Analysing the results of the November 1992 elections, ex-junior minister and Fine Gael party man, Fermoy’s Dick Barry, told The Avondhu the Fine Gael performance was “pretty disappointing”. The strategy of running two FG candidates (Michael and Paddy Hegarty) in the Midleton electoral area, who were near neighbours and relatives, was wrong in his opinion: “One consolation is that while the FG vote was down nationally by 5%, it was only minus 2% in Cork East. But like Fianna Fail, we also lost to Labour.” At a tense count centre in Mallow, FF’s Ned O’Keeffe was elected on the first count with 8,380 first preference votes. Closely followed by Minister Michael Ahern on 7,418. FG’s Paul Bradford secured the third seat on 6,750 votes, while Cobh-based Cllr John Mulvihill, Labour (5,703), edged out sitting Democratic Left TD, Joe Sherlock (5,251) for the fourth and final seat.

Traffic issues were again to the fore in Mitchelstown, with agreement reached between Cork County Council, local traders and gardai, as to the introduction of new parking bye-laws in an effort to ease traffic congestion. However, due to the impending Christmas trade and New Year sales, it was agreed the changes would not be implemented until mid-January. A number of measures, which included the introduction of no parking zones, certain areas being designated as loading bays as well as areas being marked with double yellow lines, were to be introduced as ‘phase one’. Local Garda Sergeant, Gerry Towey confirmed to The Avondhu that they were hoping for the introduction of parking signs and markings by Cork County Council prior to mid-January, and a campaign would be undertaken to advise motorists of the new bye-laws.

In local entertainment circles, there was plenty on offer for revellers. The Castle Tavern, Ballyhooly had dancing to Starlight, while The Everglades were appearing on church holiday, December 8th; Big Jim’s Bar, Mitchelstown were featuring Dirty Harry’s Love Shack Indie Disco; Pat & Mary’s, Bridesbridge had darts for turkeys (turkeys being the prize!); and Con’s Place, Coolagown had a Christmas 45 drive and music from Eamonn Heskin. Fouhy’s Bar, Glanworth were set to re-open following alterations.

A total of 12 Social Employment Scheme employees had been assigned to a refurbishment project for Fermoy Town Park, which the UDC had approved some months previously. Local engineer, Flan Groarke, confirmed that, under foreman Tom Sweeney, the employees would be split into two units of 6, working on a week on, week off basis. Clearing undergrowth around the internal walls, would make way for a continental tree planting scheme - trees from America to be planted on the section from the main entrance to the church; Australian trees along the Mallow Road side; an Asian theme would be incorporated up to the bandstand; while, the river side would be planted with European trees. There were also future plans for concrete paths and the creation of a new circular walk.

Some interesting views from pupils at Curraghagalla National Schol, when The Avondhu visited for their regular ‘Pupil Power’ column. Ongoing roadworks on the Cork to Dublin Road was of concern to pupils, with several young cyclists, including John O’Donovan, Kevin Linehan and Thomas Bailey, stating the dangers the works posed. Regarding drink driving, pupils weren’t slow in expressing their opinions - Thomas Lynch felt such an act was “totally unacceptable”; Jamie O’Donoghue was in favour of automatic imprisonment for a second drink driving offence; Carmel Casey said publicans should provide a special taxi service, stating “The Blue Dragon and Glocca Maura do that”; while Thomas Bailey’s message for gardai was “they should mount more patrols on back roads, that’s where they’ll catch the drunk drivers!”.

Kingston Rangers FC progressed to the third round of the AOH Cup, defeating Crosshaven on a 5-1 scoreline, the match played at the town park. Trailing by a single goal at half-time, Rangers turned the tie around in the second 45, with goals from John McGrath, Ned Finn and a Richie O’Farrell hat-trick, sealing the result. Team: Pat Gallagher, M Roche, L Keane, Ned Finn, T Shanahan, Mick Gallagher, Billy McCarthy, Brian Barry, John McGrath, Brian Kearney, Richie O’Farrell. Subs T Crowley, T Roche.

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