Front page news on The Avondhu from the first issue of May 1993 was the story of an elusive transvestite, who was causing something of ‘a stir in the rural North Cork town’ of Fermoy. The sighting of the male, dressed as a female, was confirmed by locals ‘out walking their dogs, passing drivers and members of the local Garda force’. Described by some as looking ‘very attractive from a distance’, others were ‘astonished to see a hairy chest protruding from a slightly open blouse’. The athletic looking individual was mainly sighted between 3am-6am in the Brian Boru Square/bridge area, usually wearing a fair-haired wig, black tights and mini skirt and high heels.

There were fears in Mitchelstown that the local Garda barracks was set to be downgraded, with locals understanding that opening hours were to be reduced from 9am-5pm, instead of being manned around the clock. With 2 sergeants and 13 gardai stationed at the barracks, there were no suggestions of a reduction in manpower. If such a move was to transpire, the station was likely to operate the ‘Green Man’ system, where the public could use the door communication system to summon assistance. Any such moves were being condemned by Cllr Conor O’Callaghan and Cork county chairman of Muintir na Tire, Conna based Tom Higgins, who said that, “in view of recent robberies in Mitchelstown, I just can’t understand how the Minister for Justice could take a decision to downgrade the station”.

Acknowledged as Ireland’s number 2 handballer in early 1993, Ballyporeen’s Eddie Corbett was aiming to represent Ireland at the invitation handball championships to be staged in Baltimore, USA. The 26 year old already had a total of 9 All-Ireland handball titles to his credit, his first dating back to 1981 when claiming the national U15 doubles title with fellow villager Michael Kenneally. However, the trip was estimated to cost £2,000 and his mentor, Sean Tobin was critical of the lack of sponsorship forthcoming from the GAA, saying that Eddie had to “meet the majority of costs out of his own pocket”.

MacCurtain Street, Fermoy saw the welcome addition of a new business, as Twomey’s Bakery opened its doors to the public, highlighted in an Avondhu promotional feature. Located at Number 26 (now Annie’s Restaurant), the premises was owned and operated by one of the longest established family bakers in the country, Twomey’s of Dromcollogher. Open Monday to Saturday, it sold a range of homemade confectionery, featuring a sandwich bar and offering the best of fresh produce. Eileen Twomey was proprietor, with Hanora Roche and Ann Barry as assistants.

News briefs: O’Connell Park, Mitchelstown was finally free of a Traveller encampment - this followed on from a move by the trustees to go ahead with an injunction, however the travellers moved out of their own accord, with a height restriction barrier erected at the entrance following their withdrawal; The final two Presentation Sisters in Lismore were set to move from the town, bringing their association with the West Waterford town to an end after a spell of 157 years; Fermoy Rugby Queen ‘92/’93, Helen Fenton was set to put her best foot forward in the 1993 Cork Rose of Tralee selection event, to be held in Jury’s Hotel, Cork; while Fermoy Rowing Club members Gearoid Towey (Kilworth) and Garrett Hickey (Fermoy) were set to take on the very best rowers in Europe, travelling to Ghent, Belgium to participate in the U21 single sculls, U21 double sculls, with Gearoid also competing in the U16 single sculls.

Watergrasshill Camogie Club juniors recorded their first league victory of the 1993 season, defeating Killeagh in a low scoring contest, 1-3 to 0-1. Going into the second half with a three point lead, the ‘Hill secured the tie courtesy of a goal from Christina O’Donovan. Team: O Foley, M O’Regan, A O’Donoghue, C Flynn, T O’Regan, C Barry (capt), C Higgins, E O’Neill, J Collins, D O’Brien, M Maher, C O’Donovan. Subs: P Manley, F McCarthy, V O’Neill, C O’Donoghue, D Sweeney.

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