Fermoy Credit Union were awarded ‘Best Credit Union in Ireland’ for 1995, taking the much coveted title amid stiff competition from almost 500 organisations nationwide.
Paddy Crowley, branch treasurer, accepted the award from the President of the Irish League of Credit Unions at that body’s AGM in Limerick. Other credit unions in The Avondhu region through the years had also claimed the award – Tallow winning in 1986, while Mitchelstown took the award in 1979.
GAA President Jack Boothman was about to visit Ballyhooly, for the official opening of the club’s newly built dressing rooms. A top class facility was now in place, with an estimated £250,000 having been spent on developing the 10 acre site since its purchase in 1983. With impending provincial championship ties looming, the senior hurlers of Cork and Dublin were set to meet on the day, in a much anticipated clash, to be refereed by Willie Barrett of Tipperary.
There was likely to be teenage frenzy in Mitchelstown on the August bank holiday weekend in 1995, following the announcement by organisers of the Mitchelstown International Deer Festival that they had secured major pop group, Boyzone for a free concert. Topping the Irish charts in April 1995 with ‘Key To My Life’, the band were on the crest of a wave and was a huge coup for festival organisers. It was estimated that revenue from the festival period (Friday, August 1st to Monday 7th) ‘could run up to an astonishing £0.75 million’.
A four month old ‘tartan-coated sheepdog pup’ was stolen in Fermoy, ‘from almost under the nose of its owner’. Fermoy gardai were investigating the rather unusual ‘dognapping’ incident, where one of the occupants of a red Ford Fiesta was reported to have snatched the animal.
Meanwhile, the good weather in April 1995 saw the enforced ‘rehousing’ of a team of ducks, who vacated the area behind McCarthy’s garage on the Cork Road to seek refuge in the waters of the River Blackwater. As ‘mother duck and brood (of 12) took to the main road for the perilous walk to greener pastures’, local animal lover Frances Morrison came on the scene, ‘as the duck family headed down the main road to town’. Rounding up several willing helpers, including Pat Phelan of the Irish Council Against Bloodsports, Francis and company decided to walk them slowly, with an escort, to the river at Barnane. This, after attempts to capture the family of ducks failed. ‘With motorists and bystanders all showing great consideration and kindness’, the story ended on a happy note when the entire family safely slipped into the river in brilliant sunshine, much to the delight of helpers and bystanders.
Mitchelstown Macra member Pat Mullins secured an All-Ireland title, when winning the national final of the stockjudging competition.
Glowing tributes were paid to Garda Liam O’Reilly at a special function held in his honour at O’Farrell’s Lounge, Ballyporeen. ‘Speaker after speaker paid glowing tributes’, honouring his achievements in the World Police Games in Melbourne. MC for the occasion was Patsy O’Brien, with a presentation of a magnificent plaque made on the night, in the presence of guests, by Tim McGrath and Aidan Brassil of the local organising committee.
A special venturers triathlon in Glanworth saw the home team, Glanworth 105th A, see off the challenge of Charleville by 2 points. The team of Richard Wilson, David Walsh and Billy McAuliffe, completed the 2.3Km road race, 5.2Km cycle and archery event, scoring 32 points. The regional challenge also saw teams from Fermoy and Tramore (special invite) compete.
Tony Crotty from Skeheen, Mitchelstown was continuing his preparations for the 1995 Special Olympics World Summer Games, to take place in New Haven, Connecticut. The 9th holding of the Games would see Tony, a member of the Cork Special Olympics Bowling Club, take his place on the 74-person Irish team. A talented athlete, Tony excelled in bowling, while being equally adept at both the high jump and standing long jump.
Brideview United claimed the Dungarvan Tyre Centre Cup, defeating Valley Rangers on penalties after extra time. A thrilling game, Rangers led 2-1 thanks to an o.g. and strike from Sean Buckley, however two strikes from John P Henley Brideview brought the game to extra time, United taking the spoils 4-1 on penalties.
