‘Very high standards’ of amateur theatre were on show at the 14th West Waterford Drama Festival in March 1994. Charleville’s Shoestring Theatre Group took top honours in the open section with their presentation of ‘Man Appeal’ by BC Davis, taking best play. Local group, Palace Players from Fermoy, secured best play in the confined section, with ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest’, by Dale Wasserman. Some individual award winners in the open section included: Bill Canning, Ballyduff (Best Producer ‘Run For Your Wife’), Ann Kingston, Kilmeen (Best Actress) and David Barrett, Haulbowline (Best Actor); confined individual winners included Liam Howard, Palace Players (Best Producer), Antoinette O’Regan, Muskerry Players (Best Actress) and Tom Dunne, Palace Players (Best Actor). Adjudicator was Tomas MacAnna.

A ‘high-powered’ meeting in Doneraile Court, hear that the Office of Public Works (OPW) were looking to secure a ‘bright future’ for the grounds, with plans to turn it into a major tourist attraction. Chris Flynn from the OPW indicated the potential of the Doneraile facility, with representatives from the National Parks Authority, Cork/Kerry Tourism, the Irish Georgian Society, Ballyhoura Failte, Doneraile Community Development Association and the CEO of the Cork County Enterprise Board in attendance. The delegation heard that the OPW viewed Doneraile Court and Park as a ‘very important asset’, pointing out that the deer in the park were playing an important role by providing a gene pool for their nationwide network. They were set to commission a special consultant’s report, envisaged as being ‘short and sharp’, to influence the Government into realising the town’s potential and acquiescing to substantial grant aiding. With a ‘deal of work’ to be done, Mr Flynn’s first strategy was to focus on walls, outbuildings and a programme of planting.

A public meeting was to be held in Lismore, to gauge support for the planned West Waterford Festival of Early Music. Musical director, Hans Van Putten, told The Avondhu that there was an “exciting line-up”, with the festival set to take place from June 10th-12th. However, its success would be largely dependent on the support received from town locals. A renaissance band from England, a concert by the Dublin Consort of Viols and a performance from the East Cork Choral Society, as well as music in the pubs, were earmarked for the 1994 event.

Separate sheep kills were reported in both Killavullen and Clondulane within a 24-hour period. The more serious incident occurred in Killavullen, where three sheep were killed when grazing on the local GAA pitch, with several other sheep being injured - the four dogs responsible were put down. A spate of sheep kills in the Clondulane area was causing concern for local farmers, 2 sheep were killed on this occasion, while a further 6 sheep had been killed in another recent incident.

A browse through the Classified section from March 1994: For Sale - A yellow yard light - goes on and off automatically; Situations Vacant - People wanted to cut cabbage; Farm Animals - Pet lambs for £10; Personal - Garth Brooks tickets for the Thursday concert wanted to swap for a weekend date.

Mitchelstown minor footballers began their 1994 premier league campaign with an away defeat to Mallow. At a wet and blustery Mallow venue, Edward O’Callaghan ‘slipped through the Mallow defence’ for a goal to give ‘Town a dream start after only 6 minutes. Although playing with the strong wind in the first half, the Mitchelstown lads registered just 2 further scores, both points, in the opening period, while the home side scored 2-6. Mallow continued their dominance in the second half, running out winners on a final scoreline of 3-8 to 1-6. Mitchelstown team: S Walsh, Ml Carey, J Hyland, C Sweeney, D Mulqueen, B McGrath, J Hanley, P Donegan (0-1), K Walsh (0-1), D Murphy, K McGrath, A O’Brien (0-2), S Maher (0-2), S Reen, E O’Callaghan (1-0). Subs: S O’Shea, T O’Brien.

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