Chairman of Muintir na Tire, Conna-based Tom Higgins, blasted the rise in rural drug abuse, listing it as one of the most heinous forms of crime afflicting the countryside. Recent events nationwide had shown the serious problem which existed and he suggested the setting up of a special task force to combat the situation. In his opinion, the drug and crime problem needed to be tackled through an extensive educational awareness programme, starting at primary school level. Mr Higgins felt that clergy, teachers and doctors could also play a vital role and commented that it was up to communities to ensure any rural activities wouldn’t “lend itself to the abuse of drink and drugs, as well as an overall contribution to bad behaviour”.

A skilful pilot used his experience to avoid what could have been a possible catastrophe, when his light aircraft’s engine failed in the Watergrasshill area. On route with one passenger from Liverpool to Cork, the plane’s engine seized up and with a cool head, the pilot identified a level and lengthy strip of ground in Leamlara to land. Thankfully the landing effected saw both men touch down without injury, though somewhat “shocked” by the incident. Watergrasshill Gardai Michael Casey and Michael Reidy were on the scene promptly. The plane was eventually removed from the site in spectacular fashion - being airlifted by a chopper from Irish Helicopters.

Approximately 6,000 people were expected to arrive in Mitchelstown for the 4-day International Deer Festival. Pat Mulcahy of Galtee Deer Care was undertaking the initiative, which was expected to provide a wonderful fillip for the town. Minister for Agriculture, Joe Walsh would be present in town to open Ireland’s first venison abbatoir, part of the Galtee Deer Care enterprise. Mr Mulcahy told The Avondhu that “what was simply a dream … had now become a reality”.

Following on from the sporting success of Fermoy cyclist, Michael Hennessy, who had weeks earlier claimed an All-Ireland U16 title, the town had yet more reason to celebrate, with 19 year old Kealan O’Connor securing further All-Ireland honours. Beating some 200 competitors he took gold in the senior ‘C’ All-Ireland Championships, held in Swords, Co Dublin. The cycling gene ran in the family, with his father Kieran a fine exponent of the sport, while his uncle, Michael was an ex-All-Ireland track and road champion.

Some unusual artwork was on display in Rathcormac village, with local man Donal Scannell having completed the entrance wall to his home, by facing it with bottles. In the region of 1,400 to be exact! Having collected suitable bottles over a number of years from friends with the assistance of his son Peadar, Donal began his creation, strategically placing darker colour bottles amongst clear bottles, in order to spell the name of his house, ‘Rose Ville’. He commented, “People often cod me by asking if I drank all the contents. Well I might have emptied a few, but I couldn’t have drunk all of them, otherwise I’d never be finished, would I?”. Fair comment I suppose…

A brief look through the adverts placed in The Avondhu on August 6th, 1992: Castlelyons Co-Op were on the computer sales trail, with a Commodore C64 computer with joystick and 3 game cartridge selling for only £80 (saving of £50), while an Atari 520 STE computer, with TV, modulator, 3 starter programmes and games cost £225 (saving of £124). Meanwhile, Joe Murphy Fermoy were offering a special of 20% off any Ballet purchase, with an expert fitting consultant available in-store for 3 days. Toss Bryan Fermoy had reductions on a selection of Calor gas cookers, priced from £299 (RRP £369) upwards.

Castlelyons hurlers played out a hard-fought draw in the O’Flynn Cup semi-final v Sars, final scoreline Castlelyons 1-14 Sars 3-8. Team: A Barry, N Kearney, A O’Regan, G O’Regan, Ger McCarthy, M Spillane, D Spillane, P Cashman, P O’Brien 0-4, S Cotter 0-3, P Randles 0-1, D Sheehan 0-3, K Cotter 1-0, W O’Riordan, C Murphy. Subs: O O’Brien, J Fenton.

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