The chairman of Cork County Council, Kevin Murphy was in Fermoy to hand over the keys of a new fire engine to the chairman of Fermoy UDC, Cllr John Dunlea in October 1998.

Equipped with the most modern fire fighting technology available, the new vehicle was a welcome addition to the Fermoy station and indeed, to the whole North Cork region. Costing £150,000, the Volvo FL6 had undergone a series of successful trials and according to fire brigade staff in Fermoy, the new machine was equipped to deal with any fire-related emergency.

Outright rejection

Moves to change the location of existing bus stops on Fermoy’s MacCurtain Street to improve traffic flow, was met with outright rejection from business people on the street. Backed up by a petition of 50 names opposing the proposed moves, Frank Morgan, who operated a photographic business on MacCurtain Street, led a deputation of traders to a meeting of Fermoy UDC.

Explaining his opposition to the proposals, Mr Morgan said he, or the people he spoke for, did not want large numbers of students gathering outside their premises. He also disagreed with the notion that by changing the location of bus stops, the traffic situation would improve. Councillors agreed to postpone a decision on the matter until a future meeting.

James takes part in 6-month project

Nineteen year-old James Aherne from Glenseskin, Kilworth was full of excitement ahead of his trip to Northwest Spain where he would partake in a six-month experimental project, aimed at the rehabilitation of drug abusers, many of whom were suffering from AIDS.

James said he was under no illusions that the trip he was undertaking would be anything like a holiday. The project was set up near Guardo in the province of Palencia. James, a past pupil of Colaiste an Phiarsaigh, Glanmire and Gaelscoil de hÍde, Fermoy was the eldest son of Joe and Marianne Aherne.

Cockpit Lane greatly enhanced

Waterford County Council erected a ‘most beautiful compact set’ of houses in Cockpit Lane, Tallow. Exceptional care was taken in the planning of the houses and the resulting development was deemed a credit to the council by many, who said the scheme enhanced the traditional settings of the area.

The council originally purchased the land with a view to erecting a new fire station on it. A change of plan by the council ensued however and their decision to erect 7 new houses on the site met with great approval by the townspeople.

Castletownroche win Litter Free Roadside Competition

Castletownroche were announced as the winners of the North Cork Region Litter Free Roadside Competition organised by Cork County Federation of Muintir na Tíre in conjunction with Cork County Council. 53 communities participated in the competition which was in its 7th year.

The aim of the competition was to make more people conscious of their environment and to promote an awareness of litter free areas, particularly on roads.

In Sport

Kilworth Pitch and Putt club members Stephen and Sean Kearney were part of the Coláiste an Chraoibhín, Fermoy team that won the Munster Secondary Schools pitch and putt competition at Castlelyons. Elsewhere, William Barry, another Kilworth club member, was in good form, capturing the Tommy Burns Cup.

Knockadea NS won the South Limerick Primary Schools football championship in Roinn C for the first time in the history of the school when they overcame Herbertstown on a 1-04 to 1-02 scoreline.

From the throw-in the Knockadea midfield partnership of Liam Martin and Kieran O’Callaghan dominated and the defensive duo of Patrick Hanley and Sean Kelly broke up many attacks, combining well with the Knockadea half-forward line of M O’Mahoney and Ronan Lane. After the game, the cup was presented to captain Liam Martin, who thanked all associated with the win, especially the team trainers, Diarmuid Coffey, Noel Martin and Gerry Kelly.

History was created in Shanballymore, when, on a splendidly prepared pitch, Kilworth minor footballers captured the North Cork title over a gallant Buttevant side on a scoreline of 1-09 to 0-05. Brian Tobin scored the only goal of the game, receiving a line ball before finishing calmly to the net.

The Richard Clancy Memorial Cup was presented to the winning captain, Alan Kenny by Kit Clancy, accompanied by her husband Dick. The victory meant that Kilworth minors had achieved a historic double, having previously won the hurling championship.