungle’. A bus of enthusiastic supporters were preparing to travel to the national broadcaster’s studios in Donnybrook, Dublin, with the team of Sean Dunne, Neilus Walsh and Winnifred Fitzgerald competing. They were ably supported by substitutes Liam Curtin and Brian Walsh.
There was success for Ballyduff youngsters at the Waterford Community Games in 1995, with pride of place going to Patrick Kearney, Ballyheaphy, who won gold in the U8 60m sprint. Silver medals were won by Seamus Kenneally (U8 80m) and Seamus Hannon (U10 100m). 9 bronze medals were also secured at the championships.
Meanwhile, Fermoy had 4 representatives who qualified for the All-Ireland Community Games finals, to be held in Butlins. Namely, David Hutton from Gortroe (gold U16 100m), Patricia O’Brien, Bellvue (3rd marathon), Shane O’Neill, Uplands (gold U14 800m) and Karen Hales (gymnastics).
The Paddy Darcy Memorial Harp Lager Shield, hosted by Mitchelstown Celtic FC, which was played for the first time on a pub 7-a-side knockout basis, proved a resounding success. Walsh’s Bar defeated The Ramble Inn in the final on a 2-1 scoreline.
