An early morning fire which ripped through the Bally-Hy Lounge Bar on Main Street, Ballyporeen left the McLoughlin family - husband and wife Austin and Ann and their five children - homeless. Reported to have taken hold in a cooling unit in the bar area downstairs, the fire took fire tenders from Mitchelstown, Cahir, Fermoy and Clonmel three hours to extinguish. Luckily, the family awoke just in time to escape the inferno and the generosity of locals in coming to their assistance following the fire showed the strong community spirit which exists in the South Tipperary village.

Fears were being expressed, following a change to the line-up of staff within County Sound Radio, based in Mallow, that, since the station’s takeover of 96FM in Cork in 1991, there had been a gradual erosion of County Sound’s status and its community dimension. There were claims by a group of ‘local links’ (voluntary contributors who go live on air to report local news weekly) of the station’s intent to downgrade its service to the people of North Cork, who called for a full meeting with the board of North Cork Community Radio. However, managing director Colm Ó Conaill vehemently denied that there was any such plan of downgrading, stating County Sound 103FM was set to be upgraded and expanded in 1993.

Ciss Geaney from Ballyhooly was officially the oldest lady in Ireland, celebrating her 107th birthday at St Patrick’s Hospital, Fermoy. Taking the big day in her stride, it was reported on The Avondhu that Ciss tucked into a hearty breakfast at 8.30am, while reading some birthday cards; it was then off for a hair-do and a well earned nap, before facing the public in the afternoon. Featuring on the 9pm RTE News, Ciss was interviewed by presenter Tom MacSweeney, with matron Sr Patricia Duggan and staff having everything ship-shape. It was then on to a special Mass in the hospital chapel, said by Fr McGuane from Ballyhooly.

Ballylanders was set for a night of ‘variety’, with the local Macra club set to stage a variety concert in Gallahue’s Hall. The one-act drama ‘The Belle of Boolavogue’ had a cast consisting of Dan Gallahue, John Fox, Aidan Meade, Stephen Lane, Bridget Fitzgerald and Margo Hanley, with production by Tommy Moore. With admission a reasonable £3, both Mitchelstown and Kilmallock Macra clubs were also set to tread the boards.

It was reported that the historic viaduct railway line, which crosses the Blackwater river to the east of Fermoy, could become part of the ‘Munster Way’ walking trail. Spokesperson for Avondhu Tourism, Christy Roche, confirmed to The Avondhu that the viaduct, which became world famous when featured in the 1966 British war film ‘Blue Max’, was being considered as a crossing point for the Blackwater, although Fermoy bridge was equally being mapped as part of the route. Avondhu readers will note that similar proposals, to facilitate both tourists and locals alike, were carried in recent months - we’re awaiting an update in 2014.

Chairman Liam Molan addressed the AGM of Ballygiblin GAA Club and, although the club failed to achieve success in any grade in 1992, it was felt that the juvenile talent in the club would help bring success in 1993. Secretary Tom Roe presented a comprehensive report, while treasurer Jim Moher’s report showed a turnover in excess of £9,000. The election of officers saw the following elected: President Jim Moher; Vice presidents Tom Casey, Jack Clancy, Ned Molan, Paddy Tobin; Chairman John O’Brien; vice chair Jer O’Brien; Hon sec Tom Roe; Asst sec Anthony Hanrahan; Treasurer Jim Moher; PRO Paddy Ryan.

A bad start to 1993 for Hill Celtic FC, Watergrasshill, suffering back to back defeats. New Year’s Day saw defeat in the Corinthian’s Cup tie away to Buttevant 1-0, while a home encounter in the Saxone Cup to Portview United also brought defeat (0-2). Team on duty: D O’Leary, D O’Riordan, M O'Leary, D O’Callaghan, K Hoare, M O’Keeffe, J O’Keeffe, S Hegarty, D Freeman, M Sheehan, B Walsh. Subs: A Flynn, J Barton.

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