Vandals launched a devastating attack on new ball alleys just days after a project to refurbish the structure was concluded. The Mitchelstown Handball and Racquetball Club spent more than £3,000 on a major project to solve the problem of condensation at their courts in the local CBS grounds. However, just days after the work was finished, vandals damaged a specialist fabric coating on the walls. Local man Paddy Barrett was devastated at the damage, stating: ‘I cannot understand the mentality of those who would do such a thing, especially when we are doing this for the youth of the town.’ Paddy, who was club treasurer, pleaded with the mindless vandals to stop their attacks.
The future of a development at Clancy Street ‘Pool’ in Fermoy was in the news in July 1999, as Councillor Tadhg O’Donovan called on locals to work to bring the area forward. The Pool area was the focus of a council scheme to develop the Clancy Street, Devlin Street and Cork Road area, but the councillor warned that the project would not happen if locals did not give their input on the strategy. “What is required now, is that people get down to the business of fundraising. This is about people getting involved, and getting the whole thing moving. If we can show the enthusiasm and the desire to get this thing off the ground we stand a better chance of the project being successful,” Tadhg told a packed public meeting.
A political war of words had erupted between Councillor Joe Sherlock and Minister of State Ned O’Keeffe, over a licence issue around the use of meat and bonemeal. Cllr Sherlock reacted angrily to news of a ‘severe penalty’ by District Court judge Michael Patwell, who fined a Mitchelstown pig producer for using meat and bonemeal without a licence, following a refusal by Minister O’Keeffe of that licence. The councillor said he was calling on the minister to clarify what the difference was between the Mitchelstown farmers and the minister’s pig farming operation.
A Fermoy man was on the final stage of a round Ireland Tractor Drive to raise funds for Cerebral Palsy sufferers. Jim Owers from Corrin and his pal Ted Feaheny from Dromcollogher, County Limerick, drove a John Deere for the event. The men travelled across the country averaging 27 miles per hour and drove the vehicle on a two hour rota basis. The journey took nine days along a 1,000 mile route. Jim and Ted were both branch managers for Brinks Allied Security and Jim had a long history of participating in fundraising events.
The local community of Ballyduff were shocked after the death of local man Patrick Molumphy a week after an assault in the village. The self employed lorry driver in his early 50s had been in intensive care following the attack. Gardai had questioned two men in relation to the incident and were preparing a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The village of Kildorrery was welcoming a new garda sergeant as Jer Quinn took up his post in the area. The former detective had been promoted following a successful career apprehending drug dealers.
Another public servant was also being honoured for his dedication, as Raymond Moynihan from Glenseskin, Kilworth was passing out in style from the 41st Apprentice Platoon of the Army Apprentice School, having won the Irish Shell Trophy for the ‘Best All-Round Apprentice,’ as well as ‘Best Electrician’ award.
There were greetings of a different kind in Tallow, as 30 wild ducks were released at the local bridge. It was the second successful year for the Tallow, Knockanore, Ballynoe Game Protection Association in their conservation work. The river Bride was the new home to a growing successful colony of wild ducks and would not be for the benefit of hunters and shooting enthusiasts.
In the days before widespread mobile phone use, the arrival of a new telephone kiosk was a big moment in Fermoy. Cllr John Murphy was happy to announce the arrival of the facility in the town and said he was very impressed by its design and construction. He appealed to people not to vandalise the structure and to keep the facility tidy for users.
In sport – Fermoy athlete Valerie Canning returned from the Special Olympics in North Carolina, USA to a hero’s welcome. She won silver in the 100 metre breaststroke and bronze in the 50 metre freestyle swimming races.
The under 16 footballers of Fr Sheehys had a titanic battle with Ballylooby in the South Tipperary semi-final. Following a draw in the original encounter, a drawn result was again the outcome in the replay, even after extra time and the sides were set to meet again for a third time to decide who progressed to the final.
Ballyporeen’s handballers performed well in July 1999, with both Pat Ryan and John Corbett taking victories in the Munster Open.
